EX JW who are now Born Again Christians?

by imnottheonlyone! 83 Replies latest jw friends

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  steve2

  I'm a born again Personal-Responsibility Taker. In my view, the most important thing that anyone who leaves an authoritarian religion can do is: Begin to sort out what you can be reasonably expected to take responsibility for in your own life. There is a tendency for people to "hand themselves" over to someone or something else, rather than learn how to cope with their life situation, and then to close their minds to other ways of being in the world or judging other ways of being. Rigidity of thinking is the hallmark of the kind of thinking that flourishes among people be-deviled with mental illness.

  I had thought at one time that only the JWs had mental health problems; or that their experience of mental health problems was somehow unique. How wrong I was. As a clinical psychologist working with clients who have severe mental health problems, I have noticed that no religious outlook, whether organized or personal, is spared from mental health problems.
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  gumby

  I'm one!

  Gumby
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  HappyDad

  Yes, I am a "Born Again" Christian. I'm not to fond of labels so I usually just refer to myself as being Christian. Like jgnat, I too attend an Evangelical church.

  CinemaBlend........

  No offense, but I really don't understand people who get out of one religion only to get into another. It's as if some people can't stand to live their lives without someone telling them what to do, or the comforting though of some mysterious power watching over them.

  No offense taken, but since I first started going to different churches, not one of them has told me what to do or how to do it. Now going to the KH was a different story. Now when I leave a church service I am in a good mood and feel uplifted.

  HappyDad
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  JeffT

  I'm a Christian, no adjective. I go to Church to worship God, not to be told what to do; nor do I feel a need to tell others what to do. If asked I will give my opinion. I was a Christian before I was a JW. When I found out the WTBS wasn't teaching the real Bible I left.

  Anybody who wants to talk about ex-JW-still-Christian is welcome to PM me.
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  Honesty

  Welcome to the Board!!!

  I PM'd you so that I would not stumble Uzzah with my new found faith.

  However, I can understand why so many ex-jws are turning away from Christ after their experiences with Satan's organisation. I almost did myself but that is exactly what the objective of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE and TRACT SOCIETY is... to turn people away from the saviour of the world no matter how they can accomplish it.

  I am sorry if I have offended anyone here (other than the WTBTS monitors, of course) by calling a duck a duck. After several years of involved daily studies of the bible, christianity, ancient and first century history including most known bible manuscripts and secular records available to researchers I have reached a personal conclusion that the WTBTS is definitely spirit directed as they have claimed.
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  imnottheonlyone!

  I sure didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest. I am still trying to figure out my belief system for myself. I don't really like labels either, but it's real hard to connect to a person who might believe in a similar way without any identifying statements. My journey away from the witnesses has been long and I am still searching for answers to some of my questions. I was content for awhile just being away from the JW. I know I wondered what my beliefs where at all. Did I believe in God at all? Could I ever belong to a group of people again who worship God? With lots of soul searching I started the process to figure it out. It was such a relief to not feel all that pressure and negativity that had been drilled into my little head for 28 years. But, I still feel the need to connect with my creator. When I pray, I feel a peace. A contentment that was never there as a JW. I will continue to do my own research on theological matters. I have a hard time accepting certain beliefs that are mainstay in a Christian church. I wonder sometimes if these questions I have are because of the brainwashing I was under for so many years or if these beliefs make sense to others that may have been raised in a similar situation. I also really like the feeling of being in a church body. I like having friends I can call on in good times and bad. I know there are other places to make friends, but this really has worked for me. I like the fact that I know for the most part, these people have similar values and morals. Not because someone dictated it to them. They have decided for themselves this is the way they want to live. I have felt more unconditional love from these Christians (in various locations, since I have lived in three states since departing the JW) then ever as a JW. I don't have to be so good, so perfect. I love the fact that I don't have to "do" anything...it's mere believing that sets me free. There really isn't anything that is required of me from my current church. They are very supportive and realize that my experiences in the cult have really molded who I am, both bad and even sometimes, good. I don't feel the need to drag anybody in to Christianity, but would leave the door open if anyone was interested in discussing it. But, I definitely won't be counting any field service time. Anyhow, I will pm those who offered me assistance. Thanks for your help everyone. I guess it took me 28 years to get away, maybe it will take me another 28 to figure everything out my beliefs...lol

  Promising not to be the bain of the boards,

  D
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  Holey_Cheeses*King_of_the juice.

  I recall a poster who at one time had an image for his avatar which stated - "Born once was enough."

  That about sums it up.

  cheeses. of the never to be born again class.
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  avishai

  Pretty O.K w/ that Jesus guy. His teachings OK. Paul? Jerk!!!! So am I a xtian? Not traditional at the very least. And I definitely dont follow a bozo sect of xtianity
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  GetBusyLiving

  Believe what you want. I personally have decided to give a big ole' middle finger to all of that bull-shit. Any God that allows thousands of children to rot on beach from dying in a tsunami can go fuck himself.
  
  
  
  
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  FlyingHighNow

  As a clinical psychologist working with clients who have severe mental health problems, I have noticed that no religious outlook, whether organized or personal, is spared from mental health problems.

  Well, yeah because it takes people to make a religion. Mental illness is everywhere amongst the populations of people. I would think though, that for the person who is predisposed to mental illness, that being involved in a very strict, smothering religion could be a big trigger.