Posted by Rational [trw] on November 07, 1999 at 14:22:04 {zExURjw8QAYgCUWv3.1cm0FN8UzOHE}:
In Reply to: *To Rational posted by AF on November 05, 1999 at 21:46:09:
Hi Alan,
Well, they say "time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana." Has it been five years? I only remember posting for less than two on H2O. My, don't tell me we used to be on the same 'JWs only' forum??? I remember ... well, nevermind, that would be giving away too much.
Yeah, I guess I've "come a long way" in the last few years--from a Saul of Tarsus stoning 'apostates' to a Paul of Antioch, agonizing alongside them. Funny how that can happen. You don't think of yourself as being outstandingly 'honest' (much less 'courageous' which my continued anonymity attests), but eventually conscience kicks in and you're unable to rationalize it away. It's more powerful than either fear or ambition, and leaves you crying, questioning, begging for some clarification. And eventually, you realize that clarification will never come from The Watchtower, but only from your own rational mind pursuing answers that may elude you for a long long time. But you have no other choice: accept a lifetime of blind obedience to those who are not truly honest, or strike out and pursue the elusive truth. My deepest thanks to you, dear friend, for having the integrity to speak truthfully and at great personal cost of time and resources to you and your family.
I'm going to take some time off for now from H2O and focus on real, live people I've come to know and care for, who need post-Watchtower-world help. I know your time is well spoken for, but we'll keep in touch. As for the GS thing, it's hard for me to imagine your taking the time to give him further audience, but if you do, Don't forget your waders!
Best wishes to you and yours,
RW