Eyes Open

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Posts by Eyes Open

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  37

  JWs and Star Trek...

  by Thylacine in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  one part of my experience with the jw's was that many of the elders in my congreagtion were die hard into star trek...i figured it was isolated to that one kh, but as i went to different ones, i noticed it was a lot of them.

  one elder explained his fandom as: "it makes me think of the new system.

  we will travel to other planets when the earth is full, and colonize the galaxy.

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  Eyes Open

  I know a CO was into Star Trek.
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  53

  Have you found a new bible translation you like?

  by New light for you in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i know, it seems like half of everyone that leaves turns athiest.... but for those of us out there, who figure on still being christian, have you found a translation of the bible that you belive lives "up to par"?

  i'm really trying to research, but there's so many, i wondered if you had any input!.

  thanks!.

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  Eyes Open

  Atheist here. I found the New English bible very easy to read.
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  60

  OK, let me explain....

  by dawg in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  so, the last few threads i've written have been about telling your families and friends how you feel; many of you have given me the reasons you don't speak out to your families, but i want to tell you the main reason you should.

  please let me explain.... .

  i keep on stressing this point because how it makes you feel, i'm telling you all, that for over 19 years, i let information about my thoughts out slowly, then the tipping point... at my uncle's funeral 2 february's ago, while listening to my family pontificate at dinner about who so and so is pioneering and the like, it hit me that i was sick to the core of them throwing their bullisi*t beliefs at me like i was inferior or something.

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  Eyes Open

  Junction Guy: I used Abe Books to buy some old WT literature.
  
  dawg: I don't believe you answered my question about whether or not you have read books by professionals who help cult members think for themselves as a job.
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  16

  JWDers Congratulate Raindog !!!

  by yknot in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  raindog is in school right now and has been an excellent student....unfortunately his dad is an elder who is currently 'borgwashed'.. (story) http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/12/160240/1.ashx.

  he was made the dean's list (again) and has been invited to join the honor society !.

  so let's encourge this young man to keep moving forward in the face of this co outline!......

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  Eyes Open

  Well done, and enjoy the fruits of your labours.
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  60

  OK, let me explain....

  by dawg in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  so, the last few threads i've written have been about telling your families and friends how you feel; many of you have given me the reasons you don't speak out to your families, but i want to tell you the main reason you should.

  please let me explain.... .

  i keep on stressing this point because how it makes you feel, i'm telling you all, that for over 19 years, i let information about my thoughts out slowly, then the tipping point... at my uncle's funeral 2 february's ago, while listening to my family pontificate at dinner about who so and so is pioneering and the like, it hit me that i was sick to the core of them throwing their bullisi*t beliefs at me like i was inferior or something.

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  Eyes Open

  If every single ex-JW in the world made a point of dropping by their family's places or the kingdom hall and telling them they're all wrong, it would reinforce their worldview to them. They would feel targeted and retreat further. You don't kill an ideology head on.
  
  How many relatives have you helped out of the organisation using the direct approach, dawg?
  
  Have you read any books which deal with helping cult members, like those by Steven Hassan?
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  28

  new guy

  by runningonfaith in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  hi everyone,been looking for some time,decided to register and give a little contribution.everything helps.in the wbts for 15 years,never bought everything ,some things just never clicked,i was "waiting on jehovah"but eventually things just went worst(or better)and stop attending meetings a year ago.my 3 kids (never baptised)could no be happier,wife still going once a week average,but things changed for her too.we're still in good standing,but i'm thinking of da myself,our familyes are all catholic,so no problem with the shunning thing for us.and for the friends in the truth(friends,yeah right)whatever........

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  Eyes Open

  Welcome to the forum!
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  38

  Any actually embarrased to admit they were Witnesses?

  by Robert7 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  when i was active, i was always (usually) proud to talk about being a jw, our faith, reasons for our stupid beliefs on birthdays, x-mas, etc.

  now with everything i'm going through, given how much of an impact this is to my life, i want to talk to others about it, like coworkers, and other friends.

  but thinking about how i would explain how it's a mind-controlling cult, i feel stupid for falling for it.

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  Eyes Open

  I find it fairly embarassing. However, I found it more embarassing saying "I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses", as others have said.
  
  In my experience so far, those who know I used to be part of the group have been fine about it. My two circles of friends have both become such through the same one person who has spent some time trying to understand things from my point of view, so I suppose they are perhaps more willing to accept me without worrying that I'm a nutcase as they know that this person can "vouch" for me. However, that aside, I think many people recognise that life is about growing as a person and making progress. I have been told that some people were actually quite impressed by what I did to get out.
  
  I've managed to work myself into a situation where I will be explaining my story to a non-JW internet friend and his wife face-to-face in a couple of weeks or so, who currently doesn't know I used to be a JW. I'm not really looking forward to that moment, but hey - I'll manage.
  
  Anyway - to all those who made it out: you're fantastic and should be proud! :D
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  99

  The Hope For Our Dying Home-Earth...An Inconvenient Truth

  by justhuman in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  yesterday it was the day of the global inviroment.

  as i walked to the street going to work, the main square of the capitol was filled with small children and their teachers with huge paintings, songs, art work with recycled elements demanding a cleaner plannet.

  when the old generation will pass those little ones that will take in charge with all the inviromental education they had they will go for a better world.i'm sure about it, you could see it in their small eyes.

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  Eyes Open

  Indeed. There is a big difference in choosing to place trust in the findings of scientists to the extent of acting on them, and believing the teachings of a bible cult. Suggesting the two things are one and the same makes one's argument seem weak to my mind.
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  6

  I'm speaking in Philly then Hong Kong

  by Bryan in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i'll be speaking at the international cultic sudies association conference , june 26-29th and the university.

  it's actually just a big intro, then i'll be reading from my book have you seen my mother.

  http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_conferences/conference_home_2008.asp.

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  Eyes Open

  All the best Brian!
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  41

  Hello to everyone!

  by redredrose in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  brand new here, haven't even picked out avatar yet.

  but i feel the need to reach out and touch someone (smile).

  my situation is a little confusing to me, i am definitely on the way out and have been fading for quite some time, however my decision to leave has just been made very recently.

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  Eyes Open

  Hello redredrose. :) Good to have you here, and thanks for sharing.
  
  So... is your husband willing to discuss the bible with you? Anyways, don't push anything and take it easy with him.