trying to understand the differences.
started this topic on the xjwsforchrist forum as well and would like to ask jwn posters the same question.
I think that spirituality and faith are part of the human condition that most religions to one degree or another use to control and often exploit.
One big difference in my view is that a spiritual person need not be burdened with the mind controlling (& brain damaging) concept of sin, which is the main device most religions use for control.
If there were no teachings on what is "sinful", the need for religions to interpret and control the actions of their followers would be nil.
they mean the leadership.
all of this is code for: one who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of jehovah's witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
but to be fair, jw's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of jehovah's witnesses, the governing body.
Heck no. I'm normal on the outside now. Lol.
Its just easier to bump up what I've already written on the matter as opposed to doing a new one. Lord knows I wrote enough about it.
they mean the leadership.
all of this is code for: one who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of jehovah's witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
but to be fair, jw's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of jehovah's witnesses, the governing body.
Trying to live. :) I'm still learning that little trick.
just reading through the manual that only elders have access to ..........and.
page 58 - "elders should act promptly when they receive a report of serious wrongdoing so as to safeguard the congregation and provide assistance to the wrongdoer.
neglecting to care for such matters can hinder the flow of jehovah's holy spirit to the congregation.
I was drawn to this and as a former elder, my impression is that this is one of the most abused points in the cult leadership handbook. (that's what the "Shepherding" really is)
Its great fun to watch an elder froth at the mouth out of the regard he has for the "free flow" of holy spirit in the congregation. Words like this give elders with control issues a free pass to spiritually and emotionally abuse people.
I look back with pity at those still in, and ESP with the elders who believe that bullsh*t.
they mean the leadership.
all of this is code for: one who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of jehovah's witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
but to be fair, jw's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of jehovah's witnesses, the governing body.
Bumping up for an old/new friend. :)
where you're an ex-jw or still a jw, if you live in miami, florida (broward/palm beach county is cool too), i want to hear your story.
i've already given mine, but i'll tell it again just for the purpose of this thread.. i was researching masturbation because of the fact that the wt makes it out to be such a bad thing despite admitting that it isn't even mentioned in the bible.
along with that, i was researching "porneia" in general, and then i discovered this site.
Grew up in Hollywood. left in 1995.
where's the damn "little yellow smiley face guy eating popcorn emoticon"?.
.
Farkel, how do you get Internet access to that little cabin in the woods you live in?
at 37 years of age, i'm much to young for feeling this damn old, so apologies for sounding less than idealistic, but...... we need people who will be honest and true to themselves.
having offered jws the entire decade of my 20's while they tried to suck out my soul, i have come to appreciate how little of a desire these days i have to change the world.
which was sad at first.
It's not that I care whether or not someone wants JWs to go away. I wish they weren't around. If I can point out one difference, someone like Randy Watters wants to help those who want to help themselves. That exposé of what the JWs are really is way more powerful than internal movements IMO.
Lets pretend for a moment that a group or movement did bring down JWs. What would you be left with? People in need of help. Bitter people who would try to start their own cult.
If you must, go for it if that's your calling. I personally feel its a waste of time, but more power to you for the attempt.
at 37 years of age, i'm much to young for feeling this damn old, so apologies for sounding less than idealistic, but...... we need people who will be honest and true to themselves.
having offered jws the entire decade of my 20's while they tried to suck out my soul, i have come to appreciate how little of a desire these days i have to change the world.
which was sad at first.
Sauerkraut, all the best to you. There is never a one size fits all solution where leaving JWs are concerned.
I agree with everyone here. Long Hair Girl, I think you're right. They'll change and evolve, which doesn't seem fair, but that's how the cookie crumbles.
Leavingwt, I know my leaving affected a lot of people. They were stronger with me, weaker without me. I'm stronger without them. :)
there are a lot of interesting people that frequent this site.. sometimes, we get an idea of what the posters are really like in "real life".
and i'm sure i could be easily surprised by some that you think might be strong personalities because of their board presence, and in reality, they might be shy in a face to face setting.. i would enjoy meeting simon.
simon used to be terribly annoyed by my posting and now i think he's accepted with tolerance my being here.. farkel seems like a grouchy cantankerous fellow but i think he'd be very interesting company!.
It's funny that this thread is here. I was thinking about this the other day, because I have been a loner since I left. I will keep the names of the people I want to meet here to myself, but I would like to meet a few people and I think it would do me good.
Ok, I do want to meet Farkel and Terry for the intellectual stimulation. And Randy Watters at some point for sure.
I met a few people when I first left on a similar site. Overall, a positive experience, but then I went into exile. One of these days..... :)
