how do you feel about former jehovah's witnesses (those that followed the religion but have since left for whatever reason)?
2007-07-24 12:34:12 · 22 answers · asked by Rebekah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think some of them are very nice people. In my opinion, I feel the organization (specifically the leadership) they belong to and their beliefs have some issues, but I don't really have a problem with them on a personal level. If a JW leaves the organization, that is their choice, and I applaud their courage. It makes me happy when I see someone who can stand up for themselves.
I feel very sorry for most of the JW adherents, which includes my mother who has been a JW for many years.
Incidentally, the JW below (achtung...whatever) is incorrect on there being no "elite" class. This is one of my biggest issues with the JWs teachings. I am a former JW and a former Bethel servant. They use titles such as any other religion but they call them different names (elder, ministerial servant, pioneer, circuit overseer, district overseer, bethelite, etc.). I have accepted some of these titles in my past service and experienced the power they bring firsthand. In addition, women are not allowed to hold any of those titles except "pioneer". Also, each title carries with it certain privileges. Furthermore if you have a title, it is possible to manipulate the system to further your ambitions. Those without a title are often marginalized and looked down upon by some in the congregation. I have personally witnessed this on every level I've served. This is the epitome of a classist system, and to call it anything else is further evidence of deception.
2007-07-24 12:40:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 5⤋
The responses to your question are purely subjective, as I am sure you would agree. Personal opinions are what you are soliciting and opinions are like . . . noses, everybody's got one. Sometimes those personal opinions are married to name-calling as you no doubt noticed. Truly reminds me of the Pharisees in the first century: they called Christ a drunkard, a glutton, and a demonized Samaritan. They referred to those who listened to Christ as accursed people who did not know the law. Some folks listened to the Pharisees. Some checked out the teachings for themselves.
How does Jehovah God feel about Jehovah's Witnesses is a question that comes to my mind. Because in the final analysis, it really does not matter what professed Christians, former Witnesses or present Witnesses think. What truly matters is what Jehovah thinks.
Hannah J Paul
2007-07-25 08:16:08 · answer #2 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
They become the most loyal trustworthy followers of CHrist one could hope to see. I would look at like this. WE are born and one day we are married to the love of our lives. Before this happens we hope and dream of the person we are to be with. THe day it happens is pure Joy and we know we have met our true love.
With ex JW they have spent there lives without the relationship our hearts log for in Christ. But unlike most they where on what they thought was the truth. Lost searching and waiting for Christ following a religion that does not know him. THe day they find him is a day they will never forget and you can see in there actions and there joy for him they are joined forever to his love.
I think they are beautiful Christians when they finally join Christ, some of the most beautiful anyone could know.
GOd bless
2007-07-24 19:45:12 · answer #3 · answered by Michael M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I feel very sad that they have left. They feel very isolated because they are still, to some extent, holding to some Christian beliefs. Because of this they never feel comfortable being a part of any other religion. That is a terrible position to be in. They also see a difference in at least some of the non-witnesses they are associating with.
I want so much for them to humble themselves, repent and return to appreciating all the wonderful spiritual truths they once held so dear in their hearts- beliefs they would have died for rather than forsake.
2007-07-24 21:08:12 · answer #4 · answered by catgrl 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
As a former witness...I feel sad and frustrated that Witnesses won't look int othe problems in their own faith...it took alot, but I eventually did.
there are many former Witnesses here and all of them are hoping to help Jw's se the real truth of the cult that they are tied up in.
Being a Christian is so wonderful once you are following god and mot man.
Learn more:
http://freeminds.org
http://watchman.org
http://silentlambs.org
Catgirl...I am Very comfortable being a Baptist after 22 years of being uncomfortable being a Witness.......I know you can't get your mind around that, but it is true.
2007-07-24 23:14:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
I have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 33 years. I couldn't be happier to be part of an organization that follows Bible guidelines so closely. We don't just read the Bible, but we live it. Because of our Christian stand, we do not go to war for ANY reason. We do not smoke. We do not abuse our bodies with illegal drugs or alcohol. We pay our taxes. We are law abiding citizens. We do not contaminate our beliefs by becoming involved in pagan holidays like Christmas and Easter. We are not isolationists; we are in the public's eye EVERY DAY, sharing what we know from the Bible with our neighbors.
It makes me sad when former JW's on this forum attack and slander their former spiritual brothers and sisters. I just hope that eventually come to their senses and rejoin Jehovah's spiritual family.
Observe the hateful words that have been levied against us by those who consider themselves Christian:
"disgusting brainwashing cult"
"picky and interferring; not Christian"
"twisted"
"false prophets"
Go figure.
2007-07-24 19:40:57 · answer #6 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 7⤊ 4⤋
I'd feel the same way towards them as everyone else. It's just a religion, it doesn't really define who the person is.
2007-07-24 19:38:45 · answer #7 · answered by Bethany 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well the religion its self is an occult. I feel sorry for those caught up in this religion. For those who have left I am sure its because they learned the truth. JW is a great religion to learn about so one can better witness to them.
2007-07-24 19:46:10 · answer #8 · answered by iwant_u2_wantme2000 6 · 3⤊ 5⤋
Unfortunately, many people don't have enough accurate information about JWs to make an informed decision.
2007-07-24 19:51:46 · answer #9 · answered by Moto 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I work with two of them and it disturbs me to see them not partaking in the cultural norms like birthday parties, holidays, etc. Those things are such a part of our culture, it seems hard to integrate with society if you don't do those types of things.
2007-07-24 19:38:10 · answer #10 · answered by Stargazer 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋