QUESTION: If you and the rest of us were so convinced that the WTBTS had the '' truth ", why are you so sure now it isn't? Which conviction was stronger ? The part that thought you had the '' truth'' or the thought that it was '' false and a lie? ''
The problem with "belief" and "faith" and "convictions" is not really with the OBJECT of belief and faith and conviction.
The problem is with the ABSOLUTE attitude which says, "I can't be wrong about this and I refuse to even consider it."
Then, it goes one step further and says EVERY BODY ELSE IS DEAD WRONG.
When I was a true believer I was high on how RIGHT I was.
When I was filled with rightous faith in the Watch Tower theology I was drunk on ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY.
In other words, I was intellectually dishonest and closed off to rational thinking.
We have to open up to both sides constantly allowing our faith and belief to be questioned.
If we refuse to listen to the opposition we are really signalling fear we might be wrong.
In answer to your question I'll say this: "I am willing to be wrong about anything/everything I think is true--but--I need to
be shown all the facts and evidence first.
If we are at least willing to be wrong---that is honesty.
JW's refuse to be honest.
JW's are dead certain they can't be wrong and the shut the mouths of critics and call names and blacklist, DF and badmouth the "other" side.
JW's don't listen--they pretend to listen while they form rebuttal.
JW's don't do outside research.
JW's aren't allowed to think for themselves.
JW's are held back from bettering their own lives with education or employment on behalf of their own family's well-being.
JW's put crazy-thinking on a level way above practical, logical and reasonable attention to real life.
The Watch Tower religion wastes your time and makes you hate everybody and even pray for a world-wide holocaust. Why? Just
so they can have their reward.
It is a nasty religion and feckless way of life.
It is filled with prejudice, ignorance and propaganda.
There, I think that about covers it :)