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wokeup

Nathan, I did spend 7 years both part-time and fulltime in college while living in Silicon Valley.Got a lot of flack from the Elders for not putting "spiritual things" 1st.Was "marked" by some in the congregation for it. It came with a price.But working for minimum wage in one of the most expensive parts of CA in the 70's and early 80's was awful, especially when most of the elders had high paying jobs with nice homes and pools encouraging me not to be pursuing higher education.

outnfree

Welcome, Allen!

I'm a little bit slow with this, but I was away from my computer (or vice versa) for a few days, and I'm only now catching up.

This is a marvelous place: chock full of insight, empathy and information.

Nice to have you here.

outnfree

Par dessus toutes choses, soyez bons. La bonte est ce qui ressemble le plus a Dieu et ce qui desarme le plus les hommes -- Lacordaire

wokeup

Thanks outnfree,freedom of expression here is something I'm not used to. I have found so far a wide diversity of personalities from all around the globe and have learned alot already.

waiting

Howdy Allen,

There are several freedoms we (who leave the WTBTS) have experienced. Freedom of thought, speech, expression. We can read what we want (history, science, porn, romance novels etc.). But when it comes down to it -- I think the majority of us enjoy the freedom of reading about history & science. We just didn't have access to *think* freely before.

We're a non-moderated board, so sometimes this "freedom of expression" goes overboard. But it really is a good place to question, comment, and realize that there are thousands like yourself - learning about the jw's we all are/were.

Welcome.

waiting

arkangel

Hi, Allen,
I am new to this board as well. I left the JW religion 26 years ago and have not looked back. It was bad then and has only gotten worse. Always question in your head what you are being told. Look everything up in the Bible and any references. My nephew and his wife left 3 years ago after being in it 38 years. (From birth.) They tried to use the Bible to talk with the elders and show them where they were wrong but got thrown out anyway. They did nothing but disagree with doctrine. Holy Spirit led them out. Pray for truth with a sincere heart and you will be led to it. Yes, we lost our family and my nephew lost a business he was in with his dad who is still a witness. But we have not regretted one day. We still serve Jehovah and Jesus Christ faithfully and they have not let us down.

wokeup

Nice to meet you arkangel,welcome to the forum. You'll find the discussions here quite stimulating.From thought provoking to plain silly at times.I too disagree as well with aspects of WT doctrine.It is a shame that the WTBTS is intolerant with freedom of thought and freedom of expression from its' members. Simular to totalitarian societies. Vilify,label and excommunicate those with differing opinions who opening voice themseives. Undoubtedly there are countless others who feel the way I do. I'm also quite aware with the fact that participation here is also grounds for disfellowshipping. These efforts by them is to squash the transmission of the truth about the trooth. The elders at the KH know who have computers and internet access.Those here locally paid me a friendly visit a couple years ago out of "concern" I might "stumble across apostate propaganda". What really stimulated my thinking was researching persuasion techniques used in selling things.I then got interested in researching the pschological and socialogical methods employed by individuals and Orgs after I had read an article stating the Scientologists employed those methods. To my surprise, I realized the WBTS utilizes them all the time.I thought if I was ignorant of them, what about all those with much limited education or blinded by years of indoctrination? It's a mistake to openly challenge the WBTS unless one is ready and prepared to live with the consequences at that moment.By the way, my observations have helped me to put my faith not in manmade organizations but in my Lord Jesus Christ.Look forward to your posts arkangel.........Allenin

Yadira Angelini

Hello Wokeup, I do not post often, but when I read stories like yours I do it to encourage the people who are new and are free thinkers. Some of the people here know me a little if they remember: I'm the one who has a daughter in the org. and the one that by reading the posts I get the help and the hope needed from all you. Your are all very brave to stand for what you no longer believe in spite of the consecuences. I am not a witness, but I feel one with all of you and I care for you a lot. I feel as if I have been a witness anyway. I have read so much for the last six years trying to figurate out how to get my daughter out and it was not until I started reading your posts that I finally reached some peace. Why? because like I said above, by witnessing your struggles and observing your boldness to spill the beans have make strong and all of you have make realized it wil be on God's holy time when my dear daughter Ericka will come out of the org. May God continue to bless you with His 'new light' and guidance. Love,

Yadira Angelini

Viki

I'm new too... to this forum, anyway! So welcome to you (and me too!)

I was born in the ominous year of 1975 and to my JW mother's amazement, have grown up to be a adult, married, and have children, all before "the end." LOL! I found the mental strength to leave back in 1995, between my sophomore and junior years in college. My first trip out onto the www and meeting other ex-JWs online was SUCH a relief and reassurance that I wasn't alone. I found Kent's Watchtower Observer and just cried tears of joy!

I've been DA'd since 1997 - leaving was at once the hardest and yet the easiest thing I ever did. I was only 20 when I truly "left" and it was my whole lifetime I'd spent as a JW, but I applaud and deeply admire the courage it takes for people to leave after 10, 20, 30, more years of their ADULT lives spent dedicated to the Borg. Wow.

Viki, happy to free...

arkangel

I just want to say thank you to those who post at this website. I did go into H20 before it shutdown and found it rather radical and many times comments were made without love. You all seem to show a lot of love to those who post here and I am grateful for that. The need for encouragement and love is a must when you leave the WTBS because most of the time you leave all family and friends behind. They leave you - you do not leave them. The one thing we sincerely need to hang on to is the love of Jehovah our God and the sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He died for us ALL not just JW's. We can ALL go to him at anytime and ask for guidance, forgiveness of any sin,(except sin against Holy Spirit), and help with any problem. Have faith in your heart that he does listen to every word we say to him and know our prayers are answered according to his will not ours for he truly knows what is best for us. I know because I have had my prayers answered again and again. May you have peace and the love of the Father and Son in your hearts.

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