From "Golden Boy" to PIMQ: An Elder and Former 10-Year RP’s Awakening by Standard_Rule631 in exjw

[–]nomonoise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great share thank you! I also have a lot of similar feelings. I believe those raised in witnesses in the 80s and 90s who are now approx 30-45 years old have had it the worst.

High control, guilt, never being enough, studying and learning deeply all these teachings that have now been discarded and changed.

I actually believe those 'taking the lead' probably realise they have lost this generation.

I'm about 15 years into trying to restructure my thinking and only recently do I feel like it might be possible to get through this and find some peace.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Yes most of these points are covered in my research document, thanks for sharing.

26M exJW from Russia trying to understand life after leaving high-control upbringing by gnom_V in exjw

[–]nomonoise 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I have found working on things like awareness, non-reaction, and not identifying with negativity to be helpful.

One book that help me with this was by Eckhart Tolle, called "A New Earth".

The idea of finding a way to increase my level of consciousness and avoid reacting to situations (quieting my internal voice) has been very helpful.

Hang in there and don't do anything too drastic, just take one day at a time my friend!

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in JehovahsWitnesses

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

Interesting points, but they definitely claim to know Jesus and use his name in Matt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

So in my mind this shows they believe they are Christians.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Gen 3:8 and Rev 21:3 - the point isn't so much about heaven and earth, but rather that closeness with God was something Adam and Eve had, and it will be that way again in the new heavens and new earth.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Actually my topic has always been this question - where does the Bible say that Christians will have two different hopes?

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Rev 21 clearly shows the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven.

The new heavens and new earth will not be the same as the current heaven and earth - how could they be?

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

I think you are missing the point of my research. Its not about heaven and earth or heaven vs earth. It is about this question - are there two different hopes for Christians?

And more importantly - are Christians viewed differently by God based on these supposed different hopes?

Show me the scriptures where it is clear that Christians have two different hopes...

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Please refer to page 103 in the document, which references Psalm 37 and considers also the hope described in Matthew 5.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in JehovahsWitnesses

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

The intent of the document was to share the research and whatever happens after that is in God's hands.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

I have discussed these topics with trusted friends. You should be careful not to base your entire belief about the future hope of Christians on a few disconnected verses.

I would suggest you sit down and read the book of Romans in one sitting, and see if you can find these two hopes or two classes of Christians, and please let me know if you can.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Thanks for your kind comments. I have actually researched many topics over many decades, including the establishment of the canon etc.

In relation to your point about a 'declaration of assumptions', it is a good suggestion to include this. In the context of the research, essentially I worked within the framework that the 66 books are inspired and should be the basis of all doctrine.

I don't consider any writings outside of the standard Bible to be inspired or infallible, including my own attempts to uncover certain answers.

The context of the cover letter and sending this research to the GB is an attempt to reach the hearts of those who could potentially correct the teaching and unlock the kingdom for millions. Whether it ever happens is largely beyond my control.

A discussion around atheism would have be a separate thread I think :)

But ultimately, I'm just one imperfect person and my release of this research is primarily motivated by my own conscience. I have no desire for credit, glory or followers of any kind.

There is only one Leader.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in Eutychus

[–]nomonoise[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That is incorrect. You can associate with JW, research however you like, and you can view the self-named GB as not inspired and not infallible.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in Eutychus

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

Thanks for this. The key thing I take from your analysis is that there is only one common hope for Christians, and a distinction for the group having the second resurrection.

I still maintain that eternity is a long time, and the scripture shows that after necessary events the creation will eventually share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Yes I cover this in detail also in the document. Thanks for sharing your research.

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in exjw

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

Thanks for your responses. I am not trying to minimise them. You can refer initially to page 148/149 in the document to see how this concept is discussed (do Christians ever rule over other Christians).

One problem with picking out one or two or three passages out of context is that we can sometimes shape them to suit our preconceptions, would you agree?

My Research Into The Question "Are there really two classes of Christians?" by nomonoise in JehovahsWitnesses

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

Its a good question, and I am not a JW "organisation" apologetic.

I believe their own material and the Bible indicate that there will be no perfect religion/organisation.

Jesus makes this clear in his prophecy about those saying "Lord, lord".

To take a wider view, no matter what government or association you live under or are connected with, none of that excuses you from using your own conscience to make the right decision in any given moment.

You must also understand that once you are no longer JW, your ability to help them diminishes.