Just so confused............. (page 2)

BluesBrother

I just don't know how to open my mind up to other options

I might have got the wrong end of the stick, but I think I know what you mean

After a lifetime in the WTS it is just so hard to accept that they could be wrong, totally and utterly wrong - just not true. But that is the conclusion that many of us have come to. This is not just aggression or spite , rather a calm logical conclusion .

we have to cast off the blinkers of a misspent youth. Imagine that we heard it all for the first time, as a new concept - would it all make sense?

A greater study of the WTS , using outside as well as inside sources, as well as an objective look at religious belief that is all accross the net will help one come to your conclusion . Good searching, and stick around and keep posting your findings .

desib77

Thanks everyone for the support.......

One thing that I'm having the biggest problem with is that I've always had a close relationship with my mother. She is still a very active Witness, even a pioneer....I know she loves me and she truly believes this but it is tough hearing it all the time. I try not to be rude but I know that she will never stop trying to get me back.

Last night my husband and I had two pastors over. I tried my hardest to be open to what the were saying. They even asked if they could "save me". I just couldn't let them. I felt so horrible for even allowing them in my house. I tried my best to just listen and be open but in the back of my head I could come up with dozens of scriptures to refute what they were telling me.

I want to thank everyone again for being so understanding. My husband was raised a baptist and really even though he tries, he can never understand my struggles. My father has also left "the truth" and prefers to not think about it. He figures that the worst thing that could happen is that if the JW's happen to be right, he will just die and never awaken.

Well, I could go on for hours with all of my confusion, but I'll stop here....thanks again for the understanding.

Puternut

Desi,

Welcome to the forum. Confusion is a good thing really. It allows you to sort through things and question things that do or do not agree with you. I am fairly new here as well. And I am confused as hell. What to believe, where to go from here. But the advise to me, and I will direct it you to you as well, is; Don't worry about it. It will come to you. Take your time. Find out what your values are in life, what YOU want to do with your life, and what works for YOU. No one can tell you what to do. It's your life and you have the right to decide what's best for you. If you were raised a certain way, you might find out that , that is not who you are. If you had certain beliefs that were spoonfed to you, see if that's what works for you. And soon you'll figure it out. Read some books as was suggested.

Just remember you're not alone with these feelings. Many are still feeling guilty, due to the fact that, it has been ingrained in them. And that is what the 'truth' did for many. But God is not one that put these restrictions on us, it's people within an organization.

About your convictions from the WT, you have the right to question everything. The Bereans did the same.

Hang in there,

Puternut

jst2laws

Dear Desib77, Welcome to the board, hun. As you can see the people here understand what you are feeling, as you acknowledged:

Well, I could go on for hours with all of my confusion, but I'll stop here....thanks again for the understanding.

As for your confusion, I came here the same way. I'm 56 years old, spent 36 of them as a servant in the congregation, appointed an elder when the arrangement started in 1972, at age 24. When I came here I was a confused but concerned elder. This was my first thread. http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/3642/1.ashx It took a while to deprogram myself, but the people here, many who have moved on, were a big help. Now I'm here to help, just like everyone who has posted above. One of the hardest things to get accustomed to is that no one, especially the Watchtower Society, has absolute answers to our questions. The notion that God has given us absolute answers to every question is a fantasy and for some the hardest belief to give up. Once you accept this reality then you will feel free to explore and find 'truth' for yourself. Then you will appreciate why the new covenant is written in hearts instead of a hard copy law code, and why mature Christians "through use, have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish right from wrong." Doesn't sound like a world of spiritual absolutes does it? You have begun a journey, Desi. One you should enjoy. Hope to hear more from you. Steve

KKLUV155

Hi and welcome to the board.

They even asked if they could "save me".

No one can save you. That is something that is between you and God. They can give you support but that is all. It took me nine years to even consider going to another religion. Once I realized that I would not be attacked by demonz and relaxed, My mind began to open up and allow clear thinking. The main thing is to study the bible yourself and then go from there. Don't let anyone to pressure you into doing something you are not ready or willing to do.

And once again welcome!

sunshineToo

desi,

First welcome to the board! You and I have something in common: jw pioneer mother.

Don't try to convince her because it's no use, at least not yet. Before you deal with your mom, deal with yourself. Ask yourself why you left the organization( Watchtower Co.). Was it because you found out the truth about the Watchtower? Or was it a rebellious act without any reason? For me it was the first reason. Even then I had some problem just like you, too. Then I read a scripture that says not to be afraid of false prophets. It was like God told me that I shouldn't be afraid of the Watchtower Society. I had some experiences when I was a jw that I thought God was trying to protect me. When I decided to leave the organization, I already had enough informations/evidences that this organization was nothing but a cult. And when I read that verse from the Bible, I knew that God was on my side.

Don't try to make any big changes or even to join any other religion yet. Take your time. I've been disassociated for about 1 1/2 years. I've talked to a pastor and to a nun whom I knew well. But I'm not in any church group yet. I even went to one of their bible studies. Now I'm pregnant with my first child. After the baby is born, I'm planning to check out more churches with my husband. I think I'll be ready. No, I am ready now.

You can click on my profile and send me email anytime you want.

sunshineToo

bebu

Don't worry about it. It will come to you. Take your time.

Very true! You want truth--but you want it NOW... and impatience can lead to sorrow.

Jgnat is right: ask good questions, determine good answers. Personally, I think just determining to search is somehow part of the actual answer, actually; no one ever really finishes the "exam" with all questions answered exactly. But everyone can search. Jesus said that whoever searches will find (so, take comfort!).

btw, not all posters here are ex-JWs. I'm not; I was never a JW. If I honestly ask exactly the same questions and observations that are made by former JWs, would you feel guilty? The problems lie in the center of us, which we are all observing together. The WT tries to prevent you from seeing the problem, by cutting off a major source of the information (ex-JWs). But I could give you the same questions and information... and you would listen without guilt. So, if it helps your conscience, just pretend that I (a never-JW) am behind each post; find your replies for ME, the never-JW, not the former JWs. Just like if you met me in field service.

And of course: WELCOME TO THE BOARD desib77!!

God bless!

bebu

desib77

Wow. I'm actually feeling a little relief, just to find out that there are people out there who understand.

I didn't sleep very well last night after the pastors left my house....I had so many questions for them, very few of which I actually got any kind of opinion on and certainly no answer to.

I am looking forward to reading more posts and asking plenty of questions. Are the larger doctrines ever discussed on this message board? Just curious.

cruzanheart

YES! There are lots of very deep discussions of doctrine that are scattered through this forum. Check out the Bible Research & Study Articles area, as well as the Beliefs, Doctrine & Practices. Look at some of the old threads, and some of the recent ones too and you will find a wealth of information to absorb! (And if JCanon gives you a headache, it might help to know you're not alone.)

Nina

Elsewhere

Just try to remember that the reason there are so many different variations of Christianity is because there are so many different ways to interpret the bible.

You have a lot programmed into your head. I'm sure that there are many scriptures that you automatically interpret to mean certain things. From now on, when you read the bible, try to read it from a fresh start.

Just so confused.............

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