I have lurked for a few weeks, and gathered that a bit of background is expected; understandably. I'm from a reasonably dysfunctional family, and my brother married a really nice lady who was "studying" with the JWs. Over the years I saw this independent, funny lady change. She had always known her own mind, but increasingly, everything needed to go her way. The marriage struggled, but I really admired how they both tried to keep it together for the kids.
My own marriage was over, and my family treated me as if it was a communicable disease. My SIL and I kept in touch; I'd always liked her.
Then the brother and SIL broke up, with some bitterness. I could relate to that, and kept in contact. At this point she began to write mainly about JW beliefs; apparently my brother had requested that she didn't preach to family before as she obeyed the head of the family.
She also got the local JWs to visit. They wanted to "discuss the Bible"; for my SIL's sake I was willing to listen. Two problems now; I hadn't realised how lonely I had become, and the literature they brought; well I believed that it just wasn't well researched. I didn't want to tell them outright that it was full of misdirection at best.
Finally I pointed out a really bad case; calling Francis Hitching an "authority" to support their argument. The JW lady, this time supported by her husband, sternly told me that the argument was still valid. I disputed that also. They promised to check, and left. Haven't seen them since. My SIL has also stopped writing.
I know I need to branch out and find new interests apart from work now that I've raised the children, and am doing that. What I can't understand is that these people, who I really believe are honest folk, could be so dishonest as to distribute untruths and refuse to check when it's pointed out.
Thanks to this site and Jwfacts, I'm beginning to realise that what I thought was just another religion, is more dangerous than that.
I still hope that my ex-SIL will be freed someday, but don't think it probable. If there is anyway I could help to make that happen, I hope to learn it.
Happy Christmas and peace to all, Retro
