being called an apostate? It used to tick me off but now I wear it proudly. Being called an apostate means I have turned my back on those teachings (which I have) and does not mean I am evil or spout lies. It simply means I have seen the religion is not for me and I am not afraid to voice my opinion on the matter. How about you? How does the word "apostate" effect you?
2007-12-24 00:53:02 · 8 answers · asked by Elphaba 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Unsilenced...case and point of what you said, check out what Vot had to say about "apostate" answers:
There is no need to read what known apostates say. We know who they are, and even when we don't just the first line of an answer can tell you where the rest is going.
The thumbs-down button comes in handy here- when you click that at the end of an apostate answer, the whole thing folds down. If you don't read what they say, it's really "out of sight, out of mind".
2007-12-24 01:59:45 · update #1
Yes I'm an apostate. I stood up and against lies and oppression. And I will continue to do that.
I have several little nieces and nephews who will be raised in this religion while their parents wait for the big A.
They will not go to college, they will not be able to have fulfilling careers, except for the "fulfilling career of being a pionner or working at bethel".
If one of them ever chooses to leave to do their own thing, they will go through the same pain I have felt and I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
I hope that I can help other people to get out before raising their kids in it.
Because I have seen so many people lose so much for the simple thing that is God given....
Freedom.
2007-12-24 02:07:02 · answer #1 · answered by Mathair 2 · 5⤊ 3⤋
Dear questioner,
I agree with your attitude and feelings as expressed through your words.
The handy online dictionary says that "apostate" means, "a person who forsakes his religion, cause, party, etc." I walked away from the org and disassociated myself in 2000 - after having been convinced that it was God's organization for more than 30 years and having been disfellowshipped once and later reinstated.
By taking the "hard line" of personal integrity and stating that I voluntarily severed my association with the organization, of course I lost the association of my family and JW "friends;" however, although I feel compassion for my children especially and regret the loss of contact with them, I feel that overall I am more at peace within for having taken what for me was the only acceptable course of action. I prefer not to even imagine feigning loyalty to an organization that I have identified as toxic, while no longer believing in its doctrines and detesting many of its policies and characteristic behaviors. And very significantly, I have much better things to do with my time.
(My American spelling is intentional because it is "au"-thentic for me.)
2007-12-26 19:14:42 · answer #2 · answered by Cruithne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We do not call each other Apostate. I think that is a J.W. word.. The Apostles teach the Good News of Jesus the Son of the Living God so to answer the question I'd wear a smile that could be seen for a mile because what better complement could a Christian recieve that that?
2007-12-24 01:08:26 · answer #3 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 3⤊ 5⤋
I don't mind it at all. A lot of my family are still Witnesses and they don't associate with me that much. Being a Jehovah's Witness just was not for me. I've been an ex ever since I graduated high school 5 years ago and if I haven't, I wouldn't be where I am today...(in the military) I just don't understand some of the teachings and practices. Like I have a cousin who was a Witness and in need of blood because of her sickness. Some of the members of my family turned their backs on her when she got the operation. I just don't get it sometimes. But they can call me what they want, just don't call me a Jehovah's Witness.
2007-12-24 01:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by mel 2 · 7⤊ 4⤋
There is a very small percentage of the population that thinks we are apostates.
They ignore, report and get answers they don't like blocked.
There fearless leaders are so afraid that they will lose control of their minds, they tolerate no opposing views.
Personally I'm happy as a clam to be out of that mess.
Did you see where one of the latest kingdom ministry's discourages Witnesses to get together independently and discuss the Bible? There will be no Bible study without Big Brother watching!!
2007-12-24 08:15:04 · answer #5 · answered by isnrblogdotcalm 5 · 6⤊ 2⤋
As a disfellowshiped Jehovah's wittiness i was never called that , i am sure it would have bothered me .
I am proud to say i am going to the meetings again and have never been happier.
After around 25 years out of it ,i realized there is nothing better.
2007-12-24 00:59:02 · answer #6 · answered by pestie58 the spider hunter 6 · 4⤊ 5⤋
His light will guide you to the truth.
2007-12-24 00:57:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They can call me whatever they want. I have a wonderful relationship with my saviour Jesus Christ and no one can take that away from me.
No one in the world has special access to God that anyone else doesn't have. I have turned away from their lies too.
Merry Christmas!
2007-12-24 01:42:12 · answer #8 · answered by Tanya Pants 2 · 5⤊ 4⤋