Am sorry to hear about that, but he was brave to expose the "light" for all to see. A very brave person and I can envision he is now relieved to be out of there.
jamclark
JoinedPosts by jamclark
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101
The Last BOE!
by Atlantis inthis is the last boe we will be able to provide.
our informant or source, was caught, disfellowshipped, and thrown out of bethel.
we knew that sooner or later the watchtower would find him out.
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14
Aren't Jehovah's Witnesses really standing in front of the LIGHT and blocking it?
by Terry infolks are about as happy as they decide to be.. looking on the bright side of life gives you more of a foothold when things go awry.
nurturing hope builds a foundation for you which enables you to save for tomorrow and build toward the future and hang on when things get tough.. people dig their own graves when they become pessimists.
"why bother" replaces "that's worth a try!".
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jamclark
What an insightful post, thank you very much.
It is so true, that doctrine "light" for living will block out the Scriptural light for a joyful life.
It's like a cartoon I saw of a person sitting in front of a laptop, listening to headphones, a TV nearby, and radio and could not hear the Shepherd due to all the noise.
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Jehovahs witnesses dont have the name of GOD right so how can they be his witnesses
by smiddy inthe tetragrammaton ,does not appear anywhere in the christian greek scriptures see the new world kingdom interlinear translation.
the tetragrammaton translated in english is yhwh ( not jhvh) their is no j in hebrew.. the first edition of the book " aid to bible understanding" admits that the proper pronunciation of gods name is not known.. that they have used the name jehovah because it is the more popular name used in christendoms religions.
and they say christendoms religions are apostates / anti christs /babylon the great , can they have it both ways ?.
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jamclark
Once Rutherford was firmly established with his doctrine in place, he wanted to separate his Bible Students from Russell's Bible Students (as in groups that preferred Russell's temperment compared to Rutherford). As such, he used a verse and came up with Jehovah's witnesses (small w until about 1975).
Now the Mormons go on missionary trips or for a few years. Thus they "witness" in spreading the Mormon doctrine. So the Jehovah's Witnesses spread the JWorg doctrine (aka Watchtower Bible & Tract Society doctrine). And similar with other groups. Certainly a JW is not going to witness for Yahwey or Yahuah.
The odd thing is that they emphasise increasing knowledge and refinements. Yet as posted above, continue to use the name Jehovah despite the facts there are no J or V sounds in the ancient Hebrew language. And when Rutherford adopted the "Jehovah" name, the sacred name movement had started with understanding what His name would be in English (from the revived Hebrew language, which started in the late 1800s, now Israeli Hebrew).
So by using the name Jehovah, they don't have the truth.
By using the name Jesus, they don't have the truth.
By not keeping the Shabbath (when and how to observe), they don't have the truth.
They have the truth-like lies through, which shatan excels at. Thus they are a daughter of the Harlot, like all other Christian groups. The key being services on a Sunday.
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Interview with a faded attendee: Jamie Clark
by jamclark intell us a little about yourself and your family.. i was raised as a baptist in oregon.
after my encounter with jws (in 1994) i have been with my mother to charismatic churches but also studied with the mormons (a few months) and a bit of exposure with the seventh day adventists.
i'm currently in the u.k. and working through immigration to stay and work here.. were you a born in or a convert?.
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jamclark
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I was raised as a baptist in Oregon. After my encounter with JWs (in 1994) I have been with my Mother to charismatic churches but also studied with the Mormons (a few months) and a bit of exposure with the Seventh Day Adventists. I'm currently in the U.K. and working through immigration to stay and work here.
Were you a born in or a convert?
Like with many, it started with a knock on the door and an open mind. This was about 1994.
Are your parents / family JWs?
No. My Mom followed my brother into the Catholic faith.
How many generations have been JWs?
None.
Did you hold any position in the WTS? (MS, Elder etc...)
I was briefly an unbaptised publisher, but mostly was a regular attendee.
Did you *really* believe in the bible, in spirits (angels, demons)?
I believe in the entire inspired Scritpures, the 66 books canonized.
Did you get baptised? When and why?
No, but was on track toward baptism in October 2010.
What was the initial trigger that made you start questioning things?
First would be wondering why more meetings were not outside in His creation instead of man-made buildings. For many years I question the need to wear suits and ties to the meetings (as in Western-style business attire). Later was learning that Yahweh was a better name for the Father than Jehovah.
Where did you find information? Internet sites? Books?
I read Crisis of Conscience, and took notes into my Proclaimers book, but mostly from various internet sites.
How difficult or painful was the process of leaving?
It was a mutual fading, but I do miss the friendships.
Was it a big dramatic exit or a careful quiet fade?
Quiet fading, the best route.
Did you convince anyone else to leave with you?
No, we all have to listen to our conscience, but I do plan to talk to others about my understanding of His name and the need to observe the Turah..
How were your family relations affected by your decision?
My Mother was happy as she didn't like the JW organization, but left it to me to realize for myself.
Were you or are you still being shunned by those who didn't leave?
I am sure if I stepped into the Kingdom Hall it would be a cautious greeting.
How long have you now been out?
About 5 months.
Was there anything you looked forward to doing when you left?
Not really as I didn't do much for birthdays nor holidays anyway.
What are you most proud of achieving since you left?
A better understanding (more truthful) of the Scriptures and the sacred names. That and actually reading the Scriptures.
Is there anything you miss about life in the congregation?
The friendships and association. But most of that was a type of conditional "love" of being accepted under their terms of associating.
Red pill or blue pill? Do you regret waking up to reality at all?
Ahh The Matrix. Not at all.
Did you become an atheist or transfer your faith elsewhere?
More of a transfer from a "NT" Christianity to an "OT" Turah based faith, more closer to The Way, or becoming like the Natsarim that guard and teach the Turah.
How do you now feel about religion in general?
Religion is another name for those that assemble together to uplift fellow believers.
Do you feel any guilt celebrating xmas or birthdays or doing any other JW "no-no"s?
I don't celebrate those. At least that is one of the truthful aspects of the JWorg religion.
Have you attended any face-to-face meetups of ex-JWs?
No.
Describe your circle of friends - mostly other ex-JWs or regular people?
Mostly they are Facebook friends of a Messianic faith that believe in Yahuah (or similar name derived from YHWY).
Do you tell people about your JW past?
Yes, as it is important to what I believe today.
Do you feel animosity or pity toward current JWs?
A bit of pity but also hopefulness that they also awaken from JWorg doctrine to the purer language of the Scriptures.
How do you respond to witnesses when they call at your door?
Only had one so far and was not in a position to have a discussion. Sometime later I feel it will be a great exchange, starting first with His name and a bit about the J sound..
Storm the barricades or tend to the wounded? (do you favor activism or support)
More of a prayful support.
What do you think is the most effective approach to reaching people still in?
Planting seeds of truth, and a bit of doubt toward the Governing Body, so they may develop an open mind to hear Yahuah's voice.
Do you think the WTS can or should be destroyed, will continue on as-is or grow / change?
I pray that Yahuah will continue to use them as they translate and distribute bibles to reach others. Then that they may grow in knowledge but not in JWorg doctrine. It is a tough balance as it is so easy to get swept into being baptised into the JWorg.
How has your life been impacted by your JW past?
I've had a "quiet" conservative life so the JWorg beliefs were mostly compatible. The main thing issue was (and still is) overcoming personal loneliness.
Are there things in your life you blame the WTS for?
No.
JW upbringing - a protection or a curse?
I would say it would be a protection for many children.
How do you fill your time now it's not filled with meetings and field service?
A lot of self-study and reading - the Scriptures and other articles. I also have a website and am working on eCourses from World's Last Chance.
Do you still have an interest in JW beliefs and doctrines?
Yes as most of them are on track.
How much of your time is still spent on JW related matters?
Not too much. I like to spend some time on Sundays on this site and I keep up with JW stuff via John Cedar's site, www.jwsurvey.org.
What do you think of the ex-JW community?
I think there could be too much negativity and criticism of the JWorg, but likely that is from being subject to shunning and their doctrine.
Do you see yourself still being associated with the ex-JW community in 5 or 10 years time?
Possibly, but am not seeking such a community over those that seek to live by the Turah.
Do you fear the future?
A bit. Like with most I wait for Yahusha's return and I strive to show my belief and trust through my works to keep the salvation He earned for me. As in show I appreciate the free gift of salvation.
What advice would you give to anyone starting the journey of leaving the WTS?
Make the truth your own, as in fade but have a firmer foundation (more rock solid) than the JWorg doctrine one . . . . draw closer to the Turah of the inspired Scriptures as you leave the doctrine of the JWorg publications behind.
What would you change in your life if you could go back and talk to yourself?
Yahwey. I would have meditated on His true name and thus know more about how English has changed while embracing the power of the Hebrew language sooner.
Do you have any regrets about life since you left?
Not so much, just that so many years have passed reading JWorg books.
Can we read your life-story anywhere? (links to online or books)
My myspace page is way out of date - may edit it in (when I find it). I'm active on Facebook - http://facebook.com/jamclark.cocacola. And my website - https://sites.google.com/site/yahuahstruth/home
Want to share your own story? Please use the Interview with an Apostate: Template and post it in the Personal Experiences & Reunions section with the title "Interview with an Apostate: [your name or alias]"
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Jehovah is the correct uttering of God's name
by mistified ini heard my witness friend that if the name jehovah is the incorrect pronounciation from the hebrew scriptures, then jeremiah is the incorrect way to say jeremiah's name.
i wonder if this is true, because if it is, that would make jws the true religion.
right?.
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jamclark
For a religion that advocates gaining accurate knowledge and yet is critical of Christendom's traditions, it is odd the Governing Body still clings to the modern English words of Jehovah and Jesus.
Scholars know names should be transliterated (by sounds as close as possible). The Israeli Hebrew language was revivied in the late 1800s, which later prompted the Sacred name movement in the 1930s. Despite all this, Rutherford still opted for the established and conventional words of Jehovah and Jesus as names in 1935.
As commented above, the Father's name has to be derived from YHWY, the main letters from His Paleo Hebrew name. Similarly the Son from YHWSA.
Instead of changing the name as the language changes (as in through Greek, the Latin v having a u sound, the added j sound, and a Germanic w) the pursuit of accurate knowledge should prompt going to the source.
In my research the Father's name is best spelled/pronounced from Yahuah. His Son as Yahusha.
This also applies to other names, as in Mosheh (above), and many others . . . but one step (or sets of names) at a time.
Thus being in "The Truth" (c JWorg) yet using inaccruate names is a contradition in these last days of increasing knowledge.
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Does GOD want us to be his friend or have a relationship with him?
by bruh2012 inwt seems to teach both and or make them interchangable------we need to be jehovahs friend.
we need to have a relationship with him as children like a father.. even though there is no bible verses for having a relationship with god, jesus teaches us (was there anyone before jesus) to approach him as father not as some friend.
what bible verses "infer" that we have a relationship with god especially if thats what worshiping him means???.
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jamclark
If I wanted to be a friend and have a relationship with a drug addict, we would have to "meet" at some level with common interests. That is way unevenly "yoked" and would be hard, especially if I affirmed to stay away from drugs and the addict wanted to stay his/her course. How deep of a friendship could I have in two separate worlds (of sorts).
Abraham was counted as a friend. Yahuah spoke only to Moses (regularly) and to others, but typically in dreams (Solomon, Daniel) or via messengers/prophets.
He won't consider having a relationship with a person (or people) that rebel against His Turah by the actions of their lifestyle (see the example of the ancient Israelites). Kings (and their sons) had died or been killed due to the evil they have done, so likewise people would be favored by doing good in His eyes.
Had Yahuah not want a relationship with His creation, we would not be alive. None of us. All would have been destroyed by a massive fire after the flood, or even about 100 AD, and restarted. These last (many) years are a time for all to seek His friendship.
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So what is the Society doing with all that $$$?
by QuestioningEverything ini read article after article about the billions the gb rakes in from fleecing the sheep but i've never heard anyone explain what happens to the money.. i mean is it in a swiss account?
are the gb living in private mansions?
where does the $ go?.
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jamclark
Hmmm, well from buying properties, then building/refurbishing with volunteers (and some contractors), maintaining, then selling for a profit (not taxed) they make a lot of money. Then of course donations, gifts, wills, etc.
It certainly goes into printing and distributing bibles and literature. Some into making dramas and their cartoons. Then some into modest allowances for those at bethel, overseers, missionaries, etc.
I feel many "qualified" individuals receive a nice monthly allowance (akin to a pension). They are held to strict secrecy.
I would not be surprised they pay for some to get university education (or help pay back loans). This is for a long-term committment to JWorg.
Perhaps the Governing Body have two sets of living arrangements for its members. One for show as in modest. One for their particular tastes, such as Rutherford's Bath Serim (sp?) and his cars.
And they have a pool of money (in the Kingdom Hall Assistance Fund) to pay off molested members (and others) so they settle out of court. Have done so in the past. And still ask for funds to enable it to build/repair more Kingdom Halls, but not for its other purposes.
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better to stay in or get out
by Crazyguy ini put in a da letter a couple of weeks ago but the elders have not opened the letter and wish to meet with me first.
i've seen the stress this has caused me and my family as well as the alienation of me from the family spiritually.
so the question is can i do more to get my kids out of this cult by staying a member going to meetings some times and planting seeds or get out and try to then get the kids out over time?
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jamclark
A controled fading seems best even with that letter. Get the letter back if you can then let your actions help guide the conscience of others you can affect.
The key is to ensure your new direction is more true than the watered down JWorg doctrine as many will ask, "What is better than this truth?" That and know the track record of all the changing doctrine and talk about that with your family and friends. That is my next step since I faded (but was not baptized nor have family members in the JWorg).
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List Reasons Why You Are Glad That You Are Out Of The JW Religion
by minimus inhere's a few from me.. no more having to go to stupid boring meetings.. no more having to go knock on doors in field service and waste my time!.
no more mind numbing elders meetings..
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jamclark
List Reasons Why You Are Glad That You Are Out Of The JW Religion
Key would be all the extra time reading the doctrine-based books and magazines to feel the need to be ready for meetings.
Then no mind-numbing and fakedly happy assemblies.
Still good people there, just with minds largely controlled by JWorg doctrine.
Gives time to really pray, read the Scriptures, and consider the Turah with its appointed times, Shabbats, and clean foods. The stuff that really matters, which is more simpler than all that JWorg doctrine. Then talk and spread the true good news.
Jamie
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The "Christian Greek Scriptures"
by Doug Mason infrom 1950 to 2013, the watchtower and bible tract society has been releasing its new world translation of the scriptures.. my study considers the christian greek scriptures (new testament).. http://www.jwstudies.com/why_does_wts_accept_christendoms_scriptures.pdf.
i have also provided the pictures that i created for the study.. http://www.jwstudies.com/pix_for_study_wts_accepts_scriptures.pdf.
please accept the fact that i have no idea whether colours clash or if they match.
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jamclark
I look forward to reading the material and am sure there is a lot of references that the "New Testament" was originally written in Hebrew (as in all of the inspired Scriptures). Thus it would be the uninspired Greek Translation of the inspired Hebrew Scriptures (thus there will be concepts lost in translation).