Franz stated something in this mind-blowing book which was definitely true for me.

He stated (this is a poor paraphrase) that very early on during a "study", Witnesses can easily show what's in the Bible regarding God's name, the condition of the dead, living on paradise earth, etc.  Once these are proven to a person's satisfaction, when the study moves on to more complicated matters, it is just easier to accept what isn't understood on the basis that so far, everything has seemed true. By now, there is an emotional investment -and everything up until now  seemed fine, so.....................................let's swallow it all, and what is too difficult to swallow comfortably (blood?  1914?) just kind of gulp it down anyway.  It's probably true....the WTS does know better, obviously.  YOU didn't know God's name, did you?  You didn't know the dead were conscious of nothing, did you?   You didn't know about the resurrection, did you?

As I said, that was poorly paraphrased.  But in my case, absolutely true.  I knew nothing of the Bible, I only knew Catholic dogma.  Never fell for most of it, always felt it was a load of garbage.  Now, I could clearly see what was stated in the Bible on very simple matters.  Once I was convinced of a few basic things, the rest was easy; I just accepted even though some of it I disagreed with.  However,  I felt these "learned Bibl scholars" knew much more than I did.  What a traumatic experience, then, to read how these "responsible, prayerful men with God's spriit" really came to their "understanding" of the Scripture.

It's sickening, really.

ISoCF is a MUST read.

Sorry for the lack of eloquence; this is the best I can do right now.

Berryblue,

This is a great subject.   I like to add  one of hundreds of goodies I noted in my book.  Here is just something I underlined and typed in here to help get people going.

What did you like about the book?

Jst2laws

Merchandising at it's best! Convince people there are truths they haven't been told, and what they have been told is a lie. Actually with Christianity...........it's easy prey for anyone who wants to pick it apart and it's beliefs. The witnesses are one of the few that are not a white trash cult who capitolize on downplaying religion to gain converts and most people have many questions the witnesses are eager to supply answers for. They have answers for everything and people want answers.

In what way?

BTW....excellent post rosemarie

Gumby

Gumby,

Traumatizing because the books are destroying all my long held beliefs about the WTS .

Although I have been researching since January, nothing I have read has so far has been as powerful.  I can rationalize away much of the stuff I've read here (as well as other places), but what Franz writes cannot easily be pushed aside. 

It means that I have to seriously rethink most everything I believed in since I first started studying with the Witnesses.

It's actually physically painful.  My stomach is in knots, I'm near tears. 

I do believe all Franz has written, but I can't believe it.  Do you understand what I mean?

Rosemarie

Rosemary,

 

YES!  And I doubt that the physical discomfort is a normal reaction to this psychological trama

of having so many cherished beliefs jerked out from under you. 

But then we recover and are better persons for facing reality.

Jst2laws 

Just wanted to say hi to the Plummer

Gumby

I loved In search of Christian Freedom.

Ray Franz holds a place in my heart; we have never met, or spoke, but If I had the chance, I would thank him from the bottom of my heart for what he has done for me. He is an incredible person; may God bless him in all that he does.

In search was an amazing book. It blew my mind, as well. After my mother miraculously read CoC, she needed something to comfort her; Rays book gave that comfort. It offered hope when all seemed lost; it gave freedom back to Christianity. Ray is a Christian; and although I may not agree with him doctrinally, I fully support what he has done for thousands of people worldwide.

I owe him much, but can repay little. All I can do is thank him; he is a spiritual master.

God bless Ray Franz, and all those he has helped !

 

Hi Beyrl  

Wow, such wonderful posts!!!!  I will read them all properly later.  Thanks.

And no, I wasn't raised a JW.  Got baptized when I was 29.  So................I guess this first birthday I'm really celebrating on Aug. 12, I'm going to be 30!!!!  (not 48)

Rosemarie

If anyone wants to thank Ray, just e-mail him at Commentary Press.

email@commentarypress.com

Blondie