Originally from the East Coast, I'm a French Canadian but now living in California. Didn't realize I was inventing a word..lol
Started reading Crisis of Conscience and stopped rather quickly as I realized reading anything JW related doesn't interest me at all, except this forum of course, only because I get the news before they get the news..haha. I do understand however that for some, reading these books will help them in their recovery.
It took me awhile to wake up. Way back in the late 80's and early 90's I've attempted to get reinstated many times but never succeeded. The whole thing was just too boring for me. I'm not the smartest but I like debating ideas and since this is a no-no with the witnesses it made the experience truly bland. We should have a right to discuss whatever we choose, how else can we grow. In my last attempt I was in my original congregation with 2 BIL on the commitee. Apparently they wanted to make me suffer a little, I didn't appreciate that so I just bid them farewell never to return or try again.
I've learned many things just reading this forum and I came to the conclusion that no man has access to true knowledge. I can't say for sure if I'm an atheist but I sure think like one..lol. The bible? Well, the flood story took care of that for me (thanks leolia, I think that's her name, real smart cookie).
I respect other people's beliefs so I'm not really a staunch JW apostate but they are truly closed-minded, like most religious organisations.