Hi Scooby,
I think that probably most if not all people here had good times while in the WT. I know I did. But I have also had some pretty bad times. I did some things that got me in trouble. Nothing that even remotely qualified me for df or da but adolescent pranks.
After leaving Bethel, and having been exposed to the hypocrisy first hand, I began to lose interest. I was actually willing to let that go since we can all be hypocritical at times. Thought it was just mans imperfection.
However, the longer I was out the more I was able to objectively view the teachings and doctrines of the WT. On that basis alone, I would encourage anyone who sincerely questioned me about the Society not to become involved. Dont hate the people, but the actions and the attitudes of many I dislike very strongly.
It is well to note here that just the fact that people are moral and nice and good wholesome associates doesnt make them right. Many witnesses fit that description. So do many Mormons, Catholics and Buddhists. It is not a criterion for judging Truth. It is, however, a marketing point for many cultists. Look at how clean and well-behaved and moral our people are! Surely this could only be from God!
I dont do the same things that I didnt do as a witness. I maintain high moral standards, pay my taxes and honestly try to be good. But these things are only to be expected or any citizen.
On the other hand I remember a sister (JW) trying to convince me to come back She said she knew that she was not worthy of living past Armageddon but that she just KNEW Jehovah would welcome me back. This was at her house while on a visit. She and her husband (an elder at the time) were both on their butts drunk at the time. (I also drink on occasion, not to excess because I dont like being drunk however; there is nothing to prevent me from drinking or even getting drunk). Hubby later spent several years in Huntsville (the prison in Texas) for dealing drugs and was implicated in at least one murder if I remember correctly.
Whats with all the false humility? If they thought I was wrong and were willing to preach to me, why not get things right themselves?
Why was I viewed as the spiritually weak one and yet never did any of the things they did and live my faith in God on a daily basis? I aint no superhero. I just fear doing things that I KNOW in my heart are wrong for me to do.
My take on it all is that very few people here hate the witnesses. Rather, we feel sorry for them for having to take the crap and abuse they are rationed on a daily basis. Many if not most of us do not accept the F&DSC as Gods spokesman and, view them as false prophets. We are told not to fear the false prophet. We raise a ruckus and point out to each other (a willing audience for the most part) the latest craziness of the WT. This is our right and hurts no one. If someone is warned off the WT by something posted here, I for one am glad. There is nothing wrong with pointing to and ridiculing a false prophet.
Anyone who truly believes in the WT is in regular attendance. Anyone who is not is unconvinced of the truth of their teachings. If you or anyone is convinced that it is the Truth, you will find a way to be there. No excuses.
It is NOT my assumption that you want to be there. I cant tell from your post. I dont know you. So I am not offering this in a critical way, it is just based upon what I have read.
Sincerely,
Marcos