I've left the JW's. Where do I go? Part 1--Why JW's ask the question?

Along with the above question an X-JW will usually also ask, “If the WT does not have the truth, who does?” These questions are normal for anyone to ask who suddenly finds themselves free from an organization that has tightly controlled their lives for years. The WT has drilled it into the heads of every JW that only the WTBTS is God’s channel for dispensing truth, the only organization on the narrow path, their only chance for eternal life. In addition, the WT has told each and every JW that they cannot understand even a single verse in the Bible without the WT explaining what it all means. Consider:

“the Bible is an organizational book . . . For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization (WTBTS) in mind.” WT, Oct. 1, 1967, p. 587

“He wants his earthly servants united, and so he has made understanding the Bible today dependent upon associating with his organization (WTBTS).” WT, Nov. 1, 1967, p. 668

“Jehovah caused the Bible to be written in such a way that you need his human channel (WTBTS) to understand it.” WT, Feb. 15, 1981, p. 17

“An individual must have The Watchtower to understand the Bible.” 1983 Yearbook, p. 21

So the typical X-JW has been spoon feed “WT Truth” in the guise of Biblical Truth for years (see my blog on “Why do you see JW’s studying their WT magazines and rarely the Bible”) and is now on their own. They are looking for someone or some organization to take the place of the WT and tell them what is “truth.” What they don’t realize is that “truth” is not found in any human organization, it is found in the Bible--well not the WT Bible (see my blog on “Is the JW Bible (The New World Translation) reliable?”). The Bible speaks about truth and where to find it.

However, studying the Bible and only the Bible is often a frightening prospect for a JW. Consider:

"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..." WT, August 15, 1981.

So an X-JW believes that if he studies the Bible on his own, he is like Satan and the study will lead him into apostate doctrines.

How can this mind set be overcome? Can the wisdom of men dispel this deception? Can clever arguments blot out years of WT indoctrination? The X-JW needs a heavy dose of ‘Biblical truth’ and the best way, in fact a Biblical approved way, is through self-study and asking God’s Spirit to speak to his spirit about what is ‘truth.’

Part 2, here, will address a Bible study according to the Bible.