by stillhurts 26 Replies latest jw friends
I would recommend that you read the New Testament on your own in a recognized (non-NWT) translation (such as New American Standard, New International, or New Living Translation).
I would also recommend that you begin with Galatians and then Romans.
I think you will find that the message is very different than the "good news" of the Watchtower.
I recommend reading the sacred texts of as many religions as you can. My favorite is the Tao-te-Ching because it is entirely about acceptance, acceptance of what is and the joys of living simply.
Reading about other faiths can teach you a lot. I believe Native Americans are some of the most spiritual in their traditions because they respect life in all of its forms and the earth just as it is. Here are the Native American Ten Commandments:
1. Take responsibility for your actions. (No more "I was tempted by Satan" nonsense.)
2. Be truthful and honest at all times.
3. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. (This does not mean hawking religious literature, I'm sure.)
4. Look after the well-being of mind and body.
5. Do what you know in your heart to be right.
6. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
7. Work together for the benefit of all.
8. Show great respect for your fellow beings.
9. Remain close to the Great Spirit.
10. Treat the earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.
I was out for about 9 years and I would read the bible from time to time, but always thought I would eventually go back. I was invited to a baptist church and then I started working at a food bank and started reading the bible again, this time with a searching mind. The food bank was a place that had representatives from most of the christian religions and there wasn't much work to do, so I spent a lot of time asking questions, debating and learning. It was so great! I believe in the divinity of Jesus...for instance, "In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth" and then in Colossians it said that everything was created by Jesus...that was one case where I could put those together and it made sense. I think of it that God is like a family, Mother/Father/Child or someone described it to me with an egg: Shell/Yolk/White, 3 parts, but the whole is called the Egg...so, whatever, it kind of makes sense to me and there are so many more instances where Jesus was worshipped and accepted that worship...so, whatever, I've accepted this after much debate and study. I once studied and researched so much that it was making me sick. As far as crosses/torture stakes go, well, what does it matter, isn't it the sacrfice itself that is important? I missed that whole point when I was in!
Another good book is Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis...he explains a lot about different doctrines!
Hey Stillhurts,
Only recently have I become aware of how damaged I was when I left the JW. With hindsight & what I have learnt on the last few months I think I was just reeling in shock as everything I was raised in was taken away. I was also exhausted from the effort of living a lie, as for many years I had been trying to stay in whilst not really believing.
The JW have taken years from you, years when you should have been learning & growing. So, in some ways you are like a child & should not rush into any commitments & decisions. Read a lot, study if you can, socialise, play sport, go to concerts.....it's time to find out what you like, and I warn you.......it can take a long time to find out! Why?
Because you were in a cult, and that means you were taught to suppress natural inclinations & feelings, not explore & develop them.
think of yourself like a child you are raising. If you expose yourself to new experiences, eventually you will find your way.
Good luck to you!
Hello Stillhurts, and welcome. I remember feeling as you do at one time. It does get better though, honestly. I agree with Tec, it's not 'where' to go to but 'whom' to go to, and the answer is Christ. Jah sent Him for us and He is still alive and here for us today. The WTBS have superseded Christ with their GB and hidden Him and access to Him. Now you are free you can find your way to Him. Ask Jah in prayer to help you to find the Truth that is Christ, and He will.
Be careful not to rush towards other religion though, Stillhurts, they are man made and as you now know they can and will let you down. Instead follow the lead He gave us when Christ said "Come to me...."
Loz x
Spend some time learning about the origins of the earth and life on earth.
Then let go of religion and god! Then you can stop trying to make sense of an old story book. Written in riddles, full of myths.
Phizzy: "To search for truth is a good thing, but beware of the man who claims to have found it ".
Is this a corruption of this quote:
“Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.” – Voltaire
I like your version better. Who's the author?
