there are so many things that you can't do if you are one of jehovah's witnesses.
for example, you can't salute the flag or stand for the national anthem.
can you think of different things you can't do if you're a witness??
(((((dj))))) -- so sorry about your dad -- you should find something to celebrate with him anyway. like happy i'm so glad you're here day.
mouthy - you couldn't hug another sister because they would think you're a lesbian????? how sick is that??
you can't think for yourself.
you can't have any independence.
no holidays or birthdays.
any ideas??
?
i don't remember the applause -- the idea of it certainly seems strange -- but then again i was out by 1976.
when the day was over we just left! usually we left earlier than the prayer because my father hated getting in traffic jams and there was always a traffic jam coming out of yankee stadium!
(oh, maybe that's why i don't remember the applause)
i have been thinking of doing something i have wanted to for along time, just to see, that is go to a church.
i guess i am a little afraid , or nervous , more than anything, but i feel i ready to venture out there and see what it is about,,,,,,,,,,,lol, i might not stay , i just want to try it.. i just want to give it a chance and right now i have no reason why i shouldnt if i go in with my eyes open.
i dont know what religion to start with,,,,,,,,, i figure this may be a journey on finding what feels right to me, or it could end up i stay home and do my own worship , who knows.. i know there are many christains on this board and i would be interested in hearing why you choose the faith you did, if it is methodist, catholic, baptist, or other mainstream ones.. i am also interested in other forms of religion some have choosen, and why?
hi, lyin',
i understand exactly where you're at -- i was there too about a year and a half ago. i really missed being part of a Christian community, the camaraderie, and i too wanted to draw closer to God; i wanted to do the right thing.
i too was nervous at first, wondering if i would figure out when to sit or kneel or stand or pray or take communion, or sing, etc. etc. don't worry. if a church is worth anything there will be friendly people to help.
i started searching around, went to lutheran, methodist, catholic, quakers, salvation army, spiritualist, unitarian, and finally a tiny presbyterian church where i stayed. i did not stay because i embraced the presbyterian teachings -- i stayed because there was a bible on every chair, everyone followed along in the bible, there are many bible studies held in many locations all week long. i heard the bible being taught. (this was a real eye-opener by the way, i found out that jws are not the only ones who study the bible!) the people also were friendly, and totally willing to accept me as i was - very non-judgemental. i could have all of my questions (like i still do re hell and trinity, etc.) and it was ok. i was still welcome. and in fact, they still have asked me to be part of services, reading scriptures, and actually teaching the youth group about the teachings of jws.
at first i wanted them to give me special attention and tear down all the jw teachings so that i could then believe in the church. i discovered as time passed that no religion has a commodity on "the truth", but that there are true Christians everywhere -- (maybe there are even some in jws) -- the are the ones who accept Christ as Lord and Savior. your faith is not the church you attend, it is your relationship with God.
so, the community church you mentioned sounds good. give it a try -- let us know what happens!! hopefully it will meet your needs, but if it doesn't keep searching. when you find the right place, you will know.
very best wishes with love, nowisee
hi brothers and sisters,.
i am a new member of this forum.
i attend to the kearny mesa congretation in san diego.. thanks.
hi axel -
welcome. hope you find many friends here.
best wishes, nowisee
1976. (what a coincidence).
minimus, that answer to axel was funny.
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.
congratulations!
you left at about the same age i left. now i have been out 27 years and the stuff still stays with you. like you i have found the internet over the last couple of months to be invaluable in validating the decision i made so long ago. it is great to be able to communicate with people who have been where you have been and "get it".
i also tried many of the same things that you did -- thankfully i have left behind the destructive things and have emerged unscathed. i wish the same for you.
i visited chicago a couple of years ago. what a great city. loved it and would go back in a heartbeat.
enjoy your life!
best wishes, nowisee
hi folks, been quite a while since i've posted on the board but visit regularly.
i need a reference/link on john 1:1. i've been told that the addition of "a" (word was "a" god) is incorrect in it's context from a greek lanquage point of view.
i need some kind of reference(s) explaining how this is a gramatical error.. later,.
hooberus, thank you.
can you give me scriptures that show that Holy Spirit = God?
i came in when i was 17-18. studied with an elder with the intent of proving him wrong to get back at my psycho 'dub mom.
at the time it made sense.
thus started over two decades of service.
i-s-s
thank you for sharing your story. it is so familiar. i am glad you are here. please keep posting and saying more.
best wishes, nowisee
hi my name is susie.
i was a jw never baptized though for 12 years until my aunt was d'fed and my mother said she would not stop talking to her sister.
so she has disassociated herself at the smae time that is now going on 12 years ago.
welcome, susie.
i hope you have a good time here and can make some positive contributions. there are many christians here (me too!) and many many others as well. it will be challenging.
my best to you, nowisee
hi folks, been quite a while since i've posted on the board but visit regularly.
i need a reference/link on john 1:1. i've been told that the addition of "a" (word was "a" god) is incorrect in it's context from a greek lanquage point of view.
i need some kind of reference(s) explaining how this is a gramatical error.. later,.
cassi,
i, too, am glad that your back and feeling well enough to post.
i am truly appreciative of your above contributions, and will continue to think about them.
craig,
i have loved your recent posts, your epiphany, etc. i am developing quite a fondness for you.
very best wishes, nowisee
