I am convinced that when we leave the cult, a sort of veil between us and 'the world' is removed. We had not allowed ourselves to REALLY get to know people or open ourselves up to them. We had kept a distance and sort of didn't look straight into people's eyes. When we leave the cult, we open ourselves up to others and become more engaged. And we make real friends.
FayeDunaway
JoinedPosts by FayeDunaway
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Being positively recognized
by menrov inhi, for over a year, i stopped attending meeting and field service.
actually, passively disassociated from the congregation.
but i did not stop reading and doing my own research.
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Atheists and Christmas
by nicolaou inyes, we can enjoy christmas!.
we can put up and decorate a xmas tree, wrap and give presents and get the whole section of non-jw family round for a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings - yum!.
we don't feel guilty about getting time off work and relaxing in front of all those cheesy xmas movies (baby's day out is still my favourite).. so if, unlike me, you want to frame your festivities in a story of a magical baby go right ahead, this thread isn't about belief bashing.. whatever your definition of the 'true meaning of christmas', mine is just as valid; it's the celebration of my freedom, my ability to choose how to live my life and who to share it's joys with.. so let this rabid, godless, antichrist of an atheist wish you all a very merry christmas!
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FayeDunaway
I'm like, really Christian. But even if I was atheist I know I would love Christmas. And the reason is... Its the perfect holiday. What to do during the bleakest, shortest days of the year, but celebrate light, warmth and family? It's making the time of year thats naturally depressing, the most wonderful time of the year! And it is actually successful at doing that!
Merry Christmas everyone.
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The X-Mas thing...
by punkofnice inchristmas means nothing to me.
i have no abiding, cosy, childhood memories of it.. i don't buy presents or cards....i have to be reminded.. i feel a bit weird.
people are celebrating and saying: 'i'm feeling christmassy.'.
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FayeDunaway
Punk, get your granddaughter a Christmas present! Make new memories with her.
I didn't have a Christmas childhood either, but now we all dive in. Theres a Manhattan of Christmas presents in the living room, I can't wait to watch everyone open them in 3 mornings. I love all aspects of Christmas.
One thing tho..I remember being very young and listening for reindeer on the roof...i was hoping there was a Santa even if my parents didn't believe in him...and maybe he would still stop at our house and surprise everyone.
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Adult Coloring Books
by littlerockguy inanybody take up coloring?
i got lost ocean by johanna basford and i got another coloring book mandalas and more.
i just use crayola colored pencils and some gel pens and thin tipped markers.
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FayeDunaway
I really enjoy coloring too. But be careful of mandalas, I'm pretty sure they're pagan.. And that sort of concentrated relaxation only lets the devil in! :P
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Cult Documentary on Sundance
by dontplaceliterature ini watched a cult documentary called "join us" on sundance today.. it is showing a few more times, if you have that channel.
it was very interesting.
the cult that it follows uses a lot of the same lingo and focuses on a lot of the same scriptures as jehovah's witnesses.
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FayeDunaway
i just watched 'Join Us' and would recommend this doc to anyone. The similarities to our own experiences are striking, especially the members doubting their own questionings 'what if he is really right???' It's almost painful to watch. -
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Nativity Scene in JW Literature
by Wild_Thing indoes anyone know if the jws have very printed a picture of, what might be considered, a nativity scene in any of their literature?
i think it would funny to create a christmas card using their own artwork!
haha!
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FayeDunaway
That would make a really ugly Christmas card :). -
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Quote from Manal al-Sharif
by FayeDunaway inmanal al-sharif is a saudi arabian former extremist muslim who was liberalized by the internet and became a women's rights activist in her country.
reading this quote i was struck that her experience is similar to a jehovahs witness experience, including mine, and gives me hope that many more people who are brought up in extremist environments will wake up, no matter what their backgrounds.
the internet is a fabulous thing.
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FayeDunaway
Manal al-Sharif is a Saudi Arabian former extremist Muslim who was liberalized by the Internet and became a women's rights activist in her country. Reading this quote I was struck that her experience is similar to a Jehovahs Witness experience, including mine, and gives me hope that many more people who are brought up in extremist environments will wake up, no matter what their backgrounds. The Internet is a fabulous thing. And this site. Thank you, Simon.
"In 2000, the Internet was introduced in Saudi Arabia. It was the first time I went online. Now, let me give you a picture of myself: as an extremist, I covered myself from head to toe. I had always followed the custom strictly. I loved drawing, but one day when they told us in school that it was sinful to draw portraits of animals or people, I felt I had to comply. I dutifully gathered all my paintings and drawings and burned them. Meanwhile, I found myself burning inside. This was not fair. I had learned as much from a computer. The Internet, you see, was the first door that allowed Arab youth to venture into the outside world. I was young, thirsty to learn about other people and other religions. I started communicating with people who held different opinions, and soon those conversations raised questions in my head. I began to realize how very small was the box I was living in. It looked all the smaller once I stepped out of it. Slowly, I started to lose my phobia of having my pure beliefs polluted."
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Please i need guidance
by alex_Am ini know im young.
i know i still have so much to learn i mean im only 14 but but even at a young age i have learned and i know what love is.
this is where the problem comes in.
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FayeDunaway
Tell her you have read about her religion and you know it is a destructive cult, and you care about her and you hope she will leave it some day. Tell her never to get baptized (that part is imperative). If she never gets baptized, she can leave it and be with you someday and still be able to speak to her family. -
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What is the alternative to JW?
by Formerbrother ini 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.. is jehovah real?
the the bible is word?
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FayeDunaway
Hello FW, just here to give you my perspective. I still believe in God, but my beliefs have come closer to the Trinity, but not fully the trinity. I do believe the bible is Gods word, however I am not a fundamentalist. I believe in evolution...I don't know how any thinking person can't. I believe God started creation and backed off for a long time. I don't believe it's all from nothing. After research I joined a mainline Protestant church that allows people to have many various thoughts/opinions. Some things are incontrovertible: jesus has died for us, God is merciful. I am really happy there. -
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Feeling rejected
by Esmeralda001 injust a little disclaimer: english isn't my first language (i'm from france) thus the poor writing skills.here is the situation: i'm not a jw.
however, i'm in the process of becoming one.
in fact, i'm studying with the jw's, and i'll proceed to become an unbaptized publisher as soon as i finish the first book.to make a long story short i was introduced to the truth when i was 18een.
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FayeDunaway
I completely understand you turning to God at a very low point in your life and finding him and feeling grateful and close to him...that is how I felt after being raised a JW....went through a low point, opened my heart to the true meaning of the Bible, and turned to Christ. Now after years of transition im in a mainline Christian church and I am so happy to be there and among true friends. You do NOT have to settle for the witnesses as the only answer. They have manipulated the bible towards what they want you to believe. Please keep an open mind about this. There are other ways that will not make you miserable. Why join a legalistic religion that is so built on superficial things? Research their doctrine! You will be happier, I promise, and you do not have to betray the God you have come to love.