Waking up

[Seeker47]

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Just in the past year I have gone from feeling that something is wrong, to thinking that our leadership is off the rails, to thinking that a few of our doctrines are wrong, to finally realizing through the leadings of Holy Spirit that The Watchtower organization is not and never had been God’s chosen “channel of communication,” as they call themselves. This has been an extremely traumatic journey, as I have been taught virtually since birth that to question our leadership means condemnation and death. I also know that when my family finds out what I really believe, they will disown me.

So I am here to learn. I have humbled myself before Christ and realize now that, although I thought I was a well educated Christian, I am in the position of having to question everything I was ever taught. I thank God for the inspired scriptures because without that I would be so lost. He has shown me truths that I am eternally grateful for. I still have so much to learn. The variety of different belief systems among Christians can be very confusing and intimidating to the point where sometimes I feel like cocooning myself away in my room with my Bible and my God and forgetting that there is a “body of Christ” who sincerely love and worship God. Where are they? Who is right and who is wrong? What are the essentials for salvation? That’s what I’m here to try to figure out.

 

[Michie]

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Just in the past year I have gone from feeling that something is wrong, to thinking that our leadership is off the rails, to thinking that a few of our doctrines are wrong, to finally realizing through the leadings of Holy Spirit that The Watchtower organization is not and never had been God’s chosen “channel of communication,” as they call themselves. This has been an extremely traumatic journey, as I have been taught virtually since birth that to question our leadership means condemnation and death. I also know that when my family finds out what I really believe, they will disown me.

So I am here to learn. I have humbled myself before Christ and realize now that, although I thought I was a well educated Christian, I am in the position of having to question everything I was ever taught. I thank God for the inspired scriptures because without that I would be so lost. He has shown me truths that I am eternally grateful for. I still have so much to learn. The variety of different belief systems among Christians can be very confusing and intimidating to the point where sometimes I feel like cocooning myself away in my room with my Bible and my God and forgetting that there is a “body of Christ” who sincerely love and worship God. Where are they? Who is right and who is wrong? What are the essentials for salvation? That’s what I’m here to try to figure out.

Welcome! I hope you find the forums useful and edifying.

 

[Seeker47]

Welcome! My mom used to be involved with the JW’s so I know where you are coming from. I do hope you find the forums useful and edifying.

Thank you! I hope so too

 

[tampasteve]

Welcome, please feel encouraged to reach out if there is anything that I can do for you. I sincerely am glad that you are here with us.

 

[Leaf473]

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Just in the past year I have gone from feeling that something is wrong, to thinking that our leadership is off the rails, to thinking that a few of our doctrines are wrong, to finally realizing through the leadings of Holy Spirit that The Watchtower organization is not and never had been God’s chosen “channel of communication,” as they call themselves. This has been an extremely traumatic journey, as I have been taught virtually since birth that to question our leadership means condemnation and death. I also know that when my family finds out what I really believe, they will disown me.

So I am here to learn. I have humbled myself before Christ and realize now that, although I thought I was a well educated Christian, I am in the position of having to question everything I was ever taught. I thank God for the inspired scriptures because without that I would be so lost. He has shown me truths that I am eternally grateful for. I still have so much to learn. The variety of different belief systems among Christians can be very confusing and intimidating to the point where sometimes I feel like cocooning myself away in my room with my Bible and my God and forgetting that there is a “body of Christ” who sincerely love and worship God. Where are they? Who is right and who is wrong? What are the essentials for salvation? That’s what I’m here to try to figure out.

Hi Seeker47,

Nice to meet you and welcome to CF!

I've never been a Jehovah's Witness, but I have studied them and with them a lot. You're welcome to PM me anytime.

Hopefully you can disassociate and not get disfellowshipped. If I remember right, your family can still be around you if you are disassociated. But if you're df'd, they have to shun you, I think.

 

[Seeker47]

Hi Seeker47,

Nice to meet you and welcome to CF!

I've never been a Jehovah's Witness, but I have studied them and with them a lot. You're welcome to PM me anytime.

Hopefully you can disassociate and not get disfellowshipped. If I remember right, your family can still be around you if you are disassociated. But if you're df'd, they have to shun you, I think.

Actually that was how it was a long time ago. Now disassociation is considered worse than having to be disfellowshipped. Many ex JWs have resorted to trying to quietly disappear in order avoid the shunning, but it’s almost impossible to avoid. Even if no judicial action is taken, as soon as people realize you are inactive many of them will “soft shun” you, which means they avoid you even though you’re not disfellowshipped.

 

[Leaf473]

Actually that was how it was a long time ago. Now disassociation is considered worse than having to be disfellowshipped. Many ex JWs have resorted to trying to quietly disappear in order avoid the shunning, but it’s almost impossible to avoid. Even if no judicial action is taken, as soon as people realize you are inactive many of them will “soft shun” you, which means they avoid you even though you’re not disfellowshipped.

Ahh, well... I didn't know that. I hope things go well with you!

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

Welcome. It is very hard to sort the wheat(true believers) from the tares (pseudo-believers). If you are new to the faith,cacooning yourself alone with the Bible and the Holy Spirit is a good idea for now since there are many denominations in Christianity. After you are firmly established, find yourself a good church that teaches from the Bible.Avoid those works based churches.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 

[Carl Emerson]

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Just in the past year I have gone from feeling that something is wrong, to thinking that our leadership is off the rails, to thinking that a few of our doctrines are wrong, to finally realizing through the leadings of Holy Spirit that The Watchtower organization is not and never had been God’s chosen “channel of communication,” as they call themselves. This has been an extremely traumatic journey, as I have been taught virtually since birth that to question our leadership means condemnation and death. I also know that when my family finds out what I really believe, they will disown me.

So I am here to learn. I have humbled myself before Christ and realize now that, although I thought I was a well educated Christian, I am in the position of having to question everything I was ever taught. I thank God for the inspired scriptures because without that I would be so lost. He has shown me truths that I am eternally grateful for. I still have so much to learn. The variety of different belief systems among Christians can be very confusing and intimidating to the point where sometimes I feel like cocooning myself away in my room with my Bible and my God and forgetting that there is a “body of Christ” who sincerely love and worship God. Where are they? Who is right and who is wrong? What are the essentials for salvation? That’s what I’m here to try to figure out.

Welcome to CF...

Pray that Jesus will lead you to a loving fellowship where you can be safe and take time to find peace and truth.

I really feel for you and pray that you will get the support you need.

There are some here that understand the journey and will be understanding.

I read nothing but scripture for over 5 years during my return to the faith - just keep send ing any questions 'upstairs' and He will bring the answers you need to know.

Welcome home.

 

[Seeker47]

Welcome. It is very hard to sort the wheat(true believers) from the tares (pseudo-believers). If you are new to the faith,cacooning yourself alone with the Bible and the Holy Spirit is a good idea for now since there are many denominations in Christianity. After you are firmly established, find yourself a good church that teaches from the Bible.Avoid those works based churches.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Seems like Holy Spirit is leading me to be patient with myself and take the time I need. Thank you for your understanding

 

[Seeker47]

Welcome to CF...

Pray that Jesus will lead you to a loving fellowship where you can be safe and take time to find peace and truth.

I really feel for you and pray that you will get the support you need.

There are some here that understand the journey and will be understanding.

I read nothing but scripture for over 5 years during my return to the faith - just keep send ing any questions 'upstairs' and He will bring the answers you need to know.

Welcome home.

That’s mostly what I’ve been doing. After being in a religion where everything you do and believe is dictated by men, it’s hard to get used to relying only on God. But it’s the only way to come to the truth.

And thank you for your warm welcome

 

[GodAndChocolateVanilla]

Welcome to CF!

 

[Joined2krist]

Hi Seeker47, I'm glad you joined us here. Welcome!

 

[sunshineforJesus]

Hi and welcome here,Im so happy you are coming to know Jesus.