Posts by Sirona

42

From JW to Pagan

by Sirona in

jw
friends

i've noticed that quite a few people on this board have said that they are now pagan.

i'm starting to wonder if converting to paganism is something that many ex-jws do?

being a pagan myself, i am actually surprised at how i could choose the religion that jws probably hate the most.

Exactly! They are so focused on getting into their new world that they don't stop to think if they really WANT to be there or not. I know that if God were going to destroy all non-jws, than I'd rather die than be in his new world where people will immediately be punished by death if they so happen to put a foot 'wrong' by worshipping God differently. Thats just not freedom.

Then theres the conflict, like you said. They don't want to be without you, but they want the new world. Its so hard to imagine being happy if all your family and friends are killed by Jehovah.

He couldn't understand why I wanted to die, and I couldn't understand why he didn't want to live.

That is all too familiar to me. I've been on both sides of the fence, and I think that they do think they're living, despite the lack of freedom they have.

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

12

What I Have Learned

by Sunflower1982 in

this is my first post here, so i guess i should introduce myself j i'm a 19-year-old college student in baltimore, maryland.

i was involved with jws on and off for about 4 years and, after being baptized for a little over a year, i stopped attending meetings.

although my time as a jw was very brief (compared to the decades many people have spent in the organization) it is amazing how much my experience as a jw has affected my life.

Sirona

Welcome! I really enjoyed your post. I, too, got involved during my teens and only left after 11 years. I'm glad you could realise and leave so soon :)

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

42

From JW to Pagan

by Sirona in

jw
friends

i've noticed that quite a few people on this board have said that they are now pagan.

i'm starting to wonder if converting to paganism is something that many ex-jws do?

being a pagan myself, i am actually surprised at how i could choose the religion that jws probably hate the most.

Sirona

Amarie,

I've been pagan for a couple of years, but just started official training in wicca. The HP is an ex-jw.

I agree with your comments about a traditional god. At least, the sort of god who sits and judges everyone!

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

42

From JW to Pagan

by Sirona in

jw
friends

i've noticed that quite a few people on this board have said that they are now pagan.

i'm starting to wonder if converting to paganism is something that many ex-jws do?

being a pagan myself, i am actually surprised at how i could choose the religion that jws probably hate the most.

Sirona

Hi Expatbrit,

My version of "pagan" is someone who follows a nature based religion and believes in the interconnectedness of everything (that the divine is within aswell as outside us). Usually, pagans see divinity as both Goddess and God, and worship with every joyful act we do, rather than in denying our own humanness.

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

42

From JW to Pagan

by Sirona in

jw
friends

i've noticed that quite a few people on this board have said that they are now pagan.

i'm starting to wonder if converting to paganism is something that many ex-jws do?

being a pagan myself, i am actually surprised at how i could choose the religion that jws probably hate the most.

Sirona

Yes, I feel much more spiritual as a pagan than I ever did as a JW. Thats an interesting story about your boyfriend...Im sure he was upset with you!!

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

20

How to get someone out?

by Hyghlandyr in

jw
friends

i am seeking information on stories of those who have assisted relatives or friends out of the organization.

particularly i would like books, or websites, or personal experiences, suggestions on step by step methods, to carefully present ideas to those who are staunchly pro jw, without alienating them further.

i am especially interested in situations in which a df person was able to finally break down the barriers.

Sirona

I have made some progress with family members. My sister is fully out now.

With the really staunch JWs, I think you need to attack the "elite group" mindset first. Help them, by subtle means, to see that the world outside the JWs isn't so EVIL. They basically think that the world, this life and all in it are going to be destroyed. I found it good to 1. Live my life well (so that they had no moral issues with me and they realised that you can live a moral life outside the org) 2. Mention to them casually about good things "worldly" people do, and / or charities who are really doing good work etc.
This just helps them see that not everyone out there is deserving of destruction.

You also need to help them stop thinking that their religion is the only right one. Other religions use Jehovah as Gods name, etc. This point is a toughie, but if you manage to get them to be a little tolerant and not so black and white, this goes a long way.

Then you can talk specifics...ONLY when the time is right. If you badger them, they will put all their defenses up. Wait for them to preach to you then make comments.

Try not to get annoyed with them (they will just say that is your bad attitude and think they're right).

I've had best success on Blood issue (the hypocrisy of allowing components) and on "only JWs will be saved" since you can argue that there are others putting faith in Christ in their hearts. If others can be saved, why an organisation?

Anyway I hope that helps a little.
Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

42

From JW to Pagan

by Sirona in

jw
friends

i've noticed that quite a few people on this board have said that they are now pagan.

i'm starting to wonder if converting to paganism is something that many ex-jws do?

being a pagan myself, i am actually surprised at how i could choose the religion that jws probably hate the most.

Sirona

Hi All,

I've noticed that quite a few people on this board have said that they are now Pagan.

I'm starting to wonder if converting to paganism is something that many ex-jws do? If so, why? Being a pagan myself, I am actually surprised at how I could choose the religion that JWs probably hate the most.

Maybe its a case of : Say I split up with my lawyer boyfriend who has dark hair and dark eyes and a love of all things calm - I'd be infinately more likely to then go for a blonde, blue eyed traveller who likes adventure sports.

Paganism makes sense to me and I enjoy it and feel fulfilled by it. Or are all exjw pagans just exJW rebels?!

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

20

WT Website Puts Up Articles On Molestation!

by silentlambs in

the listings below are a new offering from the watchtower website.

it seems the brothers have developed a real concern for putting up every article ever written about child abuse.

i appreciate this greatly as it helps the public to see the great deficiency of watchtower policy.

Sirona

Thankyou Silentlambs.

I read the first few articles. They did omit the things you said, however, they did give excellent advice regarding educating your children in resisting abusers, etc.

However, this article http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1995/11/1a/article_01.htm
was absolutely terrible!

It suggested that memories can be false. This is true, but the whole article slants towards "prove it or we won't act". The word memories is always in inverted commas, as though they are not really memories. Then they say that if you want to accuse someone you have to confront them face to face. Oh! so an abused child will do that?
It was disgusting. As you say, they then say that the congregation provide support. Well apart from not believing you and making you confront your abuser, they also dont advise you to get professional help or to contact the authorities! What about a physical examination of the child to look for evidence of abuse?

Thanks for raising these points and bringing it to our attention,
Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

56

BEATING KIDS IN THE WASHROOM

by Rags in

i am 36 yr old female originally from toronto ontario canada.

was raised jw till i was about 14. has anyone else had this happen in their hall?

the mom's (thank god never mine!

Sirona

I know this may sound lame, but I just didnt realise how widespread it was amongst JWs!!

I remember children being beaten at our hall too. I also know one girl whose father used to regularly beat them and make them stand in the corner for hours - He was an elder. He got DF'd about 10 years later for adultery, but when I saw him recently he was saying how "great" the JWs are and how he'd like to go back. yuk.

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **

19

How Women are treated in the WTS

by Nowhere in

i stumbled upon a post made in dec 5, 2001 10:13, by hawkaw, where there are supposed to be two scanned images on this subject from awake!

- august 22, 1967.. the links to those pictures are now dead, but i would really appreciate if someone here could tell me what was said in them?

Sirona

Thanks Hawkaw,

The research they use regarding brain size has also upset many black people. The psychologist who did the research said that white men were more intelligent than any women, but were also more intelligent than black men.

My psychology lecturer laughs at this sort of "research" and suggests that absolutely noone takes it seriously...except for prejudiced idiots. Voila - JWs print it! lol.

Sirona

** http://www.religioustolerance.org **