Posts by Sherilynn

5

"We Need a New Pledge"

by mauiboy in

in our local paper (maui news) on dec.11 there appeared an article entitle "we need a new pledge".

it dealt with the need for childrens protection from pedophiles.

it screamed for an answer noting the victorian law reagrding 'working with children' as an example of what has been done elsewhere in the world towards this end.

POLL/SURVEY- Why Did You Leave The Organization of JW's?

by PublishingCult in

why did you leave the organization of jehovah's witnesses, and/or why are you contemplating leaving the organization of jehovah's witnesses?.

i've tried to boil it down to the most likely answers based on all the reasons i have heard over the years from xjw's.

a. because the watchtower bible & tract society does not have the truth.. b. because i had a personality conflict with other members of the organization.. c. because i discovered that the wtbts was not being honest or forthcoming about its history.. d. because serving jehovah was too difficult and i just wanted to be worldly and do wicked things.. e. because the governing body of jehovah's witnesses have proved to be false prophets.. f. because i found just cause to disagree with erroneous jw teachings.. g. because the governing body and/or elders were hypocritical.

Sherilynn

Listened to a assembly speaker claim how all would be dead if Armageddon came that day except the JW's and he was so excited about it. It was such a OMG moment after years in the cult I could not put it out of my mind hearing it so loudly proclaimed. That started my research with the WT CD on salvation and brought to mine eyes all that I apparently read and pushed back in my mind, you know being so busy with mtgs, reading, and preaching. So with the help of the internet I soon found the scales falling off my eyes and found the real truth of religion being a snare and racket.

My life is forever changed for the better and my family and friends are so happy to have me back again in their fold again.

16

Another LIE in December 8th Awake page 28

by Sherilynn in

once again that mysterious 20 years pops up in jw chronology forcing the 607 date for the 1914 date, blah, blah, blah.

http://www.jw.org/index.html?option=qryqcsvrgznt partial quote below from page 28: .

those prophecies of destruction were fulfilled in 632 b.c.e.

Sherilynn

Earnest,

The only conviction the WT has is to brainwash people to believe they are the only channel Jehovah uses. I could go on and on with material that they have twisted to sound like one thing when in fact the "facts" their own old literature tells it very differently that is being presented in an article. Such as the bible students in the early 19th century understood and preached Christ invisible return in 1914. When I called Brooklyn on this again being printed and why it upset me. When I was studying in the late 70's I had read a similar statement and took it hook line and sinker, Gosh they really must be the true religion to know in advance during the late 1800's that Christ return will be in 1914, WWII, signs etc. So in the early 21st century I read this again and realize the double speak that the early bible students believed Armageddon was to happen 1914 and Christ's invisible return was believe to have happened in 1874; but that is not what this simple paragraph was saying, you would only apply it to present understanding in 1979 or 2000 that invisble return was 1914 was the start of the signs, WWII, etc. and hear they were telling me it was known and preached in late 1800's. This is manipulation, intellectual dishonest to the max.

When I started checking the references to quotes about published articles and saw how they just changed the dates to their own dates, yet making it appear that the article quoted the same date, now since when do you quote an article about artifact found in desert and that the age was about time of the fall of Jerusalem but change the article date of 586/587 to 607, but no mention of changing the date, so of course any innocent JW would just assume this is what the article they quoted stated. Would it not be more honest to make a note to this change.

I could go on and on but I will say that I will go to a WT Study when I can read an Awake or Watchtower that does not have a manipulation of fact printed in it. In fact one more point when I came to realize that 1914 was arrived at by changing historical date to their own agenda, I talked to my book study conductor, he referred me to an elderly JW who had many books. I was told to get a book on bible chronology and right now I can't remember the name of the book, it was one that WT referred to often, but the only date that matched correctly was 539 and it went on to support 586/587 for the fall of Jerusalem. So I copied it and returned it advising both that it did not support 607. But like many JW's they didnt want to hear the real truth, would rather drink the koolaid and not make waves. Saying where will I go? I said that is not what Peter asked and I am not going anywhere, I have not left God only an organization. They never tried to sit down with me and go over my questions and answer my questions, I was quietly ignored and now just shunned. No running after that one lost sheep as so often said from the platform. I said I would not try to pull others from the Kingdom Hall but if I was asked why I no longer attended, I would certainly tell them why.

I will continue to speak up when I can to those who inquire of me or others that may want to learn and grow, but most importantly I will continue to honor God above men and uphold God's Integrity to worship him with Spirit and Truth. I earnestly ask you to at least check the references and quotes for yourself and actually read them; you just may find that the scales may fall from your eyes.

Peace & Love,

Sherilynn

16

Another LIE in December 8th Awake page 28

by Sherilynn in

once again that mysterious 20 years pops up in jw chronology forcing the 607 date for the 1914 date, blah, blah, blah.

http://www.jw.org/index.html?option=qryqcsvrgznt partial quote below from page 28: .

those prophecies of destruction were fulfilled in 632 b.c.e.

Sherilynn

Once again that mysterious 20 years pops up in JW Chronology forcing the 607 date for the 1914 date, blah, blah, blah

http://www.jw.org/index.html?option=QrYQCsVrGZNT Partial Quote below from page 28:

Those prophecies of destruction were fulfilled in 632 B.C.E. That is when Nineveh fell to the combined forces of the Babylonians

and theMedes, bringing the Assyrian Empire to an inglorious end. A Babylonian chronicle of that event states that the conquerors “carried

off the vast booty of the city and the temple” and turned Nineveh “into a ruin heap.”

If your family members or friend hand you this Awake you may want to ask about this date and ask them to prove it, I am sure if you checked out the book referenced it will not have this date of 632. I just did quick search and found this site very interesting on dates:

http://www.livius.org/ne-nn/nineveh/nineveh02.html

History clearly shows that Nineveh fell in 612 not 632 and anyone just needs to do a search on internet as to what year Nineveh fell. Yet that average JW will not even think twice to question that date, just accept that they are being told "The Truth" but will only find 539 a truthful date and rest fixed to meet WTSB agenda for Christ's picking it as the only channel.

So Sad that these men continue to follow a lie for the sake of a publishing corporation.

Peace & Love,

Sherilynn

14

Odd Deconstructive Moment in the Dec 2010 Awake

by Cadellin in

when i saw the article, "more major earthquakes expected" in page 20, my first thought was wtf?

haven't they learned their lesson about predicting increases in earthquakes?

then i read the article, which shies away from any explicit claim that seismic activity is on the increase.

Sherilynn

thank you for pointing our this article. Again the manipulation of words by the WT.

I called them on this one and read together the Heading for the article and the box at the end. When I asked him to explain how they can say More Increase in Major Earthquakes when there is no explanation of an increase, I was told they are not saying that, it just means there will be MORE. I tried to point out more means an increase not status quo and he said no "More just means More", not an increase, just like I ate food yesterday and I am eating more food today. Again pointed our that article is referring to headlines of More meaning increase but actual article does not say that. Now he was getting testy with me and said he was not going to argue with me, and felt he had explained it enough.

I pointed out article in http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2010/03/08/DI2010030802570.html

Seismic Science: Is number of earthquakes on the rise?

Dr. Michael Blanpied

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Tuesday, March 9, 2010; 10:00 AM

Dr. Michael Blanpied: A lot of people wonder if the rate of earthquakes is increasing, but it does not appear to be. We have good statistics on the numbers of earthquakes going back years, decades and centuries.

I wish I had their email I would send them definition of "More".

Anyway, told him to pass along to writing department that again they continue to manipulate the written word to their own agenda.

How many years did I just read the headings of articles that I placed in the hands of wordly people, thinking I had done my part and got to mark down my literature count.

Peace & Love,

Sherilynn

10

Love your neighbor

by ex-chum in

i've often wondered how witnesses seem to do well with christ's 2nd commandment with fellow witnesses and not all their neighbors.

is this just another effect of their teachings?

do they translate this scripture differently in their bible?.

Sherilynn

My mother in law is 84 and no longer attends meetings but does make it to the memorial. She also began to voice her objections to some of the JW rules and at first the brothers and sisters would still stop by and bring the magazines and when she was to direct about a particular article the friends had the elders call on her. She plainly stated that she did not believe that God only spoke to only JWs. Slowly they stopped coming by as much to visit, then her vision got worse, now she cant read, so that couple 'stopped bring their magazines. Gradually only a couple call her once in a blue moon. Oh also she had never driven, so getting to the meetings was always provided by a "good friend sister" but now you sure can't find a JW calling on her to offering to take her to town or the doctor. That good friend sister is no longer coming by or offering her help, she has moved on to someone else I guess, who is still willing to come to the meetings regarless of how old and difficult it is. She had once suggested they could set up a place for her to lay down but it was so important that she continued to make the meetings, my mother in law so No she wasn't able to do that and that was that.

The people who help her the most are her "neighbors" you know those "wordly people". One brings her mail everyday and places on a table next to her door, pulls her garbage can to the road for garbage pick up and puts it back later, who clears the long driveway of snow every winter, who moves her large lawn as a rate lower than she could find anywhere else. The other neighbor on the otherside of her takes her shopping, has taken her to the doctor when she couldn't find a ride, brings her fresh vegetables from her gardenall summer long, again placed on the table by the door. When she has time she drops in for a cup of coffee and conversation. The couple across the road and down the long country driveway, helps when she needs a light bulb changed, or when the faucet broke, or when she fell and had to press the emergency necklace, they are all on the list. Now not one of these people pushed their religion on her or their beliefs, they are just there being good neighbors and friends over the years. I can't begin to tell you how it helps us when we live over 3000 miles away to know that she truly has neighbors that love her, they practice "love your neighbor" from the heart and not the Watchtower.

Sorry for the long post but this is not an isolated incident, I have heard over and over from others once they are "in the world" first shock is learning how truly wonderful and giving people are, you know those non True Christians that Jehovah is going to make toast just because they go to a church, or a park, or in their home to worship him in a way they believe is acceptable to give him praise.

26

JWs advocate for the release of the Yorkshire Ripper

by brizzzy in

jw
friends

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1295224/yorkshire-ripper-peter-sutcliffe-spend-rest-life-bars.html.

check out the blue box.

of course jehovah's witnesses would adamantly vouch for a serial killer convicted of butchering 13 women.

Sherilynn

They will do anything to get their hours in the ministry in such an easy way. They went to court to tell them that Thompson was such a good study that he should not be sent to prison for the mentally ill but be released to his Mother a JW and he was remorseful too and studying with the brothers. Seattle was his city and women were his victims Thanks to the local JW congregation he continue to rape and kill.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/294358_localbriefs01.html

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/379241_thompson16.html

Just makes me sick that these brothers push their little mind power based needs to anyone they may be asked to represent and such an insult to Jehovah God (if you believe in such a God) that they can say they have the Holy Spirit working through them. Just how many would be out there doing their time (JW style not prision style) if they didnt turn in those nice little time sheets to prove their worth and salvation in the JW system.

Peace be with you (as hard as that may be reading of these idiots),

20

Oct 15th WT

by dozy in

now up on jw.org.. it would seem that the days of "local needs" berating the flock may be coming to an end - one article instructs that elders should ensure that meetings are "encouraging" and that where counsel is needed for just a few people then it should be given privately rather than from the platform..

Sherilynn

Sorry, but I dont buy it that they are now getting warm and fuzzy since most recent GB passing of Ted. I remember looking at the articles written before the 1995 Generation change and afterwards and found them very similar to the next major change. You could say it is like a parent that gets pissed off and yells or spanks the kids but feels a "little remorse" afterwards so sends out some warmer touches but will eventually revert back to who you really are: in the case of the WT "a stressed out control freak".

October 15th is a calculated warm and fuzzy but it will get back to same old sh!t. They know exactly what they are doing and it is cut and paste with a driven purpose. Look at the history is keeps repeating itself.

Sorry for being so negative tonight but thats how is feel it and see it. So glad to be out of their mind control.

Peace & Love,

sherilynn

29

Now versus 7 Years Ago.....

by AK - Jeff in

we have been out of the organization since 1-1-2004 - at least that is the way we mark it to remember.

we began to read ray's books in late fall/early winter of 2003 - a thousand pages later and a few weeks - viola - we were out to never return.. i was contemplating just how significantly i have personally changed in that period of time - not the stages, though there have been many stages.

but the raw contrast of my opinions, moral stance, and view of the world is amazing.

Sherilynn

Jeff, Thank you for such a beautifully expressed history, so much similar to my own. The fall of 2004 was the beginning of my leaving and truly finding a loving world of people who deserve to live their lives freely without being condemned to death by an organization that brain washes people with a unscriptual hope just to keep the publishing machine going. It amazes me that it really is about being captive of a concept and I have yet to read that book. Ray Franz's books were my first and I have given them to others on their way out or being out but still holding guilt by the mindset of the Watchtower.

I am amazed and embarrassed when I look back at the arrogance of what Truth I thought I held and taught to others and so embrassed as I study scripture and realize how we were indoctrinated with such a Twisted Truth. My family members, especially my husband are so thankful to have me back and open to loving all mankind. I never really thought I was a judgmental person and felt for a JW I was fairly open to people living their lives, but now looking back I know I really wasnt. Since leaving I have such a great affection for people and non judgmental to what each person's choice is for their life, I truly feel the love and dont just read about it in a Watchtower magazine that it is the JW's identifying mark, nothing really could be further from the truth.

I am still studying about religions, scriptures and the bible, but I dont feel the bible is just the only source of inspiration from a higher source. I will never join an organized religion, although I have from time to time gone to different churches, however for me it is not something I need to do and enjoy the freedom of doing my research on spirituality. I do feel a certain sadness for those I did truly care about still being captives and hope that the most recent generation change will touch them to go ahead and get answers for the questions they have had but were waiting on Jehovah. I spent 20 years as a JW and I will not look back at it with thoughts of loss years, as I believe we all travel the road we are on for a purpose and in the long.

I encourage all of those on this site that are thinking of leaving but are afraid to, please really listen to your inner self and know that yes there may be some difficulties with family members, I also have seen/experienced that one leaving often will move others to open up to their own doubts and exit as well. But what is so important is that the joy you will feel inside once you are on the outside, giving yourself time to be released from the mental chains of guilt and judgment.

26

Why Answer the question: WHO then is the Faithful and Wise Servant?

by Terry in

we begin with a familiar scripture:.

matthew 24:45-51 (new international version) .

45"who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Sherilynn

JeffT,

Good point. I had some witnesses come to my door, after explaining why I dont attend meetings anymore and their brief explanations of leaving it in Jehovahs hands. One looked at me, hunched up her shoulders (as if to shutter) and said: "Armageddeon is sooo close, aren't ya kinda scared?", I looked at her and said: "What do I have to be scared of ?" If armageddeon comes today or never, I leave it in Jehovah's hands and whatever he does in my life will only be to my benefit, don't you feel that way?" She was speachless. Then I commented that just because I am not at the Kingdom Hall does not mean that I don't have a relationship with God, infact I have much greater relationship with him and feel more Christlike in my life than ever before. They suddenly had to get going.