Yes, you heard me correctly. I was born in JW land. I didn’t do the fade – I didn’t have to. No one ever seemed to care about my salvation or well-being. It’s been on my mind for the past year to just come out and admit to myself that I’m no longer an un-baptized publisher nor do I want to be associated with the JW’s. Thing was, I just couldn’t let go. I wanted to hold on to that last little bit of hope that maybe somehow they were right, I was wrong, and that Jehovah would, “draw me near to Him” and save me. I’ve prayed. I asked for a sign, any sign. Going up to a Presiding Overseer that I’ve known my whole life at community fire hall and inviting myself to the Memorial and then having him drop off a pamphlet about it isn’t a sign in my book – it’s pathetic!
I’ve been lurking on this site once in a while since 2001, reading your stories and personal experiences. Since then, I’ve gotten married (to a nice worldly non-judgmental woman) had a son, and have had a life. Over the past 6 months though, I’ve really gotten into my JW beliefs and doctrines, policies and failed prophecies, as well as the history of the religion. I’d say the defining moment for me, the thing that really put absolutely everything together in a neat package and made me click inside – was a 20 year old video that I saw posted on here entitled, “Witnesses of Jehovah.” Now, I had read a little bit of Crisis of Conscience, but a chapter at a time, a little at a time, so I was familiar with a few things. But “Witnesses of Jehovah” nailed everything in 60 minutes. I actually said out loud, “If my parents would have been able to view this 20 years ago, they would have been floored.” Being raised a JW, you just assume and believe everything that is told to you is correct; after all, your parents are smart, right? As an adult I can now look at things from a different perspective and really investigate and dig into things. New research methods such as computers, the internet, and college databases have made this easier than 25 years ago of course, but still. For instance, the JW’s seem to have 2 different stances on the blood issue. The say they absolutely won’t take a blood transfusion, no matter what. Yet, at the same time they will take blood fractions which account for 97% of blood! This astounds me, and I’m floored by it. Why? Because as a JW youth it was constantly pounded into me that you “can’t be sitting on the fence, you are either with Jehovah or against Him.” Really? This seems to be the exception then, huh? I say, in for a bushel, in for a basket! How can you take even one drop of any part of blood, but then state you don’t take whole blood? Just ludicrous reasoning – what I have begun to call, “Circular Idiocy.”
But I digress; the blood issue is only the tip of the iceberg. How about measuring off of the pyramids? Masonic symbols everywhere? What about those old dates? 1874? 1914? 1918? 1925? 1975? New Light? The Millions Now Living campaign? Most JW’s think Rutherford was referring to millions of JW’s now living would never die, but that is untrue! He was referring to the millions of OTHERS that would be of good heart that would make it through and be taught AFTER Armageddon. A far cry from what we teach now. I never knew this until I researched it myself. All current JW’s just assume he was speaking about JW’s, not any “worldly” people. 1914 as the beginning of Christ’s presence and judgment of Christian religions? How about 1914 being the actual date of Armageddon? I never knew they believed that, along with many other end-time dates. I was floored to learn that. 607? I never even really knew what it was until I started researching 1914, and then all of the dominos fell one by one.
This makes them a false prophet in my book.
What about partaking of the emblems? Christ commanded everyone to keep doing it in remembrance of Him. If I’m not partaking but observing, then I’m not doing what I’m commanded to do, am I? He didn’t say, “Just observe this date from now on.” I still have never taken a communion. What about salvation by grace? I mean, I was supposed be out working my tail off to earn salvation, as only the 144,000 were good enough to earn God’s grace. How little did I know. Being a Christian witness means casting off your old worldly self and actions once you accept Jesus as your savior, not banging on doors the rest of your life. It means being a good Christian example and doing good Christian things, such as volunteer work, helping someone in need, etc. Like when my baptized father was dying of cancer, my so-called worldly neighbors brought food up for my family, but none of our JW friends even bothered to call. That’s what I call Christian love and making a shepherding call. The JW’s were all too busy out in the field ministry – which is also the answer for everything. Sick? Tired? Depressed? Someone in your family is ill or dying? Sounds like you need to get out in the field ministry more – it’ll build you right up!! What ludicrous bullshit! My mother was personally told that several times through our ordeal with my father – by Elders in the Kingdom Hall nonetheless! No real physical or spiritual help; just go out in the field ministry more and peddle the corporation’s magazines to be saved. What a lowly, vicious cycle it all was while life passed us by. I never had a childhood, and my parents slaved away a good portion of their lives, and for what? So my father could have a JW infomercial instead of a funeral to remember him? I’m now repulsed by JW funerals. How disgraceful to the one recently departed. Where is the love?
What about taking care of your flock? Your congregation’s basic needs to live in the wicked system of things? This is another issue that ate at me deeply. I am no way trying to be greedy, but what exactly do the JW’s do for their members? How do they take care of their flock? Nothing. When I compared what other religions gave in the form of services, I was astounded. Take for instance, Seventh Day Adventists. They have Sunday School for children, colleges, private schools, hospitals, support groups, outreach programs, retirement and nursing homes, and the list goes on and on. The WTBS only looks at the bottom line: how much money have you made US this year? Have you been out in the field ministry peddling our magazines enough?
Things brings me right into my next question that I’ve always had: if we are to be spreading the word that the end is “just around the corner,” and, “only a little while off,” then how come the JW’s don’t use every single resource in order to shout it from the rooftops? Why make Christ’s yoke a burden, when he clearly said His yoke was light? I mean, they could be using the Internet to publish everything online instantly, as well as using their Billion dollar$ a year profits to place ads in newspapers and also even have their own Cable Network as well as being syndicated on radio around the world. Even the poorest 3rd world countries have radio. I asked a brother this at the Kingdom Hall last year, and he drew a complete blank – he was speechless; he had never thought of that before. Why not pay to put the pamphlets in the newspaper? Through my adult eyes I now have the reason for this: they are a mind-numbing control oriented cult – period. There was a reason over 20 years ago why my Uncle and his wife told my parents to take the JW shit and get the hell out of their house. I understand now. They were tired of the constant droning and spouting off how they would die if they didn’t convert to the JW religion. It’s not that they didn’t love my parents; they just simply disagreed with the JW cult’s message. This is a thou-shalt-not religion based on this one simple concept: “Thou shalt not say, think, question, feel, act, wear, eat, vacation, or do anything else unless told to by us, or else God will be mad at you and you will die at Armageddon!”
So where does this leave me? With a message I have heard many times, “God draws those near whom he chooses”, and “Come, drink life’s water free.” I’m not going to say I have all of the answers like JW’s claim to, but I sure don’t believe that they do anymore either. I have started the process of looking for Christ, as he stated you would know his disciples by their love and good works. Since I’m not officially baptized, I don’t have to send in any letter or do anything. It doesn’t matter anyway since none of them seem to care, even though I did spend most of my life spouting off their beliefs and trying to fit in with them. Right now, I am trying to attend one church service of any of the Christian religions around me to get a feel for other things. So many times now I have seen different interpretations of scriptures that I never knew of before. This entire process of research, self-meditation, prayer, examining of the scriptures, and exploration of other denominations has been eye-opening to say the least. I can only hope and pray that God leads me to the path he wants me to follow.
Thanks for listening,
Wing Commander
WingCommander
JoinedPosts by WingCommander
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This is it; I'm done!!
by WingCommander inyes, you heard me correctly.
i was born in jw land.
i didnt do the fade i didnt have to.
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WingCommander
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AIDS/HIV, Watchtower, and Frontline
by cyberguy inwhen i was in the jw-office, working at circuit and district conventions, there was a real scare/effort to baptize those with aids/hiv after everyone else was finished.
i can understand this safeguard, but the wts position on this in the us and the western world, is that it is primary a gay disease (most infected that i knew, wanting to be baptized as jws, were not gay but former drug addicts, sharing needles).
their view is, gods punishment on a debauched lifestyle!.
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WingCommander
Tell ya what, go read the book, "And the Band Played On," written by a gay San Francisco newspaper columnist, and then tell me that homosexuals weren't the MAIN spreaders of this disease.
I'm sorry, to me, the only "innocent" HIV/AIDS victims are children born with it, hemopheliacs, medical staff accidentally stuck with a needle, and spouses of cheating partners. Everyone else has NO excuse. Let me explain: if you don't do drugs or have unprotected sex, basically you will never have to worry about HIV/AIDs. On the other hand, if you like riding bareback on some stranger in a brothel or bath house and then get high by shooting up some herion, then you probably need to start worrying.
Society at large is paying for the immorallity of a minority. Do you like to suck wang and ride down HersheyPark Drive? Do you like carpet munching? Do you like shooting up illegal drugs? Are you a married closet homo or bi-sexual that is stepping out on your spouse? If so, you are a morally corrupt individual and anything you get as a result is YOUR own damn fault! It's not MY fault or society's fault, or anyone elses except your own. I'm so sick of these minorities in American demanding more AIDS research money, etc because they are going to die from their own immoral actions. EXCUSE ME - Cancer has been around WAY longer than AIDS, and most people did nothing (besides maybe smoke) to get it - and it kills way more people than AIDS every year, so why are we diverting funds from cancer research to AIDS research? Because the minority will have gay parades and riots if we don't. Pffffhttt! Just sickening.
I know this response may get flamed - oh well! The truth hurts. Like I said at the beginning - go read "And the Band Played On," then tell me of your pity for the homosexual community.
Regards,
Wing Commander
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Consider your Position
by KW13 in.
i found that before i heard of 607, un e.t.c it was how i was treated as young witness by people who were supposed to be christians.. backstabbing, gossip, lies and more.. .
once i found out about the un, 607 and found this site, it confirmed i'd made the right decision.. what was the thing that made you consider your position?
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WingCommander
Crumpet:
Hi love! Can you do me a big favor and send me the rest of the picture of you in the shower? I just can't help myself - you're so hot. That shot of just your upper self is just not enough!
Oh my, I have to leave the keyboard now.......
LOL.....
Wing Commander
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Arbor Day: It's the Devil's work! Don't worship the Earth, sayth the JW's
by WingCommander inyep, you heard me.
the previous thread about school made me remember a tidbit about an activity my grade school participated in annually - arbor day.
this is the day when you are supposed to remember to be good to the earth by planting a tree.
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WingCommander
Yep, you heard me.
The previous thread about school made me remember a tidbit about an activity my grade school participated in annually - Arbor Day. This is the day when you are supposed to remember to be good to the earth by planting a tree. It is meant to install into children the importance of taking the time to respect and learn about our natural resources, and what we can do to help preserve them for future generations. That is what it is meant to be - but that is not how the JW's see it!
Here is what I was told by my parents and other JW's on this issue of observing Arbor Day:
"Arbor Day has pagan origins in Wicca or Witchcraft because they are worshipping "Mother Earth" and giving undue praise to something besides Jehovah God. You are not to partake in any activities involving Arbor Day such as drawing pictures of forests or helping in planting the tree. It is just another guise Satan is using to plant the seed of evil into young minds. Excuse yourself from the activities and be a good witness to everyone and make sure you preach to your teacher and make them understand why JW's don't celebrate Arbor Day."
Can you believe this crap? Even as a 7, 8, 9 year old I was floored. There was no "worship of the earth" going on, nor were we even "celebrating" anything; Arbor Day was nothing more than a day taken to teach children about the importance of our natural resources and how to protect them. Nothing more. No witch outfits, no drawing pentagrams. But that's how all the JW's acted. It was absurd, and I just went along with everything that day anyway - because even as a child I knew this was pure rubish! Being a good witness of Jehovah by NOT planting a tree? What they meant to say was "make yourself look like an ass in front of the entire school and make your teacher think you are a mental patient." That is the real translation here.
Also, what about Thanksgiving? I day to give thanks for everything you have, even giving thanks to God and those you love? What is so bad about that? Surely Satan didn't create that one? Truly, everything and anything with any social or family significance has been removed from the average JW's life. It is astounding how clearly I can see that now since I haven't really attended anything in the last 7 years.
Is there any wonder all of my school mates in grade school asked me if I were in a cult? Why they thought I was a weirdo and religious nut? Even after I learned the trick of living a double life in high school, avoiding all religious discussions, dressing normally, etc.....I would STILL have someone come up to me and ask about "that JW stuff", it was soo embarassing and made me feel like I was stupid. I would answer their questions, but them thinking I was a weirdo and geek doesn't seem to be such a "good witness for Jehovah," as it really just turned people completely off.
I just can't believe how gulliable and easily manipulated my parents and I were.
Regards,
Wing Commander
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Elder's son no longer piano tuner - Dr instead!
by WingCommander ini am just sickened at the irony that befalls some people...... we all know the wtbs looks down heavily upon those wanting a "worldy" education, right?
at least, that's how everyone acted at my congregation!
i remember the talks from the platforms seathing about some young one running off to college to join satan's world and then his life ending in ruin and then he'll end up with no hope for the paradise...blah, blah, blah, blah.
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WingCommander
I am just sickened at the irony that befalls some people.....
We all know the WTBS looks down HEAVILY upon those wanting a "worldy" education, right? At least, that's how everyone acted at my congregation! I remember the talks from the platforms seathing about some young one running off to college to join Satan's World and then his life ending in ruin and then he'll end up with no hope for the paradise...blah, blah, blah, blah. So of course, even though I had straight A's, I couldn't go to colllege.
A fine example of another JW youth my age was of an Elder's son. He was a meek, girly, puny piece of shit that was whipped into a momma's boy. He was always flaunted and shown around as the perfect example of a fine young youth. Why, he was going to drop out of high school in 11th grade, become a piano tuner, and then full-time pioneer until the end of this system of things! What a shining star of the WTBS!
Now, fast forward 10 years. I open up the newspaper to see his wedding announcement. Here he moved to Pittsburgh, attended the medical school there, became a doctor, and then married some worldy chick! Oh, and he looks like some reject from the 70's. Imagine! The freaking irony and hypocrasy here is mind-boggling. I was just floored. I mean, what happened to being a piano tuner? Also, why become a Doctor? I mean, there will be absolutely NO use for a doctor in the New Order, correct?? Of course I'm sure his holier-than-thou parents came up with some cop-out to save themselves from the embarassment of having such a worldly, successful son married to a worldy girl. On one level, I'm happy for the dude, on the other I'm searing mad - not really of jealousy - but of outrage for being duped for so long. If I had just awoken sooner I could have been a pilot or doctor or something a little better than what I am now. I just feel totally screwed - and I know it must be a feeling many have on here..........
I can't wait to see this Elder so I can ask him how his son's full-time pioneering work is going as well as his piano tuning. Pfffhhhtt!!!!
Regards,
Wing Commander
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Ok, so I'm going to my first church service this Sunday.......
by WingCommander ini thought it appropriate that my 100th post be about the attending of my first "worldly" church service this sunday.
it is at a friends methodist church.
they are having an open house, so i thought it the best day to go.
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WingCommander
Hi All!
I thought it appropriate that my 100th post be about the attending of my first "worldly" church service this Sunday. It is at a friends Methodist Church. They are having an open house, so I thought it the best day to go. They have a day care, social events, etc. I have no clue as to what to expect.
Unlike many of you on here, it has taken me a long time to get to my 100th post.......I mean, I've been a member for almost 4 years now! Yikes! But I read on here almost daily. You'd think I'd have twice as many as Richie Rich by now, but I guess I'm not that talkative.
Ok....so some other churches I plan on visiting are the Advent Lutheran Church, and the Seventh Day Adventists. Can anyone else recommend any other Churches? Oh, and I also have to buy a Bible this Saturday at the local Christian Bookstore. I'm thinking NIV or NAS. Which is more accurate?
Thanks,
Wing Commander
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Ip idipidation My Operation
by Crumpet infinally the nhs have given me a date for my operation - 6 june - to remove the pins and plates and rods from my lower leg and ankle.
means i can't go to the aposta-bbq in july as i won't be able to walk - so i am not a happy bunny (but then was i ever!).
totally gutted that i have to miss the get together this year - i hope there will be soemthing else organised later in the year that i can go to!
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WingCommander
Crumpet:
Hang in there girl! I'm sure everyone will miss your sparkling personality and experiences. Since I live in the USA (east coast), I wouldn't be going to the same get together, but I almost wish I could! I'd love to meet you sometime!
I hope your leg and ankle feel better though.
Take Care!
Wing Commander
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Survey and question for those that follow my JC hearing tapes
by SickofLies inmy last appeal hearing is tonight.
i plan on continuing the good christian with a few questions act.
after they reach their decision whatever it is i will pull out my camera and tell them that this whole procedure has been recorded.. 1. do you think i will get df'ed tonight?
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WingCommander
SickofLies:
I have been following every post of yours, and listened to every audio tape in absolute horror and disgust. The fact that none of them even really opened a Bible to give you spiritual support tells me what for a "witch hunt," and "lynch mob" they truly are. You're toast for sure, so fuck em'! After they tell you of your DF status, tell them where to stick their man-made rules, JC committees, and stupid rules! After a good talking down to on them, whip out your digital camera (make sure it is on burst mode) and start clicking away!
Also, make sure that tape recorder is hidden somewhere other than your briefcase. They were such assholes to you - I found it completely pathetic and unwarranted. Being DF'd for just asking questions and sharing opinion that MIGHT be contradictory to WTBS teachings? Pure BS!!
I'd say, "Fuck you scribes and pharisees!", while walking out the door clicking their pictures. Oh yeah, I just love how they threatened you last time with "Big Trouble Buster", if you were caught taping or taking pictures of them. How the hell do they think they are? Pricks!
Best of luck to you,
Wing Commander
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How do Elders handle non-Baptized believers who ask too many questions?
by WingCommander inas follow up to my last post (sorry it didn't all paste from my word document for some reason) i'd like to ask a question.
some of us have now seen how sickoflies jc committee meeting went, and i know alot on here have there own experiences.
so my question is this: i have been a non-baptized publisher (born in jw's) for almost my entire life.
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WingCommander
Hi All!!
As follow up to my last post (sorry it didn't all paste from my word document for some reason) I'd like to ask a question. Some of us have now seen how SickofLies JC committee meeting went, and I know alot on here have there own experiences. So my question is this: I have been a non-baptized publisher (born in JW's) for almost my entire life. How do the Elders handle someone like me that is asking the same kind of questions as SOL did, and also sharing findings with others in the congregation? I think I'm truly in the perfect position to mess them up if they ever tried anything. Since I'm not baptized, they really have no authority over me whatsoever. (They wouldn't anyway, I'm too headstrong, not a pushover) It's not like they can disfellowship me?
I'm really to the point that I'm looking into other Christian denominations and would like to attend other churches to see if Christ resides anywhere else, because he sure doesn't seem to be with the Witnesses anymore. My family (all baptized but me) haven't seen Jack $hit from any of them except around Memorial time in the last 7 years. We could have died, and no one would seem to know. This is sad, as my family did everything there were supposed to for almost 30 years. (even staying at WTBS recommended hotels during conventions)
Anyway, what do you all think? Am I in a good position? I guess I've already done the fade, but there are other JW's in my development, and if they ever come around I'm sure I'd raise eyebrows with my knowledge that I've gained on here and twist them up. What really brings back memories for me is when I see their children leaving the house on Saturday mornings to go out in field service. I hated it, and I'm sure they do as well.
Thanks for your opinions.....
Wing Commander
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Comments about SickofLies JC audio tape........
by WingCommander in.
im not sure whether sickoflies posted his audio file of his recent jc committee meeting and related disfellowshipping on this website or not yet, but if you havent listened to it, i encourage you to do so.
i know richierich (hang in there bro) is going through a tough time, and sickoflies must be having an equally tough time.
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WingCommander
I must say I listened to the audio twice, just because it was so unbelievable. It literally gave me chills listening to it. You can clearly see how the brothers are nothing more than “company men,” sticking up for organizational rules rather than true Bible principles. They were out for blood right from the start, not evening offering support or offer to help study with him more in-depth, just round up the lynch mob (JC) and slip the noose over his head. I mean, I can see disfellowshipping for someone who practices Satanism or something, but just for asking questions? For looking for proof of the 607 & 1914 date? The audio truly speaks for itself. I am stunned at how paranoid the Elders were on the tape, how judgmental, and how sure they were right without even hearing him out. Also, much of their reasoning comes down to this: “The Faithful and Discreet Slave provided this information, so we MUST adhere to it. We won’t tolerate even QUESTIONING its validity.” This is astounding. The statement, “absolute power corrupts absolutely,” is truly applicable here since one is not even allowed to question where doctrine came from; one has to accept it as truth OR ELSE. Another interesting point was how they continually dished out harsh criticism for higher education, even going so far as to say it “destroys a spiritual mind.” Really? Was not Luke a doctor? He seemed pretty educated for his time? I read Fred Franz was a university man himself. I knew they “frowned” upon higher education, but this audio tape clearly and concisely shows how threatened they are by someone who MIGHT do ANY kind of research that might uncover something they want to hide or that doesn’t match their WT chronology. Everyone outside the WT is evil, didn’t you know? They are also clearly petrified that SickofLies was on the internet, most likely because on the Net they can’t hide anything. They even mentioned the “Divine Mystery” book of
Regards,
Wing Commander