by PenelopePaige 160 Replies latest jw friends
"Would these same lovely women actually ignore me if I were to, say, celebrate Christmas?"
Yup . . . in a heartbeat! . . . they're guided by a cult personality induced by mind-control . . . sounds crazy but it's true . . . you get sucked into the "matrix"
Penelope . . . there are many here who still persue their Bible interest. Feel free to stick around. Start a thread and ask any question you like . . . you will get some helpful suggestions I'm sure.
All the best to you
Many JWs are very nice, sincere people. You should, however, do research about the beliefs and practices of JWs before you continue your study. JW Bible studies are designed to slowly indoctrinate non-believers into the JW way of thinking. This has been a good thing for some people - and a bad thing for others. As you continue, you'll get deeper and deeper into JW doctrine. Once the study book is finished, it is hoped that you will like enough of what you've heard (and changed your beliefs and habits to fit in with the JWs) to motivate you to become either a publisher (JW volunteer public minister) or get baptized (dedication of your life to the JW organization.)
If you agree with the rules and doctrine that JWs live by, maybe it is the religion for you. If you don't agree with JW rules and doctrine, then respectfully discountinue your bible study with them. If you choose the second option, don't worry, there are many ways for you to study the Bible independent of an organized religion.
Welcome, PenelopeandShel.
Penelope, you don't have to study with the JW's or any other religious group in order to believe the Bible's teachings.
Believe me, JW's are a cult which will suck the life out of you, if you allow it.
If I were you, I would tell the study conductor that I've researched JW's on the Internet, and didn't like what I found.
That should be the end of that.
Syl
Welcome!
I was a JW for 23 years. I'm happier, now that I'm an ex-JW.
What's Wrong with Being a JW?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/wrong-with-being-jehovahs-witness.php
((((((Penelope)))))))) I sent you a PM
you said, 'and the JW's are about the only religion who seems to give credence to demons'
They do like to scare you to death about demons. A few weeks ago I took my JW mother to the doctor and set my GPS for directions. Before we had gone 3 miles she had decided the GPS had to be demonized to know where we were and tell us where to turn.
Also, my sister that is still entrenched had a frightening experience. I had given her a book by Lillian Braun to read. The main character is a cat that has extraordinary powers. She left it in her car because she was afraid to take it in the house. She was afraid it was demonized because of the cat's ficticious 'powers'. One day she was driving down the road her car radio came on real loud. It happened again another day and she stopped and threw the book out the window. (It was an older vehicle and I understand electrical things can go haywire and cause this). I read all the authors books as did my elderly aunt and neither of us had any problems with demons.
I'm surprised Baptists do not give credence to demons. Aren't they all about hellfire and damnation? I thought most all religions were. (As JWs we never learned about other religions - just that they are evil) Maybe they just don't want to frighten their people like the Watchtower does.
Please ask your study conductor if it's OK for you to read old WT literature. Also, ask if it's OK that you perform a detailed analysis of their history as a religion.
You do realize that they are a high control group, no?
PenelopePaige,
You are very wise to do your research before committing to becoming a Jehovah's Witness. If only the internet was available back when many of us were studying there would be a lot fewer of us here. To avoid getting sucked into any high control group I highly recommend reading Steve Hassan's book "Combatting Cult Mind Control" and compare it to ANY group that is trying to recruit you.
Having an unexplained "supernatural" experience can be overwhelming. Please try to find a logical explanation for what happened to you. A good place to start would be anything written by Michael Shermer who publishes Skeptic magazine. His website is www.skeptic.com.
Reopened Mind
penelope
many years ago I was contacted at the door by some very nice young men and we talked soon he arranged a study for me conducted by a very nice fun and friendly woman. while studying I spoke freely and openly little did I realize that after baptism you can no longer question w/o repercussions. Everyone was very friendly and sincere that's what makes it hard to see what is really happening you don't get a typical cues because your teachers are themselves deceived so they come off in a true way and really most witnesses are in fact good people.
The important thing is to be careful what they are teaching sounds good but has a very dark underbelly. Do you really want to live in a so called paradise on the bones of at least 7 billion human beings?
Do you want a life of thought control, obedience to the idea that they tell you how to feel and if you feel different you are defective. It's a tricky situation and you don't see it coming. just be careful if you find out later its wrong leaving is enormously painful and they will go to whatever lengths to make you the monster if you leave.
