I apologize if this post ends up in the wrong place.
I have been a lurker here for several years. I thoroughly enjoy this site, have for years, and read something or another on this site many times a week.
Often I will read things here that absolutely make my day.
My story is a long one. I won't bore you with it here except to say that I was 5 when the folks got in the JW's, and I'm pushing 70 now. There is so much in between that I'm writing a book about it.
I'm not sure it's a book anyone will want to read, and I don't really care. It's a kind of catharsis for me to let go of so many things that have created a well of pent up anger in me for many decades.
I'm not really posting to talk about that.
My compliments to most of you past and present on this site.
I see many people who have seemingly completely purged themselves of the religion and seem to just be here for the gossips, sniping, and fun. You are the ones I admire most, and I'm getting there too, believe me.
I see others who are still fence-sitting in one form or another. I feel a great deal of empathy for them.
I am fascinated by those who have gone completely atheist and evolutionist. I don't believe I'll ever change my mind on those things, but it's interesting to see the comments from those who went from full on JW to a complete 180 concerning God and the Bible. I'm open to opinions, always.
Which is why although I had no choice in becoming a JW, literally having it shoved down my throat from a tender age, even then I was so interested in things of all kinds that I wanted to hear all sides of ANY issue. Of course in JW land that kind of inquiry is quickly shut down.
That ALWAYS troubled me. All of my life. And eventually led me off on my own research. And led me where I am today.
I grin and sometimes laugh when I see some among you describe your "trembling hands" when you looked at "apostate" information and your "fervent prayers for forgiveness" after having done so. I did the same thing.
After the fact, when you finally see the Man Behind the Curtain, and the wool is pulled from your eyes, and (insert cliche regarding seeing the light here), you are able to take a breath, clear your head, take a step back....
And see just how stupid and ridiculous the whole thing is. My wife and I have great conversations on this and hearty laughs, sometimes to the point of nearly peeing ourselves. It is all so unbelievably stupid.
Worse than that, I have come to the opinion that it is a blasphemous "religion". I think they all are, but I'm of the opinion that the religions that hijack the Bible, and in fact rewrite it, then mind lock their converts and direct them AWAY from the teachings of Jesus, are in fact, mocking God. And blasphemous.
There are few things I think JW's get right. But there a few things that all religions get right.
I believe JWs are right that Jesus is not God. There are a few other things I think they are right or at least partially right about but this one is the biggest one for me. I believe Jesus is God's son, but not God. And I believe that the only path to God is through following Jesus.
Very simple and yet made very complicated by Jehovah's witnesses. I am mentioning this because it was one of the keys to unlock my mind. When you really boil things down Jesus came to earth, Jesus was baptized into his ministry, and God said: "This is my Son. LISTEN TO HIM"
So simple, but of course JW's, just like the Pharisees, miss the point of it all.
Of special note, to me at least, is that Jesus only gave his followers 2 commands:
Mark 12:30-31New International Version
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”
The whole thing is so simple. Organized religion seeks to complicate it and to distort the word of God. And JW's are among the worst of the worst IMO.
Sorry to make this long. I'm like one of those old Elders who won't get off the podium.
Thanks all for the threads. I had already thought I learned a lot, but I learn more and more from all of you here every time I tune in.
To Simon: Not sure what you believe in now but I went back and read some of your original posts at one point in time. Seems when you started the site you were still a believer? Pardon me if I got that wrong.
I've seen many others of your posts over the years that makes me think we would be fast friends, world-objective wise.
Whatever the case, good on you for doing this and keeping it going 20 years. (Or more?)
I do not know how to get around the site. If there is any type of link to a guide around the site or if anyone feels like speaking up with pointers it would be much appreciated.
In full candor I do not know what my login or password is. I do not know what my screen name or avatar is. I set up a login on this site years ago but never participated. I tried to login one night a month or so ago and I find myself logged in ever since. But I cannot anywhere on my computer find the login credentials. (I am usually VERY good at keeping track of all Logins).
So if this post ends up in one of the threads I'll be as surprised as anyone.
I hope it does.
I would love to hear from some of you guys and start participating.
Cheers