Religion after the WBTS (page 2)

darkuncle29

Hello Mysterious.

I am sort of a spiritual 'cherry picker', taking the bits and pieces that I find useful from many philosophies.

Quantum physics, mathematics, history,art, Buddhism, Taoism; all have common points. The ONLY thing of value in the bible

--IMHO-- is the teachings of love that Jesus taught. The control mechanisms in the bible are also of interest.

I still believe in a creator of the universe, but I will not use the term 'God' as I think the commonly held concept is too limiting.

I think that we are all better off not looking for a specific set of 'beliefs'. Our belief systems are the filters through which we perceive

reality around us. I think that our experiences as JWs, show us that to have a fixed worldview only stunts or suspends our developement as human beings.

If I had to choose one philosophy to stick with, I'd choose Taoism. Or Mysticism, in its various forms.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it and enjoy it.

I started going to a Full Gospel Church about 3 years ago and I love it. The good thing about going to a different religion is when you decide to go somewhere different you came still talk to those who still go.

JamesThomas

Mysterious, Your question was centered around religion and belief. I have neither of those so I may be going off subject. Belief, is a state of mind in which our trust, or confidence, is placed in something or someone. And religion, well, religion seems to be synonymous with beliefs. Perhaps you "haven't really decided" what you believe because there is an innate wisdom in you that knows beliefs are shallow mental acts or assertions subject to change with the winds. Pretty shaky ground to build our life on. Having once been a Jehovah's Witness has certainly taught us that. Is it possible that you are mistaken? Perhaps it is not new "beliefs" at all that you are after. Are you at all haunted by a certain indescribable hunger to know Truth (That, which is actual, real, present and alive)? If so, you won't find it in religions or belief systems. j

Mysterious

Belief, is a state of mind in which our trust, or confidence, is placed in something or someone. And religion, well, religion seems to be synonymous with beliefs.

One might also call that "faith". Faith by it's very nature is something that you believe in and yet cannot be proved. I wouldn't say that all beliefs are shallow. I believe it's wrong to hurt others, I certainly wouldn't consider that a shallow belief. It's deep enough you could base your life around it's guiding principle. The JW's have taught me the shallowness of legality and conformity, not of faith and belief. I don't profess to be after some magical organized religious bullet, I'm after what feels right to me. Ultimately I'm the only person that can decide that. And when I've found something that is right for me that will be the Truth whether anyone else can prove it or not, whether anyone else believes it or not, and whether there is some organized group that supports my conclusions or not.

Carmel

Went agnostic for nearly 18 years post JUU. then found a religion that is pretty much 180 degrees from the exclusivity of Dubland. Any quest regarding religion will be perverted if you've been inocculatd by the dubbies. Much to un-learn before you can make room for faith again. Still am cautious but believe stongly that there is much to be gained by being part of a purposeful life rather than wallowing in Russellitish condemnation of organized religion. Yes, it has its corruptions and lost its elan, but then, that's why it has to be renewed. Hope you keep an open mind and let yourself heal for a few years, then approach the subject objectively and scientifically.

Best regards,

carmel

Gopher

there is much to be gained by being part of a purposeful life rather than wallowing in Russellitish condemnation of organized religion

That's a matter of opinion. But am I to infer that you CANNOT have a purposeful life without membership in an organized religion?

If one holds to the opinion that Rutherford was right when he preached "religion is a snare and a racket", a person should not necessarily be branded as "purposeless".

Athanasius

My experience with the JWs didn't turn me against organized religion. So after leaving the Watch Tower I attended a number of churches and synagogues. Later I was received into the Anglican Church, which offers me what I consider the best of both worlds. Catholic tradition with Protestant intellectual freedom.

Singing Man

I must admit that I wanted to see what it was all about so I sat in on a few services of other religions. I went to the Batist faith and there I seen people coming in what ever dress that could find some very well dressed some not, but the main thing it seemd warm and friendly there. I am a person of music the Babtist sing a lot and play music and I thought it was nice, I went there when I felt to go to a Witness Hall would be too much stress and make me fell sneered at I hate that. After wards the people had coffie and soft drinks and socialized in a large room for long time it was very plesent.

Shane,

blondie

Mysterious,

I would concentrate on how we are part of human society and the rest of the world around, animal, mineral, plant, how to be harmonious. Of course, one adage that comes to mind, is to treat others as you would like to be treated. To really follow that means you have to understand yourself first. That means examining your belief foundation. Which means work, time and effort and taking personal responsibility, a scary thing.

Blondie

Maverick

I can relate to a lot of what has been stated here. I fine that I am a bit of a cultural "mutt" taking what I can relate to from whatever source I pick it up from. If the dud experience taught me anything, it is...you can live without having all the answers, and don't buy any one groups crap all the way. There is some good in it all, but sadly there is a lot more bad! Maverick

Religion after the WBTS