Just thought I would post this experience for the JW.com board.
Today was the first time I actually met someone from this website, and oh what an interesting time it was.
Seeing as in how Leander and I live only a matter of minutes from one another, after talking on the phone for several weeks, we finally arranged to meet.
Leander's personal experience leading him to write a formal letter to his local congregation last week has sparked a flurry of events for him in recent days, and I felt obligated as a person to try and support him through his process.
Possessing a vast library of WTBTS literature dating back well over 50 years, I was able to show him in person the contradictions so readily apparent within their articles, and demonstrate how time and again the JW-sect have wavered back and forth, hither and thither on doctrine allegedly inspired by the very hand of God.
It was a very fruitful experience, but this is where it gets interesting.
Trying to determine an acceptable place to sit down and go over the documents.. his place was rendered impossible because his hardcore, loyal JW wife and her family were at his home. Being a Saturday, the library was closed, and with a literal totebox full of books (well over 40lbs) and brochures, anywhere else public such as a bar or bookstore (can you imagine walking in with a totebox of books?) was not logical. In hindsight, I am actually happy there was nowhere else to meet, for this experience reinforced the truth that the JW-mindset is so terribly warped and distorted.
Now up until May 30th, I live with my family. After that date, I move out on my own and will no longer have to tolerate their pro-JW and "Apostate" insults. Alas, while he and I were on the phone discussing getting this information available to him ASAP because he would undoubtedly have a meeting with his local elders soon, I felt it best to just have him visit my home because he needed the literature pronto, and at the time my family was NOT home.
Well, he visited, and we went over the literature and I have to say meeting him I find Leander to be a very articulate, intelligent person. It is definitely a blessing that someone with an analytical mind is freeing himself from the bondages of the WTS mind-hindering cult and inherent belief system. Now he can finally live his life, and not be subservient to a book publishing corporation seeking free slave labor to increase revenue for a select few in Brooklyn, NY.
Alas, all was not meant to be pleasant. While he and I were going over the information, my mother, my brother, and his wife arrived.
Discovering what I was doing (Leander and I were in my room which is the only room on the entire 3rd floor of the house, so apparently someone was eavesdropping, so much about JW's being the most moral and considerate people eh? Nosy to the extreme, for it was NOT their business what I was discussing) my family promptly kicked Leander out, then attempted to give me a lecture about how wicked an "apostate" I am, for I "twist" and "defile" the "Truth."
My mother, ever so loving, even told me that "looking at you now, it would have been better if you had not been born"
When I attempted to rationalize with my mother that I was twisting nothing, everything was a direct quote from WT literature, the only word she could muster was "apostate" and then she subsequently shut off all thinking processes and refused to discuss it further.
To be told that it would be better you not be born by your own mother.. just how SICK is that?
Some loving family isn't it? For Jehovah's people are truly the most happy and loving individuals on earth. (gag)
Well anyway, I scoffed and ignored them. I will be so grateful that my move-in date is less than one week from today. I will be free from their self-righteous vile insults and accusations. I will no longer have to patiently tolerate their blind and naive support of a cult which so readily uses and abuses it's members with deceit tactics and mind manipulation.
That said, Leander.. it was a pleasure meeting you. It was also my pleasure to have a chance to give you direct quotes from WTS literature which exposes their blatant contradictions and waverance on doctrine. I look forward to meeting you again, and may that information prove useful in easing your exit from the JW's, and also in perhaps one day bringing your wife to her senses.