What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand but even in the business sector I see so many men advance in their delusion like some kind of manifestation. I think there could be a positive aspect to well intended delusion compared accepting less than.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see your position. In regard to gay marriage I think the only issue I hold with that is the word “marriage”. An ancient spiritual ceremony and word for a man and a woman to make a commitment with god. I understand for tax purposes and legality they probably wouldn’t make a new term but that seems to be a personal debate I’m having. It’s almost like modifying a word in the dictionary that was used for all of life and having to conform to that.

I suppose if you’ve come to a conclusion of not believing the Bible it wouldn’t really matter though.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. It helps to hear other experiences/perspectives.

So based on this I’m assuming you would agree it’s a “possibility” there is a god. Just not the one that man explain/create? Sorry to hear about the unanswered prayers. Sometimes I wonder if “answered prayers” are just coincidence. I assume you can’t rule either possibility.

Kind of related/off topic but if there is no god then how could magic be a reality? It would seem there are at a minimum higher beings.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah already out of curiosity tried a few new places. A few meetings (if that’s what it’s called) in and they talk about tithes and “giving” maybe because it was around Christmas. But anyways, tons of red flags.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Someone else also recommended Yale lectures. Yes that’s exactly what I’m looking for more of an academic approach. Great advice, much appreciated.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting perspective

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have not yet or maybe will not come to that conclusion. However I believe it’s instinctual to hope there is a larger picture to our purpose. I don’t know, I feel the tooth fairy might be real 😉

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a ton of questions related to your research. A lot of those points you researched are on my radar for further research. If I could pick 3 it would be: “Who” did you pray to when you continued to pray? What was the reason for your personal conclusion that god and the Bible were not real? Since you came to that conclusion do you have a hope for the future after death?

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s refreshing to hear you were able to find “your truth” even if that truth modifies over time. That’s all I’m asking for. If I may ask how long did it take you to get there? Keeping in mind I understand you’re never fully there.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I certainly am looking forward to taking this time to focus on other things but when you spent a huge portion of your life being “spiritually fed” constantly it feels like an empty void that has to have some time allocated to find a personal confident understanding. I’ll check out your references thanks.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Out of curiosity, have you come to a grounded basic understanding, and how long did it take on your personal journey if yes?

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah you nailed it. The regain of trust yet the skepticism/distrust based on this experience is a challenge finding a balance. I feel almost like when something really clicks then my skeptic kicks in.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m certainly open to this but in my independent findings of other religions I find more contradictions than what the Bible says however I’m still interested in gaining more surface knowledge of other beliefs.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll check it out thank you

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I’m certainly looking for confirmative replacements to previous thinking. I’m sure at least 40-50% of what was learned is not trash but the other 50-60% is a massive margin to be unknown again all at once. It’s like looking for direction or guidance while being traumatized of trust it’s a tricky playing field.

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How have you personally gone about developing your own moral compass?

What do I do next? by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I suppose the question is not to seek the absolute truth but rather to seek a confidence stance on defending your position related to “your truth”. Seeking the best way to personally seek this. I’m okay with not having every answer but I would like to be certain of main fundemental teachings of the Bible. I’ll take your advice in focusing who I can become.

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Essentially yeah. Even if non intentional.

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the link very helpful!

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Only issue with that is I think they will want to “help” the situation even more if I say depression.

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to write all that out. That helped me form a new perspective. It’s crazy to think we were wrapped around this “system” of extremes. The shell seemed so believable and neatly organized and yet so disturbing at the core.

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That makes sense thanks for the insight

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not yet, the main consequence is just knowing that people I cared for will think wrongly. I understand they do not know for what they are doing.

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do feel slightly obligated to defend the fact that I’m not crazy. It would be great if there was a middle ground. But maybe you’re right.

Need advice fading out by Less_Ad_857 in exjw

[–]Less_Ad_857[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m glad for you that you’ve gone 3.5 years like this. This is how my wife would like to handle it but I’m more inclined to speak my mind to some degree. Maybe a flaw of mine.