# *Would You Still be a JW..

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Posted by Al; [Aldurant] on November 17, 1999 at 22:33:11 {xx2d.1sWpQmlvf6PLwvct74NX2uzuA}:

In Reply to: Would You Still be a JW.. posted by Antique on November 17, 1999 at 04:51:29:

Antique-
The net had no bearing on my quiting. These characters lied directly to me. They told me that they had no knowledge of certain corespondence to which they had already responded, and of which I had proof. They ignored all the relevant points and feigned ignorance of the issues. Knowing how many times I had overlooked their irrationality, double-talk, and poor reasoning, I thought to myself, "Am I willing to watch my five-year-old die based on the word of these people?" I was fully aware of the changes in transplant policy and alternative service. It became clear to me for the first time that they did not care whether they were right or not, nor for the consequences of their irresponsible conclusions. I did much research and gave it much thought for about six months. I tried getting some feedback on it from two separate bodies of elders and the circuit overseer. Nobody wanted to discuss it. I researched books on cults that made no mention of Jehovah's Witnesses. I obeyed right down the line, including the internet until I made my decision. Knowing that I would deliberately ignore their blood policy interpretation should the issue arise, meant to me that I was out. They consider that "gross sin". Having faced five hospitalizations of my children and three of my own without the slightest doubt about the soundness of their judgement on the blood issue, I knew it was not out of fear. I was completely convinced that I was dieing less than two years ago, and completely at peace about it. But looking at the considerable pattern of their irrationality, irresposibility, and callous falsity, I knew that whatever God was doing, whatever the timetable, that shallow liars such as these would not be his instrument. Having given many talks defending them tooth and nail in the face of their worst flaws, I was fully aware of the "King Saul" defense to their authority. Not now, not in the "last days". Not while they send innocent people to their deaths for no reason. Their blasted money means more to them than lives. "For the Good News" they might say. Yet where is their trust in God? They have long since lost their trust. I suppose that is why they have so many lawyers.

I joined up at H20 on Nov 19th of 1998. Their was much that I had misinformed myself on via the Watchtower. I was fascinated with the Goldhammer book on "Under The influence" and the thirty something questions on how you know if you are in a cult. No mention of Witnesses but everything applied. And with the material from James Randi's "The Mask of Nostradamus" from the chapter "The Prophecy Game" or "the Rules of the Prophecy Game" or something like that. No mention of Witnesses here either.

I continued my reading of the recent history of American and English religions, even going to collectors museums and looking at books which were printed in the 1700's. It was obvious that there had been many with similar views, identical views even, including on prophecy. The same arrogance, cock-sure self-righteousness, and conviction that all others were condemned: only 200 years ago. If you put their paragraphs in the Watchtower no one would notice. I spent some two months with this aspect of the research.

On H20, I got into a discusion with Jan about evolution. I brought up a couple of authors, Michael Behe and Robert Shapiro. He gave me good links on Behe but didn't know anythinbg about Shapiro. Although our discussion was inconclusive, it started me thinking on my assessment of mainstream science and the value of peer review. There followed probably about twenty books, mostly on science, but one was Thomas Paine's "Age of Reason". A few more not-so-well-reseached dogmas bit the dust. To me, though, this was not a "loss of faith". This was a "reajustment" (we are all familiar with that word). Jan and I had I nice discussion on the nature and existence of God also. That was most enjoyable. I still believe in God, not from faith, not just from emotion, but from simple observation of the Universe. Of course my definition of God is very unlike traditional religions.

Especially enjoyable was a post of AF's on the local Geology of the Washington area. His clear desire to be accurate and truthful was apparent in his comments, and his writing style was very descriptive. After that and a discussion with Jan and/or Cygnus that made me realize that I had much thinking to do about the global flood idea, i began to read archaeology and geology, especially the various dating methods.

Then we have the various rounds with You Know, and others, who were so accomodating to give me a target to express myself and blast the WTS. All these people that agreed with me were no help in that regard! :) You Know shows up under a different name every now and then, tries to keep a low profile, but makes his same sort of remarks, though the briefer versions. He'll make another grand entry before too long I think. He likes that sort of thing.

The internet of course has multiplied the type of data I had about the character of the WTS times a thousand. I am amazed at the patient and thorough research so many of these folks with websites on it have done. I wish the reformers well for the sake of those human beings under the influence of the WTS, but I think they are mystics in their own way, but not the arrogant and brutal type who run the WTS or follow their lead.

Now I am moving in the direction of the computer industry, where I hope to do as well as I have in other work, minus the ungodly burden of the WTS.

Thanks for this thread. It was a nice unwind and H20 aniversary present to myself.

"Al"

Follow Ups:

- **Would You Still be a JW.. Antique 04:35:58 11/18/99 (1)
  - ***Would You Still be a JW.. Al; 06:00:40 11/18/99 (0)

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