Posts by pale.emperor

28

What do I do ?

by jdash in

hey guys, this is my first time posting on here but lets get started.. so i'm a 17 year old boy who currently attends meetings at a congregation in indianapolis.

i live with my grandparents, on my father's side, because my mother died in 2010. i been attending meetings since i was 10. my mother got into the religion but then got disfellowshiped.

my dad is on and off, he currently just got reinstated.

pale.emperor

Because it's just that, I feel as I am brainwashed. As in like "you better come back or you will die in Armageddon."

Yep, that's quite right. When i was your age the only ones who'd die in Armageddon was the evil ones, then it was anyone who's not a JW, and now as far as i can deduce from Tony Morris III it's anyone who isnt pioneering.

In my opinion, fear of being killed isnt a good reason to join a religion.

Also:

They told me that if I disassociate myself, then my grandfather will lose his position as an elder.

Only if you're living in the same household as far as i know, check the elders book i sent you:)

22

The real reason the Watchtower Magazine is studied

by RULES & REGULATIONS in

the watchtower study is not real bible study.

it is a study to introduce wtbts beliefs,doctrines, and practices.

just think for a moment!

pale.emperor

11, 12. How has the slave shown itself to be faithful and discreet?
11 Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same? After all, the slave has shown itself to be faithful in doing its assigned work. For example, the Watchtower magazine has been published for some 130 years. Meetings, assemblies, and conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to build us up spiritually.

Since starting University after my exit from the cult, i read the above and cringe. Every essay i submit has to be backed up with evidence from esteemed experts, the opposite considered and my conclusion severely critiqued to make sure what im writing is correct.

If the above was submitted in a University essay it'd get zero marks. Terrible arguments presented.

1. Jehovah and Jesus trust the FDS? - so many holes here. Firstly the mention of the FDS was in a parable by Jesus, not a prophecy. Second, it's not been proven that the FDS is even a person or people. Third, we're given no evidence that God/Jesus trust the FDS. That's three mistakes in one sentence.

2. A magazine being published for 130 years doesn't make it true. The Spectator magazine has been in print since 1828.

3. Conventions build us up spiritually? That would be a subjective/relative concept.

28

What do I do ?

by jdash in

hey guys, this is my first time posting on here but lets get started.. so i'm a 17 year old boy who currently attends meetings at a congregation in indianapolis.

i live with my grandparents, on my father's side, because my mother died in 2010. i been attending meetings since i was 10. my mother got into the religion but then got disfellowshiped.

my dad is on and off, he currently just got reinstated.

pale.emperor

First of all, congrats on discovering all this at 17yo and not 31yo like me, or even much older like some of us on here :)

Secondly, you having continued association with your mother and/or brother wont result in you being disfellowshipped so please carry as normal with them. Your brother in particular will be a good help to you. I myself have helped my younger brother out of the cult only recently. If you haven't already, download yourself a copy of Shepherd The Flock Of God (the elders guidebook that they keep secret from the congregation). A simple google search will bring it up. Or PM me and i'll email you a copy. It's definitely worthwhile knowing their rules and tactics they use to try and disfellowship people.

I understand that your position in that your grandparents will want you to attend meetings. I'd say continue going until you're 18 but do the bare minimum. No answering up or anything. Same with ministry, if you can avoid it - do.

Lastly, most of us on here have downloaded and read the book written by ex-Governing Body member Ray Franz called Crises Of Conscience. Do yourself a favor and read that, it'll open your eyes. Again, a simple google search will bring it up or you can PM me for it.

Please post back on this forum and let us know how you're getting on. This forum can be a real lifeline and we have ex-elders, bethelites and CO's on here that can help you.

17

What's out there?

by Jrjw in

someone asked me what does the world have to offer if left the truth?

'coz i'm still in the process of leaving i just said i don't feel i fit in the truth or the world.

she's known me for 12 years and she's the 3rd person recently to say i've changed.

pale.emperor

Things "the world" has given me since i left 2 years ago:

More time to devote to hobbies, Lie in on Saturday and Sunday, Women!, Christmas presents, Birthday presents, Thursday evenings free, REAL friends, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, critical thinking skills, self worth, a hypnosis qualification, a university education, kindness to others regardless of religion.

Things Watchtower gave me that the world didn't:

Depression, Self doubt, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Fear of men, fear of displeasing an invisible entity, black and white thinking.

Take your pick.

6

Documentary: History Of The Earth

by pale.emperor in

for those interested in evolution, do yourself a favor and give this a watch.

i learned so much from it:.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57mertelsbc.

pale.emperor

My wife and I just watched this an enjoyed it thoroughly. Now, we're both new to this new way of seeing life, evolution, etc., so I can't speak to the accuracy of things, but it makes sense and we thought it was well done.

It makes so much sense. And i seriously cant see how anyone can argue with the geological evidence. When they mentioned that creature that looked like a dinosaur but predated them (Gorgonopsid) i had to delve into research and they really do have fossils of them! I'd never even heard of such creatures.

14

Just thought I'd share. New up coming apostate

by joe134cd in

forum
links

just listened to this delightful young irish lass and just thought i'd share.

a pleasure to listen to her.

well spoken and presents a good argument.. https://youtu.be/qitwc2qumgs.

pale.emperor

Doesnt it show that women would make fine teachers if only the cult would let her?

33

My younger brother officially Disassociated today

by pale.emperor in

hi guys.

just wanted to share this with you as it's kind of got me worried.

my brother who was also raised in "the truth™" met me in town today for a coffee.

pale.emperor

They imply this when he indicates he wants no further part in the religion, yet they accept he is capable to fully understand being baptized and they wouldn't hesitate to punish with disfellowshipping if he committed an offense against the religion's requirements.

Exactly. They already asked if they could come round and talk to him. Plural. Not one elder, but two or more. I reckon it's just so they can DF him instead like they did with me. I DA'd, stupidly accepted their offer to "just talk about it" with them and it turned out to be a Judicial Committee and i was DF'd

33

My younger brother officially Disassociated today

by pale.emperor in

hi guys.

just wanted to share this with you as it's kind of got me worried.

my brother who was also raised in "the truth™" met me in town today for a coffee.

pale.emperor

I spent the day with him today. We went to down like we used to do when we were in our teens and visited museums, libraries, our favorite shops and had coffee etc. He said to me "this is the best day i've had in years". Then he apologized for shunning me when i first left. He told me that our sisters and our mum put a lot of pressure on him to cut me off and that our sister literally watched over his shoulder and dictated to him what to write in a text message to me saying he wants nothing to do with me. He apologized but i told him no apology needed and i understand what the JWs are like.

We saw witnesses on their carts. He wanted to approach and give them hell but i told him not to. They see ex-members as bitter and angry and sad. Lashing out like that would only confirm their persecution complex.

One thing i noticed is that since he cut all ties his self worth has soared. He was talking to the cashiers, talking to tourists, helping people with bags, giving directions. A whole world away from the deflated, depressed, sad man i knew last year.

When he got home he sent me this text:

33