Jehovahs witnesses were you raised as one or did you convert as an adult?

None of my family past or present are Jehovah's witnesses, I was baptized last December after studying for nearly 10 yrs, I'm 42 at present. I have a beautiful wife and 2 extraordinary sons who choose not too follow my lead to serve Jehovah and although I would love them to I do not force the issue but try to lead by example.

I was raised as a Presbyterian, but, even after 10+ years of Sunday School and bible study groups, hadn't learned anything that convinced me whether God was real or not.

Forty or so years ago, when I was in my early 20's, Jehovah's Witnesses called at my door and left with me a small blue book titled, "The Truth that Leads to Everlasting Life." I also read their publication "How Did We Get Here - By Evolution or Creation?" It was like getting the blinkers ripped off my eyes.

Of course, as you are probably aware, JWs go from door to door in their preaching activity, as Jesus instructed at Matthew 10:11-14 and as the apostles affirmed at Acts 5:42; 20:20. My initial reaction? "No way in the world am I going to go from house to house. Forget it!"

But preaching publicly is a requirement to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and the simple fact is, when the truth was staring me in the face, what was I going to do? Pretend that I couldn't see it? I couldn't do that because as Job said at Job 27:5 "It is unthinkable [that I should] take my integrity away from myself. My own standards wouldn't let me deny that it was the truth.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's original purpose was to have a paradise earth filled with righteous humankind who would have the opportunity to live forever, [Genesis 1:27,28; 2:17] that that purpose has never changed, [Isaiah 55:11, Psalms 37:29; John 3:16; Revelation 21:3,4] and will be soon be brought about. [Matthew 24:6-21; Luke 21:10,11]

Many believe that when you die you will go to heaven, but, JWs ask, why would you want to go somewhere that you don't identify with or understand? To illustrate, the beauty that you see in a beautiful park, garden or landscape is something that identifies with planet earth. Likewise, the playful antics of a kitten or puppy. We were created to live unendingly on earth, and that is why we appreciate its beautiful surroundings, delightful scents and aromas, delicious tasting foods, beautiful music.

JWs believe that billions presently sleeping in death await a resurrection into a cleansed earth, and these too will have the opportunity to live forever. [John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15]

Thanks for your question.

I was raised as a Witness from age 5, became disillusioned in my teens, but much later as an adult became aware that what I had been taught actually made sense and 'converted' as you put it.

One of Jehovah's Witnesses

My mother was a jw, but my father is not. I was raised by them. My mother encouraged my bible studies, my father actively discouraged it. I was allowed to choose for myself. As a young child my father would celebrate christmas, birthdays etc. I feel I have a unique perspective. My father researched all the anti-jw propaganda and presented it to me as a teenager. So I did my own research and compared it to what I knew. I have made an informed decision. The jw religion has made mistakes, but in my humble opinion, this does not discredit them. They are sincere bible students and have shown me and my family great love. Their understanding of bible prophecy - while disputed by some - is a credible interpretation of the bible. In my own lifetime I have seen bible prophecy being fulfilled. I am happy to be known as one of jehovahs witnesses.

I personally was raised in the truth, but when I turned 17 I decided that it was not for me. 10 years later after walking around with a void that no drug, no man or nothing that came in a bottle could fill for me; I decided then that it was time to turn my life around. Now I can truly say that I have made the truth my own!

was a mormon but then became one of Jehovah's Witnesses when i was TWELVE ! Was even in the world and even went the apostie route until i came to my senses !