Hi Alex,
I'm the exJW guy (Dave) who popped into the exMorman site yesterday and received a hearty welcome.
The people on that board are great. I posted there because I noticed from a little reading the similarities
in the psychological fallout resulting from leaving both religions. The ex-Jws have a higher price to pay
for leaving because of the shunning of all family members and friends that they had while in the religion.
I see by the few boards that I participate on that the ex-Jws also show a lot more anger in relation to
the position the religion puts them in because of the virtual kidnapping of family and friends. It is
like a reverse prison sentence, they view us as the religious criminals and they lock up our loved ones
to protect them from us.
In both religions the fuel that keeps the motor running is complete obedience by the way of total mind control.
The psychological damage resulting in one who opens their eyes and becomes honest with themselves thus rejecting a life long belief system
is similar in both religions. The teachings themselves are miles apart but the process in which each gain control of their
members hearts, minds, and souls are very similar. As long as you give any organization or group the power to control your
perception of happiness in relation to what is proper and improper behavior you will never have the self-reliance to question rules
that will open your eyes to the dangerous teachings.
The bible which is the main rule book for most cults is interpreted in as many ways as it is translated. Being a book that is
subject to individual interpretation it becomes the secret weapon to destroy any and all personal thought outside the religion that professes to
have the absolute correct interpretation of its content. I see this tactic being used in both religions. Because of this little trick, the outcome
in the way of seeing life after using your own brain to reject such teaching results in similar feelings and experiences.
exMormans and ex-Jws have a lot in common in relation to life after religion. I can see in may instances where both groups
could benefit from mutual discussions and exchange of feelings and experiences. I look at it as we have both jumped out of different
windows of the same sinking ship. I think the mindsets are pretty much the same, "we got duped". If we can help each other and make a few new friends along the way then it makes the decision we made a lot easier to deal with. Especially since we don't have to share our coke's and Pepsi's with you guys.
If you stick around this site I think you will find it a lot rowdier than the exMormans site. There are more cowboys and indians on this site
and a good portion of the time they don't play nice. It makes for some good "R" rated entertainment.
Nice to meet you Alex and I hope you get all your questions answered. I myself hate talking about the JW details, I come here for the laughs.
Dave