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@astrologica wrote:
Hello Busty. Regarding Bank's reason for becoming an Atheist, I would say that I became an Atheist for mostly the same reasons. So if Banks is being blinded, influenced and controlled by Satan, then I must be too. I don't feel the least bit blinded or controlled. In fact, after 30 years plus of studying various religions , trying to find one that makes any sense, I now feel totally at peace with myself as an Atheist. One thing I have noted....in one post you say Satan will be destroyed...in another you say that he will be locked up for a thousand (human) years. Locking him up will not destroy him will it? Just an observation!
Reading your posts, and having exchanged posts with you in the past, it seems to me that there must be some payback for you for your absolute faith, apart from the Eternal life etc, etc. I think I mentioned before, that I have a friend who was a JW, who has now left the church. She is happier than she has ever been. She had to end her marriage to achieve this happiness as she was controlled by the Church and her devout JW husband. She said to me that she feels that most of her female ex-friends (they do not want to know her now) are in a sort of insular bubble, completely enclosed and enfolded by the JW Church. This gives them some sort of comfort and feeling of safety, but it completely closes them off from all sorts of experiences. She is so happy these days...she says it is as if she has escaped a prison and found her wings. She says that none of her friends would have the courage to leave because they would be cast adrift.
I would like to ask if you have any close friends who are not JW's? Do you join in any activities socially with people who are not JW's?
I hope you won't think these are impertinent questions!

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I am glad you feel at peace Astro.  xx

On the subject of Satan, yes I did say he will be destroyed and he will be locked up for a thousand years. These are both the case.

After the great trubulation (Armeggedon, when the ressorrection of the dead has taken place satan will be abyssed  - locked up with his demons so they cannot influence mankind and lead them astray, mankind will then be able learn about Jehovah if they haven't already and work towards perfection, then after the thousand years Satan will be let loose for a little while (I don't recall a specific time being mentioned the bible just states a little while) he will of course then try and do what he does best, that means everyone will be in the similar position as Adam and Eve was, perfect. Satan and his demons will then be destroyed along with anyone who then rejects Jehovah.

I read with Sadness about your friend but if she has found happiness then I am pleased for her. I do understand what you are trying to say about disfellowshipping etc. Disfellowshipping is always a last resort but some do choose it that way and as I have said before it is a choice we were allowed.

I cannot say I experience the same in the faith as your friend as my OH is not a Jehovah's Witness, I took notice of the faith and was baptised quite a while after we married. We get on  fine I love him very much and I know he does love me very much although he has no interest in the faith. He isn't an atheist though.

I am happy for you to ask personal questions and I don't find them impertinent or offensive in any way.

I don't find I am in prison, but I do find it hard at times because I am imperfect but I do know I must keep trying to stay faithful and want to, because I do love and appreciate my creator.  I do find I feel safe and protected from many of the sad things of this system, I do admit that the Bible teaches "Be no part of the world" that means although we have to live in this world we should keep away from mixing with people who don't follow the same principals. One scripture that comes to mind that explains it well is "Bad association spoils useful habits."

I do have non JW friends but don't socialise a lot with them, I am very much a family person and my time and energy is happily taken up with family things and spiritual things as that is how I choose it, I am quite happy with my own company too so don't need to socialise a lot. My friends are on the whole good caring people, I will invite them around for tea and meals etc but things like birthdays are not celebrated, I can make up for that by giving in other ways. They also are very tolerant of me and my faith and I love them very much. 

I am sad that they are not interested in the faith like I am but I respect their choices. I also don't try to preach at them all the time, if a good opportunity to witness arises then if they show they would like it to go further then I will but I respect their wishes if they state it is not welcome. They know if anytime they do have a question they are always welcome to come to me but I won't force anything on them.xxxxxx