How far down the path is it before the changes take place. Im pretty sure its different for everyone. The time taken to recognise that things have changed permanently...depends on factors like acceptance, circumstances and willingness to deal with it.
Im talking about the realisation regarding the WTBT Society. Im talking about the fundamental issues regarding failed prophecy...but mostly about the realisation regarding how Witnesses treat each other.
We were taught that the anointed were sacred. My experience with all but two, is that they are eccentric buffoons at best....and egocentric maniacs at worst. We were taught that 1914 was Christs return to earth...but that was not the message until 1925..prior to that it was going to be the end.
We were taught that ....you know what..? You all know what we were taught...99% here know the doctrines...
Im sat here in a thunderstorm, with some scared cats running around, trying to put a handle on the whole situation..trying to see where to go, but mainly, what to believe in. I think it would be fair to say that the majority here..have long lost faith in religion and the concept of the bible god....and while I dont want to willingly go down that route...I find my cynicism hardening toward religion in general and JW's in particular.
I still pray..every night..and during the day...sometimes I stop my car and just pray for 20 minutes or so...asking for direction, asking for any help at all...just point me..Ill follow...Im still waiting..
So..the effects of deprogramming are still working the way through...I have given up on ever rejoining the JW's...it made me feel sad and inadequate for 40 years, more than that, at times it made me feel worthless, I cannot take the hypocrisy of the religion or the people in it...and all of them do it without knowing they are hypocrites...
I have no answers for me..just keep on looking, keep on hoping.. but the reality I now accept, is that we are not special people..we will die just like the rest..and what happens then, well...
There are a number of really gentle and sensitive persons on this board..people like Joel..who deserve a little more respect than they have been given. Most of us feel we deserve more respect than we receive, in his case, it is very true..HIs life is far more complicated than most of ours...I am a little dissapointed that people like him, who bore all the personal hatred of some with a lot of dignity...have not been upbuilt in human companionship on This ex JW board...we all have the same history...and yet we have not learned to pick battles with those who can take it, and those who cannot.
I guess when Joel and others have recovered a little strength, they will return for the friends they have on the board..and for their own upbuilding...I hope so..
I learned a lot from people here...Path, 6, Prisca, Mommy, JanH, Farkel, Allan, Englishman...Im not going to mention anymore because it would be half the board...but in the learning was a filtering out..a sifting of information...and now Im really confused! LOL..
Even to those I think are the most pompous and arrogant ***holes....I learn things from...
Its just a journey, but this time we can take it with eyes wide open...and no allegience to false prophets.
I think thats what I meant to say...