Are You Embarrassed To Admit You Were A Witness?

by minimus 33 Replies latest jw friends

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  jws

  Am I embarrassed to admit I was a JW? Depends on who it is and how they might react.

  I once had a girlfriend freak-out and practically start hyperventilating. I did all I could to assure her I wasn't one anymore.

  I think in certain circumstances, where I want to present myself in the best possible light, I would definately NOT bring it up. We all have those political situations where you try to keep to neutral conversations. Mostly, I'm thinking of people like bosses or VP's that might affect my future career. My judgement and reputation must stay in high regard.

  Many people see the JWs as a cult and an annoying one at that. To admit I was a part of that may ruin first-impressions before I get a chance to explain my current standing - and make me look like a fool for once following them. Or, on the other hand, if I start bad-mouthing the whole thing, and the person IS a JW, is studying with them, or maybe has relatives that are JWs and is sympathetic to them, I ruin the impression too.

  On the other hand, with most people, I don't hesitate. To use the old JW lingo, I think it's "a good witness" to people. Many people have questions about the JWs, but are afraid to ask. Knowing you're an ex-JW, they often feel free to ask about them without fear of offending you by asking questions like "why don't you guys celebrate this or that"? It gives me the chance to set them straight and help them avoid getting involved.
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  IslandWoman

  Minimus,

  No, I'm not embarrassed that I was brought up a Witness. It was an invaluable experience, something I would not change for anything.

  While in I learned the value and pleasure of researching the Bible in a way many other Christians never do, I became acquainted with many fine people and had good friends. I understood what it feels like and what it takes to stand up for something I believe in. I came to love the teachings of Jesus.

  When I left, I understood the difference between loving God and following men, one has nothing to do with other. I learned that sincere religious men when driven by belief in the dictates of other men will do what even God forbids, they will "kill" their brother. I learned the power religion has on people, all peoples. That the Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Budhists etc. are simply caught in a social structure which they have been taught is religion.

  Yes, when I can I do tell others I was a Witness. I tell them the good and bad.

  IW
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  bay64me

  I do actually feel rather embarrassed that I am a jw and would rather not confess openly at this point in time. Maby that will change with time.
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  Beans

  I make it clear that I was forced to attend meetings until I was 16, then I go into how f**cked up they are and how I took the first chance I had to get out of jail free.

  Beans

  Canadian Overbeer
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  ThiChi

  No, not at all. In fact, once they know I am not trying to "Witness to them" they really open up about what they believe and I can discuss the Witness viewpoint without them being defensive (I do subscribe to no hell fire, no trinity).

  Also, I get a lot of sympathy from people when they find out I was a JW for all those years! hehe
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  patio34

  I'd like to respond to a related point. What I really dislike doing is being forced to defend JWs. For instance, someone mistakenly states their beliefs or the Bible scriptures they rely on for their doctrines. What galls me is to have to explain what really is to them and puts me in the untenable position of defending something that is now anathema to me. Someone I work with is amazingly uninformed but vocal in criticism of JWs. I usually end it with an explanation that I hate having to do that, but dislike hearing false information.

  Pat
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  stichione

  Absolutely.

  I now tell people I used to be a JW, and encourage them that regardless of what happens, they should never joint this cult or even think about studying with them. I guess you can say I am witnessing against the Witnesses!
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  jimbob

  Actually for me, it was just the opposite. All through school and for every job I had, I never told anyone I was a witness because I was too embarassed. The Society always was telling you not to hold back and be afraid, but be bold in telling people you were a witness.........well NOT ME!!! I never told a soul. Now that I'm out, I had someone recently ask me if I was religious, and for the first time in my life, I felt comfortable telling them that I USED to be a Jehovah's Witness, but no longer practice. Of course they asked why and I just told them I couldn't mentally take it anymore. It feels like a huge weight lifted off of me!! I am now completely comfortable in telling someone if they ask. I no longer feel shame and have to worry about someone asking why I don't celebrate Christmas, or why I don't do this.....or why I don't do that........I CAN BREATHE FINALLY!!!
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  Mary

  Embarrassed to Admit I Was a Witness? Only when I apply for parole.
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  Francois

  I was embarrassed to admit that I was a witness WHEN I was a witness. I don't talk about it now. When I was a witness, I claimed I was a Presbyterian. I thought that was a nice compromise. Sorta neutral, y'know?

  francois