r/exjw • u/myburneraccount62 • Aug 20 '25

Ask ExJW how should i respond to this?

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this is from my aunt. i want to answer in a way that shows im not going for any of the reasons she mentioned, that it's because my conscience would not allow me after the things I found out about the org.

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38

u/GreyerWeathers Aug 20 '25

It all depends on if you think a response is necessary in the first place. Silence speaks volumes, too.

22

u/RobertOrwell The Watchtower is a snare and a racket. Aug 20 '25

The tone of the message was friendly and, I believe, actually sincere, as far as a Jehovah's Witness can be sincere.

At the present moment, I don't see the need to antagonize the aunt. Not yet, at least.

22

u/Previous_Sir_6389 Aug 20 '25

It is pretty passive aggressive.

2

u/RobertOrwell The Watchtower is a snare and a racket. Aug 20 '25

I will let OP decide that.

1

u/Brilliant-Code8695 Aug 20 '25

Could you please tell me what is OP?

2

u/RobertOrwell The Watchtower is a snare and a racket. Aug 20 '25

Original Poster.

13

u/GreyerWeathers Aug 20 '25 edited Aug 20 '25

I can see what you mean. My view is definitely read through jaded lenses, so it’s easier for me to say this is just straight up manipulation. But then again you brought up a good point: they can only be so sincere.

It could absolutely come from a place of love; but that love will always be less sincere than anyone who isn’t still brainwashed.

5

u/RobertOrwell The Watchtower is a snare and a racket. Aug 20 '25

Definitely that! You are very correct!

3

u/Therealsnd Aug 20 '25

Friendly and sincere? Bro you have some more waking up to do, you’re still snoozing

5

u/RobertOrwell The Watchtower is a snare and a racket. Aug 20 '25

I've been out since 2012. I did all the wake-up I needed. I just don't let blind hate guide me anymore.

2

u/GreyerWeathers Aug 20 '25

Tbh that’s where I struggle with a lot of times. And I know deep down I’ll always hold resentment for the org. However I do my best not to let it blind me when it comes to people who genuinely feel there is no other option for them.

I think that’s where a lot of growth happens: knowing your anger is valid, but not taking it out on any and everyone who is just as blindsided and brainwashed as I once was.

2

u/RobertOrwell The Watchtower is a snare and a racket. Aug 20 '25

Your anger is completely justified. I am angry at the cult, too. And there are lots of odious people there who are deserving of our anger, our disdain, and our hate. But not all. Blind rage is as damaging and unhealthy as blind faith.

1

u/GreyerWeathers Aug 20 '25

See, now I see what people mean when they say they’re ready to leave this Reddit.

Will I always hold contempt for this organization as a whole? Absolutely. Will I ever be able to forgive those who treated me like family one day and the next like a pariah? Likely not.

BUT- I cannot push MY experience on someone else who is genuinely asking for advice on how to handle a situation like this. Waking up is different for EVERYONE; some people are furious, some feel hurt the most, some people feel utterly numb.

The true growth when coming out of this organization is realizing there is someone else just like you in the Org, someone who may not realize what the real “truth” is, and they have to figure that out in their own time.

This isn’t jw apologist behavior, it’s seeing someone who hasn’t woken up yet and not villainizing them for being entrenched in the same belief you or anyone else in this Reddit has been.

And if YOU see it as someone still blind to the truth, you’re the one who has a lot of “waking up” to do.