For me, I didn’t feel any guilt towards the religion itself or any god as I realized I genuinely didn’t believe in it. The only guilt I felt was towards my family. I felt guilty, like I would be betraying my family if I left the religion. But I realized, I was not betraying anyone. It was their decision to shun me, not mine, and they know I would always welcome them back with open arms if they asked for the chance. All I was doing was trying to find myself and my own happiness, and be true to myself.

If you’re feeling guilty towards God, if you still believe in one, here’s my personal logic/feelings on the matter: There are so many religions out there, most of which claim to be the One True Religion, how could anyone possibly know which is the real truth? If God is really a loving, merciful being, then surely he will understand how we could be confused by religion. He made us who we are, and can’t fault us for following our hearts. If he would really condemn us for being true to ourselves or for being confused by the thousands of religions in this world, then he is not a god worth serving, in my opinion. As long as our actions bring no harm to anyone else, should we not just live and let live, and refrain from judging others?

Additionally, there are so many things wrong with the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion that there’s no way it can truly be from God. Their policies on rape, the child abuse and pedophilia scandals, the indoctrination techniques, the emotional blackmail. The organization does a great job at appearing harmless and withholding information from the rank and file, but there is a darkness if you look deep enough.

Something that really helped me when I was going through the process of leaving and deciding what I really wanted was talking to other people who were going through or had gone through the same thing. I fully recommend this Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/xjwrg3 or this web forum: http://exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com/

They both are full of wonderful people of all sorts, and they’ve been through just about every horrible thing there is, so you’ll surely be able to relate to someone. If you wanted to keep talking to me, I’d be happy to continue our conversation here or you can email me at janessa7149@gmail.com if you want to talk privately. I know how hard it is to struggle with one’s beliefs and the misery that being on of JWs can impose and I’d be honored to give support to someone who stands where I once stood :)

I am one of those people who is not disfellowshipped, not disassociated but just simply could not keep being a part of something that went against my sensibilities. I feel like I am looked at now like some sort of criminal & I have done nothing wrong. I have sometimes felt intimidated when I’m out somewhere & someone that I knew from the religion walks straight passed me as if I am invisible. I have gone home feeling deflated & have had to pick my self up. It is so silly & immature in this day & age to treat someone like that.

Keep up the good work.

Rant over. Thanks for posting this. Just found your site, I’ll be poking around. :)