I've been on the outside for about a year and I've been increasingly enlightened regarding the tactics of the Jehovah's Witnesses. It is becoming more clear daily that they are cult-like and devisive.
For all of my life, I have lived in a 'cave' because Jehovah's Witnesses are supposedly "The Way" and EVERYONE else is going to die. Even when I was not acting as one of JW's, my core belief system was tainted by their views.
As I am emerging to becoming a human being, I am gradually beginning to actually accept studying the Bible again without their tainted doctrines. I am 36 years old and I feel that I have been cheated from a normal life.
All of my decisions reflected the views of the Society. I gave up things and gave into things because of how they viewed them. Well, actually, I was a JW that really went to the Watchtower for guidance. Everything I did was in accord with their viewpoints. I think one of the major flaws of the organization is that the people within the congregations have major impact upon other members.
I do think that the JW have very good advice on marriage, parenting, etc. those issues...Well, again, I want to take that back...See how confusing it is???
In the 80's, the Watchtower was clueless regarding emotional abuse...now they recognize it; however, the members are still in the 80's, unless they actually read an article about it.