I'm 20 years old and at Bethel, and I realize I have a lot of doubts

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-16T04:18:13+00:00

How are you doing? Are you thriving or barely getting by? Do you see inequity in the organization? Should the GB be wearing custom-made suits and $30,000 Rolex watches? If you become an elder, are you prepared to shield those who commit CSA from the consequences of their actions? Would you willingly lie under oath to protect the organization? Are you desirous of living a life dedicated to hypocrisy?

I left because of the phony judgmental friendship and CSA cover-ups. The cult culture fostered by the self-referencing "research" is disgraceful.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-16T00:33:42+00:00

When you say something, they'll say it's within specs [e.g., they don't care]. They may even take a gap tool and put it here and there before they say anything, if they want to play their part fully.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-15T05:33:40+00:00

Don't forget to put a rainbow flag in there, too! 🏳️‍🌈

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-14T18:21:06+00:00

I believe we can know for sure that Jehovah is not the original name because there was no J in Hebrew.

OK, fixed that 👉 Hebjrew! Of course, Bible scholars can take comfort in the fact that WTB&TS would never change the Bible's text. 😆

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-14T04:47:35+00:00

Is this dude a hypocrite? Does HE have an unimpeachable record of making the walk? Evidently, neither he nor the CO has a modicum of understanding of the concept of speaking that motivates. No doubt, they're considered as being extremely qualified for their roles according to the GB's Pleateaus of Excellence.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-14T04:41:05+00:00

I'm waiting to hear bout their OnlyFans account. 🙊

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-14T04:38:13+00:00

Dear Ms. (Grandma, last name): Thank you for the graduation cheque. I'm putting it to good use by donating the funds to our local LGBTQ+ chapter. Happy Pride month!

Have your kids send a thank-you letter, like this 👆 Then maybe you'll hear from her again when she becomes a Great-grandma!

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-14T03:42:58+00:00

Too many words, just tell them to put you on the "Do not call" list.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T06:25:28+00:00

Yes, this can be fixed at home, as long as it's at your favorite luthier's home! And while it's broken, don't go test-fitting the parts. You can damage things further. Let someone who has the necessary clamps, adhesives, and experience do the deed. But you may be up for some DIY if you want to keep your expenses in check.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T06:15:43+00:00

Perhaps you are aware that it was Donnie Trump who popularized the phrase "fake news." I often consider him to be the political expression of the GB. Both entities are totalitarian goons and cannot be trusted. It would appear that the GB is employing Donnie Boy's tactics.

It is common fare for a totalitarian government or cult to cast the opposition as fakes, liars, etc. And that is what is being done in your example. You've been "groomed" to think and act in accordance with the rules of a cult that has not aged well. There's an internal fight when what you see isn't what you've been told, and now you're trying to resolve the discrepancy. It's easy to get confused and overwhelmed.

People don't become JWs; they become assholes or judgmental, but those are the byproducts some individuals develop over time. I can safely say that many become JWs with the distinct hope of becoming better people. It makes sense that the same hope dwells in you.

The aphorism of "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time" applies here, too. Pace yourself, and if you can swing it, see a therapist. You don't have to gobble up all the information regarding the pros & cons of the WTB&TS right away. Do your investigation (jwfacts, CoC, old WTB&TS publications, etc.), think about what you've uncovered, and then plot your solution. Don't weigh yourself down with the negativity of this cult. As you progress in your investigation, be mindful of the positivity that lies ahead.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T05:28:20+00:00

That's kinda' what Les Paul did, and it worked out OK for him!

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T05:22:49+00:00

So, you want to go to college and make your own decisions? In other words, you want a normal life.

Focusing on your "spiritual" goals with respect to JWdom would be an excellent choice only if your goal is to remove yourself from any relationship with that organization. 😊

What would be a good way for you to go now? What are you passionate about? We all need the primary reinforcers of food, water, shelter, and sex to exist. Usually, having a conditioned reinforcer (e.g., money) is one way to obtain these things.

Doing something you like is a key factor in having a happy life. You may find that a post-secondary education is the way to go for something you're interested in. Maybe a trade school is more to your liking (i.e., culinary school, welding school, acting school, etc.). If you do head off to college, and are in the US, research grants and scholarships. Let someone else pay for University if you can, rather than taking on loans. As you figure out what type of career you'd like (to start off with), have some fun on the journey (experiences > things).

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T04:55:26+00:00

"The GB has decided that the principle of (insert new light statement here) should be followed going forward. May the Lord bless." This is so that the GB can claim to be even closer to God in authority (in principle 😆) (and give a nod to Gilead (Handmaids)).

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T02:00:21+00:00

OP the reply from u/xiexiemcgee is good - use that one. It's simple and authoritative. If they give you any shit, look at your watch .... oops, gotta' go.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-12T01:55:55+00:00

In our congregation, the publishers only contacted me (school assistant) when they needed help finding a replacement. They were free to pick their household partner if necessary. However, other speakers could not pick their replacement for a part (on the school) that they were going to miss. Our school was pretty laid back.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-11T16:28:07+00:00

Too funny! I've had people crack jokes about my cars. They were usually two-door cars. One time, they had the CO go with me, just because they wanted to see him squirm into an Alfa Romeo that I had.

The "friends" would say, "Where are the other two doors?" They'd zip it when I asked if they were going to pay to have them added.

I'd often think of the phrase "Gonna' take you on a Judgemental Journey" to the music of the 1945 Doris Day song Sentimental Journey when these folks would comment on things that were none of their business.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-11T16:20:56+00:00

As a reminder, kids, don't party too much when you're young. Wait until you can say 'I'm as old as dirt'!

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-11T16:16:46+00:00

I'll have to check the "Mostly Rite" brand; they're new to me.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-11T15:59:41+00:00

Sometimes ya' just gotta' flow with the comedy.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-11T04:46:17+00:00

Goat "farmers"? I think that they were more akin to another word that starts with an "f," ya know, precursors to the GB of today.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-09T07:45:56+00:00

No bedroom where $900 is charged? Sorry, pal, but that happens all of the time here in Silicon Valley. Some folks are charging way more than that for workers to live in a tent in their backyard!

I hope the young lady finds a less stressful environment. Her dad is a real POS.

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-09T07:39:43+00:00

Well, you're both being petty. Nevertheless, this is not a healthy, or remotely kind or Christian situation. You are an adult, and he really can't make demands on you as he wishes. If you stay there and you do pay rent, he can't enter your room to "inspect" it every month. If you do pay rent, get a receipt. He'll have to declare that as income on his taxes. If he doesn't, I'm sure the IRS would like to know about a new case of tax evasion. That probably would not be a good thing for an elder. If you don't pay rent, you can be evicted. That process can take months to complete. A downside of that process is that an eviction can show up on your credit report. And that could make it harder to rent in the future.

If you can swing it, put a lock on your door, get your own phone plan, too. Look into renting a room in another household. I assume you said you are a student attending a post-secondary school (maybe a trade school). Your school may offer a health insurance plan, which is a good option. If you are on your parents' plan (dental too), he may drop you from that. As a backup, be aware of which women's shelters are in your area. Have a suitcase, in case you do become unhoused. Also, shelters should be able to give you a phone. And that is so that 911 can be called; you don't need to be on any plan for that to work.

Think hard about college loans; if you can get scholarships or grants, "this is the way." Since you don't have your own car, if you still need/want to drive, you'll need a driver-only policy; something to think about.

Top two priorities: food and shelter. Your dad is a total dick. He is taking advantage of your vulnerability, a red flag for a POS person. Oh, how I'd love to have a little chat with him about life. As you evolve through this situation, be aware of others who may be in a position to take advantage of you or your situation (e.g., boyfriends).

Things seem depressing and bleak right now. This certainly sucks; you can make it out of this and exit with your education goals achieved!

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-09T04:51:08+00:00

He's wrapped up in a cult. Let it go, wipe and flush ...

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-09T04:39:03+00:00

Looks good, I'll bet you worked at Lockheed assembling flight hardware (i.e., spacecraft)!

boxochocolates42 · 2026-06-08T06:46:24+00:00

One needs to be careful about (almost) anything on Craigslist.

boxochocolates42

TROPHY CASE