You are entitled to your opinions S&R, even in bold lol, I actually think you sound pretty much like the latest GB stance. 'Let's judge and condemn others just because we choose to refuse to believe or acknowledge them'. I was anointed in 1992. It was as big a shock to me as it was to everyone else. I definitely didn't fit the stereotype and it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, to partake of the emblems at the following memorial. It caused much controversy and gossip for me and even pain for me and my family. Not an enviable position to find oneself. Nevertheless, it was undeniable. It's as real now for me as it was the day it happened, and that's the truth, whether it's palatable or not. Actually it's between me and my god, so, if others don't accept it that's their problem, not mine.
I was disfellowshipped in 2007 but I can assure you that there is no shame sitting 'in the back of my mind'. Plenty for my human failings, but none about that. I never lied about probably the most important experience in my life, god knows it and so do I. With such a perspective, nasty bad minded people hardly figure.
I've since come to understand and learn that many people from all different religions experience an 'anointing' or 'calling' with holy spirit, some quite similar to my own, so I realise that it's hardly unique to JWs at all. Of course as JWs we were taught to dismiss anyone 'outside'. But I don't anymore, I left my judging in the KH. There are some wonderful people on here who share this experience, and if they choose to worship now in a different faith that's up to them, surely? Ray Franz didn't choose to do that, but that was his preference. Far be it for us to judge.
This issue has been discussed often on here and most of us believers have become resolved that some atheists have their own restricted view, but it's their view and entitled to respect. It's not a bad idea to try adopting such respect on a forum like this, however strongly you disagree or disbelieve.
Loz x
