How do ex-JW's actually choose another religion?

buffy

Ok, here's my question. How do you go from being a JW to being a whatever (Methodist, Lutheran, etc.) I've been invited to go to many churches with friends, but, I have no desire to ever set foot in any church. I want no part of any organized religion at all.

Every now and then I feel like I'm missing something, and wonder if it's because I have no faith. I have a little boy now, and worry that I'm pushing eternal damnation on him because I'm choosing not to get involved w/ any one religion.

I've been out of the borg now for 5 years (df'd now for 2 1/2) and I've only now gotten to where I don't believe what I was brainwashed to believe. But, I don't feel I need to be involved w/ another religion or learn new teachings. I feel that all religions have their share of hypocrites and don't want to get involved w/ any of them.

I was always under the impression that most ex-JW's feel this way. But, from alot of the posts I read on here, I guess I was wrong. How do you do it? How do you start all over in another religion?

Buffy

mamashel

My feeling on this subject is alot the same. I really have a desire to go to church and to serve God, but I just dont quite know where to start. I actually called a prayer line today on a program I was watching on tv. They were rejoicing at the fact that a JW had left the organization and was interested in church. It might still be organized religion, I really dont know, but I think I will choose a church that is non-denominational. It seems to be alot different than some of the big name type churches.

Just a thought though. Good luck

mamashel

StinkyPantz

I've wondered the same thing myself. As JW's we were taught all of the things that were wrong with other religions, so I can't see how others could join them. I just keep telling myself that if there is a God then he can read our hearts and he'll know that we are good people.

I don't think that I could ever be a part of organized religion. Even a non-denominational church seems like too much.

FiveShadows

Buffy,

Rest assure, i was moved with love to share the following from Jah-Eshua with you about your question of Damnation.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=33710&site=3

Please see my comment

roybatty

Hey Buffy,

Ive been DAd for two years now and after taking some time off I decided to start looking for a new church. Im not saying that my method is the right way but I re-examined the Bible, formed my own beliefs (because I figured one can make the Bible say what you want it to) then set out to find a church that respects an individuals right to believe what they want (within in reason of course). I must have gone to a dozen or so churches and finally settled on the Methodist church. My kids and I attend there regularly and are comfortable there. It wasnt so much their teachings (basically theyre all the same) as much as their motto "Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors." Plus they welcomed us warmly. There is no pressure to join the Disciple Making Group or the Sunday School Program but theyre there if you want them. At this particular church they have a female minister (which was weird at first because of my JW training) but she does a fine job. I also like it that the people in the church (both male & female) have a voice on how things should be run. There isnt a group of elders that rule with an iron fist. Instead there are different committees that take care of different tasks and issues are discussed openly on Sundays. Im not sure if Ill officially join this church but for now the one hour sermon that we here on Sunday works for us.

BTW, if you were raised as a JW and had never attended another church youll be amazed how goofy the meetings are.

Just my 2 cents.

Mike aka Roybatty

Francois

Well, first of all, you've gotta be REALLY, REALLY careful, or you'll end up in another cult. It's very common.

Just like a woman who chooses an alcoholic for her first husband, is five times as likely to choose another one for her second husband; a person leaving cult A is likely to joing cult B if care is not taken. So be careful.

You don't need an organized religion anyway. "The kingdom of heaven is within you." Be still and quiet and listen for it's leading. You'll know what to do.

francois

buffy

But am I bad if I choose not to be a religious person? I honestly have no desire to attend church. If I think about it at all, it's when I'm thinking of my son. Me myself, no thanks. Just not interested. Five Shadows - it took all I had to read the thread you recommended. Religious discussions do no interest me at all. Learning about religion doesn't interest me. When I was a JW, I wanted to learn more and more all the time. I was always reading literature. Now, it's like I just don't ever want to even think about religion at all. Did the borg do this to me? Maybe I'm just too scared of ever having to go through the same thing again. Granted I know that no other religions are like the JW's as far as teachings. But, the idea of gathering w/ those who are to upbuild you, but, rather, turn around and gossip and stab you in the back. NO F#$@%$ WAY! And, maybe not all churches are like that, but from what I hear, they all have there faults. So, why bother?

Buffy

DJ

Hi Buffy,

I remember feeling the same way. I have to agree with Francois except I think that it is a top priority to read this scripture and really try to Listen to what is being said. It is not a hard thing to do. As a witness, I never, ever, even saw this! First, check out Matt. 11-28-30 and read it a couple of times until you feel comfortable with what is being said. Then go for it. Don't worry, it's ok. I know that we were taught NOT to do this but should we listen to the WT or Jesus, himself? Then.....after doing that I would say....listen to THAT inner voice. Love, Donna

Mary

Buffy, you're not a bad person. Alot of people don't want to have anything to do with another religion after leaving "the truth", but on the other hand, many still feel the need to belong somewhere. Just give it time, don't rush anything. I know when I first found out that alot of our teachings weren't true, I started watching Garner Ted Armstrong on TV. It was in some ways, close to what JWs teach, but there were many things that were very different too. For a time I was enthralled and even read some of their literature. I stopped when I read their articles on how Anglo-Saxons are really the "Lost Tribe of Isreal". Totally stupid reasoning they had and I was disappointed once again. Then of course I checked out the Church of God's web site and saw that their rules were just as insane as ours.......and after that, Garner Ted Armstrong gets caught screwing around with some massage therapist and got his ass kicked out of the church he founded. That was enough for me!

If you are worried about your son, you may want to consider sending him to a Sunday School of some sort. Maybe an Interfaith or Non-denominational church??

Tinkerbell4125

Hey Donna, could you quote what it say's in Matt.? I threw away my New World Translation bible. I guess I need to get a bible, ya think! I went to chruch for the first time last week. My neighbors invited me to their chruch, they were having a special service for the anniversary of 9-11. It really made me feel like I was missing something. I want so bad to have a relationship with God and worship, but like many here, I don't know where to start. Sometimes I feel lost in that department.

Tink

How do ex-JW's actually choose another religion?

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