Like many, I was born into a Jehovah’s Witness family. I can remember giving my first talk at the Kingdom Hall at age 8 in the back school. I remember my parents taking my bother and I from door to door for years as a child. Teaching us what to say or giving us a pamphlet to hand to someone. I remember my job of putting the tracts in the door or under the mat. I remember all the pioneer talks as a young child and setting the goal of pioneering.

All this time it was inculcated in me that Armageddon was right around the corner and only active JW’s were going to survive. I like many, never thought I would reach high school, I thought I would never drive a car, I thought I would never get married or have kids, and worst of all, I believed I would never grow old. I was wrong about all of those things. I was happy I got to see high school, drive a car and get married with children. Those were good things and the fact I got to do them, even though I never thought I would, was great. However, the fact that I am growing old and I never prepared for this really hurts deeply. I, like many, believed that Armageddon would come before I needed to worry about old age. Actually, I am only 48 and that may not sound old to many who are older. However it sounds very old to me. It is very hard to find a job at this age. Especially if you only have a high school education.

Right now I am unemployed and looking for a job. I got a lead on one this week and went to work yesterday for a electrician. I do have some construction skills including electrical. The sad part is I have a bad back. With my education I can’t get a desk job, I need to work physically. Sure I do have some selling skills but there just is no work around here doing that. So even though I have a bad back I thought I could handle the job. I worked real hard yesterday and while we were digging a ditch for electrical wires, I had to stop, I was in such pain. I told my boss, “I hate to say this but I don’t think I can cut the mustard anymore.” He was very understanding and told me he would let me wire some lights up. That was nice but I still felt useless.

You might be wondering what I am getting at. It is times like this I really develop a HUGE resentment towards the GB/JW-org. Why? Read this:

Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15

“If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. … Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!”

I actually believed that. What saddens me is I just can’t believe how stupid I was. I knew Jesus said nobody knows the day or hour. I thought to myself, “but Jesus didn’t say we couldn’t figure out the year.” So I believed Jesus came in 1914 and that generation would see Armageddon. No doubt there are many JW’s who feel the way I do. Scared and unprepared for growing old. I worked for my father and myself without paying into social security. I knew for a fact I wouldn’t need social security because I was not going to grow old.

Jesus said at Luke 21:8, “Look out that YOU are not misled; for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The due time has approached.’ Do not go after them.”

If only I would have listened to Jesus and not man. Yes I get very upset with the GB/JW-org. However I must ask myself, are they really to blame or was I foolish trusting in man? I believe now, looking back, I was foolish. I had a Bible and I read Jesus warnings on all of this. Yes it was indoctrinated in me from my childhood and I never questioned it. I believe that was my mistake, never questioning things. If I didn’t understand something I was told to “wait on Jehovah” and he will set things straight. That is what I did like a good JW.

About three years ago, I remember I was praying very deeply to Jehovah. I asked him to not let me believe in a lie. I told God if Jehovah’s Witness’s are not right then PLEASE let me know no matter what happens. It wasn’t long after that I found myself disfellowshipped. I have struggled with alcohol in the past but at this time I was doing good and hadn’t had a drop for about one year. Then something happened and I got depressed. I drank again and ended up with my first DUI. I went to the Elders and they said I wouldn’t have told them but because I got a DUI and it was public knowledge, I confessed. So they disfellowshipped me on the spot. I was in shock. Little did I know, this was the answer to my prayer.

I was no longer a JW. I was at the Kingdom Hall for the announcement. That was the way they put it. They said my name and said I was no longer a Jehovah’s Witness. I didn’t think I would break down but I did. I all most fell over in my chair. I was crying like a baby. I had to get up and walk outside. Looking back now it was the best thing that ever happened to me. WHY? Because now I could explore and test what I believed. I was no longer a JW. I was free to study on my own. So I did. I went to other church’s for the first time. I reviewed every web site on Jehovah’s Witness’s. This was stuff that was impossible for me to do before because it was considered “apostate”.

Even though I still fight resentment for the GB/JW-org I believe Jehovah/Jesus are leading me. Sure I am going to grow old now and die in this system most likely but God is with me. I know God is with me because he removed the lies from my life. Jesus is the WAY, TRUTH and LIFE. Not man. My hope is in him and his father. They do not lie.

Sure I knew the Bible said to “put your trust in no man” but this was the “slave” appointed by Christ himself. All I have to say is believe no man especially those who try to take Jesus place in the congregation. They are false prophets and they are misleading many. There is so much documented proof that the JW-org/Watchtower have prophesied falsely over and over for years it is truly ridiculous that anyone puts trust in them. They claim they never said they were a prophet. I remember quoting that at the door from the Reasoning From The Scriptures book. That was a big lie. They did claim to be “Jehovah’s Prophet” and to speak in Jehovah’s name. There are some facts on that here: http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/jehovahs-prophet.php

Trust in Jehovah and his son Christ Jesus. Do not follow man, follow Jesus and all will be well.

Your brother,
Greybeard

Rating 4.50 out of 5
[?]

Tags: , , , ,

45 Comments on Born a Jehovah’s Witness and Believing a Lie

  1. andrew says:

    You aren’t alone Greybeard. A lot of us have been disappointed by the FDS. I can understand your feelings. To a degree we put our trust in men to whom no salvation belongs. I was born as a witness as well. When I was young if you went to college you were “unspiritual”.

    I like to look on the bright side. I am glad that my parents instilled in me a love for God and respect for the bible. They taught me good morals as well. It is true making a living can be much harder for those without a college education, and I feel for you. But it is like you said “follow Jesus and all will be well”. As you well know we have the great privilege of being with Christ before us. I appreciate your firm determination to not leave Jehovah. It’s not important how many times we fall or get pushed down, what is important is that we keep getting up.

    Christian Love
    Andrew

      (Quote)

    • Dennis says:

      “It’s not important how many times we fall or get pushed down, what is important is that we keep getting up.”

      Very true and very encouraging thought brother Andrew.

      D

        (Quote)

  2. Difficult Places Common to Scripture says:

    It’s good for our peace of mind to remember that in Bible history many taking the lead did not always continue true to God’s instructions or Christ’s love. People are human and go wrong, they go wrong many times. That’s not an excuse, by no means, but it does imo put things in perspective a bit. The idea that the Governing Body has misled us should be balanced with the fact that the urgency to watch and be ready IS in scripture.

    The problem is the GB does not think, it keeps going like the energizer bunny and forgets to stop and listen and learn. Cookie cutter food and policies that keep those edges on the same old cookie clean and firm. Only problem is we need much more than the same old cookie. We need food and new policies, REAL food and BETTER policies for a real today, not Fred Franz’ yesterday. A day dead and gone and irrelevant.

    The GB is reacting to the internet and its threats when it should do as the Jews and Christians were told to do when they were in trouble: CLEAN HOUSE! Be honest about their history and their flaws and their wrongs. The ancient Jews were, the Christians were. The Governing Body needs to trust in Jehovah and do as his people did in times past; confess the sins of the Organization before him and his people and change. Only then will they be free from the arrows that keep coming at them and only then will the publishers be free to move forward in love of God and brother as the Christ meant them to be.

    Will the Governing Body allow hundreds or thousands more to fall because of the Organization’s lack of candor and honesty? Will fear of lawsuits be stronger than love of brother and Jehovah? How long will the congregations have to endure the endless grind of articles calling for obedience and trust in the GB when the GB itself does not obey Jehovah or trust in him themselves?

    They are killing us and appear oblivious to it. They leave the publishers unprotected without shield and armor at the doors. The doors of people who by way of the internet know about the Watchtower’s sins and problems and who are very willing to take a young brother or sister down the road of lost faith. Why are these young ones left to find out for themselves the sins of the Watchtower? Left to die little by little? For the ego of the Governing Body? For the “honor” of an entity that does not exist, the so called “Organization” that has no blood, no life, no heart to wound? The wagon exists for the people it carries not the other way around. The people do not need the wagon to follow Jehovah and his Son. It is merely a convenience and nothing more.

    Jehovah loves sons and daughters, the Organization is neither. It is nothing but an imagined wall of protection that previous members of the GB have caused to stand virtually in Jehovah’s place. It has been made an idol and the GB its priests. An idol that all who visit Patterson can see in the courtyard, the Watchtower fountain which stands tall as water flows over it. This fountain represents the Watchtower and this from a GB who knew very well how Jehovah feels about idols. Has the “Organization” become a stumbling block for the publishers? Very much so! But it is the previous Governing Body who put it there not the publishers.

    Moses failed to enter the Promised Land because he claimed to provide water when it is Jehovah who does the providing. Moses put the name of men before God’s name. The Patterson fountain is another rock from which water flows but Jehovah’s name is not on that rock either. What IS on that rock is the Watchtower insignia, a man’s symbol, not Jehovah’s name. It is over this symbol that water flows easily representing to visitors the idea that water, Jehovah’s water, flows from this Watchtower emblem that sits on top of the fountain. Prophetic, very prophetic. The Governing Body members who installed that rock, that fountain, are all dead. They failed to see the end of the journey in their lifetimes.

    Fitting, very fitting.

      (Quote)

    • greybeard says:

      Wow, Your comments hit the nail right on the head. I never heard anything about that fountain at Patterson. That is a great comparison with Moses and the rock. It’s true, they do speak about themselves providing more than Jehovah or Jehovah’s holy spirt. You make some excellent points!

      Thank you for your post,
      Your brother,
      Greybeard

        (Quote)

  3. rus virgil says:

    Greybeard,
    you may not understand me, but I would like to participate at your encouraging and at strengthening your faith and trust in YHWH and His Son, the King and in His Word (written word)
    I can’t do this otherwise than using some verses containing God’s promising toward His people
    – firstly, we are “the sons” of a past generation who left Jehovah / Isaiah 43:
    27 Thy first father sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.
    28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacob a curse, and Israel a reviling.

    God in His perfect righteousness has punished “His people” for his past “ways” by hiddening/turning His own Face from they – as promised in the Song of Moses” (Deut. 32:18,19,20… )
    “turning the Face” meant no “new light” from God , even for the real anointed ones , for several decades (rather long time for us, merely humans) – this situation is ongoing from before our (and your) birth year; as God says in Daniel 11:
    36 And the king (the MOL, GB ) shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods; and he shall prosper till the indignation (YHWH”s anger) be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done.

    But the time of punishment and anger of God is almost ended !
    And he promises/ Jeremiah 29:
    10 For thus saith Jehovah, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
    11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.
    12 And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
    13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
    14 And I will be found of you, saith Jehovah, and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places wither I have driven you, saith Jehovah; and I will bring you again unto the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

    One year more, and the “70 years of Babylon” will end , and Jehovah will act according His word – visible things will start to happen – God’s anger and right revenge (of God) will be manifested against “the king” and his “organization” ; and mercy and care for those “escaping from Babylon” and seeking Jehovah!

    Then we will say/ Jeremiah 16 :
    14 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that it shall no more be said, As Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
    15 but, As Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither he had driven them. And I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

    in Christ,
    rus virgil

      (Quote)

  4. greybeard says:

    Hi Rus,

    You are right, I do not understand the point you are trying to make. I truly hope you are correct about only one year left to put up with “the king” or his “organization”.

    It sounds to me like you believe JW’s are God’s people and the “king” or “organization” is out of line.

    I would agree the “organization” is out of line but I have not concluded that the JW’s are Gods people. I believe many of Gods people are in it just as they are other religions.

    I am not here to judge anyone else’s beliefs but to communicate with fellow believers. I do not believe we must agree on everything. I believe that is impossible.

    Your brother,
    Greybeard

      (Quote)

  5. rus virgil says:

    Greybeard, I would like to explain better but I cant
    No problem that you did not understand now ( I understand you )
    Keep your confidence in God and you will be helped
    and you will see the result of God’s judgement upon “His house”
    Psalm 58 :
    10. The righteous will be glad when they are avenged,
    when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.(figuratively speaking )
    11. Then men will say, (from outside J.W. org. )
    “Surely the righteous still are rewarded;
    surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

    (by no means I am saying that JW org is really “of Jehovah”/ that was man’s claim )

    rus virgil

      (Quote)

  6. greybeard says:

    I’m glad you understand me Rus,
    thanks for your encouragement!

      (Quote)

  7. Lester says:

    what a cruel and cold hearted way they treated you GB, and you went and told them about your DUI! like the way you put those early years when “born ins” like ourselves were thinking of our future(I’m 44) the prospect of leaving school/college was pre prosperous! but rather then fearing those events in our lives we should have embraced them,and I’m so glad I did these things,having kids quite late has been a wonderful experience for me.

    Be lucky GB and all the best.

      (Quote)

  8. greybeard says:

    Thank you Lester,
    All the best to you too!

    Your brother,
    Greybeard

      (Quote)

  9. Jolly Roger says:

    Graybeard, It is a sadness to hear how you were hurt by what really turned out to be an offhand remark. My favorite is the speaker in the District Convention (15 years ago) who said that he could “stick his tongue out and taste [the new system]”, as if that meant something. The interesting thing to note is how many folks were hurt on the other side of the equation as well, that is, people like me who sat down, thought about it, and realized that it was a matter of conscience and went ahead and furthered their education anyway, only to walk be greeted in the KH with someone putting a great big “X” on my back; although, if anyone had managed to show me a scripture that said, “Don’t go to college you ungrateful POS!!!”(Dontdoit31:13) I would have dropped out immediately. But no one did, so I did. If it is any consolation, I now have a wonder wall ornament that, in really cool loking Olde English font, says, “Yeppers, this idiot wasted a big chunk of change and time keeping the ‘Higher Education Scam’ afloat.” (and apparently I did it with too much volume because it says “cum laude” on it too!) I was particularly empathetic with your story about the electrician’s helper, as I have likewise been there and done that, and with the same result.

    In this system of things, it used to be much like 2Thess 3:10, but then, this system has gotten more and more insane, until now, it is “If a man will not support this system, neither let him eat.” There are “desk jobs” still available in this country, but not for guys your age. Why? Beacuse what used to be considered a crown demanding respect, is now just an emblem denoting some “useless eater” taking up space, and you demand more money for it as well, and when your age is figured into it, you drive the govt mandated corporate health insurance rates up until, darn it GB, you just ain’t worth it. After all, as an employer, why should I hire you? Because you’ve got something that a younger person will never, ever have, namely, more time on the planet? Bah, humbug. What I lose by not choosing your experience, I will gain thru being able to hire somebody (usually 4 somebodies) that will work twice as long and for a quarter of the price! Plus, those dweebs are stupid, and my crafty (but trite) games that I ply as a means to coerce my workers into giving more than we contracted for won’t work on you. You’ve been around the block, you know BS when you see it, and will meekly, but kindly, explain that that wasn’t part of the deal and then I’m stuck because you will have caught me in a lie, and I don’t like that. And besides all that, I don’t like telling employees older than me what to do, it makes me feel uncomfortable for a couple of reasons: #1 when I look at you I see my future, so if I don’t look at you that means I have nothing to worry about, and #2, my boss may look at you and realize that you could do my job better than me and then I’m out the door.

    And, gee wiz GB, let’s just say you went ahead and got the great job 20 years ago and you busted your hump being a good, loyal employee, and you’re just about to retire; well, uh-uh, sorry there GB, but you know all that pension fund you paid into each month to go into that retirement 401K and stuff, well, it seems that a bunch of theiving bankers (that just got billions of dollars worth of personal bonuses that your tax money paid for while you dreamed of retirement and your beard went gray) managed to steal it all and gamble it away. Sorry ’bout that GB, but no retirement for you. That is, unless you don’t mind calling a cardboard box “home”.

    GB, right now, as we speak, the political leaders of the US, and the individual States therein, are behind the scenes, to keep it as hush-hush as possible, trying to figure out how to fix the “law” to allow any individual State of the Union to “legally” declare bankruptcy. Right now, because by law a State is not considered a single entity nor a business it cannot declare bankruptcy, but since the States have spent so much money (much of it mandated by the Feds) they are now broke, well, y’know… Now, guess what the major portion of State and Local govt’s overhead is? That’s right: pensions. So let’s see a show of hands of those who think they know which portion of the population is going to get stiffed first? Second, let’s see a show of hands of those who think that the current crop of “Generation-Xers” are too stupid to realize that they are witnessing their own future? Hmmmmmm, as if they have a future.

    And then there is….and on and on and on.

    Remember, we are entering the time of the end, when it’s going to be the worst it’s ever been, or ever will be. Think back in history to the fall of Jreusalem, the fall of Rome, the Irish Potatoe Famine, the Black Death, the Trail of Tears, Auswitch, North Korea, East Los Angeles, it is going to be worse than any of those. No one will be immune or escape it’s ravages, and what makes it the worst is that all it would take is for a, truly, tiny shift in attitude within the current system, a shift that would ever so slightly change the concept of what is valuable and what isn’t. But, then, you might as well as for the Planet Jupiter to change into a gian Chrysthan-, Christhanim-, Tulip. Yeah, the Awake mag made an ahole statement, the District Convention speaker, although it was apparently long enough, couldn’t hold his tongue; but, it’s all just part of what is coming down, and I try to keep in mind who the real cause of all this is.

      (Quote)

  10. greybeard says:

    Thank you Jolly Roger,

    Your right, the future doesn’t look to good does it. I never have worried about money the way I have recently. I was a strong believer in Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom first and all these other things will be added to you… and I must say, I still believe that. Only problem is, now that I am no longer going to the Hall and door to door, I have had to re-define what seeking the Kingdom first really is. As a JW it meant knocking on doors. When I was worried about money I sometimes would go do that first before seeking work. That is how my programing worked.

    It is sad but I do not really know if I am seeking the Kingdom first in my life now. I would like to think I am. It is what I pray for the most. However, I just do not know. I don’t even know if I am a christian to be honest. I like to think I am. My hope is in Christ Jesus. But what am I doing? Not much, sure I read my Bible and I post on the net but I feel more is required. My money has ran out and I am at the end of my rope. Will Jehovah provide for me? Am I really seeking the Kingdom first? I just don’t know. I try to live day to day and not worry to much about tomorrow. I know I have enough to make it today. When everything runs out soon, I will see if Jehovah provides and that very well may tell me if God feels I am seeking his Kingdom first.

    It’s not easy,
    I have some irons in the fire but none of them are getting hot so far… I’m working on it and praying for guidance.

    Take care,
    your brother,
    Greybeard

      (Quote)

    • Jolly Roger says:

      GB,

      I think I know how you feel. I say “I think” because I do not want to presume on something this important. Keep in mind that there was this guy I read about once who managed to step out of a boat and walk about 20 feet on water before he lost his nerve, and therefore his faith, He ended up getting hauled back to the boat by his boss. I don’t know what he said as he got back to the boat, dripping wet, and doubtlessly somewhat embarrassed, but it was probably something along the lines of, “Gee, guys, did you see that? Was that the stupidest thing you’ve ever seen anybody do before, or what? I don’t know what was I thinking!” Of course, I’m sure his buddies were all standing around with their eyes all bugging out, “Pete! We just saw you truck about 20 cubits on top of the water! How did you do that?”

      Faith is a strange thing, isn’t it? I mean, what else can make you lose it because it makes you do more than you ever thought possible? But this system is a bear, it hates you, it pounds on you day and night, never gives up, never stops. But, most importantly, are you “seeking first the kingdom”? GB, I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but I can’t, and I’m afraid that anyone who says they can, can’t either. But, let’s look at the facts. First of all, you gave up the chance for worldly/material advancement because you had faith in Jehovah. I know what the Awake said, but you don’t seem like someone prone to just doing foolish things for the heckuv it, my suspicion is that you had faith in the Bible, what it told you, and what you saw going on around you. And, as the Bible so eloquently states, you “girded up your loins like a man” and took a step out into the coldness that only exists outside of the crowd. Further, from that day on, that is, every morning that you woke up and didn’t say, “Aw, what a crock of horse poo, this “Soldier of Jah” stuff is stupid. I’m going to join the US Army so that I can be all that I can be!”, you restated that your faith is in your God, the True God, forever – and not the momentary warmth of hanging with the crowd and deluding yourself that the guy who dies with the most toys wins.

      I really enjoy Gordon Lightfoot.
      “Now the thing that I call livin’ is just bein’ satisfied
      With knowin’ I got no one left to blame.” – Carefree Highway

      Is it going to get better? Absolutely. On our terms? Not a chance.

        (Quote)

    • whateverhappenedtome says:

      “…now that i am no longer going to the hall and door to door, i have had to re-define what seeking the kingdom first really is ” ……this really hit me bro…i can relate to this.

      keeep the fire burning.

      my prayers are with you.

        (Quote)

  11. Difficult Places Common to Scripture says:

    For GB and all here: I highly recommend the Elihu Books site, Greg Stafford’s site. Much good information for all JWs whether in or out of the Organization. The “Upon the Lampstand” and “In Medio” sections are particularly good. I’m not associated with Greg in any way, just so you know. Good discussions on that site on: blood transfusions, earthly paradise, holidays, flag saluting, and much, much more.

    I hope I’ve not broken a rule here by providing the link.

    http://www.elihubooks.com/index.php

      (Quote)

  12. serein says:

    o my goodness life is so hard,and trusting in jehovah to make it beter isnt going to be like you want it to be puting jehovah first dosnt get u a job dosnt help u in this sistem it helps you into the next one i think,this world at the moment is the devils and wile hes around hes not going to want gods true people to be happy,but i think if u make the best of what u do have and be happy with it and know in ur self that u love god and follow his teachings then no matter what the devil throws at u ul be happy and ul not care if ur poor and dont worry about the past dont worry u cant find a job theres is some one some were worse off than u and they are happy the ones who are sad are the ones who want more who are jelouse who are selfish who dont love god,yep the org made people think paradise was around the corner it might well be round the corner,but people do what they thought and think to be right and follow what they think is write and becose u thought u was doing what was rite then to god thats good and u know what u got to see the truth and u got out and u think for urself and search and make sure of all things gods pleasd and new u would hes seperating now and the good ones are seeing not being blinded and being followers of man.

      (Quote)

  13. Stevie M says:

    As someone who was raised as a JW and continued to be so until I was 30 I think I know what you are talking about. I feel for you and I also feel lots of personal anger. I know this is hard for many people to take but the reality is that it was all lies. And the people who try to tell you different are either lying or are misled.

    I say just stop for a moment and really think about what you were told. Come on! Do you really believe in Adam and Eve, talking serpents, Noah and the Ark, Moses and the parting of the Red Sea etc and then ask, do you really love the god who kills old men, women and children as in the Hebrew Scriptures. It took me a while but come on! I think we need to find a way to make sense of the world that has some contact with reality and the Jw’s don’t have it!!

    I’ve been struggling for the last 20 years and I can’t say I have it sorted. I still suffer from depression but have to face the truth because that’s the only way we will ever find the real truth, and the truth is through observation, thinking, study and experimentation otherwise known as Science. Don’t waste your time with nonsense and study science!

      (Quote)

    • JJ says:

      Stevie

      I relate to what you are saying. That said, I’m sorry that you now feel the Bible is myth and fairy tale. I love science- I really do. But it can never be the end-all font of understanding for us as humans. We need a creator- and he wrote the Bible and gave his son as a sacrifice for
      us. The scriptures are full of wisdom and knowledge. Don’t let your disappointment in the WTS diminish your faith.

        (Quote)

  14. popolo says:

    mi dispiace x tè ma sei fuori di testa il fatto che la verità non tiè scesa nel quore e non ti potrà mai scendere perchè il tuo quore e troppo duro è gesù non si avvicinerà mai ha te e non potrai portarti persone dietro ha tè perchè GEOVA NON LO PERMETTERA’ e vai con ituoi amici che quelli ti porteranno verso la distruzzione e cosi la finirai di rompere i timpani alle PERSONE CHE AMANO IL GRANDE E TREMENDO GEOVA che ti spazzera via x sempre un vero TESTIMONE DI GEOVA ITALIANO E NEL MONDO.

      (Quote)

    • rus virgil says:

      Ciao “vero TESTIMONE DI GEOVA ITALIANO E NEL MONDO.” !

      Come sei ?

      veramente mi piace che sei un uomo di grande FEDE , pero, la tua fede dovrebbe eser basata sull’Insegnamento di Cristo !
      Se non e cosi , alora tu non hai il Padre ne il Figlio ! Lo sai ?

      2 Giovanni 1:
      9. Chi va al di là dell’insegnamento di Cristo non ha Dio.
      Chi, invece, sta ben saldo nell’insegnamento di Cristo, resta unito al Padre e al Figlio.

      Prego, assicurati che la tua fede sta (salda) nell’insegnamento di Cristo!
      http://fedeeverita.freeforumzo.....dd=8287423

      e leggi anche qui :
      http://fedeeverita.freeforumzo.....dd=8258456

      Daniele ti dice nell capitulo 12, il verso
      10. Molti saranno purificati, imbiancati e affinati;
      >> ma gli empi agiranno empiamente e nessuno degli empi capirà,
      >> ma capiranno i savi.

      Vorrei che tu saresti trovato savio davanti a Dio !

      rus virgil

        (Quote)

  15. JJ says:

    If anyone understands Italian I would be interested in what Popolo said. I ran it through google translate and it was a bit unclear. The translation is below:

    I’m sorry x tea but you’re out of your mind the fact that truth is not decreased in tiè olate and you can never go down because your olate Jesus is not too hard and will approach you and why did not you get to bring people behind you because he JEHOVAH Will not allow it ‘and go with ituoi those friends who will take you to destroyal and so will you stop breaking the eardrums of the people who love the great and terrible Jehovah will cut off you x always a true ITALIAN JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AND THE WORLD.

      (Quote)

    • rus virgil says:

      I will try here:
      ” I’m sorry x (for) you but you are out of your mind the fact that the truth did not entered in your heart and (in fact) never will enter because your heart is too hard and jesus will never approach to you and you will cannot bring people behind you because JEHOVAH WILL NOT PERMIT/allow (this to happen ) and go with your friends those that will take you to destruction and so you will stop to break the eardrums to PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE GREAT AND TREMENDOUS JEHOVAH (and He) will wipe out you x (for) ever a true JW (in) ITALIA AND (in) THE WORLD ”

      the words in ( ) are mine , in an attempt to make the translation easier to understand
      (this is a comment of a true un-educated italian jw )

        (Quote)

    • Disappointed says:

      I understand a little Italian. There were some mistakes (or maybe it’s in dialect) but this is the gist .. “I feel sorry for you but you are out of your mind. The fact(is) that the truth is not down in your heart and it never will be able to be (in you) because your heart is too hard and Jesus will never approach you and you will never be able to bring people behind you because JEHOVAH WILL NOT ALLOW IT and you go with your friends who bring you (carry you) towards destruction and you will end up deafening the PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE GREAT AND TREMENDOUS JEHOVAH who will sweep you away forever. A TRUE WITNESS OF JEHOVAH, ITALIAN AND IN THE WORLD.”

        (Quote)

  16. Marquez says:

    I am currently a student of the Bible and study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am curious about when you decided to leave the Witnesses and try to make it in this world? I wanted to make some comments about what you mentioned about being unemployed, having a bad back and being disfellowshipped for getting a DUI.

    First unemployment throughout many parts of the United States is double digits. Are all this people former JW’s? That would hardly seem reasonable, so this is something that is befalling a whole population of people. Both the educated and the uneducated are finding it difficult to find work. Corporate layoffs are plentiful for college grads as well. This is on the news almost every month when the numbers come out. It just goes to show you that man is dominating man to his injury, just as the Bible pointed out long ago. This government, or any government does not have the answer and that is why Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to preach about God’s Kingdom .

    And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come. – Matt 24:14

    Second, you have back pains. Well don’t you know anyone that is not a Jehovah’s Witness that just gets back pains? Sure doing hard labor might help with that, but to blame it on not getting a higher education rather than on the weakness of the flesh is simply ridiculous. We get old and we eventually die, that is the price we pay for sin. We are born in sin and the wages sin pays is death. (Romans 6:23) . . .For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.
    It is again only by that Kingdom of God that we will see the end of suffering. Maybe you remember the prophesy in Isaiah: (35:5-6) . . .At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. 6 At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness. . . .

    What a wonderful hope to see our bodies undergo the healing that Christ’s death was meant to provide. This is the Good News of the Kingdom!!!

    Third, your feelings that you were disfellowshipped because you “admitted” that you got a DUI, just does not seem right. I can almost bet that this DUI happened some time before you eventually admitted to the sin. Why did you not call on the brothers when you got depressed and not wait till after things fell apart to approach those that could help you? I don’t have an addiction to alcohol or any drug, so I cannot presume to say I know how you felt. I can only say since I began to study I have had very sincere and loving people introduced into my life; people that I am happy to call brother and I know will drop what they are doing to come by and give me a hand if I need one.

    I know each congregation will have those that don’t exemplify what Jesus taught, but you cannot condemn the whole for a few bad apples. If that were the case that guy Peter you spoke of a few post ago would have stumbled many by his denial of the Christ, who he said he would die for. He was weak for a moment and fell; we all do so at times. To turn your back on Jehovah because you have had hard times is not the way to go.

    I’ll ask you to look again at your Bible and read it again: (Matthew 6:33-34) . . .“Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU. 34 So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.

    It said we would have our food, shelter and clothing, that’s it. It also says we will continue to have anxieties and badness. There was no magic potion offered to rid our lives of all that Satan will continue to throw at us. That is his trick, to make us doubt God, to make us doubt he has a people streaming to the mountain of Jehovah at this very moment. (Isaiah 2:2-3) . . .And it must occur in the final part of the days [that] the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. 3 And many peoples will certainly go and say: “Come, YOU people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.”. . .

    Think of what you already knew and learned from the Bible, then ask: Who else has sayings of everlasting life?

    I can tell you I have studied the Bible with many organizations, with many religions and none have stood up to the biblical test when it comes to TRUTH. Continue to pray, but don’t harden your heart (I think that is what the Italian translation was trying to say) because God’s love will not be able to get back in and save you from this pathetic world destined for destruction.

    You are in my thoughts…

      (Quote)

  17. jennifer says:

    I am also born into JW and I have so much resentment, my future is somehow bleak.. I was spotted by scout on 2 occasions and I was not allowed modelling nor acting (in the name of JW). So many opportunities were thrown away… now i am 26 and doing unskilled work, but I just started studying psychology, trying to get my life together

      (Quote)

    • andrew says:

      jennifer, welcome to the site.

      I think it best if we concentrate on the positive aspect of our upbringing. Although I myself have also suffered because of the organization’s viewpoint on higher education, I realize what I learned in my youth has also benefited me. I was instilled with high morals, a respect for the bible, and a love for God.

      Although as JWs our upbringing is not ideal, nobody’s is.

        (Quote)

      • whateverhappenedtome says:

        i can say the same.. even with the way my parents raised me and can’t really complain.i grew up in a simple family ..quite struggling snce my parents were in the fulltime service and were dropped for having kids, they had practical view on education and secular jobs, and we were taught balancing and managing life and spiritual guidance has benefited me a lot to survive my teenage years and adult life as of the moment, now even though i know ttatt, if i imagine myself having my own family and raising kids, i would still prefer raising them according to bible principles..although im not quite sure if i should introduce religion or too much about religion..to be honest im not sure at all..but raising them according to the teachings of jw is all i know at the moment, meetings ministry, close association with a congregation or something..for as long as i also help them use their brains and see for themselves..well is all i can think of now. its hard.especially that i know i will never be marrying a jw.which is whats freaking me out entering into marriage and then raise kids later. its like im stuck. but its okay. personally, i do appreciate the good things i learned..its just that, just like any other religion, once a person studies more and learns more, then he just have to make a choice and stand by it. looking back from where my awakening started..i think ive made many baby steps to coming to terms about my faith..i am just more accepting to things, less frustrated on not being able to figure out doctrines fast and more on entrusting everything to my God Jehovah and saviour Jesus…and just put away all hurt from discovering many things.ive spoken to my family lately and really expressed my thoughts, not all though, didnt tell them im going to sites like this, but it more of telling them my concerns and other issues about wt and doctrines 1914, wtc etc.i was expecting them to get mad or hurt, but it was a good conversation, they told me to seek guidance in prayers and do my search in love and sincerity, not with the goal of condemning people at the wt who are also not perfect. never said much, but i know my parents and siblings are now worried ..just not saying it to my face…and then i realize that its probably just me thinking they would shun me if id one day choose to really leave…fastforward if ever, i know they wouldnt or cannot do it..but somehow they have to because they need to submit to the guidelines set in the org especially that they have priviledges..so i guess i will understand, deep in my heart and in their heArts i know that we will always be families….now i can only imagine what and how it would be when the day comes i will ultimately make a decision..btw, i went to meeting for the first time this year, last week and it was okay..i did have sidecomments but it wasnt so bad..i guess its coz i feel free inside after getting the reaction from my family about my concerns i feel that i can agree or disagree without fear but just in my mind, absorb the good part, dont have to believe everything the wt says,i just feel better now..reading my bible with so much meditation in the teachings of christ..

          (Quote)

        • JJ says:

          God bless you whateverhappenedtome!

          Great info on your life and where you are at, thank you…it’s not easy but you are “growing up into a full grown man (or person lol) in Christ” as we all need to do. One step at a time, and you are doing it. This is after the WT training wheels are removed from our minds so to speak, the overbearing WT crutches are gone and we walk on our own.

          Not easy but that is the road that Christian’s must travel and we are in it together. We are not alone!

            (Quote)

  18. Bro. Ed says:

    I agree with brother Andrew. While I disagree with many of the doctrinal aspects of my upbringing, I can’t escape the fact that it gave me a thirst for truth and taught me many valuable lessons on Christian conduct. And that’s what makes it our responsibility, if and when we do separate from the organisation, not to beat our fellow brothers and sisters who remain. Do things always in love.

    Our situation somewhat reminds me of the first century Jews that became Christians. The Judaistic religious system with all its faults and many apostate views, was still a marvelous foundation for Jewish Christians; with their incredible desire to do what is righteous, holding onto their moral values and living daily with God in their hearts and minds…it just wasn’t the true path to salvation. It was just as hard for those Jewish converts to separate themselves (body and mind) out of the old thinking and into the new and better Way of Christ. But as Paul said in Romans 11:13-14, “Forasmuch as I am, in reality, an apostle to the nations, I glorify my ministry, 14 if I may by any means incite [those who are] my own flesh to jealousy and save some from among them.”

    This should be our aim too. We need to glorify our ministry so that we can incite our brothers and sisters to jealousy in order to save some from among them. This is not to incite to jealousy in fleshly terms, but in matters of truth using love and patience, just as Paul demonstrated.

    Your brother in Christ

      (Quote)

  19. The lamb says:

    Sorry, what does DUI stand for?

      (Quote)

  20. melca says:

    I’m surprised there are so many JW like me suffer from the injustices inside the organization. I am not really suffering from hardships of our day to day life, but from thinking of the impostors in the organization. That irritates me so much. I have a very long story. Since I was yet a small child, I’ve already realized the hypocrisy of JW org. though I believed Jehovah and Jesus and some of the teachings, there were so many articles in the Watch Tower magazines that irritated me so much when I attended the meetings. I just kept them to myself for Jehovah sake. I had been praying to Jehovah, and my prayers were sounded impossible. I was thinking if Jehovah is real no matter how impossible that prayer would be if it is his will it will come and will realize. Honestly and frankly I was so bothered of JW’s not going to college and universities. I really got annoyed listening and watching the uneducated elders giving talks. Not because I looked down on them, but because they looked so arrogant at the platform. My goosebumps would raise every time I listened to them. I felt I had no hope in this organization. I felt this organization was a joke, it obviously was ungodly. Jehovah knows what I mean. He sees everything what’s going on. I resent so much that many JW’s play deaf and blind, and even resort to acting hypocrisy. They are worst than the people who don’t know about the real God. It is no longer safe to attend in the kingdomhalls. There are so many thieves in my congregation that I previously attended, but they don’t care. All that matters to them is that they looked good to the other JW’s. Regular attendants in kingdomhall, regularly comment the WT, regular pioneer. They look so beautiful and feeling healthy, yet they are fornicators, thieves very thick face don’t know how to be ashamed. I am their victim, but the GB continually commending their works. It’s really so disgusting. Stop mixing these kind of people!!! “Flee from Babylon (almost) the Great!!!”

      (Quote)

  21. Ruth says:

    Melca l have to agree with you.
    So lovely to see that God has answered your prayers for help.
    So many are being pulled out now. All at different times, as God knows the right time for all his sheep.
    What will you do now? What ever you do, dont jump out of the frying pan into the fire.
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will lead you by the hand. If you must go into a spiritual wilderness to just read study and pray, be sure you will not be alone.

    Join the forum. Many a lovely brother and sister are there.
    Sister Csaba

      (Quote)

    • Anonymous says:

      My loving brothers and sisters may we find mercy and comfort from the living GOD. He sees all of us down to our very bones and knows that we are not against him. I know that I love Jehovah, and that love requires me to stand for the truth. so here I go with all my love and respect for all seeking truth.
      When something is wrong it needs be corrected. We do not need any laws if we have love for one another. Sometimes it’s best to let yourself be wrong for the sake of your brothers or sisters. Rather than lose many members in the congregations when there is a misunderstanding, it would be best if the governing body just said “we are sorry, our fault, please don’t go, we love you”. For Example: After all, the fact is that they caused many to stumble by what they printed in Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15 (not inspired of GOD).

      “If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. … Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!”

      Enough time has has passed (44 years ago) and exposed that at best it was just a guess. No one knows the time or the hour of he last days. I won’t call this an intentional lie because I have no proof. As a head of household, I too am not perfect and have at times failed those that I love the most, my wife and children. However, when I learn of a serious problem that I have caused, I ask for forgivness from those that I hurt. Jehovah does not have to order me to love my family. Thus I know that it is unloving, to all who were mislead in 1969, not to get some kind of apology and correct the matter. Many have been hurt becaused they trusted in people they love. The truth is that no magazine should even be compared or substituted for the bible. The governing body should clearly state this in the Watchtower and Awake. Many are not sure if inspired of GOD or not inspired of GOD. I have never been told that any JW book is inspired of GOD. In fact new books have replaced old ones over the years.
      Where is the apology and love for our brothers and sisters. I will speak the truth, only the bible is inspired of GOD. To minimize the many mistakes that have been made over the years and even losing members over this, is a victory for satan. I have come to realize that the only thing people need is the inspired words of GOD and not man’s.

      Brother Corona

        (Quote)

      • JJ says:

        Well spoken Brother Corona. I casually asked three different publishers over the course of a few months this question:

        “Which one is inspired, the Bible or the Watchtower?”

        All three told me that they BOTH were inspired. When I tried to explain to them that even the WT itself claims it is not inspired, the veil went up over their eyes (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4) and they began to make justifications and reasonings as to why the WT was inspired of God. It nicely demonstrates the sad fact that we have awakened to here on JWStruggle, that being that the ones enslaved to Watchtower theology are ‘captives of a concept’ as Ray Franz said in Crisis of Conscience, page 345:

        I believe that they are, in effect,
        the captives of a concept. The concept
        or mental image they have of “the organization”
        seems almost to take on a personality of
        its own, so that the concept itself controls
        them, moves them or restrains them, by molding
        their thinking, their attitudes, their judgments.

          (Quote)

  22. whateverhappenedtome says:

    thank you for sharing….. i really pray for all of us to be able to move past the sad and angry part of this awakening…and really move on and just focus on getting to know our God and saviour with a peace of mind…

    recently ive been thinking…as what ive mentioned on the above post about my recent conversation with my parents and siblings…and i just realize i’ve already spent so much time on watching every false or questionable claims of the gb that comes out on print or those old pubs, wallowing in sadness for being led to believe this was absolute truth,etc etc. but if i keep doing that i wouldn’t be able to figure out how im going to worship now or feed myself spiritually for my own nourishment and encouragement in this trying times. in other words, i hope we all just forgive and let go and keep studying and sharing bible knowledge while comforting each other. everyones got a tough experience and it takes time to heal, but we cannot change those anymore. at least now we are here and we still have the chance to seek and come to terms with our belief…hope i make sense. im not really an english native speaker..

      (Quote)

  23. t Ieresa tanasi says:

    It is very sad. I myself was not born into it but had a very happy secure childhood. I studied for a short span of time and found there were many wealthy folks but also many poor folks. Education and reading…except WT,info are looked down on. I went to meetings a few times and honestly could not believe how incredibly boring.the service was. I told my friend I was uninspired. Of course it was because I wasn’t involved enough with JW. No doubt I met some very nice people but I also know I am simply a potntial study and no one is really interested in a friendship. One thing I was mortified about was the fact wordly organizations like Meals on Wheels would never be a volunteer work for a witness but they will accept it. They detest the government but will accept food stamps and disability readily to do more service.There are wealthy elders and poor ones. I was told by both I should not worry about finances…the one was wearing a thousand $ suit,the other calls upon wealthy members to pay for tires and auto r epairs. The sad part is I have noticed how many of people my age raised as JW are very unstable.I also notice how unhappy most JW are.One would think to be around the ,,truth many hours of the week,would make for happiness. I notice this and it does make me sad that lives revolve around an interpretion of their truth by 4 men who combined could not translate a very simple translation of a sentence in the language of the Bible. The same people who shun further education use the items others have created. Would this too not be hypocritical? I am so confused by the teachings I cannot believe this is the truth. I feel for these people but a lot will end a friendship quickly if you say you do not want to talk about JW teaching. _ have not tried to change them simply said I was not interested and I was not a friend anymore. Makes me feel as if they never were interested in anything more than me being hours for their service. Thank you for this site.

      (Quote)

  24. orb says:

    GB
    my x, who is still a jw, not only has a DUI, Canadian, he has a breath anylyzer machine in his truch
    he goes on holidays with his disfellowshipped children, yet, he is still a jw
    go figure
    sigh

      (Quote)

  25. I love Jesus my Saviour! says:

    I am not a JW. Never was. I am dating an inactive JW. She was born into a JW family. Her father and mother passed away being members of JW. I have studied their believes, history and teachings. I can not understand that anyone can believe all that. I can not convince her to change her believes. I gave her so much info trying to convince her but to no avail. I sense that she feels that she would betray her father and mother if she were to believe in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Only our Almighty God can, through his Holy Spirit, convince her, save her. I pray for that. Please pray with me.

      (Quote)

  26. danielB says:

    She will need to confirm her knowledge that Jesus Christ is indeed our Savior . Even Witnesses know this , however it sounds as though she is putting the ORGanization ahead of Christ . Is that right , ” Lover of Jesus our Savior ” ?

    People can believe “all that teaching” , as you refer to . Especially if that is what they have “known” from infancy . But it is the “Wholly Writings” that they have needed since infancy .

    A cult is a sad , sad situation .

      (Quote)

  27. goldylocksnz says:

    Thankyou for your comforting words, Whateverhappenedtome….
    It is so important to that we do the best we can. To be able to move forward, you have to acknowledge where you have been. There is so much hurt, but with our faith in Jesus and Jehovah…. it is all about love.
    And that includes loving ourselves. How can love others, if we can’t love ourselves.
    So do all the little things to bring laughter and love and light into your hearts and lifes….. THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS THE LOVING THING TO DO.
    Thankyou, and may you all take care :->

      (Quote)

  28. J. James says:

    This really touched me. I’ve been in what was called the “Truth” since I was about 6. I left the organization when I was 18, when I went to college. The problem was the teachings never left my memory, so the guilt of being around so many “worldly” people eventually caused me to drop out. I convinced myself that almost every aspect of going to a university was evil and contradicted everything I was taught. The other problem was that I was still waiting on Armageddon, so I felt that having a good job was unnecessary, as long as I can survive.
    Well I’m 25 now and I’ve come to realize how depressing the very thought of Armageddon can be, so I stopped thinking about it and decided I didn’t want to be reminded of it. The only thing that stresses me out now is having a dad and a sister who judges everything I do now that I’m no longer a JW or have plans on coming back. This means when I’m ready to get married, move to another state and have kids, I won’t have their blessing because I’m “worldly.”
    I also know that there are a hand full of false teachings coming from the organization and I know it’s not Satan putting these thoughts into my head. I feel uneasy and confused about life. There’s this stuck feeling in my heart and every time I go to my family about how I feel, they start preaching to me (things I already know but doesn’t make sense)… and today my sister told me to read the “Young People Ask” book. I love them so much but I know they don’t have the answers for everything.
    I know I’m a good person, with a good heart and good intentions. I just don’t know what my next step should be.

      (Quote)

  29. KNOWLEDGE SEEKER says:

    HELLO

      (Quote)

Leave a Reply to Anonymous Cancel reply

Website Apps