i’ve been reading it for a few of years off and on, but have been a little too ... maybe ... timid to join.
i left the watchtower organization almost 20 years ago but never abandoned my faith and belief in god.
i knew the gb/organization didn’t represent god, so when i lost my faith in them, i managed to keep my faith in an all wise benevolent creator.
Hello Believer, although I am not a believer, I am supportive of those who still believe. I just wanted to clarify that it was not the Watchtower or things that happened to me in the organization that made lose my faith in God. Rather it was that being forced to confront my faith in the Watchtower started a process of questioning things, and that process eventually led to me questioning my belief in God, although it was many years later.
A small point, but one that is important to me.
something struck me the other day.. elders are told to maintain confidentiality with regard to the details of judicial cases or congregation "discipline" in an attempt to dignify individuals etc.. this is even the case for known child abusers!.
yet, if they suspect someone of being an "apostate", for instance being a member on this forum, they will spread such information far and wide, through the witness "grape vine" to congregations miles away (or even in other countries).
so, does that mean they place more importance on "apostasy" rather than child abuse?.
So, does that mean they place more importance on "apostasy" rather than child abuse?
Of course they do. It's a cult, any cult fears independent thinking far more than any sin, even child abuse. If you commit a sin then you are full of guilt and easily manipulated and kept in the dark. If you see through the lies you are a danger, because they can't control you and you can influence others as well, they consider you a cancer that has to be cut out.
yet another jwr refugee.
been active over there for a while now.
was quiet for the last couple months but just starting to 'reactive' myself again.
Welcome to JWN, nice to have some new members
Lisa 🌹
hey y'all.
i just wanted to officially make my debut on https://www.jehovahs-witness.com and introduce myself.
i'm an old jwrer, and it looks like i'll be dropping in on here now for cult updates and friendly conversation.. a little about myself:.
Welcome MarlboroBarbie, thehotone4u2, Chrisincredulous and any other new ones from JWR.
Lisa 🌹
hi everybody, i'm starrynight from jwr.
that's it... .
Welcome!
perhaps some of you remember a new understanding of the sheep and the goats in the epic march 2015 wt study edition - specifically the article "loyally supporting christ's brothers".. while this article was studied many months ago, it was instrumental in helping me wake up.
during my study of the 2015 article i recalled that we had just revised our understanding of the sheep and the goats a few years ago and this caused me to research the real progression of the jw understanding of this parable.
i put the results of my research in an excel spreadsheet.. .
they give financial contributions and help to build Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilitie
I wonder if anybody ever questions why they need to keep contributing and helping to build Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls and Branch facilities when there is almost no growth and in fact they are selling off many branch facilities?
You have to be truly be sheep like to not notice you are totally being fleeced.
i just tried to go to the site and there is a goodbye message.
i was a member there since 2010. i was really surprised.
i had just started posting there again after being away for a while.
A warm welcome to any who have come here from JW recovery. I hope you will find a home here and will feel comfortable sharing your story and become part of the group.
Lisa 🌹
so is anyone else having an existential crisis after becoming fully awake?
let me explain.
about 2 years ago i read coc, still believed and tried to get back in da troof.
Yes, I had an existential crisis, who wouldn't? It does get easier with time, but not if you try to drink it away. You know what's what, you just haven't fully embraced it yet.
So with this new found belief I have come to the conclusion that the best thing I can do is enjoy every day and to treat others as well as I can without compromising my own happiness, and I really do try to do this.
Bingo. This is enough, this is everything! When you realize that you will be fine. You are ahead of the game my friend.
a wonderful announcement to my friends in the forum.
i am no longer one of jehovah's witnesses.
in the month of may 2016 i wrote my resignation letter and gave it to the elders in my congregation.
I am very happy for you that you have woken up and stood up for yourself.
I would advise you to try to be careful with your parents if you are still living at home and dependent on them for support. You could go to a homeless shelter (better to look for one that caters to young people) if things get too bad, but that is a hard road. It might be better to moderate your attitude around them for the time being. Be careful that in your rebellion against the religion that you don't make bad decisions. Yes the religion is wrong, but staying away from drugs and drinking too much is good advice no matter what, and decisions you make now can have repercussions for your whole life. Get an education if at all possible, that is one rebellion against the Watchtower that will never hurt you.
Your dad is just trying to do what he believes is right for you, so try to remember that. When my kids were your age I was still a JW and believed that it was the only true religion, so of course I wanted them to believe that too. I have since learned better and have apologized to them for raising them in a cult and they have forgiven me, maybe your dad will wake up someday too.
I wish you well and hope things work out for you.
Lisa🌹
me and my wife were at the beach the other day and i finally told her, i don't think i believe in god anymore.
i fessed up to the fact that it started with me doubting some jw beliefs and then it just led me to this point where i don't even believe in god.
i wouldn't say that i even have a negative view towards jw's or religion in general.
Wow, that's a very individual decision, it's not something that someone could answer for you. Many have stayed in such a marriage and been happy, others have struggled and wish they hadn't. Some questions you might ask yourself:
How comfortable will you be having your children raised in something you don't believe in? It's one thing to deny your children sports, holidays, birthdays and higher education when you believe in it, it's another to see them missing out for no reason.
How does your wife feel about being with an unbeliever and having to go to the meetings alone? I was a JW married to a disfellowshipped person for 28 years. It was not a great time for me, I was often lonely and never really felt accepted in the congregation, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
How strong is your marriage? Can you see yourself happy with someone else? Will your wife possibly leave because of this?
How committed are you to remaining inactive (as opposed to DF or DA)? Do you have other family you would loose if you get disfellowshipped or DA? Are you OK with living a JW life (no voting/holidays/birthdays)?
Is there any possibility you could get your wife out? It's not easy, but some have done it.
