I DO think we're all a little (or a lot) screwed up because of the "truth". There's no getting around it! But at least we didn't join Jim Jones' group.
How Screwed Up Are You Because You Were A Jehovah's Witness???
by minimus 85 Replies latest jw friends
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Wolfgirl
I'm certain my life would be very different if I hadn't been a Witness.
I would have gone to university. But then I might not have ever met my wonderful husband (second) and be this happy now. *shrugs*
One thing's for certain. My father would be in jail right now, instead of sitting in the congregation in good standing. My family, at least some of them, would still talk to me.
I don't think I'm as messed up as I could be, but that's solely because of the support my husband has given me through this. When I was first DF'd, I was scared about dying at Armageddon, blah blah blah. He showed me a few things that I never thought of, and gradually, with his help, I've overcome the programming.
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proplog2
Minimus:
You are continuing your unfounded propaganda. You correctly point out that the word "many" is not appropriate when speaking about the few responding on this thread . But then you follow this up by accusing me of seeing white where it's "all" black. That's propaganda - it isn't ALL black or white.
You then ignore the most significant population - the six million JW's who continue to go to the Kingdom Hall three times per week and get in 8-10 hours of service each month. Although I don't agree with much of what JW's teach I personally know of many people whose lives are better because of the moral direction they receive as member of the organziation.
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dannyboy
One of your best questions, Minimus
Like many others around here, I deeply regret the decades I spent as a Witness. What a waste! Not utterly without benefit, certainly, but such a waste. Little planning for the future (financially especially), years and years spent looking at the "world" through religious "glasses" that distorted reality.....while the people and the world around me underwent changes, improvements, and progress I remained oblivious to so much and misunderstood so much. I grew from a young child, through my teenage years, and now into my 50's without REALLY UNDERSTANDING LIFE.
To a degree, my parents (Witnesses) played a role here, in that they inculcated the "party line" into me for many many years....the result being I bought the whole program hook, line, and sinker. I was a true-blue, dedicated, down-to-my-socks-I've-got-the-TRUTH kind of man. I lived and breathed "The Truth"......but, as I say, WHAT A WASTE!!!
Did that "screw me up" as Minimus puts it? You better believe it, pal. I've learned to make so many changes since I left, but many have been very hard and gut-wrenching. Writing this comment and feeling the anger build up inside me, and the bitterness, reminds me that some stuff remains to be dealt with (inside me).
But, life is getting better and better......example (tongue-in-cheek): I even go days without checking in on what's being said around here LOL.
Best wishes to all, and especially to any lurkers who are thinking of leaving....my advice: DO IT!!!!! Sooner, rather than later....
---Dan
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minimus
Proplog, if you don't agree with much of what the Watchtower teaches, why defend them? It sounds hypocritical. Why bother posting here? I suggest that you post on a pro-Watchtower site and tell "the brothers" what you really think of what the Watchtower teaches.
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ballistic
It has affected every aspect of my life. "screwed up"? Well, that's a matter of opinion.
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Dawn
Like a number of other posters here - my problems are a mixture of growing up a JW in addition to an alcoholic and abusive father. The fact that my father held an esteemed position in the kingdom hall and was seen as a "wonderful and supportive brother" didn't help - it just made me view religion and God as a total hypocrite.
I have my share of problems now - but not any more than the average Jo. In fact, most people tell me I am their "mentor" - they admire me for putting myself through college as a single parent, being successful in a career, and breaking free from a cult. Hey - come to think of it - I'm pretty damn good!
The biggest hurdle for me has been trying to open my heart up to God again and gain a relationship with him - it's hard to overcome those old feelings even though I now realize that the God of the 'dubs is NOT the the true picture of God.
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herk
Hoping that "proplog2" will open his eyes and mind:
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dannyboy
Proplog2:
Yes, you are right about there being SOME benefits to living in a "Witness world", but I believe you are mistaken to emphasize them. Why? Because the OTHER STUFF THAT GOES ON is like 1,000 times more damaging than a little "beneficial" stuff.
Witness like to say (actually "brag") that they're more moral, honest, polite, etc. etc. whatever than the world in general. I sincerely believe this is false.......they may have the APPEARANCE of such, but the reality is that they're no better, and in my view even WORSE than the "average" worldly person....
Since leaving, have I encountered unprincipled folks? You bet...but not so many as those I knew of in the "truth".....in my last 5 yeas of association, I knew of adulterers, drug users, fornicators, embezzelers, child molestors, perverts, thieves, liars, and other types WITHIN THE CONGREGATION (yes, they were "dealt with"..that's how I know about their existence)...but to suggest that Witness congregations are some haven of morality is totally contrary to my first-hand knowledge.
---Dan
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