Posts by FayeDunaway

46

God does exist here is my nonbiblical reason:

by Curious Kitten in

(before you read i hope no one gets offended by the word retarted...that s how i thought when i was 13)my mom and dad are divorced and my father never helped my mother on raising us, so basically she was a single-mother.

he just abandoned my three brothers and me and my mother had to work two jobs all of the time so we never got to see her.

when we did see her it was after school, but all she did was yell at us, make food, and leave to her next job.

FayeDunaway

It seems that this post by curious kitten has us all trying to win her to our own sides.

It makes me sad that the witnesses have ruined 'God' for so many people and they become atheist. Not that their outlook isn't also swayed by other religious fanatics, or a fundamentalist view of the bible vs. science, or religious hypocrisy, or simply a skeptical nature and strong desire for reason over faith. But ex witnesses become atheist more often than many who have changed their religion. I think part of this is they were brought up to view other religions as satanic, so the option that any other direction would be ok was closed off to them from the start, so it was either witnesses or nothing, and most here chose nothing. Also, many are angry at God because of witness doctrine of what kind of God he is. Better to be an atheist than to believe that kind of God is real.

I don't want to start an argument, or oversimplify why many here are atheist. Most of you are obviously extremely intelligent and didnt come to this decision after simple thoughts, but a lot of reading and study.

I believe faith is a precious thing, I don't believe one person without faith should to try to influence another person to lose their faith. i also don't believe those of us who have faith really can or should try to influence those of you without faith unless you want faith.

i hope I haven't offended anyone too much.

curious kitten, don't be easily swayed either way. One thing is sure...the witnesses arent the way to go. We can all (mostly) agree on that!

19

"in" Family driving me crazy on social media

by freemindfade in

does any other fader who maintains a minimal connection to preserve family ties have this issue:.

i post something on ig, facebook whatever.

and from my super zealous family i get preachy posts.

FayeDunaway

Fb was awesome for reconnecting with very old friends who had left or were disfellowshipped when I realized that I was going to lose everyone in my present life. It definitely helped me during that dark time of feeling utterly alone. I still get together with found old friends. Now tho I'm kind of sick of FB, I guess because I'm not so desperate and have a real life now :).

46

God does exist here is my nonbiblical reason:

by Curious Kitten in

(before you read i hope no one gets offended by the word retarted...that s how i thought when i was 13)my mom and dad are divorced and my father never helped my mother on raising us, so basically she was a single-mother.

he just abandoned my three brothers and me and my mother had to work two jobs all of the time so we never got to see her.

when we did see her it was after school, but all she did was yell at us, make food, and leave to her next job.

FayeDunaway

Curious, I believe what you say, and I believe that because you did not have parents, God was there for you. I've heard stories like this before.

Do not deny him and do not let the witnesses twist God from you. They think they have the truth but they do not. God is like the God who met you when you needed him. He is merciful and warm and bright. The witnesses God is petty and legalistic. This is not for you. Please go to a regular church and join a study group. All you have to do is walk in and talk to someone. I am so glad you stopped the drugs. Don't start again. You can be an inspiration to others. Much love.

46

What comforts you when you no longer believe in a ressurrection ?

by EdenOne in

our family just lost someone dear and very close, a faithful jw.

as we went through the entire funeral services and meeting long time brothers and sisters, who in general have been very kind and warm towards us, we realize that the hope of resurrection is a meaningless utopia for us, like a fairytale for little children.

we don't have faith in it anymore, and serves us of no comfort.

FayeDunaway

Beautifully put, free soul.

I have experienced a connection with someone who was dead, I don't want to go into details here, but I do believe in life after death. It was unexpected and I am not crazy. I think sometimes the dead linger for a while, especially if they are concerned about something and can't let go.

I don't think we need to dwell on it much, just try to give more than you take in this life. Ease suffering if possible.

9

Wrestling with change, technology, jealousy, and spiritual need...

by silent in

jw
friends

hey gang, i'm a fader and i've made a few posts in the past, but i mostly lurk.

i had a visit with a family member the other night and they know how i feel about my life as a witness growing up.

my life as a witness was not fun, i had no friends "in the truth," was picked on relentlessly in school, and basically my life as a witness left me with not one real good memory.

FayeDunaway

Do some research! Examine every witness teaching, read apologist Christian sites about these teachings, look at both sides. There IS spiritual life outside of the org, I'm so glad I'm where I'm at now. They are mixed up in so many ways, don't take it for granted they're right about their teachings. Everything you've learned has been through their bible and their angles. Look elsewhere.

128

YOU MIGHT BE A J.W.

by brandnew in

jw
friends

if getting ready means putting on a suit........ you might be a j.w.. if going out to the field has nothing to do with grass, baseball diamonds, or football ......... you might be a j.w.. please continue my friends.......i know ya got some.....; ).

FayeDunaway

Omg brand new and pixel, I laughed out loud!

23

Gave my first hour talk sunday before last

by Perry in

jw
friends

i started going door to door at age 5 and was giving no.

2 talks by age 7. during the 8 years i was an active adult jw i was never a ms or elder (although i was a regular pioneer once).

so, i never qualified to give an hour talk.

FayeDunaway

The way the witnesses twist the simplicity of communion and who receives it has always confounded me. Strange teachings. Thanks for the thread, and I like your scriptures.

22

WT now promoting literature officially at book fairs

by StarTrekAngel in

can there really be any doubt now on how commercial it is?

if you thought the new kh design seemed commercial in nature, now imagine one of those halls turned into a jw store.

we know they exist.

FayeDunaway

That store would see less traffic than a small town history museum in the middle of the desert

17

Did you go to your prom or belong to a "worldly" club while you were a witness?

by minimus in

jw
friends

i didn't go to the prom but i did belong to a chess club until the awake article said it was a war game and suggested true christians wouldn't play such a game.

FayeDunaway

I didn't get to do any of these things. This is why life is a little frustrating now...I want my kids to embrace fully what high school is all about, and do EVERYTHING...but nope, they have to 'rebel' against the whole high school scene. 'Oh, that's so high school.' DRIVES ME CRAZY! If I could do it again, I'd study my ass off, be in every club possible, go to every game and dance, and esp. try out for the plays and musicals!!! And run for president!

14

Faders: did local JWs give you a going away party?

by Open mind in

for those who choose to fade, leaving your old congregation is often a first step.

did you switch congos while stll in "good standing" (tm)?

if so, did the local jws try to give you a going away party?

FayeDunaway

They gave us a beautiful going away party.

I still feel guilty about it , I tried to stop them as hard as a I could.

anyway.

Giordano, I think about leaving the religion every time I hear john Lennon's 'wheels'

i'm just sittin here watching the wheels go round and round,

i really love Watch em roll

no longer riding on the merry go round

i just had to let it go

next time you hear it, listen to the verses too. It really fits.