Hi Erik
You raised some good questions. It seems to me that you are trying to prove JWs "right", just by the tone of your emails etc. Or maybe you are hoping that you'll find something convincing thats "wrong" with JWs?
Anyway, I stopped attending 2 years ago, (not DF or DA) and I'd like to tell you a little about what made me leave (sort of a list, like yours! )
1. Spirituality should not be about judging others ourselves, whether that be their views on religion or their practices. We may feel that something they believe or think doesnt agree with scripture *in our opinion and interpretation of scripture*, and we are welcome to tell them so. If they choose to continue with their path then so be it.
Jehovahs Witnesses, as some other religions, tend to view those not JW as "wicked" those who question too much as "apostate", and frankly accept no freedom of religion. Jesus said love those persecuting you, so surely he also meant love those who have a different view of God. In saying love them, he meant agape love - unselfish, UNCONDITIONAL love, the sort that God gives to us. Jehovahs Witnesses are conditional in their true love, not unconditional. I personally think that this is wrong.
You may say JWs are showing love to preach, well they are, of a sort. Really though, that preaching love is simply a "concern" based on the belief that people should be JW or face judgement. Its not the same sort of agape love Jesus mentioned (IMHO).
I know of other religions that encourage real love in their community, churches who help those less fortunate.
2. The Jehovahs Witnesses base everything on the bible. This would be OK, however, it seems that they have altered their bible to suit their doctrine. You can argue all of these doctinal issues all day, but if you knew for sure that JWs had wrongly changed their bible translation from the original meaning, surely this would tell you they are not the best religion to be associated with?
e.g. In the New World Translation, every time the Greek word "proskuneo" is used with reference to God, it is translated "worship" (Rev 5:14, 7:11, 11:16, 19:4 John 4:20 etc.) Every time it is used with reference to Jesus, it is translated "obeisance" (Matt 14:33, 28:9, 28:17, Luke 24:52 etc.)even though its the same word in Greek. See the Greek Interlinear which shows this clearly. Why would they do this? To support their doctrine?
If the name Jehovah was so important, why is it never used in the entire Greek New Testament? If men edited the name out, when they copied the NT, as only the watchtower claims, then how can we have ANY confidence in any of the New Testament?
The NWT translates "kyrios" as Jehovah more than 25 times in the New Testament (Matt 3:3, Luke 2:9, Acts 21.14, etc). Why is the NWT not consistent in translating Kyrios as Jehovah in Rom 10:9, 1Cor12:3, Phil 2:11, 2 Thess 2:1 etc.? See Greek Interlinear.
3. I dont belong to any group or religion at the moment, yet I believe I am a spiritual person and always aim to be loving to others. Look around at people in other religions. Are they really the wicked, hateful people that the Watchtower describe? Some people in all groups will be found who maybe arent loving. But look at the worlds religions, with "open eyes" not through the JW spectacles. You will be very, very surprised to see the wealth of deep spirituality and love there.
As far as pagan holidays, have you ever read about Celtic Spirituality? The celts were essentially pagan before being taken over by the church, and they are responsible for beautiful poetry and art to the praise of God. Paganism isnt necessarily about "wicked, evil Devil worshippers"! As a JW, I myself condemned other religions, but I think you should assess them for what they are, objectively.
So controversial as this may be, I will leave you with a Celtic blessing:
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May you recognise in your life the presence, power and light of your soul.
May you realise that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.
May you have respect for your own individuality and difference.
May you realise that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here,
That behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful, good and eternal happening.
May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.
~~~~~~
Love
Sirona