Posts by umbertoecho

14

Just Sharing a couple of experiences I heard in the last day or two about ones leaving the Borg.

by Crazyguy in

i was having breakfast with a friend and former jw just yesterday and he informed me that the place we were eating in is owned by a former witness.

the story goes as he tells me that the wife and husband or on the outs and getting a divorce.

now just so you know the state i live in, a divorce is not quick, mandatory waiting period etc.

umbertoecho

This was my shepherding call.................A text message from the elder asking how I was.

I sent back a text asking him if that was the best he could do. No reply.

I couldn't believe it.

62

Finally an Article About Unthank!

by jamiebowers in

http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au/news/local/news/general/private-prosecution-gets-thrown-out-of-court/2468225.aspx?storypage=2private prosecution gets thrown out of court.

by louis nelson.

27 feb, 2012 01:00 am.

He is also partly responsible information being revealed about the society. He took a battering but would not give up. He is well informed now and will play a role in part where the Royal Commission is concerned. It was he who had the guts to make a great big bloody noise about this form of corruption.

I think that case was thrown away at the time but was re heard? Re done? (out of the right phrase at the moment) It went back to court anyway.........

3

Very good article on Religious Trauma

by umbertoecho in

i have found this article and wonder if any here would like to read it.

it could help explain some of the depression and other associated emotional problems that are experienced by those who are leaving, have left, been dfd or had to fade................ .

http://www.babcp.com/review/rts-trauma-from-leaving-religion.aspx.

umbertoecho

http://www.x-j-w.org/resources/

Sorry. Just thought it might help to show where I found the site's address. I'm sure you will all know it. Still, it's the first time for me to see it.

It's called Religious Trauma.

3

Very good article on Religious Trauma

by umbertoecho in

i have found this article and wonder if any here would like to read it.

it could help explain some of the depression and other associated emotional problems that are experienced by those who are leaving, have left, been dfd or had to fade................ .

http://www.babcp.com/review/rts-trauma-from-leaving-religion.aspx.

umbertoecho

Article 3 of 3 by Dr Marlene Winell

Understanding Religious Trauma Syndrome: Trauma from Leaving Religion

Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a function of both the chronic abuses of harmful religion and the impact of severing one’s connection with one’s faith and faith community. It can be compared to a combination of PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). In the last article of this series, I explained some of the toxic aspects of authoritarian religions that cause long-term psychological damage (Bible-based ones in particular). In this writing, I will address the trauma of breaking away from this kind of religion.

With PTSD, a traumatic event is one in which a person experiences or witnesses actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others. Losing one’s faith, or leaving one’s religion, is an analogous event because it essentially means the death of one’s previous life – the end of reality as it was understood. It is a huge shock to the system, and one that needs to be recognized as trauma.

What it means to leave

Breaking out of a restrictive, mind-controlling religion is understandably a liberating experience. People report huge relief and some excitement about their new possibilities. Certain problems are over, such as trying to twist one’s thinking to believe irrational religious doctrines, handling enormous cognitive dissonance in order to get by in the ‘real world’ as well, and conforming to repressive codes of behavior. Finally leaving a restrictive religion can be a major personal accomplishment after trying to make it work and going through many cycles of guilt and confusion.

However, the challenges of leaving are daunting. For most people, the religious environment was a one-stop-shop for meeting all their major needs – social support, a coherent worldview, meaning and direction in life, structured activities, and emotional/spiritual satisfaction. Leaving the fold means multiple losses, including the loss of friends and family support at a crucial time of personal transition. Consequently, it is a very lonely ‘stressful life event’ – more so than others described on Axis IV in the DSM. For some people, depending on their personality and the details of their religious past, it may be possible to simply stop participating in religious services and activities and move on with life. But for many, leaving their religion means debilitating anxiety, depression, grief, and anger.

Usually people begin with intellectually letting go of their religious beliefs and then struggle with the emotional aspects. The cognitive part is difficult enough and often requires a period of study and struggle before giving up one’s familiar and perhaps cherished worldview. But the emotional letting go is much more difficult since the beliefs are bound with deep-seated needs and fears, and usually inculcated at a young age.

Problems with self-worth and fear of terrible punishment continue. Virtually all controlling religions teach fear about the evil in ‘the world’ and the danger of being alone without the group. Ordinary setbacks can cause panic attacks, especially when one feels like a small child in a very foreign world. Coming out of a sheltered, repressed environment can result in a lack of coping skills and personal maturity. The phobia indoctrination makes it difficult to avoid the stabbing thought, even many years after leaving, that one has made a terrible mistake, thinking ‘what if they’re right?’

It is truly amazing the pain I went through due to what was inputted into my mind… All I know is it took such a toll on me that I did not care if I died and went to hell to escape the hell I was in and the immense fear it put into my life.

Depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, etc... you name it. It sucks. Probably from years of guilt being a Christian and a sinner, and thinking people I love are in hell.

Making the break is for many the most disruptive, difficult upheaval they have ever gone through in life. To understand this fully, one must appreciate the totality of a religious worldview that defines and controls reality in the way that fundamentalist groups do. Everything about the world - past, present, and future – is explained, the meaning of life is laid out, morality is already decided, and individuals must find their place in the cosmic scheme in order to be worthwhile. The promises for conformity and obedience are great and the threats for disobedience are dire, both for the present life and the hereafter. Controlling religions tend to limit information about the world and alternative views so members easily conclude that their religious worldview is the only one possible. Anything outside of their world is considered dangerous and evil at worst and terribly misguided at best. So leaving this sheltered environment is bursting a bubble. Everything a person has believed to be true is shattered.

My foundation has truly dropped out from under me. Despite being told I am courageous, tenacious, and this is rugged work, I consistently find wave after wave of grief that overwhelms me. I can hardly believe how upended it has made my life.

3

Very good article on Religious Trauma

by umbertoecho in

i have found this article and wonder if any here would like to read it.

it could help explain some of the depression and other associated emotional problems that are experienced by those who are leaving, have left, been dfd or had to fade................ .

http://www.babcp.com/review/rts-trauma-from-leaving-religion.aspx.

umbertoecho

I have found this article and wonder if any here would like to read it. It could help explain some of the depression and other associated emotional problems that are experienced by those who are leaving, have left, been DFd or had to fade...............

http://www.babcp.com/Review/RTS-Trauma-from-Leaving-Religion.aspx

21

News from Warwick

by Sour Grapes in

jw
friends

warwick update .

safety

safety is a 'culture'!

umbertoecho

Bloody hell. I just wish the whole thing would sink into a nice greasy sink hole. Such bragging, such meticulous attention to detail.........so they can brag. It makes me angry.

86

According to Oct.1st 2012 WT Directions- Past Child Molesters CAN Be Appointed Elders

by flipper in

considering the fact that the wt society refuses to release in courts any of it's written directions to elders through confidential letters to elder bodies- i thought i'd do the courts and wt society a "favor " by posting excerpts from this oct 1st.

2012 letter from the wt society to all bodies of elders.

these instructions are very exposing of the negligence of wt authorities in how they view the seriousness of felony child abuse.

umbertoecho

4thgen.

Quote from sister last week or so......" Oh, but don't you know they are repentant? They have suffered from true remorse and guilt and there is no sin that Jehovah will not forgive"

Me: "You're talking like an idiot. You were abused too and you are so lost and terrified of admitting it, admitting what I personally saw.......that you have shut your' mind down. And now, you are complicit in a terrible lie, because your' afraid to stand alone and be honest for once in your life",

Shown the door pretty quick.

86

According to Oct.1st 2012 WT Directions- Past Child Molesters CAN Be Appointed Elders

by flipper in

considering the fact that the wt society refuses to release in courts any of it's written directions to elders through confidential letters to elder bodies- i thought i'd do the courts and wt society a "favor " by posting excerpts from this oct 1st.

2012 letter from the wt society to all bodies of elders.

these instructions are very exposing of the negligence of wt authorities in how they view the seriousness of felony child abuse.

umbertoecho

Thank you Flipper.

I feel ashamed to even talk about it. Sometimes it feels like all of those children will never receive the love and help they desperately need.

I am looking forward to the Royal Commission this month. I will follow it avidly and I know it won't be a walk in the park for ANY so called religion including the JW one. The questions will be hard and there will be no chance to skirt answering those questions.

21

JWs With A Financial Interest In The Org

by JW_Rogue in

through personal experiences which i'd rather not relate because it would give away my identity i have come to a realization.

many brothers own businesses that a greatly supported by witness activities.

when local congregations need some service they will prefer to do business with a jw.

umbertoecho

Ever heard of Modesty Clothing? I saw it on the internet last week. I think I have the name correct. I will check it out in a while.

I had a good look at it. It is witness owned and aimed at appropriate dress for women in the JW world. They claim to be a very suitable clothing company in keeping with kingdom interests and modesty.....got to find it now.

86

According to Oct.1st 2012 WT Directions- Past Child Molesters CAN Be Appointed Elders

by flipper in

considering the fact that the wt society refuses to release in courts any of it's written directions to elders through confidential letters to elder bodies- i thought i'd do the courts and wt society a "favor " by posting excerpts from this oct 1st.

2012 letter from the wt society to all bodies of elders.

these instructions are very exposing of the negligence of wt authorities in how they view the seriousness of felony child abuse.

umbertoecho

All of the evidence that has been raised in and out of court, are proof that an offender does not cease. Some therapists believe it may be some sort if sickness. I don't know about that. I see such a carnal look in the eyes of predators, such a slick method of operating as they eventually lead up to the "act". This is done with full knowledge of all the social taboo's that exist within our Western society.

The evil worldly people who make sure that these offenders pay for their crimes are the ones who have it right. I do agree that this needs to be kept right infront of our faces, in order to stop, apprehend and punish these people.