Posts by viewaskew

10

Missing girl who is a Jehovah's Witness, needs blood transfusion

by viewaskew in

i know others have posted about a 14 year-old witness who was ordered by a canadian court to accept a blood transfusion.

the girl and her family have apparently run away...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=23700

viewaskew

I know others have posted about a 14 year-old Witness who was ordered by a Canadian court to accept a blood transfusion. The girl and her family have apparently run away... http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=23700

15

I want to get a different Bible than the NWT. Which version?

by ithinkisee in

.

any suggestions?

i'd like to have several different ones, but what is a fairly good version to start using out of the gate?.

viewaskew

I recently bought NIV, NCV, NLT and NJB - I think I spent about $30, there are some good deals at amazon used, ebay or bookcloseouts.com. I've noticed that NIV seems to be the most recommended, but it's good to have others to compare it to. The parallel bible idea is a good one, but they were out of my price range. Some other suggestions - at amazon, you can 'look inside' most bibles to see if you like the font, language, layout, whatever... christianbook.com also allows you to see page excerpts, and I ordered one of my bibles (NLT, $10) from discountbible.com because they can inscribe your name on the cover.

5

My Story

by JohnZogby in

jw
friends

i have been dating an unbaptized jw girl for the past 2 years.

we are both 20 years old, and of course her parents did not approve of her dating me (they actually started out not minding, but have become more "spiritual" in the past years, and it then became a huge issue).

the only way her parents would allow her to date me, and im using the word date lightly, is if i started attending meetings and moving towards becoming a jw.

viewaskew

Don't run. I think some girls are worth it, and I think if you love this girl, you shouldn't abandon her to the 'truth.' Yes, it's difficult. I was in a similar situation, and even though I knew some of the negative aspects of the organization, a couple of years slipped by, we were feeling isolated and needy, and I almost got pulled back in. So my biggest advice to you is to continue associating with those who've been there and escaped, keep fresh in your mind the lives that have been destroyed because of arbitrary decisions made by some misguided men in Brooklyn. This life, if you choose it, probably won't be easy. Studying isn't enough. You will not be accepted by them unless you are completely assimilated. And you don't want that to happen, so it seems inevitable that your relationship with her family will be strained at best. As mine is.

Despite the hardship, for me it's been worth it. One of the ironies of this religion is that it produces good, kind people, evidence of which you'll find on this board. Good luck.

52

What initially attracted you to your spouse?

by JH in

jw
friends

.

was it the looks.....the way he/she talked to you, a certain chemistry?.

.

viewaskew

Kindness and humor... we got to know each other through email, then phone calls. I was an Irish Catholic, she a JW in WV - her family and the elders tried to talk her out of meeting me. When she persisted, she was told she wasn't welcome back on the family property. This meant she had to stay with me in the motel, which became the reason she was disfellowshipped. We got married 10 days after meeting for the first time, but that was irrelevant - just the fact that we shared a room was enough for the action to be taken. So then we moved to Ireland and my mom had set up a meeting with an anti-cult group which paid apostates to help protect familes from 'new religious movements.' I got to witness a real confrontation between the apostate and an elder we'd asked to represent us. Fun times. The leader of the anti-cult group is a Mennonoite. Anyway, living in Ireland didn't work out so well so we moved back to the States after a few months. Our 5th anniversary was in February. That was a little more info than requested, but I felt like rambling.

26

Wacky quote about not killing DFd people

by rebel8 in

this is one of my fave quotes from the bizarre wt archives.

it illustrates how underhanded they are.

although this is an ?older?

viewaskew

I see the attitude as being the same too... it seems like every week our PO brings up some group of people who used to be stoned to remind us how much God hates gossips, apostates, those who don't go out in service, whatever. Then he adds the disclaimer "while we're not under the law..." blah blah blah. I'm so glad to be free of the guilt trips!

14

Deity of Jesus

by bryanlovesgod in

can i get a thorough explanation regarding the jehovah's witness's befief on the deity of christ.

is he god?

could you please be very specific and use scripture?

viewaskew

Sting, can you point me in the direction of some books which may help me accept that the Trinity is a Biblical teaching?

10

Where can i find the book crisis of conscience?

by swiftbreeze in

.

is it available in main stream book stores?

viewaskew

I couldn't afford it and it wasn't at our library so I asked them to order it for me, and they did. I sometimes wonder how many Witnesses have checked it out since then. I want to read 'In Search of Christian freedom' too.

8

2 Witnesses

by viewaskew in

i'm still technically an unbaptised publisher... i'm glad i came to my recent revelations before baptism.

anyway, basically i was stumbled by recent events in our hall... a respected pioneer sister tried to seduce my sister-in-law's husband.

and when that didn't work she went after another friend's husband.

viewaskew

Firstly, sorry I posted this twice. tried to fix the formating using the back key. Wont make that mistake again. I appreciate all the comments. Mustang, I'm lazy, I don't want another job and I ain't a good studier but I shall heed the NEVER GET CONFRONTATIONAL & NEVER COMMIT! advice :)

Adelmaal, I'm glad to read there's hope of a new understanding of the Bible. I already had a problem with their ignoring most of what Christ stood for and always harking on about the preaching thing. Just the fact that I can now consider other beliefs, read books by 'Christendom's' writers, is such a relief. Thanks also for your reasonable suggestions regarding ending the study. I hope to do so that way. My wife is already 'out' mentally... she wants to keep going so she can preserve some kind of relationship with her family.

Auntiejane, you are correct, I do want God in my life, and I do want the community aspect too. My wife and I live an isolated life, one of the reasons we were drawn to the WTS bull in the first place. The first step is the hardest, not knowing what kind of service or reaction awaits in each mysterious church building.

Hello Bryan.

Ruth, I figured they were lying. For some reason, this particular sister seems to have had preferential treatment. When the elders heard about my wife's supposed wrongdoing they arranged the judicial meeting immediately. Weeks went by without action after they learned of this sisters repeated transgressions. Then she abandons her husband and friends and all the elders do is council those left behind not to talk about it. My wife agrees with me that the organization is dangerous and controlling... I think she's scared to think too badly of the religion/cult because her family is heavily involved... she says she doesn't want to read these boards or Franz's book because she doesn't want to get bitter. I like the no explanation idea. I didn't want to lie and I don't want to confront them (I know how useless it would be especially with this guy, even the regular witnesses think he's a freak!) so that's the easiest solution. I can use the work schedule excuse.

From the duplicated topic, Link, I'm trying not to attract too much attention. Fading seems like a much better option, because I already know that simply by mentioning secular material, I'll be labeled apostate. This particular congregation seems a little more strict than most.

u/d, I know. Drama after drama. It's like there's a line of disfellowshipped people and sad stories behind them all. Most of the congregation are on antidepressents, the meetings are just one guiltrip after another... it's just so lacking in any kind of joy. I'm glad I got out when I did.

Check_Your_Premises, I think I've read most of the refutations, and I don't agree with most of the JW doctrine. Maybe further education will change my opinion, but my major issues are that I can't believe in a loving God and Hell (just like I can't believe in a loving God destroying 99.9% of humanity), and from a study of the Bible (not the NWT), I find arguments in favor of the Trinity unconvincing. About it being a cult... I admire Ray Franz, he's been to the very core of this thing and I respect his judgement. I think that the men on the governing body are misguided, that they think too highly of themselves and endanger their 'flock.' I think that the language used in their publications is manipulative, intentional or not. When I think of a cult, I think Waco or Heaven's Gate. I haven't gotten to the point where I view the WTS that way. They are simply wrong, and it has tragic reprucussions for many individuals and families who put their trust in them. I appreciate the site references. I'm not sure I had faith to keep intact... the problem with brainwashing is that it's the thoughts of others being inflicted on your mind, it's not self-motivated. So when I left, I had no faith. I have yet to find it.

Thanks again to all who replied, I mostly wanted advice on how to handle the study and reassurances that I'm taking the right step. The images of the WTS are very enticing and sometimes it's hard to remember that leaving is the right decision. But now I know what to do, so thanks.

10

2 Witnesses

by viewaskew in

i'm still technically an unbaptised publisher... i'm glad i came to my recent revelations before baptism.

anyway, basically i was stumbled by recent events in our hall... a respected pioneer sister tried to seduce my sister-in-law's husband.

and when that didn't work she went after another friend's husband.

viewaskew

I'm still technically an unbaptised publisher... I'm glad I came to my recent revelations before baptism. Anyway, basically I was stumbled by recent events in our Hall... a respected Pioneer sister tried to seduce my sister-in-law's husband. And when that didn't work she went after another friend's husband. However since there were not 2 witnesses, nothing was done. Our family was told to keep quiet, and I was even warned that judicial action could be taken if they engaged in gossip. Later, the sister mentioned above pretty much ran way with her friend's husband, both baptised Witnesses. there was still no action taken, no announcement made. The people in the Hall obviously wanted to know what had happened, and so the situation was talked about. The 'local needs' talk that week was about gossip, and it was scathing, about how some in the past were stoned for gossip, blah, blah, blah. Nothing has ever been said about this sister and brother who are currently living in sin and going through divorces. Privately, the elders have said to my sister-in-law that they can't take disfellowshipping action if the adultress refuses to meet with them. Taken on its own merits, this situation is bad enough, but when I think of how the elders probably act similarly if allegations of child abuse were raised, it is frightening and disgusting. That concern is what caused me to step back, and seek some real truth. So I read Crisis of Conscience last week, and was fascinated and disturbed, like many on this board, to read about how their votes, many of which are apparently not based on the 'bible-trained conscience', have ruined thousands of lives and continue to do so. My issue now, and the reason for my posting here, is that I don't know how to proceed. Obviously, I'd like to let them know what my issues are and simply stop going to meetings. This however would have an adverse effect on my wife, who is babtised, and was previously disfellowshipped. That experience nearly killed her and I don't want to risk it happening again. Also, I kind of like the in-laws and I'm not looking forward to being tarnished with the apostate brush. My wife has a 10-year-old niece who is baptised, and I'm guessing she has some difficult years ahead. I'd like us to have an opportunity to be there for her and not be isolated from the family again. Going to the ocassional meeting isn't easy but I could probably tolerate it. However, I'm not done with my Bible study... we have 3 chapters left in the Knowledge book, and they (an elder and his wife) want to study the Worship God book with us next. That, I'm not sure I can tolerate. Is there any way of ending this without being looked upon as one who is rejecting the truth? I feel I'm compromising my conscience by pretending, but I don't know how to leave without damaging the familial relationship, and possibly my marriage. My wife has asked me not to be truthful if I do end the study, because she knows she would come under inspection, and frankly she's thinking similarly, knowing that the organization is not after all under Jehovah's direction. In adition to advice on whether I should end the study and how to do so, I don't know where to go from here. I do feel there's a 'god-shaped hole,' that ignorance is bliss. But now I'm faced with some harsh realities. Tim McGraw had a song that mentioned how roads lead to drugs or Jesus, and I'm pretty much in agreement. I've been drinking too much in recent weeks, been very depressed. I'm considering seeing a doctor for anti-depressents. I don't know if many of those reading this have been able to keep some measure of faith without the organizational mess, but if so, I'd appreciate some advice. I feel like I want to find another religious community, obviously one a little less likely to do the shunning thing. Is it even possible for ex-JWs to go to a regular church after all the Bible 'training' we've had? I don't think I can accept the Trinity or Hellfire or any of that. I'm not even sure I can accept religion at all after being told again and again that there's only one true faith. Having rejected that, what are we left with? Anyway, sorry I rambled so much. I've enjoyed reading this forum in recent weeks and look forward to your replies.

8

2 Witnesses

by viewaskew in

i'm still technically an unbaptised publisher... i'm glad i came to my recent revelations before baptism.

anyway, basically i was stumbled by recent events in our hall... a respected pioneer sister tried to seduce my sister-in-law's husband.

and when that didn't work she went after another friend's husband.

viewaskew

I'm still technically an unbaptised publisher... I'm glad I came to my recent revelations before baptism. Anyway, basically I was stumbled by recent events in our Hall... a respected Pioneer sister tried to seduce my sister-in-law's husband. And when that didn't work she went after another friend's husband. However since there were not 2 witnesses, nothing was done. Our family was told to keep quiet, and I was even warned that judicial action could be taken if they engaged in gossip. Later, the sister mentioned above pretty much ran way with her friend's husband, both baptised Witnesses. there was still no action taken, no announcement made. The people in the Hall obviously wanted to know what had happened, and so the situation was talked about. The 'local needs' talk that week was about gossip, and it was scathing, about how some in the past were stoned for gossip, blah, blah, blah. Nothing has ever been said about this sister and brother who are currently living in sin and going through divorces. Privately, the elders have said to my sister-in-law that they can't take disfellowshipping action if the adultress refuses to meet with them. Taken on its own merits, this situation is bad enough, but when I think of how the elders probably act similarly if allegations of child abuse were raised, it is frightening and disgusting. That concern is what caused me to step back, and seek some real truth.

So I read Crisis of Conscience last week, and was fascinated and disturbed, like many on this board, to read about how their votes, many of which are apparently not based on the 'bible-trained conscience', have ruined thousands of lives and continue to do so.

My issue now, and the reason for my posting here, is that I don't know how to proceed. Obviously, I'd like to let them know what my issues are and simply stop going to meetings. This however would have an adverse effect on my wife, who is babtised, and was previously disfellowshipped. That experience nearly killed her and I don't want to risk it happening again. Also, I kind of like the in-laws and I'm not looking forward to being tarnished with the apostate brush. My wife has a 10-year-old niece who is baptised, and I'm guessing she has some difficult years ahead. I'd like us to have an opportunity to be there for her and not be isolated from the family again. Going to the ocassional meeting isn't easy but I could probably tolerate it. However, I'm not done with my Bible study... we have 3 chapters left in the Knowledge book, and they (an elder and his wife) want to study the Worship God book with us next. That, I'm not sure I can tolerate. Is there any way of ending this without being looked upon as one who is rejecting the truth? I feel I'm compromising my conscience by pretending, but I don't know how to leave without damaging the familial relationship, and possibly my marriage. My wife has asked me not to be truthful if I do end the study, because she knows she would come under inspection, and frankly she's thinking similarly, knowing that the organization is not after all under Jehovah's direction.

In adition to advice on whether I should end the study and how to do so, I don't know where to go from here. I do feel there's a 'god-shaped hole,' that ignorance is bliss. But now I'm faced with some harsh realities. Tim McGraw had a song that mentioned how roads lead to drugs or Jesus, and I'm pretty much in agreement. I've been drinking too much in recent weeks, been very depressed. I'm considering seeing a doctor for anti-depressents. I don't know if many of those reading this have been able to keep some measure of faith without the organizational mess, but if so, I'd appreciate some advice. I feel like I want to find another religious community, obviously one a little less likely to do the shunning thing. Is it even possible for ex-JWs to go to a regular church after all the Bible 'training' we've had? I don't think I can accept the Trinity or Hellfire or any of that. I'm not even sure I can accept religion at all after being told again and again that there's only one true faith. Having rejected that, what are we left with?

Anyway, sorry I rambled so much. I've enjoyed reading this forum in recent weeks and look forward to your replies.