Well, having experience in being raised a JW, I can say only from my experience that I never really gave much thought to the “end of the world” Of course I was 19 when I left, and had a whole lot of “life” ahead of me to live. I felt free to finally be able to live without the Evil Eye of the JW organization.
I had more trouble getting beyond the false doctrines they teach, like Jesus is not God, only 144,000 going to heaven, no existence of hell…etc.
The JWs spend most of their meeting time and literature instilling a sense of fear, disgust, and negativity into their member’s worldview. They seize on reports of war, violence, and economic instability as proof that the world is an evil place on the verge of destruction. They insist that only their members will be saved.
Unfortunately this is true. I must say, that leaving the JW organization is very difficult. It is very difficult to start over making friends, and losing many family members who remained JW. It is scary world when one feels all alone.
No, he isn’t even Catholic. But he does come to church w/ me every Sunday. Which brings me to another issue. He has been coming to the RCC for over a year but hides it from his family. What’s worse is that his family lives down the street from our parish, so he literally hides before and after mass. What I don’t get is that he was never even baptized, so they can’t ostracize him. But nonetheless, hes scared to tell them. I mean, really scared!!! Does anyone know what could happen?
Since he did not publicly profess to be a JW by baptism, the organization cannot “disfellowship” him. By him choosing to attend the RCC he will be considered a “marked” brother, which means that other JWs might want to evaluate their association with him, not that it is forbidden. Besides, from what I have learned from my sister, JWs are coming to accept that family is important, and there are times when one can associate. I don’t think they are as rigid as it used to be.
When he converts to catholicism and receives the sacraments of baptism, first communion and confirmation, he would then be considered a “Conscientious Objector” to the faith of JWs.
My brother was considered this by joining the army.
They are more merciful to those who do not profess the faith by baptism, than those that do and then decide to fall away.
I am glad your boyfriend has you. He is scared, obviously. Be patient with him, as it takes a long time to deprogram what the JW’s teach. Help him to feel safe. Pray with him, and when you do pray, ask for the holy spirit to guide you to God’s Truth" This is what he will be searching for.
Why is he attending mass? He is obviously afraid of “getting caught”. Is he attending because he wants to, or is he attending because you want him to, or is he attending just because he wants to be with you?
I would find out his reasons, and then go from there. It might be better for him not to attend mass (unless he really wants to for the right reason) until he is more comfortable.
It is very difficult to “jump into another faith” only from my experience. It took me about 10 years of searching before I felt comfortable attending mass.
I wish you and your boyfriend patience, and the endurance to get your friend beyond the brainwashing of JWs. I will pray for you!
