Posts by ambersun

9

Expectations of the New System: Classic example of JW stupidity

by roxanesophia in

though i've stopped studying and have no interest anymore in the religion, bits of conversation with jw's keep coming back to me to confirm why that was the best decision.

like this particularly idiotic belief:.

since the jw's believe the faithful men of bible stories will be resurrected into "the new system" , i remember a discussion about 'how awesome it's going to be to meet job" or "you can marry one of job's sons!

ambersun

It amazes me that there isn't more of an outcry by teachers at schools due to the sheer lunacy of some of the expectations their JW students heads are filled with.

Can you just imagine the average JW children at school telling the teachers the REAL reason why they will not be taking part in the after school classes, such as music and art for example? Not just that it will take them away from meetings and valuable study time which is bad enough, but more importantly they have been told as FACT by their parents that it is a waste of time being taught to play the piano or paint in oils by mere 'Worldlings' when in the New System they will receive lessons from Chopin and Leonardo da Vinci who are going to be resurrected back onto the newly cleansed earth!!

Boy are Chopin and Leonardo going to be busy

22

Social Isolation & The Witnesses

by minimus in

jw
friends

the truth is that jehovah's witnesses purposely try to insulate their own members.

they want their own to be "no part of the world".

they do not sanction unnecessary association with "worldly people".

ambersun

I've heard that the definition of a cult is a group that follows a charismatic man.

I feel it is unlikely the WTS would be where it is today without all those years under Rutherford's controlling influence. Love him or hate him, he certainly had a charismatic appeal to his followers who continue being loyal to his teachings. 'New Light' only happens when one of his original teachings becomes obsolete and therefore has to be changed.

That's my feelings on the matter anyway

13

A chance encounter that proved how much I've grown.

by purpleplus in

jw
friends

while at a gas station, i saw an acquaintance from my jw days.

i spoke to him first and he responded.

we had a little small talk.

ambersun

Great post purpleplus!

I can really relate to how you must feel after handling that encounter with an ex JW acquaintance so confidently and pleasantly. Your post has really inspired me.

Pre internet days, I used to get totally tongue tied whenever I encountered a JW who would start quizzing me with canned questioning designed to make me feel ashamed and upset and I would quickly change the subject to deflect any further questioning. However, since being on this site and reading the experiences of other ex dubs, and realising I have nothing to be ashamed or guilty about, things have changed and I have gained so much confidence.

Me and hubby will be seeing some JW relatives later today, who we meet up with about once a year, and if they start asking questions I am actually looking forward to the chance to talk honestly and factually and without shame, about why we left and will never be going back.

Thanks purpleplus and everyone else on JW.Net for helping to inspire such confidence in me

34

What's The Worst Thing About Ever Having Been A Jehovah's Witness?

by minimus in

jw
friends

for me, it's the waste of precious time and being lied to.. stupid time consuming things to do that are utterly worthless!

and on top of that being told that you were going to live forever on paradise if you followed their decrees..

ambersun

There are too many, all equally as bad as each other depending on the time period that I lived through, but here are the ones that are at the forefront of my mind at this moment:

1. Upon joining at the age of 14, having my lovely, close, non JW relatives and friends replaced with a new 'family', and from then on having my friends chosen for me among the most 'spiritual' members of the congregation, most of whom I had nothing in common with.

2. Being deprived of a career.

3. The shock of becoming concious after reading a collection of Russell and Rutherford's books full of 'old light' and having to keep quiet for fear of being disfellowshipped.

4. Depriving our children of a normal early childhood. Thank goodness we left while there was still time for them to enjoy a few childhood years away from the influence of the WTS.

5. The frustration of not being able to talk openly to my JW relatives about the truth about the 'Truth'. Whenever I attempt to do so, their eyes usually glaze over and I know it is not worth the risk of being shunned by them.

68

Your top 5 most irritating doctrines/practices?

by cedars in

it's clear that virtually everyone on here is infuriated by wt teachings/doctrines/practices, but i would really like to know what is of most concern to people who frequent this forum.. here is my top 5, number 1 being the most significant/infuriating:.

the disfellowshipping practice - expanded to include family members (but not parents) who are old enough to leave home.

wrecks families and creates abject fear once people find out the truth about the organization.the blood issue - another unmerciful teaching, but one that costs lives.unquestioned authority of governing body - a handful of men make life-altering decisions as representatives of a larger group of people who they never see or speak to, and yet they demand unquestioning obedience on pain of being disfellowshipped.failed prophecy - the fulfilment of huge swathes of bible prophecy, including revelation, has been attributed to the events of the early 20th century, and the actions of a small group of men.two-tier christianity - faithful and discreet slave are anointed who go to heaven to whom ransom provisions apply directly, whereas remainder, or "great crowd" stay on earth and form a sub-class, only access benefits of ransom through fds.i realise that many of these issues are inter-related, but that's roughly how i would put them.

ambersun

1) We are god's sole channel

Get rid of that one and there isn't a next four.

Oh Black Sheep, that is so true! If only!!!!!

68

Your top 5 most irritating doctrines/practices?

by cedars in

it's clear that virtually everyone on here is infuriated by wt teachings/doctrines/practices, but i would really like to know what is of most concern to people who frequent this forum.. here is my top 5, number 1 being the most significant/infuriating:.

the disfellowshipping practice - expanded to include family members (but not parents) who are old enough to leave home.

wrecks families and creates abject fear once people find out the truth about the organization.the blood issue - another unmerciful teaching, but one that costs lives.unquestioned authority of governing body - a handful of men make life-altering decisions as representatives of a larger group of people who they never see or speak to, and yet they demand unquestioning obedience on pain of being disfellowshipped.failed prophecy - the fulfilment of huge swathes of bible prophecy, including revelation, has been attributed to the events of the early 20th century, and the actions of a small group of men.two-tier christianity - faithful and discreet slave are anointed who go to heaven to whom ransom provisions apply directly, whereas remainder, or "great crowd" stay on earth and form a sub-class, only access benefits of ransom through fds.i realise that many of these issues are inter-related, but that's roughly how i would put them.

ambersun

You are welcome cedars .

This is a very interesting topic and I am intrigued to know what other ex dubs found most irritating during their time 'inside'.

68

Your top 5 most irritating doctrines/practices?

by cedars in

it's clear that virtually everyone on here is infuriated by wt teachings/doctrines/practices, but i would really like to know what is of most concern to people who frequent this forum.. here is my top 5, number 1 being the most significant/infuriating:.

the disfellowshipping practice - expanded to include family members (but not parents) who are old enough to leave home.

wrecks families and creates abject fear once people find out the truth about the organization.the blood issue - another unmerciful teaching, but one that costs lives.unquestioned authority of governing body - a handful of men make life-altering decisions as representatives of a larger group of people who they never see or speak to, and yet they demand unquestioning obedience on pain of being disfellowshipped.failed prophecy - the fulfilment of huge swathes of bible prophecy, including revelation, has been attributed to the events of the early 20th century, and the actions of a small group of men.two-tier christianity - faithful and discreet slave are anointed who go to heaven to whom ransom provisions apply directly, whereas remainder, or "great crowd" stay on earth and form a sub-class, only access benefits of ransom through fds.i realise that many of these issues are inter-related, but that's roughly how i would put them.

ambersun

My personal top 5 from when I was a dub:

1. Disfellowshipping and shunning

2. The blood issue

3. Not being allowed to celebrate anything involving tinsel or cup cakes.

4. All females being treated as second class, inferior citizens in subjection to all males, regardless of their maturity, life experience, ability or intellect.

5. All males being encouraged to devote their young lives reaching out for 'privileges' that would lead to them becoming Elders in their mid 20s and ruling shepherding the congregation, regardless of any possible lack of maturity, life experience, ability, or intellect.

21

My bf said me too fat for this dress!

by mrmusicmr in

jw
friends

pic of me.

the picture is way recent.

from the last two weeks.

ambersun

I agree with mouthy. Don't let that comment from your bf knock your confidence, he is probably worried about the effect you will have on other men who see you wearing a dress like that.

12

jw alternate book titles.

by Holey_Cheeses*King_of_the juice. in

jw
friends

i called into a tip shop today and noticed amongst a pile of books an old jw publication - "things in which it is impossible for god to lie" (or something like that).

does the title mean that there are things in which it is possible for god to lie?.

anyhow, i chucked the book back on the pile, but my mind starting ticking over as to some possible alternate titles for some jw books from the past.. so here goes.

ambersun

Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work (to the Watchtower's Advantage)

125

Stupid suggestion from Study Conductor

by roxanesophia in

hi everyone, first i just want to say if it wasn't this forum, i'd be baptized!

i haven't managed to successfully end my studies with a zealous jw.

she uses everything against me to brainwash me into believing i need the org.

ambersun

It has all been said, but I will add my own voice and agree you HAVE to stand your ground and say firmly but politely "Thanks but I won't be coming".

I spent 25 years being ordered around and having my life completely taken over by JWs, being too polite to say no in case I hurt their feelings or got into trouble for falling short of the mark. During my single years my health suffered greatly as a consequence but no-one seemed to notice, or care, how much I was struggling just as long as I was out pioneering, attending meetings and convensions and doing whatever I was expected to do. It helped when I got married and my husband stuck up for me when I was poorly.

Believe me, the only person being hurt here is you, and from personal experience my advice is to get out now while you can, and don't look back.

Good luck