31 years ago today I was baptized as a JW at the Oakland, California "Men of Goodwill" District Convention. Exactly 6 years ago today, I was forcibly Disassociated (at least as far as the rumors go). Spiritually speaking the last 6 years, though only 1/5th of the total time, has been the most enriching and finest growth period of my life.
I owe much to many who have been there at each step of the process. First my wife and children and son-in-law who opened up and came out of the religion with me. Then AlanF whom I met shortly thereafter. He shared many of his works, including one 'draft' of about a 500 page study exposing the WTS books on evolution. I still refer back to Alan's many works.
In owe a huge debt of graditude to Ray Franz for his two excellent books, Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom. I will be forever grateful to his honest and thorough treatment of the Watch Tower religion and exposing the facts about it. Jim Penton in his book Apocalypse Delayed put the icing on the cake with his excellent historical treatment of the Watch Tower religion.
Then as I got onto forums, like H20 and now JWD that have been many who have helped a great deal, such as Farkel with a Sparkel, COMF, Maverick (now Patriot), JanH, Maximus, Friend whom I have not seen much of and miss, and many others including those new to me still on JWD. I feel bad if I left any names out, but I really can't name you all right now. Simon for hosting this board, along with long time posters like Larc, Waiting, and many more.
I even get a kick out of Freddie Hall, Friday (Yadirf) and other JW defenders. You Know is in a league of his own. The JW defenders mean well, but they have it all wrong. I enjoy their efforts, and the one who is doing the best is You Know. He seems like he may be with us before long.
I could never have planned this life and what it has brought to me, and while I wish some things would have been different, I can hoestly say that where I am at now with the WTS, being an ex-JW, pondering the cosmos, and participating with you all is a good place to be.
It is truly a happy 6th Anniversary of freedom from the Iron Tower, the Borg, the Big-O. As my mentor once said, "Free at Last! Free at Last! Oh Thank God we are Free at Last" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - As always, it is simply Amazing.