2013 Survey: Disfellowshiped / Disassociated

Who can answer this Survey?

  • Those who WERE baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses
  • Those who ARE currently disfellowshipped or disassociated
  • Both those who consider themselves of the anointed, and those with an earthly hope
  • Both those who continue to share the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and those who do not

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If you meet all of the above criteria, please continue . . .


When ready, please answer the following questions:

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Please continue by answering the following questions about the Watchtower’s beliefs and practices:

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21 thoughts on “2013 Survey: Disfellowshiped / Disassociated

  • March 4, 2013 at 12:43 pm
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    Cedars, I love your work but this is another terrible survey. This is my third one and the same problem. First, questions are not numbered for reference here. Second, I could not answer all questions accuratly because the options were not offered in multiple choices. Third, this survey, like the others seems to be geared toward capturing data to support a predetermined or desired outcome.

    Examples:
    In which of the following roles did you previously serve as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses? – I, like many others served as AUX pioneer often but not designated “regular.” This is not useful?

    Why did you leave Jehovah’s Witnesses? – I discovered fraud and deception, I was lied to and put at risk, my life and livelyhood were stolen from me, I saw innocent people being damaged and ruined, and by the way “I disagreed with thier teachings.”

    How would you describe your current beliefs? – Not agnostic but closest answer so I picked it. My beliefs are evolving, changing, are in flux as most who have left are. Why is this option not listed?

    How would you describe your prospects after you die? – Picked “rather not say” because my current beliefs not in list. Still believe in resurrection but not sure where. Multiple choice forced heaven or earth which would be inaccurate to choose. Could I just leave this blank or pick “none of the above” if offered?

    What is your personal stance on blood? – Again same as above. No option to pick “none of the above.” No mention at all about blood management using your own blood only, my stance. A glaring omission!

    Do you believe the legal entities of Jehovah’s Witnesses should enjoy charitable or non-profit status? – Doesn’t this depend also on the law of the land and if they meet the criteria for such status like other religions? Who am I to challenge the legal system and the tax code?

    ONLY IF you consider yourself to be an “apostate,” what are your thoughts towards Jehovah’s Witnesses? – The Society considers me an apostate but I don’t, otherwise I could have answered this question. The structure of the question barred me from contributing on this very serious issue which was not offered to non-apostates. What are you looking for here?

    In conclusion, This survey, like the others, did not extract from me a balanced and accurate reponse. It’s like a fishermen’s net full of holes. And that’s to bad because you have a great site and are really in a unique position to capture so much of the internal and external factors afflicting struggling and ex JWs. My opinion, if I may, is you need to go deeper and be more thourough in your surveys, even if it means breaking them down into smaller subject matter and featuring perhaps one a month and assembling them into an annual report for instance. I know you can do better than this. I must say, your articles are exellent and your purpose is noble. Let me know if I can help in some way.

    Thank you for the opportunity to do the survey, for keeping your site going, and all you do to help and heal the damaged.

    Reply
    • August 21, 2013 at 12:59 am
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      Cedars,

      I always thought it was petty that Jehovah’s Witnesses never liked to believe that there would be life after death on earth and that the soul and the body are the same. The’re not. The’re completely separate. I understand what they meant it just made no sense. How do you explain what happens to us after we die? OK, we get resurrected; but from the time the resurrection comes between the time we die, where is our soul? With our decaying body underground? Yes, were “asleep” but there is no explanation of where our soul goes. Where our consciousness is at that point and time?

      I also agree with AWAKENOW
      MY beliefs aren’t really agnostic, there evolving, I think that is what most former Witnesses are going through. All of us went from seeing deception, pain, some of us from birth; and then just suddenly ripped from under our feet? It takes “everything I knew was a lie” to the extreme. Also there should be a multiple choice enabled in the questions. Not only was I disfellowshipped, but I also did not agree with their teachings. I just thought getting disfellowshipped was the easiest way out. I was feeling doubt but I didn’t know how to identify the feeling. So I just wanted out as quick as possible. I honestly suggest finding individual unique cases all around the world of Jehovah’s Witnesses with different stories. The Governing Body wants us all the be “family”, so why not let them all know what were each individually going through? With your goal in mind, ” We are merely interested in garnering the views of ordinary Witnesses and reporting on the facts.”

      P.S.
      Just finding this site today after 6 months of being disfellowshipped and in the dark, so from the bottom of my heart, Thank You.

      Reply
  • March 4, 2013 at 4:44 pm
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    @AWAKENOW ~ Not to presume to speak in any one’s behalf on this forum or anywhere but speaking in general, I say this since I empathize regarding a lack of attentiveness to the Mentally Ill and disabled specifically and the brutal, predatory criminal atrocities and Rights violations that are committed against this group in that organization. It is noted as well in the publications as the general air and spirit, culture and speech, the contempt and disdain in everyday life for such ones but hardly even… if even a mention on any forum other than but to consider whether the organizational condition may possibly be a source of Mental Illness among members.
    Please understand that this circumstance with ability and freeness of publicly speaking out regarding our experiences, shedding fear and sharing real truth while at once exposing badness for what it is and long perpetrated crimes, lies and abuse is relatively new to us all around the World and there is much adjusting and fine tuning to be done…

    Reply
  • March 5, 2013 at 1:28 pm
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    I have to agree with AWAKENOW ;I really think this survey is not fair. I have a more down the middle view on many issues. Like the blood for example. I really have answers instead of a left right yes or no. more options needed for a more accurate survey in my opinion. I do not think all in the watchtower are bad, but it seems there are “wicked men and imposters” and the “evil slave” variable as well. Really, did anyone here know that the watchtower was a U.N. member for 10 years?(the disgusting thing) Which means some of your donations went to member dues to a wicked and corrupt orginization that is wicked blood guilty. I saw them as holder in hedge funds as well, but can not remember the company. I heard a rumor(not confirmed ) that they had stock in DARPA which is a military and specialize in mind control ?? that I do not know. But I believe there can be a middle ground on much of what is going on. I really believe religion is one big blunder ,and Yahuwah(Jehovah) allowed this to happen for part of our eternal lesson. Ancient Israel was a complete disaster too, and that was Yah’s focus, or orginization . Until the Kingdom arrives, I must endure the religious vomit of all religions I suppose…

    Babylon the Great(Especially the Mamma bug the Vatican) has confused everyone it seems .The Jesuit order is relentless and have their grip everywhere from politics to all their eugenics programs and social engineering and experimentaion…,including the watchtower. They really are insane ,as well as all their economic and political engines . The big 3 Religion Kings,and the Merchants .Vatican rides the beast. Does anyone here even realize the Vatican is the creator of Islam? you wont hear that in Asleep, daaa mean Awake! I believe the watchtower has kept us all in the dark about too many subjects,and a long list at that.They never are bold to speak out against proven evil that is considered to taboo or conspriacy theories, even though they claim the devil and his minions rule the planet. I would like to see a more in depth survey, and more chices or a limited comment answer box. By the way,when I joined and was told that everything is in the open and transparent? When before the elders using that book back in 1999, I asked to see it,and they refused, and I called them on it. ” You told me nothing is secret ,yet you will not let me see that book” I almost snatched it and ran to my car and got out of there…but did not LOL

    Reply
  • March 9, 2013 at 10:29 am
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    I do not agree with their believing that Jesus is the angel of the Abyss (Revelation
    Its Grand Climax At Hand! Chapter 22:20)! They used to believe that the SAME angel the Abyss was SATAN (see The Finished Mistery p.159)!

    Reply
  • March 11, 2013 at 6:16 pm
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    Most of my thoughts have been covered.I too do not consider myself an apostate but had to tick that box.Questions need to be more specific.In the section about beliefs of JW’s I automatically ticked every box because no. one has the right to dictate to another how they should live or worship.Every human has the right to freedom from fear and guilt.They however will view that as “a dog returning to it’s own vomit ” ,one of their favourite scriptures.
    I still love those who now shun me but I pity them,they have no choice and faithfully obey a few misguided and often dishonest men not a loving God.
    A small ammount of research will reveal that God didn’t choose the bible students as his sole representatives on earth.This information wasn’t available in 1972 when I became awitness so bless you for helping to set people free.
    I can now enjoy my life to the full helping others in practical and useful ways.To those who aren’t yet free I would say don’t waste any more of your precious lives.

    Reply
  • March 15, 2013 at 8:35 am
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    Dear Cedars:
    You should be commended for the work in producing and administrating these surveys.
    The data you are collecting is highly informative. I would like to suggest the following thoughts toward making the survey even more informative;

    Q. How would you consider your prospects after you die?
    Add- I will recieve the reward of heavenly life only if I remain faithful to Jesus Christ till my death or the end of this system.
    Q. Re: New understanding re; FDS at 10/5/12 annual meeeting
    Add – Who the FDS is will be determined by only Christ and not by human claim.
    Q. Do you believe the Jehovahs Witnesses represent God’s Spirit directed organization?
    Add – Do you believe the WTBTS as an organization, with the Governing Body in control is God’s Spirit directed channel on earth today?
    Add – Is God working primarilly through an organization or through individuals who may or may not be a part of a formally constituted organization?
    Q. Re; Charitable Status
    Add – If, under the laws of the land they are legally constituted.

    Re; Questions on teachings section:

    It seems many of these questions are not specific enough. As a consequence individuals may be checking off things that don’t really apply to them. Perhaps those questions which are specific and answerable directly with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ check off box should be in one category and others in a multiple choice category wihich allows a broader range of response for tighter and more specifically worded questions.

    JbW,

    Reply
  • March 15, 2013 at 11:46 am
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    Many questions could not be answered because both choices were not accurate, but were put in the “either”/”or” format.

    Reply
  • March 28, 2013 at 7:10 pm
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    I agree that certain questions should allow more than one option to be selected; or at least give an “other” option, with an explanation box. For example, I was disfellowshiped because I broke a moral code; however, it was actually the treatment I received AFTER that that drove me away from the society.

    In the “I disagree” section:
    First, I think few people consider THEMSELVES apostates; however, anyone who expresses doubts or questions regarding JW doctrine is labeled as such. Because of this, I went ahead & answered the questions in this section.

    One additional thing “I disagree” with is this: JW’s are taught & trained to hold all other religions under a microscope, in order to determine whether they “measure up to Jehovah’s standards”, and so are identified as his “one true religion”. They literally pick them apart, looking for flaws, contradictions, evil history, etc. Yet, hold the organization up to the standard of measurement, and you are showing a “lack of faith” (at best), or are an “apostate” (at worst). And of course, we all know that apostates are the spawn of Satan, and beyond redemption.

    Reply
  • March 28, 2013 at 7:29 pm
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    I forgot to mention that I disagree with the picture the society paints of a unified 1st century congregation (all in order to bolster their claim to authority), when history, and the Bible itself, show otherwise. There was bickering and differing doctrinal interpretations between congregations, and even between the apostles themselves! They were by no means the unified front to Satan’s world that the society paints. This is about as accurate a picture of the first century congregation, as the year 607 is a date for Jeruselum’s distruction.

    Reply
  • June 5, 2013 at 2:06 pm
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    THIS

    Sisters who are beaten by their husbands are not entitled to a divorce. They must remain married to their abuser (or present evidence of adultery for a divorce) if they wish to remain in the faith.

    This is why I left. And since leaving Ive learnt a lot, gods organisation on earth my left foot.

    Reply
  • June 13, 2013 at 1:33 pm
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    I find great fault with the idea of not allowing courting couples to be alone together before marriage. If 2 people can never be themselves until vows are exchanged, then how are they ever to know what they are getting into? Speaking from experience, it has led to many unhappy circumstances.

    Being a born-in JW, I feel strongly that the WT society has done a disservice to their youth by telling them horror stories of death and destruction. I grew up being told that my own father, grandparents etc., were nothing more than walking “bird food”. The illustrations and stories used in the literature specifically designed for children is disgusting not to mention what the kids hear from the podium. A lot of witness children, myself included, grow up having a great lack of empathy because they have been desensitized by the fear tactics of the WT.

    I also dislike the antiquated and strict dress code. It is off putting to a lot of people who may have otherwise been interested (not that I want more JWs converted), but it also gets to be quite costly to the JWs who must pay for expensive suits etc. In modern western civilization, khakis and polos are more than respectful. Women in pants are not looked down upon. It’s especially degrading to children who suffer much more embarrassment when seen by their non JW peers.

    Reply
  • July 6, 2013 at 7:20 am
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    The Jehovah’s witness governing body can suck my cock.

    Reply
  • July 14, 2013 at 6:19 am
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    This question had a double negative. It is hard to answer “I disagree…. with the first word starting NONE”…. Still not sure if I agreed to it was was the correct answer, but disagreeing negates the sentence because of the double negative.

    None. I agree with all teachings and practices contained in Watchtower publications

    How would you consider your prospects after you die? Should be more answers. I have no hope of ANYTHING after I die. I decompose, return to dirt. I don’t think “I don’t entertain any hope” is quite enough. I believe I die, like a dog or a cow. Rot and it’s over.

    The reason’s for disfellowshiping are not enough. I agree with previous writer: “I was disfellowshiped because I broke a moral code; however, it was actually the treatment I received AFTER that that drove me away from the society.” I LEFT because I was forced out – but my MIND left because of things that happened later. And “breaking moral code” somehow doesn’t seem the same to me as “He was going to kill me and my son so I saved our lives to get safety the organization was not providing me”

    One of the questions about how we disagree might mention something from an earlier post. “JW’s are taught & trained to hold all other religions under a microscope, in order to determine whether they ‘measure up to Jehovah’s standards'”. Perhaps it should be worded… I disagree that JW allow full investigation of all religions but you must read ONLY Watchtower publications. Reading other church material is not allowed to learn of other religions.

    Reply
  • August 18, 2013 at 5:10 pm
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    YOu forgot a question: Is it ok to spoil the circuit overseer rotten, lay down the red carpet when he visits, but cling to the notion that jw’s religion is nothing like the churches???

    Reply
  • August 19, 2013 at 8:18 am
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    Cedars,

    I didn’t mean to select:

    “Refusal to accept aspects of evolutionary theory” (78%, 257 Votes)
    or
    “None. I agree with all teachings and practices contained in Watchtower publications” (19%, 62 Votes)

    If you could please remove those? I would appreciate it! I get going a bit too fast for my own good sometimes…

    Thanks

    Kurt Hennig

    Reply
  • August 21, 2013 at 12:50 am
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    I always thought it was petty that Jehovah’s Witnesses never liked to believe that there would be life after death on earth and that the soul and the body are the same. The’re not. The’re completely separate. I understand what they meant it just made no sense. How do you explain what happens to us after we die? OK, we get resurrected; but from the time the resurrection comes between the time we die, where is our soul? With our decaying body underground? Yes, were “asleep” but there is no explanation of where our soul goes. Where our consciousness is at that point and time?

    Reply
  • August 27, 2013 at 4:12 pm
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    What drove me out of the WTS was the realizations that, 1) The New Testament was all about Jesus Christ. 2) The New World Translation peppers Jehovah all over the place where it does not belong in the NT. It’s not in the earliest manuscripts or other translations. In fact the name Jehovah did not get invented until the 12th century A.D. 3) Eighteen hundred years of Christianity was tossed out as in being in error by a bunch of Adventist?!? Why would God allow it to be wrong so long. 4) JW speak: It’s own language for everything. Kingdom Hall vs. Church, field service vs. preaching, publisher vs. member.Etc. Classic cult tactic of sacred language.

    Reply
  • October 31, 2013 at 2:09 pm
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    CULT! CULT! CULT!

    Reply
  • October 31, 2013 at 3:03 pm
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    Jesus never used or spoke the name “Jehovah” even in the Johannes Greber Bible (New World Translation) funny that!

    Reply
  • December 2, 2013 at 11:19 am
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    I also disagree with only associating with jws that everyone else is bad association plus soooooo many other things. Im thrilled to be free. Thank you for being out there. You have been so refreshing to go too in my time from this repulsive wbts satanic organization. .may almighty bless you.

    Reply

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