Welcome
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| Mosier Tunnels, Old Columbia River Highway. (Photo by Joel) |
Welcome and congratulations!
If you are "no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses" or are considering leaving, just visiting this site could be a courageous step. Cue applause!The idea of of even thinking of leaving the organization can provoke very deep anxieties. Fears about loss of family, friends and business associates, not to mention fears about your spiritual well-being—the very ground under your feet—hold many back from leaving. A former Witnesses myself, I understand these challenges. I've also found that it was one of the most worthwhile moves I ever made. Contrary to what we were taught to believe, there is a wonderful life outside The Organization.
The purpose of this blog is to provide support, friendship and a safe haven as you deal with loss of faith and loved ones while entering into the joys and challenges of the post-Witness life. It remains free from judgment—regardless of lifestyle, religious views, sexual orientation or personal choices. You are not alone. You are loved!
Born and raised in Portland
My name is Joel Gunz. For the first 35 years of my life, I was a Jehovah's Witness. Congregations I attended in Portland: Mock's Crest, Columbia Park, Brooklyn Park, Hawthorne and Mt. Tabor. I also served at Brooklyn Bethel, and was assigned to the Brooklyn Center congregation.To find out more, or if you just want to talk, you are invited to email me at joel.gunz (at) gmail.com.
Hello...I stumbled on your blog this evening and you have inspired me. I've been disfellowshipped for 16 yrs now and have struggled with adult life (I was df'd at 20 yrs old). I'm now happily married but still struggle with managing friendships and dealing with the loss of my jw family (my mother especially). I've just started a blog you may be interesting in following. I'm just telling my story. Can't wait to read more of your work.
ReplyDeleteLove this. It gives insight and it tells the truth of the "truth". hahahah. I've always known somewhere deep down that no one could possibly keep all the rules and regulations of "salvation" in the organization. It just didn't make sense to me. The real love of Christ is the best experience than anything imaginable. Thank you for speaking the truth. Keep on plugging away.
ReplyDeleteThe marking of a person as not fit to associate with is scriptural and a personal decision. It is a protection to you not to associate with a person living an ungodly life. What the Bible never tells us is to make a public announcement before a congregation which would be an embarrassment for that person and like a public shame. Even good people that live moral lives have been DF. Years ago the announcement was made that a person was DF for unchristian conduct. Too many law suits have now caused the GB to alter what is now announced. Now they just say “so and so” is no longer one of JW which still is an embarrassment and causes others in the congregation to wonder and they never really know the reason for DF. This brings up another whole subject of gossip that can be covered in more detail if anyone is interested. The gossip that happens among JW’s is anything but loving.
DeleteI truly hate gossip, but isn't this in all religions? People gossip, as yucky as it is, they just do. It's the person that should be ashamed of being a gossiper, not the religion. JWs know the Bible, and the Bible clearly condemns such acts. So shame on the individual(s) if they do this, but we are all subject to being idiots because of the law of our imperfect flesh. But again, it's the person, not Jehovah or Jesus. By the way, I am sorry for your experiences. The people themselves are constantly being reminded via talks and the study articles to NOT gossip. Even if you hate the organization for other reason, the truth is, they constantly remind folks not to do it (gossip), but unfortunately some still do. The reminders continue to come, because it is evident the gossip continues to happen.
DeleteHi. Glad I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled onto a gif in reddit with a brother I knew growing up in Vancouver that's apparently a big deal now at WBTS (Dave Schafer) . Down the rabbit hole and I'm here now, reminiscing about the nonsense of growing up JW around Portland (SE congregations, Milwaukee, Salmon Creek, Brush Prairie Vancouver Central ) . Nice work sharing this site! Glad you moved on too!
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for dropping by! Sorry it took so long to reply: apparently, moving on includes not checking my messages enough!
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