I'm an ex Jehovah's Witness AMA

[StressyMessyJess]

Any questions Ill try to answer as honestly as possible 😊

Are you now atheist or do you still believe in some form of religion?
What age did you stop believing in JW teachings (as in doubting it rather than actually outwardly stopping following it).

Do you have any siblings, and if so are they still JW?

How do they justify to themselves not showing their child life saving blood transfusions?

If you don’t mind me asking your age, I’d quite like to know how long it’s been since you left?

Yes, that's why it was banned in Puritan England under Cromwell. It's essentially a Pagan festival. In Scotland, Christmas Day wasn't even a day off for most people until comparatively recently.

I am now atheist and I wasn't too sure about what I really believed until I was much older. Its hard to stop believing in something you were born it, bought up with. I am now a firm non believer!

Yes I have siblings, some are still JW, some aren't. We all get on surprisingly well, just tend not to discuss serious topics with the JWs.

They believe that they are doing God's will and that they will be reunited with their child in the future
Its truly horrible to have seen it first hand

Im 42 now so Ive been fully out of it around 20 years

When our DC had a blood transfusion I questioned later in conversation why we had to sign to give consent (as in, DC was unlikely to survive without it so surely even if we didn't give consent they would go ahead and give it) and the doctor said they would but it would involve a same day emergency court order first if it wasn't immediately life threatening, but at any point if DC deteriorate and their life is at risk whilst waiting for permission they give it without permission or an order still.
So it sounds like hopefully essential cases being denied is no longer an issue.
Though sounds like its still going to be an issue in cases where it would help the child but isn't a huge risk not to have it.

Did you mix with non JW children as a child, and did you notice the differences and feel jealous of them or were you secure in the community/they were just background?

Was my experience typical? We went to a JW wedding and once people found out we weren’t one of them , they literally turned their backs on us, moved away etc. This was about 20 years ago

That’s so interesting! I left the same age as you and I’m 10 years older. So I’ve been out and free for 30 years! I left to be with a man I fell in love with who was not a JW. Best decision ever. I’ve been married 25 years, have 3 beautiful children and go totally overboard every Christmas! We always have 2 trees, one in the lounge and one in the dining room. I host Christmas get togethers with my friends (a couple of ex-JWs come too) and family. Christmas music in the background 😂. I’m from a large family who weren’t JWs so thankfully I have them. Sadly things aren’t great with my mum who is still in the religion. She left for a short while when I left, but her guilt ate her up and she had to go back in. The strange thing is whilst I miss her and find it heartbreaking at times as we used to be so close, I can see the security the religion brings her so I’m happy for her she’s back in it.

Yes this is usually the case when it involves a minor, the parents wishes will be overruled

Yes we did have a few non JW friends and my most overwhelming memory is wanting them to not think I was weird

I would say that's highly unusual.
As a rule JWs dont seek out friendships with non JWs but are always polite and friendly

PS I’ve watched Everyone Else Burns. It’s genius. You have to watch it. So many things ring true. Parts will make you cry (the birthday cake scene). Think I read one of the writers is a former JW.

Glad youre happy with your life and sorry you aren't close to your mom.
Im very lucky that my family are very accepting

Was there a pivotal moment or a straw that broke the camel's back where you thought... THAT'S IT, I am not doing this anymore?
If so, what was it?!

(sorry to pry!)

Ive no intention of derailing but I'm an ex Dub and I very much class it as a cult

That's completely your prerogative.
Everyone has different experiences and feelings

For me, as it is with lots of JWs, I fell in love with a non JW and the pivotal moment was choosing him over the religion (turns out he was a complete ass but I guess the end justifies the means😆)

Oh no! Were they ok in the end? Im so sorry if not.

Most were. One not. Thank you x

Do you have a faith now?

Apologies, I posted before I read the full thread.

No problem.
I'm happily faithless!

OP are there any positives you can think of to being a JW? I hear only negatives things (and I guess there's a good reason for that) but I just wondered.