Who leaves first?

freedom96

I was just remembering a guy from our hall that seemed to be the most intellectual of everyone there. When he would give an answer, it was in depth, and always "in his own words."

He had the biggest briefcase there, with all sorts of books, and research. This guy just was a brain when it came to bibical stuff. He knew the background of information, he knew the scriptures, etc.

Well, I guess he investigated too much, because he eventually left, and is now an "apostate." Good for him!

I was wondering if people like him are the type to leave the organization more than the "spiritually weak" or just plain "rebelious" kids who don't want to do it anymore.

Do they leave because of bibical knowledge, or what?

I wonder how many have done extensive research and still can't get themselves to leave.

Any thoughts?

Vivamus

I studied, I researched, and I left. But actually, people leave for all different kind of reasons.

I left years before I had any 'apostate knowledge'. For me, it was basically because I couldn't stand being there anymore, it was almost like my body left before my mind did. Don't underestimate good instincts, you might say people experience a conflict on three levels - mentally, emotionally, and existentially. For someone intellectual a mentally driven exit might be the result, for others the 2nd or the 3rd are far more powerful.

shamus

Good question -

I wondered that, too!

happyout

One of the elders in my former congregation was a certified "genius", worked in some type of TRW black office, and built his own car (no, not a kit car!). He was probably the most intelligent human being I have ever personally met. He is no longer an elder, but he is still a dub, so I guess it takes more than a high IQ to leave. The majority of people I knew who left were unfortunately being rebellious, wanted to date and party, etc. and many of them are now going back because they screwed up their lives and are looking for shelter. I waited a long time before I left to make sure I wasn't going to make any of those stupid mistakes, and I am happy to say I avoided most of them. I think when people leave for philosophical reasons, instead of unfocused anger, they tend to stay out and happy.

Happyout (of the out and still happy class)

anglise

Even highly intelligent people are blackmailed into staying because of family pressure.

Yes you can see that the WTBTS is totally wrong and in some instances even downright nasty but to leave would mean losing your family, marriage, job, home - any or all of these. Could you leave?

Its not just intelligence that is needed.

Anglise

Shutterbug

It seems obvious to me that most of the posters on this board are very intelligent. Assuming that's true, the WTBTS is losing it's best and brightest while the more dim witted stick around. No organization can afford to lose the best and keep the rest for very long. Bug

Shakita

I don't think leaving the org has anything to do with intelligence level. There are plenty of individuals in our former congregation who were extremely intelligent. Of course, intelligence has nothing to do with common sense. I think it eventually comes down to having the blinders lifted for one reason or another, and letting the bricks fall where they may. There are also those who I know in the congregation who do not believe every word that comes down from the org. to the letter, but stay because of friends and family who they do not wish to sever relationships with. This is so sad to compromise your integrity and dignity to live a lie so you can maintain relations with those you love. This is what makes the WTBS gravely offensive in my eyes. To have that much power over human beings is absolutely criminal.

What it comes down to is whose interpretation of the bible do you believe. If the witnesses get a hold of you and indoctrinate you to believe their version of lies from the bible, then you are no different than the other religions who also indoctrinate their members with their version. Of course, the witnesses are a CULT so that when they do their indoctrinating, they also instill fear and guilt, and they will subtly threaten you with punishment and expulsion from their cult if you question them in any capacity.

I have noticed a lot of teenagers leaving in the past few years. I can think of right now about 8. But, I am sure that later I will remember more. Of course, there are those that are df'd that come back to the meetings with their parents, but they never seem to be the enthusiastic witnesses they once were. I guess after getting a taste of what it feels like to be treated like a leper by everyone one who professes to be a loving brother or sister, they realize that there is something definitely wrong in "god's organization." All the better.

Mrs. Shakita

SpunkyChick

I left years before I had any 'apostate knowledge'. For me, it was basically because I couldn't stand being there anymore, it was almost like my body left before my mind did.

Introspection - I relate...I feel the same way.

Who leaves first?

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