Mustang,
So are you totally cut off now - I mean no more ministry OR meetings?
I would love to escape but can't at the moment.
Terri
we have all had some bad moments at the door ... i have had my share ... so, i thought i would share mine in a series of short post: .
i was working in a territory with a group, going door to door.
we broke up and worked individually.
Mustang,
So are you totally cut off now - I mean no more ministry OR meetings?
I would love to escape but can't at the moment.
Terri
we have all had some bad moments at the door ... i have had my share ... so, i thought i would share mine in a series of short post: .
i was working in a territory with a group, going door to door.
we broke up and worked individually.
I am so glad you have embarassing moments. I don't mean that in a horrible way.
I feel embarassed every time I go out. I don't even need to say anything. I always feel such a prat!
Does anyone else feel a prat just by simply going out on field ministry?
Terri
comments you will not hear at the 9-21-03 wt study
reviewer comments are in black and parentheses ().
wt article quotes are in
Blondie,
Words fail me. This review is fantastic! I am still in the process of reading it, but can I print it out and give out copies to those like me who are seriously doubting that this organisation has the truth?
I have lurked here for a while, but I still feel like a traitor to the organisation. I know it is stupid, but that is the way they condition you. I need to get them out of my system but I don't really know how. Their teachings and doctrines are so ingrained in my brain that I can't seem to shake it off completely. Your article will be really useful.
Thank you for this information.
Terri
I think it is the terrific hold it has on us members. I never really thought that I was being so manipulated. And when I mention doubts to my friends, they get all scared and defensive, as if I am turning into a demon or something.
I can't remember how I ever got to this stage - of being controlled so much. When did it happen? I can't really remember - it just sort of crept up on me. At first I thought it was all love and kindness and honesty - but all I see now is a vice-like grip that doesn't want to let go.
Terri
one of the big issues affecting ex-jws is being shunned by their close relatives.
this can be especially painful for parents, children or siblings.
the jw relative may even make some exceptions to associate in the name of "necessary" business, but then later on their conscience "pricks" them, and they realize that they have pushed the envelope too much and they withdraw their association altogether ... or ... the society comes out with some article or the co comes to town, and manage to ding on some issue that make jws feel guilty about associating with df'd and da'd relatives.
"Church officials said they never advocate their followers violate court orders or state laws. But they acknowledged their doctrine of shunning former members leaves little room for non-Witness parents in the lives of children who are active in the church.
Jehovah's Witnesses tell children they can associate with their non-Witness parents until they are adults, said Campbell. But once they become adults, they must choose between continuing that association or remaining part of the church."
When I read this, it made be feel sick. This sort of thing is barbaric and inhumane. I would never stop associating with anyone just because they stopped being a JW, more so if they were a family member. To make someone choose between a religion and their loved ones is ludicrous. Can't they see what they are doing. Don't they know what this sort of thing does to families and communities. Look at Northern Ireland, where marriage between Protestant and Catholic is taboo - it has caused so much grief - these people in Brooklyn are advocating the same thing.
I really am finding it difficult to be a member of this organisation any longer.
Terri
i have heard about this forum from someone, but i won't say who as i don't want to expose them.
i am in the process of evaluating my life as a jw.
it has been a pretty sad life - without a real feeling of 'belonging'.
Thanks for your comments. They are helpful. I know I will learn a lot from you all. I have looked up some of the old posts, especially the ones concerning the dates 1914 and 1975. This has puzzled me so long....still puzzled. I don't really see where the date comes from, or even how one can refute it. I guess I'll be patient and learn more as I go along. I'll do some more research and reading.
Terri
i have heard about this forum from someone, but i won't say who as i don't want to expose them.
i am in the process of evaluating my life as a jw.
it has been a pretty sad life - without a real feeling of 'belonging'.
I have just got in from work and was thinking about your comments.
I feel so scared - as if someone is going to jump out on me and see me posting to this board. My nerves are in shreds and I feel like a quivering jelly. Please be patient with me while I find my feet - I feel so very very ill, as if I should be carted off to the nearest funny farm.
sorry - Terri
i have heard about this forum from someone, but i won't say who as i don't want to expose them.
i am in the process of evaluating my life as a jw.
it has been a pretty sad life - without a real feeling of 'belonging'.
Background - I have been a JW for approx 14 years - although when do you all count from? When you started studying? When you got baptised?
I am female, I have 3 children and two are not really active JWs. My husband is a MS and loves this religion to bits. He is really nice and understanding and doesn't mind anymore that I don't go to meetings with him. He always asks if I want to come, but accepts I don't at the moment, which makes me feel less threatened.
I will talk soon - lots of work to do.
Terri
i have heard about this forum from someone, but i won't say who as i don't want to expose them.
i am in the process of evaluating my life as a jw.
it has been a pretty sad life - without a real feeling of 'belonging'.
I am at work now, so I'll be brief (this is the third time I have typed this - am I doing something wrong??)
I just wanted to say thanks for making me feel so good. I really could not see the love in the Kingdom Hall that everyone was talking about. It didn't exist. I tried so hard to fit in, but was always a misfit. Thanks for making me feel like I actually 'fit'!
Lots of love
Terri
i have heard about this forum from someone, but i won't say who as i don't want to expose them.
i am in the process of evaluating my life as a jw.
it has been a pretty sad life - without a real feeling of 'belonging'.
Thank you for your welcomes.
I am not too familiar with this sort of thing, so please excuse me if I put my foot in it.
I will continue to read and learn - I am not very bright!
Terri