I am an ex-JW, just coming into the Catholic faith

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MistyF,

You can view the writings of the Early Church Fathers at www.ccel.org/fathers

Just an overview, the ECF are the early Christians who somehow made writings as to what they have received and taught from the apostles. They are a very good source of how the early Church looked like as to worship and development of Christology.

Pio
 
Thank you so much for you post Misty. Took me a while to read it (slow reader that I am) and it was well worth the read.

I was trully blessed by you testimony. I am praying that you find the truths that you are looking for.

God Bless
 
MistyF, nothing can confuse and cause a person to throw up the hands to religion more than the jws. I know.

Having fallen away from the lutheran church I grew up in (no spiritual fulfillment), and seeking God, the jws found me.
To make a long story short, after 18 months of “book study” and intense pressure, I walked away from them, swearing to myself that I was done with religion. They had completely twisted what I believed a christian should be.
Years went by as I lived a hedonistic life. But always there was a nagging at my heart…
At the ripe old age of 50, a bulb went off in my head (and my heart) and I began to look at Catholicism. I never looked sideways or back again. That was eight years ago and my journey to Rome came to fruition at my Confirmation into Holy Mother Church 8/02.
Nothing but joy and fulfillment since.
Be Not Afraid! The Catholic Faith is the most history laden, re-affirming, beautiful and honest celebration of life.
Welcome to the rest of your life - not to mention your eternal life.
🙂
 
Misty,

You like to write,huh? A Famous Sceintist - The Benedictine Monk who discovered the principles of Genetics said,
" The sharp pencil when applied with vigor will sharpen the mind.

Fr. Gregor Mendel…so write and then read it later, then rewrite it. It will sharpen the mind.

It could be that you will get a Chatechism of the Catholic Church. It has a great index znd it will tell you True Church Doctrine - no hearsay!

Our Pope, was in charge if writting it.
 
MistyF:

To get a feel for the early church fathers, read the book:

The Four Witnesses by Rod Bennett

If you go to www.catholicxjw.com, I have a link to this book at Amazon.com

I think you will find it very helpful.

Jeff S.
 
Hi Misty,

I started studying with the JW’s when I was 16 - was baptized at 19 and left at 23. I was so totally into being a JW - I gave up everything - my family, all my worldly friends, my desire to go to college. I spent all my time in service & at the meetings. I actually LOVED being a JW - loved the brothers & sisters, loved the studying, and conventions - how fun are they!!! So I was devestated to find out it was all not true. It is NOT Jehovah’s organization. They are so wrong about so much! I became Catholic this past Easter & I am so filled with joy, I can’t even tell you. That’s the difference for me… when I was a JW I was busy busy busy but I never felt particularly close to God. I was always worried… about myself - (what if I screw up) about everyone i knew who wasn’t a JW - what if Armegeddon comes tomorrow? My thoughts were about service & the magazines & what was required of me but not so much about God. Being Catholic is the most wonderful thing. It’s all about God. We actually worship Him. Do you ever remember anyone even mentioning worshiping God as a JW? I honestly can’t. I’d be happy to talk to you - you can Private Message me if you’d like. Getting the organization out of my brain was not easy… I used to have nightmares that the elders were going to come & take me away. I’m going to pray for you.

Your Sister,
Carol Marie
 
Thank you Carol Marie! I will PM you very soon. 🙂

I know what you mean about loving being a JW. I did for a long time, too. There were so many things required, though, and it wore me down. I tried to be everything so that other people would see me as a “true witness”, and then I started dreading everything - especially turning in a time sheet. And all these people I tried to please turned on me when I needed them the most. And all the people I admired, when I got to know them, were not what the same people they pretended to be.

I can’t say that I remember anyone actually worshipping God, no. They said they did - but honest & true devotion? Nope.

I am having a really hard time with getting their ideas out of my head - it’s like I have to replace them with something, before they can go away. And I have done that with a lot of them, but for some things it will be a difficult battle truly understanding.

Thank you for your prayer, and I look forward to talking with you more. 🙂
 
Hi Misty. Welcome to Catholic Answers. I see that a few people have suggested you read the Early Church Fathers. In addition to them, I would suggest you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You said in a previous post you are looking at Catholic Tradition, practices and beliefs and comparing them to Scripture. The Catechism is probably the BEST source for doing that. You can find it online at scborromeo.org/ccc.htm if you can’t find a Catholic bookstore in your area.

Good luck and God bless you in your journey!
 
I am not and have never been JW (although those are my initials). A few of my cousins are JW, but they never discuss religion.

Misty, the best things to read are - a good Catholic Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and a very easy to read book called “Why Do Catholics Do That?”.

Watch the Mass on EWTN. Check out their other programs. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask. And - don’t believe or think that you have to learn everything at once. You don’t.

My other favorite Catholic MB is at byzcath.org. They discuss the Catholic Church in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Their knowledge of their particular Church history amazes me. Don’t worry about that right now.

One more thing -

**Be not afraid!

**A hero of mine said this.
 
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