Posts by Phaedra

i really do not like that word (apostate), as used to represent someone who decided to remove themselves, or was removed from the influence of the watchtower... but i am curious.. how long have websites like these been in existence?

when did this movement begin?.

personally, how long did it take for you to dare exploring information outside the watchtower publications, about jehovah's witnesses (especially online)?.

Phaedra

Visiting places where xJWs went? Since about '97.

Phae

76

What is the biggest regret or source of resentment because of being a Jehovahs Witness?

by stuckinarut2 in

i'm sure we could all write long paragraphs about this question, but in a few words, what is your biggest regret, or frustration in life due to being a witness?.

what missed opportunities did it cost you?

.

Phaedra

A virtual born-in pulled into the collective before I could speak, my whole worldview, mental, and emotional disposition was shaped by this organization. I was never allowed to naturally grow and bloom into the kind, caring, creative me that I was intended to be. When I left in my 20s, it took me years to figure out where the JWs ended and I began.

Phae

37

Have you noticed the common practice is to knock indivual's self esteem?

by stuckinarut2 in

in another thread, one of our members made a comment that caught my attention.. i have been trying to put my finger on a practice amongst the org and witnesses in general.... as soon as someone does something well, accomplishes something, or excels at something, the atmosphere effectiveley 'kicks them in the gut' to bring them down.. anything that makes a person grow or develop is blatently discouraged and therefore self esteem is squashed!.

the constant message telling a witness to be 'humble' is designed to suck any sense of growth or 'betterment' out of a person..... therefore this leaves the average witness to be a blubbering mess of insecurity and instability completely dependant on the organization...kind of like a 'battered-wife' scenario.... .

Phaedra

As soon as someone does something well, accomplishes something, or excels at something, the atmosphere effectiveley 'kicks them in the gut' to bring them down.

Being a JW assures a lifetime of treadmill walking with a carrot dangling in front of you.

You are never allowed to be "ok" where you are.

If you hit a milestone (studying, enrolling in school, pioneering, etc.), someone is there to usher, help, guilt you into, shepherd, and encourage taking the next step.

I can still hear the haunting echoes of assemblies past, "Are you reaching out, Brothers? Or have you become complacent? Is your service to Jehovah whole-souled?"

Their math is always A=B: (A) if you're not reaching out to the next level of service, then (b) somehow you are deficient.

If you are (A) pursuing education for a better job, then (b) you are materialistic.

The JW culture fosters an atmosphere of never-enough, guilt, and perfectionsim.

Phae

20

Do you still keep in touch with the Witnesses?

by Iamallcool in

jw
friends

Phaedra

I do. With family in and all...

Phae

16

Japanese Tea Ceremony

by jgnat in

when pushed in a discussion this spring, about what i believe now, i likened spirituality to a japanese tea ceremony.

i believe a good part of our experience and knowing comes from a vast well of the inexpressible.

try and explain it with words is just not the same.

Phaedra

*sigh*

Yes, obviously, a highly personal and inarticulate affair. I wish I could share it with more of you.

jgnat,

Beautiful share.

Phae