Posts by cult classic

we both came into the religion around the same time and both of us were pretty much fringe dubs, just making the bare minimum to be considered jw in good standing.

Yeah if she's really on it, the DA letter will end the relationship. I think defining what we want in our relationships is key to moving forward after the borg. Fortunately, most people are not cult members so it gets easier to get our needs and desires met... lol

Good luck. I know it's hard. If possible try to engage her authentic personality as much as possible. She sounds as if she's in cult mode a lot.

15

Not sure of what to do

by Girlie in

jw
friends

i have a very close jw friend who i have known for a number of years.

she was like the big sister i never had, always looking out for me and was very helpful during my challenging moments.

we both came into the religion around the same time and both of us were pretty much fringe dubs, just making the bare minimum to be considered jw in good standing.

cult classic

When I left, I decided that I wanted only unconditional relationships. My siblings and I have remained close although they are still in and a handful of JW friends too.

What do you want from the relationship? I wouldn't cut her off just because she brings up JW stuff. But we know the routine. And I'd have a problem with her just wanting to "witness" me back into the religion.

edited : If she wants to continue JW talk, you should be free to inject your thoughts also, without it getting heated. Witnesses want everyone to sit complacent and take in their ideas without reciprocating...lol

15

Not sure of what to do

by Girlie in

jw
friends

i have a very close jw friend who i have known for a number of years.

she was like the big sister i never had, always looking out for me and was very helpful during my challenging moments.

we both came into the religion around the same time and both of us were pretty much fringe dubs, just making the bare minimum to be considered jw in good standing.

cult classic

Girlie,

I know that seems tricky. Do you think she's communicating just to try to get you back in the religion? Or would she be your friend regardless, and the JW talk is just a natural topic because she is a witness?

46

Abusive Families Drawn Like Moths to a Flame or Does WTS Help Develop Abusive Attitude?

by OnTheWayOut in

so many ex-jw's are stepping forward here and other places and relaying information about their upbringing in the jw's being an abusive one.. we have the two types of abuse- physical and sexual.

i thought i would give a chance to everyone to ponder on what's up with the high levels within watchtower congregations.

i know the subject has been covered before, but some fresh voices and some new readers might want to know that they are not the freak, not the problem in their family, not alone, able to relate to others.. as far as physical abuse goes, i consider the attitude of wts that is passed on- beat the littlest of children in order to keep them quiet during meetings.

cult classic

I think the JW environment is like one of many environments that requires its adherents to present a false public image. The pressure to appear as if one has it all together leads to suppressed anger and depression. Add to that tendencies towards abuse and dysfunction and you've got a perfect storm.

I think abusive individuals and families thrive in a controlled environment. It is difficult to break the spell of the image being presented. In a twisted way, I believe that many abusers want to be caught and helped. So I think newcomers are drawn to the prospect of being healed of their problems. But once inside, the perversion of cult life catches them in a cycle that is difficult to recognize.

5

NY Post: Orthodox Jews Require Victims to Call Rabbis Instead of Police

by leavingwt in

this doesn't sound good.. .

orthodox jews require victims to call rabbis instead of police.

the close-knit orthodox jewish community insists that rabbis, not the nypd, get the first phone call about a suspected child abuser.

cult classic

This is true. I grew up (and currently reside) in a community with a large population of Orthodox Jews. The custom to speak to clergymen before the authorities on criminal matters is not unique to JWs.

40

My Wedding Photos are. . .

by leavingwt in

jw
friends

chock full of jehovah's witnesses.

with the exception of my wife and my best man, they're all jws.

jws who probably despise me.

cult classic

Oh boy do I know how you feel.

Our wedding and reception was all at one location because we had lots of out of town guests. I never wanted to get married in the kingdom hall. We are no longer in contact with 99% of those who attended. I realized how shallow and fleeting relationships are in "the truth" when, one year after I married and moved to New York, NO ONE from my home congregation had called to see how I was doing. I would hear through my family that so and so asked about me. But no one really cared how I was getting along. They'd only call if they wanted to get in for a meal and tour at Bethel. Same thing happened after we left Bethel. Of all the "friends" I'd made, only about 10 stayed in contact with us. And since we've left the religion, we've remained friends with about 5 people who are in Bethel or missionary service, family excepted.

The JWs are a strange breed. To hell with them.

CONGRATULATIONS

70

Could you eat breakfast after watching this at Bethel?

by Dogpatch in

jw
friends

this is a partial video of the morning breakfast table in brooklyn bethel in the late 80s, with lyman swingle hosting... the governing body member who at first tried to shelter ray franz from disfellowshipping, but then within a year or two his spirit was broken and he was a bitter man.. randy (i was there and it was death-dealing, like the death eaters from harry potter!).

address of windows media file if you don't see anything:.

http://www.randytv.com/swinglebreakfast.wmv.

cult classic

Gayle, yeah my husband and the guys at our table were complete nuts. It was definitely not the norm.

If your table assignment isn't a good fit of personalities, it gets the day off to a horrible start. The table head (should that be capitalized? lol) can really make Bethel a nightmare if he wants to. And if he's a pansy and his wife doesn't like you? Look out!

70

Could you eat breakfast after watching this at Bethel?

by Dogpatch in

jw
friends

this is a partial video of the morning breakfast table in brooklyn bethel in the late 80s, with lyman swingle hosting... the governing body member who at first tried to shelter ray franz from disfellowshipping, but then within a year or two his spirit was broken and he was a bitter man.. randy (i was there and it was death-dealing, like the death eaters from harry potter!).

address of windows media file if you don't see anything:.

http://www.randytv.com/swinglebreakfast.wmv.

cult classic

I remember my first morning worship. I sat there thinking "Uh oh, something's really not right here."

Apart from the program, it was pretty fun. My table group was hilarious. We were in tears every morning. Most of them weren't drinking the kool-aid and the table head and foot didn't care about our attitudes. Also the table head's wife and I were the only "girls" and we were spoiled rotten. We could miss morning worship as much as we wanted. I don't think the table head's wife came down 10 times in a 6-month period. She actually wasn't very nice though. She rarely looked at me and never said hello. So I was happy she never showed.

Whenever we return to visit family and friends there we always tell them, "No thanks, no need to get us in for morning worship. Lots of shopping to do, we'll pick you up for lunch."

Geeeezus, morning worship is such a hot funky cult mess....