by Craig Medlin

Created on: September 03, 2008

At the time of this writing I am 16 years old. I am only just about to celebrate my first birthday as I have recently withdrawn myself from the Jehovah's Wittness faith. Growing up as a Jehovah's Wittness was trying at times and beneficial at others; but for the most part I believe that growing up as a Jehovah's Wittness does one a great disservice. The parents and organization do a great job in raising the children according to biblical standards, but for the most part there is a complete and total lack of exposure to the real world.

Upon attending middle school I was exposed to the first bit of cursing I had ever heard. People using such language I had considered 'evil' or 'wicked.' Without any knowledge of how they had grown up or how society looks at that in general. Looking back I do believe the kids in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are far too young to be using such language. But that is just my opinion.

Not being allowed to watch films rated Restricted' or R' by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) was not such a big deal because I was taught to understand that things featured in these films were bad and grotesque. Ideals looked down upon by Jehovah God.' Things got confusing however when certain members of the church would speak of watching films known to be bad by me. When I had brought up these matters with my mother I was told that it is up to each individual to make his or her own decisions when it comes to personal choices; what movies to watch being one of them.

Gaming also showed a bit of confusion. At the meetings (What most would consider sermons or services), we would discuss scriptures that speak of how Jehovah God hates violence. How anyone loving violence is hated by him. However, day after day I would continue to see Christian children associated with Jehovah's Witnesses playing violent games such as Halo, Grand Theft Auto, and more. Again when brought up I received the same, albeit mundane, response; it is up to each individual to make his or her own decisions when it comes to personal choices.' Things that were not clearly spelled out in the bible were left up to ones conscious to decide.

Growing up I loved playing said videogames. My mother always criticized me for playing violent games but never did anything about it. I wasn't sure what to make of the mixed signals so I continued to play. But after certain talks at the Kingdom Hall (Church), I felt guilty. More and more as I grew older I got this feeling of guilt. Sometimes

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