Posts by BreakingAway

8

Going back, even for a party, was kinda traumatic...

by littletree in

jw
friends

my mom called last week to tell me that i'd been invited to the high school graduation party of two girls from my former congregation.

i went because these weren't just any girls; they'd been more like little sisters to me, best friends, right up until i purposely drifted away from the jws in 2003 {my brief jw bio: i started going to the hall with my re-instated mom when i was about 6 years old; i got baptized at her urging when i was 14, on septermber 1, 1991; i was a bible-loving, whole-hearted witness youth until age 25; then i left after a year of "apostate" reading at 26, attending my last meeting at a district convention on september 1, 2003; i've only been back for 1 memorial, and about 5 other times to visit family members or old "friends" at their various halls.

} so yesterday i attended the party (at a seafood restaurant), bringing my wonderful "worldly" husband of 2 years, and his mom, with me.

BreakingAway

Hello littletree,

I'm sorry you had to go through that.I personally haven't experienced what you mentioned because I refuse to go to such events.When I get invitations, I just ignore them.

The fact that you had such a strong emotional reaction tells you just how unhealthy it is to be around these people ! I mean, just think about it.After a mere couple of hours--you feel self-conscious, guilty and uncertain, and later you're reduced to tears ! Surely, that's NOT healthy ! I hate to say it; but they often come across like parasites--draining you of your life force.

It's always the same: "Come back to Jehovah", "We miss you at the meetings", Etc.,Etc.It's like they've been taken over by some sinister force, which really they have, because that's how CULTS operate.

Try not to let it get you down.This forum is filled with those struggling with circumstances similar to your own.The JW Modus Operandi is to create DEPENDENCE.Completely subordinate and controlled by the Org's goals.Resistance is NOT futile, you do NOT have to be assimilated.

42

some quirks of the DC talks...

by metaspy in

jw
friends

here is a run down of some special things i noticed at the district convention.. i probably took better notes now than when i used to go as a jw.. however, my notes now are mostly "stupid" things that they say on stage.

saturday.

symposium: directed by god's spirit in our ministry - speaking the word of god with boldness.

BreakingAway

The Drama is about the Apostle John coming back to one of the congregations after writing Revelation.
The congregation is having problems with an apostate elder, who is pushing for higher education, working/materialism, and entertainment.
John has some words with the apostate toward the end. Then the apostate shows himself to be an idol maker.

Wow, that's just flat out crazy ! Higher Education = Apostasy ! Where do they get this crap ? The same with lumping working and entertainment with "apostasy".

It's obvious they're trying VERY hard to instill FEAR in everyone so that ANY person that puts any amount of emphasis on higher education, working or entertainment is flirting with apostasy and should be viewed with suspicion.I hope that those sitting there listening to that nonsense get their eyes opened to the fact this is a CULT !

It's also obvious that they're not loosening the reins in any way, shape or form.They don't care about anyone's comfort, gas prices, family,stress level, etc.It's ALL about their OWN self-interests.Even when I was a Witness I thought that most of the drama's were so far out in left field I'm surprised anyone wasn't embarrassed to talk about them being "so good".

43

Sex and the City Movie

by lonelysheep in

i saw it on friday night and loved it!

it was funny, sentimental and never dragged.

there were two theaters full of women.

BreakingAway

The idea of so many women in one place is appealing but I'd imagine if a woman saw a guy by himself at this movie they'd likely suspect he's gay , so he wouldn't really get anywhere anyway.

23

For JW Apologists - What is Your Motive for Posting on JWD ?

by flipper in

jw
friends

i was just curious about this - as i've noticed that when some on the board are trying to be helpful or assist some who have faded or exited the jehovah's witnesses to deal with their circumstances - whether it's dealing with believing mates, relatives, or in making an independent stand for their freedom - at times people will come on the board sticking up for the cult mind control ways of the jws and attempt to hinder some of us from assisting a person to attain freedom from the witness cult .

i guess my question is - what would make a person come join an obvious anti-witness discussion board to come and communicate positive vibes about the witnesses ?

correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't there jehovah's witnesses websites people can post on to find and enjoy those of like mind and faith.

BreakingAway

Probably typing real slow and counting their time.

Oh crap, yeah, I forgot counting time ! Add that one to the list !

55

Cross is a pagan symbol, watchtower is a pagan symbol too

by Noelle in

jw
friends

you all jehovah witnesses that said jesus didn't die on a cross but on a stake your wrong because the romans were pagans and what better way to crucify someone than on a pagan symbol.

i have a fact that you need to listen to as well, the watchtower which you symbolize is a pagan symbol as well.

oh no how can that be you ask, well let me tell you.. in ceremonial magic and some traditions of wicca and neopaganism, the four cardinal points are believed to have spiritual guardians called watchtowers.

BreakingAway

As was mentioned before: the SOCIETY, GOVERNING BODY and FDS are idols.They're like the GOLDEN CALF that made Israel stumble.When their lord had not RETURNED, or seemed to be DELAYING, they went and made a "stand-in", a "mediator" if you will.

The very fact that the ORG is considered "GOD'S SOLE CHANNEL ON EARTH" tells us that they have given to the WT what the Bible shows really only belongs to Jesus.They essentially have usurped his position.

"Are you already satisfied? Are you now rich? Have you become kings while we are still nobodies? I wish you were kings. Then we could have a share in your kingdom." 1 Cor.4:8

Children are encouraged to memorize the names of the Governing Body.Bethel is looked upon as a Mecca.The Watchtower magazine as if it's MANNA and NEW LIGHT from GOD.Vacations should be cancelled for a District Conventions.Meetings are viewed as LIFE or DEATH requirements.Those who are not JW's are believed to have no basis for being spared through Armageddon and gaining life. Families are disowned for disagreeing with the Society's teachings.Not the Bible mind you, but WT teachings.On and on the list goes.Though the idolatrous symbol may not be visible to some onlookers, it's distinct form hangs around the neck like an anchor for all who wish to remain a JW.

23

For JW Apologists - What is Your Motive for Posting on JWD ?

by flipper in

jw
friends

i was just curious about this - as i've noticed that when some on the board are trying to be helpful or assist some who have faded or exited the jehovah's witnesses to deal with their circumstances - whether it's dealing with believing mates, relatives, or in making an independent stand for their freedom - at times people will come on the board sticking up for the cult mind control ways of the jws and attempt to hinder some of us from assisting a person to attain freedom from the witness cult .

i guess my question is - what would make a person come join an obvious anti-witness discussion board to come and communicate positive vibes about the witnesses ?

correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't there jehovah's witnesses websites people can post on to find and enjoy those of like mind and faith.

BreakingAway

Good thread.I think there a number reasons they would come here.Before going further though, I think it's important to point out that there's a difference between someone who's trying to break free from the WT but still holds onto some JW ideologies (that kind of thing is normal as it takes time to clear ones mind) and the apologist who has a personal agenda of defending the WT .But you guys already new that, just wanted to mention it though..In the past, I've gone toe-to-toe with Thirdwitness on a number of occasions, a true company man (or men rather, as I believe there are several who use that singular handle of "Thirdwitness") Anyway, onto some of the reasons...

1. They view themselves as a "Theocratic Warrior" and expect that God will reward them for fighting for Him.

2.They thrive on DRAMA, CONFLICT and PERSONAL ATTENTION.They know that if they come here and make excuses for the Society's actions that they WILL get attention.Pathetic and immature, but true.

3.Some just like to be argumentative

4.Believe they will be able to turn "lurkers", or those sitting on the fence about leaving, back to being a JW again.This leads into...

5.Want to play the role of the innocent "conflicted one" while in reality inviting "persecution".This is hoped to provide evidence that those who leave the Org are dangerous and evil.The more lost, nasty and evil they can get someone to appear, the more they feel they've made the point.JW=Good. Apostate=Bad.This also ties into the next one...

6.Martyr Syndrome."Oh that poor apologist, look at the beating they're taking, that poor thing ! " "I can't believe how sweet that apologist is and look how they're get treated for sharing their innocent view." Etc.,etc.Pity triggers emotions and skews logic."If that's how those apostates behave, I want nothing to do with them.The Watchtower was right ! "

Yes, it's obvious the intention of many of the apologists is not to provide a "balanced" viewpoint but rather to make as many here look as bad as possible so they can show everyone just how wicked we are.They often have their response planned out in advance, kind of like the Reasoning Book."The apostate says this, I say that.I look innocent, they look bad." Of course, they always throw in the old standard: "Hey, look at my comments, I don't agree with everything they say , I'm just trying to sort things out for myself ! " Yeah sure...

Just an additional note.There are many opposing viewpoints here about many different issues, that certainly is not bad in itself.Being one-sided does little to sharpen the intellect and a contrary opinion at least allows one to contemplate viewpoints they may not have previously considered.However, when one defends the reprehensible, or just plain stupid, for no other reasons than the above cited ones, they make themselves equally as reprehensible and empty defensive arguments are usually pretty easy to spot.Sometimes it's actually kind of comical.You can see where someone will make a statement and you say to yourself: "Just about now an apologist will be showing up to use that old standard catch phrase.......wait for it......."But they're IMPERFECT ! " and the next thing you know , it happens.It's like a caricature really and all the while they think that no one notices.

55

Cross is a pagan symbol, watchtower is a pagan symbol too

by Noelle in

jw
friends

you all jehovah witnesses that said jesus didn't die on a cross but on a stake your wrong because the romans were pagans and what better way to crucify someone than on a pagan symbol.

i have a fact that you need to listen to as well, the watchtower which you symbolize is a pagan symbol as well.

oh no how can that be you ask, well let me tell you.. in ceremonial magic and some traditions of wicca and neopaganism, the four cardinal points are believed to have spiritual guardians called watchtowers.

BreakingAway

and it would be speculating to say otherwise.

And we all know how much the WT hates speculation ! Which is why I'm speculating right now as I write this....and it feels so GOOD !

Sometimes I speculate twice in one day....to release all that pent-up speculation.

55

Cross is a pagan symbol, watchtower is a pagan symbol too

by Noelle in

jw
friends

you all jehovah witnesses that said jesus didn't die on a cross but on a stake your wrong because the romans were pagans and what better way to crucify someone than on a pagan symbol.

i have a fact that you need to listen to as well, the watchtower which you symbolize is a pagan symbol as well.

oh no how can that be you ask, well let me tell you.. in ceremonial magic and some traditions of wicca and neopaganism, the four cardinal points are believed to have spiritual guardians called watchtowers.

BreakingAway

The Society itself is an Idol.The Governing Body ,FDS and Society are all like a golden calf.

55

Cross is a pagan symbol, watchtower is a pagan symbol too

by Noelle in

jw
friends

you all jehovah witnesses that said jesus didn't die on a cross but on a stake your wrong because the romans were pagans and what better way to crucify someone than on a pagan symbol.

i have a fact that you need to listen to as well, the watchtower which you symbolize is a pagan symbol as well.

oh no how can that be you ask, well let me tell you.. in ceremonial magic and some traditions of wicca and neopaganism, the four cardinal points are believed to have spiritual guardians called watchtowers.

BreakingAway

Throwing a totally unrelated strawman argument at me does not change the point in hand, that we have heavily biased threads making comparitive studies that wildly exaggerate the importance of an example to give an eroneous impression.

LOL. You just love that "Strawman" word, don't you ?The Straw Man fallacy is committed when a person simply ignores a person's actual position and substitutes a distorted, exaggerated or misrepresented version of that position.

Did I misrepresent your position ? No.Now, it's understandable seeing how a Straw Man is used rather often, and given the fact that they can be difficult to spot at times, that one might feel comfortable yelling out:"That's a Straw Man !!!" at every opportunity, but one needs to be careful in doing so.I mean, I have you read the MSDS on those things ? They can be dangerous !

Now if I had said: "What makes you think everyone here isn't objective ? " Then you'd have a case.So much drama....

What I did was: Answer your question by asking a question.Even Jesus did that, right ? By asking a question , which contains the answer, it causes one to delve more deeply into an issue instead of just giving a simple answer.

You see, it's a matter of perspective.One,an apologsit for instance, might feel these threads (or maybe this entire website) isn't objective.But another, me for instance,might feel that these types of threads are indeed objective.Being objective doesn't mean that legitimate criticism can't be levied against it as well.

Objectivity: expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations.

Were the facts here distorted ? Could it be that the socalled "truth" dispensed by the Society is what's really DISTORTED ? But to a person who doesn't want to hear or handle such truth, it can come across at "nitpicky" and "petty".In reality, however, these issues have great bearing on the history of the Org and shed further light on it's questionable practices and outright hypocrisy.

Interstingly though, you did create your own Straw Man by misrepresenting or distorting how others view your practices when you said:

I'll have to check my sideboard with a little watchtower on it and candles either side that I worship and the little watchtower shrine at the local KH that i kneel in front of and kiss the little ramparts....

I didn't see anybody accuse you of that.Such a statement appeals to the emotions and creates drama.How objective is that ?

People here have been deeply hurt by the Society.People we care about are being hurt by the Society.More people will be hurt(or killed) by their deceptive ways.People are going to complain about that, and rightly so.Get used to it !

What is the person that defends the reprehensible ?

55

Cross is a pagan symbol, watchtower is a pagan symbol too

by Noelle in

jw
friends

you all jehovah witnesses that said jesus didn't die on a cross but on a stake your wrong because the romans were pagans and what better way to crucify someone than on a pagan symbol.

i have a fact that you need to listen to as well, the watchtower which you symbolize is a pagan symbol as well.

oh no how can that be you ask, well let me tell you.. in ceremonial magic and some traditions of wicca and neopaganism, the four cardinal points are believed to have spiritual guardians called watchtowers.

BreakingAway

Erm....why does the WT have so little objectivity ?