as i sit in front of my computer in a drunken stupor wondering what might have been, i felt i had to post my story to those who might truly understand what i am going through.. i am a newbie here, but have been lurking around for the last few weeks.
i am 25 years old, from ontario, and totally heartbroken.. to give you some background, back in 1998, i studied with the witnesses because some friends of mine, whom i believe to be honest and sincere people, gave me (i thought at the time) some good advice to start a book study.
i did, and i really enjoyed it because i felt they presented everything factually and had a strong interpretation of the scriptures (i'm a facts man, you see).
Hi Jeremy, you asked
If she trusted me with her heart and soul, why did she say that what I had to say was "probably all crap?"
The short answer is mind control. She has had it drummed into her head that she will be persecuted even by her loved ones. She has been taught that she can only trust the Watchtower organisation.
I am glad you are moving on, it is the wisest thing to do.
It is good that you posted here. Welcome. You will find support here, and understanding.
Regards
esther
*** g94 11/8 20 have i committed the unforgivable sin?
masturbation is an unclean habit.
(2 corinthians 7:1) however, the bible does not class it with serious sins such as fornication.
*** g94 11/8 20 Have I Committed the Unforgivable Sin? ***Masturbation is an unclean habit. (2 Corinthians 7:1) However, the Bible does not class it with serious sins such as fornication. In fact, it does not mention it at all. Therefore, a lapse into masturbation would hardly be unforgivable.
Since it isn't mentioned in the bible, how could the WTS decide it is a sin at all?
After all, it can't be just something that occurs in our century. So, if it was wrong, the bible would have mentioned it.
i love quotes of wisdom, so i thought i'd post some for others who like them too.
.
bew
Nothing much happens without a dream. For something really great to happen, it takes a really great dream -Robert Greenleaf
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination -Tommy Lasorda
Be like a postage stamp. Stick to something until you get there -Josh Billings
Many of life's failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up -Thomas Edison
esther
simon did away with the sex forum - so i must take the tradional route and post under "make new friends.
" how mundane!.
fyi ---- for all of us, please take the time to write a sentence or two about yourselves, and encourage new ones to do the same.
Welcome Missy. You said
They spoke as though they were trying to convince me. At least that is how it felt
They were, your husband believes that your life depends on it. And yes, the speaking loudly is in the hope of convincing you that it is 'the truth'.
As the others in this thread said, your gut is right. If you read some of the other threads, you might be able to come up with some subtle questions to ask him.
Have you visited the ajwrb (Associated Jehovah's Witnesses for the Reform of Blood site? It was set up by Jehovah's Witnesses, including elders. One link is > http://www.ajwrb.org/about.shtml
There is one place in the site that goes into the history of the blood issue, and how the society has changed the rules
esther
caring for the needy not!
when i first became a jw in the late 1960s and all the years thereafter, the watch tower society would frequently boast about the loving care and concern that jws show among themselves, providing for the needy during disasters, even helping the world.
the society would publish in the magazines, or comments at conventions about how the world observed our efficiency and overwhelming spirit of giving.. what about the rest of the year?
Amazing you said
What I cannot understand is how the Elders could so easily justify the Society bending rules to smuggle literature and other forbidden supplies, or how the Elders can fail to report sex offenders as required by many state laws, but then take such a strong righteous stand when it came to a brother providing help to the needy
IMO, the reason for this stand is that brother C's actions did not (a) Get good press for the WTBTS, (b) Sell literature, so that the WTBTS did not have financial gains and (c) Did not follow the guidelines of seeking first the laws of the society. That is, he failed to go out in FS for the required hours, and he missed meetings. Remember that these guidelines are what the society uses as a measure of spirituality
Thank you for your posts
esther
i love quotes of wisdom, so i thought i'd post some for others who like them too.
.
bew
Things do not happen; things are made to happen -John F Kennedy
Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees -J Willard Marriot
Most bold change is the result of a hundred thousand tiny changes that culminate in a bold product or procedure or structure -Thomas Peters
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them -Walt Disney
esther
i love quotes of wisdom, so i thought i'd post some for others who like them too.
.
bew
If a man does his best, what else is there? -General George S Patton
The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Bach, Mozart settled down day after day to the job at hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They didn't waste time waiting for inspiration -E Newman
esther
watchtower-july 1, 2001 article "do not let doubt destroy your faith".
this article is stunning!!!
the "spiritual gems" found in this article are in my opinion priceless.
Hi Joanne, thanks for posting this, and for your great remarks.
I have been thinking about this for a while
the faithful and discreet slave.
That is one of their favourite expressions. There are a couple of definitions in my dictionary for slave. (1) 'person who is the legal property of another or others and is bound to absolute obedience, human chattel' (2) 'helpless victim to or of some dominating influence, drudge, person having no leisure'.
IMO, neither definition fits the WTS, but, rather it fits the R&F.
So who really is the faithful and discreet slave????
esther
Riz, sticking to the topic, it has been a lovely warm day here in Queensland, getting cool tonight. The weather here is pretty good most of the year.
esther
hello all.....after months of lurking....both here and on h2o...i have decided to take the plunge and become active here.
i am a former jw.....3rd generation.
i walked away and haven't looked back.
Welcome to the board from me too, Tica. It is a great place to be
esther
