i find people railing against the so called “two witness rule” puzzling.
i think its a complete and total non issue.
for those that protest, argue or advocate for change in that rule, why?
Why?
Because people like me cannot get justice within the organization as a result of that stupid rule.
Because it's devastating when an elder says to you 'it's your word against his, nothing we can do.'
Because no one will listen to you.
That's one of the reasons I left but many can't. That's why we want change.
i came across this website when i was looking for some emotional/mental support lately as i was summoned by elders to explain someone’s report on me saying “i’m promoting homosexuality”.
i’m inactive, not attending meetings or associating with jw outside of my biological family for almost 2 years now.. yes i am gay (you can judge away) and yes it is in a direct contrast to the scriptures, no arguement about it.. i was brought up in a jw family.
my dad is a typical zealot, he literally talks or thinks about the bible 24/7.
Hi Leeny,
hello and welcome. I've found this forum a safe haven so never feel you are alone. There is a wealth of experience here and you will get so much support from everyone.
You have woken up early that is wonderful. Go live your life and be happy!
XXX
anyone doing anything interesting/fun for the holidays this year?
we got some presents for our kids and a tree.
other than that, just chillin.
I have an online store which is crazy busy atm so I plan to sleep a lot over Xmas! Remember when as kids we had to go out in field service on Xmas day?? I remember householders feeling sorry for us kids and they’d give us mince pies and sweets and often money too!
i love it!!
the brother started by saying we know our donations don't go to the local brothers -- you don't see us wearing gold rings, fancy jewelry (watches?
) wonder if he notices who does?.
Over my 60+ years in the WT I've occasionally seen kind brothers and sisters help others out - but it's been rare. My husband I have helped brothers and sisters when we were able. But in my experience never, ever have the WT organisation stepped up and it's not often a witness will help, either. They will help their 'friends' in the congregation.
When my husband was sick and couldn't work and we had literally nothing coming in, all I ever got from people in my congregation was 'I'll pray for you' and then to rub salt into the wound I was counselled by the COBE for not having enough money to attend the convention!
lately i been sifting though my many emotions after being here on this site.
i feel ive been all over the map just trying to come to grips with the information.
but through all this i feel i'm shunned here as of late due to my (all over the place =-ness).
Hi Caves,
I understand feeling 'lost' I am the same. I'm struggling to move on and I am envious of those that can seemingly leave it all behind them and move on happily.
It feels like we've been let out of our JW cage but the outside is unfamiliar and a bit scary.
We now have to deal with so many emotions, perhaps even grieving over a life wasted.
Just take your time and hang on in there. Everyone says it will get better and easier.
Xx
i just wanted to give a brief intro.
i was born into jw world and left it in 2015 along with my husband and 2 little children.
looking forward to reading the posts and interaction with you.
Welcome Kathy! Look forward to hearing from you.
Xx
well, i've been lurking for a bit.
first out of cautious curiosity, then, though feeling a bit more comfortable to post, got caught in the confirmation email anomaly, and left unable to post or participate.
so i remained lurking, reading and researching.
Hello and welcome!
I too lurked in the shadows for awhile until I felt brave enough to post something. I have had amazing support from this forum and made many new friends and you will too. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Xx
in a nutshell.
a group of about 6 women who have been friends practically their whole lives that i personally know are leaving there jw husbands.
my understanding is they're starting to see the hypocrisy of the .org.
I knew a sister who left her abusive elder husband. He was awful to her for decades and she developed many health issues. Finally, when the kids grew up she left him and moved congregations. The elders accepted she’d left and we’re okay with it but she had massive restrictions. She couldn’t pioneer, volunteer at conventions, answer up in meetings etc but she could go out in ministry. Once she left him her health problems cleared up and was quite happy in her new life but wasn’t it unfair to punish her for putting up with years of abuse?
of course they talk about all the really wacky ones everyone knows about, jones town, charles mason, heaven's gate and branch dravidian.
however if you add up all the unnecessary deaths these cults have contributed too (a thousand and fifty people) it pales in comparison to the number of people who have been directly or indirectly killed my the jehovah's witnesses.
by the way all of the cults mention above are no more, except for the watchtower bible and truck society.. the little ones seem to get all the attention and the big ones just slide on by.. .
I'm in the UK and currently watching a TV series about cults. Tonight's show was about the The Children of God now known as The Family International and wow, were they ever dangerous? Child abuse was rampant!
But as you say, they probably pale by comparison to the damage WT has done.
i tend to think that many jws who joined the religion in their later years feel foolish or are embarrassed by their decision to become one of jehovah’s witnesses.
.
i’m not embarrassed by my years “in the truth “ because i was raised from infancy to believe everything was god’s word and who are we to question jehovah and his organization?
I was born in but my husband came in aged 28.
He was a real believer in God before he converted and had already read the bible twice. He was impressed by seeing a quick build near his home and got called on and the rest is history.
Interestingly, having now left the JWs he avidly reads his bible, prays and still believes very much in God. While i struggle to make sense of anything and have more questions than answers.
