forgive me for indulging in a goodbye but it would feel wrong not to,.
i hope the discussions and atmosphere here do not change for it is a bubbling brew of doubt, bravery and sincere hunger for answers.
these are healthy ingrediants for humans and especially for a jehovah's witness.. this forum offers not just the ability to ask without consequence, but it also offers the means to be real.
Thanks for sharing a glimpse into what is possible when we commit and put our minds to it, Dr Snare.
My you be granted the wisdom to always be kind, compassionate, and to make an authentic difference in those many lives you will touch.
Greetings
Fernando
Welcome This is my tigersuit!
I believe shock is one of the emotions that are common to the awakening process for many.
It is a rollercoaster ride.
There might be anger and related emotions.
All in all it is a process of transformation. It is not an event. One can't simply "get over it".
It can also be painful when giving birth to something better.
New found freedom can also be initially confusing.
Professional help from a good Psychologist (who does not push addictive and synthetic psychoactive drugs) can smooth and aid the process greatly.
Best wishes on the journey.
Holler out via PM if I can be of any help.
Greetings
Fernando
SEQ, Australia
ex since mid-2009
i've been lurking here for about 3 months and decided it was time to register and become active.
i left the organization 17 years ago.
like so many of you, i had endured less than christian behavior from the strong cliches that ran our congregation.
Welcome Vintagewife!
Bizarre is a Watchtower trademark.
Billions might not care or believe you, but we do since we've been there.
Greetings
Fernando
SEQ, Australia
when in conversation with jw's those questions, or varients of them, often come up.
i have noticed though, that because of their fear of any challenge to their faith, they do not wish to hear the answers, so i have developed an answer which at least i hope accomplishes a couple of things.. what i say to the first question (why did you leave ?
) is "because i am a lover of truth", to the second,( will i come back ?
Great responses I believe Phizzy, especially since as you say they generally are not (yet) ready to hear, but are at least put on notice, and know they are welcome to return when ready.
please spare a moment to consider the difiiculties faced by gay jehovahs witnesses.
i was raised and baptised as a very serious jw.
every waking moment of my day was lived for jehovahs and his organization and for nothing else.
Welcome truthwillsetyoufree!
Congratulations on being free of this destructive cult and its apostate moralism and apostate legalism.
Here on JWN you're among friends who care and understand.
I pray for you to find greater peace and stability as well as a good life partner.
Anyone interested in an alternative (gay friendly) scriptural perspective may be interested in:
http://biblehouseofgrace.com/same%20sex%20relationships.html
Best wishes on your journey and your stay here on JWN.
Greetings
Fernando
Yup, Watchtower proselytism (promoting religion) sure gives evangelism (promoting the liberating gospel message) a bad name.
Of course "evangelicals" often do the same.
gorby and his lovely wife had during dinner a chat about watchtower hypocrisy.
she faded with me since 2007 and shows sometimes affection for the organization.. we talked about the gb and ray franz.. she asked me if she could read my ray franz books.. now i have a dilemma.
the books gave me a hard time in the '90.. i know the ray franz truth can hurt and shock her so much.
Hey Gorbatchov!
Personally I think reading ISoCF first may soften the blow.
Maybe you could suggest your wife read the article on "legalism" in the wt library first, and ask then her opinion?
It reads like a summary of ISoCF.
Maybe you could also ask your wife her thoughts on:
"Is legalism apostasy?"
"What is the opposite of legalism?"
i'm new around here, but i've been browsing the site the last few days in hopes of finding the answer to the situation i've been going through, so hopefully you can help me.
i met this girl in highschool, but never really spoke with her until about a year after i graduated.
she's three years younger (however it's legal where i'm from, don't fret) and still a teenager.
Welcome Vivere!
Thank you for sharing your powerful story.
You have a great way of explaining something that, although common in Watchtower land, is still a rather complex topic.
And I'm delighted it worked out for you end the end.
And saddened of course for the many who've known only misery.
Greetings
Fernando
i'm new around here, but i've been browsing the site the last few days in hopes of finding the answer to the situation i've been going through, so hopefully you can help me.
i met this girl in highschool, but never really spoke with her until about a year after i graduated.
she's three years younger (however it's legal where i'm from, don't fret) and still a teenager.
Welcome Patrickday!
It's great that you care enough about her and a potential relationship to investigate the Watchtower maze.
All up, it is very high risk.
Great advice above by other posters.
From my personal perspective, until you both are very clear, on where the honey (faith, spirituality, and the gospel) stops and the arsenic (religion) starts, you should not be making lifechanging decisions.
Maybe you could both agree that when this day arrives you will check in with each other again?
what would a gb calender look like?.
of course they may need to photoshop their faces on some fireman bodies, and.
there isn't enough of them for every month of the year, but would they go the "full monty".
Again, would someone stoop low enough, for a few minutes, to write them this great idea, pleading in their best sycophant language, that the sheeple would be delighted to daily look upon the mugs and bods of their favourite council of Popes?
