Formerbrother
I mean this with all due respect, I would like to hear from genuine people who think JW have it wrong and then what is the truth?
Im not talking about silly little quibbles here and there.
You get an A for effort here but if the best indication of the future is the past, then your thread will veer off of your noble request shortly.
I respect and love this forum. I really think it has saved my sanity. That being said, it is unfortunately NOT a good place to learn about things like you mentioned above.
By learn, I mean a friendly non ego based discussion where each person is allowed to draw their own conclusions.
It seems like the basics breakdown along two lines. You quickly become a non theist and are hell bent on making sure others know you have the superior and "only" right way - now.
Or, you wonder, have questions and learn to keep to the edges and try to learn as quietly as you can without drawing the attention of the "we know the real and only truth now" posters.
I say now because that is exactly how the JWs think. It is like being a car salesman but now you are just selling a different make and model of cars but that belief that YOU are right and everyone must see things as you do? That remains very strong.
I see it as dangerous to adopt any view that must be argued so strenuously that basic rules of kindness have to be suspended for the higher supposed good of imparting what "new facts" someone supposedly currently embraces.
I honestly am searching for answers to the very questions you have raised. I hope this thread continues to draw the thoughtful kind posts it has above. If so, maybe I can learn something. If not, then my learning curve will plod along as best I can on my own.