Feeling low

by campaign of hate 23 Replies latest jw friends

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  Giordano

  The social philosopher Eric Hoffer wrote The True Believer in 1950 he never mentioned the WTBTS but he did provide insights into mass movements....... both political and religious.

  “It is startling to realize how much unbelief is necessary to make belief possible.”
  "Here, as elsewhere, the technique of a mass movement aims to infect people with a malady and then offer the movement as a cure."  

  "Mass movements are usually accused of doping their followers with hope of the future while cheating them of the enjoyment of the present."

  What you are experiencing C O H is the ambiguity of the WTBTS  corporate/religious dogma.

  Your looking into a big black hole right now.......give yourself a little time for your eyes to adjust.
    
• 

  leaving_quietly

  I hear you. I'm at the same place you are. The number of "what ifs" is less that it used to be, but there are a couple of really big ones.

  Just yesterday, I was trying to re-prove to myself that the anointed are not just the 144,000. But, as I was going through the verses, this gnawing thought kept coming to me: what if they're actually right? I even drew a chart about how they prove this concept. And, as much as I hate to say it, while I have seen a ton of argumentation against the number 144,000 being literal, I have seen almost no argumentation against the fact that the 144,000 are sealed (Rev 7:3) and the anointed are sealed (2 Cor 1:21,22) or the 144,000 are firstfruits (Rev 14:4) and the anointed are firstfruits (James 1:18). Even jwfacts.com doesn't address these particular parts of the reasoning. In my opinion, nearly ever other JW doctrine depends on "anointed = 144,000", so this is an important one to me.

  So, what if they're right about this, based on these reasonings? And if they're right about this, then paradise earth isn't so much of a stretch, even though it's not explicitly stated anywhere.

  Anyway, hang in there. It's going to take a while to get past all this. Even if you stop suddenly, there's no way to stop the "what ifs" from hanging around.
  

  
  
• 

  Ignoranceisbliss

  So many here are in the same spot as you.     For myself the best advise is to take it slow.   Make well thought out deliberate decisions.    The Borg can hold your family as ransom.     I haven't been able to figure out how to beat them at this yet.   I would rather fake it for the time being then have my family torn away from me.     Regarding doubts, once I read CofC all of mine went away.   If there is a god, I thank him for Ray Franz.  
• 

  DesirousOfChange

  Don't panic. Not knowing what to do usually means it's best to do nothing - at least for now. Take your time, evaluate what it is that you need to be happy and ask as many questions as you want.

  Lots of good advice in all the previous replies that you have received. I noted this one because it suggests doing "nothing".  While that may  seem counterproductive, it is not.  I think the the most important thing to do when you first learn TTATT is STFU and do not do anything rash, hurriedly or foolish.

  Take your time.  Baby steps.

  Ask questions. But ONLY ask them HERE.  Dear Geezus do not go asking things of the Elders or CO or worst yet, write the Service Dept.  Be cautious of ANYONE with whom you discuss these new revelations.  They just might decide to "save you from yourself" and report you to the Elders.

  You didn't get this deep into the cult overnight.  You won't make a smooth exit quickly either.

  Good luck,

  Doc
  

  
  
• 

  campaign of hate

  Thanks for all the responses. Very sound advice.

  The take your time option is a good idea. A slow fade would be a good idea i think.

  I think forming my own opinions and theory's regarding where the WT is going with certain doctrines and being able to voice them here will be good for me. I hope my posting won't annoy any of you, as it might seem a bit "out there".
• 

  Finkelstein

  Because we are only human and what has been mentally infused into are acceptance of knowledge of what (is)reality, its takes a long time to remove years of fear, ignorance and superstition, forcibly indoctrinated by religious dogma.

  One thing that helped myself after realizing the WTS wasn't telling " The Truth "  is the acceptance of mankind in history trying to make human social behavior better and we can see this in the writings and words of Jesus Christ.

  I am now a confirmed atheist after being brought up a JWS from birth but I can still appreciate and respect what was attempted by these historical biblical figures.    

   
• 

  nicolaou

  Ask questions. But ONLY ask them HERE.  Dear Geezus do not go asking things of the Elders or CO or worst yet, write the Service Dept.

  Thank you for that important clarification DoC.
• 

  goingthruthemotions

  like everyone here states.....i too am in your situation. I just want to say heck with it and leave all out. i have no immediate family in. my wife is brainwashed into it. i would love to open her eyes, but, she will have to do it herself. I truely hate the BORG, i become sick just thinking about it. i don't care much for the doctrine...my biggest  beef is the mind control and execution of the B.I.T.E model. 

  
  

  only time will tell where and when this will end.....but, it can't keep going. i will have to make a clean break, i just hope my wife comes with me. i know i bash her here sometimes....but, know this....i love her with every ounce of energy i have. i have told her over and over...i love her more than anything on the face of the planet and that includes the BORG. i pray to jesus all the time asking for him to help open her eyes. i am reading alot of hassan stuff and mind control stuff. and how to counter it subtlly...also i started see in counselor. which help  alot. 

  if i could turn back time!

  
  

  
  
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  Dagney

  Welcome campaign of hate.  It's exciting to see so many new ones waking up and moving toward freedom.

  It's a process, but I promise you, it gets better.  The "what ifs" are killers...and they haunt me from time to time.  Like Blondie says, be proactive in your healing...whatever it takes.  Read.  Find out who you really are and what you really want...it will strength you and give you courage for each step of the way.  

  Discover/rediscover things that you love.  Refuse to give the WBTS any power any more.  Your actions have consequences, but they are less if you are strong and confident in taking charge of your life.  

  We've all been right where you are.  We are happy to have you on board.  Welcome to the dark side...we have cookies.  

  
  
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  DesirousOfChange

  my wife is brainwashed into it. i would love to open her eyes, but, she will have to do it herself.

  Once you quit attending meetings and going in FS, you will be seen as "weak" and will be treated like a leper. This will result in her being excluded in many things too.  Perhaps she will see the lack of love that there is or that their love is only "conditional" if you get 10 hours/month.

  Be good to your wife so she knows that you love her.....unconditionally.

  Doc