Posts by talesin

49

"If I wasn't born a JW, I would never have become one."

by OneEyedJoe in

i've seen it mentioned by a few on the forum that at some point there was a realization that had they not been born a jw, they never would've converted no matter how many times the jws tried to study with them.

this was my experience too, and i'm wondering how universal it is for those that were born-in but eventually left.

i think i started having this thought (more specifically that if i were not born a jw, i would surely have become an atheist by now) in my late teens.

talesin

I just want to note, that I don't think anyone was "stupid" or "dumb" for joining. My mother brought in 2 converts - TWO!

They were both women who had 'mother problems' .... one was a teen mom, the other a 40-something who had led a party lifestyle, and was looking for something to save her.

I don't truly understand (being the Spock that I am), but I can feel empathy for needing to feel part of something, searching for a meaning in life. The JWS, especially with their love-bombing, and almost-perfect facade of loving fellowship, could be very attractive to a person who feels desolated, and so alone.

It's one reason why I want this Tower to fall! They prey on folks when they are weak, and that has to end. (not to mention, for the sake of the children) xoxo tal

13

Snow fall in Jan 2015

by Lostandfound in

jw
friends

will the expected heavy snow isolate warwick ny, or brooklyn.

i hope the snow traps the gb showing clearly jehovah's favour and blessing.

talesin

After last winter's late pounding, I doubt much would bother anyone in the north-east. Although, the snowfalls seem to be hitting further south, into Pennsy, and lower states, which is concerning. Those folks don't have snow tires, and the insulation and heating capabilities that we have further north. That concerns me. xx tal

49

"If I wasn't born a JW, I would never have become one."

by OneEyedJoe in

i've seen it mentioned by a few on the forum that at some point there was a realization that had they not been born a jw, they never would've converted no matter how many times the jws tried to study with them.

this was my experience too, and i'm wondering how universal it is for those that were born-in but eventually left.

i think i started having this thought (more specifically that if i were not born a jw, i would surely have become an atheist by now) in my late teens.

talesin

For those that were born-in, did you ever realize that you never would've joined if not for the circumstances of your birth? If you did, how long did you live with that knowledge before finally and fully waking up?

I can say that the person I am, would never have joined. But if I'd been born into a different family, with different genes, experiences, etc., then anything is possible. Guessing what *might have been* is always a fool's errand. But as long as we realize it's fantasy, I'm good with that.

I left the Lie when I was 18. Never really believed it - just tried to please my parents as a child, and of course, went along with their belief system until I reached an age of understanding (before baptism at 14, that was for THEM).

Umm, realizing that I had dramatic events that slapped me in the face. A gay friend hanging himself, pioneer friends having sex with their boyfriends, and a long illness ... those events said loud and clear "This is NOT the Truth (TM), and you cannot live a lie." That was my personal journey and choice, though.

It was not easy to leave, and for years, I resented a good friend (a bestest friend, really) who led a double life. Now, though, I have learned to be less judgmental, and realize that it's okay to do that. I wouldn't wish my life on anyone (being a 3rd gen on one side, and 4th on the other, I lost a lot, and at that time, no internet or support).

But you know what? No regrets. xo tal

4

Guide to a Double Life: Don't Feel Guilty

by Hadriel in

first off lets be clear i wouldn't call it "double life" but rather life here today.

that said i'll give a little experience for those younger ones that may be thinking they wish to leave the organization but are too young to do so as they are under age.. field service was quite the regular occurrence in my household.

we never missed.

talesin

* bump * some good advice here

46

Starlight in a Young Universe

by Perry in

the scientific method begins with a faith statement called a hypothesis, and then goes on to look for evidence, for or against support of the faith statement.. secular materialists often change their ideas on exactly how things have made themselves, but never whether they did.. the manifesto for this self imposed mental ban seems to be summed up by geneticist richard lewontin:.

‘our willingness to accept scientific claims that are against common sense is the key to an understanding of the real struggle between science and the supernatural.

we take the side of science in spite of the patent absurdity of some of its constructs, in spite of its failure to fulfill many of its extravagant promises of health and life, in spite of the tolerance of the scientific community for unsubstantiated just-so stories, because we have a prior commitment, a commitment to materialism.. it is not that the methods and institutions of science somehow compel us to accept a material explanation of the phenomenal world, but, on the contrary, that we are forced by our a priori adherence to material causes to create an apparatus of investigation and a set of concepts that produce material explanations, no matter how counter-intuitive, no matter how mystifying to the uninitiated.

talesin

The Scientific Method begins with a faith statement called a hypothesis, and then goes on to look for evidence, for or against support of the faith statement.

No, Perry, the scientific method begins with a question, which is then researched. Evidence is gathered, and an hypothesis *may* be formed, which is then tested. Data is analyzed, and a conclusion may be drawn.

You have to start your point with an accurate statement. So, the scientific method (which actually was highly influenced by and follows the *Socratic Method* does not involve faith of any kind, nor is an hypothesis a 'faith statement' - far from it. xx tal

17

You don't paint the rooms on the Titanic

by TTWSYF in

this was the line my nephew gave me regarding why jws don't give alms.

i had several rebuttals to give him, but didn't.

i was hoping for some comments from this board.

talesin

Well, that is true, but as we all know, the Titanic had over 1,000 survivors. Are you saying you would have had the right to save only those you *liked*?

20

Memorial Invitation

by sloppyjoe2 in

jw
friends

how do you faders/inactive handle being asked to the memorial by family?

talesin

This:

21

This idiot just embarrasses me.

by joe134cd in

yup a mentally diseased apostate.. http://youtu.be/e7qmypu7mxo.

talesin

If you want to have a laugh, this guy puts across the message of JW crazy by sharing some typical things we are criticized for .......

Watch out for the Demonized Cakes ! ahahaha ..... have a laugh. I don't watch a lot of exJW stuff, but wanted to share this one. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMFDQNidS5o

EDIT: I had to post a different video - same guy, but the 'cover page' was, imo, offensive. I didn't realize, sorry for the original --- video was very funny (demonized cakes,,, ahahaha_, but check this guy's channel, he has a lot of humour.

As for the Angry guy at the convention - who knows? He may have the rage for a very good reason - at the very least, it may be his catharsis. xx

22

Swearing on the bible

by Lost and adrift in

on the subject of truth.

..... i was always under the impression that one of the reasons jws couldn't do jury duty or go to court etc was that we were not allowed to swear on the bible.

..as in i swear to tell the truth the whole truth etc etc .

talesin

Blondie, another 'conscience matter' (officially) - no big surprise there.

Yes, Carol1111, 'affirmation', that's the ticket! I couldn't remember the term. The last time I testified, the Bible was not even presented as an option. I was just asked to affirm by my own word.

15

Hello all just moved to Lakewood NY

by Still Totally ADD in

jw
friends

it has been along time since i have posted something.

my wife and i have just moved to ny just west of jamestown.

our log house in pa was so far from everything it was costing us to much time and money.

talesin

Hi, neighbour! *waves from N.S.* I love old houses, too (especially Victorian & the old farmhouses - good stuff). Have fun with the project. NY is so beautiful, I'll have to google your town - may have been through there at some time, years ago.

It's just weird, to think of the JW logo on a real estate office. : S Let's hope your children have something that just doesn't seem right, and change begins. ** an afterthought, as the grandchild grows, things may change - I am shunned, but see that my nephew is celebrating the holidays (via facebook), as his son got to school-age, things changed dramatically .. there is real hope, I believe that! xx **

And yeah, pics would be awesome. xo tal