Posts by Skeptically Yours

24

JW's and stuff

by JoeSomebody in

it appears as if this is a haven for those who hate the jehovah's witnesses.

if that is too tough of a stance, then this place is a haven for those who hate the governing body of jehovah's witnesses.

many are apostates.

Skeptically Yours

JoeSomebody,

Under the 'Friends' forum, read the "You will never grow old" thread, started by Elsewhere. Then, dare tell me our wonderfully organized Watchtower Society is "The truth".

I happen to be one of those that's just in there because I can't emotionally afford to lose the wonderful relationship I currently have with my parents and some pretty nice fun people I've known all my life and just happen to be witnesses as well. You know what happens to disfellowshipped and/or disassociated people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So the little game must go on for many of us.

Granted I like the general theology of the religion, like a little opium for the mind, they have cried 'wolf' one too many times to have my respect anymore. And the 5 weekly meetings are so redundant! I keep hoping that the 'new light' will reveal that we're intelligent adults and that perhaps 3 or even 2 meetings per week is good enough.

Take care!

91

Lurkers

by Yizuman in

jw
friends

seems that the page view out number the posters who actually reply to the thread.. my guess is that there's alot of active jws who are still active within' the so called "truth" are visiting this forum and reading all the threads.

i don't blame them for not wanting to reply for fear of being found out.. how many of you were still active when you found a forum like this one and lurked around for a long time?

how many of you left the organization as a result of reading this forum or other forums like it?.

Skeptically Yours

Jonadab,

Who are you?! I Loved your posting. Well stated.

I often feel that I'll always be a Witness, although a very weak one due to all my personal struggles with the faith. But in general I like their theology, organization, and can't emotionally afford at the moment to lose the good relationship I have with my parents and some pretty cool people in there.

With a divided heart...............

Take care!

21

Who exactly is "JW" here?

by ScoobySnax in

jw
friends

recognising that this board is mainly for ex-jws/anti-jws/in the process of leaving/......... i'm interested to know how many here out of the thousands that post are pro-jw (or wt apologists to be more politically correct here) be that inactive/active, but still holding to the faith.

(p.s.

i'm not a p.o/c.o/ member of the gb either before u ask!

Skeptically Yours

ScoobySnax,

I'm still a Witness. Planning to do a slow fade sometime in the future.

Too many struggles with the faith piling up lately. The 'new light' getting too bright for me. However, I've been holding my ground and doing a pretty amazing balancing act for many years because I don't want to lose my parents and the friendship of some pretty nice people who just happen to be witnesses.

Take care!

9

Watchtower & Sex

by JH in

jw
friends

do you think that witnesses in general have a good sex life?

with all the pressure they have to produce and assist meetings, they have less time left on their hands for other things, like sex.

asked to be spiritual, reading the bible, talking about god and angels, takes their mind off sex.

Skeptically Yours

JH,

Still in and sexual life quite well! Hubby seems pretty satisfied thus far!

As I told inquiry minds in the past: "What happens in my bedroom, behind closed doors, there's exactly where it stays."

Most importantly, we're both satisfied; that's ultimately what counts for me... for us.

The Society has come up lately with some info/articles about respecting people's privacy and dignity. I guess they've done it to protect from actual law suits, so I enjoy playing their own words back and keeping intruders away.

Take care!

18

5 Worst things About JWs

by SwedishChef in

1. it's a big surprise if they give you a direct answer.. 2. if you corner them they will resort to one of three things: 1) say the scripture is a bad translation (of course the verses they quote are always perfect translations); 2) they change the subject; 3) they start playing word games with you.. 3. many of them view traditions and other writings by famous jws as having more authority than the word of god.. 4. their doctrine completely conflicts with bible doctrine.. 5. the watchtower is their head (athough the bible says christ is the head of the church)

Skeptically Yours

Hi y'all!

Also, inside the org, 'rank has its privileges' big time! And, it's not what you know, but WHO you know!

When I decided to return, I was reinstated almost instantly just because I was the daughter of a well-known and liked elder and pioneer. Cool, huh?!

Also, I've seen time and time again the same sin, under the same circumstances be punished more harshly for the person who's per say a 'nobody' when it comes to rank and family history in the org.

Sickening, I know. Just a few of the things I struggle with.

Take care!

15

Revenge, should I or shouldn't I.............

by Delite2k in

hey everyone, i haven't been here in a while, but i thought i'd drop by say hello and ask a silly question.

i still think about my ex (a jw) still, but i'm also angry with him for hurting me emotionaly and somewhat spiritualy.

(you can read my old post under this name to get an idea of what i talked about before) i feel like i want to get him back for the way he's made me feel.

Skeptically Yours

Delite2k,

Do not seek revenge, for you'll just want more and more of it throughout life all the time. This revenge thing can be a never ending state of mind for some people, and it can reach sickening levels!

Seek counseling, therapy, a sounding board type-person, if you will, and talk out your feelings as much as you have to so you can finally let him go and move forward to your next relationship.

God only knows how broken I was with my first boyfriend, and a few years later with my first husband. I did all my crying, all my grieving about what 'could've been', allowed time for my heart to heal and my life to recover normalcy, you know, to be happy with myself again; then... found a deserving person once again and now it's just great.

Get out of that relationship rut and do not give up on being happy in the future.

Take care!

30

JWS NOT FREE TO FALL IN LOVE

by heyfea in

you know how the society pushes every one to do more, and more, and more....and those who don't do more without a super valid reason (like you're in a coma), are considered not "spiritual", right?

ok, they also tell single brothers and sisters who are pioneers or bethelites that they should only consider marrying those with the same spiritual goals....in other words....choose some one who "loves" jehovah just as much, meaning one who preaches 120 hours a month or works in bethel,etc.....right?

....well i think it is so unfair.. it's already bad enough that we cannot look at another human being from the opposite sex because they are not witnesses (never mind that they are excellent human beings, ones that would ashame many jws)....we also have to keep from falling in love with a pioneer or bethelite (if you are not one, because he or she will not give you the time of day) or from falling in love with a mere publisher ( if you are a pioneer , because the elders will suggest to let it go, and they will try and try until you give it up)( i've witnessed a huge case...that ended in a bethelite and a pioneer dying, litterally) isn't that appaling?

Skeptically Yours

Heyfea,

In my not-so humble opinion, Bethelites are just arrogant pompous jerks. I just do my part in not giving anyone special treatment just because of the title acquired in the organization.

When the circuit overseer, or anyone with a 'title', visits the congregation and I see brothers and sisters just throwing themselves at them as if they're some sort of a closer connection to God, I find it appaling and have never gone out of my way to pay attention to any pompous person inside.

Remember one occassion recently when I got assigned to preach with the circuit overseer and his wife, and I just gracefully declined saying that I already had arrangements and had just attended in a show support to the group. You should've seen some expressions! That I dared turn down a service invitation from the circuit overseer?!!!!!!!!! It was lovely, really.

Take care!

25

New - My Story

by Skeptically Yours in

i've been a witness for as long as i can remember.

cannot remember ever celebrating a birthday or any holidays.

my grandmother introduced my parents and siblings to the religion.. it hasn't been a bad experience at all, except for the time when my hormones kicked in at 18 years old and i fornicated with my first boyfriend (it was awesome really!

Skeptically Yours

Ms.Jam,

No children yet. Health reasons involved in this issue. I'm sure when/if children come in the picture things will definitely have to change. So far, life seems good as is.

Take care!

9

NO Independent Thinking Allowed!

by UnDisfellowshipped in

jw
friends

the watchtower january 15th 1983 issue, page 22:.

the watchtower january 15th 1983 issue, page 27:.

the watchtower march 15th 1986 issue, page 17:.

Skeptically Yours

Rocky220,

It's organized religion! Suits some people just fine and doesn't suit others, that's all.

I can easily argue any point I don't agree with using their own theory; like I've had to tell inquiry minds/busy bodies that whatever happens between my husband & I behind closed doors there's exactly where it stays. Plus I've firmly but nicely told those who pretend to give me counsel that they're not masters of my faith and that salvation is an individual matter and, therefore, they should mind their own worship business.

Believe me, after such firm comments on my part, not many come around trying to change my ways.

I've figured out a way of picking and choosing what a like and leaving the rest for those who so enjoy it, and moving happily along with my life. It really is quite easy.

Sort of like I've told the person that arranges who gives parts in the 'school' meeting not to give me parts or assign me to be a helper very frequently. When they give me a part one month and then another the following two months, I just find a way to have other stuff come up so that I cannot make the meeting in point. In the meantime, I'll continue to remind this person that I'm comfortable giving 1 part every 4 months or so. All until they get it, and believe me sooner or later he will get my point.

Take care!

25

New - My Story

by Skeptically Yours in

i've been a witness for as long as i can remember.

cannot remember ever celebrating a birthday or any holidays.

my grandmother introduced my parents and siblings to the religion.. it hasn't been a bad experience at all, except for the time when my hormones kicked in at 18 years old and i fornicated with my first boyfriend (it was awesome really!

Skeptically Yours

Lv4fer,

Do I think it is 'the truth'? Well, I have my struggles just like I'm sure people have in any other religion/organization; but, in general, I like their theology.

Whether I go 100% along with it or not, you gotta give it to them: They are one organized bunch! And, I'm a somewhat organized-type person, so I can manage their style very well.

Take care!