someone had a thread about "smart people" in their congregations.
while i readily admit there were some "good," and "kind" jws in the congregation i grew up in.
and maybe it was the location -- my dad was asked to move there -- but for the most part it was an intellectual sahara.. yet i've noticed that on this forum there are some incredibly "smart" people.
Wow! Excellent.
Mary, thanks for the link. I will definitely note Leolaia as a poster to look out for.
How did these people survive in an organization that prohibits "independent thinking"? Amazing.
Ben
Hey Dinah, humor and intelligence is a great combination. I'll keep my eyes open for Ninja.
Thanks
someone had a thread about "smart people" in their congregations.
while i readily admit there were some "good," and "kind" jws in the congregation i grew up in.
and maybe it was the location -- my dad was asked to move there -- but for the most part it was an intellectual sahara.. yet i've noticed that on this forum there are some incredibly "smart" people.
Oh, Rob ....
You're doubly blessed! Smart and gay!
OK, Make that a triple -- 3) you're no longer a JW!
Benjamin
[Edited to add:]... and oh, yeah, number four (how could I forget) --- goooood lookin' too!
someone had a thread about "smart people" in their congregations.
while i readily admit there were some "good," and "kind" jws in the congregation i grew up in.
and maybe it was the location -- my dad was asked to move there -- but for the most part it was an intellectual sahara.. yet i've noticed that on this forum there are some incredibly "smart" people.
Someone had a thread about "smart people" in their congregations. While I readily admit there were some "good," and "kind" JWs in the congregation I grew up in. And maybe it was the location -- my dad was asked to move there -- but for the most part it was an intellectual Sahara.
Yet I've noticed that on this forum there are some incredibly "smart" people. I apologize that I can't remember all of the names, but I really appreciate the comments and rational discussions. Thank you. (OK, there are some individuals that I've learned to avoid! Ouch!) But because of certain posts, I've ordered books, and been directed to fantastic sites, and on and on.
One person I really admire is Narkissos. OK, I'm like in awe of this guy's library of knowledge. I barely speak one language -- and he's able to translate -- who knows how many. He has helped me out a lot -- not only in his posts, but with his autobiographical profile, and personal messages. Thanks, Narkissos.
I've been wondering if there have been people, ideas, new ways of looking at things that you've found on this forum that have helped you in your journey?
Benjamin
i was out friday night with a few of the friends i have made since leaving jws behind, when lo and behold, it turns out that one of their boyfriends was an exjw too!
i was excited at first, as i had not yet met someone who was exjw and gay in the flesh until now.
however, my excitement was shortlived.
Hi Rob,
I know someone like this -- DFd, gay and still believes in his heart that it's the "Truth" -- and that god will kill him at any moment. Very sad. It's difficult for me to understand sometimes. I wonder if your friend's drug problem isn't related to his religiously-induced internalized self-loathing.
Radical religious belief can be like falling into a deep well. Some people can climb out; some people you can reach and help with an extended hand. And for some, well ... religion can be a cruel and tragic prison.
You've gotten some good advice here.
I was reading recently and came across a quote from South African, Steve Biko. (A black political prisoner who was murdered in prison.) He wrote: "The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." That speaks volumes to me.
Brotherly hugs, Benjamin
mouthy, is today your 81st birthday?
i saw on a post you wrote -- and it said birthday!
(don't know how these things work?).
Amazing Grace! And the happy birthday wishes continue!
(I hope you don't think me presumptuous for using your "real-world" name instead of the, you know, code: Mouthy.)
You are so well loved and respected here. And rightly so. I hope your day is fantastic and you have lots of great laughs (gotta have those laughs!) Put on a CD of that guy you like and dance like crazy!
Big hugs from me,
Ben
(And I hope your JW daughter gets smart and realizes that she's missing an amazing mom!)
today is our silver wedding anniversary!
little did we know that twenty five years later we would be out of what we now call a cult!
we were such good, active witnesses......we are happier now as a couple.
Well, Happy Anniversary to you both!
Hope you have a great celebration! And 25 years! That is a long, long time. Wow! Good for you, guys.
(... and they say straight marriages don't last!)
Anniversary air-hugs,
Ben
mouthy, is today your 81st birthday?
i saw on a post you wrote -- and it said birthday!
(don't know how these things work?).
... well, if Mouthy gets her fill ... OK, AuntieMomz -- looks like they'll be enough for the both of us. And you're such a super sweetheart, really big heart -- both of 'em.
Love, Ben
mouthy, is today your 81st birthday?
i saw on a post you wrote -- and it said birthday!
(don't know how these things work?).
... and, oh yeah, regarding crazyblondeb's post --
... if there's any leftovers, Mouthy -- please pass 'em my way.
Love, Ben
mouthy, is today your 81st birthday?
i saw on a post you wrote -- and it said birthday!
(don't know how these things work?).
Well, aren't you Miss Popular! I hope you have a great, fun time with your family and friends --
BenV to answer you question. Tonight my daughter that is OUT of the WT is taking me for liver & bacon yummy,tomorrow for lunch a Pentecostal Girl who used to help me with the group is taking me for lunch,then on Friday I am meeting an EX JW used to post on here ( I have never met her ) I am taking her for lunch
... and, pssst, don't you go breakin' too many hearts, OK?
Naw! ... You go girl!
Love,
Ben
mouthy, is today your 81st birthday?
i saw on a post you wrote -- and it said birthday!
(don't know how these things work?).
So Mouthy, if it's not too personal -- have you made any plans? You gonna have a party? Hope so.
Love,
Ben
