Well! Look what happens when you're out busy apostasizing!!! I've been spending less time here lately, and am amazed to see that there are seven who have posted their stories here since I've been away!
freddi,
Isn't it just GRAND to be enjoying that freedom to do all the normal things of life without worrying about being second-guessed by the Society?
paul,
Each day I realize a little more that, unlike JW teaching, this world is an amazing and beautiful place.
AMEN to that, brother!
dins,
I don't consider myself an apostate, either (despite what I said above). The Society uses the word "apostate" in the sense of "heretic" always as someone unfairly and evilly persecuting the Borg (yes, troucul it is an allusion to Star Trek!). We ARE survivors of the strange and surreal world that is JWdom. Many of us are the stronger for it, but what I like about this board is that when we're feeling really stupid about being duped, or down on ourselves for believing the LIES that we just weren't good enough, there are others here to help us recognize our conditioning and help us over the rough spots.
(((((Slip))))),
I agree with Waiting that your seem to have overcome your self-esteem issues. I have always thought your posts to be quite good!
Now about the emotionally retarded???? Filching Ven's pic for a while there might've been juvenile , but other than that, I've seen no evidence of that "brand" either????
Cautious,
My husband was never a witness. So my kids have always attended parochial school. Plus I went back to work part-time shortly before my exit. All of which led me to the same conclusion as you: many "people were so much nicer to me than my 'brothers & sisters' were, not at all judgemental."
Many of us had also been pushing doubts down for years and finally have run from the org. And we have refined our (pardon my french) bullshit meters mightily and thus view commitment as something to weigh very carefully.
And, speaking about French, troucul,
Why would you choose "Asshole" for a name????!!!!
Are you calling yourself an asshole for ever believing any of the WT doctrine, or is there something else we should know about you other than that you're a francophile?
(I'm glad your Dad is your hero -- warms my heart to hear it!)
Cowboy,
Were some unkind in response to your initial posts? Sorry about that!
Being a third generation witness it must have been difficult to take your stand NOT to be baptised!!!!
I have just been disappointed in my former PO and his pioneer wife who did not attend their son's recent wedding (to a non-JW, of course) because he is disfellowshipped. Tragic how the Organization which preaches "God is Love" can produce such hurtful, unloving conduct! I'm glad you have escaped the shunning based on your earlier decision not to commit.
Welcome, all!
outnfree
(who really must check this thread more often! )
