I've said this before, but aren't the titles of the publications getting weirder and weirder these days? "Listen to the Great Teacher", "Draw Close to Jehovah", "Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!"...who else names books like this?
Bradley
logansrun
JoinedPosts by logansrun
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One year ago this week I left the JWs...
by logansrun inwell, it's my anniversary.
one year ago this week i left the organization and have only been to one meeting --a funeral for a dear friend.
i didn't get disfellowshipped or write the letter announcing my apostacy, just a complete vanishing act from the crummy religion which was mine the first twenty-five years of my life.
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logansrun
nowisee,
I found your post to be rather condescending, if I may be blunt. Although I greatly sympathize with whatever bad experiences you have had, especially the loss of your brother, it would also be inaccurate to oversimplify the matter. I recently wrote a term paper on the use of marijuana and it is quite questionable whether cannabis use leads to dependence or not. The exact same argument could be made for alcohol use, yet alcoholic beverages are advertised on TV! Many people are able to control their use of marijuana and many are not, just like alcohol. Again, this is coming from a man who has tried cannabis only once. But, I go by what scientists, not politicians or Bible-thumpers say.
On seeing your posting history I notice you profess to be a "born-again" Christian. Doubtless, this adds to your feelings of superiority and condemnation upon anything that is opposed to your worldview. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Too bad.
Bradley
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One year ago this week I left the JWs...
by logansrun inwell, it's my anniversary.
one year ago this week i left the organization and have only been to one meeting --a funeral for a dear friend.
i didn't get disfellowshipped or write the letter announcing my apostacy, just a complete vanishing act from the crummy religion which was mine the first twenty-five years of my life.
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logansrun
Thanks everyone for the response. nowisee...I don't really consider any of the things I mentioned as being "destructive." That is, as long as things are under control, why not enjoy the finer things in life. Sex can be a great thing if you have brains to go with your balls. Pot? I wouldn't do it daily, but studies show it's not NEARLY as dangerous as some would like to make it out to be. It's not as addictive as tobacco or alcohol, the former of which I have no desire to try again. Except I do want to smoke a pipe when I become an old man. There's just something about old men smoking pipes that is cooler than a cucumber. Bradley
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Have you ever had a "part" in an assembly?
by doodle-v inwell guys, i've been part of this discussion group for about two weeks and i must say it's been really fun!
i always look forward to reading everyone's thoughts on so many different topics.. i grew up in the troof, so needless to say it was a major part of my life.
my whole childhood was engulfed in meetings, field service, book study, bible study, watchtower study.
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logansrun
Damn, I've given so many parts I can't even tell you what all of them were. This isn't to brag or anything. Hell, I was doing well in a cult. Yeah, that's braggable.
I had the number 2 talk at a CA once. I also was interviewed on three DC parts, about three or four CA's and had three demonstrations at the "special" (there's that word again) day for pioneers. Never did make the Tonight Show, though.
Bradley
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I am the King of the North
by logansrun indear watchtower bible and tract society,.
this is to inform you that i, j. bradley potts, am the king of the north as mentioned in prophecy in the bible book of daniel.
you may want to update your publications with this "new light.
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logansrun
Dear Watchtower Bible and Tract Society,
This is to inform you that I, J. Bradley Potts, am the King of the North as mentioned in prophecy in the Bible book of Daniel. You may want to update your publications with this "new light." I am planning an attack on your people with the help of Gog and also wish to destroy the King of the South who has changed identies (once again!) and is now Starbucks Corporation.
Respectfully,
J. Bradley Potts (King of the North)
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One year ago this week I left the JWs...
by logansrun inwell, it's my anniversary.
one year ago this week i left the organization and have only been to one meeting --a funeral for a dear friend.
i didn't get disfellowshipped or write the letter announcing my apostacy, just a complete vanishing act from the crummy religion which was mine the first twenty-five years of my life.
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logansrun
Ah! I forgot to mention all the things I've done since I was gone. Well, here it goes...
First and most importantly, I got laid. Yep, I was the good JW boy, MS for six years, regular pioneered, public talks, yadda, yadda, yadda. I had never even kissed a girl till January of this year! Had my first kiss and blow job all within ten minutes of each other. (No, I didn't pay for it She was and is a great friend)
Smoking: I didn't like this at all. Last Christmas eve I had nothing to do and wanted to get out of the house. So, I went to get gas and bought a pack of ciggies. In a wintery field I puffed away my first try at nicotine. What the hell do people see in this stinking weed anyway? I didn't get a buzz. I would rather have a martini anyday. Well, I later tried some pot with my actor buddy from New York. Now if my attempt to smoke tobacco was a dud, the pot was HORRIBLE. I gagged as I took my first "hit" (is that what you would call it?) Really, I mean, I couldn't even finish it. Bad. About forty minutes later I was laughing hysterically for no apparant reason and got really, really hungry. I hear you have to try pot a few times till you like it. So far, it was a one-shot deal.
Churches: The only church I've been to was a Unitarian Universalist Church, so that probably isn't quite like riding the harlot herself. Actually, I enjoyed a couple of the services. One was about the evolving universe and our place in it. I stopped going, though. It just seems like a pointless religion to me. I would go again if there were more eligible ladies there, but the services are filled with three groups: retired people, yuppees with young kids and homosexuals. Now, I don't have a problem with any of these groups, but if I'm going to sit through a rather boring hour long service and have cake and coffee afterwords I would at least like to be able to have some eye candy.
Etc...I registered to vote. I consider myself independent. I also swear a f*cking lot.
Things I'd like to do in the future:
1) First and foremost, have more sex! I don't plan on getting married for at least ten more years so that leaves plenty of time to see what I like. I hope you don't think me vile, but I'd like to actually lose count of the number of ladies. (I always practice safe sex, in case you are wondering or would like to participate )
2) Finish school. Still up in the air, but I'd like to push the envelope in my life and try and get a Master's in something -- looked down upon by the JWs.
3) Make some Benjamins. After being cautioned about the evils of materialism for a quarter of a century (and applying this advice, yuck!) I think it's time to be greedy, dammit! (I know, I know...money isn't everything. Yeah, right...we all really believe this)
4) Give blood. A noble thing to do.
5) Get a tattoo. Just one, on the shoulder so you don't notice it too much.
Well, I'm sure I'll add to this list.
Having a blast,
B
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One year ago this week I left the JWs...
by logansrun inwell, it's my anniversary.
one year ago this week i left the organization and have only been to one meeting --a funeral for a dear friend.
i didn't get disfellowshipped or write the letter announcing my apostacy, just a complete vanishing act from the crummy religion which was mine the first twenty-five years of my life.
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logansrun
Yerusalaim,
Mighty far from Sparta. Chicago. Born and raised on the northwest side and suburbs. Greatest town in the world
Bradley
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One year ago this week I left the JWs...
by logansrun inwell, it's my anniversary.
one year ago this week i left the organization and have only been to one meeting --a funeral for a dear friend.
i didn't get disfellowshipped or write the letter announcing my apostacy, just a complete vanishing act from the crummy religion which was mine the first twenty-five years of my life.
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logansrun
Well, it's my anniversary. One year ago this week I left the organization and have only been to one meeting --a funeral for a dear friend. I didn't get disfellowshipped or write the letter announcing my apostacy, just a complete vanishing act from the crummy religion which was mine the first twenty-five years of my life. So, what have I learned? How has the journey been?
When I first left, my rational mind had no doubt this wasn't the truth. A year and a half of investigating science, biblical criticism and a few "apostate" books made that strikingly clear. (To be accurate, I viewed the possibility of the JWs having the truth at about 500 to 1) But, my emotional side was reeling. I thought about the JWs almost every waking minute. I thought about the "good times" and how badly the brothers and sisters would view me now. I was caught in a web of self-doubt, anxiety and depression.
Within three weeks things got better. I got into contact with some ex-JWs over the telephone. I signed up on an ex-JW internet forum (not this one). I started to make some contacts with "worldly" people -- anyone I could tell "my story" to. A school counselor I never met before gave me a big hug after I told her everything I was going through (from a "worldly" person!).
I can say without a doubt that the internet helped tremendously. I didn't communicate with any ex-witnesses till after I was out, but doing so was critical to regaining some balance in my life. Coming out of a cult (yes, it's a cult) we have such pent up thoughts and emotions that need to be let out. If you are newly out KEEP POSTING. It helps.
Although I had done a lot of research on doctrine, science and JW history, I didn't really take the time to probe the warped emotional world of the cults till after I was out. Reading Marlene Winnell's "Leaving the Fold" was a turning point for me. If you are doubting your decision to leave the JWs or need help sorting out some feelings related to your departure, I recommend this book above all others. She also is available for telephone counseling (I talked to her about four times).
My relationship with my mother was terrible at first, but has improved tremendously. Yes, every now and then we get into a fisticuffs of words over this religion but, by and large, we just ignore the topic. I feel greatful to have a relative who will be there for me, although she is the only one.
As time has gone on I can truly say that things get better -- emotionally and intellectually. I used to not even want to look at a Watchtower or Awake magazine. Internalized fear and dependency would cripple my thoughts. Now, I can look at one, pick it up and read parts of it -- all with a smile on my face as I laugh at how stupid the whole thing is. You really gotta love this religion. Admit it, they can be hilarious sometimes!
I rarely think about the reasons why I left anymore. Case in point: the whole thread about 607 BCE -- been there, done that. I think I'm starting to finally view the world and my place in it with normal eyes. There is so much to learn, so many things to be absorbed in that it makes no sense to let this little cult which barely goes noticed by the rest of the world control our minds and time any longer. I'm growing, I'm evolving, I'm expanding. The door to a greater life is unlocked, only I have to go through it.
Celebrating a ground-breaking year,
J. Bradley Potts
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District Assembly talks about apostates............
by integ indistrict assembly 5/24/03 3:40 pm "beware of the voice of strangers".. 1) counterfeit words: beware of those using "counterfeit words".
2) flirting: young ones need to avoid being lured into relationships with un-believers.. 3) you trust your christian parents...listen to them.
you also trust those taking the lead among you..such as elders.
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logansrun
What a repulsive life of fear.
B
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Who is your least favorite GB member?
by logansrun inokay, i always look with suspicion on topics that talk about how evil certain jws are, but i am a little curious about this -- who are the "bad guys" on the gb and who are the "good guys" (if any)?
my experience: ted jaracz -- the bad guy.
i've discussed a little of my contact with him in the past.
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logansrun
LMAO @ herk!
That's awesome....a classic. Really, we SHOULD send it to him...we'll use my old PO's mailing address, hehe
Bradley