exjw fifth knocks one out of the ballpark with this trully brilliant interveiw with watchtower writer and researcher ben.
extremely thorough and informative.. https://youtu.be/vnzmnion5tk.
Excellent interview.
There is SO much I can relate to. The impossibility of pointing to just one factor for leaving. The change of the anti types and the total disregard of the old, deep studying. When I saw the new version of the magazines - I felt embarrassed. No way would such tripe have been accepted in the 'old days'.
Ben, you have been through the wringer but you have come through the other side a better man. A man with courage and insight.
Thank you for sharing.
HOTB
so, i have a guy that is emailing me after listening to my podcast series "this jw life" about my life story before, during, and after being a jw.
this guy happens to be an elder and pioneer serving where the need is greater.
i love this guy.
my turning point: serving on a child abuse judicial case.
.
When I realised just how many brothers were struggling with homosexual feelings, having to deny it in front of the congregations yet all the while being involved in networking with like-minded brothers on forums.
Some followed through in action and were disfellowshipped but most were carrying a huge burden of guilt because of their feelings. Many were well respected brothers who were well known and well used in pioneering, Bethel and circuit.
It all shouted out ‘wrong’. These lovely people who were burying themselves in a religion, being weighed down by guilt and not living their lives or being true to themselves.
It made me realise that the ‘rules’ that the WT imposed and that we had all obeyed like sheep for so long were actually restrictive, damaging and cruel.
Apart from that of course, as mentioned in comments above was the ‘generation’ and the ‘blood fractions’…and so many other things.
Sorry, that was definitely longer than a sentence!
HOTB
a friend gave me a dvd of shaka the zulu king.
...phwargh!.
and the actor henry celie is just magnificent as shaka!.
and it's the first time i didn't know that it already occurred.
i must be really slipping!😈.
First year for me too.
Even my 'friend', who is an elder, would normally bend over backwards to persuade me to come... this year nothing!
Quite a relief really 
HOTB
this text from a former colleague.
i haven't checked it out yet but hopefully will be on the bbc iplayer .
"hope job going well.. radio 4 11.30 this morning .hilarious program called deborah-frances .
behold: ibsaproperty.com“the extensive ibsa property portfolio in north london is now being brought to the market.”ibsa moved to the leafy london suburbs of mill hill in the late 1950’s.
since then, expansion has required the acquisition of further properties in the immediate area, and in some cases further beyond.
in recent years, relocation to a single site which would offer greater economy of operation became more than a matter of interest, and in 2014 a suitable site in chelmsford, essex was purchased.
less than 5 hours ago my great dad fell asleep the last time :( still in a bit of a shock and sad that i will not see him again...i promised myself that once he is here no more, i will somehow make my move out of this organisation who kept us all captive believing in a fantasy of an everlasting life :( i am in a tricky situation, since raised as jw, still in, married to an active jw, and pretty sure that all in my social and family circle will turn their backs on me if i finally say goodbye to a fairytail ;(.
I'm so sorry for you loss. Now that your dad is gone you will have the strength to break free - just don't rush immediately out of the door. Give yourself time to grieve with your loved ones. You are correct in assuming they may turn their backs on you - in JW land that is what they are taught to do. Condolences for now and good luck with your escape when the time is right!
deborah frances-white.
always a laugh and a blast from my past life on the gold coast.. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/ex-jehovahs-witness-deborah-frances-white-on-door-knocking-with/.
deborah frances-white is a comedian and writer.
i'm traveling to edinburgh in october.
i'm from southern california and i was hoping i could meet some on this board that are near that area for lunch or an early dinner.
please pm me if you would like to have a little apostate gathering there?
i love your work's address : Charles Darwin House
I'm not a million miles away from Edinburgh - depending on the date - I'm a possible
HOTB