I've lost her to Jehovah's Witness... Completely devastated.

[ctwatlanta]

I met the most wonderful woman in my life last yr and we started dating. We became quite serious and talked openly about marriage and children. She was very upfront with me from the start that she was a "former Jehovah's Witness". She was born into it and spent her entire life as a Witness. Mind you, she is about 30 yrs of age and I'm a Christian man near 40, so we're not young immature kids jumping into something. We both have been around the block and know what we want in life.

 

That said we continued seeing each other and really fell for each other; however, she was also dealing with the torment of being "disfellowshipped" a couple of yrs earlier. For those that don't know what disfellowshipped means it is basically being excommunicated from church, but worse. Her family, friends and everyone involved with the church shun you and disown you completely. Mind you, as a Jehovah's Witness you are only allowed to associate with other Witnesses and the organization becomes your entire life. So, when you are disfellowshipped everyone you have ever known turns their back on you.

 

She was married at a young age (21) for 5 yrs to another Witness that she grew up with and had known most of her life. She explained to me that it was almost as it if were an arranged marriage. After 5 yrs she said she simply could not do it any longer because she never loved him, so she divorced him and subsequently this led to her being disfellowshipped. Her father who was an elder at this church stepped down as an elder and her family shunned her. Yes, the family are devout Witnesses. In fact, her older sister left yrs before after meeting and marrying a Christian man and she too was also disfellowshipped. When her middle sister got married she said that the disfellowshipped sister was asked to leave the wedding by the elders and that this is another reason she was no longer a Witness. She basically became bitter towards the organization. She also told me how miserable it was there, but it was all that she had ever known.

 

However, about a year ago she said she felt so isolated and alone that she sought acceptance back as a Witness. She said she had to go through all these steps to "prove her worth" to the elders and congregation. After 10 mo's of proving her worth she went back and they said she needed to spend another 6-8 wks proving herself and to come back on Feb. 13th so they could "pass judgment."

 

So, about 2 wks ago she suddenly becomes distant to me. Mind you, we used to spend all of our time free time together; however, as this big meeting date approached she became more reclusive. Finally I asked her what was going on and she told me she was afraid they would find out about us, and that I am Christian. No, I never met her family during our time dating; however, her mom was fully aware of me and us dating. She said she was also afraid they would not accept her back because of me and the fact that she missed several meetings/services over the past few wks.

 

This entire weekend has come and gone and once again I've not seen her because she's afraid she will not be accepted back. In fact, she told me yesterday that she didn't think we should see each other anymore. I tried talking with her this morning before her big meeting today at 1:30pm and she has basically written me off. She said she feels so isolated and alone. She said her family, friends and everything she has ever known have been missing in her life since being disfellowshipped 2 yrs ago, and it's killing her. She said this morning that she will be devastated if they do not accept her back today. I told her she is NOT alone and that I'd never leave her, nor would God. I even told her that these men in this organization do not have authority to judge her worthiness, but she snapped back and said that it is God's will for this meeting and He gave authority to these men to judge her with His Holy Spirit. She told me that He comes first and that this is His will for her to be back in as a Witness.

 

There is a part of me that hopes they do not accept her back because I know full well if they do accept her back she will have to turn her back on me completely.

 

I feel as though I've completely lost her and that there is nothing I can do whatsoever. I don't know if I've ever felt so helpless and hurting so bad.

[jerbear]

30 is realatively young and she is ready to be established. With you being 40ish, you are established.

 

Here are some options:

 

1. You can let her go and move on.
   
2. You can convert and join her.
   
3. You can wait for her to change but I doubt that would happen as her family is in the organization.
   

 

It depends on what you want to do. Do you want children? If so, waiting for her is really not an option. I doubt you would convert and join her. Just putting it out there.

[Eeyore79]

I wouldn't recommend you convert; JW is a cult of religious fanatics and you really don't want to be involved if you can help it. It's tough because her family are forced to turn their backs on her if she leaves the religion; she probably doesn't miss the religion but is willing to go back simply because she misses her family. Unfortunately that means she can't be with you. She's obviously made her choice, and you're crazy if you follow her. I don't see that there's anything you can do except let her go, sorry

[somedude81]

She's in a cult and only wants to be in it because her family is there.

 

You really only have to options. Convince her to leave the cult and her family to be with you.

 

Or forget about her.

 

BTW, have you talked to her disfellowshipped sister? She might be able to convince your girl to leave it.

[ctwatlanta]

No, I've not spoken with her disfellowshipped sister before. In fact, I have no idea how to reach her or where she would be because when you're disfellowshipped you are shunned and turned away. They don't even communicate with her.

 

NEWS FLASH:

She txt msg'd me a short while ago saying that the church accepted her back and now she is incredibly happy. In fact, her dad that has shunned her for 2 yrs is now crying for joy because she is back with the organization.

 

I don't understand how you can turn your back on your own daughter for 2 yrs.

 

It's like I'm dealing with a cult and brain washing.

[Eeyore79]

It's like I'm dealing with a cult and brain washing.

You are dealing with a cult. I strongly suggest you cease contact with this woman; as long as her family are being controlled by a religious cult you have little chance of keeping her away from the cult permanently.

[LeaningIntoTheMuse]

I wouldn't recommend you convert; JW is a cult of religious fanatics and you really don't want to be involved if you can help it. It's tough because her family are forced to turn their backs on her if she leaves the religion; she probably doesn't miss the religion but is willing to go back simply because she misses her family. Unfortunately that means she can't be with you. She's obviously made her choice, and you're crazy if you follow her. I don't see that there's anything you can do except let her go, sorry

 

Wow, no that is very mean. I am not a JW, but I'm a Christian and I believe that everyone has the right to believe what they believe (within reason!)

 

OP, it sounds like more than the JW stuff. It sounds like this relationship was never meant to be. As hard as you might find it, you're going to have to let her go.

[ctwatlanta]

Trust me, I've done massive research into Witnesses and the more I read the more horrid this organization sounds to me.

 

I've been speaking with ex JW's and they all confirm the same thing. It's utter dependency on the organization to tell you what you do, when you do it and how you think. They build walls around you so that you become completely dependent upon them...and IF you ever leave you find yourself alone and scared that you will not find salvation without their help and guidance...therefore, many ppl return out of pure fear.

 

I have never experienced anything like this nor have I ever heard of this happening before. I'm in complete and utter shock.

 

I'm basically losing her to her god, Jehovah. I cannot compete with that.

[Eeyore79]

Wow, no that is very mean. I am not a JW, but I'm a Christian and I believe that everyone has the right to believe what they believe (within reason!)

I am all in favour of people having whatever religious belief they like... but JW is a dangerous cult, not a religion. Genuine religious belief is different from a cult which brainwashes its members, takes their money, encourages them to exempt themselves from normal society, tells them that education is evil and encourages them not to get a decent education, prevents them from getting proper medical care for themselves and their children, feeds them false knowledge, expects them to proselytize (in some cases giving up their jobs to go round and knock on doors), and cuts them off from their family if they decide they no longer want to belong to that religion.

[Duckduckgoose]

I read the OP and was like "WTF".

 

Aren't Jehovah's Witness the guys that ride the bikes around town in suits? I am always worried for them they might get hit by a car.

 

JW creeps me out, and reading all this initiation and arranged marriage stuff... yeah...being re-accepted.

 

I'm not gonna quote the Bible on this stuff but damn, JW sounds really messed up!

 

Even the Pagan things I follow, and the Pagan literature I read warns against this kind of thing!

 

Next thing you know they'll have you eating tainted applesauce to try and get on a spaceship behind a comet!

 

Wait... that's already happened hasn't it?

[Ariadne]

I feel as though I've completely lost her and that there is nothing I can do whatsoever. I don't know if I've ever felt so helpless and hurting so bad.

 

No, just pray that she'll be accepted because that is what she wants.

 

Also, if you are Christian you can become a Witness and marry her.

 

Good luck!

[Ariadne]

NEWS FLASH:

She txt msg'd me a short while ago saying that the church accepted her back and now she is incredibly happy.

 

Aww...How nice! I'm so happy for her and her family!

 

And it sounds like you are afraid of the JWs more than anything. It can be a beautiful thing if you are open to it.

 

Hope you manage to stay together through it all.

[ctwatlanta]

Ariadne,

 

You must not know a thing about the JW's. They brainwash members into believing the end times are happening tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, then the next day, etc. The people live in fear each day, and are controlled by "God's chosen Governing Body", which happens to be 7 men in the ivory towers in Brooklyn, NY corp office. God communicates to them, and they tell you what you do with your life - no questions asked.

 

They require you to not speak to anyone outside of JW's, you can't date or marry anyone outside of JW's, you must work X hours per week delivering literature and "witnessing" door to door or you may be disfellowshipped and then you won't receive "salvation". They don't want people getting a higher education...God forbid you actually think for yourself! They don't allow blood transfusions, they celebrate no holidays, etc.

 

It's a cult and you dedicate your life to the governing body...everything else comes second, including your happiness.

 

You should read up on them a little before thinking how glorious and wonderful it is. Go read up on the countless Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses forums and boards and you'll read testimonies from people around the world whose lives were absolutely torn apart because of this "religion".

[Ariadne]

Go read up on the countless Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses forums and boards and you'll read testimonies from people..

 

Well, you can read from people who are happy and fulfilled.

 

If you are a Christian then it's not very different, and I'm sure the "Governing Body" is trying to do the best job they can.

 

Not all has to be so negative.

[ayjt80]

Trust me, I've done massive research into Witnesses and the more I read the more horrid this organization sounds to me.

 

I've been speaking with ex JW's and they all confirm the same thing. It's utter dependency on the organization to tell you what you do, when you do it and how you think. They build walls around you so that you become completely dependent upon them...and IF you ever leave you find yourself alone and scared that you will not find salvation without their help and guidance...therefore, many ppl return out of pure fear.

 

I have never experienced anything like this nor have I ever heard of this happening before. I'm in complete and utter shock.

 

I'm basically losing her to her god, Jehovah. I cannot compete with that.

 

if you think the JW are horrid you would be better off letting her go. because its is obvious the JW is something very important to her.

[sally4sara]

Trust me, I've done massive research into Witnesses and the more I read the more horrid this organization sounds to me.

 

I've been speaking with ex JW's and they all confirm the same thing. It's utter dependency on the organization to tell you what you do, when you do it and how you think. They build walls around you so that you become completely dependent upon them...and IF you ever leave you find yourself alone and scared that you will not find salvation without their help and guidance...therefore, many ppl return out of pure fear.

 

I have never experienced anything like this nor have I ever heard of this happening before. I'm in complete and utter shock.

 

I'm basically losing her to her god, Jehovah. I cannot compete with that.

 

All you've found is what you can find in any organized religion. My family is anti any religion that isn't their own and will pull the same power play, black list tactics. Funny enough, no one calls them a cult.

 

You've pinned your hopes on an easily influenced person. Her religion is an aside. If it wasn't JW, it would be something else.

[Eeyore79]

All you've found is what you can find in any organized religion. My family is anti any religion that isn't their own and will pull the same power play, black list tactics. Funny enough, no one calls them a cult.

If you are a Christian then it's not very different, and I'm sure the "Governing Body" is trying to do the best job they can.

 

With all due respect, you don't know how this cult destroys people's lives. They make parents refuse medical treatment and let their children suffer or die. They prevent people from thinking for themselves and getting an education. They tell children that their bodies and natural functions are dirty and evil. They break families apart if one person decides to leave the religion. They forbid any form of pleasure, happiness or celebration. They take people's money from them, and force them to work for nothing, knocking on doors and trying to recruit more cult members. They tell people that the end of the world is nigh, so it's pointless to do anything with your life except try to recruit more members to be "saved".

 

I know someone who has ongoing health issues in adulthood because her JW parents refused proper medical and dental treatment when she was a child. Her mother had the bizarre idea that if God wanted her to be cured he would fix her up in a couple of years time when the end of the world arrived and they were all living in Paradise. She was denied the opportunity to get an education and to socialize normally with other children, was robbed of her childhood by being forced to spend excessive hours studying scripture and knocking on doors every single day, was told that she was bad and dirty and evil, and she never had a birthday party or even a gift throughout her whole childhood. She has also been separated from family members who are still in the cult; her own family has been forbidden to see her. She still suffers from the mental and physical consequences of her upbringing, and is still in therapy and on medication to help her cope.

 

Other religions do not do this; they allow people to live their own lives, to socialize and get an education, to enjoy celebrations, and to get necessary medical treatment. They certainly don't tell people that making any effort is pointless because the world will end in a couple of years! JW is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult which the OP would do well to avoid any involvement with.

[ctwatlanta]

Eeyore79,

 

You seem to be the only person that understands and KNOWS what I'm dealing with. What you've said is absolutely the truth.

 

I've never seen anything like this before in my life.

 

The problem is she still contacts me constantly via txt msgs, thus she's making it very hard for me to deal with things. Deep down I think she wants to be free of JW's but doesn't know how to let go for fear of the things she's been programmed to believe - that she's lost her salvation, God will destroy her any moment, etc.

 

This is the most difficult thing I've ever dealt with.

[Eeyore79]

I only know about JW because I'm friends with this woman who was brought up as one. I've seen first hand the misery and devastation, the ongoing physical and mental health issues, and the results of the child abuse that was inflicted upon her. Before I met her, I thought that JW was just another benign religion, but I really had my eyes opened when this woman told me about their bizarre beliefs and the terrible way in which she was robbed of her childhood and her health.

 

I think many people aren't actually aware of how dangerous this cult is; they probably think it's just another harmless belief system, just as I did before I actually met someone who had suffered abuse at the hands of JW. Unfortunately I don't think there's much you can do; your girlfriend has been indoctrinated by these people for many years, and even if she wanted to break free she has family ties which prevent it. I don't think there's much you can do except cut contact with her and move on. Sorry

[ctwatlanta]

Eeyore79

 

She is fighting it herself...I truly believe this; however, as you have witnessed they keep pulling her back in.

 

Both of her sisters left JW completely and have been shunned and basically kicked out of the family. So, it's only parents that keep pulling at her and those from the congregation that she grew up with.

 

You are right though...this is nothing more than a cult. No IF's, AND's or BUT's about it. I found a website of Ex JW's and there testimonies are heart wrenching. They've lost their entire lives because the "Watchtower Governing Body" told them it was "God's will".

 

They keep people living in utter fear of eternal damnation in order to keep the publishing giant that they sell literature for (money making machine) going.

 

I realize people here have the right to choose whatever they want to believe, but at what point does the govt say "Wait a minute here... You are using techniques to brainwash people into doing harmful things." (eg. Discouraged from seeking education, receiving blood transfusions, etc)

[sally4sara]

With all due respect, you don't know how this cult destroys people's lives. They make parents refuse medical treatment and let their children suffer or die. They prevent people from thinking for themselves and getting an education. They tell children that their bodies and natural functions are dirty and evil. They break families apart if one person decides to leave the religion. They forbid any form of pleasure, happiness or celebration. They take people's money from them, and force them to work for nothing, knocking on doors and trying to recruit more cult members. They tell people that the end of the world is nigh, so it's pointless to do anything with your life except try to recruit more members to be "saved".

 

I know someone who has ongoing health issues in adulthood because her JW parents refused proper medical and dental treatment when she was a child. Her mother had the bizarre idea that if God wanted her to be cured he would fix her up in a couple of years time when the end of the world arrived and they were all living in Paradise. She was denied the opportunity to get an education and to socialize normally with other children, was robbed of her childhood by being forced to spend excessive hours studying scripture and knocking on doors every single day, was told that she was bad and dirty and evil, and she never had a birthday party or even a gift throughout her whole childhood. She has also been separated from family members who are still in the cult; her own family has been forbidden to see her. She still suffers from the mental and physical consequences of her upbringing, and is still in therapy and on medication to help her cope.

 

Other religions do not do this; they allow people to live their own lives, to socialize and get an education, to enjoy celebrations, and to get necessary medical treatment. They certainly don't tell people that making any effort is pointless because the world will end in a couple of years! JW is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult which the OP would do well to avoid any involvement with.

 

With all due respect, you don't know what I've been exposed to in my life. A cousin of mine was pulled out of my life by his mother who turned to JW. She was all about it and, in regards to the rest of my family being staunch fundie, the rest of us with no agenda either way, felt the loss of him till he was an adult and could choose for himself. He experienced exactly what the OP is going through with a girl he loved as an adult. He did not stay as aligned as his mother had hoped and the result was their church divided him and this girl. Sent her off packing for a few months and she came back all brainwashy and unresponsive to him.

 

So here you have it. He was brought into the religion, raised in it for most of his childhood and up through his teens yet still had the will, backbone, self awareness, whatever you want to call it to still think for himself where as the girl he loved and wanted to marry did not. A cult is only as powerful as its followers are weak. Lets not forget the flipside either - not all JWs ascribe to cultish behavior you describe just as not all religions ascribe to the actions their more fanatical followers advise. I've met JWs who are fine with medical treatment and allow their children the ability to draw their own conclusions. Where did I meet them? Why in public schools no less! So much for that across the board denial of an education.

 

Within my own fundie family, there are those who do as you claim - allow people to live their own lives to some measure and there are others who do not and practice more cultish attitudes. I've another cousin that did not allow his daughters to go to school while his son did. His reasoning for finding it acceptable that his HS dropout wife home school his daughters was that intelligence ruins women for marriage. Others within it and through my grandmother's church do the exact same door knocking and spreading the scriptures of their bible.

How can you say other religions are less dangerous than the extremists found in the JW religion? Is this what YOUR cult told you to be true?

[alwaysagoodgirl]

I met the most wonderful woman in my life last yr and we started dating. We became quite serious and talked openly about marriage and children. She was very upfront with me from the start that she was a "former Jehovah's Witness". She was born into it and spent her entire life as a Witness. Mind you, she is about 30 yrs of age and I'm a Christian man near 40, so we're not young immature kids jumping into something. We both have been around the block and know what we want in life.

 

That said we continued seeing each other and really fell for each other; however, she was also dealing with the torment of being "disfellowshipped" a couple of yrs earlier. For those that don't know what disfellowshipped means it is basically being excommunicated from church, but worse. Her family, friends and everyone involved with the church shun you and disown you completely. Mind you, as a Jehovah's Witness you are only allowed to associate with other Witnesses and the organization becomes your entire life. So, when you are disfellowshipped everyone you have ever known turns their back on you.

 

She was married at a young age (21) for 5 yrs to another Witness that she grew up with and had known most of her life. She explained to me that it was almost as it if were an arranged marriage. After 5 yrs she said she simply could not do it any longer because she never loved him, so she divorced him and subsequently this led to her being disfellowshipped. Her father who was an elder at this church stepped down as an elder and her family shunned her. Yes, the family are devout Witnesses. In fact, her older sister left yrs before after meeting and marrying a Christian man and she too was also disfellowshipped. When her middle sister got married she said that the disfellowshipped sister was asked to leave the wedding by the elders and that this is another reason she was no longer a Witness. She basically became bitter towards the organization. She also told me how miserable it was there, but it was all that she had ever known.

 

However, about a year ago she said she felt so isolated and alone that she sought acceptance back as a Witness. She said she had to go through all these steps to "prove her worth" to the elders and congregation. After 10 mo's of proving her worth she went back and they said she needed to spend another 6-8 wks proving herself and to come back on Feb. 13th so they could "pass judgment."

 

So, about 2 wks ago she suddenly becomes distant to me. Mind you, we used to spend all of our time free time together; however, as this big meeting date approached she became more reclusive. Finally I asked her what was going on and she told me she was afraid they would find out about us, and that I am Christian. No, I never met her family during our time dating; however, her mom was fully aware of me and us dating. She said she was also afraid they would not accept her back because of me and the fact that she missed several meetings/services over the past few wks.

 

This entire weekend has come and gone and once again I've not seen her because she's afraid she will not be accepted back. In fact, she told me yesterday that she didn't think we should see each other anymore. I tried talking with her this morning before her big meeting today at 1:30pm and she has basically written me off. She said she feels so isolated and alone. She said her family, friends and everything she has ever known have been missing in her life since being disfellowshipped 2 yrs ago, and it's killing her. She said this morning that she will be devastated if they do not accept her back today. I told her she is NOT alone and that I'd never leave her, nor would God. I even told her that these men in this organization do not have authority to judge her worthiness, but she snapped back and said that it is God's will for this meeting and He gave authority to these men to judge her with His Holy Spirit. She told me that He comes first and that this is His will for her to be back in as a Witness.

 

There is a part of me that hopes they do not accept her back because I know full well if they do accept her back she will have to turn her back on me completely.

 

I feel as though I've completely lost her and that there is nothing I can do whatsoever. I don't know if I've ever felt so helpless and hurting so bad.

 

Many JW's marry people who do not share in their faith. I know several and they appear happier than some who married in the faith!!!

 

It sounds like she is wishy washy. Even by looking at her past behavior.

Her first marriage? Blames age? So why was she disfellowshiped? Ohhhh, could it have been "immorality"????

If it wasn't religion she may have found anothger excuse to break it off with you. Sorry, but it wasn't religion that made this decission, it was her. She knows full well if she walked through that door with her new husband you both would have been welcomed with open arms..... I've seen it many times. Oh and another thing, if you were married you would have been welcomed and encouraged to support her during any meetings she had with these elsers. She has not been honest with you. If she reads her scriptures she has strength in knowlege and will not allow herself to be controlled or manipulated by anyone.

Flippin and a floppin...... religion and relationships. She needs to grow up and stop taking others hearts for granted..... Missing meetings/service?? more excuses.

 

as for her family shunning her... that is a personal, cruel decision made by the parents.... shame on them....shame shame. They know better!!!

 

Also I don't believe an Elder would ask anyone to leave the wedding unless asked to do so by the groom..... Disfellowshiped or not. Sounds like she is twisting information in order to take focus off of the fact that she has made some poor choices in her life..... sad.

I hope and pray this woman begins to take her decissions seriously. Time for her to grow up!!! She knew what she was doing and had no respect for your feelings... sorry

I hope you find a mature honest woman to share your life with.... best wishes to you.

 

this girl is wishy washy for sure.....

If you have questions I give honest answers... Not popular at times but I will always give the honest answers.

Edited February 15, 2011 by alwaysagoodgirl

[Eeyore79]

A cult is only as powerful as its followers are weak.

That isn't an excuse to prey on the weak. The weak should be protected from predatory cults.

 

Lets not forget the flipside either - not all JWs ascribe to cultish behavior you describe just as not all religions ascribe to the actions their more fanatical followers advise. I've met JWs who are fine with medical treatment and allow their children the ability to draw their own conclusions. Where did I meet them? Why in public schools no less! So much for that across the board denial of an education.

They go to school because it's the law, but they are denied access to higher education, and are fed misinformation by their religious magazines. They all subscribe to bizarre behavior like believing the end is nigh, forbidding all celebrations such as birthdays, etc. Some JWs are worse than others, but even the less fanatical ones are still pretty bad.

 

How can you say other religions are less dangerous than the extremists found in the JW religion? Is this what YOUR cult told you to be true?

I don't have a cult; I'm an atheist. Personally I think that all religions are dangerous, but JW is one of the worst because they have some fairly extreme beliefs and practices. Other religious fundamentalists come fairly close behind in terms of being total nutjobs, but fundamentalists are the minority in most other religions, whereas in JW they comprise the vast majority. The only religion nuttier than JW is Scientology!

[sally4sara]

That isn't an excuse to prey on the weak. The weak should be protected from predatory cults.

 

The want to influence and control is what makes an organization change from a group of similarly minded people into a cult. if that group is comprised of a few charismatic members with an eye on power and a larger number of people who grow weary of being responsible for their actions it will become a cult. ANY organization can become a cult under those circumstances. It doesn't mean that cult is a big threat to everyone who encounters it. Its why were not all in a cult despite the existence of cults in our society. Some people have their own will and their own mind. Some people do not. An example would be that shortly after my cousin moved out of his mother's home and away from JW, she too fell away from them as well and gravitated to other cultish groups. Even as far as going into debt and exhibiting addict like behavior just to follow the band Knights In White Satin tour. Most recently, she has fallen into cultish behavior surrounding Falun Dafa.

 

 

They go to school because it's the law, but they are denied access to higher education, and are fed misinformation by their religious magazines. They all subscribe to bizarre behavior like believing the end is nigh, forbidding all celebrations such as birthdays, etc. Some JWs are worse than others, but even the less fanatical ones are still pretty bad.

 

No, it is quite legal to home school your children in the US. The idea behind it is that you will do equivalent research and study programs and at the end, test out showing to have learned what you would have had to learn to receive a diploma. But when almost every state allows for a kid to drop out of school around age 16, if a parent wished to limit their kid's education, it is easily enough managed. You just pull your kid out, teach them what you want them to know and then allow them to drop out at age 16. Voila! Project Idiot Child complete!

 

I don't have a cult; I'm an atheist. Personally I think that all religions are dangerous, but JW is one of the worst because they have some fairly extreme beliefs and practices. Other religious fundamentalists come fairly close behind in terms of being total nutjobs, but fundamentalists are the minority in most other religions, whereas in JW they comprise the vast majority.

 

I too am an atheist. There isn't an organized religion that doesn't have a cult like version of the original. But if you or I didn't have the ability to think for ourselves, we'd not be atheists yes? It is this very reason we have a law to protect our choice of religion despite all having the ability to become a cult. Consider it one of the last remaining ways our species evolves. Survival of the fittest and all. Take charge of your life or someone can and will come along and take charge of it for you. JWs are no better or worse than any other. Last time I checked, they were not enacting mass koolaid fueled suicide pacts with Jim Jones, lopping of their genitalia and breasts to be androgynous enough to hop on comet Hale-Bopp with Courtney Brown, or rubbing elbows with Travolta and Cruise ala Hubbard's Scientology and dying of dehydration afloat on some shadowy yacht.

 

Every christian sect talks of the end of times being upon us. Can't pin that one all on the JWs. And it isn't just JWs who don't celebrate particular holidays. When was the last time you celebrated Hannukah? Did someone stop you? Did you come to harm from it? How about Summer Solstice? Or Ramadan? Do you make sure to decorate your house and get the family together for either of those? Nah? Me either and so far, I'm doing without therapy over it. Where were you on the night of the full moon last May? Were you denied of celebrating? Even know what holiday that is and who it is important to? No one dies or has their life ruined by not being able to celebrate what others do.

 

Other religions are not as bizarre? Sure, okay, nothing bizarre about sneakily impregnating some woman so she can give birth to another version of you, and then advising others to eat of your body and drink of your blood before you die and come back right? That's all completely normal.

[alwaysagoodgirl]

as regarding higher ed.... 2 of my 3 children are in college now. My eldest is taking classes on " religion and it's effect on the world" I worked (volunteered)in the school and when I realized my youngest was on track to fall through the cracks because of his bipolar issues and I could get NO assistance, I pulled him out and began HS. I ended up HS from 2nd grade through 11th. When they each re-entered public school they tested above grade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All 3 of my precious babes are well rounded adults with the ability to think for themselves. I didn't raise robots.

I take crap from no one when it comes to MY children. As many elders have found out!! hahahahah.

 

Some things said so far are just silly and false. Unfortunately the ones with the loudest and most adamant voices are very often the most ignorant in their information. They speak as if they "know", they don't. Rumors and hearsay do not= fact.

My niece began classes this spring. 7 other young people are taking col classes also.

If JW read and study the scriptures as they should and often profess they do, they would know better than to obey any man or religious org.

 

the worst source of information about a controversial topic???? The disgruntled angry or those with an agenda.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have any of you actually looked up the definition of a cult? Or "Pagan" I was surprised when I did.

 

It is very sad that the female in this mans life was so manipulative. If what he says is accurate as to her stories to him...... I'm sorry to say this but she is not telling the truth. He has been played.