Posts by Fernando

19

Today's Text - Draw Close To God... (BUT HOW???)

by Divergent in

jw
friends

here's where i stand at the moment: i neither categorize myself as a theist, atheist, or agnostic.

i'm a freethinker and do not have a specific belief at the moment, unless something comes along which is 100% conclusive & convincing.

which brings us to tackling the elephant in the room, something that today's text has failed to do:.

Fernando

Two things are working for me on my journey:

turning my back on religion, and pursuing the scandalously liberating gospel of grace instead.

The real reason the Watchtower desperately feared Ray Franz and had him killed (aka DFd).

www.escapetoreality.org

7

Richard Dawkins on spirituality - please help

by Fernando in

jw
friends

i would like to better understand what richard dawkins is saying and would appreciate your help, views and opinions, including the implications:.

"far from being demeaning to human spiritual values, scientific rationalism is the crowning glory of the human spirit.

".

Fernando

I would like to better understand what Richard Dawkins is saying and would appreciate your help, views and opinions, including the implications:

"Far from being demeaning to human spiritual values, scientific rationalism is the crowning glory of the human spirit."

56

A fresh start

by FormerlySandL in

after the worst introduction i could ever make on the forum i would like to reintroduce myself and make a fresh start on the forum and hopefully over time i will be able to redeem myself.

i have changed my user name which was over dramatic and ridiculous in the cold light of day but for transparency and to show i am not trying to hide anything i have adapted the original name and it now has a more positive feel.

after reading a lot of posts on this forum i am feeling more optimistic about my future.

Fernando

Welcome FSNL.

It is a process.

It will get better.

Best wishes as you take a deep breath, relax and process...

Fernando

75

Evolution and Atheism - please help

by Fernando in

not being familiar with either, my question is:.

what is the relationship between evolution and atheism?.

i'd love to hear from anyone and everyone, and also from any perspective.. without limiting the conversation in any way, i would of course also appreciate comments that are simple, clear, direct and correct (as i don't have the capacity to do a phd in evolution or atheism)..

Fernando

Thank you all for a civilised discussion and for sharing your insights.

I was going to ask what proportion of atheists reject evolution, however Saintbertholdt beat me to it with his concise answer.

21

Thoughts during the meeting today

by stephanie61092 in

while i'm politely sitting during the meeting today, restraining myself from rolling my eyes as the brother drones on about how "having an independent spirit is devilish in nature" and "independence from gods organization only results in pain and strife", i only have one thought going through my mind over and over.

"what would happen if i pulled out a gun and blew my brains out in this kingdom hall?".

would anyone notice or care?

Fernando

Dear Stephanie

Awakening to TATT is painful.

Getting through the initial turbulence as intact as possible is crucial - a good (talking) therapist is invaluable.

There are a number of phases in this process.

For example grief and anger.

I pray you make it to the revenge phase with all guns blazing so to speak.

The best revenge on a miserable controlling cult is to live a full, successful, happy and moral life without any of their "help".

You can and will eventually get to this exciting and fun phase.

Your life will be better than you could ever have imagined.

You are free after all.

The possibilities are awesome.

Best wishes on the journey to a great future.

Fernando

PS - Oh and you no longer have to depend on a rabid cult for a cultist as a life partner...

75

Evolution and Atheism - please help

by Fernando in

not being familiar with either, my question is:.

what is the relationship between evolution and atheism?.

i'd love to hear from anyone and everyone, and also from any perspective.. without limiting the conversation in any way, i would of course also appreciate comments that are simple, clear, direct and correct (as i don't have the capacity to do a phd in evolution or atheism)..

Fernando

Thank you to all you kind folk for your inputs.

The picture is getting clearer.

I particularly like Finkelstein's concise summary.

For those whose insights into evolution led them to atheism, I would like to learn more about the stepping stones on the journey.

475

What is the alternative to JW?

by Formerbrother in

i mean this with all due respect, i would like to hear from genuine people who think jw have it wrong and then what is the truth?.

im not talking about silly little quibbles here and there.. is jehovah real?

the the bible is word?

Fernando

"What point are you making?"

This:

Formerbrother, please can you explain the Good News according to Paul from your heart, without missing any key aspects?

(Especially what we must do to have a right and clean standing with God)

75

Evolution and Atheism - please help

by Fernando in

not being familiar with either, my question is:.

what is the relationship between evolution and atheism?.

i'd love to hear from anyone and everyone, and also from any perspective.. without limiting the conversation in any way, i would of course also appreciate comments that are simple, clear, direct and correct (as i don't have the capacity to do a phd in evolution or atheism)..

Fernando

Not being familiar with either, my question is:

What is the relationship between evolution and atheism?

I'd love to hear from anyone and everyone, and also from any perspective.

Without limiting the conversation in any way, I would of course also appreciate comments that are simple, clear, direct and correct (as I don't have the capacity to do a PhD in evolution or atheism).

475

What is the alternative to JW?

by Formerbrother in

i mean this with all due respect, i would like to hear from genuine people who think jw have it wrong and then what is the truth?.

im not talking about silly little quibbles here and there.. is jehovah real?

the the bible is word?

Fernando

Dear Formerbrother

In my experience, all the answers we seek are wrapped up in the priceless gospel message - aka "the truth of the good news".

If someone is unable to explain the "good news" according to Paul (and Moses, Isaiah, and Psalms) how can they claim that the "good news" is in their heart and on their lips?

23

Where do I start telling a psychologist about the mental trauma I feel as a fading jw?

by Simple Minds in

i am on a pension, so i could not afford to pay for a psychologist, but my good doctor referred me to a free clinic for people on a low income, for my anxiety and depression, so i have finally got my first appointment with a psychologist since i started my fade, so where do i start trying to explain the mental trauma i feel as a fading jw?

i would appreciate your advice.

simple .

Fernando

A lot depends on the Psychologist's personality, personal experience, and capacity.

They are human and vary greatly.

Rather than guessing it is better to meet the Psychologist at least once and decide how you feel about them.

A Psychologist with personal experience of leaving a cult and experiencing PTSD could be a big help.