I'm Christian and also believe in evolution, it doesn't necessarily have to be one or the other unless you're a fundamentalist.
Curious, good luck to you on your journey. You can come talk anytime.
(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.
I'm Christian and also believe in evolution, it doesn't necessarily have to be one or the other unless you're a fundamentalist.
Curious, good luck to you on your journey. You can come talk anytime.
(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.
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!
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.
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 :).
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.....; ).
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.
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.
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.
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!