Interview with an Apostate: Template (page 3)

Lozhasleft

Am enjoying this series. Good idea Simon.

Loz x

Simon

Sorry Leeca, maybe start it as a new topic - what were you posting from?

I've really been enjoying reading the stories and how many people have personally conquered the WTS - I'm hoping more people post their own over the coming weeks / months so may bump this from time to time.

Bruja-del-Sol

Will write mine in a couple of days. It's very encouraging, not to mention comforting, even when you're out for over ten years, to read all these stories and personal experiences.

Last couple of years I've really thought I had put it all behind me, but I can tell by the emotions that pop up reading other people's stories that it's still a wound. Not really open anymore, but still not completely healed. So thanks to all of you who wrote your stories and posted them!

Miss.Fit

I am hoping to read more interviews. I have really enjoyed reading them.

MissFit

Bttt. Since we have gotten a lot of newbies. Hope to read some more.

cultBgone

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Not yet.

Were you a born in or a convert?

Convert

Are your parents / family JWs?

Older sister was jw til death, some in immediate family

How many generations have been JWs?

My children are 2nd gen

Did you hold any position in the WTS? (MS, Elder etc...)

Pioneer

Did you *really* believe in the bible, in spirits (angels, demons)?

Always had questions. Angels and demons seemed a bit of a stretch too.

Did you get baptised? When and why?

Baptized because my sister scared me into thinking that my babies would die soon if I wasn't in.

What was the initial trigger that made you start questioning things?

Child molesters being covered over, no help for victims

Where did you find information? Internet sites? Books?

Personal experience

How difficult or painful was the process of leaving?

Tricky but not painful

Was it a big dramatic exit or a careful quiet fade?

Fade

Did you convince anyone else to leave with you?

Didn't try, no one else ready

How were your family relations affected by your decision?

Strained somewhat

Were you or are you still being shunned by those who didn't leave?

Shunned spiritually by family, they refuse to discuss any questions about jws/bible

How long have you now been out?

Two years

Was there anything you looked forward to doing when you left?

Having time for myself

What are you most proud of achieving since you left?

Learning to love everyone unconditionally

Is there anything you miss about life in the congregation?

Nope

Red pill or blue pill? Do you regret waking up to reality at all?

Red pill - so happy to know ttatt

Did you become an atheist or transfer your faith elsewhere?

Neither - still not sure about god/creator, but not upset about it

How do you now feel about religion in general?

Exists to control people

Do you feel any guilt celebrating xmas or birthdays or doing any other JW "no-no"s?

Not into xmas, but holidays are fine

Have you attended any face-to-face meetups of ex-JWs?

Yes

Describe your circle of friends - mostly other ex-JWs or regular people?

Circle still small, mixed bag

Do you tell people about your JW past?

Yes, I want them to understand it is not a benign religion

Do you feel animosity or pity toward current JWs?

Pity for those who are stuck. Animosity for those who know reality but choose to control jws.

How do you respond to witnesses when they call at your door?

Don't answer, not wasting my time

Storm the barricades or tend to the wounded? (do you favor activism or support)

Support those who know ttatt and plant seeds for those who need to learn

What do you think is the most effective approach to reaching people still in?

"Can you imagine Jesus doing that?"

Do you think the WTS can or should be destroyed, will continue on as-is or grow / change?

Shut down forever

How has your life been impacted by your JW past?

Adult child stuck inside

Are there things in your life you blame the WTS for?

Molestation of my child and three of my friends' children / lost earnings / lost retirement / lost family still in

JW upbringing - a protection or a curse?

Believed it was protection but it was a curse

How do you fill your time now it's not filled with meetings and field service?

Give myself permission to relax. Read good books, watch good movies, garden, THINK for myself

Do you still have an interest in JW beliefs and doctrines?

No, they carry no weight

How much of your time is still spent on JW related matters?

Only that time I choose to spend with ex-jw friends

What do you think of the ex-JW community?

Some have lots of anger still, understandably so. Most are intelligent and delightful.

Do you see yourself still being associated with the ex-JW community in 5 or 10 years time?

Have no idea, living one day at a time

Do you fear the future?

Nope

What advice would you give to anyone starting the journey of leaving the WTS?

Gracefully fade away, do not give anyone else permission to control your life

What would you change in your life if you could go back and talk to yourself?

No, no, a thousand times no! You do not want to be one of theses crazies!

Do you have any regrets about life since you left?

Only that I didn't do it sooner and get my kids out at the same time

Can we read your life-story anywhere? (links to online or books)

Not yet, who knows though

joe134cd

Will do later

MissFit

Bttt for any new ones who would like to introduce themselves or who would like to read some interesting interviews.

MissFit

Ps my favorite part of this site is the personal experiences. The down side is that I always want to know how things turn out. So I like to pick a poster and follow their story. Unfortunately sometimes they don't update and I am left hanging. I have turned into a compulsive thread bumper.

Miss.Fit

MissFit

Bump.

Interview with an Apostate: Template

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