Wow. What a story. Thanks for sharing it.
Thing that gets me about this is how elders have truly become "princes". It is bizarre, in hindsight, that the Society teaches that the elders are referred to in Bible prophecy as "princes who rule for justice itself", when Jesus warned that it was the rulers of the nations who would be the ones who wield authority, and that his followers should not do things that way.
I can tell you, there were ministerial servants I knew who were drinking quite heavily, without consequence at various social occasions. I even had one elder suggest drinking a little for the sake of coping with my problems--the very thing that is a sign of alcoholism according to the Society, I thought! There was no reason for these elders to not show mercy. At most maybe some counsel, if they felt this could become a problem, but...geez, they took it too far.
Let me tell you, my judicial committee taught me that even fornication is no big deal. They clearly soft-pedaled that, even though I did it numerous times over the course of a few months and didn't turn myself in. I was DF'd for an entirely different reason: placing my beliefs under serious, logical scrutiny and recognizing that they just didn't add up. Fornication was nothing compared to that "sin". And I didn't do that until I realized that my belief system was not as iron-clad as I thought it was; I was a straight arrow well into my 20's.
I would advise you to take this opportunity to speak to former Witnesses in the know and do a thorough examination of this religion's history, doctrines, and attempts at prophecy. You've got nothing to lose now, you're already out. They can't hurt you anymore, not directly. And they can only hurt you indirectly if you give them that power over you.
Just about anyone here could give you an excellent reading list to get you on the road to clarity and answer every question about the organization that troubles you. Believe me, what happened to you isn't the tip of the iceberg. Once you learn that you're not alone, there's a lot more hope to be had.
My struggle is far from over, on the outside, but yours is just beginning. You've been forced into a first step of sorts, but it is a first step. It will hurt for awhile, but this is the time to start examining this religion, closely.
Feel free to send me a private message. Wish you the best.
-sd-7
