While I have seen on many occasions the benefit of sharing our past problems, or life, with others who have been through the same. I am very curious as to what the real benefit would be, to leaving a religion of such control and segregated thinking, only to venture online or in person to others who are basically a lost congregation of the religion. Does it benefit a person to seek out former Jehovah's Witnesses? Would it be something with a positive step towards a better mental attitude, or does it just replace one mental condition with another that is equal, although different in appearance to the outside world.
As a former Witness, I realize how disfellowshipped ones are treated and looked upon. I myself am very much aware of the shunning and invisible behavior that is directed toward us, in this new life style. I also freely admit though, that the one thing I miss most about being a Witness, was the social acceptance. Not in that I had to like everyone, but I did have a central feeling of caring about others and knew they felt the same about me. I spent many weekends moving people I did not particularly enjoy, as well as other task. They did the same with me, and life was fairly full of social interaction. I would admit, without hesitation, that it was never perfect and one hundred percent real. Yet it was a part of my life that gave a measure of inner comfort.
What I am most concerned about, is replacing one form of life with another form of life that is basically the same thing. In that it was easy to be friends with Witnesses, you had that faith in common, if nothing else. You could move from one congregation, town or even country and break through everything awkward to discuss the Watchtower article you both just read or discuss a new release from a convention you both just attended that summer. So when I became worldly, it was a challenge. Some people are angry in this world, some are happy and some don't know what they are. About the only common thread I have seen, is that we all breath in and breath out and when we don't, we die.
While I would love to take the easy road, at times, and return to some comfortable religion where everyone loves me. I enjoy more then anything, the challenge of having to overcome obstacles that did not exist in my Witness days. Some times I succeed and meet people, try new things, and enjoy subjects that I never would have thought possible before. Yet I must also admit, that it is often very likely, that I will meet people who I don't like, try things I regret, and study subjects I wish I never looked into. Yet that is my cross to bare and my challenge to face.
Am I alone though, in that my first thought upon reading several threads on a message board like this one, to think to myself "another congregation" and not "something new." I do not state these things to insult anyone, and from what I have seen on some boards I have explored, people can and do wear their feelings a little close to the surface at times online. I wonder if, for those more familiar with these boards, if you have noticed people coming on and actually changing or merely taking a easy comfort in being with people of a common past?
Who am I to judge you? I am a human being who believes they have every right to ask, think and say what they feel is personally right. My credentials are life, my experience is life and my reasoning is based in life. Yet who says this is judging in any way. I am merely wondering what is worthwhile in this emergence from one faith. If twenty thousand people leave the Witness religion each year, and only five percent return, how are the other ninety-five percent finding success in their exit. Is it from joining together with other former Jehovah's Witnesses, or finding something completely free from the controlling past and reaching beyond the comfort level.
Your input, if you read this long post, would be appreciated.