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| Growing Up A Jehovah's Witness |
| Written by CSThe Apostate |
A brief description of what its like to grow up as a Jehovah's Witness from a someone who grew up as a member of the Watchtower Society group. Hits: 524 Trackback(0)
Comments (6)
  written by Yahkins , July 05, 2009 Thank you for your insights. i am also an ex cultist. I want to tell you that your stance as an Apostate is psychologically appropriate right now and may last several years. It is the only way you can deal with your inner core beliefs taught since childhood. God is real, and He is not the author of the Jw's, rather it is a man made system of beliefs. There is no perfect church out there for we are imperfect as i am sure you know as you seem very intelligent in the video, (don't let my compliment go to your head..just kidding) I am 45 now, having left my particular cult about two decades ago. I just want you to know that Christ alone is the One you will get to know, for He loves you and me very much, he knows how you are suffering in mind, your angry at Him and religion, also only normal and right to feel this way for a time. God loves us with all these wrong notions of Him ever still, and His love is very unconditional, but He desires from us a volitional love and desire to know Him, and not in the way the Jw's taught you. A relationship that is based on love is always loving and accepting of the other as a whole, warts and all. I hope when God in His perfect knowledge reaches you just at the right time, that you not go back to that cult that will keep you in self righteousness and immaturity. It happened to me, for a few months i went back to the legalistic self righteousness cult, but the difference was that i read the bible new testament in context....each letter as a whole with its' intro, facts and conclusion, whereas before my cult group gave me studies that only cherry picked scriptures to fit their confused paradigm. Remember that nothing comes from nothing, and that something, logically, had to begin the everything of this universe. The fine tuning for a life sustaining universe is too precise for it to have happened by chance. Again, your a smart person, but your"religious construct" is still there like a boogieman in the closet of your mind, and your fear of letting him out my turn your heart away for a time as it did me. God is so loving and good, i hope and pray you will one day turn to Him and begin the marriage covenant He desires with all people; volitionally give Him your life in the real truth not given thru any organizations' indoctrination but is given by His holy spirit personally guiding and speaking and teaching you throughout life and thru His word. God will so excite you and fill you with His joy, as He did me, as you discover the real truths found only in and thru Jesus Christ and His word. Get a bible that is not added to or things taken away in...the new world trans. has no merit as good scholarship in its' translation of critically important understandings such as eternal security in Christ...for God never makes a mistake on those He declares as His children of faith, He is the One who lovingly forgives and justifies, He is the One who transform the heart or desire of a man, as it says in the major prophets. May God bless you and shine His face upon you personally, as He does with all who seek the true God with all their heart! report abuse
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 written by not applicable , July 07, 2009 I grew up as a JW too. I was able to play sports and have friends that were "wordly". Do you think that there are just fanatics in each religion? I go to the memorial each year still. There are some things I do not agree with, like Birthdays. I dont see a problem celebrating the life that God gave me or my child. No birthdays but its ok to celebrate an anniversary??? does not make sense to me. Anyway! Sorry your upbringing was sooo different. Like I said, we could do all things, but no celebrating stuff  sad report abuse
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 written by Alli , August 19, 2009 Actually ... Your childhood in JW's is rare. I was born and raised until I was 26. I was a regular pioneer for 9 years and a special pioneer for 3 years. I was married to a ministarial servant. I was baptized at 13. I have many friends now that were former Jehovah's Witnesses, and his description of what it is like as a child, is entirely accurate. The witnesses, as a whole, are a very friendly and sincere people. I do not agree with their teachings anymore and i feel that it is a horrible way to grow up. To feel like you should perfect ( although they say no one is perfect, they expect you to be ) and never be able to live up to their impossible standards. To tell you the truth i have grown and learned so much from that religion but a child should be a child when they have their only opportunity to do so. It's also a waste of life not to be able to explore the world the way YOUR mind would like to. report abuse
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 written by Brien , September 01, 2009 Thank you for relating your experience because it is important to speak out. Unfortunately, your experience is not rare or unique like some have told you. I grew up in a JW family and it is very destructive to a person emotionally - psychologically -spiritually - mentally - physically. I did not realize to what extent until after I left. After many years of growing and receiving help to heal. I became very active and started several organization promoting cult awareness and counseling. Eventually, branching out to teach in a variety of settings. Surprisingly, many ex-cult members years after leaving a cult still hold some fondness for the cult they work so hard to get away from. It’s common to hear statements such as, “Your experience is vary rare or different from my experience. My experience was very positive.” This is to be expected since they were taught to never speak out against what ever organization they used to belong to. However, if counseling is ever brought into their lives they slowly begin to see all the ways their life was raped by the greedy people that used to control them. Once they see the cult for what it truly was the ex-member can begin healing and recovery. I am proud of you that you have chosen to be honest with yourself and others from the beginning. You will undoubtedly enjoy a rich and fulfilling life. Keep my contact information \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it contact me anytime you like. Best Regards, Brien report abuse
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 written by Joseph Lee,Jr. , September 02, 2009 Good information!!!!!! I actually grew up a Witness so I understand what it was like growing up a Witness.I recently wrote a book and would love for you to read it or go to my website at www.growingupawitness.com Good luck and I hope God bless you no matter who you may serve. report abuse
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 written by Ellen , November 29, 2009 This video makes me sad as my daughter and husband recently announced that they are becoming Witnesses. My little granddaughter was not able to celebrate her 5th birthday Nov. 19 - she was told "God doesn't like birthdays or Christmas" - very difficult for her to understand! Now my daughter tells me that we can only see our two grandchildren over at their house from now on. I'm learning, reasearching this cult - however, not sure how to begin with my daughter's closed mind. My two precious grandchildren's lives will be forever changed! report abuse
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