irishshane wrote:
and this is why i hesitated to post on this thread once again it decends into a fight.

Some of you need to learn how to debate.
Yes, why fight about this? If you don't believe in religion period, then what's the difference between the Catholics and the JWs? Nothing--it's all just a foolish waste of time. So, why argue over it--once you've established that religion itself is a joke. I'm not trying to disrespect atheists or convert anyone to religion. I just scratch my head when atheists call religious people judgmental--and then proceed to judge them by implying they are stupid for believing what they believe. (I'm not speaking to anyone in here, I just mean my own experiences.)

Anyway, I became Catholic after I quit the JWs. (Actually, I started attending a Catholic church before I quit, but kept that secret to myself.) So, I've been both. I realize this thread is about the similarities between the JWs and Catholics, but having been involved with the JWs and the Catholic church I see only differences.

Stalking: I was stalked by my ex-bible study teachers for months after I quit the JWs. I got phone calls, letters and visits. It got to where I was afraid to answer the door. In my new (Catholic) church, you can come and go with-out harassment. When I moved, some asked me if I would like to stay or would I join a new church? They didn't follow me to my new house and demand I go to meetings (like the JWs did).
Nothing is ever enough: When I was in the JWs, I felt like nothing I did was ever enough. I would go to meetings, then get chewed out for not attending MORE meetings. In my new church, they enjoy seeing me if I go to mass, but if I don't go, it's not a problem. I go to mass because I enjoy it, not because someone is trying to frighten me into it.
Snitching: When I was in the JWs, they frequently talked about turning other JWs in for "sins" (like smoking). I've never heard of a parishioner turning anyone in for a "sin" at my new church. In fact, I'm not sure who they would turn that person in to. 
Shunning: The JWs I used to study with talked about shunning members who had broken a rule. They said disfellowshipped members would be sitting in the back row of the hall and my teachers wouldn't even acknowledge them. They would pass by them in stores and totally ignore them. This practice is unheard of in my church. I've never seen anyone shunned since I joined my new church--or even heard of it.

So, having been a Catholic and a JW, I would say there are mostly differences between the two. And I'm very glad for that since I can truly enjoy worshiping in peace and not fear or pressure.





They're my friends, Orlando. If they weren't--why would they offer to wash my brain? (From the comedy, Strangers With Candy.)