I just realized how null and void my baptismal contract is.... I know, it's been tossed around here probably almost as long as this site has been functioning. I'm a little slow sometimes.
It's doesn't have to do with age, as my parents supported me, a minor, in my decision (made at 14 because it was what I was supposed to do to please my parents). It has to do with the dedication itself.
Taken from an earlier thread:
(1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?
The May 15, 1970 (p. 309) and May 1, 1973 (p. 280) issues printed slightly revised vows
These are essentially the vows I took upon baptism. Nowhere does it tell me, in any way, that I am dedicating myself to a publishing company run by a group of self-proclaimed mediators of Jesus Christ here on earth, who believe they have the power to override nay usurp God's devine redemption of mankind.
My contract is null and void with Jehovah's Witnesses because I was mislead as to what I was dedicating my life to. I now declare that by their own vows, and failure of proper contract disclosure, I am not, nor have I ever been one of Jehovah's Witnesses!
Man, what a relief!
However, I am still apostate to my religious upbringing. Oh well. Can't win 'em all. At least I'm in good company!
Bren