I often come across JW's using the "worldwide brotherhood" as one of the reasons to justify that JW's have "the truth." Such a brotherhood, they claim, would NOT exist outside the organisation because there is NO WAY that people of different religions, nationalities, races, cultures, backgrounds, languages etc. can be united and associate together freely without "the truth!"
Well, JW's are WRONG because there are many other organisations / communities that are able to achieve this in a much better way than they can ever do!
When I faded as a young adult after wasting a large part of my youth as a born-in JW, I set out to find a community of like-minded people who share the same interests as me. I then discovered Couchsurfing and became a member of this cool international travel community!
As a Couchsurfing member, I have hosted and stayed with people all around the world - total stangers at first - but we became friends instantly! I have now gained countless friends - more than I ever had as a JW! I now enjoy travelling and fun get-togethers + activities with people I like and can relate to instead of the boring meetings and pointless field service with people I wouldn't normally be friends with. I have now been to many new places, grown in my understanding of people and the world, gained many priceless experiences and unforgettable memories, plus my outlook and perspective on life has changed for the better
As a JW, I did assist brothers and sisters, but most of the time I did it out of a sense of duty RATHER than because I really wanted to. I did things out of obligation because I was expected to do those things. Furthermore, as a brother who was "reaching out", I often didn't have the option to say no when the elders dump something that they didn't want to do on you. However, I am now rendering assistance to others in a meaningful way without any compulsion or ulterior motive because I really want to, because I believe in the spirit of humanity, and because it gives me joy and satisfaction
So yes, I lost a "worldwide brotherhood" but gained another which is far more superior - one that is not dominated by fear, obligation, and guilt. And guess what - they have more members than JW's!
A related article -
http://jwsurvey.org/support/the-unexpected-kindness-of-the-world (I did not write this but share the same sentiments as the author)
I now live life to the full, not according to the dictates of a man-made religion. The world is full of love and kindness, but JW's WANT you to believe otherwise!
