I came across your post while searching “surviving Christian cults” on the web. I was raised in a Christian cult. While it was not JW, reading through your experience was almost like a mirror of mine. Always trying, but never good enough. Disowned because I disagreed with the church (read: thought for myself instead of blindly going along with what was forced on me). While I am grateful for the new start, it has left my spiritual life in shambles. Everything I thought I believed feels as though it’s tainted by this church and their teachings.

Are there any resources out there you would recommend?

Again, thanks for posting…in a weird way, its almost a relief to know that I’m not the only one.

ALL organized religion gains power by control and instilling fear. Replace “You’re going to die in Armageddon” with “You’re going to hell” and there is not one bit of difference, is there? The bottom line, if you think yours is the only belief system and group of people that are going to survive whatever cosmic destruction you are convinced is on the horizon (and what organized religion doesn’t?)…well…you are no different than a Jehovah’s Witness. Of course, you are probably a bit more pious, self-righteous and judgemental….but who’s counting?

This website summarizes 300 United States court cases and lawsuits affecting children of Jehovah’s Witnesses, including dozens of cases where the Parents refused to consent to life-saving blood transfusions:

DIVORCE, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

http://jwdivorces.bravehost.com/

This website summarizes 160 United States court cases and lawsuits filed by Jehovah’s Witnesses against Employers:

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES UNIQUE TO JEHOVAH’S WITNESS EMPLOYEES

http://jwemployees.bravehost.com

Religion is fine when you have the will to learn it on your own and gain historical perspective, but too many churches use people’s own beliefs as a political weapon.

I am an atheist, but I can see things from a simple perspective: When did Jesus act like this? Was he a hateful or spiteful person? Did he pick out one group of sinners to punish and yell out that what they were doing was a sin?

Not likely. There seems to be a new trend of calling these “New Testament” times as well. The idea that Moses’s law was no good because Jesus saved us from our sins. If that were true, then what about the 10 commandments? Or the hundreds of others that were also brought down but not recorded?

People tend to pick out what they want to believe and separate it from the rest. This is why, in the wrong hands, religion can be a weapon of hatred.

I was virtually “adducted” by a well-meaning youth group when I was in high school where they were recruiting. They said it was a summer camp, and we ended up doing prayers and such instead of actual camping. Then they took the bus to the mall and asked us to save people. It was the most uncomfortable experience I had back then.

My only advice to anyone that wants to believe or follow any religion is to try their best to understand the people that wrote their repsective Bibles… get a feel for how they actually lived.

Don’t try to buy into The 700 club where a man blames 9/11 on god’s wraith against homosexuals. Read some books. Or even read the Bible and get a feel for your spiritual truth there. But don’t follow some whacko.

What an ordeal. I lived the “righteous life” from the age of 5 until I was able to break free at 25 yrs old. You couldn’t take a significant step in your life without the approval of the pastor, you had to attend church at least 3 times a week or you’d get an intervention type home visitation, by the age of 16 I had church members asking me when I was finally going to get married, plus deal with all that comes along with knowing that you were basically here on earth for the betterment of “God’s people” at what ever the personal cost. Guilt plays such a huge role in their control and manipulation of others regardless of denomination, cult, group or sect. In my opinion religion really has to do with the illusion of power more than true concern over someone’s soul.

It’s a good thing when I hear of others that were able to break free and think for them selves… Good for you!

You are who YOU are.

Congrats for leaving and may your life continually be what you dreamed it would be.

Wayne

BonnieQ

The only way we ever get God’s Truth is to go directly to the source, which is what I did over 30 years ago. At the time, I was a Baptist Sunday school teacher and was beginning to discover discrepancies between the quarterlies from which we taught and the AKJV Bible I was reading. So, I set out on my quest for ONLY God’s Truth and He has given it to me abundantly.

Half of my Dad’s family were JW’s, so needless to say, the other half were considered the black sheep; however, it did afford me the opportunity to learn exactly what they believed and why. I also was led to do the same research into all other Christian professing denominations, mainly so I would know how to witness the truth to them. Alas, when I began witnessing to one of my JW aunts, you can bet the elders removed her from my presence very quickly and told her I was doing the devil’s work.

You know what, though? That’s okay, because Jesus warned that all who follow in His footsteps as well as love and OBEY His Father, will be persecuted like Christ was persecuted: called a blasphemer, a false prophet, and doing the devil’s work. I’ve had it all either said to my face or put in writing. Little do they realize they have merely confirmed that I do speak God’s Truth and bear His Seal.

I know it’s painful to have your family turn on you as they have, Heather; but, that too Christ warned of: “Your enemies are of your own house.” So, keep the faith and be determined to gain ALL of God’s knowledge and wisdom; for we need no man to teach us.

Much love in Christ,
BonnieQ
Bonita M Quesinberry, R.C.
http://bonnieq.wordpress.com