posted February 01, 2007 06:41 AM         

Uuughh!!!

I was raised as a JW.....fortunately my mother saw the light regarding organzied religon and got out before I was a teen...one of their main brainwashing techniques wsa "no sex before marriage'....hmmm...but it apears quite acceptable to have sex with their children...oh dear...

Their literature decries "false religions"

Jeeeez....they are as bad as other religions who are engaged in this appalling behaviour........

Disgusting!!!

At least my mother had the sense and decency to remove herself and family from this organisation

Like Colm O'Gorman said about the priests who raped him "those ******** ruined my life"....and for someone to come onto Irish tv and say that....well that was something else.

We are indeed living in very enlightening times.

posted February 01, 2007 06:49 AM         

Very nice people...

I invited them in, they looked around and proceeded to lecture me on the dangers of living the way I did (I had mentioned to them I studied astro and divination)...I also had some new age type of posters on the wall

We talked and drank tea...

At the end of the discussion, I asked them if they still thought I was the 'devil"s daughter" and they looked confounded. One of them said "you seem a very good and loving woman" and I repled "yes and one that doesnt need a man on a pulpit to tell me how to live. I go straight to God...its quicker and he/she doesnt lie"

They just looked at me and smiled a little sadly..

posted February 02, 2007 12:51 PM         

Just giving my thoughts here when I say that I personally would never consider another human being as being "lost" just because they are on a different path in their journey than I am or choose another way. No one is lost as long as they are alive.

It is my thinking that if it works for them and they find spirituality in it then it is probably right for them even if I don't believe as they do.

I have noticed that some people who do not follow the path of any organized religion can be just as dogmatic in their beliefs and non-belief as they accuse organized religion and those that follow a certain faith of being. They can also be just as judgemental of others as they accuse Christians and other religions of being.

I believe in leaving a person at peace with God, whatever they conceive God to be and whatever way they choose to find their way back to unity with God and all of creation.

Afterall, we are all heading in the same direction. We only have different ways and different tools we use in getting there.

Also religion is not the only place where sexual abuse of children takes place. It takes place everywhere and even those who follow the path of divination and astrology can be pediphiles. Evil often disguises itself as good. Why wouldn't it since we are created good and therefore if evil showed it's true face we would be repelled by it? On the whole of society, percentage wise, there is less sexual abuse of children in religion than takes place in society in general. Most children are sexually abused by family members, friends of family, relatives and those entrusted with the care of children by parents. It is just that when it happens in any religious organization it gets more media attention. We do afterall love to see those who are stiving to be good fall don't we? Makes us somehow feel better about ourselves because we apply different standards of conduct for others than we do ourselves. Especially priests, rabbis, and ministers. But actually they are all just weak imperfect human beings like ourselves.

posted February 02, 2007 03:09 PM         

There are abusers everywhere. Parents must also not be naive and also try to do their best to safeguard their children against abusers. Be vigil whereever their children is in contact with people when you are not with them. I don't think Sue's mother decided to cop out because she anticipated abuse scandal hitting that church. It may just have been a personal choice. Just as some food is good for some and poison for others, same with religious practices.

My view is that human body is the temple of God. Listen to your body needs. Does it get joy doing personal idol worship? Or does it get peace feeding that beggar on that street? Or does it get peace listening to gospel songs? There is an divine intelligence in all things and it is pure, beautiful. We must glorify it whenever we can.

-Manu

Since time started until now, we have forgotten about it. And now remembering again.

posted February 03, 2007 03:45 AM         

quote:

---

My view is that human body is the temple of God. Listen to your body needs. Does it get joy doing personal idol worship? Or does it get peace feeding that beggar on that street? Or does it get peace listening to gospel songs? There is an divine intelligence in all things and it is pure, beautiful. We must glorify it whenever we can.

---

And that was very well said by you, Mannu

posted February 03, 2007 02:29 PM         

quote:

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They just looked at me and smiled a little sadly.. I felt sorry for them..they felt somehow "lost"

---

posted February 03, 2007 03:12 PM         

YOU hit the nail on the head....

....(as usual)....they had lost me...(thank God)

Uuugghh....I hated those early years of my life, having to attend their creepy church. Even as a little one I could hear my "inner" voice shouting...."ooohh no, this aint right"...

Thankfully Mum got out of it in good time

How are you feeling now girl?

posted February 03, 2007 05:55 PM         

Am feeling lots better, thanks

Ain't it a good thing that they lost you?? You were hospitable and congenial, but you wouldn't play their game, so they were sad -- they couldn't put another "notch on their gun" by racking up another sheep.....

Actually this should probably be filed under "The Best of Intentions" -- their aim may be admirable, but missionaries don't take into account the FACT that most of their victims don't want to be "saved".....

posted February 03, 2007 06:28 PM         

haha i love that.....

so free spirited i am (as I know you are) they wouldnt have stood a chance in taming me....

My mother really thought she did right by taking us to the church and getting us into the bible, but it did actually have the opposite effect. Both my sis and I rebelled....

I like sheep.....but dont wanna be one...bah bah bah

posted February 03, 2007 10:10 PM         

I don't know much about JW, but I do remember a guy I met in my professional carreer. He is brilliant, made four times more money than the average American. I always wondered why did he fall for their teachings. But I being a fair guy, I gave him the benefit of doubt by not judging and also not telling him what to do. Not sure at what state he is now.

I do not believe anymore in charitable organizations too. Most of the non-profits are safe haven for the worst people i have met in my life. Worst in my opinion, because they really hurt as some of them are treacherous. The soul poisoners.

Cheers,
M