setfree .......introduce yourself

by kat2u 9 Replies latest jw experiences

• 

  kat2u

  Tell us what you would like us to know about you.
• 

  jgnat

  ditto
• 

  jgnat

  From setfree:

  Well, I was raised around the "truth". I got my girlfriend pregnant when I was 19. We married and have been for 20 years now. I stopped studying but was frightend by the first gulf war and started a family study. I was baptized in 1990. In the last couple of years I have felt like an inadequate witness. No matter what I did it did'nt feel like enough. I felt what the heck Im not doing enough to be considerded faithful so I just gave up all together. What the bible said and what I was being told from the platform was'nt the same in my mind. On one hand I was being told by Jesus to take his yoke because it was light and refreshing, from the platform I was told that I had to earn my salvation by works. I haven't been to the KH in about 2 years or so. I missed my first memorial last year. My father died of parkinsons. I have started chewing tobacco and growing a beard. The elders continue to call on me and Im starting to open up to them of my concerns. Im at the point now of I don't walk to talk about it with them anymore. I started searching for other answers and experiences. Hence, here I am.. Im sorry for sounding preachy and self righteous. I'm really not. I going through some tough times right now dealing with my "spirituality" if you will. Hello to all and again I'm sorry for sticking my foot in my mouth. Jt

  Welcome setfree. That feeling of inadequacy is pretty common among JW's. Maybe because of the constant preaching to "do more." It is possible to be a Christian, not be preachy, and know that you are fully approved by God (not man). Keep on searching.
• 

  bikerchic

  Well this will be a first, I think. I'm attempting to clean up redskymedic's ~Intro~ thread and post all of the replies to and from setfree here in his own thread.

  IP: qI3Se/OGRq8PmnN6

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 10 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Oh but there is.. Have you stopped believing in anything the bible says. Just because you may have been stumbled, do you discount what you yourself have read. Or have you read? The "Bible" does say that you just can't do whatever "feels" good to you. Don't we have to have some guidelines?
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  Valis	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11248 of 11255 since 12-Dec-01 33 y 8 m 18 d	Don't we have to have some guidelines? keep YOUR guidelines to yourself please and thank you. People got along just fine without the bible and all it's violence and contradiction for a long time. Being a moral and ethical person does not mean you have to be religious. Also, this is not the first time you have been looking to get a reaction from people today. I am watching and others are as well. The sooner you cut the self righteous preachy business the longer you will stay around at JWD. Sincerely, District Overbeer
  IP: fnYHztd2MuKdhMib

  setfree	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Welcome..I quess. People here are going to give you advise from there own imperfect experiences; however, I think you should recall what you have learned with your own eyes. Get your heart and mind to work in unison. I'm sure the people who were drowning in the days of noah found some comfort in knowing they weren't the only ones being destroyed. Can anyone here give you any real hope besides doing what your feel like. Many did't "feel" like getting on the Ark. Many others probably said it was ok if you don't get on. After all it had'nt rained in many years. Its easy to take the path of least resistance when the angel of death has not Yet reached your door. Do the right thing
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  Valis	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11249 of 11255 since 12-Dec-01 33 y 8 m 18 d	I'm going to give you one more warning. No more preaching or I will either limit your posting or delete your account. However you want to play it. SIncerely, District Overbeer
  IP: fnYHztd2MuKdhMib

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 12 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Do you think I'm preaching? Thats funny.. People have been dominating themselves to their own ruination for centuries. Your keeping an eye on me sounds like the same tactic you clain the society does. Are your going to kick me off for stating something I've read read.
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  kat2u	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 524 of 529 since 17-Jan-04 46 y 5 m 5 d	who is this above me? sure does have alot of opinions,,, not very nice either. Sounds like someone we al want to listen to NOT!
  IP: GrQwT0j9gDbsBUOK

  Valis	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11250 of 11255 since 12-Dec-01 33 y 8 m 18 d	You are new here and one thing we tend not to tollerate is the self righteous aholes who think they have a lock on the spiritual or religious aspects of life. You are coming off very preachy and I am not going to say it again. Sincerely, District Overbeer
  IP: fnYHztd2MuKdhMib

  kat2u	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 525 of 529 since 17-Jan-04 46 y 5 m 5 d	And welcome to you Redsky generally the people on here are less jugemental and more understanding Meaning setfree and the attitude there
  IP: GrQwT0j9gDbsBUOK	27-Nov-04 14:10 Nov 27, 2004 by kat2u: Correct formatting

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 13 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Actually, I dont mean to sound "preechy" as you describe and I don't appreciate you resorting to the calling of childish names. I myself have been DA'd for a couple years now and have been doing research via this site. You seem to be very quick in your presumptions. You have some real issues eh?
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 14 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Im trying
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  Valis	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11252 of 11255 since 12-Dec-01 33 y 8 m 18 d	Yes I have real issues and as I have been out for many many years I know BS when I see it. Maybe you need to move on to another topic, or start your own for that matter. If you want to discuss Christianity then fine, but when we have new people come here the last thing that is tollerated is the preachy judgemental business. I know it when I see it. I hope you understand and stick around, but if you refuse or can't see where I am coming from then maybe this place is not for you. Sincerely, District overbeer
  IP: fnYHztd2MuKdhMib

  talley	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 185 of 186 since 04-May-02 62 y 7 m 24 d	setfree, if you rely on the Bible so much, I urge you to read Gen 4:1-16, the Cain and Able account. My lesson from that is that it is absolutely no use to work to gain 'God's' favor. After all, as a 'wise' man once said, "all is vanity and a striving after the wind." If God could talk to Cain, he can talk to me, and so far the conversation has only been one way. When he has something to say to me, he can say it just like he did to Cain. Until then, I am going to believe my 'lying' eyes. Eccl.6:9. I could go on, but I'm sure you can recall the reference to "chance and circumstance". This God you believe in gave you a brain...use it!
  IP: 3mffb9mfTS4rWr8l

  Big Tex	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 8577 of 8577 since 17-Feb-03 42 y 7 m 4 d	Or have you read? The "Bible" does say that you just can't do whatever "feels" good to you. Don't we have to have some guidelines? Why do you make such generalized assumptions? Some here are Christians, some are not. What we share in common is a shared experience. Yes I've read the Bible cover to cover 3 (4?) times. Yes I do live my life by guidelines, truths if you will. But they are my truths, and I pass them on to my children. Forgive me, but you seem to be somewhat angry yourself. What makes you think everyone here does 'whatever feels good'?
  IP: smNAZZImXKD2zJQ5

  setfree	Re: Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 15 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Hey you guys need to lighten up a little. Can we have some dialog here or am I gonna get disfellowshiped. Everyones ready to jump all over the new guy. Is this a support group on not. ok ok maybe I got started off on the wrong foot,but I've only known the "truth" my whole life so I guess its kinda hard to adjust to knowing other things. Will you all please forgive me....
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  kat2u	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 527 of 529 since 17-Jan-04 46 y 5 m 5 d	setfree you have a PM
  IP: GrQwT0j9gDbsBUOK

  Valis	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11253 of 11255 since 12-Dec-01 33 y 8 m 18 d	setfree...perhaps you should lighten up and read what Big T said about the diaspora of users here. Introduce yourself and say hello. We all have differing circumstances and backgrounds, but we share a common bond for the most part. If you could at least remember that and put the bible stuff down for a while you will be much better off. Sincerely, District Overbeer
  IP: fnYHztd2MuKdhMib

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 16 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	I guess I am kinda angry.. finding out so many things that I believed all my life may be a facade. It's like when I use to go d to d and try to explain to people what they believe is wrong. It hard to stomach. What a waste of time.
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  confusedjw	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 1136 of 1139 since 14-Jan-03	The "Bible" does say that you just can't do whatever "feels" good to you. Don't we have to have some guidelines? Setfree, Sure we should have some guidelines, but do they need to come from the WTBTS? Do you think they use the Bible honestly in the way they DF people? Where in the bible does it say you should be DF'd for doubting or God forbid questioning the WTBTS? Setfree - could you explain the generation of 1914 from the bible? Could you explain how the bible teaches that His "organization" would be allowed to teach something as the cornerstone of their faith - which turns out to be wrong? (e.g. the "generation" of 1914 being the generation to see the end being changed in 1995) Explain where in the bible it's okay for grandparents and parents to be seperated from each other because the WTBTS doesn't allow anyone to question their special relationship with God. You can come here and chat with us all you want, but would you answer these questions? From the bible, please. Thanks
  IP: idyUfwaG8OeqCtJG

  WildHorses	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 5347 of 5348 since 24-Apr-01 41 y 11 m 16 d	Redsky, welcome! setfree, one question for you. Can you PROVE that what is written in the Bible is true? Why should anyone believe in stories written in a book when it hasn't been proven? Sure there are things in the bible that are historically true, but there are many fiction books written that also have a bit of histical truth in them, so that can not be used as proof.
  IP: 2xJAVIrHIydL7QYq

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 17 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Im trying... Its just going to take some time you know. I admit I got off on the wrong foot. Can I start over?
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  WildHorses	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 5348 of 5348 since 24-Apr-01 41 y 11 m 16 d	Sure you can, setfree. How about introducing yourself for starters.
  IP: 2xJAVIrHIydL7QYq

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 18 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Whats a PM if you please? Remember Im a newbie
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  kat2u	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 529 of 529 since 17-Jan-04 46 y 5 m 5 d	pm.. personal message in your in box
  IP: GrQwT0j9gDbsBUOK

  Valis	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 11254 of 11255 since 12-Dec-01 33 y 8 m 18 d	setfree...look by your username...see the word Inbox? That is our Private Message system here at JWD. Sincerely, District Overbeer
  IP: fnYHztd2MuKdhMib

  confusedjw	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 1138 of 1139 since 14-Jan-03	Setfree, Of course you can start over. Do tell us about yourself and be aware in general that some people here are truely hurt by having been in this cult. Not all. Some just didn't like it and left or had some issue that is biblically condemned and were DF'd - or found out that the WTBTS does not teach the true about certain very important issues. But whatever the reason this board isn't in place to judge or preach. So you will notice that when someone gets either way they might take some lumps, which doesn't mean someone can't be preachy or judgemental, but just be prepared to take some lumps. So share with us your experiences in life and what brought you here.
  IP: idyUfwaG8OeqCtJG	27-Nov-04 14:45 Nov 27, 2004 by confusedjw: Correct formatting

  setfree	Re: Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 19 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Sincerely, Thank you for the encouragement
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  little witch	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 2283 of 2283 since 27-Aug-02 39 y 11 m 26 d	You need not feel guilty for bringing life into the world! We celebrate your life and the life of your children here. Kids and parenthood are a reason to cheer and celebrate, not shun and be embarrassed.(that is a jw thing) I am sure you are a wonderful parent! Welcome to JWD, I hope you will find yourself welcome and comforted here. LW
  IP: cw/ByF3ENUZUVwHr	27-Nov-04 15:09 Nov 27, 2004 by little witch: Correct formatting

  setfree	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 20 of 20 since 23-Nov-04 40 y 1 m 30 d	Well, I was raised around the "truth". I got my girlfriend pregnant when I was 19. We married and have been for 20 years now. I stopped studying but was frightend by the first gulf war and started a family study. I was baptized in 1990. In the last couple of years I have felt like an inadequate witness. No matter what I did it did'nt feel like enough. I felt what the heck Im not doing enough to be considerded faithful so I just gave up all together. What the bible said and what I was being told from the platform was'nt the same in my mind. On one hand I was being told by Jesus to take his yoke because it was light and refreshing, from the platform I was told that I had to earn my salvation by works. I haven't been to the KH in about 2 years or so. I missed my first memorial last year. My father died of parkinsons. I have started chewing tobacco and growing a beard. The elders continue to call on me and Im starting to open up to them of my concerns. Im at the point now of I don't walk to talk about it with them anymore. I started searching for other answers and experiences. Hence, here I am.. Im sorry for sounding preachy and self righteous. I'm really not. I going through some tough times right now dealing with my "spirituality" if you will. Hello to all and again I'm sorry for sticking my foot in my mouth. Jt
  IP: dabiiR25VB+VfT/r

  jgnat	Re: *~Intro~*
  Post 4355 of 4355 since 04-Jul-02	A thread just for you, setfree: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/7/81172/1.ashx

  Okay now lets all welcome setfree to JWD!

  Kate
• 

  talley

  Welcom, setfree. To make you name, 'setfree', a bit more meaningful to you in a positive way - the way Jesus ment it, I suggest you read the book "Crisis of Conscience" by Ray Franz.

  Ray Franz was a member of the governing body of the Society for many years and did a lot of writing for the Society. He exposes many of the unscriptual dictates and practices of the Society based on the authority of the Bible. Sort of a real inside view.

  Why I am so impressed with this book is that I was 'inactive' from 1989 and read Crisis of Coscience in the summer of 2002. I was amazed that I had carried so much man-imposed guilt and the feeling of 'never being able to do enough' too. I cannot beging to express the feeling of liberation from the Society and yet good will from God that I felt after reading Ray's Crisis of Conscience.

  He has also written a second book, "In Search of Christian Freedom"

  Ray Franz's books can be found in many public libraries and if not at your local one, they can get it for you through 'inter-library loan'.

  From my experience, this would be a good place for you to start your real spiritual healing.

  Best wishes to you and yours, talley/Judy
• 

  Carmel

  Setfree, A hearty welcome! I love a good "discussion" about religion and love it when someone is very opinionated. Generally they are so based more on emotion rather than logic and reason. Many here not only have left the WBTS but in so doing have rejected the bible. Why? Because they were taught as JWs to take so much literally and as such it is an illogical tome made up of contradictory and inflamatory racist and hateful events all attributed to a vengeful jealous angry god that demands to be worshiped. I know because I went through the same process forty years ago. Not until I got outside of fundamentalist thinking and surveyed the world's religious compliment from a detached perspective could I begin to see any value in the bible.

  You asked if anyone here could offer any hope. Absolutely! But no one has ever aske me! Since I do not believe in prosletizing, until asked, I ain't tellin.

  Hope your "try over" works and you stick around. Some good folks here willing to discuss most anythin with you, ifn you don't try to come accross as a "know-it-all". The world already has too many o thim.

  regards,

  carmel
• 

  setfree

  Thanks carmel, I look forward to listening to what you have to say.
  
  setfree
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  setfree

  Thanks talley/judy. I have been thinking of reading this material. I have listened to some audio from the ex-bethelites. Very interesting. I am really moved by what these individuals have to say I guess because I have put them "up on a pedestal" so to speak. They are ones who have worked so hard to get there and to listen to them explain thier experiences is quite shocking to me in my early stages of de-programing.
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  Kenneson

  welcome Setfree. Stick around. You can learn a lot--even from those you don't always agree with.
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  setfree

  Absatively posalutely, thanks