Posts by Eyes Open

30

WT Cult Evolution Over Last 10 Years

by Farkel in

he thought long and hard before he said he didn't think so, but he did think they were a high control group.

now those of you who know alan are aware that he knows more about the wt religion than everyone in bethel (including the gb) put together.

that was ten years ago, but look what has happened since.. about 8 years ago alanf was making a business trip to new york city and he asked me if i wanted a copy of the wt cd rom.

Eyes Open

Of course it's a cult. Nice post farkel.

60

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.

Eyes Open

I've read a few cult books, never one that mentions how to get the family/friends out...

In that case, may I make a suggestion if you're going to continue to post advice to others about interactions with friends and relatives still in? Read one.

so, you're using the book, how's that working out for you?

It's helped me understand a little more why I chose not to act on the cognitive dissonance, and see the heavy influences used to control. I haven't finished the book yet, and am in the process of deciding how I will co-ordinate the SIA which will hopefully allow my relative to get over their fears and be able to make a good decision about the cult.

46

DIASSOCIATED NO WHERE TO GO LOST AND BROKEN

by DonaLeigh in

.

dls.

Eyes Open

Very sorry to hear of your situation and natural feelings, DonaLeigh. Welcome to the forum, and all the best with coping. Post as much as you want to.

37

JWs and Star Trek...

by Thylacine in

jw
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.

Eyes Open

I know a CO was into Star Trek.

53

Have you found a new bible translation you like?

by New light for you in

jw
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!.

Eyes Open

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

60

OK, let me explain....

by dawg in

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.

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.

16

JWDers Congratulate Raindog !!!

by yknot in

jw
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!......

Eyes Open

Well done, and enjoy the fruits of your labours.

60

OK, let me explain....

by dawg in

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.

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?

28

new guy

by runningonfaith in

jw
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........

Eyes Open

Welcome to the forum!

38

Any actually embarrased to admit they were Witnesses?

by Robert7 in

jw
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.

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