Dana, I agree with inpecter D that at this stage, it sounds confrontational to ask those important questions at this time, reasonable though they are. Do you think that by revealing the bombshell, that you can no longer hold these religious beliefs, would help you have peace of mind?  If you have to wait until August, could you do as others have suggested and keep your head down until then? I know it’s driving you crazy but might you be able to hold out for the four months?
You have through the diary revealed to your family your doubts as to the religion, why not let it slowly sink in that you are no longer with them on this matter but demonstrate your love for then in some other way?

Suggestion: don’t invite or get involved with the elders, they don’t have any authority or power at all, the fact that you  have grown up and learned to think clearly has nothing to do with them. Another suggestion, find reasons to miss a meeting or two. It gives a sense of the liberty and restoration of sanity to miss the meetings also, it is an exercise in self determination. But this has to be balanced by your overall strategy to leave which might still involve your physical presence for the time being.

 On the other hand if your mental health is at stake and you feel so sick because of the ignorance of the Watchtower cult, you might feel like ‘taking the bull by the horns’ and resigning. The consequence would be disfellowshipping and then family difficulties would certainly arise over their loyalties. So it really is a hard problem but rest assured, one that will be resolved in time. Perhaps you might be able to drop subtle but significant statements which might get your family to see reason with you? Perhaps take a trip to the Louvre in Paris or the London collections or some other cathedral of art in the name of study? This would get you out of the distressing routine for a while.

For the time being------- we would welcome your insider information. To survive the meetings you might be able to analyse the means they use to reinforce loyalty to the GB. It seems to me that loyalty to the GB is what the cult is now all about--- is my perception right?


Last Edited By: half banana May 8 12 4:44 AM. Edited 1 times.