Posts by Golgatha

205

HELLO? HELLO? "ALL" SIGN IN???????

by waiting in

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.

Golgatha

P.S. - I really can spell betta thun that. :)

205

HELLO? HELLO? "ALL" SIGN IN???????

by waiting in

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.

I apologize for not having posted sooner. I have been reading "Crisis of Consience". What an astonishing look into what has happened within the organization over the past 130 years. For most of my life I had seen or heard of ones who were disfellowshipped, and never had I imagined some were disfellowshipped for merely disagreeing with Watchtower doctrine.

I remember from an early age been told about Ray Franz, and some of what had taken place at Bethel in the late 70's and early 80's. I remember how he was demonized, and some even pointing to the scriptures as having prophisized his "apostasy" (i.e. - "the evil slave"). When I read this book I did not know what to expect. I thought perhaps I was to read the rantings of embittered and hostile man out to subvert the WTBTS teachings by any means neccesary. How wrong I was. Instead he seemed to be a very gentle, unassuming man, not the horrific monster I was lead to belive he was growing up. I wonder how many witnesses know he was disfellowshipped for merely eating a meal with a disassociated brother?

I recommend this book to any and all who have not read it. While it is a personal account, it also deals extensively with the erroneous teachings of the WTBTS.

I need to mull this new found knowledge over for a while. Though I can say I am already mentally reaping some of the benefits from reading it.

Eric

205

HELLO? HELLO? "ALL" SIGN IN???????

by waiting in

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.

Golgatha

Hello,

My name is Eric Williams. I was raised JW and left the "flock" when i turned 18. At 14 I began to question (to myself only) some of the rhetoric I was being taught at our local hall. I Auxillary Pioneered off and on for some time. I was used for talks at CA's and DC's for my fine example as a young JW. Meanwhile, I was struggling with many doctrinal issues. My home life was peachy compared to some experiences I have read. My step-father, a mentally and physically abusive man, was an MS at our local KH. Something happened in 1987 - 1988 that resulted in several elders there being removed from their positions. My step-father, apparently spearheaded their investigation by approaching our DO. I was never told why they were removed only that they were not following in line with Jehovah's will. Shortly thereafter our congregation life became mostly unbearable.

I have noticed that nearly every congreagation especially in rural areas are controlled by one family, our congregation was no different. Two fleshly brothers were pretty much in control. They with turned their backs on our family, which turned much of the congregation silently against us. Due to this my family moved to Robinson, IL and beagn attending the Hall there. My father was viewed as a semi-celebrity. I was told what a good and spritually strong man he was, if only they would have come home with us! Things were considerably better in Robinson I met many fine people there, who even looking back on it today, I hold much respect and love for.

I left in 1993 to live with my father in Houston, TX (he is not a witness). I had intentions to go to the KH's, but never did. I think sub-conciously I never planned to go back. Here I met "worldly people", and I discovered that they were not all out to hurt me, as I was led to believe growing up. I started using drugs as a way to numb the pain, uncertainty, self loathing and fear that seemed always to consume me. In 1994 I received a call from my mother informing me that my step-father was dying of cancer. She asked me to return home. I did.

My step-father had died while I was on the flight there. My mother begged me to start attending meetings again. Since I knew she was under a lot of stress I agreed. I went before a meeting with the elders for them to determine what standing I could now have in the organization. I told them of my drug use, fornication, and other things. I was only admonished and publicly rebuked. Soon they had set me up with someone to study the bible with again. These studys were mostly hang out sessions with very little studying going on. I was actually interested learning more about the beliefs now that I had an education and the ability to think freely. But, after 3 "study sessions" they abruptly stopped.

I am beginning to ramble, if not fully into a ramble. I am know completely sprerated from the religion for over 6 years. I have just recently been able to begin to finish the deprogramming project I started on myself at 14. I have built on my ability to think freely and now find life enjoyable.

I look forward to good theological discussions from everyone here and hope that all will commiunicate frequently.

Thanks.

AGAPE <-- "Couldn't JW's just have said 'love'? It's was those little thing that always bugged me"

Eric Williams

Golgotha
<br>
<a href=mailto: [email protected]>Email Me</a>