Posts by Judgerussellford

11

Secularly, my great grandpa Charlie used to say since 1914 the world hasnt known true peace. He was never a witness. Just lived through both world wars and the great depression. Guess peace ended in 1914 if you were to ask him

10

B.H. Barton

by Judgerussellford in

i've recently purchased a re typed ... i guess its an outline, on ebay by a b.h.

barton.

retype dated around the 20s.

Judgerussellford

Hi Vienne

I was just talking to Atlantis about something similar recently. I don't personaly have but less than a handful of scans. Most of my collection consists of hard copies and I personaly don't have a scanner or know how to use one without hurting the original, if you can even hurt it. Although I did just have a thought. Archive.org has a huge collection of scans. You may be able to find it there. It's entitled "Gods covenants". And if Atlantis can't find it (because they've helped me just find some impossible stuff since my recent activity here) then I guess I'll have to save up for one and start sharing with you guys the library that I've accumulated

10

B.H. Barton

by Judgerussellford in

i've recently purchased a re typed ... i guess its an outline, on ebay by a b.h.

barton.

retype dated around the 20s.

Judgerussellford

I've recently purchased a re typed ... I guess its an outline, on ebay by a B.H. Barton. Retype dated around the 20s. Originaly typed around 1909. Anyone have any idea who he was?

6

Interview with an apostate: Judgerussellford

by Judgerussellford in

great grandma studies out of the children book.

are your parents / family jws?.

my grandma, her son and some cousins and aunts/uncles on that side yes.

Judgerussellford

Yes the channel is still up. 3 videos about 2 years ago. I started getting promoted at my job and life got in the way of it. The three videos were just tests for my equipment and to show myself some flaws in my script and outline writing abilities. When I get it going again those videos will be going. Very embarrassing stuff

31

How is the 'Cost of Living Crisis' affecting you?

by nicolaou in

here in the uk we've recently had the price cap on household energy bills raised by around £800 and there'll be another similar raise this autumn.. food prices are up, petrol is around £1.82 per litre - that's $10.37 per gallon for our american friends - and inflation is currently running at 9%.

business are being hit as ordinary folk prioritise their spending.

young folks are effectively priced out of the housing market and wage rises are not keeping pace.. mrs nic' and i are fortunate in that we're both in secure employment and with the kids moved out and mortgage paid off our outgoings are thankfully low.

Judgerussellford

Biggest problem over here in the states to me, is they are spending 40 billion to help Ukraine and threatening to start crap with China over Taiwan with will cost even more, but some how, SOMEHOW, they can find money for us to afford gas and can't figure out how not to take care of problems that don't pertain to us. I'm sorry about Ukraine and all but America is not the worlds police, and you can't just spend that kind of money on other people and leave your own to rot. Thats like if I spent 1000 dollars a month on a friend I haven't seen in 10 years, and don't take care of my family. Ridiculous. You can't fix others problems if your own are left crumbling around you. Midwest isn't bad right now. 4 to 5 dollars a gallon right now, but I know its reaching higher around us so I'm not complaining. Groceries are getn stupid high too. 10 items was 60 dollars.

"... but do not harm the olive oil or the wine"

I don't know about you, but I'm neither of those things

6

Interview with an apostate: Judgerussellford

by Judgerussellford in

great grandma studies out of the children book.

are your parents / family jws?.

my grandma, her son and some cousins and aunts/uncles on that side yes.

Judgerussellford

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

4th generation jw. Recently married (3 years). Great grandma studies out of the children book. 2 gen later mom helped convert my dad and watched as slowly my whole immediate family fell away leaving me in a dark place where the congregation was my only family... for a very long time

Were you a born in or a convert?

4th generation born in

Are your parents / family JWs?

My grandma, her son and some cousins and aunts/uncles on that side yes. On my fathers side. No. I think that side is babtist

How many generations have been JWs?

4

Did you hold any position in the WTS? (MS, Elder etc...)

Not really. Ran the literature counter in 1 hall, ran the mics in others. Pioneered sometimes and did a lot of volunteering (rbc MO#3 and such)

Did you *really* believe in the bible, in spirits (angels, demons)?

I still do. The thought of something greater out there good and evil just makes much of life make sense to me rather than a mishap of random things. I know not all scientific minds and atheist believe it was random, but without a start I lose my sense of reality

Did you get baptised? When and why?

2008. Wanted more privileges, and thought I would actually end up an elder and help a lot of people with dreams of being a circuit overseer. Plus baptism makes the ladies notice you. Married to a great wife now and both out so that view is lifted

What was the initial trigger that made you start questioning things?

The importance of physical looks and that a beard is unacceptable. Why were we made with facial hair then? Why can you shave when the law states not to, but a verse before says not to get tattoos. On second thought, isn't the law done away with? Cherry pickin mutha lickas

Where did you find information? Internet sites? Books?

Started with loyd evens. Went to my grandmas library to confirm things and I just Dove in. Books can never hide history!

How difficult or painful was the process of leaving?

... telling my mom and slowly showing her things was the most difficult. But she's a woman of research. We've all silently left because it would honestly break my grandmas heart. Othern that pretty easy. I was tired of the two faced friends I thought were real. You get df'd and come back, your old friends treat you like your worth less than before. Thought I was the 1 out of the 99 you know?

Was it a big dramatic exit or a careful quiet fade?

Quiet. Thank God for covid and zoom meetings am I right?

Did you convince anyone else to leave with you?

Mom step dad and wife. Her folks still don't really know but that comes with time. Dad was gone years ago so he was cool about it

How were your family relations affected by your decision?

Not really. Grandma keeps her distance because she can't get evidence from us.

Were you or are you still being shunned by those who didn't leave?

Not so much. Being a hunter teaches you not to draw attention

How long have you now been out?

Going on almost 3 years. Its hard to say really. I felt out when I was still at the hall

Was there anything you looked forward to doing when you left?

Being free. Researching without restriction. Showing people real un edited truth

What are you most proud of achieving since you left?

Finding out who I really am

Is there anything you miss about life in the congregation?

The watchtower study. Thats it. I really enjoyed Bible discussion and being the one person who always had an outside the g.b.'s view on everything. Shows you who the sheeple are

Red pill or blue pill? Do you regret waking up to reality at all?

No regrets. Never understood the matrix reference with pills.

Did you become an atheist or transfer your faith elsewhere?

Transfered my faith between me, my research and el shadai

How do you now feel about religion in general?

Religion was even a sham to messiah.. To quote the judge himself "a snare and a racket". It is written "whether there are 2 or 3 gathered in my name, I am there in spirit"

Do you feel any guilt celebrating xmas or birthdays or doing any other JW "no-no"s?

I hate holidays just because to me they are nonsensical excuses to spend time with people you don't like to by thing to impress people you don't care for. And least mostly anyway. You don't need holidays to be with friends and family. And holidays just drain time energy and money that can go to useful things... I could go on but its just my personal oppinion anyway

Have you attended any face-to-face meetups of ex-JWs?

Just one. A friend of my wife's. Shes cool as hell

Describe your circle of friends - mostly other ex-JWs or regular people?

Don't really have any. Got some people who are interested in my background or know people. Besides family and one co worker most people I know have no jw background besides relatives and people they grew up with.

Do you tell people about your JW past?

All the time! People inside and out have misconceptions about ibsa/wbts. Plus I have knowledge and history that I feel is just fascinating. And if my facts are wrong, I love the correction to accuracy. I hope to be a watchtower historian one day. Got a YouTube channel that I need to get back on that was designed for the same purpose

Do you feel animosity or pity toward current JWs?

Neither. Everybody does the best they can with what we got. Everybody has something right. And everyone has a lot of things wrong. We can learn from each other no matter what. I fault no one unless they are malicious and purposely hurtful.

How do you respond to witnesses when they call at your door?

Absolutely. I tell them I've been praying for you to come see me.

Storm the barricades or tend to the wounded? (do you favor activism or support)

Nutural. I keep my personal ministry to where I'm at. I don't consider it activism. But I won't contend either. I just hope it can always be done with love and without animosity

What do you think is the most effective approach to reaching people still in?

Some can never be reached. How were you reached? Did something inside you just click or did someone come apostasizing? People are the most unpredictable thing. Thats what makes us so interesting

Do you think the WTS can or should be destroyed, will continue on as-is or grow / change?

Yeah like the catholic church. I think that thats the most highs place and I won't step on his ground. I think it will grow and recead as a tide. Never full, never empty

How has your life been impacted by your JW past?

Great social skills being forced to talk to people. I really think the mental distress of the brainwashing was pretty fleeting for me after I became my own person and found out what I want to do. Pretty anti climactic

Are there things in your life you blame the WTS for?

No. We all make our own choices. Life is about choices and consequences. We make those ourselves and we reap those consequences. Its up to us if the choices and results are good and bad. Nkt up to a society you don't like. You can make the best of anything.

JW upbringing - a protection or a curse?

I know good and bad catholics and Baptists and Torah followers &c. Like I said its what you make it. If its bad its no ones fault but your own.

How do you fill your time now it's not filled with meetings and field service?

Spending time with family working our property and just working a good job.

Do you still have an interest in JW beliefs and doctrines?

Absolutely. My religious history is a passion to me. Soon I will show you guys my library as it is still growing

How much of your time is still spent on JW related matters?

Whenever I can. I got so much that takes president right now. But this community is growing fast on me

What do you think of the ex-JW community?

Love you guys, just 2 days in

Do you see yourself still being associated with the ex-JW community in 5 or 10 years time?

As long as you'll have me. I'd still have current jws If they didn't follow a shunning rule. Thats their loss. Lots of never been jws like me and ex jws so I got good people

Do you fear the future?

Never have never will. We can mek the future anything. The present is whats scary

What advice would you give to anyone starting the journey of leaving the WTS?

Be you bro. Never EVER lose who you are

What would you change in your life if you could go back and talk to yourself?

Nope. If you regret your past then you really don't like yourself. Be proud of you unless you sexually assault or hurt people in any way. Your past made you who you are. Be proud of that

Do you have any regrets about life since you left?

See last question

Can we read your life-story anywhere? (links to online or books)

I'll post it in parts on here soon. I would like to say I don't consider myself an apostate. Just somebody who used to be a jw. But apostates are not bad people either.

Want to share your own story? Please use the Interview with an Apostate: Template and post it in the Personal Experiences & Reunions section with the title "Interview with an Apostate: [your name or alias

3

J.H. Paton

by Judgerussellford in

i've been silently fading away for almost 3 years now, me my wife and parents.

but i love the history of the religion i grew up in.

our past doesn't define us, but it helps shape us into the people we are today.

Judgerussellford

Thanks Atlantis! ND Vienne, no I haven't. I will be checking that out along with some of those other articles on that link. I have resonated more with Paton in my studies because of his humility and demeanor so it will definitely be worth the read.. I had no idea that Barbour held a convention, and can now figure out who Bill arp was. I have a copy of the joy slip I found in an old watchtower when I was flipping through it. I want to say its original second version but I can't be sure.

13

Unpopular opinion

by Judgerussellford in

so i've asked this question to witnesses in the past (super no no question to ask by the way but hilarious responses) to bosses and coworkers, and random people of different faiths and i'm curious to know how mixed of a response this community will give.

bible believers or not your oppinion is very welcome.

technically according to scripture we are gods sons.

Judgerussellford

So I've asked this question to witnesses in the past (super no no question to ask by the way but hilarious responses) to bosses and coworkers, and random people of different faiths and I'm curious to know how mixed of a response this community will give. Bible believers or not your oppinion is very welcome. Technically according to scripture we are gods sons. But he has angelic sons in heaven, viz: angels. 2 in particular, Yeshua (Jesus I prefer any original Hebrew variation personaly) and for lack of not knowing his real name, we will just go with a popular mislabeled name, Lucifer. In essence these two are brothers, The epitome of two great opposites, good and evil. We will come back to this in a moment. Let's jump to some NT theology for a minute.

It is written that God desires none to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. That being said, does the Devil himself have to die after Armageddon? I ask this because as it seems a loving father wouldn't want to pit his own sons against each other, (told you wed be back to two brothers) let alone have one destroyed for all eternity. To answer this question theologically, it seems only proper to examine the one sin that could never be forgiven in this life nor in the one to come. Thats blasphemy of the spirit.. George Storrs put it in decent terms in 1876 if i remember the date right,, that the pharasees who said that messiah cast out demons by the power of beelzebub, actually attributed the power of a good working spirit from God, to evil. In that example is a decent explanation of blasphemy of the spirit.

Folks of most faiths I've talked to don't really have an answer for me, but my sister gave me an interesting reason as to why she's believes yes. The unfairness of one sone dying, voluntarily or not, that did not deserve the death, and the one thats really messed up our race (with help from ourselves of course) wouldn't be in a loving gods nature. After all, Nineveh repented and the prophecy of her destruction was made null. And although Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, messiah himself said that they would be restored before Isreal was and were better off than Isreal. All it takes is repentance. So if he really does have to die, has he ever blasphemed the spirit? If so, how? If not doesn't he recieve a second chance much like the two doomed cities of lots time? Why shouldn't he die at least once since we all have to and his own brother did right? I hope the ones who read this can make sense of my ramblings. Just simply, will the epitome of evil get a second chance? All opinions welcome, believers or not

6

I'm not able to update my bio

by Judgerussellford in

jw
friends

since i cannot update my bio at this time let me introduce myself.

ex jw of 2 years.

was pimi for 24 and df'd for almost 3 years.

Judgerussellford

Your fine Simon. My crab monster is about as wacky looking as me anyway! And phizzy, I will definitely check those threads out when I get the chance. Sorry about some of the friends here passing away. I've scrolled through a lot when I was on here yesterday and there was a lot of appreciation for those ones.

6

I'm not able to update my bio

by Judgerussellford in

jw
friends

since i cannot update my bio at this time let me introduce myself.

ex jw of 2 years.

was pimi for 24 and df'd for almost 3 years.

Judgerussellford

Thanks for the welcome guys! I never really thought I'd be a part of an online committee, let alone one of the oldest and longest running ones. But research actually brought me here and after browsing, I couldn't walk away. Its fascinating to be in a world where everyone has almost identical backgrounds but where we branched into so many different backstories.