You know I was originally going to make this post sometime in the future but since I've been given an ultimatum, I guess we'll get to it now. So just to get to the point I no longer wish to identify as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. That may come as a big shock to most, some it wont. For those who immediately tuned out. Not a problem, I expected you to immediately exit the post so no hard feelings. For those who are interested in my decision please strap in and enjoy the ride.
I have spent most of my life trying what I thought was an attempt at living the best life ever. I spent years of my time and effort putting in the work. Over those years I feel like I watched a lot of hypocrisy throughout the org. There have always been some parts of the religion that I just didn't agree with or just flat out didn't want to do. In 2020, at the start of the pandemic I really had some time to reflect on what I actually believed in. And that led me to do some research on why we even believed those things. That opened up a big can of worms and for the first time I had a chance to peel back the layers of the organization.
Something that really humored me was when I found the fact that there is basically a guide to how to play the “How to be a Witness” game. The “SHEPHERD
THE FLOCK OF GOD” book (202305_sfl_E https://files.accessjw.org/s/NSCySFCnaSiE2A5). The fact that this book exists tells me that this isn't an organization led by the Holy Spirit and is instead just led by Men. Here’s one that really makes me laugh. According to the shepherds book, if a person commits “serious sin” in the past if they have enough time and they have been serving with no issues for years the recommendation is to ignore those past issues. I wish I would have known it was that easy to just get away with. Thinking back on it, I'm sure that’s how a lot of people got away with things that they probably shouldn't have. I'm not going to name any names here and rat anyone lol but if the shoe fits then well, you get the idea.
Something else that really bothered me was the lack of brotherhood for my dad when my mom was dying. For people that are supposed “family” they were nowhere to be found, you could almost say that it was a stumbling block for me. I struggled with that for a little while and I wondered how from all the people that my family has helped and been there for, we couldn't get that same love back.
It doesn't just stop there, that kind of treatment is rampant throughout the org and I really can't in good conscience continue to believe that “The Truth '' would leave those in need behind.
This is really only scratching the surface of what is wrong with the witnesses. Some other really disturbing facts about the organization to name a few that i encourage you to research yourself including but not limited too:
Failed Prophecies for 1800,1914,1925,1975, etc..
Changed Doctrine including Conscientious Objection, Disfellowshipping, Generations, Unclean practices such as Smoking and Holiday Celebrations
Active suppression of Child Sex Abuse perpetrators
Deceitful use of Donated Funds
…And much much more!
If you want to read the FULL story of our path of learning please check out Brianna’s post and link to our blog (missthecherrys.com/blog/2023update).
To those that feel the sudden urge to “reach out” to convince me to reconsider or change my mind, I want to make it clear that this isn't a negotiable topic. I really just wanted everyone to know where I am currently in my life as a person. Life really couldn't be better now. The Organization loves to prey on the fear of being alone and the fear of failure. While those fears are legitimate, I can assure you that being on the “outside” is so much better for my happiness and mental health. I can do all of the things I dreamed of doing that I was not allowed to do because the bible told me those things were wrong. Meanwhile those who played the game seemed to succeed. And if you take nothing else from this post, at least download the “SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD” book (202305_sfl_E https://files.accessjw.org/s/NSCySFCnaSiE2A5) and enjoy the guide on how to be a successful witness.
For those that relate to anything I said or have any doubts that you feel should be explored, my line is always open and completely risk free (who am I going to tell LOL). I encourage everyone to do their own research and come to their own conclusion. And never silence those doubts in your head. They are warnings to our innate sense that something isn’t right.
