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← The Friday Column: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Doubts
 
NEWS BULLETIN: JW.ORG Asks: Can a Person Resign From Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
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Posted on June 11, 2016

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JW.ORG Portrays a Resigning Witness – A man now wearing street clothes

The FAQ section on JW.org has added a new featured post: “Can a Person Resign From Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” In this NEW article dated June 9th 2016, the Watchtower gives their official explanation of how to handle matters when a person no longer wants to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

It is, in my opinion, one of the most calculated, misleading and dishonest articles recently released on their website. The level of deliberate deceit on display is both appalling and astonishing.
Follow along with me as I examine this FAQ article section-by-section, explaining in detail how it is both deceptive and misleading!
Lies of Omission
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JW.ORG Asks: Can you Resign?

The FAQ presents itself as answering two questions. The first is:


Can a Person Resign From Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
It clearly targets members of both the public and the media, not rank-and-file Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW’s), and describes what happens when members leave the religion. The actual members of the organization already know what happens when they resign from the faith. For instance, this summer, JW’s are subjected to an extended campaign of shunning training and loyalty indoctrination.
It is vital to keep the following fact in mind. This FAQ is intended for someone who does not know the details about Watchtower’s policies. Therefore, the printed words are just as important as the words omitted or danced around.
The FAQ responds to the question as follows. The first part says:

Yes. A person can resign from our organization in two ways:
By formal request. Either orally or in writing, a person can state his decision that he no longer wants to be known as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
 By action. A person can take an action that places him outside our worldwide brotherhood. (1 Peter 5:9) For example, he might join another religion and make known his intention to remain part of it.—1 John 2:19.

And…what happens next?
What happens when someone does this?
Hello?
FAQ?
What happens?
Silence.
This part of the FAQ says nothing whatsoever about the implications for a person undertaking the above steps. It makes no mention at all of what the penalty would be.
Why is that important?
It’s a deliberate lie of omission.
Wikipedia defines a lie of omission as:

Also known as a continuing misrepresentation, a lie by omission occurs when an important fact is left out in order to foster a misconception. Lying by omission includes failures to correct pre-existing misconceptions.
What important fact has been left out? What misconception might this article deliberately be hoping to instill in a reader?
Well, if you were reading this FAQ with no deeper knowledge of Jehovah’s Witnesses (which is the prime and deliberate audience for a write-up such as this) you might well walk away with the impression that such a person can carry on their life without any real interruption.
You would have no idea that the Witness family and friends of this person were now required to completely shun such an individual. Watchtower even recently went so far as to instruct parents to throw mature children out of the family home should one become disfellowshipped, and to not even answer the phone when they call. Disfellowshipping is an involuntary removal due to perceived “sin”, but Watchtower commands Witnesses to treat disassociated, or resigned ones, ones in an identical manner to disfellowshipped ones. See Watchtower Study edition Feb 2011 article Do You Hate Lawlessness. Below are two relevant paragraphs:

15 Do we share Jesus’ view of those who have become set in their lawless course? We need to give thought to these questions: ‘Would I choose to associate regularly with someone who has been disfellowshipped or who has disassociated himself from the Christian congregation? What if that one is a close relative who no longer lives at home?’ Such a situation can be a real test of our love of righteousness and of our loyalty to God.
18 If you face a similar situation, please remember that Jehovah sympathizes with you. By cutting off contact with the disfellowshipped or disassociated one, you are showing that you hate the attitudes and actions that led to that outcome. However, you are also showing that you love the wrongdoer enough to do what is best for him or her. Your loyalty to Jehovah may increase the likelihood that the disciplined one will repent and return to Jehovah.
Clearly, there is a lie of omission, designed to craft a misleading impression in the minds of the general public, as well as any interested media organizations.
But it gets worse!
The next part of the FAQ contains, not only an attempt to casually hide an embarrassing truth with sleight of hand, but an outright lie.
Misleading or Dissembling Lies
Wikipedia defines a misleading or dissembling lie as:

A misleading statement is one where there is no outright lie, but still retains the purpose of getting someone to believe in an untruth.
The next question in the FAQ is:

What if a person no longer preaches or attends your meetings? Do you view that person as having resigned?
Now, in last years Australian Royal Commission hearings, where the Child Abuse policies of Jehovah’s Witnesses came under devastating scrutiny, this issue arose during the questioning of Governing Body Member Geoffrey Jackson by Senior Council for the Commission Angus Stewart.
It was put to Jackson that if a survivor of child abuse felt so let down by the Organization’s discredited policies (see the full damning report here) that they wished to leave the religion, they had no way of doing so without being shunned by their family. Remember, the two official options for leaving discussed in the FAQ both result in shunning.
What followed was a painful display of Jackson blatantly trying to misdirect the Royal Commission. He implied that someone who wanted to leave could simply stop attending meetings and it would be fine. He gave the impression that they would be viewed as having left or faded, and there would be no shunning.
Angus Stewart, who had clearly done his research into Watchtower’s policies, stood his ground on this point, and using various scenarios he demonstrated that Watchtower viewed a person who simply stopped attending meetings, but did not “disassociate” using the two above methods, as still a Witness, and thus subject to Watchtower’s rules and discipline. If such a person was caught violating any of their vast and controlling web of laws, they would be disfellowshipped or considered disassociated, and then shunned.
Watch the full video footage below and decide for yourself the impression that Jackson is trying to give on this issue prior to being cross-examined by Stewart.


Now, does the FAQ back up what Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson initially claimed under oath, before he started wriggling under cross-examination? Or does it back up Senior Council for the Royal Commission Angus Stewart?

What if a person no longer preaches or attends your meetings? Do you view that person as having resigned?
In answer to this, this FAQ states (bold is mine)

No, we do not. Resigning, or disassociating oneself, is different from becoming weak in faith.
This FAQ backs Stewart, not the Governing Body member who was giving testimony under oath. Was Jackson mistaken, misdirecting, incompetent or lying?
I will leave that to you.
The FAQ answer continues:

Often, those who for a time slow down or stop in their worship have not abandoned their faith but are suffering from discouragement. Rather than shunning such ones, we try to give them consolation and support. (1 Thessalonians 5:14; Jude 22) If the person wants help, congregation elders take the lead in providing spiritual assistance.—Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 5:1-3.
Hmm.
Did you spot it?
Reading through quickly, you might have missed it. (bold is mine)

Often, those who for a time slow down or stop in their worship have not abandoned their faith but are suffering from discouragement. Rather than shunning such ones, we try to give them consolation and support. (1 Thessalonians 5:14; Jude 22) If the person wants help, congregation elders take the lead in providing spiritual assistance.—Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 5:1-3.
See how carefully they slipped that in? You might have missed it if you were just scanning through. Additionally, the context is unclear about how shunning is to be interpreted in this text. If someone told me that Witnesses shun members that leave their faith, and then I came to this FAQ, I could easily interpret that sentence as meaning “we don’t shun such ones.”
Remember, there is no mention in the first part of the FAQ that disassociation involves shunning. A person without any knowledge of Witness doctrine, could come away thinking that there was no shunning for the disassociated ones, and possibly no shunning at all.
Now, there IS a hypertext link on the word “shunning.” This takes you to another FAQ here.
More Lies of Omission and Misdirection
Screenshot 2016-06-11 18.07.58
JW.ORG Addresses Shunning – or do they?

You have to notice the hyperlink and click on it to get this extra detail; the reader has to take additional time and effort to get this information. Even a quick scan of the article may not reveal it. But let’s click on it and examine the second FAQ on shunning.

I am going to reproduce the entire second FAQ on shunning below:

Those who were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses but no longer preach to others, perhaps even drifting away from association with fellow believers, are not shunned. In fact, we reach out to them and try to rekindle their spiritual interest.
We do not automatically disfellowship someone who commits a serious sin. If, however, a baptized Witness makes a practice of breaking the Bible’s moral code and does not repent, he or she will be shunned or disfellowshipped. The Bible clearly states: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”—1 Corinthians 5:13.
What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The religious ties he had with his family change, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings continue.
Disfellowshipped individuals may attend our religious services. If they wish, they may also receive spiritual counsel from congregation elders. The goal is to help each individual once more to qualify to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Disfellowshipped people who reject improper conduct and demonstrate a sincere desire to live by the Bible’s standards are always welcome to become members of the congregation again.
However, the elders are not authorized to coerce or pressure someone to remain as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each person makes his own choice regarding religion. (Joshua 24:15) We believe that those who worship God must do so willingly, from the heart.—Psalm 110:3; Matthew 22:37.
What’s the first thing you notice? The article on shunning admits that it happens, but only in the context of disfellowshipping.  There is no mention that a disassociated one will be shunned.
Thus, a person, with no prior knowledge of the Witnesses that reads the first FAQ, and follows the reference to the second, will still have no information telling them that a disassociated one will be shunned.
Again, this is a deliberate lie of omission. Watchtower is trying to craft the impression that people are free to leave the religion of their own accord, with no penalty when the exact opposite is true.
What else do you notice? A person reading this will be thinking, “What if a family member is disfellowshipped?”
What scenario does the FAQ present?

What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The religious ties he had with his family change, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings continue.
Again, this is a lie of omission, and of misdirection. This scenario only holds true if the father is living at home with his wife or children. If the children grow and leave the family home, or the wife separates from her husband and takes her children with her they are then indeed required to shun him as if he was dead. If children are living outside the home and are disfellowshipped, siblings and parents are required to shun them as if they were dead. And what holds for the disfellowshipped holds for disassociated. By cherry-picking its scenario, and limiting disclosure of information, Watchtower has carefully presented a sanitized version of its shunning policy that simply is not true.
But worst of all is the way that both the first and second FAQ ends; we run crunching into what is nothing less than a barefaced lie.
Barefaced Lies
Wikipedia defines a barefaced lie as

A barefaced (or bald-faced) lie is one that is obviously a lie to those hearing it.
Both FAQ’s end with the following paragraph.

However, the elders are not authorized to coerce or pressure someone to remain as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each person makes his own choice regarding religion. (Joshua 24:15) We believe that those who worship God must do so willingly, from the heart.—Psalm 110:3; Matthew 22:37.
There is no pressure.
Yes, if the person no longer wishes to remain one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, they will never see their friends or family again.
But there is no pressure, you see.
The elders sit there pointing full loaded shun-guns at the individual, ready to fire if they decide to leave.
But there is no coercion. No pressure. We believe you must serve God willingly. It’s just that if you don’t choose to stay, your family and friends will never be allowed to see you again.
Dear JW.org: I think you need to look up the definition of the words pressure and coercion. I don’t think they mean what you think they mean.

pressure |ˈprɛʃə| noun [ mass noun ] 2 the use of persuasion or intimidation to make someone do something:backbenchers put pressure on the government to provide safeguards | [ count noun ] :  the many pressures on girls to worry about their looks.
coercion |kəʊˈəːʃ(ə)n| noun [ mass noun ] the action or practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats: it wasn’t slavery because no coercion was used.
Even Watchtower’s own literature and videos state that a big part of the reason for shunning is to cause such deep emotional trauma to the person who left that they feel obligated to return to the organization.
See, for example, the video (below) that will be played to all of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide this year. What how the shunned person admits that the emotional pressure from being cut off from her family was part of what brought her back.


Also, notice this paragraph from the June 2013 Study Edition of the Watchtower which explicitly acknowledges that emotional blackmail is a key part of the shunning process.

17 Disfellowshipping is another type of discipline from Jehovah. It protects the congregation from a bad influence and can play a role in the sinner’s recovery. (1 Cor. 5:6, 7, 11) Robert was disfellowshipped for nearly 16 years, during which time his parents and siblings firmly and loyally applied the direction in God’s Word to quit mixing in company with wrongdoers, not even greeting such ones. Robert has been reinstated for some years now and is progressing well spiritually. When asked what moved him to return to Jehovah and His people after such a long time, he replied that the stand that his family took affected him. “Had my family associated with me even a little, say to check up on me, that small dose of association would have satisfied me and likely not allowed my desire for association to be a motivating factor to return to God.”
Or this paragraph from the Feb 2016 Study Edition of the Watchtower magazine, which not only proudly presents such emotional blackmail as a positive thing, but even blames the shunning victim for it.

A conflict of loyalties may arise when a close relative is disfellowshipped. For example, a sister named Anne [1] received a telephone call from her disfellowshipped mother. The mother wanted to visit Anne because she felt pained by her isolation from the family. Anne was deeply distressed by the plea and promised to reply by letter. Before writing, she reviewed Bible principles. (1 Cor. 5:11; 2 John 9-11) Anne wrote and kindly reminded her mother that she had cut herself off from the family by her wrongdoing and unrepentant attitude. “The only way you can relieve your pain is by returning to Jehovah,” Anne wrote.—Jas. 4:8.
So, for Watchtower to blatantly instruct its followers to engage in traumatizing emotional blackmail of those who leave, whilst simultaneously having the gall to state in its FAQ… (bold is mine)

However, the elders are not authorized to coerce or pressure someone to remain as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each person makes his own choice regarding religion. (Joshua 24:15) We believe that those who worship God must do so willingly, from the heart.—Psalm 110:3; Matthew 22:37.
…is nothing less than a bare-faced lie.
A direct, blatant, calculated lie, and one that anyone with any knowledge of its doctrines and teachings can easily spot it as such.
I cannot recall the last time I saw posted on their website such a blatant, disgusting and calculated attempt to mislead the general public and the media as to its practice of disassociation, and its use of shunning to place coercion upon those who leave.
The Governing Body should be ashamed.
I call upon Watchtower to either amend the FAQ to reflect the reality of their polices, or to remove the FAQ altogether.
One last point: If shunning is Scriptural and the Governing Body is so proud to carry out God’s perceived command, why are they so desperate to lie about it and hide it from the public?
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← The Friday Column: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Doubts
 
81 Responses to NEWS BULLETIN: JW.ORG Asks: Can a Person Resign From Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

 Imgonaburn says:

 June 11, 2016 at 2:10 pm
 

After not attending meetings for over a year I went to pick up my husband when he got off the cong coach after attending convention. About 30 bros and sis got off the coach and only one of them said hello to me!! Another occasion my husband and I were invited to the evening celebration of a jw wedding. The groom was employed by my husband. I sat alone all night. Only 2 people sat and chatted to me the rest avoided eye contact and some even ignored me when I tried to make conversation with them. Says it all really…
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 Imgonaburn says:

 June 11, 2016 at 4:28 pm
 

Btw…I’m not disfellowshipped. I haven’t had a judicial or been in trouble particularly. I just stopped going to meetings.
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 Will says:

 June 11, 2016 at 5:54 pm
 

I’m not disfellowshipped or disassociated, but I stopped attended meetings about 2 years ago. Anyway, my wife was invited to a witness wedding and I wasn’t. Because we are married and the bride knows me well, I feel I should have been invited. My wife made a lame excuse saying that she probably felt I would have said no. I told my wife that I should make that decision and not her. Also, my wife should have approached the bride and asked if I could come. My wife, I feel, should have asked me how it would make me feel going to a wedding without her husband. I didn’t say anything about that, but she should either have asked me or not gone. Also, I’ve been wearing a beard for a while now, so maybe the bride didn’t want me there because of it, in addition to not attending meetings. FYI— my wife has been invited to all my “worldly” coworkers’ weddings, even the lesbian wedding. “Worldly” people have more sense.
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 Dwc says:

 June 11, 2016 at 7:35 pm
 

There is new direction on beards in the sept watchtower: article entitled “does your style of dress glorify Jehovah”
Paragraph 17. It seems I cannot copy the paragraph but it says that if it is culturally acceptable as long as it is clean and well kept it would not be an issue.
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 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:09 am
 

Regarding beards: is anyone else especially annoyed by the fact that beards were viewed as a sign someone was weak or rebellious for so long?
And now they’re just like: yeah. No biggie.*
You could certainly wear one, but don’t expect to have ANY privileges or advance.
I was always told that refusal to shave, when everyone else did, was evidence of having the wrong attitude – an unnecessarily haughty and independent spirit.
This always seemed like it was going far beyond the scope and spirit and intent of the scriptures.
And it really just boiled down to more man made rules.
I’m a woman. I don’t have to shave, but this always stuck in my craw. From early childhood.
Because as a child, I paid lots of attention to the pictures – many of which showed Jesus with a beard.
Obvious question: why are Jesus and his apostles frequently depicted with full beards, but when a brother wants to grow one, it’s not ok?
Yes, dress and grooming was different, but not the biology that makes you grow hair!
Daily.
And it was the same,’you can, but you shouldn’t’ nonsense/bs.
All still without a good reason why or why not.
Even as a child I knew that THEY knew the rule was completely unsupported by the scriptures.
Even in principle to say that beards are always associated with undesirables.
Who? Who thinks that?
It would stumble people in our ministry.
Really? More than knocking on their door too early in the morning on the one day they get to sleep in?
Yes. It would be the beard they would focus on.
Beards ARE sometimes unkempt, and sometimes outrageous to the point they are distracting.
So are hairstyles and clothes. Stop wearing those as well?
The logic behind the blanket ban was always so faulty.
Yet another one of those questions no one could ever give me a satisfying answer to.
I never believed Jehovah was against beards. And I never understood why more people didn’t question it.
*Don’t get me wrong. I think they should have made the correction/adjustment. The part that annoys me is that they were stuck on it for so long when it should never have been an issue in the first place.
So typical.

 
 

 Winston Smith says:

 June 12, 2016 at 6:11 am
 

There was actually a similar article that said something to that extent about beards some 10 or so years ago (I’ll have to go back and find the reference). It did little to change the attitude toward them in the local congregations in my area (United States). We will have to see if this one makes any difference.
WS

 
 

 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 11:04 am
 

Yes, WS, the prejudice against them seems firmly entrenched. Times when we have gone for long stretches without meeting attendance and field service my husband always starts growing a beard, and I love it!
I’m always disappointed when he goes back to shaving.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 alanv says:

 June 11, 2016 at 2:27 pm
 

Obviously as ex JWs we know only too well how the org treats anyone who has left the org and dares to tell others why they left. So now we need to double our efforts and let people know the true situation. Share on forums and tell those we meet, family and friends, even local papers. We need to speak out about it because as has been said the public or media often do not know how things really work in the org.
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 Anonymous says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:34 am
 

@alanv – the official policy versus the practice is sometimes not as “ideal” as Watchtower would like it to be. Families that are strong will observe shunning spiritually–maybe not exchanging comments on religion or differences of religious views–but not socially. Blood will always be blood, but dogma changes.
In fact, some would say the angst some feel over shunning was not their experience–perhaps a mild form of shunning as noted, but generally the same respect and tact given to any stranger on the street.
Plus, as someone noted the stupidity on beard policies, it also seemed stupid that some sheep, or goat, who was “weak” and stumbling was pushed out of the herd, left for the wolves to devour. Even animals will shelter the weak and young of the herd from predators.
And, I keep hearing JW’s excuses, well they only expel persons who refused help or weren’t applying “counsel given” [no professional therapy for a domestic abuser, alcoholic, substance addict, or philanderer?] which is same stale verses and literature quotes yet not solid guidance on assistance overcoming addictions or treatment/diagnoses for mental health issues.
And, adding to stupidity is no avenue for “a dialogue” of questions. Ask a doctrinal question of a local elder and you get quoted literature that you’ve already read, and as the GB and HQ reveals how it reaches doctrinal conclusions, there really isn’t a broad discussion of counterpoints to a final adoption of a doctrine, or in JW parlance “viewpoint”. More than likely it’s because individuals writing the literature, nor those using and distributing the literature, don’t know how to think through and address scriptural challenges and contradictions to an adopted viewpoint.
And, with the increasing adoption of video lectures and presentations with no feedback loop or outlet for asking probing questions, even challenger questions, the group presents itself with a “take it, or leave it” scenario–even if you are raised in it.
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 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 11:33 am
 

@ anonymous, I agree. Part of what finally pushed me out was this approach to reasonable questions.
I’ve asked all manner of questions that were in ‘the Bible doesn’t say’ territory my entire life. And I have always gotten that response.
Read appropriate articles. Pray. Trust in Jehovah and wait on him. And does it affect your ability to serve him faithfully and keep his commands now? No, then ignore it and increase your kingdom service, focus on helping others, not yourself.
But I was fed up for good when no one could give me satisfying answers regarding my husband’s change in hope and my feelings on the matter.
It was exactly as you said, I was repeatedly directed to read the same stale articles I had already researched myself and found no comfort or logic.
How about that?
Even if any of it made sense or rang true and seemed plausible and well-reasoned and practical, I might have tried harder to accept it even if I didn’t like it on a personal level.
But I was instructed to read articles and watch videos and pray. And if I didn’t feel better, I was instructed to keep doing so until I did feel better.
Who remembers the definition of insanity?
Don’t everyone raise your hands all at once!
I really hate the direction the organization is headed, but I still love the people I have always loved.
That part is so hard for me.
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 Jerry LaPier says:

 June 11, 2016 at 2:31 pm
 

Dissection of video and shunning to the core..Wow, did you hit everything ( I am going through ) in such detail it removes the pompous cloak of superiority through nobility that WT drapes like a shield of armor over them… sickening really.
 Covert, you are such an asset to the writing department! I hope you are successful in your personal ventures as well.

My Best,
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 Telescopium says:

 June 11, 2016 at 2:31 pm
 

It’s amazing what the Organization will do to try and save face. Lies, manipulation, coercion…
Didn’t they talk about this in the Revelation book?
Reply
 
 

 Jessica B says:

 June 11, 2016 at 2:49 pm
 

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy these articles. The points are all so well thought out and the perspectives given are spot on. Those along with such clearly exposed tactics have all been major tools to help me truly see what I came from and how it has affected me. I am so grateful to have places like this to remind me of how grateful I am to be free of it and to now have control over my life, my mind, and my heart. It is a gift I am determined not to squander. Keep up the great work.
Reply
 
 

 Cartan says:

 June 11, 2016 at 2:54 pm
 

I would consider this attempt to “explain itself” and make amends with the common public as a small illustration of what web activism and spread of “members only material” (such as the excelent videos and articles with the title “worst convention ever”) can do to this religion. Congratulations to you guys, and see this as a good sign that the GB is becoming afraid!
Reply
 
 

 Eric Arthur Blair says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:10 pm
 

Excellent analysis CF. I love the point “By cherry-picking its scenario, and limiting disclosure of information, Watchtower has carefully presented a sanitized version of its shunning policy that simply is not true.”
Actually Watchtower presents a santized version of itself in everything they do – especially their history – much like the Ingsoc government from 1984. So much for the candour of the bible writers!
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 Dwc says:

 June 11, 2016 at 7:38 pm
 

I’m sorry ingsoc government? I’m unfamiliar with that.
Reply
 

 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:21 am
 

@Dwc. Ingsoc from George Orwell’s novel ‘1984’. The English Socialist party. Recommended reading, imo. At the very least an abbreviated summary or Wikipedia reference.
Reply
 
 
 
 

 Felipe Morales says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:12 pm
 

Great article! But it could be even greater on the eyes of a pedant. You need to do some editing. Have someone else read it and discover the minor errors.
Reply
 

 Jeffreycanning says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:32 pm
 

You are right, mistakes stand out to me but I am also guilty of making them. Other day I put on Facebook the word GROWM. As in a growm man… Sent it off without proof reading it. Now my friends probably think I’m a dill. So we need to cut some slack here…
Reply
 

 Felipe Morales says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:55 pm
 

I rather send a private message pointing out the minor errors, but I don’t have that luxury. And no, I don’t cut any slack regarding great articles. they have to be great in content and form. Undermining the Watchtower is too important!
 By the way, the editors of the Watchtower are good at lying, deceiving and manipulating, but don’t allow errors in form to get through. We have to be at least as good as they are.

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 Covert Fade says:

 June 11, 2016 at 4:51 pm
 

Yep, those mistakes are mine. Will correct in the morning. 🙂
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 Telescopium says:

 June 11, 2016 at 5:56 pm
 

All you guys and your crazy editing skills… Now I’m nervous about commenting!
At least Covert’s article didn’t contain any lies, coverups, or half-truths. Doesn’t that alone make his message superior?
Reply
 

 Fritz says:

 June 12, 2016 at 3:50 am
 

I agree with the post. It is not an attack on an excellently-written article. The fewer the typos, the better. (Online comments are given great license – professional articles are generally not accorded that license.)

 
 

 Adrian says:

 June 12, 2016 at 11:27 am
 

Did you miss Covert’s cover up?
 Isn’t the omission of his real name a cover up as well? How is it possible to take someone seriously when they don’t practice what they preach?


 
 

 Telescopium says:

 June 13, 2016 at 4:04 pm
 

Adrian,
 Perhaps revealing his real name would result in harm to his family relationships or reputation… In that case you can understand why he (and every masked superhero) would be loath to reveal his true identity.

Also, I’m not sure that this is a cover-up type scenario.

 
 
 

 Tara says:

 June 11, 2016 at 6:15 pm
 

Er you might want to check this out Felipe…
http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/error-found-in-new-silver-sword-revised-new-world-translation
Former Witnesses have found an error in the new Bible, ironically in the book of Numbers. The header to page 267 shows the page numbers going down from Numbers chapter 35 to Numbers chapter 33. The header should instead read “Numbers 32:37-33:22.” At the time of writing, this typo is also in the PDF version.
Reply
 
 

 Janis says:

 June 11, 2016 at 9:00 pm
 

Felipe…. I can’t believe you didn’t start your sentence with a capital T. It should be: They have to be great.. Also would it not be more correct to say ” I would rather “
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 Holy Connoli says:

 June 12, 2016 at 4:35 am
 

@Felipe: THE WT has dozens of FREE WORKERS to Edit articles over and over again. They have the $$ and the time to review over and over before sending it out. JW Survey does not have that Luxury. Personally I never noticed the technical errors and I am sure many others did not. I think we need to listen to the message and the point of view CF and others are making.
The articles are approached from a personal experienced point of view which is the best way to approach an article from personal experience. We need to read what the message is and not look for minor grammar errors. We are not “competing” with the WT. We are telling it like it REALLY is.
Reply
 

 Gameisover says:

 June 13, 2016 at 6:21 am
 

I’m beginning to be afraid to write comments if we have Felipe checking us out and correcting every “mistake”. I guess you have not been out very long. I can see the spirit of looking for the straw. Very elder like.

 
 
 

 Zappa-Esque says:

 June 13, 2016 at 10:38 am
 

You neglected to use a capital T for “they have to be great in content and form” …….[just …..proof-reading!]
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 Oubliette says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:22 pm
 

The short answer: sure. Anyone can “resign” from being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at any time and for any reason … and every other JW, friend and family member alike will all shun them, often without even knowing the reason except that is what they are told to do by the Watchtower leaders.
Let’s review: it’s a cult!
Reply
 

 Outandabout says:

 June 11, 2016 at 7:21 pm
 

I love it when you point out it’s a cult, Oubliette. Keep doing that.
 I’m actually very hot under the collar over a blood death near here recently. Let’s not forget that the WT are happy to continue to kill their followers rather than remove the blood ban and risk being sued and exposed as frauds.

Let’s review: the Blood Cult don’t hesitate to kill their followers for money and power.
Reply
 
 
 

 Gary says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:51 pm
 

Welcome to the real reason
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 Gary says:

 June 11, 2016 at 3:54 pm
 

They are losing
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 David says:

 June 11, 2016 at 4:09 pm
 

They are fraud and will sink like the titanic. The scripture below show that they practice what God hates.
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Reply
 

 gary says:

 June 11, 2016 at 4:24 pm
 

they want you to judge, that’s their only freedom x
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 gary says:

 June 11, 2016 at 4:13 pm
 

Heads hands feet, a Song For Suzie
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 Frankie's Market says:

 June 11, 2016 at 5:11 pm
 

Disappointed, but hardly surprised or shocked in the way that WT.org explains the shunning policy to potential new converts. The thing is, these new convention videos showing the treatment of DF/DA individuals make for a much more powerful statement than printed words and explanations in a FAQ. What’s really surprising about the “Remain Loyal To Jehovah” convention is how candid the Society is being to the public and about the very unpleasant silent treatment you’re going to experience from your friends and loved ones if you decide to leave the organization. Usually, events like the Convention and the Memorial emphasize all the positive sounding themes. But these talks and videos that deal with “Remain loyal to Jehovah…. Or else!!!!” is sure to scare off many interested ones who don’t want to open up the possibility of their own family being torn apart by shunning. In the Society’s effort to cling to the publishers that remain, they are very likely repelling potential new converts in the heavy-handed methods that are being used to coerce loyalty to the organization. What’s ironic is that for years, WT has downplayed or denied the extent of shunning to the public. They have discredited online YouTube messages that talk about shunning as being the product of disgruntled, “mentally diseased” apostates. Yet here they are in 2016, presenting their own video dramatizations to the world of how shunning really works! If WT collapses and the GB are exposed for the frauds they are, they will have been their own worst enemy.
Reply
 

 Big B says:

 June 13, 2016 at 7:42 am
 

@ Frankie’s Market
The irony doesn’t stop at the Convention with them chasing off possible converts. How about them asking for brothers specializing in law to help them out a few months ago?
The only possible attorneys in the organization will be those that came in with the credentials in hand before being baptized. Of course, due to their ridiculous stand against witnesses furthering their education the Governing Body opted for getting minimum wage, dead end jobs, so as to push a career in pioneering. As a result the Governing Body is now reaping the consequences of that policy.
As you said they have been and will continue to be their own worst enemy. The Watchtower will eventually implode and collapse on itself. It’s just a matter of time.
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 Josie Whale says:

 June 11, 2016 at 6:54 pm
 

gEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ!
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 Steve McRoberts says:

 June 11, 2016 at 7:29 pm
 

If the Watchtower religion was in reality the way it presents itself to the media and outsiders, then taking whole blood transfusions would be “a matter of personal conscience”; people could freely come and go in and out of the religion with no psychological trauma; and there would be no issues regarding their handling of child abuse cases.
In short, there would be no critical need for sites such as this if only they would live up to their imagined image of themselves!
Till that day comes, thanks for keeping up the great work that you do!
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 Eric Arthur Blair says:

 June 12, 2016 at 12:20 am
 

A very astute observation Steve. It should be a case of “nothing to see here”, which if they truly were gods organisation you would expect – especially when the ARC shone a light on them – they should have set the benchmark for good practice. It turns out nothing they say can be trusted, from child abuse allegations to lame telly awards; they are a far cry from “the truth” they claim the patent on.
Reply
 

 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:24 am
 

So true EAB.
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 Dwc says:

 June 11, 2016 at 7:44 pm
 

Just for the record after day 2 of my last convention… Yesterday during the shun videos they did not mention in any way to shun inactive ones who commit gross sins. Not at all mentioned.
Then today they pleaded with inactive ones and mentioned hey are going to make an effort to recover them.
Seems to me they are back tracking.
Day 2 had a pretty decent video drama as well. They are really pulling on the human emotions and the concept of the new system to keep the masses in line.
My wife knows my feelings and was bawling pleading with me not to leave. I will have to do this in the right way for sure.
Anyways thanks for the update CF.
Reply
 

 Telescopium says:

 June 11, 2016 at 9:45 pm
 

Dwc,
 I’m sorry you have to go through all this without your wife’s support.

Does she let you explain your reasons?
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 Imgonaburn says:

 June 12, 2016 at 4:29 am
 

Thank you for your comment. I hope the same occurs (re- the shunning of non disfellowshipped ones) at the convention where my family will be attending this summer.
 The thought of what lies ahead is constantly at the back of my mind whilst I’m busy, then at the forefront of my mind whilst I’m trying to relax.
 However, all that conditioning that I received during my 30 year indoctrination programme kicked in whilst I was watching the bunker videos. I even got emotional at the thought of how the bros and sis were just trying to do what they think is right in Jehovah’s eyes and remain loyal. All I could see were the faces of my own loved ones superimposed over the faces of those cringy actors. I had to catch my breath! I was torn between feeling admiration and pity for them. I can see that the emotive message behind this years convention is going to cause some audience members to feel this is ‘the best ever’ convention rather than the worst. For me, that’s probably the most disturbing part of the whole situation.
 My husband was getting ready for the meeting this morning and I must’ve been wearing my ‘relaxing bitch’ face. He asked me what’s wrong n I initially denied that anything was bothering me. He pressed me about it so I said it sometimes pisses me off that he wants to go sit shoulder to shoulder with people, who were once lifelong friends of mine, that think I’m going to die at Armageddon. He replied that ‘I’m the only one that thinks that way’ to be true and that he NEVER thinks about losing me at Armageddon. I suggested that he start thinking about it and to question how he feels about it but I know he won’t. It’s forbidden. He’ll just carry on drinking the Kool Aid and put my fears down to hormones or being silly enough to fill my head with apostate lies off the internet.
 I hope that the shunning talks are presented to my family as only applicable to ones that are disfellowshipped. I’m as fearful of this convention programme as the jws will be of the great tribulation when they see the mind controlling bunker videos.

Reply
 

 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 11:50 am
 

@Imgonaburn- your husband and mine, cognitive dissonance at it’s finest. My husband does not believe I will die at Armageddon either, but not because he doesn’t feel that I am now in that doomed apostate class, but because he believes that I still have time to turn around and repent before the end comes.
So for now he is choosing to ignore that the flaw is in the belief system itself. Instead he sees the flaw is in me, and I am the only one who is making it hard on myself and him by my staunch refusal to ‘return to Jehovah’.
I’m trying very hard to nudge him often and gently to get him to think and ask questions without pressing so hard that he gets angry and defensive.
It is indeed a very fine line.
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 Adrian Treloar says:

 June 12, 2016 at 4:41 am
 

@Dwc
 If your wife’s best friends are JWs, and she goes with you she’ll have to start her friendships from scratch. That’s going to be hard on her. Keep being understanding, and hopefully your unconditional love will help her realise how things should be between her and the people who say they love her.
 Good luck and be strong.

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 Dwc says:

 June 12, 2016 at 7:16 pm
 

Hey appreciate the comment… Yeah her family is firm in it. I have to do this the right way.
Just a side note day 3 end of the convention. Last video is of the “new system” and everyone who has been in the videos are there and at the very end the father who lost his youngest son is reunited on the beach.
Everyone was crying, heck I was crying! It is powerfully emotional stuff. I feel so angry yet at this point just sad… They are using the hopes and dreams of mostly sincere individuals who love God.
I know a lot here are atheist, agnostic or other. I personally firmly believe in God but not this organization. I have decided to never let these negative things in my life anymore. I am going to choose based on the bible what is true. And I am looking forward to when Jesus will make all things right and do away with all organized religion.
Randy it is good to hear your voice/txt again!
Reply
 

 Imgonaburn says:

 June 13, 2016 at 3:04 am
 

And there you have it! As expected the videos provoke an emotional response so you get warm and fuzzy about the entire programme, forgetting all about any disturbing parts or points that cause you to doubt. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not attacking you for your response. I’m just highlighting how their methods work. I mentioned in a previous comment about the GB tactic of pulling at heartstrings using as much sensory stimulation as possible.
 They should have shown in the video the billions of non jws getting slaughtered, including the ex jws that have faded or been dfd and not returned to Jehovah before the Arma-deadline! Heck what about people in the public eye that we admire, our favourite actor, musician etc
 How about showing a brother devastated that his wife or son dies in his arms because they ‘looked back’ at the things behind as Lots wife did!
 It’s not balanced!! People inside the religion should be forced to think about what ‘Everlasting Life’ will be like without their loved ones. After all if, as it’s been suggested, people are leaving the organisation in droves, then surely those that remain need to have their resolve to stay strengthened? Is that what just happened at this convention?
 Every single Jehovah’s Witness is going to lose somebody they know or even love at Armageddon…but no, let’s not talk about our losses [says the GB] lets remain positive [lose track of reality] and focus on the blessings of the resurrection hope. Ain’t life grand-albeit without my spouse/child/brother/sister/parent

Wait a minute? What is ‘the message of judgement’ that was mentioned in bunker video? I was so busy thinking about how wonderfully brave the bros and sis are with their bucket loads of loyalty and integrity, I forgot about that part!! Have they gone back to that old chestnut?
 If the gb instruct the rank and file to go out and preach this so called unpalatable message ( Kevin couldn’t stomach it ) then they risk getting jumped on by govt for disseminating hatred. BOOM! Great Tribulation begins. They all get rounded up and excluded from society. We get to live in peace. If I could watch a video depicting THAT I could get warm and fuzzy too! Maybe I should change my keep schtum stance towards my jw family and warn them??

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 Kat says:

 June 11, 2016 at 9:04 pm
 

once your sucked into the cult only then do you know about shunning, only then will you find out for yourself how hard it is to leave without being treated worse than a criminal child molester.
your day will come GB, lies deceit and manipulation, running scared of losing your charity status?
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 Grey Tower says:

 June 12, 2016 at 1:04 am
 

Former Jehovah’s Witness here, brought up from birth in that organisation. I was baptised prior to 1985 when the baptismal questions were changed. I voted with my feet in the mid 1970’s and simply disappeared. I had not done anything wrong and I was never disfellowshipped. Back then, nobody needed to hand in their resignation by letter. Back then, there were no rules about shunning Witnesses who simply left.
Regarding the FAQ ‘Can a Person Resign from Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?’ the part that says “Rather than shunning such ones,” applies only to those Witnesses who have slowed down, who are discouraged, but who have not “abandoned their faith.” The FAQ fails to say how they treat anyone who resigns, although it is implicit that any Witness whose actions place them outside of the organization (by joining another religion, for example) would be shunned.
The worst thing about all of this is that those Witnesses who resign and who are not guilty of serious sin (such as immorality or smoking) or of wanting to join another religion will still be shunned!
Regarding the FAQ ‘Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Shun Former Members of Their Religion?’ notice how they connect being disfellowshipped with committing “a serious sin.” Well, it now transpires that criticizing the Governing Body and/or denying Watchtower teachings is now “a serious sin”. So any baptised and inactive Witness must now be shunned simply because they no longer go along with the Governing Body and its teachings and demands!
You have to really dig deep to uncover the truth about shunning. The footnote on page 209 of the Jehovah’s Witness publication “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” under the heading “How to Treat a Disfellowshipped Person” says: “Bible principles on this subject apply equally to those who disassociate themselves from the congregation.”
One reason the organisation refuses to admit that any Witness who resigns will be shunned is to put on a public front of being Christian. The truth is they are guilty of dishonesty and cowardice. The other reason they refuse to admit that people who resign will be shunned is to control and manipulate the members. They don’t want anybody to find out the real reasons why people leave – and it’s not because they have become wicked and immoral! It’s because they have discovered the truth about the organisation and its leaders – that they can no longer go along with the constantly changing “increased light” or the fact that paedophiles in the congregation are not reported to the authorities or that the leaders are demanding unquestioning obedience.
Thank you for exposing the shameful truth about how Jehovah’s Witnesses are being manipulated by the Governing Body in order to keep them loyal to the organization.
Reply
 

 factsnotfiction says:

 June 12, 2016 at 1:29 am
 

Just wondered if anyone has seen this in the Guardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/09/moment-changed-me-quitting-jehovahs-witnesses
Notice what he/she says about being shunned even by best friend.
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 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:40 am
 

An excellent read, and brief. (For those with little time or short attention spans.)
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 Grey Tower says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:20 am
 

Thanks for that link to the Guardian article. I will be sure to use it on the Yahoo Religion & Spirituality section.
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 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:44 am
 

My thoughts exactly, Grey Tower. Great post!
Reply
 
 
 

 Anders Andersen says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:26 am
 

Another thing the FAQ conveniently doesn’t mention is all the actions that are seen as disassociatingredients yourself.
According to the elders manual, also accepting a blood transfusion when needed means you have disassociated yourself.
So the FAQ not only leads people to believe you can leave without negative consequences, it is also obscuring the more controversial ideas the Witnesses have on why people should be shunned.
Reply
 

 Anonymous says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:52 am
 

This brazen use of “disassociatingredients” is too brazen for me. You are hereby shunned..
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot does that mean–brazen? So, guys and ladies, you can’t have cajones or any “brass balls” to be a JW. (Rutherford would be dismissed by the way, if he weren’t part of the “in” leadership). Subjective and arbitrary, as much as being shunned for gluttony.
Let’s go back to the look for many, many leaders and members–Over-eaters Anonymous candidates, and these are not shunned for gluttony (2 Thess 3:10; Matt 11:19)? It’s glandular! Is eating filling a void? drinking? sex?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBBJzaEoITc
PS: A horrifying terrorist attack in central Florida, USA–caused by religious radicals.
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 rikos says:

 June 12, 2016 at 5:01 am
 

Thank you for exposing the lies of the watchtowers.
 At list there is some one who bring the lies of the watchtower in to light, on this specific subject. The general public and the jehovah witness must be informe for the corruption coverup and the twisted lies of the watchtower.
 Our voice as ex-jehovah witnesses must be extreme lought. we must destroy this organization which deceiving the general public, and special the naive jehovah witnesses.

Reply
 
 

 JustMakinObservation says:

 June 12, 2016 at 6:24 am
 

When TC Russel started this cult 100+ years ago,The Watchtower did not anticipate Covert Fade and the rest of the writing department of JW Survey. Keep pressing hard on their tumors of hypocrisy. I m reminded of a scene in The Matrix, where the Merovingian tells Neo and Morpheus and Trinity “ Tell the fortune teller that her time is….up”. Well done guys, press on!
Reply
 
 

 Randy Galbraith says:

 June 12, 2016 at 6:38 am
 

Hi Everyone,
This is a brief response without having read all the details.
I left the faith on good terms in Oct of 2007. No action was taken. We openly celebrated Christmas in 2009. My name was announced at the Kingdom Hall in March of 2010 despite the fact that I repeatedly asked them not to use the “short form” wording that would leave audience members with the impression I was disfellowshipped. I would not have minded a longer expression stating that I was an atheist and one that made it clear they were not asking for me to be shunned.
Upon learning from SDB:SSY, the anonymous JW at HQs (the Union Hills congregation Phoenix, AZ, elders would not return my phone calls or or answer my letters), that action had been taken, I wrote him a letter. In the letter I asked:
Please explain how anyone can leave the faith without being labeled “wicked” (1 Corinthians 5:13), short of continuing year-after-year to live by some undefined subset of the rules that govern active members.
That was in 2010, no answer was ever given. I asked SDB:SSY, again, 6 more times — approximately at one year intervals. The key bit, is not that, there is no way to resign — of course there is — as an elder myself I knew exactly what the steps were. The question is can they do so without facing reprisal? Or at what point does the organization feel they no longer can induce others to shun a former member, specifically naming them at the Kingdom Hall, as a form of slander?
Take care everyone,
 -Randy
 ps. One bit of advice I give former members is this: JWs, especially the leadership believe in shunning, but unless you do to, don’t accept it. Don’t assume the average JW will always shun. In real life, it often simply does not work out the way the leaders would desire. When I visit Quesnel, BC, and see JWs I know, I’m friendly with them. When I attend the Kingdom Hall, once per year for the memorial, I’m friendly and conversational. When I approach Witnesses on the street — same thing. Thus many of us in the Ex-JW community do everything we can to maintain normal relations. Of course sad to say, even with this, some very dear family members, make a point of completely shunning me — as we all get older and our lives change. Very sad!

Reply
 

 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:02 am
 

I agree with many of your points, Randy. In addition what makes me angry is the insidious way the GB ties the directive to shun to your relationship with Jehovah.
If they really called it what it was and admitted that it’s their own man made rule to maintain control, there would be widespread calls for repeal and reform from inside the congregations and far more people would just ignore it in the meantime.
But by continuing to insist that it’s what God wants and what he requires and that it’s helping, even when it offends sensibilities and even when it is spoken against, people who love their friends and family members will equate shunning with loyalty to God and they will do it anyway even though it hurts THEM as well.
Makes me so angry.
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 ruthlee says:

 June 12, 2016 at 8:05 am
 

Well isn’t this just a pack of fabrication. Well done mr covertfade in trying to unravel this very convoluted faq. It seems to me they cannot be honest and actually say what the rules are because as we all know they will haemorrhage new recruits like a cut vein. Also this faq needs unravelling by a legal whizz because us in the know, know but cannot necessarily explain things correctly. It’s amazing how this question is being raised now they surely know we have had enough of their nonsense and we want unconditional fellowship with our families. I am particularly annoyed at the arrogant assumption that I as a fader want to go on a moral rampage and murder spree so my former friends would have to treat me like doggy doo shoe dirt. I just want to fade no longer attend all their functions but maintain my dignity as a human being and please god as I please Surely it would be a loving thing to let me go and not treat me like a killer and all the other freethinking faders out there. I wonder what the gb think they are achieving by this obnoxious stance clearly it is not working because we will fade regardless of the consequences and to hell with their manmade rules. Cheers Ruthlee
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 JudyQExJW says:

 June 12, 2016 at 9:44 am
 

Wonderfully written and investigated article! The org is getting bolder by the day- their overconfidence is mind boggling. Before my husband & I left together coming on 2 years now, a couple in our hall were having obvious problems. He had stopped attending but his wife continued faithfully, encouraged and supported by all to remain strong. Eventually we saw him return, albeit with visible resentment. You see, he had started having doubts and thought about leaving, as some in his family had already done. Only months later did my husband find out through his friend (who found out from a gossipy elder) that the elders had met with this poor man and laid it out clearly- if he didn’t adjust his thinking to get rid of his doubts, they would sanction a scripturally approved divorce for his wife, WHO WANTED TO GET ONE IF HE DIDN’T CHANGE! Are you really telling me there’s no pressure or coercion there? Where is that talked about in the FAQ? Only in the shepherd book, where it ranks spiritual endangerment higher than physical danger. My former best friend, who now shuns me completely, was smacked around by her husband early in their marriage, even while pregnant, but she was just told to try to be a better wife. But elders would sanction a divorce for this other sister, who’s husband obviously loves her (as he came back to meetings) for “spiritual endangerment”. The misalignment of priorities is beyond shocking- your husband can beat you senseless without much intervention but if he starts exercising critical thinking skills, we’ll swoop in to save you from spiritual harm. That broken arm will mend on its own but the potential for a mind to be extricated from bondage to WT, well that’s serious and needs to be prevented at all costs. Articles like this are doing an excellent job pointing out these inconsistencies and outright deceptions. Keep up this wonderful important work!
Reply
 

 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:17 am
 

@JudyQ – it’s stories like these that convinced me that these cannot be God’s people. How would Jehovah ever require a woman to stay with a man who beats her, but let a woman out of an otherwise loving marriage for lesser reasons of spiritual endangerment? These ridiculous and harmful double standards are clearly not from God!
It enrages me that even victims perpetuate the abuse.
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 fallingangel75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:19 am
 

Misalignment of priorities, indeed!
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 Jakemon75 says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:42 am
 

Next time I bump into an elder and he makes his pitch to “come on down” for a meeting with idiots to discuss my current “stand” I’ll simply reply “you are not authorized to coerce or pressure me to remain a Jehovah’s Witness” then direct him to the website and let him read it for himself. We all know how that will go.
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 Twmack says:

 June 12, 2016 at 11:25 am
 

They use the name JHVH as a weapon to force submission.
 In the shunning issue they make it a choice of either loyalty
 to JHVH or loyalty to family. You’re cornered, no room to move.

They take un-authorised liberties with that name. The texts
 misapplied to shunning are mainly taken from the Greek
 Scriptures ( New Testament), but there are No Greek
 manuscripts with the (Tetragrammaton) the Hebrew word
 transliterated as YHWH or JHVH .

The name Jehovah simply does not appear in complete form
 in the New Testament. So how can they use that name to
 threaten, people into shunning their own flesh and blood.

Further liberties are taken by adding that name in their NWT
 over 230 times, ( Despite the Bible warning against adding to it)
 If God had wanted his name there could he not have done it
 without their interference ? Would his name not have been
 present in Greek Manuscripts?

Just check out how many times they attach the name Jehovah
 to a threat.

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 Paul says:

 June 12, 2016 at 2:20 pm
 

This article is very timely and 100% on point.
 Watchtower misleads people to join, misleads them through its teachings, and is further trying to mislead the general public via their website FAQ.
 We simple stopped attending meetings a year ago because of changes to teachings that we felt were not scripturally supported. We shared our questions with some close friends. Within 24 hours of sharing those doubts we had an email from one of them insisting that we confirm our belief that the GB were Gods sole channel of communication. When I replied that I still believed in God and his word (and used the Watchtower ploy of not answering the question) I was informed that this person and their family would be shunning us as bad associations. Within a few weeks others were cutting us off, and finally we heard rumours circulating that we were apostates. All without any of these other people (apart from the first couple) asking us what our concerns were. Shunning is real. It hurts. It is a cult method employed to retain a “captive membership” as Angus Stewart described it. Thanks for exposing more Watchtower lies, hypocrisy and deceit.

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 robert paulson says:

 June 12, 2016 at 10:13 pm
 

In the WTBTS submission to the Australian Child abuse royal commission— now on record —
9.372 Moreover, the suggested finding has no connection with preventing or responding to child sexual abuse and, furthermore, appears not to appreciate the difference between disassociation and inactivity. As was explained, if someone decides to no longer associate with Jehovah’s Witnesses that is a personal decision and no disciplinary action is taken against that person.
9.373 For example, Mr Geoffrey Jackson stated: 283 “I thought I made it quite clear I don’t agree with that supposition”. We do not have a “so-called spiritual police force” to chase after ones who no longer want to be Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
9.374 For example, Mr O’Brien stated: 284 “They don’t have to disassociate themselves to stop associating. They don’t lose their spiritual or familial association by being inactive.”
so maybe we have a something to contest legally if people are told to shun us ?
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 fallingangel75 says:

 June 13, 2016 at 4:14 am
 

@ Robert p – part of the problem is still this: JWs are told that when there is a conflict, they must obey God as ruler rather than men. And they are taught that this shunning principle is a command from God.
So even if legal action is pursued and legal precedent is set, the GB would likely encourage regular JWs to continue the practice, even if there were legal consequences.
If there were consequences, it would likely be described as foretold persecution for upholding Jehovah’s high standards.
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 Gary says:

 June 13, 2016 at 6:05 am
 

‘Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive’, Sir Walter Scott.
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 Gary says:

 June 13, 2016 at 6:17 am
 

‘Crosses are green crosses are blue your friends didn’t make it through’, Dance on a volcano, Genesis (ironically enough 🙂 )
Leave no one behind, the is brilliant:-)

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 Gary says:

 June 13, 2016 at 6:18 am
 

View
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 Gary says:

 June 13, 2016 at 6:45 am
 

After watching the videos do you do feel like a ‘free person’?
So they’ve come to spy on freedom and say ‘welcome to the home by the sea’.
If your mentality retired, well ‘ding’ Pavlos dog.

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 Gary says:

 June 13, 2016 at 7:04 am
 

One ear doesn’t sound so bad said Beethoven.
Reply
 
 

 quietabandon says:

 June 13, 2016 at 8:03 am
 

I recently reached out to my parents after finding out about the convention contents through this site, and (not being able to figure out whether they had had theirs, after searching the JW.org site), simply sent them an email stating that I was aware of recent instruction from the GB that suggests they must shun even non-DS/DA “unrepentant” inactive ones (“faders”), expressing my fear that they would do it, and that it is an unloving practice that would do nothing but cause pain, not a “return”. I said nothing that could be considered apostate apart from iterating (as I have before, since childhood in fact) that shunning is wrong.
My mother called me and said that she and and my dad had discussed it and they weren’t going to do it, but that she considers herself a “flawed Witness” for not being able to bring herself to do it. Thanks for the reassurance, mom.
My dad was much less ambivalent, and said that he would never, ever do it. Turns out they haven’t gone to their convention yet, and my greatest hope is that at least he will hear the vileness coming from the platform and walk out, realizing in that moment that our bond was indeed being weaponized. Mom, however…it’s already halfway operational with her. “Shun-gun” is excellent shorthand, by the way.
Anyway, I encourage scared folks to consider writing a few simple lines to their JW loved ones, if you feel that they’re on the fence and might need a bit of help to put all of this together. I doubt I’ve heard the end of this, but my parents BOTH said that they wouldn’t do it when I expressed my fears. That’s something.
 But, my mother, as always, did parrot the party line:

“Shunning, as you call it…”
 “Mom, it’s called shunning. It’s on the program for the convention, on JW.org.”
 “All right, all right…well, it is scriptural.”
[Silence]
“Anyway, there have been some cases where it’s been appreciated and people have come back.”
[Silence]
“Your dad and I love you and your sister. But you’re going to die!”
 “Mom, we aren’t discussing this.”
 “This is what we believe is the truth!”
 “I know you do.”

Reply
 
 

 James Broughton says:

 June 13, 2016 at 8:48 am
 

Brilliant research CF. One of the marks of a cult is control. As Oubliette rightly says, the membership will do precisely what the GB says, even if it means lying.
Reply
 
 

 Jaime says:

 June 13, 2016 at 9:07 am
 

Thank you once again for another excellent article. Kind Regards, Jaime
Reply
 
 

 Sharon Christensen says:

 June 13, 2016 at 11:56 am
 

Thanx Covert and all at JW Survey for giving us this info. Heck with whether spelling mistakes or sentence structure not quite right…the message is there…that is the main thing…keep up the excellent work! :))
Reply
 
 

 WitnessForTheDefense says:

 June 13, 2016 at 3:42 pm
 

I don’t think the shunning message has changed from “the old days” from what I saw in the convention. Inactive Witnesses are still Witnesses and won’t be shunned by decree (personal actions will be what ever they will be) IF the inactive one has not committed an offense meriting a DF.
They are still considered “weak” Witnesses due to their non-participation, but that’s it. In my 40 years as a Witness, I’ve never seen an inactive witness shunned unless said DF-ing behavior came to light. Then, depending on how visible such behavior is by others as a reflection of Witnesses in general, the person would be DF’ed even without his participation in the process.
If the community at large no longer really considers him a Witness, his behavior MAY be overlooked.
Reply
 
 

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23 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
 

 peely says:

 May 31, 2016 at 2:11 pm
 

Hi Abby,
 Yes, we know disfellowshiped ones are considered as good as dead.

John 16:2 – “They will put you out of (meaning of Greek is “excommunicate”) the synagogue (“congregation”); in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills (“figuratively or literally”) you will think they are offering a service to God.” (to keep the congregation clean)
“They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me. But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.” John 16:3,4
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33
 I always wonder why the decision to go ahead of every other bible rendition and take out the possibly spurious John 8:1-11 Leaving it in the NWT would blow a hole in the disfellowshiping doctrine. On the organization’s website, I cannot even find a reference to those scriptures.

From the symbolic book of Revelation: “He was permitted to give a spirit to the image (organization) of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Rev 13:15)
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
 
 

 Paul says:

 June 5, 2016 at 12:36 am
 

Bravo
Reply
 
 

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  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey  .@cappytanexjw adds his voice to those refusing to let disdain for #watchtower erode the importance of #humanrights https://medium.com/@cappytan/human-rights-in-russia-why-the-ban-on-jehovahs-witnesses-isn-t-a-good-thing-da37e4bb795d#.a3l8lznab


 


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On Sky News last night, I realised how far some will go to ignore homophobia | Owen Jones
The sexualities of those murdered in Orlando shouldn’t be glossed over. This was the worst mass killing of LGBT people in the west since the Holocaust
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  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Some are arguing @OwenJones84 has helped perpetuate myth of #islamophobia. Even so, journalists should not be censored on live TV. #skynews


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 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Stick Pins  ‎@FinchLydia 
ICYMI I was interviewed by @TalkBeliefs about my life as a Jehovah's Witness @cedarsjwsurvey @faith2faithless
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  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
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 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Futile Democracy  ‎@Futiledemocracy 
I disagree a lot with Owen. But he was absolutely right to refuse to deal with people who downplay homophobia.
https://twitter.com/owenjones84/status/742102254833020929

16h 


 





 



 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  John Sargeant  ‎@JPSargeant78 
Agree with @OwenJones84 leaving - focus that LGBT people were targeted and massacred. Or you devalue them #Orlando 
https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ITdjAb3VcE

23h 


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Shame on Mark Longhurst and @SkyNews for trying to silence a gay journalist just for telling it like it is on the #OrlandoShooting #skynews


 15h 


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Bravo @OwenJones84 for highlighting @skynews' bizarre denial over true motives in the #OrlandoNightclubShooting
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/owen-jones-walks-off-sky-news-after-presenters-deflect-homophobia-behind-orlando-shooting-a7078891.html


 


Photo published for Owen Jones walks out of Sky News interview after hosts 'downplay' homophobia of Orlando club...


Owen Jones walks out of Sky News interview after hosts 'downplay' homophobia of Orlando club...
Journalist Owen Jones stormed out of a live television interview about the mass killing in Orlando in protest at his interviewer’s refusal to name the shooting an attack on LGBT people.
independent.co.uk
 16h 


 





 



 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Big Sigh  ‎@e1ais 
Here Are All The People Applauding The Orlando Gay..

Feel the Christian hatred, bastards
. http://tcat.tc/1YluCe3  via @thoughtcatalog


 


Photo published for Here Are All The People Applauding The Orlando Gay Club Shooter


Here Are All The People Applauding The Orlando Gay Club Shooter
Still wondering why there’s “Gay Pride” parades and festivals??
thoughtcatalog.com
 19h 


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Please check out this amazing interview with @FinchLydia on her JW experience
https://youtu.be/m9EdJsnqYPk  via @YouTube


 YouTube ‎@YouTube



 
 12 Jun



 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Thank you! I do what I can in my remote corner of the battlefield in the fight against theocracy.
https://twitter.com/NeilleeDavies/status/742073231293681665

12 Jun


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
Maybe I'll live to see the day when religious fundamentalism isn't treated with kid gloves by the only ones who can stop it. #Orlando


 12 Jun


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
You don't have to be a religious fundamentalist to view some people as sub-human, but it certainly helps. #Orlando #thoughtswithorlando


 12 Jun


 





 



 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  PatheosAtheist  ‎@PatheosAtheist  .@matthewfacciani: After deadly shooting at Orlando gay club, homophobic Texas Lt. Governor tweets “reap what y... http://ow.ly/LWMN501ioJO

 12 Jun


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
That's religion for you. It can made you believe people deserve to be gunned down in cold blood.
http://www.chron.com/news/article/Texas-Lt-Governor-Dan-Patrick-tweets-reap-what-8076147.php?cmpid=twitter-desktop … via @houstonchron


 


Photo published for Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick deletes "reap what you sow" tweet after mass shooting at LGBT club


Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick deletes "reap what you sow" tweet after mass shooting at LGBT club
A "reap what you sow" tweet from Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick that went out hours after approximately 50 people were killed at a Florida LGBT nightclub has been deleted amid backlash. 
chron.com
 12 Jun


 





 



 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Sam Harris
✔ 
‎@SamHarrisOrg  Speak honestly about the true cause of this savagery, or you risk letting ISIS pick our next President. https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/741983463721553920

12 Jun


 





 


  Lloyd Evans  ‎@cedarsjwsurvey 
No #prayers for #OrlandoShooting, just a resolve to see religious fundamentalism confined to the madhouse where it belongs.


 12 Jun


 





 



 Lloyd Evans Retweeted
  Ayaan Hirsi Ali
✔ 
‎@Ayaan  More lives taken and wounded by an Islamic extremist. While we stand with #Orlando, we must also remain focused to defeat this evil enemy.

 12 Jun


 





 

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NEWS BULLETIN: JW.ORG Asks: Can a Person Resign From Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
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Posted on June 11, 2016

resign-jw3
The FAQ section on JW.org has added a new featured post: “Can a Person Resign From Being One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” In this NEW article dated June 9th 2016, the Watchtower gives their official explanation of how to handle matters … Continue reading →

81 Comments
 

The Friday Column: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Doubts
Posted on June 10, 2016

jwdoubts
Like myself, my wife was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and has always loved reading. When she was around 7 years old, she was reading through a science book and came across a chart detailing the evolution of the horse through … Continue reading →

47 Comments
 

The Worst Convention Ever – Part 3: Sergei’s Story
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Posted on June 7, 2016

worst3article
“The way of the truth is the best way of living.” So begins Kingdom Song 64, “Make the Truth Your Own.” This mantra is one with which Jehovah’s Witnesses are very familiar. In fact, it’s quite common to hear the mantra … Continue reading →

130 Comments
 

The Worst Convention Ever – Part 2: The Bunker
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Posted on June 4, 2016

worst2article
By now, you may have already seen what have become known as the “Bunker” videos shown during the 2016 Regional convention. The films are centred around a small group of Witnesses huddled in a basement converted into a makeshift bunker, … Continue reading →

173 Comments
 

The Friday Column: What it means to be a Jehovah’s Witness
Posted on June 2, 2016

sophia-mom2
There’s been a lot of buzz lately surrounding the new video release from JW.org featuring the characters “Caleb and Sophia.” The video series is called “Be Jehovah’s Friend” and aims to indoctrinate children into the Witness religion. Watchtower has obviously watched … Continue reading →

51 Comments
 

The Worst Convention Ever – Part 1: Shunning
avatar 

Posted on June 2, 2016

worst1article
This summer millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide will flock to their regional conventions, a much-anticipated event in the JW calendar. Local newspapers are already lining up to write articles lauding the influx of Witnesses at sports venues and convention centers. … Continue reading →

119 Comments
 

News Bulletin: Watchtower tightens shunning rules to include “sinful” inactive ones.
avatar 

Posted on May 28, 2016

Screenshot 2016-05-28 23.25.32
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 →

257 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 →

105 Comments
 

Update: JW Survey needs YOU!
avatar 

Posted on May 26, 2016

bigstock-handsome-journalist-writing-wi-43410031-600x402
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 →

69 Comments
 

The Friday Column: JW Survey needs YOU!
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Posted on May 20, 2016

12540717_1008463605843228_8931144894773544989_n
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 →

126 Comments
 

Update: JWsurvey editorial team meets in London to discuss future plans
avatar 

Posted on May 19, 2016

Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 18.54.01
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 →

29 Comments
 

News Bulletin: Dutch reporter thrown out of District Convention
avatar 

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 →

58 Comments
 

The Friday Column: Why I don’t want to destroy Watchtower
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Posted on May 13, 2016

Kcj48ABcq
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 →

174 Comments
 

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