Posts by wannabfree

29

Do You Think Jehovah's Witnesses Are Truly Happy?

by StAnn in

i've been wondering about this a lot lately.

when i was a jw, i was always miserable because i was so busy trying to keep up with everyone else, i.e., field service hours, dressing appropriately, having the right attitude, feeling guilty about desiring things not approved by the wts, such as an education.

my own experience as a jw was so filled with unhappiness that it never occurred to me that anybody in the wts could actually be happy and have a joyful life.

wannabfree

I wasn't. And if the others were I wondered..., why so much gossip? so much depression and anxiety disorders, etc... seems that many emabraced various labels, maybe (to explain inadequacy) needing an excuse one way or the other for not meeting the same high standards of others in their works of faith, ie, mtg attendance, being on the TMS, ministry, conducting studeis, etc (any 'lack' perceived could be more easily overlooked if you had an "illness.")

on the comment, "most people in the world aren't happy" I have a question.

But do they know and maintain a personal relationship with the most high over all the earth, JEHOVAH? If there should be no difference in these 2 mental states, (those who are "in" with god and those who don't know God) then why bother? Does it make sense that we shoud feel no better, no happier for serving the "happy god"? Are we in no way advantaged?

Personally, I wonder in hindsight, how anyone could have all "gods righteous requirements" to meet over their head, all these works of faith to perform steadily, sacrifice all the world has to offer, holidays (which some of us enjoy), higher education, our choice of friends and mates, hobbies, etc... and all this doing "just so" to "probably be concealed i nthe day of his anger" how could they be truly happy. Thinking about your odds consciously has to dampen the spirit a bit. At the very least,would certainly help explain the mental and emotional disorders so ocmmon among god's happy people.

Just a thought.

14

How long must you suffer?

by Magick in

jw
friends

...for being involved with jehovah's witnesses?

2 years?.

5 years?.

wannabfree

Nice to hear you are doing so well after moving on from all the brainwashing. Life is for the living.

Are you affiliated with any other religion? My friend and I are exploring spirituality, conclusions still forthcoming. Perhaps it's as Einstein implied, 65 years ago, "there seems to be some kind of intelligence working its way through nature..." Who knows?

But the witnesses stance that only less than 1% deserve to live on the earth in paradise, while the rest can go up in smoke, is so ugly. And many religions seem to have trace of this kind of god in their mind. I feel morally passionate about dissipating this myth whenever possible.

14

How long must you suffer?

by Magick in

jw
friends

...for being involved with jehovah's witnesses?

2 years?.

5 years?.

wannabfree

Interesting question. I've seen some linger in the agony for years. I strongly suggest therapy to help sort out the negatives. I was very lucky to have a close friend to talk things through with as it all unraveled before us, we had each other for strength. It's no small thing to realize you've been duped so completely for 25 of your adult prime years. You're embarrassed and lost, along with a host of other mixed emotions.

Also, critically important is the close examination of what "god" looks like to you post WT, because you'll find your self-image depends largely on it. Jehovah is a harsh "god" exacting exclusive devotion from his servants. Feelings of inadequacy will lurk in the psyche until that judgmental eye in the sky image is gone completely. Just food for thought.

Loved Ghandi's words quoted in the previous post.