I was raised in the organization. My stepfather was a ministerial servant but was removed when I was 14, due to family problems, which he blamed on me (he was abusive, physically, and was told that if he cannot control his family, he could not be an example to the congregation). I became pregnant at 15 and have not really lived around my family since then. I have lived a normal (meaning not a witness) life. I am married, with three kids, celebrate all holidays with pleasure, etc...I even...(gasp!) smoke...There was a woman when I was younger who studied with me, who was like my mother. She was actually responsible for my stepfather being removed, as her husband was an elder. She was always there for me, and when I moved to her side of town, after little contact for years, she asked me if I would study with her. I am not one who has known all about the society's "scandals"-I just have always felt that it was weird. So, I agreed to let her study with me, mostly because I wanted her apporval, but feeling that it would not go very far. Well, now, of course, I am being pressured into going to meetings, etc...and there is no doubt in my mind that I do NOT want to be a witness. However, I now feel that I have to prove to myself that it is not the truth, in order to feel comfortable breaking all ties. I hope all this makes sense-my husband (never a witness) doesn't understand why it's such a big deal. I just know that I will lose her friendship once I say that I do not want to be a witness, and it is a dear friendship to me. I am asking you all for help in proving to myself that what they say is not the truth. I have not lived as a witness, but i have also not been exposed to other religions, and so I have a hard time disagreeing with what she says when I am not educated on what they are talking about (i.e. the bible)...Where to start? All of the information is very overwhelming....
Also, I have a friend from childhood studying again. I want to clue her in on some things but don't know how. Any advice?