Only Christan ex- Jehovah's Witnesses are able to move on?

[chekcheck123]

what do you believe in then if you don´t believe in god?

[stepfordescapee]

i know i am way late watching this video! thank you for your view. i am in a place where i don't know WHAT to believe. it would make this even harder for me if i felt compelled to jump into another religious belief system to move on.

[tr0llkona]

I come across that sort of thing a bit. It pisses me off. I left an online Ex-JW group today because it turned out the purpose of the group was to teach the REAL truth about the Bible. :s I'm a Pagan (reconstructionist Heathen), and the only thing I have qualms about with this video is your definition of religion, the belief in a deity/deities who care about you. In plenty of Pagan beliefs deities/supernatural beings may or may not care about humans, which I think is significant.

[gilbert4321]

Jesus teaches to love your neighbour and yet people claiming to be Christian send out allot of hate against people who are not Christian... Something is very wrong here

[vba4accountants]

CS, love ur shit. Your concept that atheists can't can't hate God because they don't believe in God is true. The reason religious sects like this state such deluded messages is because they use it 2 indoctrinate those believers into thinking that even Atheists deep down believe in God. I know this because I used 2B a devout Christian they used to teach me that "there is no such thing as an atheist" so when you witnessed, you would attempt to help them believe god deep down inside them.

[5Dshapeshifter116]

well if you do some real research about the early Christians you will find that they ate mushrooms to perform healings and have visions which totally makes sense if you've eaten mushrooms before, now lets go preach the true Gospel of the mushroom =)

[MrMsbllwnkl]

Great vid bro. Ex-JW myself, same story.

[saleebyman]

I jus listened to the first statement u made: that u cannot hate god if he doesnt exist...i agree with this....but i wud understand this as the writer saying that many ppl leave the JW church becoming atheist and being one of those atheists that Hate the idea of God...im pretty sure thats wat he/she was saying in the article...

not defending her in any way...im jus sayin thats wat i think she was saying

[healthinfo1]

You say that you don't believe in God,, and that is fine with me..

I mean why should it bother anyone what the other guy wants to believe as long as it is not bothering him..!!

If I think the other guy is going to hell because he does not believe in something,, then I am judging, and that is not my place to judge anyone..

The fact of the matter is, nothing that we see or feel around us can actually be real; and this is like a dream that we are gong through.!

[mosesboox]

lol I like that surprise twist at the end of the article, "These persons realize..."

Keep on keepin on, man, you're helping a ton of people on here.

[masterkey14]

You're right about the artical. No agnostic of athiest can truly be hating God. I must say you are clever to study first some believes before trowing them away. There're people how don't do that too.Just believe what they made up of everything. If people want to stay atheist the may do so.Your right that fights between atheist&Christianity is very hard.Many wisdom and love to believe what you want to believe in. I just like to see people reseach first before discarting a bunch of religions.

[molyvenson]

this dude does have problem moving on, making all these vids. I'm an ex Jw and just stop caring for it, i did not keep on whining everyday. neither did i leave because they were unfair and bad, but because i wanted to. stop giving people with good intentions a bad name. nobody is crazy enough to gather around and decide to practice things they know are wrong. hitler did bad things because he belive they were right. (hitler was an example)

[latindre100]

part 4 anywho i don't get why i can't wirte heaps anyways if this pisses you off well sorry i don't mean too i could go all day long about God i dunno i feel i could talk all day long about him hmmm anyways stay safe hope to hear from you i don't mind if you swear at me if your pissed at me but i said wat i had to say laters God bless and one last thing JC loves you so know that alright laters

[latindre100]

part 3 man theres this that i learn wether you like it or not and i can't agree you joining all Gods as one don't do that man thats and this wat i've studied and something i feel deeply don't put other Gods on the same level as the king of kings and lord of lords s my lord JC man i've changed hard core cause of that name that when you say it you feel he comes. Mind you bro i ain't telling you off i simply am trying to say don't do that man don't compare i'm happy you gave up jw there screwed up

[latindre100]

part two wether this pisses you off man rememebering all my bible studies all my journey theres was one thing i learned every decision i've made all my mistakes i had to pay but my journey through the christian and this is something they don't teach wat does christian mean is it a religion is a group sort off but is a person who walks in the same foot steps as christ did and being like christ you grow to have his compassion his humbleness and act like christ you want to teach the word of God

[latindre100]

sup man it's andres aka latindre100 i must agree i've always wondered about the jehova's witness and yes i done my research and trust me it's so screwed up like for example the part that that if you ain't with the jehova witness than your against God man got me thinking it goes against wat the vertues i have studied like yes i could explain everything that i believe but you don't want to hear it thats a decision i do think this way and wether this pisses you off it's up 2 you

[ltlilyturner250]

I understand still what you are going throught!

that faith is rubbish!

totally fucking rubbish!

[ironjohnlad]

The statement you read out is nonesemce ! You are right ! For me, I have had too many experiences that seem to be transcendental to disbelieve, but I am not sure what these spiritual experiences have to do with religion ! But of course, I recognise that I could be wrong !

[Hyrshau]

I get a very strong sense that you have not really moved on either. Why not stop posting these videos? I think that they may prevent the relationship with your mother from going back to normal. I have left 'the truth' too and it took my family a while to get used to it but they eventually did. All the while I showed I respected their choice to remain in the congregation although I could see how the Watchtower is full of contradictions. It worked for me so I thought I'd share.

[irefrem]

Your video and my situation kind of go hand in hand. Both me and my sister have indeed moved on; we did so a long time ago in fact. One atheist and one christian and no extraordinary adjustment issues for either of us. This article you read is completely BIASED from a religious standpoint.

[irefrem]

I do not adhoc explanations for things that I cannot explain. I am truly an atheist because there is no god and I make no attempt to prove that there is some sort of mystery that cannot be explained.

[irefrem]

I am an atheist and my sister is a christian. She does not follow any single religion but she still believes in Jesus. I don't buy any of it myself.

We are best friends and we agree on so many things in life. We are literally 2 peas in a pod. You sound a bit more like an atheist than an agnostic. I called myself agnostic for a long time because I said you can't disprove X or Y. Not being able to prove or disprove didn't mean anything to me though, not when I really thought about it.

[jenlinc2006]

Hey CS. You might find Unitarian Universalism does not espouse a belief in a God, though is considered an organized religion. Maybe you've checked it out- sounds like you have done a lot of homework. It tends to be where a lot of intellectuals who like the communal aspect of religion but don't believe in a deity end up.

[CrissieRice2027]

do you believe there is a god????

[wanchablacka]

u r so mad that u cant see ur fam that u have to hate on everyone....ur anger that u have drove u to become the apostate and since uve been in the truth before u know that apostates change everything we say and make it all bad!!!

[cooper79jeffr]

@wanchablacka - You're spouting the Watchtower's "company line" here, that anyone who leaves is angry and/or evil. In reality, the Watchtower's rules (not Bible rules) demand that you totally disown your friends and family who are ex-members. So the Watchtower is promoting the hatred and lack of love between family members, by placing their organization ahead of the family unit.

[ressica29]

Is there anyway to be able to speak with you directly? E-mail perhaps? I have been inactive for 10 yrs and recently wrote my disassociation letter. I have felt alone for so long, and although I enjoy the therapy of listening to you on YouTube, I would like to converse about ur personal story. Please, I am just looking for a little support to work through this awful guilt that I just can't seem to drop.

[darklordkaine]

I tried the whole christian thing after I left, read the king james bible. Then I learned how the bible was formed and who King James was. DONE!

[pande4509]

seems to me that you have a good idea on how you want to travel this journey we call life. If it works for you keep it up.I do think you do use logic to make decisions and I don't blame you one bit for being bitter at the watch tower

[inspirediam]

*Namaste

PS: I choose to take from all philosophies to create my own brand of spirituality. How's that for embracing diversity? lol

[inspirediam]

I respect your perspective. This is your life, your journey, your experience. Who am I to judge? I refuse to judge you. I absolutely embrace our diversity. ~Namase

[inspirediam]

The article rubbed me the wrong way, because there was an arrogance to it...an "US vs THEM" mentality.

[ashley060189]

I'm a spiritual person who left the Presbyterian church at the age of 15 (I'm 20 now). I feel a connection with some sort of "higher power", but I have yet to define my own beliefs entirely, as I am still researching & figuring out where my head is at. Without continuing to ramble, I just want to say thanks to CSTheApostate for giving me something to ponder. Great job, man. Keep up the great work.

[inspirediam]

I complete grasp what you are saying...that was me 25 years ago...keep on searching...the answer comes from within... ~Namaste

[bababybwoo]

you're right! doesn't make sense! doh!

[screech519]

WAS THAT A DIET COKE YOU TOOK A DRINK FROM?!?!

CONVERT TO PEPSI AT THIS INSTANT, OR YOU SHALL BURN IN ETERNAL HELLFIRE!!!!

lol...

[Winnerpunk]

@screech519 pepsi come form the makers coke you adoration idiot!!

lime, salt and cold ass corona would be better.

[IGOROZKARSKY]

@screech519 WOW. THANKS MAN, THAT'S A BIG COMFORT,

I´M A PEPSI MAN MYSELF, & I´M NOT GOING TO BURN

ETERNALLY IN HELL, NOW THAT IS SOME GOOD-NEWS !

THREE LOUD CHEERS FOR

THE PEPSI-COLA COMPANY !

1.HIP HIP HURRAY !

2.HIP HIP HURRAY !

3.HIP HIP HURRAY !

[jaker2880]

I'm fully convinced that the leadership (governing body)of the JWs do not believe it.

[guitaro5000]

You know, I've contemplated that as well. I think the governing body is comprised of either atheists or agnostic with lots of pressure to keep the wheel rolling for a reason I can not decide. I don't know if all ever really believed or if some now don't believe anymore or what. All I know is that the doctrine is so preposterous that after all these years they have to know they're making this up as they go.

[SomeStylistGuy]

When I left (and I was born in) I found it impossible NOT to deeply investigate "The History of the origin of Religion". Do that open mindedly with many resources and it's impossible not to come to a reasonable decision.

[bugsaregod]

I don't hate anything or anyone, I'm happy believeing there is no god. I studied religions in college , I left those experinces convinced I don't need a religion to feel complete, loved, worthy, or secure. I have all those things with out reservation. I am able to openly extend my hand to others with out judement . It seems that people with "faith" are so very insecure, forever threatened by " worldly things" .

[cooper79jeffr]

Hi bugs. Thinking there is no God does not require "belief". Things supernatural and fantastic (God, Santa Claus, the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the great pink unicorn) require "belief".

You don't need religion to be moral and trustworthy. In fact, you can do good things not because you fear retribution from God, but because you love humanity. Love is a better reason to be good than fear is.

[MrWizeupnow]

Only Christian ex-JW s are able to move on? Yes, they are. Makes you wonder as well why so many help sites for Jws are run by Christian ex-JWs?

[cooper79jeffr]

The reason so many help sites for JW's are run by Christian ex-JW's? Because these Christian groups know that leaving JW's leaves one vulnerable, and they want to fill the void before the ex-JW can get on their feet and think on their own. For some ex-JW's who are quickly caught into another religion, it can be like going directly from the frying pan into the fire.

[ForeverRotts]

cooper79jeffr,

Although I agree that some may have the motive you suggest, I believe that most people whether religious or nor are truly genuine in their approach and their only "motive" is to help others. We shouldn't paint everyone with the same brush. I am not nor have I ever being a Jehovah's witness but I have, like most everyone, spoken to them at my door.

[cooper79jeffr]

Rotts...if you are responding to my more recent common 2 months before this:

I don't have a problem with many believers themselves. My problem is with the teachings and leadership style contained in organized religions.

It's evident organized religions use fear of condemnation as a way to instill loyalty. Also I see that they (whether Muslim, Christian or other) try to get their views imprinted in our laws and into the school curriculum. Our government should not allow such favoritism.

[ForeverRotts]

I was replying to your response about the reason why JW help groups are christian. Just above.

[cooper79jeffr]

I just feel such empathy with people leaving JW's and feeling a huge void. Having been a JW and finding myself on the outside, I most definitely felt lost and vulnerable. It took a while to get my bearings.

I think JW leaders seek to take advantage of their people, and I don't trust any who rush to fill the void. Of course, some former JW's eventually do seek various forms of spirituality -- and that's up to them as long as it's of their own volition.

[shalindriaharam]

I agree with the end of the article, to a certain extent. There are people that believe the opposite of what the Watchtower teaches. I do concur with you though, you can't hate what you don't believe in. I wouldn't say agnostics or atheists are inept at moving forward. Atheists are needed in society to keep things on an even keel.

[cooper79jeffr]

Shalindriaharam,

Interesting comment about atheists and society. I support the activities of the Secular Coalition for America. Check it out on line.

America was founded on the basis of freedom FROM religious domination -- the founders wanted freedom from Britain's Anglican church.

Fighting religious influence in American government benefits both believers and non-believers. When government favors/ financially supports one brand of religion, it discriminates against other religions.

[shalindriaharam]

you are wise. I will give it a look. :D

[batmanzerozeromatrix]

Without God in our lives every human being is most miserable. That misery can be temporarily quenched by things in this world, but eventually that emptiness comes back, as only God can satisfy the heart of man.

[batmanzerozeromatrix]

Better is little with the fear of the YHWH than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Proverbs 15:16-17

[Shot4Truth]

I can kind of agree with somethings, I like that you will not follow any man and that is, Great!

Its been a hard road for me too!

Your are my brother with the same "Purpose"!

To Stop The HATE of the Watchtower!

Thanks my Brother!

[SaintBertholdt]

In your video you claim you read Anton Lavey's Satanic Bible. Really? If you did you would know he was the biggest anti-theist out there. He was an atheist and Satan is only an allegorical model. You said all religions offer hope for the future (everlasting life). Really? Satanism? You're blowing smoke, you have not researched anything beyond ten minutes worth of google. FAIL.

[CSTheApostate]

Your absolutely right, Anton LaVey was an anti-theist. However there was a mystical side to the rituals, it may have just been a psychological release but casting "hex's" to kill your enemy has mysticism written all over it. And your are also correct I should have said most main-stream religions offer a hope for the future. Anton LaVey's book was one of the best I ever read, but its just a you-tube blog mate don't get your panties in a twist.

[CSTheApostate]

And yes, the Satanist I met online were Theistic Satanist. They believed Satan had a Pact with Jesus and at armageddon they would Kill Yawey. To them Satan was the loving god who had a purpose and a future for them.

[Shot4Truth]

Hey Brother you Posted a reply Opps!

Keep up the Great work Wake them Up!!!!!!

[ltlilyturner250]

@Shot4Truth

we should hate the watchtower! because its brain washing people!

its stopping us to have fun in our lifes!

[boganlewis]

I spent 10 years as an atheist after leaving the JW cult, i think after having been burned so badly by a religion it is almost neccesary to have no religion for a while before investigating other religions. These things take time that's all i have to offer...

[Ashloomis]

You make some good points, but you can still hate things that you don't believe exist. Go to any message board and you'll see all kinds of people ranting on about how much they hate some movie or cartoon characters. There are atheists who hate God.

[solarisgalrocks]

heartfelt testimony from a fellow ex JW. When I came out, I considered myself agnostic as well but not atheist. I did no research, though. It would be interesting to know why most ex JW's become atheist. Could it be the "fool me twice... shame on me" mentality? Unlike you, I was internally upset - but never spoke out about it.

[JBSauce]

I would be lying if I claimed that the "can't get fooled again" mentality wasn't a factor in my current secularism. However, I'm not quite sure that I ever had a real belief in a god/God to begin with. When I wanted to talk to God, I felt nothing. I wanted to feel something, but I got nothing. I would continue to feel that nothingness in further attempts. And I knew that whatever I happened to be feeling could be explained via emotional duress, not supernatural causes.