Interview with an Apostate: Template

by Simon 36 Replies latest jw experiences

  • Simon
    Simon

    Here's the template of questions to use ready to copy / paste and complete. Feel free to add suggestions for additional questions and to nominate people you'd like to read about (but not no one is obliged to do one). Also, add your own story too!

    Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

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    Were you a born in or a convert?

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    Are your parents / family JWs?

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    How many generations have been JWs?

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    Did you hold any position in the WTS? (MS, Elder etc...)

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    Did you *really* believe in the bible, in spirits (angels, demons)?

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    Did you get baptised? When and why?

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    What was the initial trigger that made you start questioning things?

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    Where did you find information? Internet sites? Books?

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    How difficult or painful was the process of leaving?

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    Was it a big dramatic exit or a careful quiet fade?

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    Did you convince anyone else to leave with you?

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    How were your family relations affected by your decision?

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    Were you or are you still being shunned by those who didn't leave?

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    How long have you now been out?

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    Was there anything you looked forward to doing when you left?

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    What are you most proud of achieving since you left?

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    Is there anything you miss about life in the congregation?

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    Red pill or blue pill? Do you regret waking up to reality at all?

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    Did you become an atheist or transfer your faith elsewhere?

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    How do you now feel about religion in general?

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    Do you feel any guilt celebrating xmas or birthdays or doing any other JW "no-no"s?

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    Have you attended any face-to-face meetups of ex-JWs?

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    Describe your circle of friends - mostly other ex-JWs or regular people?

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    Do you tell people about your JW past?

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    Do you feel animosity or pity toward current JWs?

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    How do you respond to witnesses when they call at your door?

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    Storm the barricades or tend to the wounded? (do you favor activism or support)

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    What do you think is the most effective approach to reaching people still in?

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    Do you think the WTS can or should be destroyed, will continue on as-is or grow / change?

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    How has your life been impacted by your JW past?

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    Are there things in your life you blame the WTS for?

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    JW upbringing - a protection or a curse?

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    How do you fill your time now it's not filled with meetings and field service?

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    Do you still have an interest in JW beliefs and doctrines?

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    How much of your time is still spent on JW related matters?

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    What do you think of the ex-JW community?

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    Do you see yourself still being associated with the ex-JW community in 5 or 10 years time?

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    Do you fear the future?

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    What advice would you give to anyone starting the journey of leaving the WTS?

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    What would you change in your life if you could go back and talk to yourself?

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    Do you have any regrets about life since you left?

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    Can we read your life-story anywhere? (links to online or books)

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    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]"

    Please leave the line above in to help people find this template and instructions (but you can delete this line)

  • smiddy
    smiddy

    marked for later , very interesting thought provoking questions, that may give us an insight as to who we really are.

    smiddy

  • FreeGirl2006
    FreeGirl2006

    marking for later

  • happy@last
    happy@last

    Marked

  • lisavegas420
    lisavegas420

    saving for later use.

  • Simon
    Simon

    I'm actually really enjoying reading people's stories that they have submitted - please don't anyone be put-off if they think their story may not be 'elaborate or special enough', it's often the small things and experiences we have in common that help us identify with each other more and realise we're not totally alone in anything we go through.

    Apologies if I missed any - just copied and pasted from the active list.

    Please remember to post yours as a separate topic if you do one ...

  • dazed but not confused
    dazed but not confused

    Thanks for starting this. I am really enjoying everyone's stories.

  • KiddingMe
    KiddingMe

    Marked for later

  • Angharad
    Angharad

    I enjoying everyone's stories too - I've started writing mine but find writing things like this hard, taking longer that I thought it would.

  • Vanderhoven7
    Vanderhoven7

    Excellent Questions. I'd also like to see a template interview for a believing JW...designed to help him question his belief in his religion.

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