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The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
Posted on May 27, 2016
From JW Survey contributor Brooke
No girls allowed – a common theme throughout my childhood; raised with all older boy cousins, I had to learn to stick up for myself. I fought tooth and nail for my spot in the video game room, just to watch them play. Just to feel like a part of the group.
My rules for entry were simple: sit there, be quiet and don’t complain. Plus, please bring us chips and soda when we ask.
It amazes me that I was never allowed to grow up from this little girl; according to Jehovah, this was the role I was meant to play for the rest of my life
Sit There
Be Quiet
Don’t Complain
It is your “privilege” to do things for us when we ask. But you never get to hold the controller. it’s never your game. Isn’t it fun to watch us play?
To the Kingdom Hall! – No Difference
I was not having fun. Somehow the idea that I wasn’t qualified to hold a microphone didn’t sit right inside me.
(Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, a rite of passage occurs when a young man is given the privilege of carrying microphones inside the Kingdom Hall, passing them to members giving comments or testimonials)
I was polite, smart and well spoken, with a natural ease for public presentation; but never granted the privilege to address an audience. I could only speak on stage, sitting down with my legs crossed, addressing another woman. I never got my day on the podium. It was never my turn to play.
But this is as God intended – Jehovah’s Witness women are inferior, they are not capable.
Jehovah's Witness Leadership - Girls need not apply
Jehovah’s Witness Leadership – Girls need not apply
man’s little helpers
Somehow the ability to bear children makes me less desirable than a man who is deaf, dumb and blind. I was reminded that there are no princesses on the throne with Jesus. Well, you all sound like a bunch of pricks (or a word which rhymes with pricks).
nogirlsallowed650
I found myself wondering, why I could not do everything the boys did. I am a very strong woman, always have been. I wrestled with boys and played backyard football. I was never the biggest or the strongest but, I was not half-bad. I never identified with the daintiness of being a girl. I understand that some women do, but that was never me.
Despite the way I felt, I was born into a submissive role. As a female member of the Jehovah’s Witness Congregation, certain “feminine” attributes were expected of me. I was placed in high heels from the age of five and only permitted to wear skirts to the Kingdom Hall. Women were not allowed to wear pants suits; this was considered “inappropriate”. Once I became a part of the Theocratic Ministry School, it was made clear to me that the only instructional parts I was allowed to present were the bible study presentations, where I demonstrated how to conduct a bible study to the congregation by the passive manner of having a conversation on stage with another woman. I was not supposed to address the audience. My brother was allowed to stand at the podium and carry out a bible reading. This made no sense to me. Firstly, I was older than my brother. Secondly, I was a better reader.
sister-micc
A rare sight: Jehovah’s Witness female in Slovenia serving as microphone passer for the day
Then one year I noticed that one of the elderly ladies in my congregation was partaking of the emblems at the memorial observance of Christ’s death. This action symbolized that she was anointed and one of the 144,000 destined for heaven. Afterwards, I talked to my mother about it and asked her if this woman was ever allowed to speak from the podium. She told me no. She said that she remembered one time when most of the men were away for some reason and this woman was allowed to carry the microphones up and down the aisle for people to use when speaking. This privilege under any other circumstances was reserved for men. This paradox seemed absolutely absurd to me. A woman, who was so close with God that she was going to live with him in heaven, while the rest of us lived on Earth, was only granted the privilege of holding a microphone when all the men were away. There is an obvious glass ceiling effect for women in the Jehovah’s Witness organization. Women are permitted to become pioneers for God’s work and spend hours preaching the word of God by knocking on their neighbor’s door with Jehovah’s Witness publications in hand. However, women are not allowed to hold any position of power within the organization. The roles of ministerial servant, elder, and committee member are reserved for men.
Who made up these rules?
Men made up these rules.
In our society, feminism often receives criticism. The definition of feminism according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities”. With this definition in mind, I would consider myself a feminist. Google defines misogyny as “dislike of, contempt for or ingrained prejudice against women”. I would consider anyone who tells a person they are not allowed to obtain a certain position solely based on the fact that they were born female, a misogynist. I feel that I saw and experienced many examples of ingrained prejudice in the Jehovah’s Witness faith for being female.
Jehovah's Witness Organization - no place for a feminist
The Jehovah’s Witness Organization – no place for a talented, intelligent, free-thinking woman
Developing in this environment undoubtedly affected my psyche. I came to have a great feeling of inadequacy. I felt like I was never going to be “good enough”. I felt I was powerless. What I want to convey to someone in a similar situation is that no matter your age, ethnicity, race, sexuality or gender, every person has the power within himself or herself to be the person that they want to be. Do not let anyone stand in the way of your aspirations. You do not have to obtain your goals alone.
Always Love,
Brooke
EDITOR’S NOTE: The archaic position of the Jehovah’s Witness organization is largely based on Old Testament Biblical principles, which carried over into the Christian era. The example you just read from Survey contributor Brooke follows the misogynistic mandates from the Apostle Paul, who stated:
Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and became a transgressor. – 1 Timothy 2:11-14, New World Translation
Paul’s flawed reasoning consists of two arguments. First, that God created man before woman, therefore she MUST be inferior to man. Second, that a woman has lesser intelligence than a man, since Eve was intellectually incapable of recognizing deception. This mental deficiency rendered her useless as a decision-maker or judge.
The Watchtower Organization has no intention of revising its antiquated position on female members, as this would interfere with their entire organizational structure, and their relentless quest to harmonize every book of the currently accepted Bible canon. (including the misogynistic and homophobic statements of Paul)
The application of this Watchtower policy is being carried out even as I write this note. The 2016 Regional Assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses feature a live demonstration of the question and answer Watchtower study, during which 20-30 participants deliver their comments (or answers) to Watchtower paragraph questions. JW Survey has received a leaked copy of the instructions for this 30 minute talk, where very specific direction is given to the women who are assigned some of the comments. The edict states:
The sisters must NOT give the appearance of teaching
I know there are many JW women who feel unburdened by the existing family “arrangement” of male dominance and headship. To those we ask: Is this who you really are, or is this merely a role you are playing in life?
For all of the women trapped inside the Jehovah’s Witness organization, know that you are not alone in your feelings, and as Brooke says, you have the power to make a change, no matter how insurmountable this obstacle may seem. There is a new sign in town – and it reads:
Girls Allowed
Girls Allowed
JR
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78 Responses to The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
Newer Comments →
Oubliette says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Great article! Thanks for writing this Brooke.
I’d just offer this comment: It’s not just women, this cult has “no place for a talented, intelligent, free-thinking” people period-men, women, young or old. It’s just: “Listen, Obey and Be Depressed.”
Let’s review: It’s a cult!
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Miranda Presley says:
May 27, 2016 at 7:22 pm
ROTFL
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Anonymous mom says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Very good article! I can completely relate.. I’d like to submit an article, but will we remain anonymous or just have our first name mentioned? Personally, being anonymous would work out better for me as my situation is very easy recognized in my area. Thanks!
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John Redwood says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:29 pm
Anonymous mom- please contact us at contact@jwsurvey.org. Your submissions will be kept completely private and anonymous. JR
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alanv says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:27 pm
Well written Brooke. I can only imagine the frustration of capable women who are just treated as ‘added extras’ by the organisation. Many times they are far better speakers than men in the cong, and fully able to deal with countless subjects, and are certainly excellent managers and organisers as they show in their every day life outside of the kingdom Hall.
Will be interesting to see if anything changes in the org after the ARC findings showed that women play no part in making decisions in sex abuse cases in the cong.
I wont hold my breath though!
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Miker Tower says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:35 pm
That’s why I enjoy to the level of Nirvana when Ms Davis made Jackson to recognize that policies regarding woman participation in “Judicial” committees.
This woman…saying to the big fat bold cat…”Do you recognize it?..Do you?”.
Priceless.
Yes…this cult is not a place for smart woman.
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Chiafade says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:50 pm
Great article! Clear and concise
I remember the reaction of “sisters” in the hall when they met a professional business woman. Whether visiting the kingdom Hall or at the door. It wasn’t a look of disdain. More often than not it was a look of envy and admiration.
That being said, I’ve known several JW business women. Those who had male subservients didn’t fair well in the organization. Again these are the ones that I know personally. These are very intelligent women and very capable who are accustomed to dealing with very intelligent and capable business men. So imagine their disappointment at having a bungling non educated non professional elder telling them what their home and sex life should consist of. This is a very important subject that can help many JW women wake up.
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Grace says:
May 27, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Chiafade,
Yes it’s a strange contradiction for a successful woman to even be in a religion that’s so misogynistic.
But there are women out there who are smart, successful & beautiful who are living in & putting up with domestic abuse situations. I suppose it boils down to vulnerability for someone to find themselves in that situation. Everyone is susceptible to it at some stage in their lives.
Abuses are manipulators that charm their way in to a persons life. Offering the world to the victim. A person doesn’t enter into an abusive situation willingly or even knowingly, they’re charmed into it. That’s the way that I see the Society. Charming manipulators that are spiritual abusers.
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ScotWm says:
May 27, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Even though the Governing Body Boy’s Club considers women to be subhuman, this quote comes directly from the New World Translation: “Now Debʹo·rah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapʹpi·doth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under Debʹo·rah’s palm tree between Raʹmah and Bethʹel in the mountainous region of Eʹphra·im; the Israelites would go up to her for judgment.” (Judges 4: 4, 5)
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John Redwood says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:50 pm
ScotWm – you bring up a great point, but you may not know that this is a debated issue with the JW writing department, as they have minimized and dismissed Deborah as a “real” judge. Check the Aid book and Insight book references. This is an article unto itself. JR
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ScotWm says:
May 27, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Regarding Deborah’s judicial powers: I don’t have the old blue Aid book, but I do have the 1988 two-volume Insight books. If the Watchtower writing department has issues with Deborah, they don’t seem to be dwell on them on page 600:
Deborah is called “God’s representative” as she accompanied Barak to fight Canaanite King Jabin under his army chief Sisera. “Deborah prophesied that “the beautifying thing” of the victory would go to a woman. These words were fulfilled when the woman Jael put Sisera to death.”
So here we are with a female judge who prophesied that a female assassin would murder Sisera. Deborah’s prophesy was fulfilled when Jael drove a spike through Sisera’s head. Now that’s girl power! — Which is something the Watchtower will probably never acknowledge.
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Winston Smith says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:14 am
@ScotWm
I am surprised that they didn’t eliminate the passage about Deborah from their latest silver sword like they have done with a number of other passages (the ‘he who is without sin cast the first stone’ passage comes to mind).
But I seem to recall the Borg referencing the passage about Deborah when trying to prove that the Bible is not misogynistic.
WS
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ScotWm says:
May 28, 2016 at 10:27 am
Here’s how the Governing Body says that the little flock of “anointed” ones view most of what is written in the New Testament: “When anointed ones read those words, they know without any doubt whatsoever that their heavenly Father is speaking to them personally.” (Watchtower study edition, January 2016)
In 2013, some of these high ranking anointed ones decided to removed over 47 verses, of their heavenly Father’s words to them, from the New Testament: http://www.catholicapologetics.info/scripture/translations/neworld.htm
The Governing Body stated that “A number of factors — including past religious beliefs or even mental or emotional imbalance — might cause some to assume mistakenly that they
have the heavenly calling.” (Watchtower study edition, August 15, 2011)
This is an appropriate disclaimer from a group of men who modify scripture to match their false doctrines.
KayGH says:
May 27, 2016 at 11:44 pm
You are right scoutwm, I remember G. Jackson being asked by the Commision to provide a quote from the Bible whereas it states that women are not eligible to be judges on a judicial committee. The Scriptures quoted is spot on.
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Jeffreycanning says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Don’t you just luurv apostates?… Keep up the good work…
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Will says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:13 pm
That was a great article. I’m male and I started studying at 19. I’m almost 45 now. Anyway, when I first went to an assembly and referred to the chairman and a chairperson, the “brother” I was studying with quickly corrected me and quickly explain to me the reasons why. I thought it was the stupidest thing ever heard, but i still join the stupid religion. I was not in a good place. I saw so many red flags and completely ignored them. I have a daughter and a son now and I do not want them to think that women are second-class citizens. The whole obedience thing is so much worse for a woman in the organization then a man.
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Will says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Referred to the brother AS A chairperson not a chairman. Sorry, I’m doing this from my iPhone
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Big B says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Brooke:
A poignant nicely written article.
My wife, who was in the banking industry for years, was asked, along with other sisters familiar with banking, to help count the Contributions during the lunch intermission and at the end of the day during the Circuit Assemblies.
Those sisters never missed a beat counting, collating the different denominations of currency lickity-split. All was accomplished during the lunch break with time to spare! Well, to make a long story short, a Circuit Overseer came to find out that sisters were counting the contributions and immediately dismissed them with a curt “your services will no longer be required”. Let’s get some ham-handed dummies (read “brothers”) with no banking or business experience in here to do this work.
What happened was a total miscounting of the contributions, which had to be reconciled over and over again. What normally would have taken 35 minutes for three sisters to accomplish now took the “new and improved” system the entire afternoon session to tabulate.
Another perfect example of WTBTS cutting off their nose to spite their face. Good theocratic thinking double dummies! The Holy Spirit does it again!
Oh, as a side note, my lovely, smart, talented wife balances all family check books and saving accounts, pays all bills on time and at her work is a para-planner handling millions of dollars for people investing their retirement in stocks. You sisters rock and don’t let anyone say or convince you otherwise!
So go pound sand WTBTS! 🙂
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Markie says:
May 27, 2016 at 5:57 pm
I know for a fact at the last district convention sisters were used to count the money. My wife was asked because they know she is a CPA. That might have been one co’s opinion.
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Big B says:
May 28, 2016 at 7:34 am
Markie;
You’re probably correct, however the District Overseer backed him (C.O) up. To my knowledge ham-handed brothers still manage the counting and sorting of the contributions in this circuit. I have no knowledge of financial procedures used at the District Conventions as I haven’t been to any assemblies (including Circuit Assemblies) since 2013. However as we can all agree this is typical of the WTBTS, namely “consistently inconsistent”.
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Winston Smith says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:18 am
I worked in accounting for many years at the circuit level and sisters were NEVER allowed to help with the counting or the finances. The only thing I recall them being allowed to do was stare at the contribution box to make sure no one walked off with it.
WS
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Markie says:
May 28, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Well the sisters did help at the district or regional assembly as I had to wait for them at least an hour or so after the assembly. Actually my wife and daughter helped. They said the conversation was how long you were in the truth, how old were you when you got baptized, is your husband an elder etc. You know the usual self-righteous banter. They hated it.
ScotWm says:
May 28, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Big B says: That there was “a total miscounting of the contributions” after the capable sisters were replaced incompetent brothers.
The contents of the contribution boxes must be interesting now that the Governing Body members have stated their desire for more and more of their cult member’s valuable property. In addition to donating proceeds from insurance, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, gift annuities, wills and trusts etc., Witnesses have this option:
“Donations of cash, jewelry, or other valuable personal property.”
This loving provision will allow devoted brothers and sisters to receive rich spititual blessings when they drop their wedding rings, engagement rings, watches and other jewelry into the contribution box. Some members of the Governing Body may have already set a good example for this type of giving. I haven’t noticed these anointed cult leaders flashing their pinky rings and Rolex watches lately.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20151115/donations-worldwide-work/
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John McCcarthy says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:19 pm
Excellent article Brooke! It was for reasons like this that I exited the cult when I did. There are so many intelligent, educated women in the organization that are more than capable of handling any assignment the Watchtower can give them, including serving on the Governing Body! But, simply because of being born female, they automatically have to take a back seat to males. They have to be “careful” not to make some stupid male look inferior by their comments or possibly give the impression of “teaching” the congregation (Oh heaven forbid!!! – sarcasm). Although I feel the world still treats women as “second class” citizens. In my opinion the Watchtower treats women as “third class” citizens. No one should be discriminated against like this.
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Josie Picot says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:41 pm
I can remember my mother having to put a hanky or scarf over her head to be able to pray in the presence of, and on behalf of, a man!
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Josie Picot says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm
Excellent article. I can remember my highly intelligent mother having to put a hanky or scarf over her head to be able to pray in the presence of, and on behalf of, a man.
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Paranoid Android says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:33 am
It wasn’t just in the presence of a MAN Josie..
It was in the presence of a MALE.
For example, in my Pre-Service meeting, one of the present ladies was a long serving, baptised pioneer with decades of experience and loyalty.
Among the other members present was a newly baptised minor – A BOY.
In the absence of a more mature male, this lady had to cover up her head with a tea towel to give the prayer, because, (dramatic fanfare…)
There was a baptised owner of a penis in the room.
How humiliating, degrading and ridiculous.
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Jarred Booth says:
May 27, 2016 at 3:03 pm
There are a number of references to JW women/wives/daughters in WT documents that women aren’t even supposed to read. The C.O. guideline manual even has an entire chapter on wives of C.O.shttps://www.the-newshub.com/general/jehovahs-witness-watchtower-confidential-documents-take-a-leak
When I read on jwfacts that a 1930s Golden Age article suggested that all women will turn into men in the “new world” I almost thought it was a prank.
Unbelievable what this organization can come up with.
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Mama Joy says:
May 27, 2016 at 3:14 pm
After that scripture it also mentions that the bishops (elders) should only be married once.
So there are no divorced elders?
It also says they should run a reputable household because if you can’t control your own house then how can you oversee a congregation?
So no elders have disfellowshipped children?
They obviously cherry pick their religion to fit whatever rule they make up.
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Mama Joy says:
May 27, 2016 at 3:16 pm
They must have missed all the early churches who were ran by women.
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Ricaboldis says:
May 27, 2016 at 3:35 pm
A great article, and something that always puzzled me as a child JW.
I remember asking my parents repeatedly why a woman can’t give a talk or why women can’t do certain things. (And don’t get me started on the absurd Tea Towel over the head if no baptised male was present to say a prayer.)
The response from a lot of women was – ‘I wouldn’t want to give a talk’, and they would ask the other women around them ‘would you?’
The group would no doubt nod and agree with the ‘senior sister’. But I always sensed that some of these women were secretly unhappy, and would have made great speakers.
Sadly the whole organisation does not recognise talent or appreciate that each individual regardless if they are male or female has unique abilities.
Someone who can rewire a whole building, or install a state of the art computer system may not be the most confident speaker, and he will never make the Elder grade because he can’t give a decent talk. And this person despite his talents and abilities will be given patronising tasks and responsibilities.
A woman who is an experienced councellor, a survivor of sex abuse, or just a wonderfully compasionate person will never be allowed to sit on a judicial comittee.
Since leaving the Witnesses aged 14 (fortunately I was not baptised) I have from time to time delved into Christianity and
Some of the most inspiring, heart wrenching and life changing talks/sermons I have heard have been from women.
Going back through the bible I discovered that actually the first person chosen to preach the ‘good news’ was Mary Magdalen, who was instructed to go and tell the disciples.
I wonder if the Governing Body would ever give a Woman the chance to be the first to deliver the next ‘New Light’?
No, the information might be too much for her pretty little head, best that she sticks to simple tasks, and if she is very strong in the truth she might, just might get to give an experience at the assembly, or make the Coffees before field service.
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rob says:
May 27, 2016 at 3:40 pm
I am a male who grew up in a family with women who were all very good at making smart business decisions and who were good homemakers, great mothers, and also very successful career oriented women. Their ability to multi task always amazed me and to this day I am proud of them for their accomplishments.
I very much enjoy their company and enjoy listening to their points of view and on many occasions have recieved and have taken to heart, excellent advice from them.
It makes no sense to me that these same women would have to take a “back seat” to a man in the witness religion. It makes no sense to me that God would require that these women would not have the same privileges, and the same rights as men. The Bible talks about amazing women, Sara, Rebekkah, Ruth, Esther, Deborah, just to name a few.
In my humble opinion, I feel that the the witness religion makes up its own rules regarding women and they have equated themselves with God and want everyone to adhere to their man made rules.
Its unfortunate that women in this religion put up with this and allow themselves to be treated this way. Its also unfortunate that the men in the religion don’t see the value of allowing women to provide their input, their insights, knowledge and experience.
I believe that we can all learn alot from each other whether we are male or female.
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Caroline says:
May 27, 2016 at 4:09 pm
I hate everything about the “truth” but if the Society started letting women give instruction talks and pass the mikes etc., that would be one more way of separating women out from the “real spiritual” females and the ones that aren’t perceived as “spiritual”. It would be one more way to make the ones that don’t get asked to do those “privileges”to feel even more unloved and disrespected then they already are.
The sisters that would be giving the talks would be the pioneers and the wives of the elders and the kids of the elders and they would get arrogant and egotistical just like what it does to a lot of elders.
According to the Bible, nobody should be above anybody else no matter what their gender is or their age or station in life. They should all be treated equally.
If the “little” one was asked to give public talks, who knows what that would do for them. It would boost everybody’s self-esteem but that’s not the way it works in the organization. They would purposely make people feel bad that didn’t get asked because they think the sisters would be so jealous that they would inspired to pioneer.
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Ren says:
May 27, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Thank you for this wonderful article, Brooke. It brought back so many memories of growing up in the borg, and helps to solidify my exit, even though it cost me dearly in terms of family.
At one of the last conventions I attended a sister was relating an experience on stage when her microphone cut out. After several attempts to jiggle it into working order, she shrugged and stepped over to the podium and used the brother’s microphone. You wouldn’t believe the murmurings about a woman using that microphone. She wasn’t even standing directly in front of the podium; she just leaned over and shared the mic with the presenting brother. I was waking up at the time and remember feeling like I’d fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole with all the energy spent on debating such an insignificant act. Women will never be real people to them. And it doesn’t matter how smart or skillful a woman is. Women shouldn’t be treated as equal based on someone’s assessment of her intelligence or skill set; she should be respected as an equal because she is a person, a human being.
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JWIntellect says:
May 27, 2016 at 4:47 pm
Phenomenally written article in which an excellent issue is addressed, the subservient role of women within the Watchtower organization. I am so glad that you wrote about this, Brooke, and in the extremely beautiful, dignified, and eloquent manner that you did. People need to hear/read about this. This practice is unacceptable, anywhere in the world, most especially now that we’re living in the 21st century. I came across many highly intelligent women who were skilled teachers and speakers who could have very well been appointed elders and circuit overseers if only this were allowed. This, too, is a practice/policy of the organization that needs to change.
I have one more thing to add: There would be no man without woman.
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KimJones says:
May 27, 2016 at 5:04 pm
Great article. You did a Great job. I want to say, I love my parents. I’m not talking bad about my parents I want to share what happened to me. I was a born in. My parents believed a man had to be able to support a woman before he could marry her and a woman was supposed to stay at home and not work. My parents were very upset when my sister-in-law got a job. None of the brothers I knew had jobs so they could support me where I wouldn’t have to go to work so I couldn’t go out with them. When I was thirty years old I believed I was going to be an old maid for the rest of my life so I married a ‘worldly’ man. We were married for twentyone years then he died from heart failure. Thank God I had to go to work during my marriage because now I have no problem supporting myself. My husband had money and sent me to nursing school. My parents look down on me. They say it’s to bad I’m doing good in my job because they want me to do more in the truth. This is my experience.
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Tara says:
May 27, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Dr. Ian Malcolm: God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs…
Dr. Ellie Sattler: Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits the earth…
Great article Brooke 🙂
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Markie says:
May 27, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Sorry I couldn’t read this article because the lady that wrote it wasn’t wearing a head covering. Please tell the next woman that writes an article to make sure that she wears some type of covering while she is writing. Thanks
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Grace says:
May 27, 2016 at 8:02 pm
hahahaha that’s funny.
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Miranda Presley says:
May 27, 2016 at 6:15 pm
I never understood how they extended that scripture to cover ANY kind of duty- mics, sound, territory, handling drama assignments, coordinating assemblies, etc…these are clearly not even remotely “teaching” positions. I think they just want to make sure everyone knows the MEN are in charge by making sure the women are forbidden from even the most menial tasks. Well, except for cleaning the hall. I mean, who better to scrub a toilet or scrape gum off the floor than a sister in a skirt and heels, right? Logic.
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Garrett says:
May 27, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Who did the art work and photos?
No photo credits ?
No art credit?
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Steve McRoberts says:
May 27, 2016 at 8:11 pm
God was a woman, first off. But when humankind switched from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society, they changed God’s gender accordingly. Then men proceeded to make rules to keep women from ever regaining their former place.
Women became “unclean” and, as the Bible clearly shows, were typically treated as mere possessions of men. Paul saw them as stupid gossiping busy-bodies whom men would be better off never so much as touching. And saintly men were praised for not “defiling themselves” with women! (An actual requirement for the 144,000 in Rev 14, though as Brooke’s excellent article points out: some of them ARE women!)
Finally, in the very epitome of this archaic attitude, Rutherford dismissed women as “a stack of bones and a hank of hair.” (Watchtower, 9/15/1941, p.287 http://www.youblisher.com/p/98717-Watchtower-year-1941/)
Trapped in patriarchal societies and/or religions, women face a bleak life, and an uphill battle to regain the rights they deserve. My heart goes out to them, especially to my former “sisters” still confined in the Watchtower cult. So glad you made it out, Brooke!
Reply
Sharon Christensen says:
May 27, 2016 at 9:06 pm
Yes, did anybody see how happy those young sisters were in the Utube video from everyone at Headquarters were…and the governing body members sooooooo overjoyed to have such young sisters “know”, their place in Jw.orgy…feather dusters and toilet bowl brushes…all skipping about…talk about an amazing priviledge..scrubbing a urinal…chrome one? that Tony Morris or Steven Lett himself whizzed in and around! They must have chrome urinals there…they do in Regina Sask., Canada assembly hall. Imagine the joy…or making that chrome so shiney one could see their reflection in…Jehovah must be pleased. My Mom, who herself many a time as she sat with a tea towel over her head at her book study…uh what’s wrong with a teatowel? Complained about having to donate for chrome urinals…when she had to use the outhse for sooo many yrs…waiting for the “end”to come…and nothing, so since end was not here, got all “worldly”and got running water and indoor plumbing! Man is head…but, woman is the neck and I have heard many a good talk uttered by ministerial servants and elders that were written and composed by their “necks “..to add to all the mundane duties that woman of no account in the organization must do. As for comment about once in New order all women would turn into men…my hubby’s comment…Who himself, never was a “good”Witness…uh, what “fun” would that be!!!! :))). Good article! My first husband…abusive as one could get…you were suppose to bow low and sit at his feet and call him LORD…a good Wt…uh yeah…Good Lord….what next! Left him…and in the process not planned on…left the disgusting organization that supported him and turned against me because after yrs of going to elders and getting no help from his abuse…had to run to the “world” for help and safety. Then with their backing and covering up all another pioneer sister was told…he will make a good husband, married him…pioneering and in assembly parts etc., a fine example of good Wt…in no time was being treated as he treated me…at least she did not stay for 17 yrs 3 mos and 10 days like I did…yrs that one can never get back…lost cuz one was told to…sit quiet and be a good wife! I detest the corrupt leaders of JW.orgy!
Reply
Markie says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:49 am
How shamefull. Sorry about that, but it goes a long with the WT that stated that maybe a sister wasn’t being spritual enough and that is why her husband hit her.
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Sharon Christensen says:
May 27, 2016 at 9:19 pm
Interesting comment as to….God being a woman…that was something that many in the Womens Shelters where my path to freedom took me believed…something that never crossed my mind before in JW.orgy.
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Don Leske says:
May 27, 2016 at 11:57 pm
Shall the pot say to the pot maker, “I am equal to you and I should make pots!” Should a woman say to a man; “I should be a man and not conceive children at all.?”
Yet we see it happen. Is not the union of a man and a woman a glorious thing and loving, wonderful to each in its own way?
I say that if you are not happy with your station in life, perhaps it is your own lack of self worth. I have not been to meetings for over eight years, yet I cannot bring myself to condemn JWs. What if indeed they are right?
Acts 5:38 reads: “So under the present circumstances, I say to you, do not meddle with these men,
let them alone. For if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is from God,
you will not be able to overthrow them.+ Otherwise, you may even be found fighters against God himself.”
——————————————————
Apostates be warned; do not meddle with these men. The lowest depths of depravity and insanity is to deny there is a God who made is in His image. Not her image like feminists like to say. Get a grip while you still have time and even if you do not follow JWs then at least do remember that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten son as a ransom sacrifice if you believe in him you may live.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Now, here come the haters who feel offended that the truth is told and their feelings are hurt.
Where is your love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, long suffering and self control? Have you lost your mind, or your soul? The readers of this post/article/blog whatever it is, have real feelings of being hurt. I know, me too but do not let it turn into hate for God himself. Really, have you never yearned for the love of God? Yes, we all have so do not be haters.
—————— A former brother —————–
Parting thoughts;
1. If Jesus Christ had a good number of people following his teachings in his day and no one on earth was above him… was or is his good sized group considered a “cult”?
2. Are homosexuals and other perverts okay?
3. If the equal rights argument is drawn out to its final logical (sic) and deprived depths, are not some men and women really not arguing that they should indeed be equal to God himself. (humm, sounds like Saten’s argument in the beginning.)
Using today’s standards I guess so. I can only shake my head and say, please Jehovah forgive me as I have sinned. Do not let me die among these transgressors.
————————————————
Reply
John Redwood says:
May 28, 2016 at 10:49 am
Don Leske
I can see that you are struggling with many issues, both in life and in your beliefs. You defend the JW Organization, wondering if perhaps they might have the truth, yet you are inactive for eight years. It seems you are deeply conflicted, and from a JW point of view, very selfish. If one ounce of your being believes for a brief moment that they are correct about the end of the world and saving mankind, you would unselfishly get out of your recliner and knock on doors to save those lives.
I am simply amazed by the untold numbers of persons who identify as JW, yet they are either non-religious or have no real interest in fitting in with JW policy and procedure, so they simply “exist” in the organization to maintain some limited family ties, and prevent their own disassociation or disfellowshipping. Certainly this is a sad way to live
You clearly have a fundamental religious element which drives your thought process, and while we respect the rights of all persons to believe as they wish, we will not tolerate intolerance, as seen by your intensely ignorant question “Are homosexuals and other perverts okay?”
The fact that you group being gay into the same category as “perverts” demonstrates that you have a long way to go in understanding the difference between sexual orientation and pedophilia and other sexual crimes. It’s time to educate yourself on these issues and stop riding the fence of indecision and ignorance. And don’t forget – Gamaliel’s words work both ways – if this “scheme” is from men, it will be overthrown, right? It seems that the so called apostates are winning the battle, and God is doing nothing to stop them.
Wish you the best
JR
Reply
Holy Connoli says:
May 28, 2016 at 11:14 am
To Don Leske:I also felt like you for a while after I awakened. I said to myself, ” What if they are right”?
Am I throwing away eternal life bc I disagree with so much? Am I the one who is wrong? Well, I had to take a step back and reexamine the evidence. If they are right there should be some proof that they are. There should be some definite fulfilled predictions they made. Their should be fairness and justice in the organization. Also, they really should be ” The happiest people on earth” right?
So I had to honestly conclude that NOTHING they have ever said or prophesied has come true. Zero, Nada, ZILCH! out of over135 years of ,making prophecies and predictions ( and very weird ones ) Not 1 thing has come true. To me the biggest farce of all is the entire 1914 debacle which the WT knows is a farce and Jesus did not come that year and 607bce is a lie also and they have to know it but they continue to promote it…although little by little they are distancing themselves from it.
As far as Jehovahs “Happy Peoplke” Ias a former long time Elder have opersonal experience that a great majority of JW’s are not happy at all. We know that the medical world says the JW’s have a higher percentage of mental illness than the general public. I know this from trying to help publishers. There is ahigh percentage of suicide in the JW’s also. Many are mentally imbalanced and depressed. Generally speaking they are not this so called Happy people as they claim. Why Not?
It is bc their very freedom of thought and expression has been taken away from them. Their personal ingenuity has been blocked by the WT. They have to give up everything to serve the dictates of the WT ever changing policies.
The WT uses fear of DEATH and destruction and Shunning to keep everybody in line without any concern for what it does to families or the emotional l damage of the families and people.
Do we need to get into the child molestation policies that have devastated 1000’s of JW’s over the years and not caring protecting the victim at all.
So your point about do not meddle with these men bc they “MAY” be fighting against God has no proof that they are from God. If there is any proof feel free to share. remember 135 years of false prophecies do teach us something if they are from God or not.
Reply
Winston Smith says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:02 am
@HC,
I might add that JWs have an outward facade of happiness. They are told by their masters that they are happy and they believe the lie. That is why they have that smiling, almost vacant stare when you encounter them at the KH or out in the door to door work. But outside of the cult mandated activities, they appear very unhappy.
They can be very kind and some of them truly are, but those who have given their free will up to the cult indoctrination can quickly change from kind to cruel at the mere whim of their cult masters. I have seen entire bodies of elders take on an attitude of extreme hatred toward a certain person or persons merely because a circuit overseer has told them to. And they just blindly follow because they have lost their free will. It’s sad.
Without free will humans cannot truly find happiness. It is not in our makeup. For those who believe in a creator, free will is the greatest gift he/she has given humans.
WS
Reply
Steve McRoberts says:
May 28, 2016 at 7:35 pm
Don Leske says:
“Apostates be warned; do not meddle with these men. The lowest depths of depravity and insanity is to deny there is a God who made is [sic] in His image. Not her image like feminists like to say.”
Actually, Watchtower has taught that their god created Adam as a bi-gender individual, and later extracted the female side of him (via his rib) to “build” Eve. So, if Adam was originally created in “His image” then their god is a hermaphrodite.
And, as Jehovah’s Witnesses “regain perfection” in the New Order, and become ever more “godly,” they will all become hermaphrodites as well. (Given this, I guess they should stop calling transgender individuals “depraved.”)
Of course all of this fits in well with their neutered vision of “paradise”: where sex will be no more:
“Adam possessed originally in his own person the qualities masculine and feminine which subsequently were divided between him and his wife, when she was taken from his side…As Adam originally possessed all the qualities of character, masculine and feminine, so humanity, when fully restored to the image and likeness of God, will re-attain perfection of individuality. Sex divisions will then be no more. Earth will be filled with sufficient population.” — The Photodrama of Creation, p. 9 (http://www.bibletoday.com/PhotoDrama.pdf)
Um — what was that you were saying about “insanity”?
Reply
Winston Smith says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:08 am
@Steve M
I might add that when the book of Genesis talks about “man” being created in God’s image, the word “man” is referring to the entire human family (men and women) based on the context. Notice: Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image;He created him in the image of God;He created them male and female.
WS
Reply
Sister drifter UK says:
May 28, 2016 at 12:27 am
When it comes to head coverings the rules are really quite complex.
If you are in the field service with a male and the person on the other side of the door is actually interested then you might do a return visit. If you go back more than twice it is then considered to be a doorstep bible study which you can proudly put on your report!
If you have someone of the male persuasion accompanying you – even if it is your baptised 14 year old son then you have to at some stage during the third return visit whip out your head covering.
Given the fact that child baptism is now encouraged -when sister divorced/abandoned etc comes out in the field service with her six children in tow and they are all distributed around on a Saturday morning so they have someone to work with- then all women are going to need to be prepared with their head coverings.
There is a gap in the market here –
A cartoon maybe on jw.org with step by step make your own head covering instructions?
Maybe in a Donald Trump style?
Origami?
Maybe we could have matching aprons for work around the house?
They could have a choice of slogans-
‘The Submissive Wife’
Or maybe even –
‘Render Your Due’
The list is endless
Reply
Markie says:
May 28, 2016 at 6:02 am
Good try but I don’t think the Trump comb over would qualify as it would be the sisters hair. But it might improve the looks of some of our dear sisters.
Reply
Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:31 am
I think there are other psychological reasons behind the WTS stand on the issues, “Sex drive”…
*** w67 8/1 pp. 451-452 Is it Love or Infatuation? ***
Medical science shows that the sex drive chiefly originates, not in the lower gonads or sex glands, but in the midbrain, in the hypothalamus. The fact that the center of the sex drive is located in the brain also helps to account for the fact that this drive influences the higher portions of the brain, such as man’s reasoning, imagination and veneration. The question therefore is, Which will we let control the other? Will we let the sex drive control the higher faculties or the higher faculties control the sex drive?—Gen. 1:28.
Men of low thinking capacity will always back each other to support Bible thinking but real psychological reasons are embedded in “sex drive”! You don’t need to be a psychologist to observe that dynamic among Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Reply
Markie says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:39 am
One thing women can do to obtain a position higher then men in a congregation is to start partaking and become anointed. So ladies you know what to do! And a perk is that every year you get some free bread and wine!
Over the years I have known a few sisters that were treated like gold because they were supposedly of the heavenly class. They would give these simple comments but we’re treated like they had some special insight.
So sisters always have that option!
Reply
Mariuca says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:50 am
Wonderful article! Great points. Takes me back to the days when I worked in the Pressroom at Bethel as a proofreader. When I got the job I was told I was not allowed to “stop a press” because I was a woman. So if I found a mistake on the proof I had to call an intermediary (male) to go let the press know there was an error. Mind you the press still stopped but had I called it directly to do so that would have been objectionable. They let me train pressmen to perform the proofreading job–which surprised me–but couldn’t “stop the press.” It was a pretty insulting technicality.
Reply
Doc Obvious says:
May 28, 2016 at 6:53 am
Women in the congregation should not donate, or greatly reduce their donations. You have the power to choose or not to choose to donate. Personally, I have not donated to this organization for over 20 years due to not agreeing with their crapshoot policies. If people can unite and not donate, it would send a strong message to leadership to change. Money is the ultimate motivator. Especially, when Watchtower Babble and Tract Society is undergoing severe court room battles where millions of US Dollars are at stake. They still live in reality. A reality that has not changed in their lifetime.
Reply
Dazi says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:19 am
I knew of many sisters that would write or let’s say re-do….or…”heavily edit” their Elder/husbands talks!.. 🙂
Reply
Dazi says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:45 am
My point is… It’s a farce! So many double standards…. Lots of internally confused & discontent people! On the up side… I know of a few family members who are “waking up” and it’s so exciting to know logic is kicking in and they will be free of the “Org” it’s harmful mind control. The waking up was mainly due to the shunning rule. To be forced to shun a loved one who you know was mishandled by the bullies (brothers…lol) was just too much! It’s simple… Jesus did not practice shunning. Showing kindness/fruitages of the spirit… “Against these things there is no law”!
Reply
Winston Smith says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:27 am
Very well written article. As a child I never understood why my mother and grandmother could wear dress pants (slacks as they called them) everywhere except to the KH. But they could wear jeans or pants at the KH if they were there to work, but not to worship (i.e. meeting). My grandmother worked in an office and wore dress pants every day. Why was it acceptable for the office but not the KH?
Growing up I thought that God must be fairly petty if such things mattered to him. I guess as far as God was concerned this scripture only applied to the men in the congregation: 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”
WS
Reply
Telescopium says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:29 am
Awesome article Brooke!
I especially appreciate your statement “I could only speak on stage, sitting down with my legs crossed, addressing another woman.”
This “modest” behavior expected of women in the congregation is reinforced repeatedly in the Organization’s words, pictures, and videos. I feel that it has become its own beast, its own hammer: “Be modest for modesty’s sake.” This shows up in the strangest places, like the ridiculous pictures that portray a Witness mother on her knees (in a dress) getting her small child ready for school. I have no recollection of any mother actually doing that, nor can I recall any picture of a Witness father doing the same thing. I believe it is all an attempt to keep women in the place the Organization wishes them to be: subservient to men.
The Insight Book, in various articles on Child, Wife, Woman, and others, shows itself to be determined to make sure the women know they’re lesser than the men in the family. In the Woman article it states that the woman’s primary duty was to worship Jehovah; the secondary duty was to obey her husband. Unfortunately, no scriptures are cited to support that statement.
I also find the standard Witness wedding vows highlight this same point. The wife’s vow includes the phrase “and deeply respect” whereas the husband’s does not. Why couldn’t the wording be the same, but just with different names?
I think the answer is clear.
Reply
ruthlee says:
May 28, 2016 at 9:01 am
Great article Brook. Us girlies have all been there. Had the same experience in collating the money at the assembly then the gorillas took over and messed it up. Was spoken to by a bro for not cleaning the taps in the toilets shiny enough, guess what I never did clean another tap again. I lose sleep over them taps not being shiny enough. You know what? there are some great suggestions here Number one STOP putting money in their coffers, full stop. Come off the clam bake and stop answering at the dumbhell (if you are still in) . You know some of us carry the watchtower on the difficult points and the flustery sex points Well not no more.I just lurrve to watch the bro squirm in the silence as I do not contribute now haha , they have my submission on toast. When us of the large army all go and get a proper religion/job/career we will stop breeding for the borg and they will have no more little men to train. Do not get me started on the tea towel nonsense. If god was watching I am sure a dish rag is much more disrespectful than a reverent prayer to the almighty. but hey! rules is rules. As we see the demise of this daft religion the appointments will get younger and younger and a few sneaky girls with polished halos may just get a moment to shine ie elders princesses enough. cheers Ruthlee
Reply
Sharon Christensen says:
May 28, 2016 at 11:53 am
I have no complaints with God…man or woman..I think He is both in the way that in order to make us…men and women…with the feelings etc., no problem… closeness to Jehovah…instilled into me by my parents, mostly Father cuz Mom had her issues with the “male” thing…and still does…and Father gave her the freedom to be herself, no matter what, cuz he appreciated we are all individuals…if God gives freedom of choice, why should he impose his ideas on his wife…although he would attempt to complain ever so slightly when Mother would insist on him wearing white shirts/or colored shirts…depending as to what the..”.God given ideas “that the …Govng body was enlightened to instruct as to apparel suitable a Christian…He was a farmer and a bushman…clothes were not what said was in the heart…(and now…they may be considering…colorful shirts…and even tight pants…providing there is enough spandex in them for comfort! No…just joking…:)). ). I was alone many a times…when elders left, and my husband would rant and rave…load the gun and…Horrors that only I lived thru and knew about….and Jehovah…I survived knowing HE seen all…and was a righteous and just Judge and would understand my eventual course of actions…I knew the bros. did not want the world to see or hear as to the goings on …it is a disgust for them and their coverups …and let them be….not say a thing…uh yeah…they do that to the Catholic religion or others???? Remove first rafter..Then point a finger!!! I say dig up the dirt and fling…or like my Mom would do when hsetraining a puppy…and they would poop on the floor…they will only learn or change…IF they get their noses rubbed in their own poop! Worked for dogs…doubt it if would work on the hi and mitey govning body…cuz they believe…theirs…does not smell! Let the world and as many decent people associated with them know…yeah…they have “dirt and do”under their rugs…and their chrome urinals are not always the easiet to clean…(been there done that!). :/– Their portrayal of…”white washed”…”. does not hide what is deep inside…Scrips say…”if see your bro. is ….go to that one…if not”…so continue to “shake out”what is deep in their pockets…”.In her was found”…keep up the work of exposing….people need to know. Good job all…may all have a pleasant day…full of good things…My daughter found this quote and gave it to me to read…By Tasha Tudor…artist, childerns bk writer and illustrator, gardener etc., ….The gloom of the world is but a shadow….Behind it, yet within our reach is joy. Take joy. :)). I am so glad my daughter has been able to grow up free…to learn about God etc., without the control and disgusting ways of..JW.orgy. She is a beautiful gift and person…a lover of life and all good things…heart of gold…I would never impose on her this religion.
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Markie says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Sorry you had to go through that. A few years back a sister came to me with actual hand prints on her neck. The other elders told her just to go home and try to help her husband. I told her she should do what she felt was right but that my advice was to leave her husband and get a restraining order. I couldn’t believe that these idiots told her to try to work it out when what actually happened to her was attempted murder. Horrible! My wife and I talk about this female submissive thing all the time. And I would have to say she is a feminist but I am the one that advocates for women more then her as I have three daughters who are not going to be push overs.
Reply
ScotWm says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Just when you thought that Watchtower cult leaders had pushed all of the women to the back of the bus, we get to see a Witness sister yell at her Witness husband, “Where’s the team — where’s the one flesh?!? Yes, it’s true. And these words are contained in the 2016 convention video, ““Hope for What We Do Not See”, 26 minutes into the video.
All three of the 2016 “Remain Loyal to the Governing Body!” convention videos are now available on JW dot ORG. Two of these videos are the usual bathrobe dramas (complete with bad acting, bad makeup and fake beards), but the video from Day 2 is the story of a modern day Job-like character. Job’s wife told him to “Curse God and die”, but the modern day wife demands equality from her husband.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/jw-convention-releases/#?insight%5Bsearch_id%5D=a592d81a-7670-4d72-8483-8f4a78da9fa4&insight%5Bsearch_result_index%5D=2
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News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones. →
The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
Posted on May 27, 2016
From JW Survey contributor Brooke
No girls allowed – a common theme throughout my childhood; raised with all older boy cousins, I had to learn to stick up for myself. I fought tooth and nail for my spot in the video game room, just to watch them play. Just to feel like a part of the group.
My rules for entry were simple: sit there, be quiet and don’t complain. Plus, please bring us chips and soda when we ask.
It amazes me that I was never allowed to grow up from this little girl; according to Jehovah, this was the role I was meant to play for the rest of my life
Sit There
Be Quiet
Don’t Complain
It is your “privilege” to do things for us when we ask. But you never get to hold the controller. it’s never your game. Isn’t it fun to watch us play?
To the Kingdom Hall! – No Difference
I was not having fun. Somehow the idea that I wasn’t qualified to hold a microphone didn’t sit right inside me.
(Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, a rite of passage occurs when a young man is given the privilege of carrying microphones inside the Kingdom Hall, passing them to members giving comments or testimonials)
I was polite, smart and well spoken, with a natural ease for public presentation; but never granted the privilege to address an audience. I could only speak on stage, sitting down with my legs crossed, addressing another woman. I never got my day on the podium. It was never my turn to play.
But this is as God intended – Jehovah’s Witness women are inferior, they are not capable.
Jehovah's Witness Leadership - Girls need not apply
Jehovah’s Witness Leadership – Girls need not apply
man’s little helpers
Somehow the ability to bear children makes me less desirable than a man who is deaf, dumb and blind. I was reminded that there are no princesses on the throne with Jesus. Well, you all sound like a bunch of pricks (or a word which rhymes with pricks).
nogirlsallowed650
I found myself wondering, why I could not do everything the boys did. I am a very strong woman, always have been. I wrestled with boys and played backyard football. I was never the biggest or the strongest but, I was not half-bad. I never identified with the daintiness of being a girl. I understand that some women do, but that was never me.
Despite the way I felt, I was born into a submissive role. As a female member of the Jehovah’s Witness Congregation, certain “feminine” attributes were expected of me. I was placed in high heels from the age of five and only permitted to wear skirts to the Kingdom Hall. Women were not allowed to wear pants suits; this was considered “inappropriate”. Once I became a part of the Theocratic Ministry School, it was made clear to me that the only instructional parts I was allowed to present were the bible study presentations, where I demonstrated how to conduct a bible study to the congregation by the passive manner of having a conversation on stage with another woman. I was not supposed to address the audience. My brother was allowed to stand at the podium and carry out a bible reading. This made no sense to me. Firstly, I was older than my brother. Secondly, I was a better reader.
sister-micc
A rare sight: Jehovah’s Witness female in Slovenia serving as microphone passer for the day
Then one year I noticed that one of the elderly ladies in my congregation was partaking of the emblems at the memorial observance of Christ’s death. This action symbolized that she was anointed and one of the 144,000 destined for heaven. Afterwards, I talked to my mother about it and asked her if this woman was ever allowed to speak from the podium. She told me no. She said that she remembered one time when most of the men were away for some reason and this woman was allowed to carry the microphones up and down the aisle for people to use when speaking. This privilege under any other circumstances was reserved for men. This paradox seemed absolutely absurd to me. A woman, who was so close with God that she was going to live with him in heaven, while the rest of us lived on Earth, was only granted the privilege of holding a microphone when all the men were away. There is an obvious glass ceiling effect for women in the Jehovah’s Witness organization. Women are permitted to become pioneers for God’s work and spend hours preaching the word of God by knocking on their neighbor’s door with Jehovah’s Witness publications in hand. However, women are not allowed to hold any position of power within the organization. The roles of ministerial servant, elder, and committee member are reserved for men.
Who made up these rules?
Men made up these rules.
In our society, feminism often receives criticism. The definition of feminism according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities”. With this definition in mind, I would consider myself a feminist. Google defines misogyny as “dislike of, contempt for or ingrained prejudice against women”. I would consider anyone who tells a person they are not allowed to obtain a certain position solely based on the fact that they were born female, a misogynist. I feel that I saw and experienced many examples of ingrained prejudice in the Jehovah’s Witness faith for being female.
Jehovah's Witness Organization - no place for a feminist
The Jehovah’s Witness Organization – no place for a talented, intelligent, free-thinking woman
Developing in this environment undoubtedly affected my psyche. I came to have a great feeling of inadequacy. I felt like I was never going to be “good enough”. I felt I was powerless. What I want to convey to someone in a similar situation is that no matter your age, ethnicity, race, sexuality or gender, every person has the power within himself or herself to be the person that they want to be. Do not let anyone stand in the way of your aspirations. You do not have to obtain your goals alone.
Always Love,
Brooke
EDITOR’S NOTE: The archaic position of the Jehovah’s Witness organization is largely based on Old Testament Biblical principles, which carried over into the Christian era. The example you just read from Survey contributor Brooke follows the misogynistic mandates from the Apostle Paul, who stated:
Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and became a transgressor. – 1 Timothy 2:11-14, New World Translation
Paul’s flawed reasoning consists of two arguments. First, that God created man before woman, therefore she MUST be inferior to man. Second, that a woman has lesser intelligence than a man, since Eve was intellectually incapable of recognizing deception. This mental deficiency rendered her useless as a decision-maker or judge.
The Watchtower Organization has no intention of revising its antiquated position on female members, as this would interfere with their entire organizational structure, and their relentless quest to harmonize every book of the currently accepted Bible canon. (including the misogynistic and homophobic statements of Paul)
The application of this Watchtower policy is being carried out even as I write this note. The 2016 Regional Assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses feature a live demonstration of the question and answer Watchtower study, during which 20-30 participants deliver their comments (or answers) to Watchtower paragraph questions. JW Survey has received a leaked copy of the instructions for this 30 minute talk, where very specific direction is given to the women who are assigned some of the comments. The edict states:
The sisters must NOT give the appearance of teaching
I know there are many JW women who feel unburdened by the existing family “arrangement” of male dominance and headship. To those we ask: Is this who you really are, or is this merely a role you are playing in life?
For all of the women trapped inside the Jehovah’s Witness organization, know that you are not alone in your feelings, and as Brooke says, you have the power to make a change, no matter how insurmountable this obstacle may seem. There is a new sign in town – and it reads:
Girls Allowed
Girls Allowed
JR
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78 Responses to The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
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William Draper says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:27 pm
I do not see how somebody can argue against Jws on this , please see 1st COR ch 14 and 1st TIM ch 2 as it stands , the ORG is quite lax on this matter in comparison to what the scripture says , not working microphones may be more just a matter of practicality , there could be complaints about touching , yes it’s possible . I argue against Witnesses on this point because they are too permissive , often elders wives will take priority over a brothers comments , and more often than not women comment more than men do ? ? ?
Reply
John Redwood says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:01 pm
Dear William
If you support misogyny or homophobia, you will be shown the door, as we will not tolerate ignorance of that magnitude.
However your comments will remain on this site as a reminder of the archaic and twisted mentality which still exists in the 21st century.
JR
Reply
William Draper says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:40 pm
I believe this article does a dis service for this web site , as we see here not a complaint against the ORG , but against scripture , and it is being treated as a legitimate complaint which detracts from real issues . We all know or expect the ORG to supposedly be supportive of scripture , so how do we argue that the society is ‘supposedly’ supporting scripture ; isn’t this what it supposed to do , this article just takes away from this sites meaningfulness ; we can’t justify this argument , unless the real purpose of this site is to condemn the Bible .
Reply
Covert Fade says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:17 pm
William.
At JW Survey we support universal human rights, which include the right of a person to not be discriminated against or have their options in life limited simply due to their gender.
We make no apologies for that stance.
If you consider that to be in conflict with your understanding of scripture, that is your choice. Many Christians do not see a conflict here.
As the editor, I am content to let you voice your opinion here as long you do so respectfully and in a calm manor. I am content for other commenters to debate you as long as they do the same.
But understand that we will not apologise for supporting the human rights of women not to be discriminated against due to their gender, and that we consider Watchtower’s conduct to be discriminatory in this way.
Reply
William Draper says:
May 28, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Most men in the church , if they are like me enjoyed the sisters comments , until they came to a realization that scriptuarally it is not allowed in the church , it has little to do with what many elders would probably prefer , it is very clearly written , and as much as some women , show hatred for some of the things in the Bible , which us men do also , we realize that the Bible gives us knowledge of life that is critical , and not found anywhere else , in large part .
Reply
Cheryl says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:52 pm
A book written thousands of years ago by men cannot provide any real meaning in life. It does not provide any useful knowledge. It is polarising and should be discarded as any source aside from one of amusement that people can be that moronic.
Reply
William Draper says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:14 pm
If you wish to end my participation on this site , that is your prerogative , in regards to homosexuality , in its real sense , the Bible condemns it , and if this site is to condemn the Bible then by all means. I want no part of it . But as I stated in studies on line , almost every person has a little mixed up parts, some more than others , one should not parade something that appears contact to nature , and others should be careful to be too quick in Judgement , some are actually living as normal and best that they can , and we can not condemn that .
Reply
Phil says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:37 am
William, I can see why you no longer attend JW meetings. As depraved as that organization sometimes reaches in its treatment of others, even they would not go as low as you!
In my opinion you are an Arrogant but totally ignorant, uneducated, hate filled and stupid old man who demands attention which you don’t often get. If you had bothered to look around this site you would know what it was about and who comes here for support and why. If you had bothered to read the rules for posting you would also know what will get you banned. It appears that you did not bother to look because you are ‘arrogant’ or you did not understand because you are ‘ignorant and uneducated’.
I think you broke most of the rules for posting, but I hope they leave your comments up, as you demonstrate why all forms of religion are BAD for the human race as it creates too many people like you. Men who look for reasons to demean Women and Hate anyone who is different from them.
I consider your comments vile and hateful but you use an ancient book to justify them.
Some may consider my comments a little harsh but I read through all your posts and think I have a good idea of what sort of person you are.
Reply
brooke says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:37 am
Hello William,
Thank you for your viewpoint. As you know this site is open to everyone from all religions and beliefs to share their opinions in a safe environment. This site has no religious allegance or affiliation. I am simply sharing the experience that i had growing up female in that belief system and how it affected me as well as my beliefs about equal human rights. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I respect the right that you are allowed to believe whatever you choose. Please respect the right i have to believe whatever i choose wether it is supported in the bible or not.
Thank You!
Reply
Phil says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:12 pm
By the way an excellent article Brooke and hope you get an opportunity to write again. I think you express the feelings and frustrations of many women both in and out of the org.
I wish I could write so well but it would just turn into an angry rant so I will keep my soap box locked up 😀
Reply
Winston Smith says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:38 am
The bible is an ancient book that reflects the middle eastern attitude toward women some 2000 years ago (and look at how some middle eastern cultures view woman even today). Even with this background, many modern people are able to draw strength and comfort from the scriptures. How so? They don’t look for a literal interpretation of every scripture, but rather follow the spirit of the teachings of Christ about love and peace. Thus we see that many modern Christian Churches have female ministers and accept homosexuals into their flocks.
I have never more than glanced through the Koran, but my understanding is that if taken literally it can be viewed as a book of hatred and bloodshed (not unlike the bible). But there are many peaceful Muslims who draw strength from its pages. So there is a similarity here between two major religions: those who want to take a literal interpretation of ancient holy writings choose a fundamentalist, radical approach and voice hatred and bigotries. Those who take a more open-minded approach find peace and love and are able to express these attitudes toward their neighbors.
WS
Reply
JT ( john Tancock) says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:07 pm
Please don’t blame Paul . Make biased translation and misogynistic bible reading is to blame. Firstly he was writing to a very specific city context of extreme feminism( Ephesus). It was amazing he said ‘let the women learn’. ( after learning of course they could teach!!). Also he didn’t say what the net says….. He did not want the women there usurping or domineering or seizing ‘authority’, a different thing all together. The most prized gift of all in the nt was open to women. ‘Prophecy’ , all the operations of gifts in Paul’s letters are gender less. Don’t blame Paul blame the org
Reply
William Draper says:
May 30, 2016 at 6:35 am
I will leave one last reply , and will not bother with this site again , as I did not know this site encourages homosexual activity , nor did I know that the real objective is to trash scriptures , while it is true that many scorn the writings of Paul , many do so because they believe that he mostly argues against the LAW . In MATTHEW ch 5 , we see Christ speaking well of the Law ( certain parts of it ) , and we see Christ refers to the Ten Commandments numerous times , REVELATION also speaks harshly about deviant nature , We see in this world today , an encouragement of deviant behaviors of many sorts , Greed being one of them , we also see a lot of support to release criminals out of jail rather than a society trying to truly work at reducing CRIMINAL behavior , people that are victims of deviant behavior can surely understand . Now as I said before , and I believe scripture is a little lacking here on what some people call homosexuality , we all or many of us have mixed up parts , we even know some are born with obvious physical features of having duel sexuality , from this we can discern that there must be many somewhere in between , as I talked to one , I said , if you wanted children , would you marry a man or a woman ; I believe for most people this would be the answer to any possible confusion . But I do believe in the Bible , and that Homosexuality is WRONG , if one truly has to a greater than average mix up in their nature , we should be careful about making judgements against such a person , but such persons should not encourage others or parade this . Every one of us have things about us which are not desirable traits , and most make efforts to cover over these things or make changes in their behavior , like the one who is bashing me doesn’t he believe I should learn something and change , or does he or she believe I should relish in any of my short comings . Hopefully not as many type-os this time . SHOW LOVE FOR THE ONE THAT HAS GIVEN YOU LIFE ……. I will no longer be checking on this site . feel free to delete after a few days , some may appreciate .
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← The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
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Posted on May 28, 2016
Screenshot 2016-05-28 23.25.32
Camera footage taken by Alex Silva at the Jersey City Regional Convention.
Rumours have been flying about in recent weeks that Watchtower might be changing its shunning policy for the worse at the 2016 Regional Conventions entitled “Remain Loyal to Jehovah.”
We at JW Survey had been aware of these rumours, and had received credible information from reliable sources that seemed to confirm that these rumours were indeed true.
However, since we knew that speculation without absolute proof on this issue might cause unnecessary distress, we decided to wait until absolute concrete proof emerged of this change before reporting it.
Thanks to a member of the Ex-Jehovah’s Witness community, Alex Silva, who bravely attended the Jersey City convention in the US and recorded much of the program, we now have recorded confirmation that the information we were given was true.
The talk “Shun Unrepentant Wrongdoers, to be given at the 2016 convention as part of the symposium “Loyaly Uphold Jehovah’s Judgements” will apparently expand Watchtower’s shunning policy to include the following scenario:
◾If you are currently considered “inactive,” and are known to have committed a “serious sin,” Watchtowers official position apparently is now that you must be shunned without the requirement to wait for a Judicial Committee.
This will include everyday “sins” such as:
◾Moving in with an unmarried partner
◾Smoking
◾Celebrating Christmas
◾Premarital sex
◾Same sex marriage
◾Criticising the Governing Body
◾Denying Watchtower teachings
◾Celebrating Birthdays
Essentially, any action that would result in a baptised Jehovah’s Witness being disfellowshipped will now result in an inactive one being shunned without the requirement for Judicial Committee action.
This will come as deeply upsetting news for the many inactive ones who have “faded;” the term often used for those who, by a mixture of good fortune and careful planning, have managed to leave the Watchtower religion without sanction from a Judicial Committee, and thus avoided the penalty of shunning. Many such ones still have contact with their Jehovah’s Witness families; contact that now may be cut off if their families consider this person to be “sinning” in the way prescribed by the Governing Body.
It is hard to see this new command as anything less that a deliberate attempt from Watchtower’s leadership to target such “faders” and drag them back under the Governing Body’s control via a policy that amounts to nothing less than pure emotional blackmail:
“Do as we tell you or you will never see your love ones again.”
We are preparing an article to analyse this apparent expansion to Watchtower’s controversial shunning laws in more detail.
We are also preparing an entire series of articles to deal with the various controversial stories that are emerging from this 2016 Regional Convention. Those who have been following this convention will know that this change to the shunning policy is just one of many astonishing and disturbing aspects of the program.
If you are “inactive,” or “faded”, and are concerned that your ties to your family may now be severed, we at JW Survey feel deeply for you. Many of our team are in this position as well.
I am one of them.
I am hopeful that my family will chose to continue association with me, despite the condemnation of my lifestyle by the Governing Body as “serious sin.” But if they do not, I refuse to allow Watchtower’s Governing Body to use my family as leverage to rule my life.
I do not negotiate with hostage takers.
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← The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
167 Responses to News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
Newer Comments →
Garrett says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:00 pm
The GB remind me of the despots in Syria, Libya, Yemen and elsewhere. The more they loose control the tighter they squeeze . The tighter they squeeze, the more they lose control… Etc etc… Repeat repeat until you have civil war.
I smell April 1945 Berlin…. They are crumbling and they know it.
Reply
Jill Hileman says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:09 pm
well said
Reply
Paul Brinkman says:
May 29, 2016 at 1:52 am
YES , so it is. When i was in the former DDR(1989) the same situation, however the SED leaders lost all energy because of the policy of Gorbatshov. The GB hostage 8 million people and we have the duty to bring them down.
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Winston Smith says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:30 pm
I concur with the sentiments expressed in this chain. As a fader, I have kept relatively quiet and remained anonymous in posting my opinions about Watchtower. However, if my family decides to follow this horrible mandate from their Watchtower Overlords, then there is no further reason for me to remain anonymous or keep quiet. With many faders in this same position, the Watchtower may have made the mistake of waking a “sleeping giant.”
WS
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Grace says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:42 pm
WS,
I’m waiting for my hearing from the ARC which has been pushed back to December. Because of the vast number of victims that have come forward, they have had to put a closing date.
After that, I’m going to formally introduce myself. For anyone that has known my story from a while back, I was meant to be heard this month.
Reply
Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Grace,
It sounds wonderful to be able to come out of the shadows like that. It’s like breaking the last link in the chains of JW bondage. It may be some time before I am able to do so. But with this new policy, maybe it will be sooner than I think.
WS
Reply
Kidneykid says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:21 pm
This is a big mistake. Like me, a lot of people quietly faded out of the JW cult and live in relative peace with “in” members. If they suddenly start shunning us, there’s no reason for us to quietly sit on the sidelines anymore.
IMO, I might as well become a vocal, classically evil apostate if they’re going to treat me like crap anyway. The WTS is doing a preemptive strike; a lot of us faders are going to retaliate massively.
They think they’ve got lots of problems now, just wait until a massive number of former insiders start going public with the dirt they have on the JW cult. This is going to have unintended consequences that might be their undoing. A sh$$storm of unbelievable magnitude is about to fall on their heads!
Reply
Imgonaburn says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:36 pm
That’s exactly how I feel. If I get dfd then I won’t be able to see my first grandchild due in October. It’s a horrible, vile, cruelly controlling cult. I can see more law suits heading in their direction. They are tearing families apart and should be held accountable!
Hopefully it may even cause our family ‘in’ members to rebel and fall away too.
Reply
JCrawford says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:27 pm
“In” family might learn to be more discreet with their rebellion. Dinners or affairs with non-family JW members might get faded ones asked to stay away. Or, family affairs exclude non-family JW members.
Either way, it’s still divisive and ridiculous.
If I have to respect the religious beliefs (or differences of beliefs) as a JW when trolling door-to-door, and I respect the beliefs of my current “in” family members, why can’t I get the respect that I’m entitled to–to treat me like they would treat any stranger on the street?
Reply
Garrett says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Exactly! ….and retaliate you should !!!
Reply
William Draper says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:42 pm
MARK 7: 11
If one has family members that are Jws , it would be good to write this out by hand , and give to such family member, I have this noted on my sign which I stand outside of the church holding , along with about 25 other scriptures which show some of the error in the ways of this ORG which will disown their obligations toward family members , in their worship of the WatchTower . When the scripture says one must disown their family members , such is subjective and relative , having a purposeful meaning but not to be used as the ORG uses it , It is also said that one must eat the flesh of a man and drink a man’s blood to have life , a very difficult scripture to truly understand . Many have a SERIOUS problem of letting the ORG make a determination for them which scriptures to emphasize , and take more literally than others, rather than really studying all of them , and not choosing to have favorites .
Reply
Imgonaburn says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Are they going to include another question at baptism to include …”do you promise to shun ANY family that leaves the organisation?”…
Reply
D.S. says:
May 28, 2016 at 9:32 pm
I was thinking the same thing!!!
Reply
JBob says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Mark–didn’t the new “rusty blade” version leave some of Mark out? I think that would cast doubt on the whole Gospel of Mark.
Note: the Gospel of Mark generally is viewed as the first of the major gospels to have been written with Matthew and Luke being derivatives, so this would put everything “in play” since we already know that Pauline epistles are outlining a gospel (with some Mithra, or Hellenic, influences) that was foreign to the mostly Hebrew “body of elders” from Antioch and Jerusalem.
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Jill Hileman says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Covert Fade, great article as usual. One thing I’d like to suggest is reconsider the use of the word lifestyle. We all know how the JW’s batter that word, as if to sneer it into a condemnation of a person’s worth and value.
It’s actually simply living your own life. I wouldn’t want you, or anyone, to read it and feel some quiet, undefined shame for your autonomy. My $.02.
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ruthlee says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Satan’s time is short so the demons are on double shift, with no pay, to break up the Divine institution of family. Every family will be subject to this rule or ruin policy. They really have deviated from the Highway of Holiness to the Highway to Hell. Shame and degradation , they seem to be spewing hate in an unashamed fashion and that is not Christian. These are interesting times and we are on a really bumpy ride. One of the points mentioned is critism of the governing body. Well I believe I am going before a higher Judge than feeble men and If I do not champion the Truth as I see it then that Higher power will hold me accountable. So I’d rather stay in His good books and be struck from their self appointed account of injury. This new fascism is very dark and threatening.A new darkness is descending and when it has it’s finality they will not see one foot in front of the other. I hope they get their go bag paradise where they can pick and fight to eternity without us to bother their conscience.When they have done murdering our characters and finished downgrading our worth as humans I am sure they will not be a happy bunch .There is no joy in attempting to play God, many have tried and it has never been successful. I hope someone has the clout and authority to truly and faithfully expose this disfellowshipping offense. I live in hope, but this dark cloud on the horizon leaves me uneasy. We are at war. Ruthlee
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JBob says:
May 28, 2016 at 11:35 pm
This presumes that Christianity had bringing families together as a foundation.
Micah 7:5-7
Matthew 10:35-38
Luke 12:51-53
The Watchtower has never held families in high regard–especially, the bringing forth of children. One look at the “What is True Love?” video underscores how the ideal Witness woman needs a mate, but certainly foregoes children and the “normalcy” of married living. It is interesting this aforementioned video only approaches the topic from a female point of view; male primitive needs are not brought into discussion. They base their existence and growth on recruitment not propagating the species.
“Selling God”https://youtu.be/KbZjoA9WrvM
The God Who Wasn’t There
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KAMIL LEVI PYKA says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:23 pm
As Follower of Yeshua Jesus this is far away what Catholic and Gnostic Gospels tells us.
We suppose to love our neighbors and not judge them. We are all sinners.
Their behavior reminds me insanity of Rutherford and this will cause many court cases. This is so damaging psychologically, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually indeed.
We are happy we do not have to deal with this blasphemous sect anymore. Shabat Shalom.
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Brooke says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Not looking forward to seeing how my family reacts to this.
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Oubliette says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:30 pm
The leaders of this religion are becoming increasingly shrill and desperate in their vain attempts to maintain control.
Let’s review: It’s a cult!
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Outandabout says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:31 pm
It’s a cult alright and I think exposing them as such is a much quicker and easier way into the JW brain.
They already know about the child abuse and a lot are uncomfortable with shunning. Trying to explain 607, failed prophecies and other idiocies seems to go right over there head, although I’m sure some of it sticks. Now is the time to add to that.
Information explaining what a cult actually is and how to spot them is at ones fingertips and it doesn’t necessarily set out to demolish the Jw’s so it could hardly be seen as persecution. I’ve used it on my Mother and she exclaimed ” I’m in a cult” and then five minutes later she said it again. I thought my job was done and didn’t do any follow up and the next time I saw her she had been brow beaten back into line and denied everything and now I can’t get near her. If I could just go back to that moment and do it differently…….
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Big B says:
May 29, 2016 at 3:41 pm
@ Outandabout
You got your points across and the seed of doubt was planted. As long as your Mom continues to associate and breath the toxic air of inane Cultism at the Kingdom Hall she will never break free.
Unfortunately for many that’s the way the cult works: FOG* (Fear, Obligation & Guilt). At least your conscience is clear and you tried.
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Tara says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:58 pm
So how will we ‘faders’ know that we are now shunned without a judicial? Will an announcement be made? will their be a local needs talk to mention without naming?
In the last week I have had three different elders attempt to contact me. One left the invite through the door with a message on it asking for us to chat. Another was the grandfather of my son in law who grilled me on my attendance and lack of ministry (He’s not even in my cong.) the other day and other elder went to my daughters door and inquired if I was home.
This activity now has me wondering if ‘we’, my daughter and I, will be shunned/df’d without hearing. Not that we would attend one in any case.
Can anyone enlighten me on what the likely outcome will be?
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Tara says:
May 28, 2016 at 5:59 pm
ugh bad spelling ‘there’ not their…..
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Darth Fader says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Great Question, just how will this be enacted? From the podium or “Elder Gossip”?
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Tara says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:25 am
I think it will take the form of a local needs in our hall. They will reiterate the talk and then make it very clear, without names who is to be shunned.
It will go along the lines of…
Dear brothers, as we look around our hall tonight, we notice some empty seats. Yes, some have forsaken their dedication and no longer follow the direction given to us to congregate together…. not forsaking the gathering….blaa, blaa, blaa.
We must find it in our hearts to be strong enough to avoid such ones in the loving hope they will return to us….. blaa, blaa, blaa and o forth.
Oh, we won’t know about it until we get the cold shoulder. Maybe someone will give us a heads up…. In my case I will prepare myself for those still talking to me to stop fb and waving to me as they go past in the car. My greatest fear is now my ex daughter in law will try to instill a shunning attitude in my grandchild. If it is made public knowledge that I am ti be shunned then I will be using fb media to highlight that I am…. my ‘brothers’ far afield will need to know but it will let other friends know the circumstances and what has gone on.
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brooke says:
May 30, 2016 at 5:20 am
hey tara,
You are not alone, I tried to fade out of the faith. I had not attended meetings for over two years when an elder from my hall showed up at my house alone at ten thirty at night. He said he found my address on the internet. After they found out where i lived they sent me a letter stating that they were going to have a judicial committee whether i decided to attend or not. After two months of on again off again communication, i was given the choice to attend a JC (or one would be given in my absence) or disassociate. They are obviously pursuing a “cleansing”. If they choose to pursue you i do not know if there is anything you can do to prevent it. However, hopefully these new practices will help to wake up some of your family members.
Best Wishes!
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Chiafade says:
May 28, 2016 at 6:05 pm
So this new policy of shunning inactive ones who have faded seems like it would make good information to hand over to the UK charity commission. Also to the Australian royal commission since it was Geoffrey Jackson who all but recommended fading as a course of action for those who disagreed with the organization. Even going so far as to say that “no action would be taken against them”. So what does that make Jackson and the rest of the gb? Liars? I think we know the answer.
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Garrett says:
May 28, 2016 at 6:10 pm
Great point Chifade!!!! Please write to the charity commissions as you mentioned.
This just proves what we have been saying all along.
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John ship says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:18 am
Their shunning policy is now against the law un uk the adition to the domestic abuse law now includes coersive and controling behaviour causing emotional and mental damage to a family member .anyone who is being subjected to this or has a family member affected should contact the social servises and police as soon as posible..more court cases for WT..and the elders who enfirce it..
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John ship says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:18 am
Their shunning policy is now against the law un uk the adition to the domestic abuse law now includes coersive and controling behaviour causing emotional and mental damage to a family member .anyone who is being subjected to this or has a family member affected should contact the social servises and police as soon as posible..more court cases for WT..and the elders who enfirce it..
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John ship says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:20 am
To add also contact the charity commisiin .they are currently investigating WT Uk..
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Markw1509 says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:43 am
Exactly what I was thinking….
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JWIntellect says:
May 28, 2016 at 6:43 pm
In the video, the speaker states that the practice of disfellowshiping unrepentant wrongdoers helps to avoid bringing reproach upon Jehovah’s name. Does not reporting accusations of child abuse to the authorities, even when these have been corroborated by evidence and testimony, not bring reproach upon Jehovah’s name? Does not harboring child molesters within the organization not bring reproach upon Jehovah’s name? If this righteous, benevolent God exists, he should have abandoned this organization a long time ago. In fact, “He” shouldn’t have abandoned it, He should have never chosen this organization to represent him in the first place.
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Eric Arthur Blair says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:41 am
This is the point that really resonated with me. Especially in the example of the children who “reported” their mother to the elders. The GB foster a culture of reporting on each other, like an oppressive dictatorship with its spy network (very 1984) while over 1,000 known predators go unreported to the appropriate agencies (the “superior authorities”) in Australia alone – a 100% strike rate. Surely nothing could bring greater reproach on Jehovah’s name?
If Jehovah really had been directing this organisation their policies would reflect that and would have been in place for decades. Then there would be no skeletons in the closet to find, and the ARC would have shone the light on an organisation which would be held up as the model for all others to follow, truly Christlike, rather than the festering cesspit it exposed. And they have the nerve to resist the ARC, reject its findings, silence those who speak out (especially the “apostate” victims) and then direct the “sheep” to shun such ones who leave in good conscience. Appalling. It almost defies belief, but I would discount anything these delusional self-righteous men do.
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Eric Arthur Blair says:
May 30, 2016 at 3:28 am
That was meant to read “wouldn’t discount” grrrrrr, spellcheck.
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Big B says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:08 am
A JWIntellect
Verily, Jehovah has never chosen it.
Would an all knowing, omnipotent God choose an organization that believed that the Great Pyramid at Giza was to be considered to be the “Great Witness” which measurements are supposed to show the end times of 1914?
Would this same God choose an organization that was commandeered in what amounts to a hostile take over by Judge “pass me another drink” Rutherford a know sot?
Would an all powerful God allow the use of his name and bless this sham organization for joining the United Nations for ten years and for all intents and purposes becoming a whore like Babylon the Great?
Would an merciful God punish those who left for seeing pedophiles being protected while children are left abandoned?
Will Jehovah God, Sovereign Lord of the Universe, continue to bless a religion with continued growth that uses his name as a cover for its own twisted purposes?
I think we all know the answers to the above. They are now reaping what they have sown! Good riddance to bad rubbish!
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Markw1509 says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:44 am
Well said….
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TeraG says:
May 28, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Ugh, I feel sick to my stomach. I have been formerly shunned but my sister who is living with her boyfriend and just had a baby has faded and so far has been under the raidar but now I’m worried for her. My mom shuns us but has been a big help to my sister since my nieces birth and visits my sister to help her out. If my mom, who is a pretty hard core jw, takes the new direction to heart my niece will lose a grandma. Ugh I hate this cult. its so unfair and unloving.
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digga says:
May 28, 2016 at 7:02 pm
When was this communicated to the rank and file? I faded 18 years ago and while my family still try and encourage me to come back they have been open and friendly towards me for the most part….but ive noticed that they have been a little different in the last couple of months. Not really wanting to engage with me.
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ScotWm says:
May 28, 2016 at 7:27 pm
It doesn’t look like the Friday afternoon session of the 2016 convention played to a full house. It’s interesting to see that the “Shun Unrepentant Wrongdoers” talk was followed by a talk entitled “Be Forgiving.”
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/2016-Convention-Program/#?insight%5Bsearch_id%5D=81b9e739-a16a-40f7-8e0a-f81f0ac619a4&insight%5Bsearch_result_index%5D=1
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RetiredLE says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:10 am
Question Box -KM 2/2000
▪ Is it appropriate to applaud when a reinstatement is announced?
In his loving-kindness, Jehovah God has provided a Scriptural way for repentant wrongdoers to regain his favor and achieve reinstatement in the Christian congregation. (Ps. 51:12, 17) When this takes place, we are encouraged to confirm our love for such sincerely repentant ones.—2 Cor. 2:6-8.
Even so, as joyful as we are when a relative or acquaintance is reinstated, a quiet dignity should prevail at the time that the person’s reinstatement is announced in the congregation. The Watchtower of October 1, 1998, page 17, expressed matters this way: “We must remember, however, that most in the congregation are not aware of the particular circumstances that led to a person’s expulsion or to his reinstatement. In addition, there may be some who have been personally affected or hurt—perhaps even on a long-term basis—by the wrongdoing of the repentant one. Being sensitive to such matters, therefore, when an announcement of reinstatement is made, we would understandably withhold expressions of welcome until such can be made on a personal basis.”
Although we are very happy to see someone return to the truth, applause at the time of his or her reinstatement would not be appropriate.
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RetiredLE says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:14 am
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Big B says:
May 29, 2016 at 3:57 pm
@ RetiredLE
So “Jehovah is ready to forgive” huh? Isn’t that just wonderful?
I’ll be willing to bet Jehovah is not ready to protect her children from the unknown, unrepentant and active local pedophiles lurking in her congregation.
Back to the same old crap, and love bombing. Back to slavery to seven demented morons and bondage to a Pedophile protecting cult.
‘Back out into the field oh you ministers to Advertise, Advertise, Advertise the King and His Kingdom!’ Oh, and while you’re at it don’t forget to sell my books. J.F. ‘the drunken sot’ Judge Rutherford.
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RetiredLE says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:34 pm
Can’t fix ‘stupid’… on either side
Average Joe says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:40 pm
This has since been changed and you can now applaud if you want to. New light from a letter sent to elders this year.
If you ask nicely, Covert Fade might put a copy of said letter on here.
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RetiredLE says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:41 pm
@Average Joe.. thanks for the update on ‘new light’ and reading the context of the post. Ludicrous that the ‘Samaritans’ Brother is in charge of ‘forgiveness’. One more ‘tenth’ of the spice to keep up with…
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DoneDeal says:
May 28, 2016 at 7:44 pm
Omg… I can’t begin to explain how sickening it is to watch the video, manipulation and emotional blackmail at its best! Like someone else said above, what was holding a lot of us ‘quiet faders’ back was the fact that we were trying to keep the peace, and still have some contact with our families. The moment they take that away with their new quasi-disfellowshipping policy… sh*&%$ is going to hit the fan!
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Matias says:
May 28, 2016 at 7:52 pm
I, on the other hand, think that this is hilarious. I can’t wait to see how the jws I know start behaving from now on. They might start exhibiting more of the attitudes of sick *********** I think they are, which amuse me so much. I also can’t wait to see the collapse of their cult and laugh like ‘in your face, irrational bastard!’
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Steve McRoberts says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Political and religious leaders have always known that when doubt begins to set in, nothing reaffirms the sagging faith or brings their “flock” together more effectively than hate campaigns directed to non-members and former-members.
As the Watchtower religion begins to crumble, it’s predictable that they will seek to increase the contrast between themselves and us by demonizing and shunning us (all the while proclaiming that their organization is “living proof that hatred can be abolished. It is a foreglimpse of a worldwide program to eliminate hatred and its causes.” —Watchtower, June 15, 1995, p. 8)
If the time remaining is as short as they proclaim, and they are supposed to be preaching their message to the whole world before Armageddon, in order to save as many as possible by making converts — why would they waste a second of such precious time in diatribes against former members?
What they do belies what they claim to believe.
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Michele says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:18 pm
This makes me sick. I wish there could be serious media coverage on their cult behaviour. It’s disgusting. my mom and brother are still very much in. I was never df’ed but I faded. He cut off all contact with me. That was several years ago. i feel like this was an implied rule. Lost all my friends too. So it doesn’t really surprise me that they would thrust it down the r&f’s throats officially. It’s been in the making for a while. Personal decision maybe previously. It’s a how “spiritual are you” guilt trip. If you talk to your child you aren’t being loyal to jehovah. Give me a friggin break.
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Quendi says:
May 28, 2016 at 9:35 pm
“Serious media coverage” of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ conventions more or less ended after the 1970s when the Governing Body’s doomsday talk proved to be nothing more than a false alarm. Since then, most news organizations pay scant or no attention to these gatherings and so the information about shunning lapsed or inactive members will get no mention. More’s the pity.
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Big B says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:34 am
There are not enough Jehovah’s Witnesses world wide to make a difference in anything they say or do.
Roman Catholicism claims to have 800 million adherents and when the Holy See speaks everyone (including non-Catholics) listens.
However, when the G.B. speaks all of 8 million (if that number is correct, which I doubt) then who listens or even cares? The J.W.’s are an annoying, doomsday declaring, gadfly. A festering boil on the
butt of mankind. A throwback to the Adventist Millerite movement with its “Great Disappointment”. A worthless, clueless nattering nabob of negativity.
Whatever terminology they want to use against me or my family, be it “disfellowshipped”, “disassociated” or “apostate” makes no difference to me as no one cares and the world in general does not care. The judgement of the world is based on who you are not what “religion” you practice.
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Telescopium says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:10 am
Big B, I like your choice of words. Both my wife and I laughed hard at your “festering boil on the butt of mankind” comment. I intend to make good use of this phrase in the future.
Thanks for lightening the day!
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Big B says:
May 29, 2016 at 4:03 pm
@ Telescopium
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Oh, I forgot to reference the quote: “nattering nabobs of negativity” which was a phrase used by Vice President Spiro Agnew to refer to the members of the media with whom he had a very acrimonious relationship.
Steve McRoberts says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:33 pm
I just watched all nine minutes of this video, and it made me physically nauseous.
The video “drama” shown in this talk blames the victim and makes heroes of the mind-numbed parents who put loyalty to Watchtower ahead of love for their daughter.
Another gem is how the speaker praises the boys who ratted out their mother to the elders, and “chose” not to associate with her anymore! Of course it was “the hardest thing they ever had to do.” Nothing can subvert the strong bonds of love between mother and child better than the undue influence of an insidious cult.
“There will be no loyalty, except loyalty towards the Party.” — George Orwell, 1984
The above seems to be Watchtower’s motto. Too bad they don’t use the following in its place, since they claim to base everything on the Bible:
“Do not you people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another; for he that loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. For the law code, “You must not commit adultery, You must not murder, You must not steal, You must not covet”, and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this word, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does not work evil to one’s neighbor; therefore love is the law’s fulfillment.”
(Romans 13:8-10)
If they insist that there is a “law” of shunning, well then, the “law of love” trumps it, according to their own Bible.
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Tara says:
May 28, 2016 at 9:17 pm
Just posted the G.O quote to fb. Will be interested to see who likes it.
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Matias says:
May 28, 2016 at 8:42 pm
“…and to deeply grieve when a beloved family member leaves Jehovah. Jehovah understands the feelings of his loyal ones. He knows the pain of losing a family member.”
Those few seconds are pure art. The leader addressing a gullible crowd, with his image in a big screen, talking about a made up character who is ‘the actual leader’ hiding behind the shadows. Much like movie Equilibrium or 1984. A Orwellian reality indeed. We live in a distopyan future.
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D.S. says:
May 28, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Sick! Sick! Sick! How long will it be before they are exposed for who they really are? As one reader posted recently: ‘The WTBTS is a Controlling org of pedophile protectors, family destroyers, and a lying cult!’
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Tilli says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:04 am
Didn’t watch the whole clip. Is birthday explicitly mentioned as shunning offense? Celebrating birthdays is at least no disfellowshipping offense as far as I know.
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Jeruen says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:14 am
Reading this is so disturbing. I’ve had very little contact with my parents for years now (we live in different continents/countries, and until now the level of contact I have is approximately a dinner every time I am in town), and I guess I should expect that it should be even less than that.
Sometimes, I find it easier, and better for my mental health, to just stop treating them as family, and treat them as total strangers instead. Somehow my mind finds that easier to process.
An open question regarding fading, maybe someone here knows – I was raised as a JW by my parents (who weirdly enough, were diplomats, that fact didn’t bother them somehow), I got baptized as a teen in Japan, and a decade later, I faded in the USA (while in graduate school). I never met any judicial committee, nor did I write any disassociation letter. Now I am in Germany. I have some Internet presence where a Google-savvy individual can clearly see that I have “committed serious sins”. It’s quite easy for anyone to be a witness against me. What does that make me then? Am I still an inactive? Or is it likely that I was disfellowshipped in absentia? I ask more for curiosity’s sake; however the JWs treat my case is irrelevant for me at this point.
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Kopernicus says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:31 am
I concur with Kidneykid. It is myopic of the GBoJW to sanction the inactive / faded. I am still regarded by the local BoE as a JW – they don’t know I blog against the org regularly. However, they and the cong have disliked several episodes of outspokenness in WT studies (despite my carefully having referenced the WT, Bible, Insight, AW). Consequently, some already shun me or are at leadt remote. So if the BoE ever DF me, or if I become inactive and they DF me, then I have no incentive left for being discreet. Already, I know of at least 12 in my cong who are “awake”, and for whom DF or any other censure may remove the incentive to maintain discretion. This approach of the GBoJW may backfire on them. It also betrays their paradigm of control, conceit, and intolerance.
The decision will likely have the effect of magnifying the power of the BoE. Will likely increase abuse of power by BoEs. DF without a JC may mean DF without a document trail. Just what is needed by the WTBTS after such having proved to be important by litigants and the ARC. After the conventions, we can expect a plethora of correspondence to be sent out to BoE re guidance about non JC DFing. New references for the secret Shephard the Flock book too.
Could be a Laurel and Hardy scenario – “Well here’s another fine mess you’ve gotten me into!”
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David says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:58 am
Interesting isn’t it that when a snake is injured it lashes out in mindless fashion.
Anyone still hanging on to the reasoning of injured snakes will indeed suffer from this dying reflex.
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Caroline says:
May 29, 2016 at 3:11 am
I relish the idea that the elders would be brave enough to call me in for a judicial meeting because it only takes about four scriptures to show that the tetragrammaton was put in the Bible by the Masoretes when they were transcribing the Hebrew scriptures and the god that the Israelites worshipped was Molech. It’s all over the Bible but most people don’t realize it because the Masoretes replaced the tetragrammaton with lord and God etc.
The Society want us all to be disfellowshiped without calling us in to a judicial because once the elders actually hear what we have to say about the United Nations, 607 B.C.E. and the rest of the lies, we just might convince those elders that they are being fooled. It is so much easier to disfellowship us by stabbing us in the back and make the rank and file think we have become demonic.
I just happen to have a 1885 copy of the Imperial Bible Dictionary on my coffee table and when two of the elders from my congregation stopped by to “encourage” me a few weeks ago, I dared them to explain what the Society left out about the cross and one of the elders took me up on my dare and of course, he won’t be back again.
I told them that I don’t want to be disfellowshiped but I don’t see how they can not disfellowship me because I have the proof right on my coffee table that the Society is lying about what that dictionary says about the cross and just like I showed it to them, I can show it to anybody else that comes over.
I think that they are truly fond of me but they have to decide who they love more, the Society’s god or me and that is a terrible and life-changing decision.
https://youtu.be/rnyHSe_e1Dw
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Eric Arthur Blair says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:52 am
Would love to know which four scriptures you mean? Also what your book says on the cross, I’m intrigued. Do have any references I can use? Might come in handy for the knock on the door Ive been anticipating!
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Tara says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:35 am
I agree Eric. Could you post it Caroline?
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Caroline says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:49 am
Go to Acts 7:42, 43 where Stephen said that the Israelites were worshiping at the tent of Molech during the forty years they were in the wilderness then to Numbers 31:40 and the “tax” of the virgin girls was 32 that went to Jehovah.
Exodus 22:29 says the firstborn of their sons were to belong to Jehovah and Jeremiah 7:22 says “For I did not speak with your forefathers nor did I command them in the day of my bringing them out from the land of Egypt concerning the matters of whole burnt offering and sacrifice.”
The one scripture that I would concentrate on is Numbers chapter 31, the whole chapter. What would Jehovah want with 32 virgin girls? The other 32,000 virgin girls that they kept for themselves is pretty hard to explain also.
If they wanted slaves, then why not the boys?
If they think that’s so terrible that Jehovah would require the burning of 32 virgin girls on the alter, have them explain the deaths of every man, woman and boy child in Midian then too? It was too terrible to “burn” 32 virgin girls on the alter but it was okay to kill probably hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in Midian, including all the little boys to have 32,000 virgin girls left over that they could divide up among themselves? What did they do with those little girls and how did they know they were virgins?
The Society chooses that God to name themselves after and Jesus never once said that that God was his father. The Society put that in the NWT Greek Scriptures and it was never in the original Greek scriptures.
According to Acts 7:42,43, the law given to Moses was from Molech. It was the Watchtower organization who stupidly chose to put Jehovah in the Bible 7,000 times. They are the ones promoting that name Jehovah as God and named themselves after that hideous god. If the tetragrammaton actually stood for Molech, then they are stupidly worshiping Molech and are proud of it, thinking they are the only ones who worship the “true” god.
The Society is too afraid of us “apostates” and so they are scaring the rank and file into disfellowshiping us without a committee hearing because the Society knows that once we start telling the elders why we don’t want anything to do with that religion anymore, that there will be a lot of them that will listen and realize that they too have been conned.
Up until now, I gave the Governing Body the benefit of a doubt, but not anymore. Now I do believe they are just plain evil.
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Caroline says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:54 am
This is my video that I put up with my copy of the Imperial Bible Dictionary 1885 under cross.
https://youtu.be/Cjku3W8lIvw
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Twmack says:
May 29, 2016 at 4:37 am
“Shun the Sinners” I agree whole heartedly. That’s why
I’ve turned my back on this vile organisation, that covered
up 5.000 pedophile attacks in Australia alone. Perpetrated
by 1.000 of their members.
Reply
Twmack says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:00 am
Correction, 1,006, JW child molesters, uncovered by the
Australian Royal “Commision”.
Reply
FadingJosie says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:10 am
Well I guess this means that the brochure,”Return to Jehovah” can now go out of print! It seems the ‘soft’ approach has been cast aside in favour of a hard line instruction which will test the loyalty of those still in the org and emphasise to the inactive ones that the Governing Body means business. It’s despicable!
Reply
VictorE says:
May 29, 2016 at 6:49 am
VictorE
The Amish use disfellowshipping to maintain their life style and form of worship. However, they do not use complete shunning like JW’s. A disfellowshpped person can come to a wedding or other event and they talk to them, they just won’t sit next to them while eating because they are not suppose to eat with them. They will help them if they ask, even give them money or other help if they ask. In other words the Amish will talk to those who are disfellowshipped.
The bible says to not say a greeting nor eat with them. A greeting was an elaborate welcome, almost a ritual where the greeter would bless the success of whatever the person was involved in. It would be like a JW saying Merry Christmas during the holidays etc. That’s what the bible means by not saying a greeting. It has nothing to do with shunning. JW’s still talk to worldly persons, without saying such greetings. They don’t shun worldly people.
Not eating with them is refusing to associate with them on a social basis. How would you refuse an invitation if you didn’t talk to them? Why would they invite you if you didn’t talk to them? Such a command would have been redundant if a person was to be shunned altogether.
So shunning goes way beyond what the bible teaches and is not a bible based principle.
This can be seen in Jesus words at Matthew 18 where he shows three things a person could do if their brother sinned against them. One, go to that person and try to settle the problem. Two, if they didn’t listen take along witnesses. Three, if they still didn’t listen, take them before the congregation. If they didn’t listen then, they would be disfellowshipped. What Christ said next is his instructions on how to treat a disfellowshipped person.
Christ said, treat them as people of the nations or tax collectors. He did not say shun them.
They talked to worldly people and tax collectors. They just wouldn’t say elaborate greetings nor eat with them. According the Christ they were to do the same to disfellowshipped ones.
Jesus words are totally contrary to what is being enforced by W.
This shunning extremism is not from Christ nor Jehovah God. So one is NOT proving their love or loyalty to Jehovah by engaging is this hypocritical and abusive form of extreme shunning. It goes way beyond the bible.
If the Amish see no need to engage in such extremism of shunning to protect their separate life style and religion then why the W? One can only conclude that it must be for a different reason than protecting the congregation or keeping it clean. Just what is it they are trying to hide? This extreme form of shunning is not for keeping the congregation clean, but for covering up what they don’t want the rank and file to discover.
Reply
Iown Mylife says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:16 am
The WT needs persecution of its members to prove their claims of being the true religion. The fear they instill by mind-control isn’t enough by itself. The passive-aggressive silent treatment of faders will help stir up anger against the org, which is what they WANT.
They WANT to precipitate persecution. Their dogma won’t work without it.
Marina
Reply
konceptual99 says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:29 am
To be fair this is not a completely new tack. The example in the talk is taken from the WT 85 7/15 page19 para14
I quote..
14 Loyalty today likewise results in blessings. One young Witness remembers the stand he and his brothers took when their mother, long inactive as a Christian, entered an adulterous marriage. “We reported matters to the elders,” he recalls, “and since she did not live at home, we decided to limit association with her until the elders could handle matters. It was the hardest thing we ever had to do.” The mother protested, “Does your everlasting life mean more to you than I do?” To this they replied, “Our relationship with Jehovah means more than anything.” The woman was jolted into manifesting sincere repentance, was restored spiritually, and serves again as an active publisher of the good news.
The speaker uses this almost verbatim. This has long been the way of the WTS, it’s just that it is now being reinforced for a new generation of Witnesses through a convention item explicitly linked to loyalty.
Reply
Gary says:
May 29, 2016 at 8:16 am
‘I came not to judge the ‘world’ but to save it, I came not to destroy but to save, I judge no man’.
How is it that Christ’s brothers are above Christ’s words?
Message for local Elders. . If you pursue me I will contact the police and I will methodically build a case for harassment.
Reply
Gary says:
May 29, 2016 at 8:25 am
Interestingly John 12.47 in context was spoken to Gods already dedicated people the Jews.
If the Chirst refused to condemn those sinners while on earth who are we to argue and who are we to enforce others to shun without first the benefit of evidence?
A dangerous game if your a Christian indeed.
Reply
Sarah says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:14 am
Nice verse. It seems you know the Bible better than the GB.
I once spoke to Sam Herd who told me I couldn’t take the org to court. I told him he did not understand the verses in romans correctly and that Paul was only talking about money matters. Some things should be taken to court by Christians, such as abuse. Romans 13 says the government has the God-given right to deal with these matters.
The next thing I knew Samuel Herd gave a talk about there being no ‘Queen Bees’ in the organization. It was then that I knew this member of the GB did not have the Christian quality necessary to accept counsel from the scriptures. Pride is a sin so maybe we should shun this member of the GB.
About criticizing the GB, Paul criticized Peter about not eating with Gentile Christians. Peter accepted the advice and changed.
Reply
BEE CEE says:
May 29, 2016 at 8:32 am
Sorry you wont live in paradise
Reply
RetiredLE says:
May 29, 2016 at 8:58 am
Paradise is a place outside our current dimension only blocked by a counterfeit … ‘Spiritual IPADadise’
Reply
Griff says:
May 29, 2016 at 8:33 am
I am scared, the little I had left of my family might disappear. When or if that happens, I will explode on WT – all bets are off…and I will come for them anyway I know how to.
Reply
RetiredLE says:
May 29, 2016 at 8:47 am
Thank you Alex Silva for the on sight RC recordings, it seems to reflect what I’ve seen among many J.W.’s who are quietly waking up to their cognitive dissonance.
Notice the R&F level of applause with each of the videos.
i.e. – A huge applause after the ‘humour’ shown in “When Praised” vid. and the weak and sporadic applause after the “Disfellowshipping” vid. I’ve seen this on numerous occasions with recent video presentations in the congregations after some, JW Broadcasting lunacy, Calebs “rock and roll fantasy”, or I suspect now, even the applause in the congregation shown at the reinstatement announcement (previously taboo). It seems as if some of the Sleepers are Awakening?…….With this, in addition to throwing the elderly under the bus for not conforming to the “Spiritual IPADadise” , etc., etc….is it possible for a J.W. to perceive a truly loving God and that perhaps ‘Billions Now Living Won’t Have to Die.’ ?
Reply
Vincent Deporter says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:31 am
I am also nervous on how my mom and sis will react… the cult is desperately hanging on to those still inside, by isolating them from people like me and those who are vocal about the truth about the “truth”…
Reply
Tara says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:15 pm
That’s an interesting comment. The Borg. IS isolating those within. Just like Jim Jones isolated his followers. He left them no way out and then ordered the drinking of poison. Those too old or young were given ‘help’. Actually, it’s quite terrifying. I can’t remember the article but I recall it said something like we should be prepared to do exactly what they say even if it sounds strange.
Reply
Big B says:
May 30, 2016 at 2:48 pm
@ Tara
The information you are para-phrasing is located in the November 15, Watchtower study issue on page 20 paragraph 17 which says;
“(3) At that time, the life saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we ma receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may be wavering in their faith”.
The elders are definitely told to be ready for any instructions from the H.Q. “to help any wavering in their faith”.
Sounds like they’re preparing the Sheeple to belly up to the wash tub. Oh, by the way do you want the grape flavored or cherry flavored Kool Aid?
Remember we must “listen, OBEY, and be blessed.” 🙂
Reply
Tara says:
May 30, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Many thanks Big B 🙂 I didn’t think I was imagining it.
What! actually given a choice for the poison! that way to dangerous…. might get the minions thinking for themselves!
Reply
WTS Archive says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:12 am
Hey,
Just today all convention videos and talk outlines leaked in english, which includes also the above video (among many other crazy ones). You can watch them here: https://wtsarchive.com/pub/co-vid16-e_regional-convention-2016-talk-videos
Reply
Joe Rizoli says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:44 am
The JW’s are at the point in their cult existence where they are going internal to purge their own. This happens quite frequently in lot of cults. Many years back their was a group called the children of God (COG ) who did the same thing. They purged their group using silly requirements that had nothing to do with Christianity but personal preferences of the loonie people who ran the group. The JW’s are doing the same thing, nothing big is happening In their preaching work so they start purging themselves. A tell tale sign of a false prophet mentioned in the Bible ( Duet 18:22 ) would be that the false prophet puts it’s members in FEAR…..There is nothing wrong with trying to be morally pure, but the requirements for being in the inner sanctum get more unbiblical as the group resorts to insanity and unbiblical teachings….Again, all due to FEAR of the members in the group to go against their “oracle” or what I call the “Ahithophel Syndrone” 2 Sam 16:23. When people reach that stage of a groups existance then it’s already too late.
I have a “testimony” I wrote my years that goes into all of this called “The Ultimate Rape” by Joe Rizoli
Reply
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← The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
avatar
Posted on May 28, 2016
Screenshot 2016-05-28 23.25.32
Camera footage taken by Alex Silva at the Jersey City Regional Convention.
Rumours have been flying about in recent weeks that Watchtower might be changing its shunning policy for the worse at the 2016 Regional Conventions entitled “Remain Loyal to Jehovah.”
We at JW Survey had been aware of these rumours, and had received credible information from reliable sources that seemed to confirm that these rumours were indeed true.
However, since we knew that speculation without absolute proof on this issue might cause unnecessary distress, we decided to wait until absolute concrete proof emerged of this change before reporting it.
Thanks to a member of the Ex-Jehovah’s Witness community, Alex Silva, who bravely attended the Jersey City convention in the US and recorded much of the program, we now have recorded confirmation that the information we were given was true.
The talk “Shun Unrepentant Wrongdoers, to be given at the 2016 convention as part of the symposium “Loyaly Uphold Jehovah’s Judgements” will apparently expand Watchtower’s shunning policy to include the following scenario:
◾If you are currently considered “inactive,” and are known to have committed a “serious sin,” Watchtowers official position apparently is now that you must be shunned without the requirement to wait for a Judicial Committee.
This will include everyday “sins” such as:
◾Moving in with an unmarried partner
◾Smoking
◾Celebrating Christmas
◾Premarital sex
◾Same sex marriage
◾Criticising the Governing Body
◾Denying Watchtower teachings
◾Celebrating Birthdays
Essentially, any action that would result in a baptised Jehovah’s Witness being disfellowshipped will now result in an inactive one being shunned without the requirement for Judicial Committee action.
This will come as deeply upsetting news for the many inactive ones who have “faded;” the term often used for those who, by a mixture of good fortune and careful planning, have managed to leave the Watchtower religion without sanction from a Judicial Committee, and thus avoided the penalty of shunning. Many such ones still have contact with their Jehovah’s Witness families; contact that now may be cut off if their families consider this person to be “sinning” in the way prescribed by the Governing Body.
It is hard to see this new command as anything less that a deliberate attempt from Watchtower’s leadership to target such “faders” and drag them back under the Governing Body’s control via a policy that amounts to nothing less than pure emotional blackmail:
“Do as we tell you or you will never see your love ones again.”
We are preparing an article to analyse this apparent expansion to Watchtower’s controversial shunning laws in more detail.
We are also preparing an entire series of articles to deal with the various controversial stories that are emerging from this 2016 Regional Convention. Those who have been following this convention will know that this change to the shunning policy is just one of many astonishing and disturbing aspects of the program.
If you are “inactive,” or “faded”, and are concerned that your ties to your family may now be severed, we at JW Survey feel deeply for you. Many of our team are in this position as well.
I am one of them.
I am hopeful that my family will chose to continue association with me, despite the condemnation of my lifestyle by the Governing Body as “serious sin.” But if they do not, I refuse to allow Watchtower’s Governing Body to use my family as leverage to rule my life.
I do not negotiate with hostage takers.
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← The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
167 Responses to News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
← Older Comments
Julio Fudgefullnames says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:08 am
Good article but this really isn’t a brand new thing. JW’s always were supposed to be leary of ‘weak’ ones, including faders. The measures individual JW’s take it to always varies but when I went inactive over 20 years ago there were some that wouldn’t acknowledge me in public. This new talk may influence some JW’s to become more shunful (new word?) of inactive ones and faders but others won’t necessarily follow it to a T.
Reply
Simon Williams says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:50 am
No, it’s not new. I know I’m not alone in being shunned without a JC because I left. Just something which is clearly now being reinforced as not optional and so will potentially hit a lot more people.
They’re pushing the ‘don’t associate with weak JWs’ thing harder as well in this assembly. While specifying that it shouldn’t be a full-on shunning.
It’s really the level of reinforcement more than anything else which makes this stand out.
Reply
Covert Fade says:
May 30, 2016 at 4:03 am
It’s new because there is a difference between “limiting association” with a faded sinner, as was previously the case, and shunning them, which is the new position.
You can still see someone you are limiting association with. If I limit my caffeine intake, I can still drink coffee, I just don’t drink as much. If I shun coffee, I don’t drink it at all.
True, a lot of JW’s did shun the faded “sinners,” but this wasn’t a requirement, so many didn’t. That’s what has changed.
Reply
wish2bfader says:
May 30, 2016 at 2:15 pm
It is not new. The KS book relates to such situation: ““If the sinful conduct is known only to believing
family members and no congregation action has
been taken, believing relatives will likely determine
to curtail family association severely, viewing the relative
as bad association” .
This is exactly the expected treatment to a disfellowshipped family member.
The story that the speaker told is taken from w85 7/15 p. 19:
Loyalty today likewise results in blessings. One young Witness remembers the stand he and his brothers took when their mother, long inactive as a Christian, entered an adulterous marriage. “We reported matters to the elders,” he recalls, “and since she did not live at home, we decided to limit association with her until the elders could handle matters. It was the hardest thing we ever had to do.” The mother protested, “Does your everlasting life mean more to you than I do?” To this they replied, “Our relationship with Jehovah means more than anything.” The woman was jolted into manifesting sincere repentance, was restored spiritually, and serves again as an active publisher of the good news.
Reply
Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:51 am
I am afraid the day of Vengeance for Jehovah has come…
1) *** w15 10/15 p. 5 par. 4 Do You See God’s Hand in Your Life? ***
“the sun stood still and the moon did not move until the nation could take vengeance on its enemies.”
2) *** g97 10/8 pp. 13-14 The Crusades—A ‘Tragic Illusion’ ***
The first to fall afoul of them were European Jews, accused of lending money to corrupt bishops. Atrocities were committed by the followers of Peter the Hermit against Jews, in places such as Rouen and Cologne, the city of departure. Albert of Aix states that when the Jews at Mainz “saw that the Christians did not spare even their little ones nor had pity on anyone, they threw themselves on their brothers, wives, mothers, and sisters and slew one another. The most heartrending thing was that mothers themselves cut their sucklings’ throats or ran them through, preferring them to die at their own hands rather than be killed by the arms of the uncircumcised.”
Thinking they would fail to tighten shunning rules is absolutely childish and ignorance of history.
Reply
ScotWm says:
May 29, 2016 at 12:22 pm
So, inactive ones are now considered to be apostates. Wow! I guess we inactive apostates should immediately start shunning each other or risk being disfellowshipped.
Meanwhile, the September 2016 Watchtower Study Edition is hot off the press. Finally, the Governing Body has now focused on the reality of what it means to be a Watchtower slave:
“A SISTER who is a regular pioneer and is married to an elder, says: “Despite maintaining a good spiritual routine, I have struggled with anxiety for many years. It robs me of sleep, impacts my health, affects the way I treat others, and sometimes makes me want to give up and crawl into a hole.” ” This article provides dozens of scriptures which quickly solve this sister’s problems.
The next Watchtower article tackles a very important issue: “Defending the Good News Before High Officials.”
Judging from the Royal Commission transcripts, theocratic warfare will continue to allow Watchtower leaders, such as Geoffrey Jackson, to lie under oath — unless they blow off a court subpoena and refuse to appear.
The article continues with, “When Christians defend their faith before kings, governors, or other officials, they can give a witness to people whom it might otherwise have been difficult to reach with the Christian message.” “I do not answer to Watchtower” declared Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch, when presented with a court subpoena. Apparently, paying a $13.5 million default judgment was better than appearing in court. Obviously, Watchtower hypocrisy has no boundaries.
Another article discusses the importance of keeping children brainwashed into believing cult teachings. “Jehovah wants you to use “your power of reason” to prove the truth to yourself. He does not want you to believe just because others do. So use your thinking ability to gain accurate knowledge.” If this advice is followed, there will be a lot of empty seats in the Kingdom Halls.
Repetition is the best form of brainwashing. A word search reveals the number of times certain words are used in the magazine:
Jehovah = 106
Jehovah’s = 32 (This possessive form is used to indicate divine approval such as Jehovah’s blessing, Jehovah’s backing, Jehovah’s favor, Jehovah’s people, Jehovah’s approval, Jehovah’s organization etc.)
Jesus = 12 (At least the Savior gets honorable mention.)
http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/i-do-not-answer-to-watchtower-stunning-gerrit-losch-declaration-revealed
Reply
Minion says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:26 pm
@ S,
Damn, good read – that’s why I don’t read The Watchtower Corporation publications, I read them here. Thanks S.
Let me get this right – all inactive and faders JWs are to be shunned, if they did or not commit any sins?
I was told by my employee, earlier today, named Marvin,
Marvin) boss, you won’t guess which scriptures was a “must read” during the watchtower study?
me) – no clue,
Marvin) par.13, John 13:34-35,
me) yes, the new command from Jesus – you must Love your fellow brother/sister, to be identified as a disciple of Jesus.
Did the conductor ‘open the floor for discussion’?
Marvin) no he did not, only 1 elder commented and I was picked for the second comment, and I shared the scripture you explain to me the other day, I included 1 John 4:20-21, the scripture on, ‘if you love god and hate your brother (or shun) your a lair’.
The conductor then said, OK, let’s move on to par.14.
me) there you go, ‘hide it in plain sight’ a pivotal scripture of true survival in good times and hard times. And only 2 comments. That is really sad, I’m happy you shared the secondary scripture. But, you might have touched a nerve with the conductor.
The Watchtower Corporation, is going beyond what is written in the scriptures, for example in Matthew 18:15-17 is the reference about, ‘go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nation’s and as a tax collector.
Where in the hell, does it say to shun or disfellowship?
It’s says very clear, “let him be”.
These two words, Jesus himself ate with a tax collector, so we’re good there. And he encouraged his disciples to visit all the nations, again, were good there too.
In summary, Watchtowers true agenda is to get a better grip on “collateral damage”. We all know they have been getting there ass kicked.
I also believe, the Watchtower will realize this was not the best course of action.
You can see the writing on the wall, for 2017 regional convention theme, “Remain Loyal Part 2” aka remain loyal and give me all your ice cream money to the 7 shameless men.
Peace out,
Reply
ScotWm says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:52 am
The headline of this article says that “sinful” inactive ones will now be shunned. Both of us could be called apostates for Criticising the Governing Body and Denying Watchtower Teachings.
On the other hand, it could just be my imagina-shun.
Still, you yourself said, “The Watchtower Corporation, is going beyond what is written in the scriptures…” And I totally agree.
Reply
Dan says:
May 29, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Here’s the real danger with this line of thinking… whay constitutes a judicial hearing and what doesn’t? And what if someone who is inactive is just that inactive? Could 2 people say “I saw so and so Christmas shopping” and then bam!!! Df’ed. This is a very dark and dangerous road they are going down.
I don’t like it at all. And to be honest the lack of scriptural backing disturbs me as the scriptures quoted were once again taken way out of context.
Also as others have mentioned the fear obligation guilt method is on full display. Very dishonouring to the almighty. There is no way he would approve of this.
Reply
Mounia says:
May 29, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Dear All,
I am writing to you from France and I’m not a JW but a student of their bible… I am very surprised by the list of the reasons of shunning policy from the watchtower, because it is obvious that JW don’t smoke, or marry to the same sex person but they insist on the critics on the governing body and the non agreement of their teaching, which I do with them because I really study the bible alone. For this reason I will not be baptised and they know it. So, why don’t they add to their list the murders, the idolitry and pedophilia ? this religion is getting worst and more dangerous that I have imaging. Also I don’t understand why some of you have made articles about the way they should change their rules! Please, face it: this is not a chistian religion and JW Survey is suposed to help ex JWs. Thank you and may God Bless you
Reply
Big B says:
May 29, 2016 at 4:39 pm
@ Mounia;
I enjoyed your comments and you are quite correct, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a Christian religion because ‘you can tell them by their fruits’ –Matt. 7:16
The fruit they (WBTS i.e. Jehovah’s Witnesses) produce is rotten to the core. Spying on one another, rumor mongering, pedophile protecting, brow beating their adherents into more un-paid field service while begging for more contributions is not the Gospels idea of a “faithful and discrete slave”. Maybe an “evil slave”, yes?
You are correct; the WTBTS will never change and its hopeless to try to change them. It is better to leave them and never return to such a destructive, mind bending, sick cult.
Thank you for your comments from France! 🙂
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Garrett says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:26 pm
Read the book “Crisis of Conscience”
It will blow you away…
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Minion says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:54 pm
@ M,
Correction on WT getting worse and worse.
The Watchtower Corporation is, “Your New and Improved” for the next 150 years. And perhaps one day sooner than later,
be “JW.org Your New and Improved”.
The Watchtower Corporation will be a forgotten word, just like Jesus Christ.
Peace out,
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Grace says:
May 29, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Please, please do an article on the “Bunker” video!
It’s so funny & cultish at the same time. Someone on the Facebook page started a “Save Kevin” campaign with a t’shirt as well. I love it, I think it’s hilarious & scary at the same time.
That assembly won’t be here in Australia until near the end of the year. I think if I had family still in, I would be cheeky & wear it but not say anything. And if they asked, I would say; it’s just a t-shirt I bought online. Then wait until they went to the assembly to see if they twigged. LOL.
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Grace says:
May 29, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Also, my husband caught a line in that video that seemed strange. One of the ‘sisters’ made the comment that the message had changed from “The Good News to Judgement”.
Does this tie in with the extreme shunning video? Judging everyone thats not extreme like they are?
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Ren says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:40 pm
This line scares me a bit, Grace. It’s a sign of paranoia to think people are after you, or will be after you. By saying the message will change to judgement, producing radical life-threatening persecution, Watchtower is trying to induce this amongst their pawns. The scene where the SWAT team come in sends the message to prepare for Wacco-type conditions of persecution. I’ve heard versions of this great tribulation stuff my entire life, but this is different. And my daughter and two young grandchildren are smack dab in the middle of it. *bites fingernails*
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Simon Williams says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:45 am
Their current idea is that there’ll be a period where they stop saying ‘the end is coming’ and, instead, start saying ‘the end is here and you didn’t listen to us’. Never forget, God is love.
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Covert Fade says:
May 30, 2016 at 6:58 am
Your wish for coverage of the bunker video will indeed be granted, 😉
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Grace says:
May 30, 2016 at 1:46 pm
Thank you CF.
Looking forward to it. There’s so many things that could be made fun of because they leave themselves open with their silliness.
After we watched it the other day, we couldn’t stop laughing. The slowed down speaking, the acting (as they sit calmly while there’s chaos outside), the fake cheesy smile from the sister that lead a simple life & not to mention poor old Kevin!
Kevin began questioning & became negative & stopped wanting to go out witnessing. We don’t see what Kevin’s questions were. They could’ve been questions about the ARC, child abuse,607, the UN thingy. Legitimate questions & was fobbed off as an apostate by the Elders & locked out of the bunker.
Meanwhile, Brother Paedo has volunteered to take care of the young ones in his bunker.
LOL, that Bunker video needs a parody.
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AnonymousL0pht says:
May 29, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Stunning parallels between Watchtower, Inc cult and the Cult of Chairman Mao.
The release of the Silver Sword and the ensuing galleries of photos showing enthused adherents clutching the book to their face or holding it aloft made my spine chill as it reminded me of the similar photos of Chinese youth holding aloft Chairman Mao’s “Little Red Book”.
And, now, I am retching as I see even stronger parallels with children who would send their parents to their deaths, or parents who would send their children to their deaths. Keep in mind that when China discovered an “overpopulation of little females” it drove parents to take extreme measures to comply with the Party.
The parallel reminds how the Watchtower implies that men and women should take extreme measures in pursuit of a life devoted to a “god” of mortal creation–the Watchtower. (Romans 1:22, 24-27). It does not surprise me that these same men & women rail against homosexuality and pedophilia in the open, because in the deepest recesses and darkest pits of their hearts is where perversion lies.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/27/china-cultural-revolution-sons-guilt-zhang-hongping
https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/twt/archive/view/198597
http://ed5015.tripod.com/JwBooksCirculation.htm
http://chineseposters.net/themes/mao-cult.php
http://ed5015.tripod.com/JwBooksCirculation.htm
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Garrett says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:23 pm
Brilliant observation and comment!
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ruthlee says:
May 30, 2016 at 3:28 am
superb and informative L0pht ruthlee
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Erikius says:
May 29, 2016 at 4:23 pm
I thought I had finished my activism and comments on several ex JW forums, but whenever I read about the shunning practice of this notorious movement I just cannot keep silent.
The Watchtower will fall, and here are some of the reasons why. It has been my theory for several years, and I think we’re on the edge of change.
Over the last decades there has been a collective escalating cognitive dissonance build-up in the minds. of members. Yes, those conflicting thoughts have been repressed by individuals over long periods of time and years of massive propaganda from the Org , but they are still there in the collective subconscious of the member mass. In my opinion, this dissonance has been lately highly increasing, and is on the edge of bringing about the big schism. It’s when the balance is being upset, when thoughts of confusion and uncertainty is carefully being expressed among more and more witnesses. THEN when these viewpoints begin to flourish, and the fear syndrome is shrinking for expressing them, THEN the ‘landslide’ will come.
But will it happen?
I left the Org. in the late 80s, because of its ethical /philosophical fundament, and I went into academia studying the science of religion and psychology of religion. This was in the 90s. (A really great time of learning for me however ). I remember at one lecture there was the topic of schism being discussed, and the lecturer held that within any religion or ideology over time, there will be schism or several schisms. It ALWAYS happened he claimed. The more doctrinal stringent the movement appeared, the more certainty of a division developing.
I have always since then wondered when this would come to pass within the Watchtower. Yes there have been schisms through the years, but those were by no means affecting the organisation to any degree. The dissidents were few, and it was no problem for the Watchtower leadership to suppress those divisions. Back then, information was both sparse and difficult to obtain. Most members were happily ignorant. The big wheels of the WT just kept rolling on.
Today things are completely different. We are flooded with information (and disinformation) and have to be selective in our search after what’s true. The Internet is there with unfathomable amounts of information. Yes, this information is easily accessible to the witnesses, and they do read it, even if in secret. The Watchtowers murky history, all the lure, deceptions and deceit, repressions and revisionism will be exposed, and it will build into the witnesses dissonance syndrome, dislocating ‘the balance’ as I mentioned above. It’s an ongoing increasing process.
Witnesses are of course just as intelligent as any of us, but they are indoctrinated and still under the evil grip of fear, but that will not last forever! The rigid Worldwide Church of God (founded by Herbert W. Armstrong) came down! The communist iron curtain states came down, and it happened quickly.
Systems like the Watchtower with its doctrines of ever increasing commands and prohibitions, retrograding the religion back to the legalistic structure of the Old Testament, cannot exist forever parallel to the free worlds developed system of agreed ethics and rights for all humankind. It will have to change!
Systems like the Watchtower will be exposed and fall because of its inhuman evil and destructive practice of shunning!
They will be exposed and fall because of their handling of the child molestation crimes!
They will be exposed and fall because of their arrogance, pride and incredible hypocrisy!
Systems like the Watchtower will be exposed and fall because what they have claimed for decades as ‘truth’ is NOT true! Regretfully (or fortunately) it is a big hoax! The hoax of the century! So the Watchtower will come down because they will be exposed by their own
And now I think we’re on the edge. It will fall! It will happen!
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Truthsetsfree says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:50 pm
I appreciate your input thank you
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Truthsetsfree says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Interesting
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Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 6:31 am
Erikius
When you mention the “hoax of the century” I thought specifically, the 20th century. All of their prophecies and all of their methods fit only within the confines of 20th century reasoning and technology. The 2 world wars and the following Cold War fit well with their doomsday philosophy. With these things now well in the past and the age of information upon us, their methods no longer fit. They are struggling to stay viable in the 21st century and their survival is unlikely without extreme changes (at which point they will no longer be the same religion much like the Church of God).
WS
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Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 6:39 am
Not to get too far off topic, but I recently saw an interesting article by Michael Shermer about the top 10 weirdest beliefs. One of which was ‘end of the world’ beliefs. In part he states:
“In 1843 a New York farmer named William Miller recalculated Bishop Ussher’s famous computations for the beginning and end of the world (using the begats in the Old Testament), concluding that it would happen sometime between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. When the latter date came and went without incident a “great disappointment” set in among his followers, but instead of abandoning their deranged prophet the sect recalculated the end for October 22, 1844, finding themselves twice disappointed. But instead of disbanding the group doubled down on their belief (the very definition of cognitive dissonance) and employed several rationalizations that prophets use when their prophecies fail: (1) miscalculation of the date; (2) the date was a loose prediction, not a specific prophecy; (3) the date was a warning, not a prophecy; (4) God changed his mind; (5) predictions were just a test of members’ faith; (6) the prophecy was fulfilled physi- cally, but not as expected; and (7) the prophecy was fulfilled—spiritually.
That group went on to become the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. But they’re lightweights compared to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose failed dates of doom include 1874, 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1975, 1984, and finally 1996.”
WS
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RetiredLE says:
May 30, 2016 at 7:22 am
@Erikius
‘Out of the mouth of babes’ – a youngster made a typical single phrase comment at the WT this week…..crystal clear and loudly… ‘the Faithful and “Deceit” Slave’ …. an awkward silence and then a round of great laughter and side glances…. Your synopsis is insightful and spot on. It is happening….the dominoes fall…
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Erikius says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:29 pm
@ Winston
Yes, the 20th century was certainly what I had in mind. Let’s hope we won’t have to look to far into this new century before the change will manifest for the WT.
I sometimes have a tendency to wander a bit off topic, especially when it comes to shunning and blood prohibition practices. It just makes me so desperate, and I get carried away.
And thanks for mentioning the Michael Shermer article. I will load down that one. It will be some amusing reading I presume. 🙂
@ RetiredLE
LOL!! I really had a good laugh at that one. Maybe that little episode could have its effect. Excellent!
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peggy says:
May 30, 2016 at 11:56 am
@Erikius, Very well put! I look forward to this day and event soon. Your logical argument for WT demise is right on. Let the light shine in.
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Mandy Greenaway says:
May 29, 2016 at 4:59 pm
Good news for us actually. My completely unreasonable mother in law just left us this afternoon. She arrived with the statement “I don’t want to fight”. Well, she was a liar. That’s all she wanted to do. So I asked “based on some of your recent organizations broadcasts, we are having a hard time understanding how you are justifying visiting us as we are inactive, living contrary to the laws of God you say you hold so high, apostate because we no longer attend meetings or agree with your teachings.” We really received no answer other than ‘no one is going to tell me who I can or can’t see’ (guess she doesn’t believe it either but won’t admit it.) She did ask us not to put her in a position of having to choose as it won’t turn out well. We calmly pointed out that, based on that sentence, she has already made her choice. If this convention means she will finally make this “difficult choice” than praise her invisible, fake God. I will definitely be able to go to my room, look in my mirror and KNOW that, despite being a godless woman, I am a better person than this supposed faithful witness. Praise be as Megareverand John Oliver says!!!!
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Minion says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:18 am
@ M,
To bad your mum did not attend the meeting today and hear the WT study on par.13, the must read scripture was John 13:34,35. My employee Marvin raised his hand and commented, but, included 1 John 4:20,21, its the scripture on ‘love god, hate your brother or (shun) then your a lair’.
Marvin’s congregation only 2 comments were allowed.
Only 2 comments, are you freanking kidding me, that’s really sad, and it’s web sites like JWsurvey will no doubt use it as a platform and shred the erroneous attitude from the WT and ‘written beyond the scriptures attitude’.
It’s going to be up to us, against the WT.
Knowledge is understand and powerful. . . .
Peace out,
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Truthsetsfree says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:45 pm
How dare you question those little weasels behind the curtain at the end of the yellow brick road?
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Mama Joy says:
May 29, 2016 at 5:53 pm
Wow! Sounds like a cult to me.
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Thetruthsetsfree says:
May 29, 2016 at 6:21 pm
I served as an elder, and a ministerial servant, and although I have met some of the best people in the world in the organization ,I have to say the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses that I knew were nothing but a bunch of judgmental, gossiping, backstabbing, hypocritical, self-righteous people! The whole structure of the organization and its teachings is geared towards making people to behave in that manner.
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Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:17 am
You hit the nail on the head! My wife is still in and used to ask me if I’d go to some social event (like a congregation picnic, although those are technically forbidden). My answer was always “no.” Why not? Your apt description is the reason. Who’d want to waste a Saturday hanging out with such people. My so-called “worldly” friends are people of much higher caliber.
WS
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Thetruthsetsfree says:
May 29, 2016 at 6:28 pm
For all those that are or were one of Jehovah’s Witnesses you know this is true! Out in field service the pioneers talk about what everybody in the congregation is not doing! And if they don’t straighten out and start doing what they should and getting out in field service they’re going to have to answer to Jehovah! And this person is doing this! And that person is not doing that! Gossip! Gossip! Judge! Judge! It goes on and on . If you’re not getting 10 hours in a month you’re not setting the example! Now that I am out and looking back in I cannot believe I wasted over 30 years in this organization .
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Garrett says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:18 pm
Amen!
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ruthlee says:
May 30, 2016 at 3:35 am
Oh truthsets free! we fabricate our hours to keep the baby eating bishops off our back. The justification is that god is not bothered one iota about reporting. But I have to say I use the Bible only and never invite them anywhere cheers Ruthlee
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Thetruthsetsfree says:
May 30, 2016 at 7:17 am
Ruthlee, that is so true I still have friends in the organization that have not shunned me actually they’ve treated me very well! But they tell me all the time that they make sure they put the number 10 or if not more down no matter what! Yes to keep the circuit overseer the elders off their backs
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Nakanocchi says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Japan’s J-dubs fear possible implosion
because of Org’s severe shunning policy !
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Garrett says:
May 29, 2016 at 7:51 pm
How can the ever clever Japanese believe that these 7 white pigs are sent by God almighty? You would think they would just wonder why God CHOSE all his most holy from America? What an incredible coincidence !
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Chiafade says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:04 pm
That’s interesting, one of the last CO visits I attended before my exit he held up the Japanese JWs as an example. He said “half (maybe it’s more? I don’t care )of the publisher base are regular pioneers” then he asked “does anyone know why” the answer “because the Japanese are already predisposed to be obedient”. I was like WTF is he talking about. This crap AGAIN. It’s not the first time I heard that. The organization loves to boast about their Japanese slaves. I hope there is an implosion.
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ScotWm says:
May 29, 2016 at 9:53 pm
During my 30 years as an active Witness, I made many friends within the the organization. These friends included elders, ministerial servants, pioneers and regular publishers. Some of my Witness friends and I occasionally drank too much, used foul language, had questionable associations, talked badly about various congregation members, questioned Watchtower doctrine and violated traffic laws — among other things. In other words, we were just typical Watchtower cult members.
Beause we were friends, we were not tattletales and we let the little infractions slide. But now, the Governing Body is setting the stage for a rush to judgment. If an inactive Witness can be called an apostate, it won’t be long before active Witnesses will be called apostates when they commit even the smallest infractions, or fail to report others for these infractions.
As the climate of fear increases within the Watchtower cult, brothers and sisters will begin to turn on each other. The Governing Body has always equated strict obedience to Watchtower rules with eternal salvation. The shunning doctrine will become the Governing Body’s most powerful weapon and it will be used extensively to maintain control over cult members.
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Minion says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:30 am
@ S,
Perhaps there goal is to manage and Lord over themselves the 7 – shameless, heartless and evil men.
Eliminate the 8 million Zombie’s JWs. And keep all the ice cream money in the new bunker compound.
We’re not invited to the dance boys and girls!
Peace out,
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ScotWm says:
May 30, 2016 at 10:19 am
The Governing Body has already made some very revealing statements:
“We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval.” — Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 Simplified English Edition.
And the Governing Body has already made this endgame proclamation: “At that time, the lifesaving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. — Watchtower, Nov. 2013 (study edition) p. 20 par. 17.
The Governing Body may be in the process of alienating 99% of its cult members so that they can sell off most Watchtower assets. This would allow them to concentrate a thousand faithful, hardcore Watchtower zombies at the new Wallkill compound.
This is how Jonestown got started.
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Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:23 am
Sounds like a set up for the next Spanish Inquisition to me. Forgive me but I cannot help but share the link to what comes to mind when I say that phrase: https://youtu.be/Nf_Y4MbUCLY
WS
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Telescopium says:
May 30, 2016 at 10:23 am
No! Not the comfy chair!
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Sarah says:
May 30, 2016 at 11:31 am
Although the GB has been watching this website I don’t think they’ve seen this video.
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Daniel Casey says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:10 pm
I’m sure in my heart that a big move in this direction is equally to keep inactive ones from talking to Jws familys and friends about what evidence they found that it is a CULT,,,,,,,,,, Ruuuuun Forrest Ruuuuun! Lol. I think the Org will fold up their tables and go home when it quits being lucrative. I here the walls or the Castle Watchtower start to crumble,,, and Jesus and our Father calling Let My People Go!!! If every JW got disfellowshipped there would be no one to SHUN us!!! Old friends and familys would rejoice with the freedom of bondage gone! I look forward to seeing many old friends and family! I believe that Many that are barely hanging on that know better will walk out when they see just how much more is being away from their life. I see a crack in the wall!
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Cheryl says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:36 pm
So is this for baptised ones or unbaptised too?
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Sarah says:
May 29, 2016 at 10:37 pm
It’s obvious the GB has been reading this website. They want to close a loophole.
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Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:25 am
Sun Tzu: know thine enemy, eh?
WS
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gary says:
May 29, 2016 at 11:58 pm
Though it may not be positive individually it’s great news as a group. The WT realise that people fade, they are aware of the influence of the Internet and how to combat their mind control with sound reasonings and facts ( we have the experience as JWs to know what is being said is true) and leave the WT without sanctions. . . They’re frightened
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Kate says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:02 am
May I know the source for the “everyday sins” cited ?
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Telescopium says:
May 30, 2016 at 11:15 am
@Kate,
The elder manual entitled “Shepherd The Flock Of God” lists quite a few actions that would/could warrant a judicial investigation by a committee. They are:
Manslaughter
Attempted Suicide
Porneia
Brazen Conduct/Loose Conduct (including: association with disfellowshipped nonrelatives, child sexual abuse, pursuing romance with someone not free to marry, circumstantial evidence of assumed sexual relations between individuals not married or same-sex)
Gross Uncleanness (including: heavy petting, immoral conversations, viewing pornography, misuse of tobacco, extreme physical uncleanness)
Misuse Of Addictive Drugs
Apostasy (including: celebrating false religious holidays, interfaith activities, spreading teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses, causing divisions, employment that promotes false worship, spiritism, idolatry)
Drunkenness
Gluttony
Stealing
Malicious Lying
Fraud, Slander
Reviling
Obscene Speech
Greed (including: gambling, extortion)
Extorting A High Bride Price
Refusal To Provide For your Family
Fits Of Anger, Violence
Professional Boxing
The list of disassociation offenses is covered in a different chapter and includes:
A Decision To No Longer Be Known As A JW
Joining Another Religion
Taking Blood
Taking A Non-Neutral Position
The only item in Covert Fade’s list not directly mentioned here is Celebrating Birthdays, which is blessed with its own jw.org entry at:https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/birthdays/
As you can see, the list covers a wide range of activites that are understood to be sins. Some of them are illegal in many countries. Others are preferences in which the Organization should heed the words found in Romans 14.
But, alas…
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Kate says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:47 pm
@ Telescopium Thank you. And yes, despite Romans 14, members are either directly or indirectly encouraged to judge one another.
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Telescopium says:
May 30, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Completely agree. We were basically taught that we were right and everybody else was wrong. It took me a while to understand that others will do things differently than I would – AND THAT’S OK!
It’s been a long road…
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gary says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:26 am
Consider from WTs point of view. One disaffected fader (free thinker) within a family group can have a huge impact.
They know that the natural bond is powerful. By their inserting ‘obedience’ the inward struggle begins for the faithful witness.
Why, if your a faithful witness, is there no open discussion?, give give give, even your family if they ask you to do so. Conscience is your key.
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David says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:36 am
Nope. This is not new. The only thing new about this, is the higher awareness about it.
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gary says:
May 30, 2016 at 12:49 am
If your an active witness consider it from a scriptural point of view. The apostles were inspired, the Governing body admits that it is not.
If then we are told to ‘Test the inspired’ statements ‘as though from us’ (presented with as much authority as the inspired apostles) and reject that which is not in harmony, why is it you can’t without being labelled as an apostate? Do you have to accept every teaching by the GB?, that is clearly unscriptural.
Have JW ever taught a false teaching such as being appointed over all the masters belongings and you HAD to accept it on the pain of DF?
It is not about ‘truth’ it’s about power and authority, that’s why many of us are here.
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Winston Smith says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:30 am
The master has delayed (e.g. 1874, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1945, 1975, 2000, etc.), so now they proceed to beat their fellow slaves and eat & drink with drunkards.
WS
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ruthlee says:
May 30, 2016 at 3:42 am
Oh joy ! I think I’m in a happy mood today. You know they may just start their own great tribulation all by their little ol’ selves. We will be shunned hurrah! and then they can turn on the next layer of undesirables. You know God said he will rock the nations and get his desireable things in Himself but the jolly little gb are running ahead as usual, however they cannot do gods job.cheers Ruthlee
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Caroline says:
May 30, 2016 at 4:01 am
I listened to the videos CappyTan posted and they give me a stomach ache but one thing I get out of it that I think we can all use. They had pioneer couple in those videos who sold their house and went where the need was great. They were too “comfortable”.
We can say we saw those videos and then the next time anybody says anything to us, we can ask them if they are willing to sell their house and move to where the need is great and then ask them how much “faith” do they have if they don’t do that.
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ScotWm says:
May 30, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Regarding “… move to where the need is great …”
I know personally of a wealthy, pompous elder who saw things differently. He moved where he thought the great were needed.
This elder moved into a congregation that Watchtower leaders thought needed help. After arriving, he began to impose his personal Watchtower doctrinal interpretations on the congregation.
After causing irreparable harm to the congregation, this elder moved on to disrupt other congregations. My guess is that the congregations he left gave him glowing letters of introduction just to get rid of him.
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Caroline says:
May 30, 2016 at 4:02 am
https://youtu.be/Cjku3W8lIvw
CappyTan’s video.
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Paranoid Android says:
May 30, 2016 at 5:31 am
Yup. Please watch. It’s almost funny if it wasn’t so damn scary too…
Also.. the main elder is not only the worst actor ever… but also is very camp…
I didn’t think effeminate men were allowed?
He needs to come out of the closet before he comes out of the bunker. ..
https://youtu.be/wNtlDybBVA8
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ScotWm says:
May 30, 2016 at 11:21 am
Thanks for the link to the Great Tribulation “Bunker” video. Until today, I had only seen the preview trailer. Now that sinful apostates must be shunned, the “judgment message” will be coming soon.
If this video is part of the 2016 “Remain Loyal to the Governing Body” assembly, it is not shown in the Convention Releases section of JW dot ORG and it does not appear in the “latest videos” section of TV dot JW dot ORG. Is this a video that has been leaked by a Bethel apostate?
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Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
May 30, 2016 at 6:44 am
I have just taken the NIH Web-based training course “Protecting Human Research Participants” and got a Certification of Completion from the National Institute of Health (NIH) Office of Extramural Research.
Unless we take such courses and understand the value of human dignity, no one will beat the WTS. This is an organization built on exploitation of ignorance of its followers, locked in walls of Kingdom Halls worldwide.
They are studying unethically humans! You, too, can take the course from ttps://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php
The WTS supports this idea: “Intellectually a giant, today’s humanity is spiritually a pigmy. It values money more than goods, and goods more than man.” (See g74 8/22 p. 30)!
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RH says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:30 am
Hmmm. I wonder when, or if they’re going to extend this policy to others….including ‘unbelieving mates.’ That’s the category I am in, and I get on well with my wife since I set up strict boundries a couple of years ago. Yes, I pulled the ‘head of household’ card & used it not just for my sake, but for the sake of my kids as well. Putting my foot down & becoming somewhat ‘hardass’ wasn’t fun, but it was neccessary. My thoughts go out to non-JW wives married to zealous JW husbands.
Anyway, I wonder if those Gov Body clowns are going to be stupid enough to extend shunning to us ‘infidel’ mates.
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ScotWm says:
May 30, 2016 at 10:42 am
Regarding “… I wonder if those Gov Body clowns are going to be stupid enough to extend shunning to us ‘infidel’ mates.”
The shunning doctrine now dictates that family members, who are not married to each other, must shun inactive sinful apostates.
If the Governing Body announces that apostasy is now scriptural grounds for shunning a marriage mate, you will have your answer. Once husbands and wives begin shunning each other, the apostate mate will probably commit the sexual indiscretion required for divorce. Even if there is no sexual misconduct, the married couple would probably separate.
After all, isn’t destroying families what the Watchtower shunning doctrine all about?
Reply
Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:
May 30, 2016 at 11:57 am
Hhhhh! I wonder how ‘infidel’ mates.” fail to realized they are shunned! What is shunning? The power of WTS is to have power on people who cannot understand its language… consider the following you will realize you are shunned beyond your imagination.
*** w11 6/15 p. 22 par. 13 “Shepherd the Flock of God in Your Care” ***
Over the years, Masanao, an elder in Japan, invited single ones and spiritually fatherless families to his family’s study. In time, some who were helped became elders themselves and imitated Masanao’s fine example.
Reply
James Broughton says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:42 am
I notice several contributors use the phrase ‘climate of fear’. I absolutely agree. When a group such as the JWs face criticism, one common response is to pull up the drawbridge. When people become disillusioned, or, as in my case, find a better alternative and leave, they have to be made a scapegoat. The Jewish religious leaders tried it with the early Christians by demanding that the good news “spread no further”. Truth will prevail.
Reply
James Broughton says:
May 30, 2016 at 9:42 am
I notice several contributors use the phrase ‘climate of fear’. I absolutely agree. When a group such as the JWs face criticism, one common response is to pull up the drawbridge. When people become disillusioned, or, as in my case, find a better alternative and leave, they have to be made a scapegoat. The Jewish religious leaders tried it with the early Christians by demanding that the good news “spread no further”. Truth will prevail.
Reply
rob says:
May 30, 2016 at 11:24 am
Family ties are something that the witness religion does not and probably never will recognize or value.
The only family ties that are important are the ties to the “new family” in the congregation, that one acquires when they become a witness. Shunning the non witness family members becomes inconsequential. They will be destroyed at Armaghedon and therefore really no longer matter.
Unfortunately the new family is judgemental, conditional, pretentious, cliquey, and will throw anyone away who does not follow the rules.
Reply
Margaret Ferrier says:
May 30, 2016 at 1:08 pm
I am one of these ‘faded’ ones I became a baptised Christian and my brother will no longer associate with me. He keeps in touch with one of my daughters who threw her husband out and lives with someone else celebrates Christmas Easter birthdays but now looks like that relationship is now doomed x
Reply
rob says:
May 30, 2016 at 1:25 pm
Just a quick question. If they require a fader to be shunned because of celebrating christmas, birthdays, etc. Would that fader be allowed to go to a witness wedding reception with their spouse who is still a witness?
There are currently no sanctions for faders, but I assume that the fact that a fader will need to be shunned will translate into a refusal to have them attend witness functions.
Reply
rob says:
May 30, 2016 at 1:27 pm
Just a quick question. If they require a fader to be shunned because of celebrating christmas, birthdays, etc. Would that fader be allowed to go to a witness wedding reception with their spouse who is still a witness?
There are currently no sanctions for faders, but I assume that the fact that a fader will need to be shunned will translate into a refusal to have them attend witness wedding receptions.
Reply
wish2bfader says:
May 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm
This is not a new policy:
“If the sinful conduct is known only to believing
family members and no congregation action has
been taken, believing relatives will likely determine
to curtail family association severely, viewing the relative
as bad association.—1 Cor. 15:33; w85 7/15 p. 19
par. 14.”
Reply
Doc Obvious says:
May 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm
To take a quote from George Takei, “Oh, my! Now we will have nosey Watchtower elders snooping around the private lives of people. Wonderful. The invasion of privacy at an all time high. Time to get your lawyer involved. More lawsuits for Watchtower. Lawsuits, Lawsuits, and Lawsuits. Remember, you can’t fix stupid.
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21 Responses to Videos
KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:
August 25, 2013 at 6:55 pm
With every word they reveal and “impart” far more than they ever intended…
Reply
george says:
August 27, 2013 at 4:45 am
Sorry Cedars, I can only access the first video on my I pad. There are a lot of over sized play icons and they won’t work.
Reply
Luke says:
October 27, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Continue the good work on this site that expose what Watchtower Organization really are — a fanatic end-time driven cult that only serve interests of its leaders. I left this
cult three years ago for good. My only regret is that I had not left the Watchtower Cult earlier! On Easter Sunday this year, I was baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit and received into Eastern Orthodox Church, apostolic Church that preserved the Faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Cedar, you have my blessings of your work on this site that
will yet help millions of JWs to see the truth of so-called ‘Truth’.
Reply
Fred says:
November 2, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Forget taking your numbers from a 1974 yearbook if you question the amount of those killed, interned, etc get the numbers from the Holocaust museum. You forgot to mention the ‘JEWS’ were and its quoted several times in the Watchtower publications as it is related in the bible, “ONCE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE” but they did not remain that because of their actions. Your quotes from WT publications are based on the latter that they fell out of favour in God’s eyes. They therefor were NOT written in an anti-Semitic nature. Many Jews have become JW’s over the years are they lesser beings because they were of Jewish blood?…ABSOLUTELY NOT! All races are equal so this video in my opinion is twisted in its presentation. Not to mention the ridiculous claim of Rutherford’s so called love letter to Adolf Hitler. No blinders on here, I have checked the facts. Sorry but this video paints an untruthful twist of events and statements about the WT as regards the comments on the Nazi’s and Jews.
Reply
Palma says:
February 28, 2014 at 3:48 am
Hi everybody! Hi cedars!
I found this article about a discovery in egypt that brings light to the origin of story of joseph in the bible.
What do you think?http://www.davidovits.info/the-lost-fresco-and-the-bible-my-new-book-in-french/
Reply
Idris says:
March 27, 2014 at 8:12 am
Thank you for this page, it has been a great help to me, as I seek the truth of the word of God, however I noticed in the video ‘Does the Bible speak of ‘Paradise Earth’ the speaker quotes Luke 21v43 twice, regarding Jesus word on the cross, there should be a correction note as the verse he mentions is in Luke 23 v 43.
Keep up the good work
Reply
Julia Orwell says:
July 17, 2014 at 3:47 am
Been to internationals before and this elaborate souvenir thing is entirely new. The last one I went to in 2009, the last ones they had, had nothing like this so it’s not a matter of you having not noticed it in the past, it’s a matter of it being a new phenomenon.
I theorize that the wt motives for this involve keeping the masses busy and therefore obedient. Jws would volunteer to do this because there are no other legitimate outlets for creative expression. Armageddon being near has nothing to do with it: it’s about keeping the sheeple busy and happy. Making stupid trinkets is also a team building activity as it involves jws working together, thus reinforcing the herd mentality jws have.
Reply
frankie fernandez says:
February 27, 2015 at 4:44 pm
dear friends I was baptized in 1974. Thank God I am no longer a member of the WT. Free at last and oh what a relief it is. A member of my former congregation who I considerd my best friend molested a minor. There was a big argument amognst the elders on the judicial committee. One elder who was a maverick, wanted to notify the police. But, instead they followed the instuctions of the society. They kept this crime against the child, hush hush. So as not to tarnish the name of Jehovah. But in reality it was a coverup to protect the wt’s reputation. Meanwhile this poor child that was raped has to carry the heavy burden of a victim for the rest of thier lives without compensation and without justice. While the abuser has remaind a member in good standing. The congregation he is attending now has not been notified that he is a sexual preditor.
Reply
Holy Connoli says:
November 17, 2015 at 1:14 am
Frankie.If I were you I would turn him into the police now even though it may have been several years ago he committed this crime. Many sexual predators get turned in years later after the crime is reveled. At the very least he will be investigated and his Name will be mud for being a creep.
He deserves it and so does the WT for its NON protection of the flock and not caring for the victim but only their phony reputation.
Reply
Lesley HUmphreys-Jones says:
February 15, 2016 at 10:10 am
Tell the police.
Reply
Kirtley W. Burggraf says:
March 11, 2015 at 11:16 am
Tell me, since governing body members are elected (replacing someone who dies) at what point do do they become “divinely inspired” or “spirit guided”? Were they always thus in the lower ranks or does this just “happen” the moment that they are appointed? What’s Watchtower’s take on this?
Reply
Alone in MD says:
March 31, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Regards your video on the Memorial Service. I am one of those “non believers” married to a baptized witness. I go to just keep the peace but I’ve made it known that I consider this service one of the worst religious ceremonies that I have ever been to. “Anointed What”. Also it was announced at last years meeting that “this may be the last memorial service”. They are at it again. Thanks for the great videos.
Reply
frankie fernandez says:
May 10, 2015 at 9:50 pm
IF CHRIST WAS ENTHRONGED IN 1914, WHY ARE THE WITNESES STILL CELEBRATING THE MEMORIAL? CHRIST SAID THAT AFTER HIS ARRIVAL NO ONE WAS TO CELEBRATE THE MEMORIAL .ALSO HE SAID THAT THE DAY OF HIS PRESENSE, IT WILL BE LIKE LIGHTNING FROM ONE POINT OF THE EARTH TO ANOTHER. LIGHTNING TRAVELS AT THE SPEED OF 3500 MILES PER SECOUND. SO IT WILL TRAVEL AROUND THE GLOBE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. HE ALSO SAID THAT ALL EYES WILL SEE HIM. NOT LIKE THE WTS THAT SAYS WE ARE IN HIS INVISIBLE PRESENSE.
Reply
pj wilcox says:
July 31, 2015 at 3:21 am
I watched the latest video of the inept elder being questioned by the commission. Who prepared this man for testimony? You all are aware of the dentist who shot Cecil the lion in Kenya? Well his life is over. He is in hiding. What he did ,did not break laws in Kenya and his is in a world of trouble with public sentiment. But this elder being questioned is far worse. He covered deeds that drove people to think of killing themselves. Should he not go into hiding? Is his life over? Has he know conscience? Emotion, caring? You know the answer. Bet ya, damage control is working overtime on this.
Reply
Adrian says:
September 8, 2015 at 3:32 am
I think the Royal Commission videos demonstrate that fragility of the governance within the WT society. Yes, it’s an Australia branch issue but cross examination only points to the seat of control on which the governing body members sit. Everything starts and stops with the governing body, they set the policy but where are they? Sitting comfortably in NY watching from a distance ready to abdicate any responsibility whatsoever. A governing body governs and leads but I see no leadership I see the followers talking and being bashed around the head with questions, all too easy for the legal team.
However, it might just be me but does anyone else not see the lawyer’s gap in knowledge regarding the fundamental rationale for the WT society policies, they fall back in their comfort zone knowing that they can say ‘well we don’t have the authority to go beyond the bible.’
It’s this gap in knowledge of the legal representatives which the WT society exploit. I mean nobody is going to ask ‘ where actually did this translation come from anyway?’ What were the academic qualifications of the translators? Is there a possibility that you have interpreted things wrongly or even worse, translated things incorrectly? If there’s a possibility that your interpretation on how to deal with modern day child abuse cases in congregations may be flawed, then are you in agreement that your policies could result in lasting harm to victims of abuse? In my view that translation is the ‘elephant in the room’ every scholar knows it’s perverse but no one is holding this cult to account. So easy to say it’s all in the bible but should they really be saying it’s all in the NWT instead?
The WT society in the videos almost give of an innocence as if to say, ‘ but that’s what we understand from the scriptures’, and I think it works in their favor, but a savvy legal representative would do well to tease out the basis for the rendering of certain verses on which doctrine, policy and organisational decisions are based. So far the WT Society appears to be one step ahead because their authority is not a person but a book, which they are ‘only trying to understand and live by’. Expose the origin of the NWT and the basis for so many ridiculous uncaring decisions is called into question.
Reply
Rick Viger says:
November 10, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Thanks John for all you do with your videos.
I’m an ex JW for 40 years now. I hope your videos reach some witnesses and make them think. For all of you that have left Watchtower remember you made the right decision.
Reply
S.T. says:
November 24, 2015 at 9:48 pm
I was wondering if anyone has heard that Jehovah’s witnesses are telling there congregations that the end of this system could have only hours left? My sister who is a Jehovah’s Witness said they are preaching this at the congregations. Has anyone else heard this?
Reply
Paul says:
April 3, 2016 at 10:24 pm
Indoctrination and mind control in its purest form. Will the BS never end, and is hard for me to understand why JW’S put up with this.
Reply
ian York says:
April 13, 2016 at 4:15 pm
It is hard to fathom how anybody could believe in the legitimacy of Watchtower’s claim to be God’s only organization on earth today when considering it started with the likes if this oaf. One would have to have a belief in predestination, an unscriptural concept, in order to square the circle of the now regarded apostate beliefs if the founder members and today’s dogma.
Reply
Abby says:
May 10, 2016 at 2:51 am
After pioneering for over a decade, I wondered where the GB got the 70 hours requirement. Did Jesus or the 12 Apostles count time? Honestly, I feel enslaved. Hmmm. I grateful to Yahowah for helping me discover this site. The stress is too burdensome for me. OMG We have been taught in the watchtower that when we revenge, we are being presumptuous is DF not presumptuousness? Let’s look at it this way. When you commit a grievous sin, who do you offend, God or elders? Is shunning not a way of doing Yahowah’s work for him. I just learnt that JW’s don’t bury dfd people. This is heart breaking. I call this rennaissance period for any one who wishes to wake up. Jephtah’s case is an eye opener, I had to confirm that from my book of bible stories, story 53. Hmmmm.
Reply
Paul says:
May 28, 2016 at 4:14 am
Your professional presentation and factually is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your fine effort and tirelessness.
Reply
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2016 Regional Convention Talk Outlines of Jehovah's Witnesses
Talk Outlines provided for Jehovah's Witnesses' 2016 Regional Convention, "Remain Loyal to Jehovah!". Download to view the content.
avoidjw.org
29 May
Lloyd Evans Retweeted
Susannah JW Reporter @JWReport
#Jehovahswitnesses #JWconvention 2016 #worstconventionever more #shunning instead choose #love #kindness #freedom https://twitter.com/cedarsjwsurvey/status/736963587885912064 …
29 May
Lloyd Evans Retweeted
Susannah JW Reporter @JWReport
@CultExpert #Watchtower desperate - campagn needed #worstconventionever #JWConvention promotes shunning not #love https://twitter.com/CultExpert/status/736905768390275073 …
29 May
Lloyd Evans Retweeted
Covert Fade @CovertFade
@CultExpert Link doesn't appear to work, but totally agree. A campaign needed, and @cedarsjwsurvey is starting one :) #worstconventionever
29 May
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News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
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Posted on May 28, 2016
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Rumours have been flying about in recent weeks that Watchtower might be changing its shunning policy for the worse at the 2016 Regional Conventions entitled “Remain Loyal to Jehovah.” We at JW Survey had been aware of these rumours, and … Continue reading →
167 Comments
The Friday Column: No Girls Allowed – Growing up as a Female Jehovah’s Witness
Posted on May 27, 2016
Jehovah's Witness Leadership - Girls need not apply
From JW Survey contributor Brooke No girls allowed – a common theme throughout my childhood; raised with all older boy cousins, I had to learn to stick up for myself. I fought tooth and nail for my spot in the video game room, just to watch them play. Just to feel like a … Continue reading →
78 Comments
Update: JW Survey needs YOU!
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Posted on May 26, 2016
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Last Friday, we put up an article opening the doors to submissions from you, our readers. We have had a number of excellent submissions since then, covering a wide variety of topics. On behalf of the entire JW Survey team, … Continue reading →
67 Comments
The Friday Column: JW Survey needs YOU!
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Posted on May 20, 2016
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Would you like to help make a difference? We are looking to expand our voluntary writing team in order to keep pace with the increasing amount of Watchtower related news stories, and also to keep pace with our growing community … Continue reading →
125 Comments
Update: JWsurvey editorial team meets in London to discuss future plans
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Posted on May 19, 2016
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Earlier this month I had an opportunity to finally meet Covert Fade and John Redwood in person during a trip to London. Shortly after shaking hands for the first time, John surprised me with my very own Telly Award in … Continue reading →
27 Comments
News Bulletin: Dutch reporter thrown out of District Convention
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Posted on May 19, 2016
Screenshot 2016-05-19 10.33.11
Astonishing footage has recently emerged showing a Dutch reporter being thrown out of a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses simply for asking basic questions about the Witnesses stance on homosexuality. You can view the video below, with English subtitles and an … Continue reading →
46 Comments
The Friday Column: Why I don’t want to destroy Watchtower
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Posted on May 13, 2016
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I don’t want to bring down the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. That might have a couple of you blinking in suprise. If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses reading this, you may have been told that so called “apostates” … Continue reading →
171 Comments
The Friday Column: Leave no man behind
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Posted on May 6, 2016
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I had brothers when I was a Jehovah’s Witness. They were not related to me. We shared no blood. Neither did I use this term in the arbitrary “spiritual” sense, granting brotherhood simply because someone shared my religious beliefs irrespective … Continue reading →
114 Comments
Why Watchtower should be ashamed of its new homophobic child propaganda cartoon
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Posted on May 3, 2016
In the new cartoon, Sophia's mum teaches her how to be judgmental and bigoted
It was in the summer 2012 that Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world were first introduced to Caleb and Sophia, the Governing Body’s new animated poster kids. Their first cartoon adventures, which were distributed in DVDs at conventions and on the organization’s … Continue reading →
361 Comments
News Bulletin: Secret Watchtower documents once again demanded in new US court case.
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Posted on April 25, 2016
campos-pedophile
Only last week, we reported upon the latest development in the lawsuit that abuse survivor Jose Lopez is bringing against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Lopez was abused by Jehovah’s Witness Elder Gonzalo Campos, and alleges that Watchtower’s controversial policies … Continue reading →
81 Comments
Superstar Prince Pronounced Dead: World in Shock Over Passing of Celebrity Jehovah’s Witness
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Posted on April 21, 2016
Prince
April 22nd, 2016 Seldom does the death of one individual captivate the news so completely as when a superbly talented, musically gifted, and internationally beloved icon such as Prince loses his life. What would be a routine day of reporting of the … Continue reading →
259 Comments
News Bulletin: Watchtower Faces Dilemma in Sex Abuse Ruling
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Posted on April 20, 2016
Lopez and Zalkin address the media at a press conference
Regular readers of JW Survey may recall the 2014 landmark court case of Jose Lopez in the US. The JW Survey coverage of the case can be found here, but to cut a long story short, Lopez had been repeatedly … Continue reading →
35 Comments
Science-denial to be a regular feature of Watchtower’s monthly JW Broadcasting episodes
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Posted on April 16, 2016
Yaroslav Dovhanych and Professor Raj Kalaria endorse Watchtower's anti-evolution stance
Watchtower has a long and ignominious history with its forays into the realm of science. Charles Taze Russell’s 1914 film The Photo-Drama of Creation advised cinema audiences that Earth was assembled in 49,000 years, that Noah’s Flood was caused by a Saturn-like orbital ring … Continue reading →
172 Comments
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