Cult with no way out!!!

[jw2lds2catholic]

I have been a JW, now disassociated, and was received into the Catholic church this past December.
I have no family or friends who are either JW or Catholic. Most are LDS (another one of my old religions
Let me see if I understand your situation:

• you want to become Catholic
• are you a baptized Publisher?
  If so
• you are concerned about losing your JW friends because you will be Disfellowship or at least have to attend Judicial hearing once word is out you are even contemplating becoming Catholic (well any faith really, but especially the whore of Babylon - Catholic).
• you will have a strained relationship with your family. They will be poilite but won’t really be loving - they can’t. JWs are not too get too close to Non-JWs even if they are family members.

Curious as to why you think you will marry a JW. First JWs aren’t too keen on marriage and kids to begin with and 2nd, why would a faithful JW marry a Catholic? You’ll be hard pressed to date much less marry a JW if you are disfellowshipped.

If you are not baptized then life will be easier for you. You will not be shunned or disfellowshipped because you never actually joined the faith. You will not be allowed in field service, but can attend meetings and have a bible study (if you really wanted to). And your family can still associate with you. Though be prepared - if you aren’t gun-ho JW many will back away from friendship.

To clarify things for those are don’t know about JW - being disfellowshipped is being kicked out of the congregation of JWs - NOBODY will so much as say Hello to you on the street if they know you are disfellowshiped. Family members living in the same house can communicate basic needs like add toilet paper to the grocery list and pass the salt, but other communication is off limits. DF are not to pray with JW and can’t have a study with them unless the elders approve it. It is a serious, serious thing and most JWs try to avoid it all costs because JWs are all you kinow in life. the unknown is scary and the social pressure is extreme. BTw - this shunning only takes place with those who were baptized JWs. If you aren’t baptized things don’t go to this exrtreme.

Hang in there - learn what you can and pray. Let us know if we can help any way!

God Bless

 

[BartBurk]

I have finaly come to realize, that
there is no way out of Jehovah’s witnesses FOR ME.

I am in RCIA and I want a christian
baptism, I can easily see where Jehovah’s witnesses are wrong theologicaly.

And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.

exjw’s Im sure understand.
I guess I am doomed to be a Catholic, stuck in the Jehovah’s witness organization.

anyone else see a way out, that I don’t see?

I was in the same boat when I left the Mormon Church. My wife and kids are all Mormon. It’s worse for you because JW’s shun people. I wound up becoming Catholic because I had to follow the truth.

 

[Appleby]

I felt that way when I left the Mormon church, but you do get over it in time. It’ll take work, and even many years later you will get little twinges of “What if they’re right?” but it’s just the brainwashing calling you.

Take the step and you will be glad you did. Pray for the conversion of those you leave behind.

 

[ralphinal]

Excaliber,
I might be of some aid, but not much. PM me your relative information. Tonight, I am taking my confirmation class to a taping of Life on the Rock. If you let me know where you are, your age, and such, I will talk to the EWTN folks and see if they have any good contacts for you in that area. Maybe if you could meet some Catholics on the down low, it would help.

You are in my prayers. I cannot imagine what you are faced with. Even though it does not help much, you do have us…and you cannot give us back.

 

[fabricdragon]

first of all. a lot of people have left the JW. Obviously the Witnesses dont want you to know that…

you will find that while it will certainly be difficult to leave your family’s religion… that it is much more difficult to stay in a faith you don’t believe in.

there are many converts in the Church… many of whom lost a lot to join. yes, your position is VERY hard. but … let me ask you a question…
did Jesus say “take up your cross and follow me”? or “c’mon, its easy”?.

now… my advice? work hard on developing friends outside the JW. under NO circumstances should you marry (i got the idea you are not already married) someone who would be in opposition to your beliefs. That would be to invite disaster…

i also work a weird schedule… so i feel for you how difficult this is. IF you can move away from home… away from the social network you have now in the JW… do so. it will make it easier to find friends outside… but if it will take a long time to take the steps to get out of the JW. then take the time. but do not bind yourself more FIRMLY into that group in the meantime.

i will be praying for you. you should also consider joing the forums at www.rosaryarmy.com as there are some other ex JW there as far as i recall.

 

[Bill_Pick]

I have finaly come to realize, that
there is no way out of Jehovah’s witnesses FOR ME.

I am in RCIA and I want a christian
baptism, I can easily see where Jehovah’s witnesses are wrong theologicaly.

And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.

exjw’s Im sure understand.
I guess I am doomed to be a Catholic, stuck in the Jehovah’s witness organization.

anyone else see a way out, that I don’t see?

Go talk to your priest,remember one faith is leading you to God and I can.t say where the other may be taking you. May God bless you and I will keep you in my prays.
PS> Please remember the Cathloic Church was start by Our Lord and the other by man.PEACE

 

[tundramom]

And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.

exjw’s Im sure understand.
I guess I am doomed to be a Catholic, stuck in the Jehovah’s witness organization.

anyone else see a way out, that I don’t see?

Hi there. I, too, saw no way out of Mormonism. I grew up in Utah County. My entire family is Mormon. Every single one. (that I know of) for generations.

At one point, for me, I had to come to the crucial decision. Jesus? Or Mormonism. They are both exclusive.

The choice was simple… not easy. But SOOOO worth it.

I haven’t seen my family in 15 years. My Mother and sisters have not met my kids. (their choice, not mine)

Take the leap. God will not abandon you and there is a new family for you here in His church.

in Christ
Steph

 

[jkarp]

He isn’t alone I to seem to be doomed to be Catholic (Remember Doom means a judgment or divine ruling)

No, it doesn’t mean judgement or divine ruling; it implies gloom, sadness, and despair:

n. doom

1. Inevitable destruction or ruin.
2. Fate, especially a tragic or ruinous one.
3. A decision or judgment, especially an official condemnation to a severe penalty.
4. Judgment Day.
5. A statute or ordinance, especially one in force in Anglo-Saxon England.

tr.v. doomed, doom·ing, dooms

1. To condemn to ruination or death. To destine to an unhappy end.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

You all can be “doomed” in the Catholic Church but I rejoice every day that I’m Catholic.

 

[jkarp]

Being catholic is a good thing.
Being stuck in the Jehovah’s witnesses organization is the bad thing.

This is exactly what I was saying . . .

 

[Zooey]

Only that you talk with the priest in the parish where you are taking the RCIA. I am truly sorry that the path of suffering is looming in front of you. Take comfort in these words.

Matthew 19:28 Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.

This is exactly the Scripture that occurred to me…
This is a very hard thing to do, I know, but leaving the JWs is a step in your journey towards Jesus Christ & eternity in Heaven.
You have my prayers.
Please, please continue to move toward God. However hard it may be, it would be a true tragedy to stay in what you have come to realize is not a Christian faith.
God bless.

 

[thirdn6]

I have finaly come to realize, that
there is no way out of Jehovah’s witnesses FOR ME.

I am in RCIA and I want a christian
baptism, I can easily see where Jehovah’s witnesses are wrong theologicaly.

And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.

exjw’s Im sure understand.
I guess I am doomed to be a Catholic, stuck in the Jehovah’s witness organization.

anyone else see a way out, that I don’t see?

Let the dead bury their dead!

Be firm. Pray. Let the day take care of itself…

If you believe that it’s the Holy Spirit calling you home (to conversion)- make no delay! Yes, make no delay! Don’t give the devil any chance to make you reconsider your decision… to influence your mind and to harden your heart!

(Remember the conversion of the Apostles, the thousands added to the Church on Pentecost day, that of St Paul… and remember Lot… who turned to a pillar of salt!)

Once you follow Him you become a child of Light. Who knows some of them JWs might recognize the darkness they’re into and become enlightened later on because of you.

Pray that God may increase your faith…

 

[mommybug47]

Anytime we have to leave our comfort zone, where we have always been, fear sets in. We all have False Expectations that Apear very Real.
It doesn’t matter how bad it is, we can’t imagine it can be better.

I had to make some very tough moves in the recent past. I was terrified and did not think I could make it. My Priest said a very wise thing to me…
“You are in a sinking boat, in a raging storm. If you stay, you will drown, and so will your kids. Jesus is standing right outside of the boat calling you. You can step out and hold His hand, He will leda you out of the storm. Peter had to walk to Jesus, but He is waiting to take your hand.”

Jesus is calling you. It is scary to walk over the raging waters, don’t look down, look to Him. He is strong enough to carry you.

I left with 7 kids no job and no home. I had faith and Jesus moved the mountains! You can’t imagine the happiness waiting when you follow Jesus.

 

[Cluny]

**And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.**

Just what do you think Jesus was talking about when He said in Mark 10

28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. >>

exjw’s Im sure understand.
I guess I am doomed to be a Catholic, stuck in the Jehovah’s witness organization.

anyone else see a way out, that I don’t see?

Yes.

You tell your family and former associates that you have learned that He–Jesus–is Jehovah Incarnate risen from the dead in His glorified physical body, and you wish to have nothing more to do with the Watchtower Organization, which is Babylon the Great, a snare and a racket, and has never done anything for mankind.

And then you get up and leave.

 

[zerinus]

I have finaly come to realize, that
there is no way out of Jehovah’s witnesses FOR ME.

I am in RCIA and I want a christian
baptism, I can easily see where Jehovah’s witnesses are wrong theologicaly.

And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.

exjw’s Im sure understand.
I guess I am doomed to be a Catholic, stuck in the Jehovah’s witness organization.

anyone else see a way out, that I don’t see?

Since you started this thread on the subject of JWs (nothing to do with Mormonism), but a bunch of Mormon apostates (as usual) have decided to divert it away from the subject to throw jibes at Mormonism; allow me to inform you that I am a Mormon, and know that it is true!

zerinus

 

[excaliber]

Anytime we have to leave our comfort zone, where we have always been, fear sets in. We all have False Expectations that Apear very Real.
It doesn’t matter how bad it is, we can’t imagine it can be better.

I had to make some very tough moves in the recent past. I was terrified and did not think I could make it. My Priest said a very wise thing to me…
“You are in a sinking boat, in a raging storm. If you stay, you will drown, and so will your kids. Jesus is standing right outside of the boat calling you. You can step out and hold His hand, He will leda you out of the storm. Peter had to walk to Jesus, but He is waiting to take your hand.”

Jesus is calling you. It is scary to walk over the raging waters, don’t look down, look to Him. He is strong enough to carry you.

I left with 7 kids no job and no home. I had faith and Jesus moved the mountains! You can’t imagine the happiness waiting when you follow Jesus.

Interesting…thanks for sharing.
What did you leave?

 

[mommybug47]

I left a long term abusive marriage, under threat that he would kill all of us and my extended family if I left.
Leaving the know for the unknown is tough, but if God is leading you to Jesus in the Catholic faith, it is a sin to stay. Fear is Satan’s friend, Faith is is a step closer to loving Him better.

 

[excaliber]

**And yet I canot leave it!!
My whole family is there, all my friends…If I plan on getting married anytime soon then there is a 90 percent chance that iit will be to a Jehovah’s witness.
This cult was NOT designed for people to leave.

I have NO family ties to the catholic church. Why is this important? Because a faithfull Jehovah’s witness has NO close relationships with ANYONE outside
there organization. That means leaving is social suicide, and in this
economy I would lose ALMOST EVERY relationship I ever built.**

Just what do you think Jesus was talking about when He said in Mark 10

28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

This is not sound advise, and I can proove it!

The Apostles did leave homes and families and lands for Christ sake,
And they did get much more as a result.

This dose not apply in my opinion
To Jehovah’s witnesses, because
I don’t see where Christ has asked
exjw’s to stop association with active Jehovah’s witnesses.

I have never seen anything from the magistarium, telling Catholics to stop association with Jehovah’s witnesses.

Do Catholics HAVE to tell people that will persecute them the information they need to do so?

Acording to the early church…no.
They did not go to the emporer and say hey Im a Christian Persecute me. They would endure it if necessary.

You are telling me to go to Jehovah’s witnesses and tell them things that will cause persecution.
I don’t see the wisdom in this.

 

[LilyM]

This is not sound advise, and I can proove it!

The Apostles did leave homes and families and lands for Christ sake,
And they did get much more as a result.

This dose not apply in my opinion
To Jehovah’s witnesses, because
I don’t see where Christ has asked
exjw’s to stop association with active Jehovah’s witnesses.

I have never seen anything from the magistarium, telling Catholics to stop association with Jehovah’s witnesses.

Do Catholics HAVE to tell people that will persecute them the information they need to do so?

Acording to the early church…no.
They did not go to the emporer and say hey Im a Christian Persecute me. They would endure it if necessary.

You are telling me to go to Jehovah’s witnesses and tell them things that will cause persecution.
I don’t see the wisdom in this.

Granted, the suggestion is extreme. Mind you, Jesus and the Apostles were NOT always softly-softly with their speech either. But the principle is sound - you do need to leave, sooner rather than later, and it may be advisable to be firm about it so that they aren’t given an unfounded hope of winning you back or anything.

 

[distracted]

…ALL would chose this because I would be excomunicated. They would not be able to communicate with me for fear of Gods rath. Jehovah’s witnesses don’t have a choice…they WILL ALL shun you.

.

Being a Christian is difficult. God tests us…

Have you read that scripture about how we are to HATE (that’s the word used) our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, even our very lives and that if we don’t, we are not “worthy” of Christ?

I’d be the last one to say this is easy… I’ve felt throughout my life that i couldn’t do this or that thing that Christ commanded… and yet in the end… well, Jesus is worthy of our every “sacrifice” and some people really aren’t much of a sacrifice to give up anyway…

Humans are just humans… They do not love us as Jesus does and even if by some chance one ofthem did… (yeah right), that person still could not save us from Hell (or long stays in Purg)… Jesus said it was not easy getting into Heaven… St. Leonard and others say [something to the effect that] only a fraction of a percent of people get There…

That’s scary and sometimes i tend not to believe it… but the longer i live & the more i go through (etc, etc)… the easier it is to believe… People just don’t really want to do what God wants… I don’t either… but, well, whatever…

Jesus said that many would try to enter Heaven but would not be “strong enough”…

If you can, you should spend time with Jesus in the Church, where he abides 24/7… the longer you stay There, the better off you’ll be… (which kinda goes without saying, i guess… )

Praying for you…

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

excaliber,

Dear brother I pray that you lean on God to work this out for you. Trust in him as he will not fell you. Yes once you have left the JW’s they will shun you and your own family may cut you off. This is sad and troubling and can be a great barrier to leaving them that is why they do it. This is not Gods love or way and that is one of the small signs that show they are not of God. I do not know were in your are located but I as a single man can see were going to some of the couple event in the parish ( dance etc…) can be to much again most do have social event for all married and single that you can go to if your does not talk to your priest about starting some.

You are moving in the right direction toward God and his church do not let anything stand in your way.