Wow..I'm very impressed with many people's courage to talk with their parents so forthright about doctrinal issues that are wrong. When I spoke with my family I just basically stated that I didn't believe this was God's approved organization on earth. I didn't get into the doctrines, just said there was absolutely no difference with other organized religions claiming the same thing. I could not be a part of something I didn't believe. It was much milder than your conversation for sure. But I'm hoping baby steps...little by little....One thing at a time. What I've noticed myself is that unless there is some sort of disappointment with the organization on a more human level, they will never question or research doctrine. Many actually believe, that although things may not be correct, it's still the best way to live your life right now..Of course, they really don't know any other alternative, and most won't consider it even. So I'm hoping in my family they will continue to get discouraged with the way people are mistreated in the congregation and big mistakes are made in judgement. My family is probably alot like your in that they are very balanced naturally good people and are turned off by injustice. I hope that is what will make them rethink their religion.....
mentalclearness
JoinedPosts by mentalclearness
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70
The fade is over, talked to my parents last night. (very very long)
by Paralipomenon inthere would never be a good time to have this conversation.
quite different from most people raised a witness, i have very few horror stories about my upbringing.
my family was just a family, my mom and dad fought and argued, my siblings and i misbehaved and got in trouble.. .
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The fade is over, talked to my parents last night. (very very long)
by Paralipomenon inthere would never be a good time to have this conversation.
quite different from most people raised a witness, i have very few horror stories about my upbringing.
my family was just a family, my mom and dad fought and argued, my siblings and i misbehaved and got in trouble.. .
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mentalclearness
Wow..I'm very impressed with many people's courage to talk with their parents so forthright about doctrinal issues that are wrong. When I spoke with my family I just basically stated that I didn't believe this was God's approved organization on earth. I didn't get into the doctrines, just said there was absolutely no difference with other organized religions claiming the same thing. I could not be a part of something I didn't believe. It was much milder than your conversation for sure. But I'm hoping baby steps...little by little....One thing at a time. What I've noticed myself is that unless there is some sort of disappointment with the organization on a more human level, they will never question or research doctrine. Many actually believe, that although things may not be correct, it's still the best way to live your life right now..Of course, they really don't know any other alternative, and most won't consider it even. So I'm hoping in my family they will continue to get discouraged with the way people are mistreated in the congregation and big mistakes are made in judgement. My family is probably alot like your in that they are very balanced naturally good people and are turned off by injustice. I hope that is what will make them rethink their religion.....
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Do you think JW's grow and mature as they age?
by megsmomma ini ask because my ex, who is still a jw and my 9 year old's dad (hence the still knowing him part) hardley seems to change at all over the years.
i do know he is now an elder....and he doesn't have time for much fun.
(they are usually broke and busy with meetings, ect.
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mentalclearness
This is such an excellent post. I think that although intellectually you might grow at some point, the lack of experience from living in a bubble wher most of your point of reference are the jw's and their beliefs stunts average emotional maturity. I know for a fact that many are naive (almost child-like) especially because you grow up assuming so many things and not really proving them for yourself. I had someone from this forum tell me that he had read a research article stating that adult jw's had he emotional maturity of your average twelve year old...hmmmstill waiting for that link.....
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who's fault is it?
by bigdreaux inwhen it comes to the society, are they to blame for the control they use upon the members, or is it the peoples fault?
should we blame the society for tricking people?
or is it the people that let themselves be tricked?
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mentalclearness
My own opinion is that it's a person's fault for not investigating (even before internet) before committing. There are several red alerts that would pop up to your average person (no offense)...
On the other hand, once you are baptized, it's the society's fault for making it so difficult to leave. All the emotional blackmail, etc..
Of course those of us raised in it are a whole different story.. -
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Real Friends are forever
by Maddie ini been thinking about friends i have had in my life.
there are different types of friends,most come and go for different reasons.
some friendships are conditional like jw's, but true frienship is something really special.. the heart needs friendship to make us feel that we belong to life.. we need special people who accept us just as we are, who make us laugh when we need to,.
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mentalclearness
I have many acquaintances but few real friends. I'm happy to count among them a childhood friend who is still a JW and I can talk to about everything. She has truly proven herself to be called my friend...
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People are Born Scientists
by WTWizard init might not seem that way, the way science has a bad reputation of being so difficult in school.
but, babies and small children are actually born wired to science.
at that age, they are learning how to do things.
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mentalclearness
Could not agree with you more...I have huge issues with the way children are educated in schools. Their natural curiosity is completely squashed. Of course the meetings are even more ridiculous. But their intent is not to teach..Like many other fundamental religions they are indoctrinating...whole different ballgame.. It's also crazy to expect children to sit still during two hours of talking when they don't even understand. I am an adult and I couldn't even sit still.
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Inattentive elders...anyone else experience this?
by B_Deserter ineveryone always talks about the elders and people in the congregation coming around to see why you aren't at meetings...but i've never experienced this.
i've been away from the meetings for months, and not one single elder has called me.
my friends occasionally call me but never bring up my lackluster attendance.
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mentalclearness
From what I've noticed and my own experience, elders usually take an interest in you (home visits) when you have already commited some wrong doing and are at the brink of being df'ed...You can be years in a hall and not inform field service or be irregular and it's not really a huge deal for them..That's why so many slip through the cracks..by the time they finally take an interest it's usually too late anyways...I think their is more importance on "cleansing the congregation" than on actually helping you if you are weak...I guess that's why it's easy for us who have always been on the fringes can make a clean break.
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Jesus is the answer!
by startingover ini hope it worked.
my intent with the title of this thread was to attract both believers and non-believers.
whenever a thread appears promoting the wonders of jesus, it will inevitably develop into a back and forth discussion ad nauseam.. i was born into a family that believed there was a god, he had a son jesus and his word was the bible.
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mentalclearness
I believe Jesus was a real human being who existed. And he was a prophet..Beyond that I do not know the absolute truth. But I'm probably one of those people that don't need him or god to be happy and content in my life. Reading the posts of others hasn't influenced me just as being a JW for years and reading their publications couldn't convince me of certain doctrines.
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Why I have issues with Christianity
by bigwilly inaside from the jw bullshit of course.. so, i'm at work and taking phone calls as is my job.
a customer called up looking for pricing and information about some material and whether or not home despot sells equal quality product.
being the honest (for a salesman at least :p) person that i am, i answered her questions to the best of my ability.. after this was done, she asked me what my name was.
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mentalclearness
I know what you mean Kenan..(I'm sorry I just can't say Bigwilly and still be serious lol)
I think you're referring to christian fundamentalists. Not all christians. Self righteousness and high horsie ness (?) isn't just limited to JW's you know. And as for Narkissos observation about western secularism I am in full agreement. But that also comes from being taught from so little in the school system that your country is the best and has the best political system....Of course most of the people who have this opinion have never experienced life outside the U.S.
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Interesting announcement made at the Assembly
by mind my own inthis goes back a year ago, my mom was trying to get me to go to the district convension b/c there was a major announcement being made.
of course i didn't go (why go back after all these years?).
anyway, she called me when it was over and i asked her what the announcement was.
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mentalclearness
Exactly WTWizard!!!
Where's the freaking peace and security??? And as far as I can see ever since 9/11 there has been an increased interest in religion..Just look at all the emotional evengelical fundamental churches exploding with people...In fact thanks to the fact that the world does seem to be so crazy people are going BACK to church....