Studied with the family from age 9, bapitized at 13 and succumbed to severe pressures before reaching age 18. I felt it an obligation to God to study the Watchtower ready for the next meeting, prepare a short speech for the Theocratic Ministry School, attend the family Bible study and the Congregation Bible study, and of course The KH meetings, and achieve a target of 10 hours/ month on the door-to-door work. Presented with the "Children" book in 1941 which I was encouraged to read and study and was convinced that my school studies and extra school activities were frowned upon, and thinking of girls was a no-go! I failed to achieve any school diplomas, and was continually pressurized to seek the Pioneer service. Armageddon was so close I had to keep alert. I just wonder if young JW's today feel similar pressures. It took a few years of study to convince myself that I had left a man-made organization!
jonathanadabe
JoinedPosts by jonathanadabe
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What Was The Very First Thing That Came Across Your Eyes That Lead You Down The Road To Doubt?
by Yizuman inany of you remember what was exactly the first thing that crossed your eyeballs to lead you into doubting the wts?.
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Have you joined a new religious organisation since leaving the JW's?
by Wee John insince leaving the jw's did you actively seek out another organisation, or did it find you?.
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have you found yourself apathetic to all religions?.
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jonathanadabe
Thanks for your welcome, purplesofa. It's an interesting web-site and I hope to comment as the occasion arises. It's interesting to note the many different roads that ex JW's take on leaving.
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Have you joined a new religious organisation since leaving the JW's?
by Wee John insince leaving the jw's did you actively seek out another organisation, or did it find you?.
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have you found yourself apathetic to all religions?.
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jonathanadabe
I was baptised in September 1941 at a Convention in Leicester, UK, approaching 13 years of age. (That makes me 80 now!) I spent about 9 years at that young age, but eventually left in 1946 to join the Army (National Service). I did not have the conviction that being a consciencious objector was the right thing to do. As you all know, it's very difficult to get rid of the intensive teachings, even though attendance at meetings stops. The years up to now have seen me become a part of Methodism, Congregationalism, Plymouth Brethren and others. I still read some of the original literature plus many recent Watchtowers, and with a critical mind I am now happily settled as a total non-believer....an Atheist. The Governing Body, with its total control of 7 million lives and its authoritarian teachings, have shown me that the Society does not have the 'Truth' as they claim. I am now a supporter of the thinking of writers such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett. It's amazing how one's thinking can change!