I wonder how POMO compares to PIMA when it comes to these feelings?
Even after many years out, why can't you stop thinking about them.
by liam 22 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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blondie
JohnR1975, what is PIMA?
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peacefulpete
JohnR1975 is on to something. For those who understood what was happening and left on their own accord, seem to more quickly deal with emotional aspects. For others for whom it the leaving was accompanied with a sense of powerlessness, it lingers far longer. I personally never felt anything like hate. I felt relief, I felt sympathy, I felt irritation with some overzealous individuals. Having researched religion, not just mine, gave me perspective. If I were to hate everyone who believed in myths and stories, I'd become a hater of mankind.
As far as 'thinking about them' after decades out. It has been a useful experience, we've helped a number of people similarly abused by other religions, much of it crosses over. Also,I have hoped that a sober approach to studying the ancient religion of Jews and Christians has been of value for others. This site has helped many, as long as we don't use it as a weapon to stir hate or as a megaphone for divisive politics, it will continue to help many more.
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JohnR1975
Physically in mentally agnostic
apparently the new regional convention covers this a lot. It is widely being talked about inside congregations.
if you ever say that you don’t think the governing body are who they say they are then it’s different to being PIMA, it’s very serious matter to be PIMO the elders will have you in the back room
But if you are PIMA - just say you doubt or you’re not sure if the governing body are who they claim to be, it’s a different matter
You can now openly say that you are agnostic you are having doubts if Jehovah exists or not but you can stay in the congregation. You won’t be marked. You won’t be out in the back room. In fact you’ll be loved bombed and invited out even more.
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moomanchu
fulano
I felt the way you do for many years. What helped me is, I now look at rank and file witnesses as victims and I feel pity for them. I am grateful I escaped their situation and count my blessings. However, for GB, high level leaders and the cult itself, well Darth Sidious said it best.
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liam
I now look at rank and file witnesses as victims and I feel pity for them
Easier said than done.
What if they convinced you to not allow a blood transfusion to your young wife who was in an auto accident, and as a result she died, Now you have to raise two children on you own.
And after 15 years of working hard in a measly job because they convinced you not to get educated but pioneer because the end was coming soon, the stress caused one of you children to commit suicide and the other to become an alcoholic.
And because of that they blame you and remove you as a pioneer and elder because you are a bad example to the congregation. And now most of the members avoid you because you are bad association.
And now you are 55 years old and the end still hasn't come and they changed the Generation that will not pass away to the overlapping generation.
Do you still feel pity for them?
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blondie
Moomanchu "What helped me is, I now look at rank and file witnesses as victims and I feel pity for them. I am grateful I escaped their situation and count my blessing" I felt the same way as realized that I had once been like them, a victim, and somehow had the aha moment, time to leave. I don't discount the ones who knowingly and deliberately did cruel and hurtful things, but I realized the majority are as fooled as I once was. I saw them as individuals, not one mass of people. I am glad I got out and have stayed out. One day others will have an aha moment, and have the courage to leave, and find that they are not alone.
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DesirousOfChange
Why can ex-JWs not stop thinking about them?
Because many ex-JWs had their life f*cked up by believe the JW BS and making bad choices in life as a result. They can look around and see their "worldly" family members who succeeded in life while they were (and perhaps still are) stuck in a financial hole and finding they are too old to really make a change in their life at this point.
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liam
Because many ex-JWs had their life f*cked up by believe the JW BS
Exactly! My previous post is a real life story. I actually know an old timer who told me his story of when he met the love of his life. Married her when he was 21 and she was 18. They had two kids. Both were JWs. One day she was in an auto accident and needed a blood transfusion. The elders and congregation were at the hospital encouraging the young man to not allow the doctors to give her a blood transfusion.
The man was at a crossroads. The doctors assured him they could save her if he just allowed them to give her a blood transfusion. All the elders and many of the congregation members Told him stay Strong and please Jehovah. He listened to the elders and the JW members. His wife died.
His is an old guy now with no friends. He allowed the life of his life to be murdered by the elders and many of the members. He didn't get to enjoy his life with his only soul mate. He never remarried and lost his only two kids.
He will Never forgive any Jehovah Witness, whether they were indoctrinated or not. He will never feel pity for them. And I don't blame him.
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moomanchu
liam
Yes, it is easier said than done. It took me about 20 years just to get to that point. I didn't suffer any major losses like you describe. I only had the garden variety BS JW'S inflict on you when you leave. I left when I was in my early 30's and my wife happily followed suit. So I was lucky with that. All I'm saying is forgiving low level brain washed publishers who are otherwise descent people helps heal. We were all one of them.