It's amazing how a group of people who claim to be God's reps on Earth can be so un-Christlike! I'm no longer a believer, but the Jesus of the Bible shunned no one and cared and loved the lowest of the low - UNconditionally.
This is very sad. Question though, So are we to say that we should dismiss everything the apostles said in the Corinthians forward? That What they taught was a lie and wrong? This subject confuses me
definitely. i probably should have followed that up with where i am now in my life. i make a lot of money as a software engineer now. so I'm doing better than my parents ever did. it all turned out well in the end
My mom kicked me out when i told her i didn't want to be a witness anymore. Everyone in my family didn't accept me except for my grandma who is barely in the cult, and my boyfriend now fiance, who I had started dating while I was in the cult.
Carter Brannon Awww, Carter. That's a terrible situation to be in. Does your school have counsellors for you to speak with? Keep your nose clean with the JWs and don't upset them. It may mean leading a double life for a while and that really sucks. Please cherish and value yourself and know your value - your value on lots of levels. It must be so hard. Have you seen Kameron Fader's vids? He may be another youtuber you can identify with. There is a huge ex JW community and I hope between us all we can give the support and faith in *you* that you deserve.
I grew up as a kid in the organization, by the time I was 12 I knew there was something not right about it. When I was about 15 or 16 I discredited altogether, got kicked out of the house when I was 16. Stayed with a friend of mine, stayed in school till I was old enough to quit got a job, got on my feet. I am 50 years old now and own my own business.
I had the opposite happen. Grew up in an atheist family, JWs started calling on one of my sisters, lovebombed her until she was baptized, cut her off from the rest of my family. I have a pathological hatred towards JWs for killing our family as the JWs tried to get other members via the sister, they succeeded with another sister. This all happened when i was 15. When i was 17 friends and myself broke into the local Kingdom Hall and trashed it and set it on fire. We were never caught, this was back in the Nineties. It was pretty stupid, I feel guilty about it now but not at the time. I also beat the shit out of an elder when my 12 year old neice told me that he was touching her. His wife called the cops but the asshole made her ring them back and say it was a mistake, he was more scared of the cops than me beating him. They became pioneers and moved away within a month. I was forbidden to see my neice for ages. She left the cult when she turned 18 and lived with me for 5 years.
@@Filuminat You probably refer to cults that brainwash you and take you away from the outside world. Cults in general are small religious groups, and they are not always like that.
I hope the very best for you and alpha force zero. Love shouldn't be based on religion or race or sexuality. It's sad to think someone would kick a teen out for smoking a cigarette and having a girlfriend. I don't know how to end cults, but this makes me want to end them further. Religion is regressive and causes families harm.
ColorfulShadows I'm sorry, but ALL religion is regressive in some way. The extreme ones are just more regressive with limiting your freedoms, thus a cult.
Not all religion is regressive, you can't categorise everything that is considered a religion into that category. Whether you believe it to be true or not. That's not possible.
It is videos like yours that help me realise from my sheltered life, one that religion has no impact on that it can be a problem I would never know about the terrible things religions do if it were not for people like you. For that, I want to thank you. You are a phenomenal person and I hope you produce content for many years to come.
Keeping it simple as your video drew out more emotions than I am accustomed to conveying... Your daughter is very lucky to have you and I am glad that you found something worthwhile out here.
Happy birthday! Though my problems are nowhere near yours, I agree that I don't want my hardships erased from my life. They hone you and make you stronger.
Telltale Atheist That's good to hear ^^ Also, you've probably already heard, but being a JW stays illegal in Russia. See the Independent: www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-jehovahs-witnesses-ban-supreme-court-dismisses-appeal-vladimir-putin-religion-freedom-a7846826.html
Hey, it's really encouraging to see your experience, that everything turned all right in the end. I'm currently a non-baptized JW and I'm working my way out. For me is not nearly as bad of a situation as it was for you, because only my mother is a JW but my 4 grown up sisters and my dad are not JW. I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn't for the fact that my mother has serious heart problems. When I first told her I don't want to be a JW she started panicking, she started having palpitations and her lips turned purple. She was crying so hard it ripped my heart apart. It was no better that I lived with the fear that I might lose her due to her health problems for nearly 4 years. I told her I'm not giving up just to calm her down. I'm 15 and one of the most important exam is coming. I decided that I will take it slowly, but finish this once and for all this summer. Thanks for sharing this with us. It helped me a lot.
I'm proud of you for being that strong throughout a life like this and extremely happy to have found your TH-cam channel among millions of other ones. Your story is an amazing one and deserves to be heard. Please stay the great person you are
Im not alone! Sometimes i feel like im in this pathetic depression and i know im stronger than that.... They left me alone and my daughter. She was 10 at the time. They stold my mothers brain. They stold my aunts brain. The crazy thing is, this shunning they are doing affects everyone... Including non Jehovas witnesses who cannot comprehend what my daughter and i are going through. .... I feel theres no one that could understand me. Thank you for taking the time to show the real truth....
I actually cried during this. It really hit me where I live because my family doesn't want anything to do with me because I am atheist. This is great inspiration for me. I thank telltale atheist for posting this video
Thank you so much for this, knowing how little you had and how you literally had to live with your coworker so you weren't homeless, but that you kept going and made something out of yourself is extremely inspiring. I know I've talked about my story a few times in the comments section of this channel so I won't get into it again, but I just want to say thank you for showing so many people trapped on the inside that someday we'll get out, and even if we lose everything and everyone we have, we'll be okay. Thank you so much for that.
I really enjoy these videos. I left the "truth" about 7 years ago. I'm gay, and spent a long time trying to deny who I was inside. Then one day, I just kind of snapped. Im so grateful I did as well. I identify so much with these videos, and I'm grateful your making them
I have been binge watching your videos for many rainy days now. I see myself as spiritual without religion and I love love LoVE 🧡 your stuff because you point out all the man-made bullshit. How far you have come you’ve truly found your calling!!!! My heartfelt compassion for your journey. It’s so wonderful that you got to leave. Unconditional love IS everything towards oneself and the people that are dear to you!!!!
I know how hard this must be for you. You are strong, man. You aren't alone either. I can't say I had it hard, especially not after your video, but it wasn't easy. Your sharing helps to ease these pains, thank you
Hey man... I'm so happy to have found your videos today. I have just made a stand to my family who are all 3rd generation JWs. Im older than you are when you left, so Im a little more stable, but the part about unconditional love really touched me and now im in my bedroom crying to myself thinking about how my best friends who I live with now treat me with a love I have never known from my family. I hope one day I can find myself happy and not feeling like I do right now.
Well... Two years left before I can get the same anniversary: Ten years out of the JW! I want to thank you for your videos. They help me quite a lot after wondering for so long how the leftovers from growing up in that context were really affecting me or if it was just my imagination. Thanks for making feel a bit more sane.
Congratulations on your birthday, man! Also, thank you so much for this story. It's extremely encouraging. I live with very religious parents, and as a transgender male who has come to be an atheist, I live in fear that they are going to kick me out once I tell them. Hearing your story made me realize that if that did happen, I have people who will take me in who ACTUALLY care about me; not just who they wish I was. Thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes to you, Alpha Force Zero, and the rest of your family!
I just found your channel and I can relate to a lot of this. I was born into this religion and I left because of a series of events happening over 3 years. It started with the Elders of my congregation refusing to help a homeless man because they thought it was a trick to how they treated my Mothers death from cancer. I really feel like they ruined my life and I still struggle from it.
I left the jws in a1976 at the age of 26.. I was 3rd generation jw... I was the first of my siblings... I know how hard it can be to lose yur everything..I'm now 68 and all my siblings, nieces, nephews, everyone except my parents, who are now deceased, are rid of that shit show... I wear it as a badge of honor that I was the first!! You can do it to!
hi its nice to see people i can empathise with last year my eyes were opened to the fucked up situation my family was in i was born into an old believers chistian family i was taught to believe in the ways of god and kept away from my father as much as possible by my grandparents because he was a drug addict and alchaholic and last year he showed me what happened around the household before i was born and told me all the messed up crap that went on and it broke my illusion of a happy christian loving family (i wont go into detail) i now live with my mother far away from there and my life has been better since so thank you for sharing your story its important people know that these institutions and religions pish the boundaries of basic human rights and general free will keep up the good work
I needed this. I left the cult I was raised in and have been shunned by many people who I used to be close to. My parents have tried to convince me to come back, and I had considered it. it is also why I have been staying with my emotionally abusive husband, who is also in this cult; my mother always insists that it is the best thing for my daughter and that God (and herself) would be displeased with me for leaving him. I now realize that I need to cut them out if necessary. I don't need this, and neither does my daughter...
Your story mimics mine, I was loved on the condition that I be a perfect daughter. I had to behave the way God demanded I behave. I wasn't even allowed to have negative emotions. I was kicked out of my home after a fight in which my mother yelled at me for not getting up at 6 and cleaning the house. Even though the night before I asked her if I could sleep in till 9 then wake up and clean the house. She said sure and that she would respect my request if I upheld my promise to clean. I was angry because I was helping the day before and I was willing to help that day. I lost my temper and lashed out by hitting the scrub brush I was using to scrub the floor into her foot. She then told me she would report me to the cops if I ever did that again. A few days later I was told to leave the house and the city. I found a new place to live but it wasn't easy. I then moved in with a person I thought was my friend, he went physco and tired to keep me from ever leaving the house. I was saved by my very best friend who let me sleep in his college dorm room until my other best friend came over and said that his parents would rent a room to me and that I could live with them. I was exhausted by this time and ready to give up. I had never known unconditional love and support. That is until I came to live with my friends family , They know I'm gay and accept it they know I'm an atheist and still they accept it (though the mom tries now and then to remind how god loves me. But it's not that bad and she doesn't do it all the time so I don't really mind it). They've shown me what actual love is, they helped to free me. I feel safe and sound with them. I'm sad that I had to go through what I did, but if the end result is this than I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you for making these videos. They've really helped me open my eyes to what jehovahs witnesses really are. I grew up on the congregation and even when I stopped going about 3 years ago I still would heavily defend them, even though most of the congregation, my family and old friends, shun me. Your videos have made me see and understand that they really are a cult. I'm glad I got out when I did
your videos make me glad I was raised very secularly by my parents. when I was very young, my grandparents had me baptized and had me go to church and all that, but I never fully bought into it.
It was like listening to the story of so many... Thank you for sharing! It's ones such as yourself sharing your stories that make me feel more comfortable with mine. Maybe one day I too will be able to share mine...
I like watching your videos more than David Duchovny interviews, and that's really saying something. This no joke made me cry, even more so than David Duchovny's beauty. I'm really glad you are much happier now :)
Im pan and I am growing up in a religious family and im only 10 and on the brink of be kicked out of my house i can't go to my grandparents house anymore and living with my dad. AND YOU MADE ME CRY
I think meeting you just to talk about your life would be one the best choices I could make in my life so far. Random thoughts aside, keep up the good work, and good luck
God people like this piss me off. I am a Christian and I often use ice cream as a metaphor for religion. A little ice cream is good for the soul and if you have a little through out your life it is very beneficial. Now say some parents really love chocolate ice cream and have it all day everyday and they want thier child to love chocolate ice cream just as much. So they decide to force feed him chocolate ice cream every single day and no matter how much he says he doesn't want anymore they just keep forcing the chocolate ice cream down his throat. So when the child grows up he will never want chocolate ice cream again... In fact he will hate any ice cream for the rest of his life. Who's fault is it that the child hates ice cream? The parents of course. Because instead of respecting the childs wish to have only a little ice cream they decided that forcing it on the child was the best way to make sure they love it. When in all actuality they are driving the child away from a love of ice cream.
This story is absolutely amazing. Thank you for your earnestness. You built a life from nothing, less than nothing at 18. 10 years later you have a family and life unlike anything you had before. Thank you for sharing. Also you talking about how old you are made me feel reeal goddam old.
haha. thanks. its been a long struggle but things get easier, and that was the main point of the video. for the younger ones who are going through all that now. many of my subscribers are just now leaving a cult
Telltale Thanks for the reply I''m obviously binging your work and am really glad to have found your channel. I had seen your 12 step one as I've been figuring out one to make on that topic. It's honestly one of the few criticisms of religious recovery out there and it hits the problems well. Anyway, I can see how much of this is to reach out to those still stuck where you were 10 years ago, there are tons of different "atheist" channels out there, I enjoy many. But this is different, you're not criticizing religion, you're reaching out to people stuck in insane ideologies and giving an honest critique of their insanity... Plus you draw Purdy pictures... And you have a kickass AFZ. I'm talking too much, I genuinely Appreciate your work... I'll stop now.
powerful feeling... you went trough that, there should be more people like you dude, religions can split families, start wars and hold back advance... you deserve the best!
I sadly related to this on a completely different level, because sometimes I feel like my parents and friends shun me because I'm different and have trouble dealing with my emotions. It occasionally feels like I don't have anyone to love me at all.
I have never gone through that because I'm still 17 and I probably will never go through that but I give u mad props for that story and respect u a lot of that story. Stay strong man, keep up the great work and keep being awesome.
Telltale Atheist It never is. I've been going through a lot for most of my life. Even though my family aren't Jehovah's Witness, this still really helps and really hits home.
I stopped going to church a year and half ago, and I stopped going to youth group around October of 2017. To this day, my mom asks me to go to both (mostly youth group because I don't have many friends), but she's really understanding that I don't identify with any religion right now. I felt hypocritical being in a religion that supported a book that went against my personal beliefs (and I was mortified by some of the disturbing passages in the Bible) . It was hard at first, I felt a lot guilt because I was baptized and confirmed at my church, so it felt like I was breaking the promise I made at my confirmation. As time went on, I allowed myself to not feel guilty and I'm a lot happier. My mom has been really supportive of me and I still talk to my friends from youth group.
tristen kobewka Aye, he's just a young 'in. From his vids I thought he was older as he has such wisdom and clarity and comes over as 'solid'. I'm twice his age and learn a lot from him. :)
What a story and what a disgraceful way to be treated. Well done on all you've accomplished. So many ex JWs tell similar stories, kicked out while so young and vulnerable, I am in awe of you all. Yes, so many others in the process if being kicked out at a time when they should be getting support. I hope they see what yourself and others have gone through and know it is possible, though hard, to live and thrive. I hope they use oldies like myself and those with such experiences like yourself to get through and succeed - they deserve all support possible, just as you deserve d and deserve all support possible. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! And it breaks my heart to hear about what happened with you and your parents. They claim to support God but kick out their own child. Good on you, mate, because even after your traumatic life, you are such a respectful and wise man.
The great epochs of life seem to run in 20 year blocks, the first: birth to twenty, a time of finding oneself. 20- 40, a time of finding your place in this world, and finally 40 and beyond, when wisdom reaches it's final limit and thus it's character becomes known. ☺
We have the exact same birthday! July 20th 1989. My mother joined JW when I was 9 years old. My sister and were lured in with bible study, at first it just sounded like a cute hobby (like judo, or drawing). Soon after we were convinced to give up birthdays, christmas, old friends, girl scouts.. My parents were constantly fighting because of her decision. We went to meetings three times a week and I think my father felt like he was losing his family. Jw split my family in half. When I was 14 my (mentally disabled) sister got pregnant by accident. Because of Jw she had to keep the baby (they see abortion as murder). My father was devastated, but my mother pushed through. Both my parents are now nearing their seventies and they are still taking care of my sister and her (also disabled) child. I think I felt the divide the organisation made in my family when I was 15. I could not believe a loving God would create these kind of absurd situations. That’s not love, that’s just cruel, I felt - although they try to have you believe it is Satan who tries us. Luckily I was never baptized, I got out in time. My mother ignored me for two months after. Our relationship now is okay, although I now feel she wants to ‘save’ my newborn... I’m not having it. I’ll defend my little one like a lioness, not that propaganda bullshit again. Anyhoo, thanks for making these videos and reminding me why it was the best decision to leave. Wishing you the best.
I’m late to this party but congratulations on breaking free, moving on and finding th real unconditional love that a true family can give. Keep up the good nonholy works!
Holy shit dude, I have three friends (more family at this point, but whatever) and one is ex JW and there are striking similarities between your story and his. Biggest difference is, my friend's mom stood by him no matter what. The reality is, if so many people have these stories from this fucked up religion... I don't even know. Religion disgusts me for so many reasons, but what it does to real people especially children... Fuck man. Just fuck. I'm so glad you've found some peace. I've only known unconditional love recently myself, and the feelings for your daughter I know for mine. I just wish you and AFZ the best and hope all keeps going well. Also the background music was spectacular, was it a Silent Hill song per chance?
it's from the youtube library. copyright free. i think its called ether. and now that it's over for your friend, hopefully things have improved and the brainwashing has worn off
Dude I'm sorry to hear that. I remember going through a lot of things because I accepted a scholarship to college & when people heard I was going anyway they practically fell off their chairs! I'm glad with the decisions that I have made and not what the elders wanted me to do.
Thanks for making me feel really old! You're 2 years older than my eldest! You could very well be my "moral" son (religiously speaking ;-)) let alone biologically speaking. I'm glad you made it through the crap and came out so decent. You're clearly a far better dad than yours ever was. Be proud.
Thank you for sharing that. I too had a lot of similarly rough and violent upbringing. I am glad you were able to find some support. I was in the street at 15 for 3 months until Child services made me move in with my grandmother. Got in a very bad marriage, divorced, remarried to the love of my life and finally had my daughter. She is now 17 and I am 45. It is still rough, a few things I will never get over but it gets better. It always will, and the thing about unconditional love I finally understood that the same way you did. I am a very new atheist and still learning and discovering.
I was kicked out of home at 16 when I stopped going to church (I grew up in the CoC) and lived with a friend for two years before starting university. My older brother who was 18 at the time was also told to leave when he called the police. I'm 21 now and most of the hurt is gone but I still remember how I felt when those cops showed up at my door. Being CoC (and most other cults too, I'm sure) means you constantly have to pretend to be the perfect, godly family in public even when you're at each other's throats behind closed doors, but when the police came it shattered the illusion completely.
Telltale Atheist I am. I just turned 20 June 16th. I'm in college for computer science, I'm working part time, and having "worldly" friends. People at my local one stalk my Facebook and Instagram. Or when they see me in public, they say "Jehovah is waiting on you, the door is always open". I always reply "so is the door to a cult free life" and walk away. Glad you're doing well!
these videos mean alot to me. I left on my birthday april 29th at 12 am and drove to my moms house. i have no contact with my dad, or brother, or aunt or uncle... i tried to show them i still care, but they want nothing to do with me... no one came to my graduation except my dad, and he told me that i made a mistake. and that i was a mistake.
+SnowboarderNOTB well it was the best decision you made too. It sucks being without family members but you’re in a better place than you would have been if you had stayed in
Happy Anniversary! Went through a similar situation when I was in my teens, too, seems to be pretty common. It hurts like hell losing so much, but I believe that it's worth it in the end. Sucks having every action and word monitored and judged by those around you who claim to "love" you. This life is too short for all of that crap...
Thanks, you too. Happy Belated Birthday, by the way. Cheers to many more years free from religious tyranny! :D FYI, I was a Seventh-Day Adventist, not a Jehovah's Witness, but I've noticed some similarities between the two, especially after watching some of your videos.
I feel sorry for what you've been through. It is great how you seem like such a good person even after going through that. Love your videos btw keep up the good work!
It's amazing how a group of people who claim to be God's reps on Earth can be so un-Christlike! I'm no longer a believer, but the Jesus of the Bible shunned no one and cared and loved the lowest of the low - UNconditionally.
right. well said
This is very sad.
Question though, So are we to say that we should dismiss everything the apostles said in the Corinthians forward? That What they taught was a lie and wrong?
This subject confuses me
Michael Anderson Its called loving your enemies
That true in one book but another there definitely a contradiction
A woman I know just says other texts are 'less inspired', and calls the New International Bible the 'nearly inspired' bible.
Sorry to hear about your relationship with your parents, I'm glad you were able to get out of there and back on your feet!
definitely. i probably should have followed that up with where i am now in my life. i make a lot of money as a software engineer now. so I'm doing better than my parents ever did. it all turned out well in the end
Telltale Atheist Yay!!!!!!!! :)
definitely. Thanks
I feel like jehova witnesses if they see this they will still try to justify this by bring up a 2000 year old book
they definitely will
Brandon Macias that is so true
Gamerninja 01 I know but it still possible what are the odds that the elders will see you and your not TALKING YOUR typing (I am trying to be corny
My mom kicked me out when i told her i didn't want to be a witness anymore. Everyone in my family didn't accept me except for my grandma who is barely in the cult, and my boyfriend now fiance, who I had started dating while I was in the cult.
I am :)
I'm on a constant edge of getting kicked out of my house. This video is so helpful because as a 14 year old I always feel so scared. thank you.
things will get better. just give it time
Carter Brannon Awww, Carter. That's a terrible situation to be in. Does your school have counsellors for you to speak with? Keep your nose clean with the JWs and don't upset them. It may mean leading a double life for a while and that really sucks. Please cherish and value yourself and know your value - your value on lots of levels. It must be so hard. Have you seen Kameron Fader's vids? He may be another youtuber you can identify with. There is a huge ex JW community and I hope between us all we can give the support and faith in *you* that you deserve.
+Carter Brannon I understand. It isn’t easy. But it does get better. Just bear through it long enough to make it out the other side
Carter Brannon don't worry, dude things will get better, just wait a couple of more years because I have a similar situation
I grew up as a kid in the organization, by the time I was 12 I knew there was something not right about it. When I was about 15 or 16 I discredited altogether, got kicked out of the house when I was 16. Stayed with a friend of mine, stayed in school till I was old enough to quit got a job, got on my feet. I am 50 years old now and own my own business.
Question: why did she move into the trailer with you?
because we loved each other and she was fairly unhappy at her family's house
Professor Stick because love makes you do dumb things. Things that you'll remember for a lifetime, good or bad. It's all just part of the experience
You make good videos Professor Stick
Professor Stick - because the Ritz Carlton was booked up? Dummass.
Hey, it’s Stick
I had the opposite happen. Grew up in an atheist family, JWs started calling on one of my sisters, lovebombed her until she was baptized, cut her off from the rest of my family. I have a pathological hatred towards JWs for killing our family as the JWs tried to get other members via the sister, they succeeded with another sister. This all happened when i was 15. When i was 17 friends and myself broke into the local Kingdom Hall and trashed it and set it on fire. We were never caught, this was back in the Nineties. It was pretty stupid, I feel guilty about it now but not at the time. I also beat the shit out of an elder when my 12 year old neice told me that he was touching her. His wife called the cops but the asshole made her ring them back and say it was a mistake, he was more scared of the cops than me beating him. They became pioneers and moved away within a month. I was forbidden to see my neice for ages.
She left the cult when she turned 18 and lived with me for 5 years.
👏👏👏👏
JWs are what's wrong with the world
@@ShayAviv1000 From what I understand you got the first part wrong(in my opinion), but the rest spot on
@@ShayAviv1000 jw is a cult,it shouldnt exist. Freedom of religion doesnt apply to cults and sects
@@Filuminat You probably refer to cults that brainwash you and take you away from the outside world. Cults in general are small religious groups, and they are not always like that.
My mother said that the only way she will disown me is if I 1, commit a serious crime or 2, I become a Jehovah's witness.
If I had to do either, I'd rather kill someone rather then killing myself by becoming a cultist
Anidayz lol
dis be the truth tho.
kek.
Anidayz I know that. I'd rather be the vegas shooter than be a JW!
You have a good mom
I hope the very best for you and alpha force zero. Love shouldn't be based on religion or race or sexuality. It's sad to think someone would kick a teen out for smoking a cigarette and having a girlfriend. I don't know how to end cults, but this makes me want to end them further. Religion is regressive and causes families harm.
i agree. it turned out well in the end
Not all religion is regressive only the extreme ones.
extreme isn't the criteria by which religions are judged regressive. unless you're saying they're extreme BECAUSE they're regressive
ColorfulShadows I'm sorry, but ALL religion is regressive in some way. The extreme ones are just more regressive with limiting your freedoms, thus a cult.
Not all religion is regressive, you can't categorise everything that is considered a religion into that category. Whether you believe it to be true or not. That's not possible.
It is videos like yours that help me realise from my sheltered life, one that religion has no impact on that it can be a problem I would never know about the terrible things religions do if it were not for people like you. For that, I want to thank you. You are a phenomenal person and I hope you produce content for many years to come.
thanks. i appreciate it. and i intend to produce content for a good long time
This is not like other religions. Religions are about as different as atheism and some religion, in my opinion.
Happy birthday!!!
thanks
Telltale Atheist what's your outro song called? I like the vibe it gives off.
+Noel Fantomuhaivu I think it’s feelings by steam phunk
you look upset that's it's his birthday
It happy his old friends and old family hate him.
Keeping it simple as your video drew out more emotions than I am accustomed to conveying...
Your daughter is very lucky to have you and I am glad that you found something worthwhile out here.
thanks. i did. things are far better now than i ever expected them to be
How can someone dislike this? Thank you for sharing your story with us. Gained a sub.
thanks for watching
Love watching your videos after a long day
me too :s jk. thanks :P
I'm so glad that you now have a family to love, and be loved by. Happy birthday!
thanks. me too
it looks like you have a TH-cam family as well happy birthday. 🎆🎂
yep. thanks :P
Great vid! Happy Birthday!
thanks buddy. i didn't know you watched :P
Oh yes, I watch. I don't comment often though. I've been taking a hiatus from making videos to finish my book.
Happy birthday and happy leaving the cult day! Enjoyed this video
Happy birthday! Though my problems are nowhere near yours, I agree that I don't want my hardships erased from my life. They hone you and make you stronger.
right. and actually my life is a lot better now
Telltale Atheist That's good to hear ^^
Also, you've probably already heard, but being a JW stays illegal in Russia. See the Independent: www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-jehovahs-witnesses-ban-supreme-court-dismisses-appeal-vladimir-putin-religion-freedom-a7846826.html
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN!
Glad you made it out. Keep up the good work.
thanks i appreciate it. good seeing you
Hey, it's really encouraging to see your experience, that everything turned all right in the end. I'm currently a non-baptized JW and I'm working my way out. For me is not nearly as bad of a situation as it was for you, because only my mother is a JW but my 4 grown up sisters and my dad are not JW. I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn't for the fact that my mother has serious heart problems. When I first told her I don't want to be a JW she started panicking, she started having palpitations and her lips turned purple. She was crying so hard it ripped my heart apart. It was no better that I lived with the fear that I might lose her due to her health problems for nearly 4 years. I told her I'm not giving up just to calm her down. I'm 15 and one of the most important exam is coming. I decided that I will take it slowly, but finish this once and for all this summer. Thanks for sharing this with us. It helped me a lot.
Aww, you have a good birthday!!
thanks
I'm proud of you for being that strong throughout a life like this and extremely happy to have found your TH-cam channel among millions of other ones. Your story is an amazing one and deserves to be heard. Please stay the great person you are
Im not alone! Sometimes i feel like im in this pathetic depression and i know im stronger than that.... They left me alone and my daughter. She was 10 at the time. They stold my mothers brain. They stold my aunts brain. The crazy thing is, this shunning they are doing affects everyone... Including non Jehovas witnesses who cannot comprehend what my daughter and i are going through. .... I feel theres no one that could understand me. Thank you for taking the time to show the real truth....
I actually cried during this. It really hit me where I live because my family doesn't want anything to do with me because I am atheist. This is great inspiration for me. I thank telltale atheist for posting this video
Thank you so much for this, knowing how little you had and how you literally had to live with your coworker so you weren't homeless, but that you kept going and made something out of yourself is extremely inspiring. I know I've talked about my story a few times in the comments section of this channel so I won't get into it again, but I just want to say thank you for showing so many people trapped on the inside that someday we'll get out, and even if we lose everything and everyone we have, we'll be okay. Thank you so much for that.
+Abbie C I’m glad it helped. That’s the purpose of my channel. To show that things get better
I really enjoy these videos. I left the "truth" about 7 years ago. I'm gay, and spent a long time trying to deny who I was inside. Then one day, I just kind of snapped. Im so grateful I did as well. I identify so much with these videos, and I'm grateful your making them
+Michael Hartman good. I’m grateful you’re watching them. And it’s good you’re living your life the way you should instead of how others want you to
I have been binge watching your videos for many rainy days now. I see myself as spiritual without religion and I love love LoVE 🧡 your stuff because you point out all the man-made bullshit. How far you have come you’ve truly found your calling!!!! My heartfelt compassion for your journey. It’s so wonderful that you got to leave. Unconditional love IS everything towards oneself and the people that are dear to you!!!!
I know how hard this must be for you. You are strong, man. You aren't alone either. I can't say I had it hard, especially not after your video, but it wasn't easy. Your sharing helps to ease these pains, thank you
Hey man... I'm so happy to have found your videos today. I have just made a stand to my family who are all 3rd generation JWs. Im older than you are when you left, so Im a little more stable, but the part about unconditional love really touched me and now im in my bedroom crying to myself thinking about how my best friends who I live with now treat me with a love I have never known from my family. I hope one day I can find myself happy and not feeling like I do right now.
It's nice to have such inspiration .. Hard times do get better I hope. Thanks for your support in your videos, it helps during these months of chaos.
right. things have gotten much better since then. I'm a software engineer now. and things will get better for you, it just takes time.
Well... Two years left before I can get the same anniversary: Ten years out of the JW! I want to thank you for your videos. They help me quite a lot after wondering for so long how the leftovers from growing up in that context were really affecting me or if it was just my imagination. Thanks for making feel a bit more sane.
Congratulations on your birthday, man! Also, thank you so much for this story. It's extremely encouraging. I live with very religious parents, and as a transgender male who has come to be an atheist, I live in fear that they are going to kick me out once I tell them. Hearing your story made me realize that if that did happen, I have people who will take me in who ACTUALLY care about me; not just who they wish I was. Thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes to you, Alpha Force Zero, and the rest of your family!
+Wonder Warrior thanks. Being kicked out could be the best thing to happen to you. It was for me
The upside of this story made me smile on a crying day, thank you so much.
¡Felix Cumpliaños! And happy anniversary! I hope you enjoy the day!
I just found your channel and I can relate to a lot of this. I was born into this religion and I left because of a series of events happening over 3 years. It started with the Elders of my congregation refusing to help a homeless man because they thought it was a trick to how they treated my Mothers death from cancer. I really feel like they ruined my life and I still struggle from it.
I couldn't wait for your next video. I'm glad it came.
sooner rather than later this time too
Happy birthday, love your videos man, and good for you!
I left the jws in a1976 at the age of 26.. I was 3rd generation jw... I was the first of my siblings... I know how hard it can be to lose yur everything..I'm now 68 and all my siblings, nieces, nephews, everyone except my parents, who are now deceased, are rid of that shit show... I wear it as a badge of honor that I was the first!! You can do it to!
hi its nice to see people i can empathise with last year my eyes were opened to the fucked up situation my family was in i was born into an old believers chistian family i was taught to believe in the ways of god and kept away from my father as much as possible by my grandparents because he was a drug addict and alchaholic and last year he showed me what happened around the household before i was born and told me all the messed up crap that went on and it broke my illusion of a happy christian loving family (i wont go into detail) i now live with my mother far away from there and my life has been better since so thank you for sharing your story its important people know that these institutions and religions pish the boundaries of basic human rights and general free will keep up the good work
I'm glad you could rise up 😊
And happy birthday
I needed this. I left the cult I was raised in and have been shunned by many people who I used to be close to. My parents have tried to convince me to come back, and I had considered it. it is also why I have been staying with my emotionally abusive husband, who is also in this cult; my mother always insists that it is the best thing for my daughter and that God (and herself) would be displeased with me for leaving him.
I now realize that I need to cut them out if necessary. I don't need this, and neither does my daughter...
Your story mimics mine, I was loved on the condition that I be a perfect daughter. I had to behave the way God demanded I behave. I wasn't even allowed to have negative emotions. I was kicked out of my home after a fight in which my mother yelled at me for not getting up at 6 and cleaning the house. Even though the night before I asked her if I could sleep in till 9 then wake up and clean the house. She said sure and that she would respect my request if I upheld my promise to clean. I was angry because I was helping the day before and I was willing to help that day. I lost my temper and lashed out by hitting the scrub brush I was using to scrub the floor into her foot. She then told me she would report me to the cops if I ever did that again. A few days later I was told to leave the house and the city. I found a new place to live but it wasn't easy. I then moved in with a person I thought was my friend, he went physco and tired to keep me from ever leaving the house. I was saved by my very best friend who let me sleep in his college dorm room until my other best friend came over and said that his parents would rent a room to me and that I could live with them. I was exhausted by this time and ready to give up. I had never known unconditional love and support. That is until I came to live with my friends family , They know I'm gay and accept it they know I'm an atheist and still they accept it (though the mom tries now and then to remind how god loves me. But it's not that bad and she doesn't do it all the time so I don't really mind it). They've shown me what actual love is, they helped to free me. I feel safe and sound with them. I'm sad that I had to go through what I did, but if the end result is this than I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you for making these videos. They've really helped me open my eyes to what jehovahs witnesses really are. I grew up on the congregation and even when I stopped going about 3 years ago I still would heavily defend them, even though most of the congregation, my family and old friends, shun me. Your videos have made me see and understand that they really are a cult. I'm glad I got out when I did
your videos make me glad I was raised very secularly by my parents. when I was very young, my grandparents had me baptized and had me go to church and all that, but I never fully bought into it.
thats good. christianity will tear families apart
It was like listening to the story of so many... Thank you for sharing! It's ones such as yourself sharing your stories that make me feel more comfortable with mine. Maybe one day I too will be able to share mine...
+Brooke Huggins I wouldn’t mind hearing it. Let me know if you decide to
I like watching your videos more than David Duchovny interviews, and that's really saying something. This no joke made me cry, even more so than David Duchovny's beauty. I'm really glad you are much happier now :)
+Peach Malibu lol thanks. I am
Im pan and I am growing up in a religious family and im only 10 and on the brink of be kicked out of my house i can't go to my grandparents house anymore and living with my dad. AND YOU MADE ME CRY
+Philip Mahar I’m sorry :( but it does get better. That’s the point of it. It gets better with time
I think meeting you just to talk about your life would be one the best choices I could make in my life so far.
Random thoughts aside, keep up the good work, and good luck
Happy Belated Birthday Talltale~ !!
God people like this piss me off.
I am a Christian and I often use ice cream as a metaphor for religion.
A little ice cream is good for the soul and if you have a little through out your life it is very beneficial.
Now say some parents really love chocolate ice cream and have it all day everyday and they want thier child to love chocolate ice cream just as much.
So they decide to force feed him chocolate ice cream every single day and no matter how much he says he doesn't want anymore they just keep forcing the chocolate ice cream down his throat.
So when the child grows up he will never want chocolate ice cream again... In fact he will hate any ice cream for the rest of his life.
Who's fault is it that the child hates ice cream? The parents of course.
Because instead of respecting the childs wish to have only a little ice cream they decided that forcing it on the child was the best way to make sure they love it.
When in all actuality they are driving the child away from a love of ice cream.
True. That's a nice analogy. What kind of Christian are you, if I may ask?
It's good to here your free now. I personally left the LDS Church. I wish you the best.
+Arthur Smith thanks. I’m glad you escaped too
This story is absolutely amazing. Thank you for your earnestness. You built a life from nothing, less than nothing at 18. 10 years later you have a family and life unlike anything you had before. Thank you for sharing.
Also you talking about how old you are made me feel reeal goddam old.
haha. thanks. its been a long struggle but things get easier, and that was the main point of the video. for the younger ones who are going through all that now. many of my subscribers are just now leaving a cult
Telltale Thanks for the reply I''m obviously binging your work and am really glad to have found your channel. I had seen your 12 step one as I've been figuring out one to make on that topic. It's honestly one of the few criticisms of religious recovery out there and it hits the problems well.
Anyway, I can see how much of this is to reach out to those still stuck where you were 10 years ago, there are tons of different "atheist" channels out there, I enjoy many. But this is different, you're not criticizing religion, you're reaching out to people stuck in insane ideologies and giving an honest critique of their insanity...
Plus you draw Purdy pictures... And you have a kickass AFZ.
I'm talking too much, I genuinely
Appreciate your work... I'll stop now.
powerful feeling... you went trough that, there should be more people like you dude, religions can split families, start wars and hold back advance... you deserve the best!
thanks i appreciate it. just have to keep exposing religion for what it is
Your story is an inspiration, especially as I've had very similar experiences. You are a shining beacon of light.
I sadly related to this on a completely different level, because sometimes I feel like my parents and friends shun me because I'm different and have trouble dealing with my emotions. It occasionally feels like I don't have anyone to love me at all.
+Not A Peasant social repercussions are difficult no matter the cost
+Not A Peasant cause*
Heart wrenching story, but glad you turned a terribly negative to a positive. Thanks for sharing.
I am literally in tears. My story is a little different but very similar. I know these feelings deeply.💖
I have never gone through that because I'm still 17 and I probably will never go through that but I give u mad props for that story and respect u a lot of that story. Stay strong man, keep up the great work and keep being awesome.
thanks i appreciate it
I am literally crying so hard right now. Thank you for sharing your story.
Life's hard. Everyone goes through hard times, and I'm glad to see you're okay. Happy Birthday.
thanks, i appreciate it
Congrats Bro! I am glad that things only got better for you!!
I admire you for your strength and courage!
I love your videos, I left JWs at 15 but I never went through the tragedies you did. Although I have stories of my own. Thank you for your posts!
Happy birthday! I also feel it fair to say that I'm incredibly proud of how far you've come and how well you've done.
thanks i appreciate it. it hasn't been easy
Telltale Atheist It never is. I've been going through a lot for most of my life. Even though my family aren't Jehovah's Witness, this still really helps and really hits home.
Happy birthday!! Good vid
I stopped going to church a year and half ago, and I stopped going to youth group around October of 2017. To this day, my mom asks me to go to both (mostly youth group because I don't have many friends), but she's really understanding that I don't identify with any religion right now. I felt hypocritical being in a religion that supported a book that went against my personal beliefs (and I was mortified by some of the disturbing passages in the Bible) . It was hard at first, I felt a lot guilt because I was baptized and confirmed at my church, so it felt like I was breaking the promise I made at my confirmation. As time went on, I allowed myself to not feel guilty and I'm a lot happier. My mom has been really supportive of me and I still talk to my friends from youth group.
🎈🎈🎈🎉🎊Happy birthday🎊🎉🎈🎈🎈
Happy day of birth to you fine sir...........................................PS - Powerful story!!!! Thx for that.
fo sho. thanks buddy
This is so sad, but also inspiring. This is very moving.
Also happy birthday
thanks
Great video dude, still watching your amazing vids and hope you had a great birthday.
thanks. it was pretty good
I'm glad you are having a better life with Alpha and that you can be happy after what you've been through. Happy birthday and say hi to Alpha for me.
+Sushi Cat fo sho. Thanks
You're only 28? You sound so much younger >< HAPPY BIRTHDAY THOUGH!!! XD Keep revealing the truth :3
lol... thanks. ya I'm 28
I think you should be proud of that number, you're still young :3 Sorry if i sound really weird saying this >
tristen kobewka Aye, he's just a young 'in. From his vids I thought he was older as he has such wisdom and clarity and comes over as 'solid'. I'm twice his age and learn a lot from him. :)
+JW Suicides ha. Thanks. But I have a few gray hairs now and that’s basically the defining factor
I thought he was in his thirties until I saw his photos in a previous video.
Yah...
This made my tear glands flood...
My mug is filled with salty eye water
Also
Happy birthday
+BluslimeProductions well my life has gotten much better since. And thanks
What a story and what a disgraceful way to be treated. Well done on all you've accomplished.
So many ex JWs tell similar stories, kicked out while so young and vulnerable, I am in awe of you all. Yes, so many others in the process if being kicked out at a time when they should be getting support. I hope they see what yourself and others have gone through and know it is possible, though hard, to live and thrive. I hope they use oldies like myself and those with such experiences like yourself to get through and succeed - they deserve all support possible, just as you deserve d and deserve all support possible.
Happy birthday!
+JW Suicides right. Thanks
Happy birthday! And it breaks my heart to hear about what happened with you and your parents. They claim to support God but kick out their own child. Good on you, mate, because even after your traumatic life, you are such a respectful and wise man.
The great epochs of life seem to run in 20 year blocks, the first: birth to twenty, a time of finding oneself. 20- 40, a time of finding your place in this world, and finally 40 and beyond, when wisdom reaches it's final limit and thus it's character becomes known. ☺
We have the exact same birthday! July 20th 1989. My mother joined JW when I was 9 years old. My sister and were lured in with bible study, at first it just sounded like a cute hobby (like judo, or drawing). Soon after we were convinced to give up birthdays, christmas, old friends, girl scouts.. My parents were constantly fighting because of her decision. We went to meetings three times a week and I think my father felt like he was losing his family. Jw split my family in half. When I was 14 my (mentally disabled) sister got pregnant by accident. Because of Jw she had to keep the baby (they see abortion as murder). My father was devastated, but my mother pushed through. Both my parents are now nearing their seventies and they are still taking care of my sister and her (also disabled) child.
I think I felt the divide the organisation made in my family when I was 15. I could not believe a loving God would create these kind of absurd situations. That’s not love, that’s just cruel, I felt - although they try to have you believe it is Satan who tries us. Luckily I was never baptized, I got out in time. My mother ignored me for two months after. Our relationship now is okay, although I now feel she wants to ‘save’ my newborn... I’m not having it. I’ll defend my little one like a lioness, not that propaganda bullshit again.
Anyhoo, thanks for making these videos and reminding me why it was the best decision to leave. Wishing you the best.
🎂🎂🎂Happy Bday 🎂🎂🎂
I'm glad you left. Happy birthday!
I’m late to this party but congratulations on breaking free, moving on and finding th real unconditional love that a true family can give. Keep up the good nonholy works!
You are brave, strong, amazing human, I have a lot of respect for you, Telltale, and I mean REALLY A LOT!
Holy shit dude, I have three friends (more family at this point, but whatever) and one is ex JW and there are striking similarities between your story and his. Biggest difference is, my friend's mom stood by him no matter what. The reality is, if so many people have these stories from this fucked up religion... I don't even know. Religion disgusts me for so many reasons, but what it does to real people especially children... Fuck man. Just fuck. I'm so glad you've found some peace. I've only known unconditional love recently myself, and the feelings for your daughter I know for mine. I just wish you and AFZ the best and hope all keeps going well.
Also the background music was spectacular, was it a Silent Hill song per chance?
it's from the youtube library. copyright free. i think its called ether. and now that it's over for your friend, hopefully things have improved and the brainwashing has worn off
So all religon is bad? I hate these atheist always angry at us theist because in pervious generations theists have been evil.
I'm so glad you came out safe on the other side...Peace my friend
Dude I'm sorry to hear that. I remember going through a lot of things because I accepted a scholarship to college & when people heard I was going anyway they practically fell off their chairs! I'm glad with the decisions that I have made and not what the elders wanted me to do.
+Eddie Jump im happy with my decisions too. Although I would be happy with any decision that got me out of that cult
Thanks for making me feel really old! You're 2 years older than my eldest! You could very well be my "moral" son (religiously speaking ;-)) let alone biologically speaking.
I'm glad you made it through the crap and came out so decent. You're clearly a far better dad than yours ever was. Be proud.
Happy belated birthday!!
Thank you for sharing that. I too had a lot of similarly rough and violent upbringing. I am glad you were able to find some support. I was in the street at 15 for 3 months until Child services made me move in with my grandmother. Got in a very bad marriage, divorced, remarried to the love of my life and finally had my daughter. She is now 17 and I am 45. It is still rough, a few things I will never get over but it gets better. It always will, and the thing about unconditional love I finally understood that the same way you did. I am a very new atheist and still learning and discovering.
touching story, great job getting through it all and my respect to you
I was kicked out of home at 16 when I stopped going to church (I grew up in the CoC) and lived with a friend for two years before starting university. My older brother who was 18 at the time was also told to leave when he called the police. I'm 21 now and most of the hurt is gone but I still remember how I felt when those cops showed up at my door. Being CoC (and most other cults too, I'm sure) means you constantly have to pretend to be the perfect, godly family in public even when you're at each other's throats behind closed doors, but when the police came it shattered the illusion completely.
All atheist up in the house say heyaaaa
Heyaaa
heyaaa
heyaaaa
Heyaaaaa
Noice Clorox heyaaaa
Happy belated birthday! and congrats on 10 years out. it's only been 2 years for me.
thanks. i hope you're doing well since leaving. i am
Telltale Atheist I am. I just turned 20 June 16th. I'm in college for computer science, I'm working part time, and having "worldly" friends. People at my local one stalk my Facebook and Instagram. Or when they see me in public, they say "Jehovah is waiting on you, the door is always open". I always reply "so is the door to a cult free life" and walk away. Glad you're doing well!
Navella Christen Dang, I ❤ your comeback. Cult-free is far better. :)
WoWNimblybimbly thank you! ❤️
well happy birthday :) and a great, long time with your daughter
greetings from germany
+oduco plays greetings from america
Happy belated birthday, Bro!!
these videos mean alot to me. I left on my birthday april 29th at 12 am and drove to my moms house. i have no contact with my dad, or brother, or aunt or uncle... i tried to show them i still care, but they want nothing to do with me... no one came to my graduation except my dad, and he told me that i made a mistake. and that i was a mistake.
+SnowboarderNOTB well it was the best decision you made too. It sucks being without family members but you’re in a better place than you would have been if you had stayed in
Happy Anniversary! Went through a similar situation when I was in my teens, too, seems to be pretty common. It hurts like hell losing so much, but I believe that it's worth it in the end. Sucks having every action and word monitored and judged by those around you who claim to "love" you. This life is too short for all of that crap...
right. i agree. I'm glad you made it out too though
Thanks, you too. Happy Belated Birthday, by the way. Cheers to many more years free from religious tyranny! :D FYI, I was a Seventh-Day Adventist, not a Jehovah's Witness, but I've noticed some similarities between the two, especially after watching some of your videos.
+Dani Boy oh yeah they’re very similar. Glad you’re out too
Might be worth a video! ;)
Sad to hear your story, but I'm happy you found your place in world.
And AF0 is AWESOME
I feel sorry for what you've been through. It is great how you seem like such a good person even after going through that. Love your videos btw keep up the good work!
This brought me to tears.
Happy Birthday
You are the best😊
thanks