My response now is much different that my response was after I left which I assume is probably the same for most people...LOL but although I'm not pro-religion (agnostic really), I guess I would suggest the person pray since they would be in that mindset already. If the person doesn't feel right about things, then their gut feeling is telling them something and I would hope that they would consider their gut feeling as an answer to their prayers. Then take a step back and really look at the history of your religion. Take a year off and look at independent scholarly writings about religion in general and where JWs fit into the history of world religions. It's quite surprising since JWs are a modern phenomenon.
We have to admit there are many tangible aspects of JWs that draw people to it and keep them there. It's highly organized and there is a sense of global unity and brotherhood. People feel like they belong to something special, they feel wanted and needed. The publishing operations in NY and in branch offices are very impressive, they are efficient, organized and well-maintained. However are these aspects that define a true religion? When considering the fundamentals of religion and faith, are these aspects important in one's salvation? Does our membership and status in a particular religion define our spirituality and how God views us? Among global religions, corporations and publishers, is the WTBTS the only one that is just as organized and efficient?
The next step is to really consider the Bible. Why is the NWT special? Why are other versions that were used for centuries not good enough? If Jehovah inspired the writings in the Bible (Torah and New Testament) in the first place and directed it's publication and translation throughout history, did he make mistakes in other editions? Who really wrote the verses, what were their objectives and why were some "books" left out? Who really compiled the books of the Bible? And finally, is the Bible meant to be read literally? Why do JWs and other fundamentalist religions base core beliefs on specific verses but don't view other ones as literally? Is it our place to decide which verses support our cause while other verses don't support the overall belief system?
Since I was raised a JW, I had a period where I was a model witness, pioneered, ministerial servant and all that, but I recall times in my adolescence and teenage years where I felt that things were wrong and sometimes I felt detached from everyone else in the congregation. I wished I had the understanding and self-actualization to go with my feelings, but when you're raised a witness, there's a lot of pressure to conform and perform (if you know what I mean).
I cringe when many former JW's leave and immediately become involved in another fundamentalist belief systems. As individuals we really need to take a year or two off from religion and explore, deprogram if you will and learn to enjoy life aside from religion as independent and intelligent creatures. We need space to explore our core belief systems which are enhanced by studying and reading many sources. Take some history and religion course at a college. One publication I found helpful is, "Finding Your Religion: When the Faith You Grew Up With Has Lost Its Meaning" by Scotty McLennan. Very informative and he explores all Eastern and Western religions during his own personal search.
Bottom line (I tend to ramble): independent research and free inquiry and taking the responsibility to really know the history of one's religion. We cannot allow others to dictacte what is right and true, this has to be made from our own determination and we must realize that this is not constant. Our beliefs and outlook changes over time from our individual experiences. (This is different than the infamous "new light" issues that plagues the Society)
Regards,
NYCkid
