I do read quite a bit on this site, contribute seldom, but when I do have pressing questions or ask for suggestions people are very helpful and for that I am grateful. I think through my awakening I have gotten my grasp (little bit) back on humanity, that people are people anywhere, "in the truth", "in the world". They're kind, helpful, selfish, proud, humble, the whole gamit regardless of religion or background.
gutted
JoinedPosts by gutted
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17
In which ways do you think this forum has helped you as a person?
by cyberjesus ini came here to learn more about the jws.
i ended up leaving them.
i learned to open my mind to opposite thoughts.
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Finally talked to my dad about it...
by gutted inlast night i finally talked to my dad about some of my views and problems with being a witness.
he brought it up as he heard i am no longer going to meetings.. .
his line of reasoning was interesting, though very similar to "it's god's organization, just follow it".
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gutted
Great suggestions guys, I'll have to try the why, how, when questions.
I think I need to read Captives of a Concept as well.
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Finally talked to my dad about it...
by gutted inlast night i finally talked to my dad about some of my views and problems with being a witness.
he brought it up as he heard i am no longer going to meetings.. .
his line of reasoning was interesting, though very similar to "it's god's organization, just follow it".
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gutted
Last night I finally talked to my dad about some of my views and problems with being a witness. He brought it up as he heard I am no longer going to meetings.
His line of reasoning was interesting, though very similar to "it's God's organization, just follow it". When I brought up issues with 1914, blood, etc. he mentioned I am looking at the details too closely. He thinks it's still God's organization, the only true religion, and yes they have made mistakes, they will continue to make mistakes but it is God's channel. I tried some other lines of reasoning but obviously being in the truth all his life, he won't agree with me. He kept almost pleading for me just to go back, don't look at the details too much.
I guess at the end of the day I am happy he knows I have problems with it doctrinally, as he was the last of my family to find out. I don't know if I want to pursue anymore conversation with him on these topics, but if I do how would you personally counteract his statement, make him think?
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Reviews and Recommendations on reading materials (e.g. Combatting Cult Mind Control)
by feenx ini ordered combatting cult mind control, though have not read it yet.
i am hoping it will be helpful.. has anyone else read it?
does anyone have other books to recommend?
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gutted
Hi feenx, I have read Combatting Cult Mind Control. It is a very good book, and I think essential for any ex-JW or one considering leaving. It will help you understand the mind control aspects of the religion and how it has affected you.
If you haven't read it already, doctrinally I would say the standard is Crisis of Conscience which will reveal to you just how the witnesses are actually run by the Governing Body and the doctrinal flip-flops and misinterprations.
The latest book I'm reading is In Search of Christian Freedom. So far it has helped me get a better understading of how the 1st century congregation actually was vs. JWs today.
As far as websites I have read all of the information on jwfacts.com, excellent site. I also like sixscreensofthewatchtower.com, that was the first site that opened my eyes.
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spent all day in service on saturday
by chickpea inthe small town i live in (pop 1600) has a regular.
event every 5 years called "homecoming" that.
beckons everyone smart enough to have escaped.
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gutted
I had a wave of bad feelings reading the title of your post thinking back to those days full of service... boring driving around, constant "not insterested" responses, mind-numbing converage of the same territory time after time, approach work ugh...
Cheers on helping your community instead.
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Emotional pain
by gutted inhey gang,.
just wanted to share the last few days have been very painful.
seems like my one friend who i shared my doubts with is distancing himself.
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gutted
Thanks soldier. It's crazy man, some days I just want to DA myself and get it over with even though I want to fade towards being inactive. The nightmares are pretty strange, and I feel for you on the dreams about shunning.
Some days it's trying, lots of anxiety and stress then other days I have an appreciation for my new freedom.
Here's to freedom man!
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and the story continues...
by Soldier77 in...last night i had a conversation with mom about being inactive.
i knew it was coming since i haven't seen them for a little while and they came to visit for a few weeks.
well, last night was the meeting... and of course, her husband goes, she doesn't (due to abuse in her childhood involving sra within the kh in another country), and asked if i was going.
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gutted
Good point miseryloveselders about the twisted viewpoint that there is only one way to get "better", and that is to do more.
Soldier that sucks man, I empathisze with you about the taxing element of the elders. I haven't even met with them but I think it's simply the pressure to meet, and anticipating their usual BS to go back to meetings, service, etc.
I tought a lot about it and my strategy if the elders do corner me somehow will be to tell them that I am going through some "personal issues and that I need time to think about them", thank them for their concern and say I will call them if needed. Repeat till they get the message.
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and the story continues...
by Soldier77 in...last night i had a conversation with mom about being inactive.
i knew it was coming since i haven't seen them for a little while and they came to visit for a few weeks.
well, last night was the meeting... and of course, her husband goes, she doesn't (due to abuse in her childhood involving sra within the kh in another country), and asked if i was going.
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gutted
I think you handled the situation with your mom quite well soldier, good work. I found from my experience the two witnesses I have told so far, I have been too pushy as far as facts... really if they don't want to change they won't, especially with the veil of mind control. I think all we can do is introduce doubts and show by example not being a witness is a good thing.
Now just the elders... they really need to chill out, but they are trained babysitters.
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Emotional pain
by gutted inhey gang,.
just wanted to share the last few days have been very painful.
seems like my one friend who i shared my doubts with is distancing himself.
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gutted
Jamie & blacksheep, I agree I know I can't live for my mom, I have to do what's best for me.
designs - I like the idea of keeping a diary, I'll have to start one.
Thanks loz, out at last.
Jeff I'm more determined not to ever go back now, and I keep looking up and reading information to solidfy that this indeed is not the truth, but a high control cult I need to get out of. It doesn't help that a friend is inviting me out for service and to watch the new DVD. I almost thought of reverse-shunning him, but I have been corgial and friendly and said I am busy, which I am.
It's funny though, I take myself off the school miss a few meetings and now not one but two elders have wanted to get together on seperate occasions. Thankfully with the things I'm learning I am less and less afraid of them, I actually don't care if I meet with them or not.
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Emotional pain
by gutted inhey gang,.
just wanted to share the last few days have been very painful.
seems like my one friend who i shared my doubts with is distancing himself.
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gutted
Thanks so much guys, your kind words really mean a lot to me.
Just had a guilt trip laid on by my family... mom said "just go to the meeting on Sunday, for me"... I really did think about going back... but I know I can't now.
Thanks again