Thanks for the replies everyone and sorry for the formatting. It seems to come up that way when I cut and paste from word. My wife and I have had a number of conversations over the years, but she usually dismisses my views with 'you should discuss your doubts with elders...ya da ya da'. She knows I have strong views and hates it when I criticise teachings etc. Many years ago, I had it out with elders about my doubts and had faded for a lengthy period, but then returned. I am once again at that point where I will just break out and speak my mind again....and don't want that, as likely would end up df'd. Hence the letter to my wife about my feelings. I love God and need my faith, but the frustration I have knowing ttatt is eating away at me. I may need to back off for some time/ fade in order to let off steam. My wife had a chat with me about the letter, but was again dismissing some of the points in the letter. The letter was years of bottled up thoughts and wanted her to understand why I had such views. She is Watchtower through and through, and know she will never leave no matter what. It will be an interesting year!
Truthexplorer
JoinedPosts by Truthexplorer
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Letter to my wife
by Truthexplorer ini decided to write the following letter to my wife after years of frustration.
it was the only way i could express my feelings to her.
so far i have had a mixed reaction from her which i can later tell you about.
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Ex JW's - Which Christian denomination are you with now and why?
by Truthexplorer inthis is a question for ex jw's who have joined another christian faith group.
the purpose of my question iis to find out which christian faith group you chose after leaving watchtower and what convinced you to travel this new spiritual path you are on.
i am interested to know because i personally would like to find a genuine faith group where i can feel true christian liberty as i initially thought i had with the witnesses.
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Truthexplorer
Hi everyone, thanks for all your responses. I haven't managed to read through everything as yet as it is late and back from work. I will have a good read through tomorrow which I am looking forward to. Thanks again TE -
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ELDERS, ha ha ha ha....!!!!!
by brandnew inso as many know....ive been df'd goin on 19 years already.
i drive pops to meetings, and drop him off on saturdays for fs.. well yesterday, the elders ask to speak to me, and tell me that if i plan on returning to jehovah, i had better shave my beard off..
omg!!!!!!
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Truthexplorer
Mark Zyche - What would you think Jesus would say if he was encouraging someone back into the fold, would he say ' I want to encourage you to come back my brother.....but you are going to have to shave that beard off'! Can't you see why people point the finger at JW's and use such ridiculous rules as ammunition to highlight why Watchtower is a high control religion. Jesus warned the Pharisees for this very thing. When men go beyond the things written, it turns people away from God. Brand new clearly was put off/discouraged because of one ridiculous man made rule which obviously brought back to mind the numerous man made rules by Watchtower. If the 3 elders had given him some warm scriptural encouragement, perhaps he might have considered or at least meditated on their offer for him to return! -
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Letter to my wife
by Truthexplorer ini decided to write the following letter to my wife after years of frustration.
it was the only way i could express my feelings to her.
so far i have had a mixed reaction from her which i can later tell you about.
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Truthexplorer
I decided to write the following letter to my wife after years of frustration. It was the only way I could express my feelings to her. So far I have had a mixed reaction from her which I can later tell you about. The letter is about 3 pages long.
Dear ‘……..’,
I am writing this letter to let you know that I am once again going through some mind struggle with my faith again. It is getting to the point that I may have to back off for awhile as I am worried I will bottling things up so much so that I not only get myself down like I did many years ago, but am also worried I make a complete mess of things like I did in the past. Also, I need to get things off my chest and help you see why I feel the way I do. I have no one else to talk to about it. The only way I can express myself to you is though letter form as it is impossible to have a rational adult conversation with you about my thoughts and feelings, which is a shame to be honest, but understand why you feel that way. It is fear of the unknown that causes you and many others to proverbially bury your heads in the sand.
The letter I sent to the society regarding ………………… was a symptom of those bottled up feelings that culminated in me sending that letter. That was foolish on my part and don’t want that to happen again. Instead, I will continue to write to the GB using my anonymous name ‘…………’ to actively try in a small way to change certain policies, rules both written and unwritten, as well as teachings that I feel are contrary to scripture. There is nothing wrong with constructive feedback; the purpose of which can help improve things for the better (within scriptural parameters). The reason for my doing so is because thousands and thousands of individuals worldwide are deeply affected by a number of what I consider to be man made policies put in place by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Some examples include the highly controversial policy of handling child abuse cases. The very controversial Shunning policy - particularly of family members; the blood issue; the continuous articles against Higher Education. The list goes on!
Some of their imposed rules, such as the frowning upon brothers who through personal choice wish to grow a beard; ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………… …………………………………………………………………Having such control over the brothers gives those opposed to the witnesses the ammunition they need to back up their claims that we are a high control religion and can therefore confidently point the finger at us. …………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… This rule is clearly stated in the branch correspondence guidelines which were leaked by a bethelite in New York, which I managed to freely download over the internet recently. So in effect it is now clearly ‘a written’ rule as opposed to an unwritten rule. I always believed this to be an unwritten rule till after reading those guidelines. So, the elders simply parrot what the GB tells them to do. The elders through no fault of their own are powerless to change such rules. If an individual elder tried to change some rule and made a point about it, they would face disciplinary action and be removed as an elder. So, I in no way blame the elders, in fact to the contrary, most of them are genuine sincere shepherds who sincerely believe that what they are doing is correct. Note: …………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
My objections are that such rules are (and there are many) clearly man made rules that go beyond what is written. For this very reason, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for making man made rules that were a burden on the people (Read Mathew chapter 23). Instead of filling their spiritual needs, such rules are an unnecessary distraction for people in that they think that Jehovah is a very strict rule driven God. This in turn impacts on an individual’s faith making them think they are not good enough and causing feelings of guilt. Yet such specific rules or erroneous teachings were never imposed by God. For many years now, I have been obsessively reading up and analysing the societies rules, teachings and policies, particularly when there are so many changes to what we once used to believe, such as ‘The generation teaching’ and its numerous changes. So, I personally have been distracted because of this and as a result, have found it difficult to focus on my faith wholeheartedly. That’s why I am continuously half hearted about my beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness.
It’s getting to a point where I am finding myself continuously questioning everything that comes out of watchtower. I agree with anything that is backed up and clearly stated in the scriptures; and to be fair, the society (er should I say Organisation) does provide much material that is backed up by scripture. It is only the things that go beyond what is written that I take issue with. It is for that reason I will for the time being continue to write individual letters to the society on topics such as:
The one size fits all Shunning policy. There are horrendous stories all over the internet about peoples experiences with this policy.
Disassociation- A person cannot choose to simply leave if they wish - as will be shunned-even by family? SEE FEB 2016 WT STUDY coming up. As an example, ……………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Child abuse allegations The Societies policies and procedures on the handling of child abuse cases. Note: See the Australian royal commissions hearing into child abuse cases among Jehovah’s witnesses in Australia which can be viewed on you tube. It is a real eye opener.
The blood issue
Dress and Grooming, Beards etc
Birthdays
Christ Mediatorship
The other sheep
Dates and the new generation interpretation -This is proving to be embarrassing ie now 101 years since 1914!!! hence the reason why they had to redefine ‘this generation’. But hey, the light gets brighter!
Reporting field service - Did Jesus and the apostles do this? What did Jesus say – don’t let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your righteousness cannot be seen by men – or words to that affect! Read Matthew 6:3,4. Reporting causes feeling of guilt – not doing enough etc. This puts many off and as result don’t feel good enough causing them to lose their faith or even simply leave. Your faith appears to be measured by how many hours you get in! The ministry is done out of compulsion for the most part, not love.
Baptism to who? (ie We should be baptised only in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit – according to Jesus (Matthew 28:19). Pay close attention to the baptismal talk at the assembly this weekend and see who we are baptised to – according to the GB!
Governing Body in the first century? - there were the apostles and early disciples who spear headed the work led by the holy spirit and scriptures eg Paul was hundreds of miles away in various congregations for years only using the scriptures, the holy spirit, his experiences, and letters of encouragement and inspiration written at that time - a lot of which were written by him). The Governing body is a term used to describe the men who run a company, which is what the society are – a publishing company, originally - the purpose of which was to edify Christians faith – not controlling them! Research this if you think I am making it up (see jw facts).
Referring to God as Jehovah continuously (Jehovah /Yahweh/YHWH/Yehovah - We can call him any of these names – it doesn’t matter. Why? Because no one knows the exact way Gods name is pronounced. (The society even admit this in their own bible). I am happy occasionally to use Jehovah, however, Jesus did teach us to pray ‘Our Father’ which is more intimate and respectful when we pray to him. The same when ‘…….’ respectfully calls me Dad as opposed to calling me ‘……’ as would be a little bit over familiar and come across as a little disrespectful. As I say, I don’t see anything wrong in referring to God as Jehovah - that’s fine when it comes to identifying God; but referring to him as father when praying to him is in my mind more appropriate and respectful without being overly familiar.
The ‘High Control’ over members – feeling restricted eg not allowed to question anything whatsoever? No constructive feedback allowed as viewed as questioning the GB (ie 7 men in New York) which has and can lead to a member being disfellowshipped. You are labelled with one of the societies better loaded words ie ‘Apostate’ which is inculcated to the degree that immediately causes the barriers to go up. Eg - supposing I mentioned to the elders that I in good conscience didn’t feel it is wrong to celebrate ‘…….’ birthday and stood my ground. What do you think would happen? I would likely face a judicial committee and disfellowshipped as a result for apostasy if I refused to change my thinking. Such is the control! To me, this does not feel like freedom in Christ.
We just repeatedly parrot everything in the publications at meetings even when we know some of it sounds bizarre. My faith and the faith of thousands of brothers is stagnant as a result. Hence, the reason why some elders out of sheer frustration started up sites such as the Beroean Pickets so that we can openly discuss scripture, which in turn enables us to build a Christians faith.
Out of the 30,000 + Christian faith groups, Jehovahs witnesses are the only ones who have the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth according to the GB. We are right, every other Christian faith group is wrong. Yet, we have consistently made errors/mistakes over the past 100 years, eg the generation change, the faithful and discreet slave change, dates – the false prophecies of 1914, 1925, 1941, 1975, end of the 20th century, organ transplants, blood fractions, adjustments to this that and the other etc. What we believe today, could be changed tomorrow. Is Jehovah so fickle? Or is it the men who claim to represent him the ones that are fickle? I know who I would put my money on!
No organised’ Christian outlets within the community of Jehovah’s witnesses – For example - no youth group outlets. Many young ones leave because they are bored – that is a fact! Not many social events –leading to many witnesses feeling isolated. All work no play!
So what Now
As things stand, I will not allow the policies of the GB to affect my life. I am not going to give that kind of power to men who I believe have some flawed erroneous teachings and rules that go beyond what is written. Note: I have read though the elders ‘secret’ shepherd the flock of God book and branch correspondence guidelines both of which I freely downloaded over the internet; and therefore am aware of their rules as directed by the GB. On an individual level, I don’t blame any of the rank and file witnesses (including the elders). The elders sadly blindly follow the GB which is unfortunate. Note: there are many elders, who like myself actively want to bring about change ……………… ………………………… …………………… ……… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I pray that change will come about soon and that the GB allow congregations more autonomy, like it was in the first century and rely on Gods holy spirit and Gods word to direct us;….to give the elders the power to do so whilst providing publications that can be up building, yet have liberty in Christ ie scope to allow Christians their view points in all good conscience based on scripture. We can be united as Christians without being restrictive, controlling, stagnant, repetitive, and dogmatic. The meetings should be a place where we feel up built and incited to love and fine works. I personally find the meetings highly boring, because of the simple reason we don’t have liberty in Christ where we can express our faith to one another openly, as much as I dare say it, in the days when Charles Taze Russell was president. The stoic Judge Rutherford changed all that which has led to what we have today (see jw facts)!
I am putting truth over error as need to stay faithful to Christ as a Christian in order to maintain my relationship with my heavenly father YHWH. I only identify myself as a Christian when at work now or if a stranger asks. Quite frankly, with so many controversies in the media surrounding Jehovah’s witnesses at this time such as the blood issue, the Australian Royal commissions hearing into the societys mishandling of over a 1000 child abuse cases in Australia since the 1950’s, the shunning of family members, the hypocritical membership of the UN as an NGO for 10 years - I am embarrassed to identify myself as one.
All of this puts me in a quandary. For the time being I will continue as much as I can to attend meetings for as long as I can, but IF I find I need to take some time out due to the frustrating feelings I am currently experiencing and the elders or others ask YOU questions. Please go along with the official line below as this is this too is truthful. Note: the Holy Spirit will guide me in what I need to do over the coming year. I have full faith that Christ will lead me in this.
OFFICIALLY
– keep it simple - ‘……’ is feeling a little down at this time and said he needs to take some time out; That way the door is kept open for me to return at any point and maintain relationships with the brother; but mostly you are taking the power away from the 7 men in New Yor (aka Governing Body of the ‘watchtower corporation’).
UNOFFICIALLY
– If you or I were to mention the above reasons to the elders, you are giving power to the 7 men in New York (aka Governing Body). In line with their policies/rules, which the elders MUST FOLLOW to the letter, I will end up before a judicial committee and if I don’t back down/ recant, will be disfellowshipped for Apostasy (that very effective loaded word they like to demonize people with). That would create a huge amount of repercussions as you are well aware.
I Hope this letter helps you see my point of view and how I feel at this time. Note, my faith in God has not changed. No man can change how I feel about my faith in God and his beloved son Jesus Christ, as well as my hope for the future.
‘……’
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Ex JW's - Which Christian denomination are you with now and why?
by Truthexplorer inthis is a question for ex jw's who have joined another christian faith group.
the purpose of my question iis to find out which christian faith group you chose after leaving watchtower and what convinced you to travel this new spiritual path you are on.
i am interested to know because i personally would like to find a genuine faith group where i can feel true christian liberty as i initially thought i had with the witnesses.
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Truthexplorer
This is a question for Ex JW's who have joined another Christian faith group. The purpose of my question iis to find out which Christian faith group you chose after leaving Watchtower and what convinced you to travel this new spiritual path you are on. I am interested to know because I personally would like to find a genuine faith group where I can feel true Christian liberty as I initially thought I had with the witnesses. Thanks TE -
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Chapter 1 My Bethel Experience First Posted 9 Years Ago A Walk Down Memory Lane
by new boy inpart 1. i when to bethel march 21,1970. at the time you had to be a pioneer for two years to apply, by the time i left in 1974 they were calling people in who had never pioneered..........average stay was 5 months (they had signed up for 4 years)..........the reason they left was......well, it was hell.. one of the reasons was, knorr hated bethelites, but he loved the gilead students and why?
because when they screwed up they were thousands of miles away!........just before i got there, they had kicked out over 30!
homosexuals (at one time) ....the would kick out 1-2 bethelites a week.
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Truthexplorer
Blondie- a 22 year old woman marrying an 80 year old anointed brother . I've heard it all now
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I gave the elders some ammo to use
by atacrossroads ini was having dinner at olive garden with my cousin who was disfellowshipped for apostacy.
a holier than thou pioneer couple saw us.
if that was not enough i saw her take a picture of me with my cousin.
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Truthexplorer
Well said Tenacious and some good advice -
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Watchtowers policy of shunning our own close relatives
by Truthexplorer inhaving looked over the february' 2016 wt study article ' learn from jehovah's loyal servants' and meditating on the 'advice' from the fds aka gb regarding the shunning of our own close relatives if they have been disfellowshipped.
the example in par 7 highlighting how a woman called anne shuns her own mother for 'as she says' cutting herself off from jehovah.
i can't help but wonder how audacious and wreckless watchtower is in writing this stuff.
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Truthexplorer
I hope one day your daughter opens her eyes to ttatt lost and adrift. You have probably already sent her letters, but that is a way to get the message over to let her know you will always be there for her regardless and that you won't discuss spiritual things with her out of respect for her 'beliefs'. and just tread carefully when it comes to that area. All the best to you and hope things work out. Watchtowers cruel policy is disgusting. I personally would never have joined this high control religion if I had been aware of such cruel policies. -
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What did being a JW teach you?
by punkofnice inthese are some of the things the wbt$ 'taught' me:.
dishonesty is fine if it's to trick people into joining the cult.. if your spouse stops believeing, the best thing you can do is break up the family.. the laws of the governing body overrule any other laws...or else!.
my friends are conditional.. avoid loving people, they'll only let you down or get df'd.. unintelligent dumbos are better than intelligent ones if the dumbos are elders or above.. hate is better than love.. i am not good enough and god will probably enjoy killing me.. demons will appear in my room at night.. ignore practicallity if being practical or loving prevents the leaders getting money or praise.. god hates.
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Truthexplorer
I learned what its like to feel paranoid. -
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Watchtowers policy of shunning our own close relatives
by Truthexplorer inhaving looked over the february' 2016 wt study article ' learn from jehovah's loyal servants' and meditating on the 'advice' from the fds aka gb regarding the shunning of our own close relatives if they have been disfellowshipped.
the example in par 7 highlighting how a woman called anne shuns her own mother for 'as she says' cutting herself off from jehovah.
i can't help but wonder how audacious and wreckless watchtower is in writing this stuff.
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Truthexplorer
lost and adrift- my heart goes out to you. You should point out to your daughter that she will not be dealt with judicially if she associates with you, as long as 'spiritual association does not take place. See chapter 10 of the shepherd the flock of God book which you can download on line. What they tell the rank and file in the pages of the WT is misleading. The elders cannot stop your relative from associating with you. It is the fear they instill in people not to associate. Most witnesses are unaware of the 'actual' rules within the elders secret handbook. The most they could do is counsel her, but not face a judicial hearing.