Hi all! New to this app and to this group. Basically raised a JW since about five or six years old. So was in the cult abt 40 yrs. ?? Pioneer for total 13 yrs & elder for 7. Damn, crazy how much time I wasted. Anyway, three years faded now, and can’t believe all the info and dirt I have found on JW‘s which has led me to research further and become an agnostic atheist. Soon I will be sending in my disassociation letter. They will be some repercussions but I’ll be finally free to be completely me & celebrate the holidays if I want without threat of being disfellowshipped.
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29 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Welcome and it looks like you have a plan. Best of luck and share with us how it works out...most of us have had our struggles to change our way of being in the world, to fit how we think about our life.
Freedompath
Level 9
June 20, 2018
0
Search the groups...there are groups for ex-JWs. You will find a good tribe and support there. 
SkotlandSkye
Level 8
June 20, 2018
4
RJ14:
Excited to be here with you all, thanks
It takes courage to speak the truth. Many here are recovering from the religion of your youth. I was raised Catholic but I started questioning my faith at about 13 when i was told I could not serve on the alter because I am a girl and would " defile" it. Ahhhhh wait did not god make me a girl?? Then when I found out that Birthcontrol was a no no. Ahhhh wait if god made everything and god made birthcontrol a good thing but we can not use it? that was the begining of the end for me. Many here have similar stories. I wish you well on your journey! Welcome to the site.
Blissfull
Level 5
June 20, 2018
3
you did not pay attention. What they say is right and is god and everything you question is from the devil LOL
RJ14:
Wow. So misogynistic. Glad ur out
Hello. Welcome to your freedom. Your story giving me a hope. My stepson (who is living with his JW mother) is full indoctrinated. He is 10 and he was born in "truth ". My heart keep breaking apart when he is saying stuff like rainbow created by God or about armagedon. We celebrate New Year and birthday parties and some time he celebrates with us (basically he is with us at that moment ). He staying with us every second weekend and sometimes he goes to meetings. I believe no child should go through this. Anyway I am very happy for you. You have a lot of time to enjoy your life. Never look back
AlonaKa
Level 4
June 20, 2018
3
RJ14:
Thanks. Sorry hear about ur stepson. Seth Andrews from The Thinking Atheist podcast rctly had a show talking about how atheist parents raise their children to become critical thinkers. Maybe a point or two could help? Not taking about disbelief but on helping ur stepson develop critical thinking appropriate for his age? In no way I am telling you what to do. I am not a parent and have no experience. I thought that show was insightful and just want to pass the word around.
Welcome. My history is similar, except I was raised to be a Mormon. The best thing they ever did for me was to excommunicate me for apostasy.
Free at last, free at last, from "god almighty" we are free at last!
BestWithoutGods
Level 8
June 20, 2018
2
Released from the slave chains of religion! Atheists are terrible slaves because we think with reasoning
RJ14:
Hahaha. Totally get that. I have had some Mormon friends in past and still do. It’s tough...many similarities. Glad ur untethered 
Will you be making a blog?
Ellatynemouth
Level 8
June 20, 2018
1
RJ14:
I’m considering telling my story. The Shunned podcast has asked for anyone from any religion where they are being shunned to tell their story
You're free already bro, you don't need to send a disassociation letter or sit in a judicial committee or play by ANY of their rules. The only power they have over you is what you give them. Do whatever sits well with you though, there will be repercussions either way I'm sure. I'm here if you want to talk about anything.
zing
Level 6
June 20, 2018
1
I came out of the JWs myself. It's can be a hard group to break from. In some areas they make you build your whole life around them... But even so. You might be lonely for a while, but in today's world, finding community has never been easier.
Lifestone
Level 5
June 20, 2018
1
RJ14:
Very true. I’ve been on MeetUp...found a Humanist organization and other groups I’ve joined to build my community. Just takes time and patience. Also Bumble BFF
What repercussions?
Welcome to free waters. There are still a few cult minions on this side but much less of a presence and secular.
I've never been a JW but have adopted two of their practices voluntarily, as an individual and for completely different reasons.
Zero ritual occasions; meaning all holidays and all group rituals but respecting and showing respect for others participating, in general. Also refusal of blood. Nothing about it is reated to theology.
I hope in your cross-over that you get enjoyment from holidays and the intellectual freedom you've reclaimed.
Silver1wun
Level 7
June 20, 2018
2
Congratulations, if I may recommend "The John Cedars channel" on YouTube.. pretty good IMO.
SG1life2live
Level 5
June 20, 2018
1
RJ14:
Thanks, I subscribe to his channel. Been very helpful
Enjoy your freedom for sure, and welcome to having your mind being free 
cobra3282000
Level 6
June 20, 2018
1
RJ14:
Thanks
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