I had my doubts about a number of things. However, it was the bullying of the elders that lead me to investigate my doubts. I gave myself permission to research and question, to begin to use critical thinking. As a result, I was able to see the controlling nature of the Organization Once you see, you can't "unsee". My wife is slowly beginning to see as well. The unkindness and outright hateful lies of some very controlling and self righteous elders have played a large part in helping to wake her up.
helpmeout
JoinedPosts by helpmeout
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23
How many "leave the truth" because of the behaviour of harsh elders?
by stuckinarut2 injust wondering how many are assisted to wake up after experiencing harsh treatment from "the loving shepherds of the congregation"?.
perhaps some were starting to wake up, and such behaviour or treatment gave them the push to leave?.
as jesus supposedly said "come to me all who are toiling and loaded down, and i will refresh you.
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Should I talk to elders?
by Chook inthe whole world is rigged, whether its religious tribunals or local police enforcement, those who are paid by god or government are the enforcers .
should you talk to elders... well imagine that brooklyn had ordered these men to df anyone who says anything against the slave.
do you stand a chance , religious zealots are the most ruthless throughout history, look into it , it's scary to think we believed a magazine that we thought came from god .
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helpmeout
The Searcher 3 hours ago
LANDY - How can you say that it's easier to agree with everything they say?
Maybe some could, but I certainly couldn't.
However, as a word of warning, I've been informed of a recent case where a family politely declined their elders' offer to talk about a personal situation. Taking this rebuttal as a personal insult to the elders' "authority & power," they gave a marking talk against the family, and their shunning outside the K.H. continues.
The scumbags will do whatever they want to try and force you to submit to their "
theocraticdemonic arrangement."This has happened to my family. Control is the name of the game. Sincere, good hearted people don't go along with their nonsense.
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My 14-year-old niece is being disfellowshipped
by keyser soze ini was contacted by my ex sister-in-law yesterday.
she asked me if i wanted to spend some time with my niece, while she went to her sister's baby shower.
it turns out my niece can't go because she's about to be disfellowshipped at the ripe old age of 14. .
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helpmeout
This is one of the most despicable things about this cult. My 16 year old daughter was not baptized. The elders have been total assholes. They have tried to bully and cajole my wife and me. The have interfered with our family and caused much needless stress and anxiety. The good news is that my wife is slowly waking up to the truth about this destructive cult. My daughter has decided that she wants nothing to do with it. I can just imagine the pressure and bullying we would have to endure if these idiot men had the power to disfellowship my daughter. As it stands, they have only the power we allow them. They systematically use disfellowshipping to emotionally blackmail old and young alike. However, in the case of young people, this is especially reprehensible. I was a born in and am slowly trying to extricate myself from this harmful cult while trying to keep my family in tact. I applaud others in similar circumstances and wish you all the best. -
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The memorial songs sucked.
by DATA-DOG ini don't know who the idiots are that write, or approve these songs, ( the creative team of lett and tomo??
) but they suck!!
there is a line in the first song ( # 147 ) that blatantly contradicts the wtbts dogma of the heavenly calling being an invitation as opposed to a sure thing.
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helpmeout
I agree with the title of this thread. I think the plan is to phase out anything that reminds people of what this religion used to be. The re-branding is almost complete. The theme of the memorial talk this year should have been "Look but don't touch." The Watchtower study for this Sunday was timed perfectly to convey the idea that anyone who partook at the memorial is likely an unbalanced fake. Either way, STFU. This organization continues to be masterful at manipulation. The upside is that it is becoming much easier to wake up. The people in my congregation who are 100% into this are few and far between. Interesting to see how this all plays out. -
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March Broadcast - Remove the Rafter - Adjust Your attitude
by helpmeout inif you have watched the march broadcast you will understand the topic title.
another propaganda piece intended to subtly blame the victim.
i would like to see them present a clip showing an arrogant self righteous elder interfering in the personal affairs of a family.
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helpmeout
It is all show. There are some very nice people who are Jehovah's Witnesses. However, they would be very nice people even if they weren't Jehovah's Witnesses. The experience of my family is that the organizational structure is set up to support the bullying tactics of those who choose to act in an unkind and manipulative way. Once you see TTATT, you can deal effectively with it. I am now watching as my wife comes to the realization that these people are shallow and unloving UNLESS you behave according to their agenda. It is distressing for me to watch her going through this "grieving" process. I have to hold back from telling here everything I have come to know about TTATT. We have been so manipulated that any critical thinking immediately sets off alarm bells. I appreciate this forum and all who make intelligent and kind contributions to it. -
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March Broadcast - Remove the Rafter - Adjust Your attitude
by helpmeout inif you have watched the march broadcast you will understand the topic title.
another propaganda piece intended to subtly blame the victim.
i would like to see them present a clip showing an arrogant self righteous elder interfering in the personal affairs of a family.
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helpmeout
If you have watched the March broadcast you will understand the topic title. Another propaganda piece intended to subtly blame the victim. I would like to see them present a clip showing an arrogant self righteous elder interfering in the personal affairs of a family. Then show the damage he has caused to the relationships and reputations of those involved. Then show the elder carrying on as though he bears no responsibility for the harm inflicted. I'm sure that scenario would probably resonate with many, many people. Manipulation and control is the hallmark of this cult organization. -
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A conversation with my dad
by magotan ini talked to my dad today, after i text him when i was angry after a night out.
i'm starting to get closure on my parents relationship with regards to me.the dynamic between them versus me is abusive.
my dad didn't think i had any reason to be bitter.he said i chose to leave "jehovahs people" and this is what i should expect as treatment.
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helpmeout
Shunning is emotional blackmail. There is no other way around it. It is not scriptural. Men have twisted scripture to make a system to control others. Would a God of love really intend to introduce this much misery into the lives people? This one teaching alone convinces me that jw's are not God's voice to humanity. Unfortunately, for those of us who are born in or long time members, the trap has been set and it is not an easy thing to extricate oneself. I have a wife and 16 year old daughter. My wife struggles with the idea that this is not the "TRUTH". My daughter has flat out rejected the cult. My wife and I can see that she is blossoming as a normal young woman with her caring friends who give her unconditional love and support.
Your father may one day come to the realization that he is in a mind controlled cult. In the meantime, live your life as best you can. Try to avoid bitterness that will not help you or your trapped family. A happy life, well lived, is the best way to combat the abusive behaviour of this mind numbing, manmade system of control.
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Specific Comments By R&F About May Broadcast
by freemindfade ini know there are many posts discussing the may money requesting televangalism...er... broadcast i mean!
but i wanted to start one where anyone can put what they have heard any non-exjw, non-apostate witnesses say good or bad about the broadcast.
i don't see how it can't rattle followers... but then again i might be surprised how they can twist things (2+2=5).
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helpmeout
My dear wife, who does not like to be critical or listen to any negative comments, has refused to watch any of the tv broadcasts. She feels that Jehovah is not going to require people to have the internet in order to be found worthy of life. We are on a metered internet connection. She prefers to play a few of her favourite games rather than waste precious data on watching tv. When I mentioned the May broadcast to her and encouraged her to watch it, she said that she is not interested. She does not have any money to donate so it is not of any concern to her. I think that her feelings are mirrored my many many jws. While most jws are uncomfortable expressing their doubts and concerns; money talks. The one thing a doubting jw can do is to stop donating. This will speak volumes. -
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Just Want To Be Heard
by dubstepped ini've been lurking here for a while now, and i guess you could call me a fader.
i don't have hate in my heart for the organization that i spent most of my life in, but i have had an awakening.
luckily, so has my wife, and that way i don't feel so alone.
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helpmeout
Beautiful thoughts. Well expressed! Thank you. -
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The Watchtower logically prefers everyone that knows TTATT to disfellowship themselves
by enigma1863 inevery active jw that stays in hiding their knowledge about ttatt is a hole in the watchtower wall.
i propose those who can stay in, should, especially if they have high positions.
how else can we know what they are up to?
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helpmeout
FreeMindFade :I think this is a new era for that, I remember when I would have doubts in the past when I was in and doing as well as I could, it would be presented to me that if I didn't think it was gods org I should leave, suggesting that I shouldn't let them hold me back from being an immoral person.
I agree with this statement. My wife says this to me all the time. But I insist that it is my decision if and when I leave. I will not be bullied into staying nor will I be bullied into leaving. No one should judge another on this because we all have our own set of circumstances. We are all victims and we need to take our time and decide what is best for us individually. Right now, I choose to stay and watch. My wife and mother and other family members are all in. I need to take my time and understand the dynamics involved and the consequences of any actions that I take. I feel more in control of my life than I ever have before. Knowing TTATT is freedom even if we choose to keep the cage door shut for the time being.