Posts by Freeof1914

17

When Did Dr. Alexander Hislops Become A Pariah to the Watchtower Society?

by ÁrbolesdeArabia in

i am going to be speaking to the 45-55 years old plus generation here.

i bought my first copy around 1980, it was the thing to do because it proved most of christendom's believes came from nimrod, and by the end of the 1980s the book and the name faded away into oblivion.. .

the watchtower use to print that book or distribute it, am i correct or has my memory gotten bad?

Freeof1914

Funny thing you mention this book. I was giving the Bible tours in the MET museum and so much of the information that I had to present was based on this book or watchtower literature that was clearly based on Hislop's work. As I began to delve deeper into the information I was presented and realized how much disinformation the Society presents to adherents I was shocked, I already had my doubts but this compounded those doubts. The witnesses that would take the tour would be spellbound by the information I presented. Looking back I feel horrible and saddened that I added to the lies they already believed, but it also taught me how easily one can believe any gibberish when you are within a community that does not value critical thinking skills. Very sad!

28

How will the WT spin China???

by Freeof1914 in

i read an article this morning on how china is quickly reaching even footing with the united states in all aspects; military, economic etc.

the article continued saying how it was imperative that the united states recognize that it would be forced to behave accordingly or risk ddestabilizing the world.

another interesting statement was made that sooner rather than later the u.s. would become the 2nd largest economy falling behind china.

Freeof1914

I read an article this morning on how China is quickly reaching even footing with the United States in all aspects; military, economic etc. etc. The article continued saying how it was imperative that the United States recognize that it would be forced to behave accordingly or risk ddestabilizing the world. Another interesting statement was made that sooner rather than later the U.S. would become the 2nd largest economy falling behind China. This got me thinking on what the WT believes to be the current truth; that the Anglosaxon world power of Great Britain and U.S. would be the last great world power before Great Tribulation would commence? This has been taught since I was a child, but as it stands now it must be becoming very clear this is not the case and the WT finds themselves in another dilemma of failed prophecy. I am just curious to see how they plan on sweeping this one under the rug being that this is happening very quickly and seems inevitable. If this were to happen they would be forced to retract another fundamental belief and after all if the changes as of late I am hoping that more will begin to awaken and see the that these men are not infallible oracles of god, but simply another religion that trumps itself above all others.

18

Life after DF/divorce

by Freeof1914 in

i am just wondering how many here have gone through the experience of being disfellowshipped and divorced?

i am currently in that situation and sometimes i am afraid of what to expect.

thankfully i have a good core of friends, but nonetheless i still find myself somewhat nervous of what to expect in my new life.

Freeof1914

Thank you all for your advice. I am truly grateful to have people whom I can reach out to that have been through this, and speak from experience. I actually spoke to a therapist today for the FIRST time in my life and WOW! It was so scary and enlightening how dead on she was about my childhood experiences.

15

Your opinion is requested.

by DATA-DOG in

this is rough draft of a letter that i was thinking of sending to various human rights organizations.

i am interested in your thoughts.

i will not include anyone's website without their permission.

Freeof1914

Amazing! You were able to capture the plight of all witnesses Ina very dignified manner. I appreciate that you still respected the dignity of the average witness while squarely and forcefully pinning the blame in the leadership. It is truly scary to tthink we were all at one point in that situation and makes one appreciate our freedom even more when you read through your letter. Great job!

18

Life after DF/divorce

by Freeof1914 in

i am just wondering how many here have gone through the experience of being disfellowshipped and divorced?

i am currently in that situation and sometimes i am afraid of what to expect.

thankfully i have a good core of friends, but nonetheless i still find myself somewhat nervous of what to expect in my new life.

Freeof1914

Again thank you all for your responses. I'm glad to have such support and also hear from others who have walked the path that I am about to embark on.

@love I will DEFINITELY follow your advice!

@ray thank you for making yourself available to chat

@jean luc - I will definitely heed your advice to not be overly open at first

@cyrus your good luck is much appreciated

@whathappened it must have taken so much courage to leave after so long I'm not sure how you did it BUT wow

18

Life after DF/divorce

by Freeof1914 in

i am just wondering how many here have gone through the experience of being disfellowshipped and divorced?

i am currently in that situation and sometimes i am afraid of what to expect.

thankfully i have a good core of friends, but nonetheless i still find myself somewhat nervous of what to expect in my new life.

Freeof1914

Thank you very much! An outside perspective is much appreciated. Your kind words mean a lot.

18

Life after DF/divorce

by Freeof1914 in

i am just wondering how many here have gone through the experience of being disfellowshipped and divorced?

i am currently in that situation and sometimes i am afraid of what to expect.

thankfully i have a good core of friends, but nonetheless i still find myself somewhat nervous of what to expect in my new life.

Freeof1914

Hello all,

i am just wondering how many here have gone through the experience of being disfellowshipped and divorced? I am currently in that situation and sometimes I am afraid of what to expect. Thankfully I have a good core of friends, but nonetheless I still find myself somewhat nervous of what to expect in my new life. I have been married to my wife for almost eight years and we have been in each other's life for over ten years. I am leaving the house in July and truly feel saddened because she has been my best friend and is an amazing woman. Yes she is angered by my choices, but I am able to understand her. I am aware that she did not get married with the idea that one day I would not be a JW and I have also made my share if personal mistakes. I don't plan on being serious with Amy other woman for some time I realize I have a lot to work on, but I am 31 and have no children a good career and do not want to be alone forever. I guess what I am wondering is, have any of you found yourselves in a similar situation? As ex-JW we carry a lot of baggage and issues especially for the ones that were born- ins such as myself. We're you able to find someone who was understanding of such issues? I am also missing my family dreadfully and feel as if my friend regardless of how great and amazing they are, will never be able to fill that void. Hoping to just gain some clarity and perspective from all of you. If any of you are in NYC would love to meet up and grab a drink and chat.

22

Interesting conversation

by Freeof1914 in

as some of you know several weeks ago i was disfellowshipped for several reasons, but primarily my thoughts on the organization.

last night i had a very interesting conversations with my wife after she came back from the meeting and several things jumped out at me that made see even more clearly how sick this religion is.

first of all, several months ago we attended a wedding of a friend.

Freeof1914

As some of you know several weeks ago I was disfellowshipped for several reasons, but primarily my thoughts on the organization. Last night I had a very interesting conversations with my wife after she came back from the meeting and several things jumped out at me that made see even more clearly how sick this religion is. First of all, several months ago we attended a wedding of a friend. I had already been inactive for a year, but still was invited and chose to attend. During the wedding one of my wife's best friends husband asked me to step outside wih him. I knew that he had been inactive for some time as well and thus fet ccomfortable doing so. We began to speak and he brought up several things that bothered him about the organization. As I listened I began to openly tell him my "apostate" leanings. Little did I know months later he would run to his wife and say I frightened him that night with my talk. Interestingly enough it had been him that approached me,but that is a whole other discussion. My wife's friend approached my wife and told her what her husband had told her.

Needless to say last night she came home and went on and on about how disrespectful I was. She stated, " Who do you think you are, that you can try to ruin someone faith? You have no RIGHT talking to any brothers about how you feel. How can you try to ruin someone's faith? That is disrespectful!" I almost laughed out loud! I simply asked her, " Isn't that what you do every Saturday morning?" She was left speechless and then stated, You know what? You disfellowshipped people think that anyone still cares about you? You are old news the week after you are announced no one even cares or thinks about you it's like whatever! I simply stayed quiet and thought to myself... She is right and I don't ever want to be in any shape or form not even in the smallest way identified with those people. I thought of all these people that I have known for 20 + years and ALL of the things I hd done for them and the supposed friends, the " love" that ONLY exists in the organization. I laughed to myself and thought I am so happy I am free. The sick mentality that the organization breeds is truly disgusting and scary.i have sacrificed a lot by leaving, but I have conserved my own humanity and for that I am happy and grateful. Just some thoughts.

19

Commitee and disfellowshipment

by Freeof1914 in

i have only posted on here several times, but i am constantly reading what others post.

i guess i am more of a reader than author.

that being said i am happy to announce i am no longer one of the jehovah's witnesses.

Freeof1914

Tonight my announcement will be given or maybe already has that I am no longer one if the Jehovah's Witnesses. I feel such a load off of me. Literally it feels as if I am walking on my clouds. Last night I made my final rounds saying goodbye to my family. I have never realized how sick and cultish the religion was until last night. My father is 71 yrs old and literally hugged me as if this was the last time he would see me. He has told my wife that he feels he will die without saying another word to me. It sickens me to my stomach to think if how some of my, actually my entire family spoke. My eldest brother sated that he was "happy" this was happening to me, because it was an opportunity to set things right with Jehovah. I am shocked as to how Orwellian it feels once one has stepped out of their orb of influence. I feel happy that I am out, but saddened that my entire family will no longer have any contact with me. I am even more saddened that they will miss out on so many great moments that I am sure to have moving forward. Thank you for all if your support it is much appreciated.

19

Commitee and disfellowshipment

by Freeof1914 in

i have only posted on here several times, but i am constantly reading what others post.

i guess i am more of a reader than author.

that being said i am happy to announce i am no longer one of the jehovah's witnesses.

Freeof1914

I have only posted on here several times, but I am constantly reading what others post. I guess I am more of a reader than author. That being said I am happy to announce I am no longer one of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I was in my committee case last night and that was the outcome. The interesting thing and the reason of my post is to just highlight some observation from my committee. Firstly let me start by saying that I come from a very hardcore witness family on both my side and my wife's side of the family. I was at one point also very involved and was gung ho. My wife continues to be. I was involved in an inappropiate relationship some five years ago, all of which came to light in the past weeks. Out of respect to my wife and her asking me to please see the elders I did, I felt it was the least I could do for her. I own my mistake and I regret hurting her like that.

The interesting thing is that although the committee was for something of a sexual nature the questioning took on a whole different tone. The elders have been aware for some time of my doubts regarding the Witnesses' beliefs. I spoke to a cousin of mine candidly about these doubts simply in a form of conversation, not trying to make his faith crumble. I spoke to him as friend. Apparently, he went and told the elders the things I had mentioned. They asked me if I had spoken to him of my doubts, I said yes I did the same way I spoke to you of my doubts. They proceeded to drill me about this asking me, Do you think this is the ONLY truth? I responded by saying I do believe that they bible is the best way to live. I began to tell them about my ideas regarding doubts. I stated, " Doubts are what help a faith become solid. If I had no doubts then I would not investigate my own beleifs and this is not the type of faith that can be solid, it is not the christian faith, it is simply blindly following the ideas of men and not what the Bible has told us to do." They all agreed on this point.

After this conversation they began to give me a guilt trip about the harm I am causing my family by being inactive and having doubts. I told them isn't more harmful that I lie to them and act as if I believe everything? I then asked them if this is the truth and I am hypocritcally serving Jehovah, and not having faith in HIS organization, what good would it do? It would be the same as lip service. They agreed.

They then asked if I had anything else to tell them I said, Yes I do. I smoke cigarettes, occasionally smoke marihuana and have gotten drunk publicaly from time to time! Too bad I couldn't snap a picture of their faces when I said this.

Afterward they did the customary routine of asking me to wait on their decision. When I was called back they told me their decision I WAS BEING DISFELLOWSHIPPED BECAUSE OF THE DOUBTS, MY LACK OF BELIEF THAT THIS WAS THE ORGANIZATION!!! After all the other things I told them about the most severe for them was NOT my betrayal of my wife, smoking, drinking, drugs but DOUBTS!!! INCREDIBLE!!

The last thing I said to them as I left was, "Funny, I don't recall Jesus shunning Thomas for not believing. In fact he showed him the PROOF necessary to support the claims of the other apostles. THAT is your responsiblity to your flock and you have not fulfilled it, instead you choose to cast me off because of those doubts. EXCELLENT shephards. Good night!" It felt amazing, walked out of there feeling like I had been liberated.