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” want nothing more than to destroy your organisation, and wipe your faith from the surface of the planet.
If you are an ExJW, you might think that someone who spends as much time as I do criticising Watchtower behaviour and policy must have the total destruction of the religion as an endgame.
Well, I don’t.
I believe that religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and that people should be free to believe whatever they want to believe. I disagree with virtually every doctrine held by Jehovah’s Witnesses, but I will defend utterly their right to believe them.
I draw the line, however, when religious doctrines directly call for behaviour that is actively harmful to others.
Thus we come to the point.
My goal is not to destroy the Watchtower organisation and convince every Jehovah’s Witness on the planet to leave the religion.
My goal is to force Watchtower to abandon specific practices that are causing significant harm to other human beings by bringing these practices to the attention of Governments, the media, the general public, and in some cases Jehovah’s Witnesses themselves.
What specific practices are these? I will outline them below, and state the specific conditions Watchtower must achieve in order for me to consider the matter resolved. I do not speak for JW Survey, or for my fellow activists in this matter. These are my personal opinions, and my person criteria for “Mission Accomplished” as regards my activism towards Watchtower.
Child abuse policies
I believe that no organisation can ever have a perfect record when it comes to handling child sexual abuse, and that it is absurd to pretend otherwise.
People are imperfect, systems break down, and sometimes, despite all best efforts from a religious community, a predator will enter the flock and attack a child.
But there is a big difference between a few bad apples slipping through robust safeguards despite the diligent best efforts of an organisation on the one hand, and a systemic failure from the top down to tackle an abuse problem that is a well known problem internally, but is carefully hidden from the outside world on the other.
As has been shown again and again, in open court, in government investigations, and in multiple documentaries, the policies that Jehovah’s Witnesses use to handle allegations of child sexual abuse are not only ineffectual, they are actively dangerous and harmful, both to the abuse survivor and the surrounding community.
The “two witness” rule. The policy of not reporting molesters to the police unless legally required to do so. The traumatising Judicial Committee process that sees a vulnerable victim forced to give harrowing details of their abuse to a star-chamber comprised of three untrained men.
All of these factors combine to create an environment that the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex abuse found placed the children of Jehovah’s Witnesses at “significant risk of sexual abuse,” and extends to affect the children of non-Witness parents sharing a community with an unreported abuser.
What is even worse is that most Witnesses are in the dark as to the details of these policies, and also to the scathing criticism these policies have been subjected to. They only see the casual dismissals by the Governing Body, who then warn Witnesses to flee from any news report or comment that shows the organisation in a bad light, and have no idea how prevalent child abuse actually is within their religion, or how vulnerable their children really are.
This situation cannot be allowed to stand.
- Watchtower needs to be forced (via legal and financial penalties if needs be) to bring their worldwide child protection policies into line with what legal professionals and child psychologists believe to be “Best Practice” to safeguard children and prosecute molesters.
- Watchtower needs to admit past flaws in its policies, compensate and apologise to abuse survivors, and openly do the above in full view of its membership.
Blood Transfusions
I believe that an adult Jehovah’s Witness has the right to refuse a blood transfusion.
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. I believe that a mature adult has the right to decide what happens to their own body. A mature adult has the right to refuse any and all medical treatment they so wish, even if this results in their death. I may consider their reasons foolish and absurd, but I respect the right of a mature adult to make this decision for themselves.
However, at present, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not making this choice of their own free will. Every Jehovah’s Witness facing this choices knows that, should they choose to accept a transfusion and live, they may face a Judicial Committee. Should they be unable to convince three Elders that they are sufficiently repentant for taking blood and staying alive, they will be disfellowshipped.
It is hard to argue, therefore, that Jehovah’s Witnesses currently refusing blood are doing so without coercion. No one should be made to choose between death on the one hand, and life without their family and friends on the other.
- Watchtower needs to make it clear that there will be no official or unofficial sanction should an adult Witness decide to accept a transfusion.
Additionally, every year, Jehovah’s Witness parents place the lives of their children at risk by refusing life saving medical treatment for their children on purely religious grounds.
This practice is actively encouraged by Watchtower, who once printed an article celebrating children who had died needlessly due their parents refusal of treatment. Additionally, any parent who disobeys Watchtower’s instructions may face discipline from the congregation, and possible shunning.
A child is not capable of giving rational, informed consent in this matter; especially not one who has been raised all their life subjected to the indoctrination of their parents, and who relies on their parents to make all other decisions in life for them.
- Watchtower needs to teach that the refusal of blood is a personal decision for a mature adult, that a child is not capable of making the choice to refuse, and that parents cannot make it on their behalf. It should be made crystal clear that children are neither expected or encouraged to refuse blood.
Shunning
I believe that Watchtower has the right to disfellowship and to disassociate people.
Yes, I will say that again.
I believe that Watchtower has the right to disfellowship and to disassociate people. Any private group or organisation has the right to decide who does and does not hold membership of their group. Sports clubs. Charities. Financial companies. Religions. Such groups have the right to remove membership from a member who is no longer considered to meet the requirements for membership.
What Watchtower does not have the right to do, however, is demand that those who have left their organisation be shunned by family and friends.
Of all the harmful practices currently employed by Watchtower, the practice of shunning is by far the most widespread.
Simply put, any who officially leave the religion, either involuntarily (by disfellowshipping) or voluntarily (disassociation) must expect to undergo the harrowing and cruel ordeal of shunning. Any family and friends who remain as Jehovah’s Witnesses are required to treat the leaver as if they were dead, to not even say a greeting to them.
Whilst there is an unofficial third option known as “fading” (to simply cease all Watchtower related activities and no longer attend religious meetings) this option is far from reliable, as Watchtower still considers such a person to be subject to their rules and regulations. Many examples exist of Witnesses who have “faded” for many years nonetheless being tracked down and disfellowshipped once they move in with an unmarried partner, criticise the religion, or celebrate Christmas. The testimony of Geoffrey Jackson during the Australian Royal Commission confirmed that this was possible.
Additionally, many faders find themselves effectively shunned regardless, with friends and family ceasing contact and treating them as dangerous association. This means that children who are baptised and then grow up to no longer believe the faith must choose between their beliefs and their friends and family. It means adults who wish to excersise their right to change their religion (or choose no religion at all) must make the same harrowing choice.
Shunning is essentially a particularly vile form of blackmail. “Believe what we tell you to believe, and do what we tell you to do, or you will never see your loved ones again.”
- Watchtower must repeal the sanction of shunning as part of Disfellowshipping or Disassociation, and must take active steps to alter Witness culture so that Witnesses do not expect to shun or be shunned when a person leaves the religion of their own accord or is removed from it against their will.
There are many other aspects of Watchtower doctrine that I dislike or consider harmful; Watchtowers teachings on divorce laws, sexual morality, evolution and so forth. But if the sanction of shunning were removed, these doctrines cease to be harmful to others.
If a beaten wife were free to divorce her abusive husband and remarry without being shunned…
If a gay Jehovah’s Witness were free to leave the religion and live according to their true self without being shunned…
If a Jehovah’s Witness was free to state that he felt the creation account of Genesis to be pure metaphor for the evolutionary process God set in motion without being shunned…
See? Without the threat of shunning, Jehovah’s Witnesses are free to genuinely make their own choices and live the lives they honestly think to be correct, instead of towing the line and flinching every time an Elder looks their way and flexes the “Shunning Stick.” Even if their choice means that the religion no longer considers them to be a member, that choice no longer costs them their family and friends.
Granted, relationships might alter if the family and friends are not broad minded enough to accept the change, but these relationships are not arbitrarily severed. And once shunning becomes a thing of the past, one can quite see Witnesses culture evolving with it, becoming more accepting of association with past members. Indeed, it would probably be instrumental in starting to erode the poisonous “us and them” mentality that Watchtower currently enforces upon its flock. The “information control” that Watchtower enforces upon its congregations would likewise erode once those who left were free to discuss their reasons for doing so with those who remain in.
In the 21st century, religiously enforced shunning is inexcusable. It must go.
Mission Accomplished?
If Watchtower were to enact the changes I have outlined, I would be content to cease my activism against them.
I would still consider their religion to be full of doctrines and beliefs that I consider to be utterly without merit, but they would no longer be a harmful cult; they would simply be another religion whose doctrines a person was free to research, accept, or discard of their own free will.
Granted, it may well be hard to envisage a situation where such reforms took place within the Organisation. It may will be that such harmful doctrines continue to feature front and centre of Watchtower policy until the Organisation crumbles under the weight of legal and financial sanctions, public notoriety and a burnt out membership. Scientology is already going this way; Watchtower should take note.
Nonetheless, this is not my goal.
Whether this ignominious ending comes to pass is entirely down to Watchtower. I remain hopeful that legal, financial, and public pressure can in time make the Organisation cede some of the required ground in order to survive. Recent events have shown that the current leadership’s taste for public humiliation and hardship is significantly decreased. Russell and Rutherford used to face their opposers in public debates and in the courts. Today’s Governing Body flee in panic from both, and when forced to appear in public court they put in a performance that bespeaks a distinct lack of capability and vigour for the fight. Their PR attempts are weak willed and desperate for public adoration, and when placed under pressure their representatives react in a fearful, confused way.
Watchtower is on the wrong side of history in this battle, and lacks the stomach and the tools required to fight it. One way or another, it will lose.
Until then, whilst these damaging practices remain in place, my fellow activists and I are not going anywhere.
We have work to do.
Thank you for your activities!
The pressure will continue. Watchtower’s policy of letting awkward stories die will not work. The tales of Watchtower abuses will continue to be aired via every medium available until Jehovah’s Witnesses are comprehensively reformed or disappear down history’s toilet.
It seems to me you will be criticizing the Watchtower until you die or you get bored with it and move on with your life. They could careless what you or your fellow activists think or say. I am not saying this to cause an argument or inflame you have but you know that’s the truth.
@ Markie….someone chooses the path of activism not for personal, emotional, satisfaction…. It’s to expose wrongs….that’s done with criticisms…. and the greater good that’s served is to bring out in the open, that which is hidden…. If intentions are correct, the activists do NOT get bored and “move on”…. So when you said, ” I didn’t say this to cause an argument or inflame”…..I need to ask you, are you really sure about that??… It seems that you don’t get what activism is about.
Valid points Nullandvoidboy. I live in the U.S.A. About 250 years ago my forefathers had an issue with the King of England. They were activists. The King could care less what they said. But their activism was valid and vital and sparked a new age of freedom.
150 years ago in my land, millions of people were enslaved based on the color of their skin. Some people thought this was wrong. They became activists and got things to change.
Markie, you seem to state that activism is pointless because the oppressors don’t care about the oppressed. But isn’t that always the case with oppressors? History shows that activism works.
I’ll leave this thread with two quotes that I especially appreciate that can be applied to this situation:
1.) The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
2.) The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who claim neutrality in times of moral crisis.
WS
@Winston Smith.
Your well thought out comments and two points at the end have me slack jawed and shaking my head… I’ll be thinking about what you said all day. Thank you, sincerely.
Oh and, umm (clearing throat and pulling on collar)..
Covert Fade! As always, great article..
When you have 8 million people trying to convert people all over the globe. Spending millions of hours it’s going to continue to grow despite all its failings. In my congregation all the newer ones are all special needs people, easy to sway. I actually agree with most of what he said but he is not going to change anything. And I do think some day he will get bored with his activism. Sorry.
If I can help one person, it will have been worth it. Anything else is gravy :)
Your comments help me to stay sane..after 50 years in the org.all i can say is yes you are doing the right thing .you are giving hope to many that are hanging in WTs cage .who are woken up but still have family in .if WT was like other religions were you can question or just walk away fine .but is not .
Markie, those 8 million are welcome to keep trying to convert people, the point is, what are they converting them to? That’s what needs to change, as the article eloquently explains.
Did you see the movie “spotlight” by any chance? Was that investigative team of four wasting their time? I don’t think so. They couldn’t solve the whole problem, but they did affect change and accomplish some good. Did it bring down the Catholic Church? No, but it contributed to wider recognition of abuse and the systemic failures of the church. It also empowered the community to demand change, and gave some acknowledgement and (hopefully) healing for victims. That’s the point. And hopefully it makes the church more accountable and transparent, and more importantly, removes the policies and practices that perpetuate abuse long term.
Am a JW still as member and critized very hard the policy of the GB. The elders gave me two times a so called “yellow card”without any Scriptural evidence that the GB are right. Bethel lawyers in Netherlands can not do nothing because when i am banned of given a free meaning in the Kingdom Hall( WT study) my lawyer shall bring them to court. Am baptized and never shall obey the GB today.Am even visit the Seventh Day Adventist, they are acting much more adult than the blockheaded and scared looking JWs. Free meaning is important so even faith and not fear…
@ markie, we no longer live in the dark ages, 1940- 1975. Nowadays people do research on automobiles, houses, schools ,hospitals and religions are no exception. In the old days,people were gullible and accept almost any preachings that would incite fear into them. No longer the case. People now research articles like this one and draw intelligent coclusions based on the foundations and history of certain religions, so this activist ,like you say, is giving people a perspective of the other side of the coin ,so he is not wasting his time and he is making sure people have a fair chance of making the best choice in their lives, unlike 70 years ago when people were coerced simply by fear.
Activism is not pointless, WS – agreed.
HOWEVER, these people are not slaves. They are not being held against their will. They have the free will and choice to GET OUT of this crazy org.
I know, they “can’t” because it’s too “painful” – they will lose their “friends”.
Seriously? Losing friends and so-called family is a reason to remain in a toxic, insane religion?
If all the people who claim they hate the WT but just “can’t” leave got out it would collapse.
The Watchtower and its followers DO VERY MUCH CARE what former members and activists have to say!!!
They will even find and subpoena former members who aren’t too angry or opposed to their religion.
This cult, like every other cult, relies on attracting new members. While I was in, it was well known among the elders and circuit Overseer’s that, “We bring them in the front door and push them out the back door.” The JWs constantly churn through new people but that is really slowing down with all of the bad publicity available to possible converts. This hurts them right where it counts.
This cult has an expiry date built into them. As 1914 fades into the distant past, and the scare tactics become stale, the cult will collapse in on itself. It may remain as some kind of shadow of itself but it won’t be anywhere nearly as powerful as it once was. It already is 10 years past its zenith and a much smaller, weaker organization of what it was just a decade ago.
Smaller and weaker? Where did you get that from? I mean, I wish that’s true, but as far as I know they are growing in members at around %1.5 annually, which is slightly above the growth in population. And that figure is decreasing, but still growing in absolute numbers.
Hi Matias,
Not sure how long you’ve been with the organization. Myself over 40 yrs. before I recognized the truth about the truth. This is not the org it once was. Leadership has become increasingly weak. Their fear makes them threaten members and they make feeble attempts to spiritually bully the r & f. You now only need to push a button on a smart device to do your ministry. Might as well go back to the phonograph, you don’t need to know anything. Not that using our devices is bad, I love technology. But this simplified ministry doesn’t make us smarter. We still need to be able to defend our faith. I can’t do that with a button. We used to be considered weak if we didn’t get at least 10 hrs a month in the ministry. Notice they don’t publish that anymore. My guess is the average is probably below 7 or even less. You may see what seems like growth but the foundation holding things up is not so strong. The organization has gone back to needing milk and feeding us milk, no more solid food. Yes those of us who are pre-1975 have seen a lot of changes and I don’t think for the better.
Regards
Agree with you after 50 years in i can see the weaknesses the younger jws cant defend the faith any more unless the got jw .org at their fingertips .the leadership has no dignity any more.they are robots..knorr franz and Rutherford had drive that these guys lack .look at the things they come out with . The tight pants is an example of spiritual bancruptcy .the WT studies are shallow and lacking substance even boring. .unless the bcome more like the old WT the rush to digital jws will shrink the org . They only keep the numbers up by the children getting to be unbaptised publishers…
As long as there is the belief that this world we live in is inherently defective, unimportant and worthy of destruction, and that divine intervention is going to bring about its passing and replace it with something better, whether in this dimension or in a supernatural one, the JWs will find converts.
Ever since the emergence of Jewish Apocalypticsm which anticipated that divine intervention would have ended the world over 2000 years ago, there have been those among Christianity who believe that the world will end during their lifetime.
This end of the world by means of divine intervention belief, has become a traditional cultural outlook which has embedded/cemented itself in the psyche of the western world. And so every generation that comes along has persons who believe that the world is going to end during their lifetime. Interestingly, however, the world has persistently refused to end.
Until this mindset is replaced with the realization that the world is our responsibility, and thus, if it should come to an end, even an apocalyptic one, it will be our own fault (apart from the sun imploding) then people will continue to believe otherwise and the JWs will find converts.
Smaller? Weaker? I would say just the opposite. Not sure what you have been reading. Perhaps wishful thinking on your part?
Markie,
How do you know how many JWs there really worldwide?
How can you be sure about this?
Three new kingdumb halls have been built where I live in the past 4 or 5 years. And they all have two to three congregations meeting in them. So I would have to say there has to be some growth.
Well, let’s see what will happen. I sincerely pray God keeps me alive to see what these self serving organisation will turn to in say 40 years time.
But currently, their tactics has change greatly, it’s almost like they employed some sort of rebranding expert to help them. Today, they use technology, videos and small animation to feed their fantasy on most of their members and that you can see them nodding their heads in amazement.
And currently, their much emphasis on preaching, reporting is getting to much and even makes many to resent it. To many, though they don’t know, it seems like the WT has much to gain from this preaching and disciple making more than God himself.
At some point, a sister hissed that this videos at meetings is too much and I laugh. Maybe, at some point in time, they will be showing videos at all meetings, I don’t know.
The org is definitely evolving. Many of their tactics today are reminiscent of the televangelists (700 club and similar). When I was growing up in the cult, such tactics would have been poo-pooed as being too closely related to “false religion.” Maybe the new tactics indicate that they are getting ready to go more mainstream. We can only hope that their teachings and rules get more mainstream too.
WS
@Winston Smith,
Who cares if they “go more mainstream”? Personally speaking, I don’t care where they go. Hopefully, to the Millerite “Great Disappointment” oblivion they rightly deserve. There will always be a core remnant of knuckleheads (Sheeple) but I predict that the WTBTS will implode in my lifetime. I am 64 now. They’ve reached their zenith and are finished, nowhere to go but downhill!
Besides, I wouldn’t go back to that hypocritical, doomsday, pedophile protecting, Amway-sales cult if Jesus Christ came down and said to me personally to return (which he will never do).
If Armageddon is real, and not symbolic like the rest of Revelation, the Kingdom Hall would be the last place of refuge I would run to!
They really could care less what these people think say or put on the internet.. the GB has been very good at paying them no mind whatsoever.. the most effective way to irritate and infuriate people.. is to treat them as of no account at all.. and the GB is very skilled at this.. so they can keep coming with their pressure… We’re not going anywhere!
I’m sorry Markie but I have to agree with David Mitchell on this one. I can’t let your bad grammar slide. The correct phrase is “they COULD NOT care less about what…activists think.” If they COULD care less about it, that would imply that they DO care about what they say, even just a little bit.
Also the word is “care less”, two words in fact, and not “careless”, which means something completely different.
https://youtu.be/om7O0MFkmpw
Good for you! You must be so proud of yourself.
;)
All in good humour mate.
Haha, love it!
What a little prankster!
Markie in response to your “they are growing comment” (which I find hilarious hahaha thanks for the laugh). 4 or 5 Kingdoms built in your area vs the 10 or so that have closed in my area with the congregations combining to fill up surrounding hall’s.
So using your stats and mine, which one seems the more likely? Unless you live in an impoverished country which is where the JW focus is right now. Growth in those countries is believable. But still not explosive which judging from your past comments is what you seem to imply. You may not like that but it’s true. Also, anything printed in the JW yearbook is HIGHLY suspect as it doesn’t take into account the VAST number of inactive. Plus it was written by watchtower. That equals lost credibility.
Now if you want an example of explosive growth look no further than the Protestant church in China. They are baptizing an average of 500,000 people a year. With a membership estimated to be up to 40 million.
The JW business model is a failure. They cannot sustain themselves indefinitely using their current system. Add to that annual lawsuits that seem to be growing and you can easily see a finite future.
Please don’t be silly. Of course Watchtower cares what the apostates say. I have several gb member talks. In one of them Tony Morris makes a quote from the silent lambs website almost word for word. He never states where he got it from but it was easy to find because he was speaking about silent lambs. He called them “an apostate organization that throws bloody Teddy bears at kingdom halls”. To quote Daniel Sydlik (former gb) when a bethelite found a very spiritistic book in the bethel library : ” you can’t write about it if you don’t read about it”. Indeed Mr. Sydlik.
Thanks for returning the favor. “Your status vs mine”? Really? If you want a real laugh reread what you wrote. I think you might wet yourself with laughter!
Lets go with your stats! Those JWs are nothing but liars and your stats are nothing but the truth.
Could you please indulge me and give me the addresses of the ten kingdom halls that have closed in your area? It would really help when I quote your “stats”. I would give you the addresses of the new kingdom halls in my area but what would that accomplish since we know your “stats” are the absolute truth.
@CovertFade Your arguments are totally valid. I totally agree with your article.
I want to congratulate you, Covert Fade, on another excellent article.
If the creator has given us a conscience, then why shouldn’t we as individuals have the freedom to live our lives according to our conscience and not be penalised for it.
I look forward to reading your future articles.
Terrific Article @covertfade I whole heartedly concur
Some matters are not open for debate; the blood issue did thaw somewhat but like many other Wt matters, the ultra-conservatives and hardliners seem to have slammed the door on being progressive. The gay thing–especially now with a spotlight on pedophilia, the gays are being used as a scapegoat, or “red herring”–if they’re anti-gay, the public will cease believing they’re possibly sheltering pedophiles. This is disgusting and bigotry as pedophilia is not the same as homosexuality.
Another point I’ve noticed in scanning the horizon of dissenters and those who are booted or rejected, some come from very hardline conservative denominations and would expect nothing less in terms of strict morality codes. Typically, persons in more progressive religions would listen to JW’s and express empathy for freedom of expression but wouldn’t be inclined to have this structure imposed on their lives.
So change from the top meets resistance (more rebellion in the ranks, even splintering) from below as the momentum of “what we have taught over the years” collides with “how we’d like to transform what we taught and believe”. The history in Raymond Franz’ memoirs is an example of this–the progressive changes he and others were guiding the Watchtower to make ran into the resistance of the ultra-conservatives and conservatives.
I think you have omitted the worst thing they do: spreading ignorance and a distorted view of reality
No, no I cant agree.
Without:
Child abuse
Blood Transfusions
Shunning
What’s there left of the Watchtower???
False prophecies?
Fear of Armageddon?
Giving up your retirement plans for knocking on doors whole your life?
NO, besides the arguments. The Watchtower is a dangerous cult. And it must FALL.
@Jerry I see where you may feel that the Watchtower as a dangerous group should lead everyone to evacuate or avoid joining, but since they hold families hostage, and have been dropping large hints regarding shunning being only way to be an “ideal JW” [so you too can have a Memorial/Funeral service as a JW in “good standing” at the KH (like Bro. Nelson and unlike former Bro. Jackson)], fact is they will always have a base population–smaller or larger, perhaps frustrated and gagged, but some followers.
If Pastor Russell can still garner a core of hardline followers, I see a future where the Watchtower perhaps at reduced and minimal existence has adherents. In the Burned Over District near to where JW’s evolved, there is an example in the Shakers which once were numerous, yet today are nearly extinct. Nearly extinct, because there are still some persons who gravitate toward this obscure group.
One issue JW’s have which was revealed in a mocking documentary is that JW dogma doesn’t foster settling down to create a family. I can hear the grumbling already–settle!–yes, JW’s do have families, and children, but pay close attention to the training material coming out. For instance, the previous year’s “What Is True Love?” video. Examine it closely, does it offer a guide to coping with any issues deriving from family life or is it laying out an ideal life pattern which few will be able to achieve and sustain? It’s the latter.
This is why when heavy-duty issues are taken in for counseling before the elders and MS bodies, you get light counseling: advise to study more, take the issue to Jehovah in prayer (pray for what?), etc. Rarely are individuals given practical advice on using coping skills to overcome difficult issues or dealing with individuals, or how to seek strong secular therapy, medical treatment or marital counseling. In the video released last year, once more psychology and marital counselors are portrayed with a deprecating view.
Resourceful videos for the skeptics among us:
“Selling God” and “Waiting for Armageddon” (seek and ye shall find, knock and the door will open..)
Mirror of JW video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC4LLNWctxg
Typical secular advice on finding love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH8pzfcgu3o
Interesting (yet rambling) interview with son of JW’s who escaped [take away: make a plan before you step away from home (& JW’s)]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMKKVIibBQ4
I believe in religious freedom, but this is a cult. The WTBTS is a money making publishing company and the leaders are getting rich off the slave labor of the masses of cult members (publishers) who put money in the donation boxes so the literature will keep coming and they scurry around like a bunch of worker bees distributing that literature and trying their best to recruit new worker bees to do the same.
All the abuses are for the purpose of getting and keeping publishers and bringing in wealth for the leaders. You can’t get rid of these abuses and leave the cult. Even if you could get rid of the current abuses, new ones would crop up because they serve a purpose.
We’re not talking about a religion but a money making cult.
Your comment is kind of ridiculous. A lot of people say it’s a publishing company designed to make its leaders rich. I don’t see where any of the leaders are accumulating wealth. They are just a bunch of uneducated guys thinking they are doing right. The only perk they get is to occasionally fly around the world like rock stars. Yes the have sold off Brooklyn but they just put the money back in the contaminated site at Warick. I don’t see them sport new cars, nice suits etc….They have to keep plugging away at bethel or they will get their arses kicked out with nothing like so many others.
Markie,
How do you know what the true financial position of the WT is?
Have you ever seen an audited financial statement from the WT?
I would have to say your guess is as good as mine.
Hi Markie;
Here is a site to show how J.W.’s account for some of their monies collected at circuit assembly’s. It’s entitled “Why is there always a Deficit at the Circuit Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APb1RpfjCrA
Very informative video as is this Friday Column. :)
You also have to keep in mind that’s it’s not all about money. It is also about POWER. Having power over others is like a drug and once you get a taste of it, you often want more.
Another fact to consider is that the organization has become an entity unto itself. It seeks to self perpetuate which necessitates the constant publishing. Since about 1/2 of all converts end up leaving, it constantly needs fresh blood to replenish itself.
WS
Great artical however until the current GB die off I don’t see any change forth coming maybe they will just implode from the pressure that would be just fine with me.
Very well put! Add in post-secondary education & include conscience-driven family celebrations, & I would be happy. It sounds so simple, and Christian, doesn’t it, without labeling people? The practices you described have all but destroyed my large & beautiful family in multiple ways, and has left me feeling friendless & abandoned. But the Watchtower has stated they will not change, so I don’t know if there is any hope. Keep on writing & speaking out, please, as truth is important.
Valid article Covert Fade. While I agree that these issues need to change, I think that they are symptoms of a larger problem. These issues stem from the GB’s belief that they are spirit-directed by God and have cornered the market on biblical truth. This sense of elitism, leads them to believe that there is nothing wrong with enforcing harmful policies on the rank and file members. What it comes down to is a matter of humility, which they entirely lack. Furthermore they have become accustomed to the power they wield and of course power corrupts.
As Ray Franz brought out, the GB are captives of their own concepts in regard to their organization. This is why I believe it is unlikely that they will change on their own. External political and financial pressures could potentially help force some changes to be made. But I don’t think that a full change will occur without some truly spectacular circumstances.
As I mention above, this does not invalidate your activism. Activism is both necessary and vital to bring about change. But I would look for change to be initiated from factors external to the organization rather than internal ones.
WS
I completely agree Winston.
Yes, fantastic article covert fade, outstanding reasoning and very balanced. But the top of the list for me is their claim to be the one true religion, appointed and directed by Holy Spirit. I think everything flows from there, especially the policies you outline which, ironically, also disprove that claim (along with their false predictions and false teachings.) I guess the distinction you make is between what people believe and what they do, and I agree that they can believe (and claim) what they want, but the harmful policies need to change, even if their bs doesn’t.
Amen, Covert Fade
Very well said.
Why do you chose to “Covert Fade” yet call yourself an “activist”?
Do what you want, but activism means being front and center. If I’m wrong the ones you love have no idea you feel the way you do, is that “activism”?
Yep. Activism is about what you do, not about exactly who knows you’re doing it :)
(Besides, right now I can probably do more this way in some areas. Sometimes subtlety gets more done than a full frontal assault ;) )
The problem is that everything they believe IS HARMFULL to others.
Afterlife- they believe in genocide for nearly all except them.
Blood- no blood even to children to save their life.
Disfellowshipping- shunning and abandoning family members which divides families.
Holidays- no holidays to have fun and share in Christ’s birth.
Memorial- is the same ritual in a Satanic Black Mass by passing the body and blood of Christ.
God- their belief in an unforgiving fearful God that punishes and judges Jehovahs Witnesses.
Control- elders need to be asked before a party or major decision outside of the hall.
Abuse- children victims go to elders for help and protection but instead they are told to hide it.
Door to door work- Jesus specifically says NOT to go from door to door, but rather go to a house where you are wanted and stay there awhile teaching that house the good news in exchange for room and board then when you are not wanted leave and shake the dust off.
Prostlatizing- they do not spread the good news that Jesus death erased our sins, instead they peddle magazines for a publishing company.
Slaves- they are made to work for free. I say made because if you don’t then you aren’t considered that spiritual.
Brainwash- brainwashing happens when a group or individual says “it’s not me telling you to do this, it’s God telling you”. So if you don’t do it then you aren’t listening to God or “Gods Organization”.
Obey- you MUST obey, or risk losing family, friends, work acquaintances, etc who are JWs. You CANNOT question elders decision without risking disfellowshipping over questioning “Gods Authority”.
Mama Joy – Well said.
Sorry, Covert Fade, I want them GONE, not just reformed. The world without JWs or any religion would be a better place, I think, but “maybe I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one” …… Imagine, J. Lennon.
You might not want WT destroyed, but I am sure there are many like me who hate them like the plague… If you had your family torn assunder by shunning and felt the pain of your children treating you as though you never happened to be you too might want the orginisation destroyed…
Totally get the pain. Not suggesting for one moment that anyone who has been mauled by the Cult is wrong for wanting to see it gone. A world without Watchtower would indeed be a better world, but I don’t know what the chances of 8 million JW’s suddenly apostatising are. Much better chance of the leadership being forced to moderate some things to dodge a legal and financial kicking.
Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough time. Genuinely hope you’re doing okay.
This is an excellent article. You have expressed views my husband and I are totally on board with. Thanks for your thoughtful article.
Regards
Hate the religion but not the members. They are what Christ described, they are tossed about by wolves in sheep’s clothing. Something like that. I forgot how that saying goes. JW Disfellowshipping and disassociation is used as emotional blackmail.
@Alice, The phrase originates in a sermon by Jesus recorded in the Christian New Testament: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Gospel of Matthew 7:15, King James Version). The other verse you are thinking of may be at Ephesians 4:14, it reads, Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming
Thank you, HaveATallOne. I got the two mixed up.
You are right though Alice, I knew many beautiful people over the last 20 years. I fit into that third category – faded, but effectively shunned. I’ve lost all my friendships, which is disappointing. They won’t call me because they are frightened of what they will hear and they know they will never win a scriptural debate with me. I feel sorry for them because I know they are held captive, but it’s tough rebuilding your life and I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through these last two years on anybody. That said, I know that they are all going to have to face their own mortality in this system and the realisation that everything they were promised was false. And I hope I can still be there for them.
In the meantime, I wish Watchtower would come clean and admit that they are not spirit inspired but just a bunch of men trying to fathom a, quite frankly, confusing and unfathomable book. That way at least people might have time to adjust; to think for themselves again and truly exercise their free will. And they would hopefully be there to support one another through the transition, agree to disagree where they do, and accept those who chose their own path without recrimination or disdain.
I live in hope, but like my old CO told me, a fish rots from the head down. He was more right than he knew, and it’s the own true thing he taught. A bit like Geoffrey Jackson at the ARC, he swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but the only true word he spoke was when he admitted that it was presumptuous of them to claim to be gods spokesperson on Earth.
But it’s the sheep that suffer, like you say. My parting words to the body of elders I was serving on, which was mired in petty politics, backstabbing and nepotism, was to remind them that they were wolves in shepherds clothing.
I would love to ask old Geoffrey what he meant by his presumptuous remark.
Very good written !
Great, Great, Article..
Excellent article! Unlike the heavy burden and control .. JW.org puts upon it’s believers….Jesus said His yoke kindly, load light…and all that is epected of us is to show love to one another… Love moves ones like you to care enough for people to continue on with the activist work against the Wt….it must be done out of love and care cuz it is no easy task…thankyou to you Covert, and all who make this a part of their life. Jw survey is a something to look forward to each week…thanx to you and all who make a difference in many of our lives who have suffered from the horrors of Jw.org. Keep up the good work…thankyou sooo much!
Watchtower = Jehovah. The Governing Body not need to explain the history, 1914,1919 and all failed claims or mistakes.Millions died with a given hope from Watchtower teachings. Deut. 18:22 shows that the Watchtower organisation shall be destroyd as Babylon .They claim the name of God, other religions do not. Further the arrogance of the GB is even a big problem, so there is nothing left. Maybe from inside a coup is coming to replace the 7 of Brooklyn and finish the North Korean Propaganda machine of http://www.jw.org
WT’s secret policies should be stopped. Members have the right to know which rules they are being judged by. The Scribes and Pharisees had a large list of their own rules. These were not secret but the practice of extra rules made the Pharisees come under the worst condemnation from Christ (Matt 23). It was worse than his comments on other sins. So, create extra rules and then keep them secret – that surely has to be the worst sin ever.
The problem with the GB saying they are the faithful and discreet slave results in the r&f adhering to everything they say and when doctrine is changed, the excuse is that there is new light. Checking the internet is viewed as apostasy so, as the ARC said, JWs are a captive audience. God’s teachings are confused with the teachings of the GB but it is the GB that demands obedience even though “some things cannot be understood at the time”. How’s that for mind control?
Getting too serious, time for a larf… Our overseer late 1974. “This is probably the last talk I will give in this system of things…” – Born in 16 yr old. “Where will we all live during the thousand year rain???. – Middle aged 20 yr dubs baby sitting for us one night… “No we weren’t bored, we watched a lovely bible movie on TV” Checked the TV guide when they left… ‘Ben Hur’. – M/S. “It will be good when those ancient ‘Christians’ like Moses and Noah get resurrected wont it..! And he had three bible studies going… Sorry couldn’t help it…
What makes me laugh is when people say that jehovah needs those new buildings in Warwick for the new system. In reply I always say “really with all the buildings all over the world, Jehovah needs those ones specifically? Enough to take people away from the preaching work to build them when we are deep in to the time of the end?” They usually don’t know how to respond.
Some well reasoned points CF and I fully support freedom
Of choice, But I cannot look at that Awake cover,
“Youths who put God first”, and not want this foul, sickening
Quasi religion completely obliterated.
I just wanted to make a correction to one of your points. If a JW unrepentantly accepts a blood transfusion he is considered to have disassociated himself after an investigation is made by a committee (but not a judicial one). This change was made in 2000 so WT could claim there are no sanctions against JWs who take blood. Bulgaria was instrumental in forcing them to make this change.
That’s right. They simply assign new terms to the same things. You get investigated and judged by a committee of three elders, yet this is not called a judicial committee. If they consider you unrepentant and they will tell your congregation that you’re no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet, you’re not disfellowshipped, but you have left the organization yourself. Fantastic. But one great difference is there: As you are considered to have disassociated yourself, you’re unable to appeal the decision. In the end, with this new treatment you’re in a worse position than before.
Well done Mr C this was so well written and the points you made I can only say Hear Hear!. Well as always i do have something to say. I’m not talking to athiests but those of us who have a belief in god are actually disappointed in our religion. We do not want to defect or apostasize or abandon our core. but we inevitably have to because despite the profession of being god’s spirit directed org and having the audacity to use god’s alleged name in their title They do not have any authenticity left. They do not adhere to the bible, the gospel of jesus or Christianity. They do not entitle them selves Christian either.It is only a matter of time before a genuine seeker of jesus or a bible reader will abandon jehovahs witnesses because it is fraudulent. The stupid policies you so eloquently wrote about are the politics of their confused ideas and nothing to do with god , jesus, or the bible. So my point is that even if they rescinded all the cultish behaviour and false doctrine they still wont represent god they will still be in error and still doomed to blindness and failure. Someone made the point that the only ones coming in are special needs or in my vocabulary, wierdos deadbeats and dropouts or children under a certain age. (sorry that’s a bit nasty). But it may grow but there is no success because it is only poor people and the dim who will be attracted to this way of life or the terminally bored who cannot think of anything better to do with their time. It is all a bit of a damp squib really and on my better days quite amusing to see the demise. That in no way to minimise the hurt and pain of victims but really this was a terrible cult to have been associated with and were we not so foolish? So I say keep up the activism it is a light shining on a dark place. Cheers Ruthlee.
I would like to share a point to consider…several comments have to do with growth of the organization seen in membership numbers and construction of new halls and so on. My personal view is that this is not an educational/publishing organization…it is a real estate conglomerate. They own property throughout the globe. They have “forgiven” all Kingdom Hall debts, in other words thanks for the property. Oh now you owe us rent. The new halls etc., being built are built with free labor and designed to be attractive to potential commercial buyers. Don’t be fooled by all the building work. These buildings will be sold as needed to keep the numbers up, in their finances that is. Their investment in these beautiful halls is greatly reduced because of all the willing volunteers. Imagine the profit if a building is sold. How manipulative to take advantage of honest hearted ones who think they are doing this for God and fellow believers. Just some personal conclusions I’ve come to.
Regards
@Eyes opened;
Bingo! Check out new purchase in Florida!
http://gotoby.com/news/article/2245/Watchtower-Buys-Former-FAA-Training-Facility-in-Palm-Coast-for-$7025000
Terrible weather Florida has.
Settles it, they are a bunch of “space cadets”…
Wow! That is a valid point. Never thought about that.
New light to come .go back to small groups in homes because the GT is almost upon us..dint neen many elders as all talks are videos from the .org. …now sell off ALL kingdom halls because we need money to help the needy during the GT…
The writer of this article makes some interesting points but the bottom line is that the Watchtower Society is an organization that counsels its members who have very sick children to deny permission for essential blood transfusions. To take your own life because of a religious belief is tragic (and stupid) but to effectively kill a child because of somebody else’s interpretation of something written in an ancient book… is pure wickedness.
The writer also ignores how there must now be many thousands of current and ex J.W’s now living in abject poverty because they trusted their leaders’ promises that they would be part of that 1914 generation that “will not pass away” and they therefore made no financial provision for their old age.
The Watchtower Society is surely one of the most despicable scams on this planet and the sooner it is put out of business… the better!
That’s what I like tp hear… bravo
Thank you. Am just drafting my resignation letter at the cafe, after a year of finding the truth behind the watch tower and it’s doctrine through your medium and jwfacts.com i have decided to leave. my last meeting as a JW was on 12/05/2016. Can’t continue in this cult anymore.
Because of my association with the WT ORG, my sister who happens to be the only surviving sibling i have since our parents died before i turned Ten, has disowned me. Worse of all is i stop enrolling as a systems and network engineer because of WT ORG’s policy on higher education. Am out of work but still applying as an electrician because i have been trained as one and would be glad to use the knowledge i acquired while mixing and controlling cameras at regional conventions in broadcasting.
Thank you for setting me free. Veritas Liberat!_John 8:32
“Worse of all is i stop enrolling as a systems and network engineer because of WT ORG’s policy on higher education.”
Curious, who told you getting a network engineering training would be “higher education”?
Once more, a zone of confusion because Watchtower throws out edicts but doesn’t often crystallize or quantify what is considered “higher education”–high school graduation? vocational courses that aren’t available in high school? community college courses? a DIY course at a local hardware store?
In this fog of war, everyone is trembling in fear before the Watchtower–afraid to do and afraid not to do.
Fun fact:
The February 2017 Watchtower (Study Edition) on apostasy is now being researched by the Writing Dept. They’re planning on using a quote from this article by Covert Fade as follows:
“My goal is… to destroy the Watchtower organisation and convince every Jehovah’s Witness on the planet to leave the religion.”
Just kidding…
Hello to all,
It is my firm belief/opinion that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society will morph into something else because of the bad branding the organization has received as of late.
If all properties, holdings, etc. are under a new name (say JW.org) and the WTBTS ceases to exist or disappears (as in bankruptcy) would not the child molestation cases against the WTBTS disappear as well?
I can also envision further reductions in printing with the “Awake!” and the “WatchTower” magazines being pulled from the public distribution or phased out altogether. Study lessons or information (Kingdom Ministry) to be available on-line to be printed out by you at your cost.
Just wondering out loud. I agree wholeheartedly with this article. WTBTS implosion is definitely immanent, it’s just a matter of time.
“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” –credited to Abraham Lincoln 16th President of the United States.
I haven’t read all the comments but I think one point should be taken to heart. I have been surprised by how many have told me that although they attend meetings and even go out in the ministry they don’t believe it, any of it. The local Elders where I live in Moorhead MN have demonstrated by their actions that they don’t really believe it, at least not all of it. I think we would be surprised how many just go
along with it to avoid consequences. I think the governing body is well aware of this hence the severe consequences to control the behavior of the masses.
This article contains reasonable demands for the WT. But the shunning policy will never dropped. As the writer for the article states, many of the JW beliefs and scriptural interpretations are faulty, if not total nonsense. The practice of shunning is crucial for the GB to keep the rank-and-file in line. If active publishers were freely allowed to associate with so-called apostates, their minds will finally be exposed to ideas and lines of reasoning that was previously kept off limits by WT propaganda. Before you know it, you will have many of the rank-and-file questioning WT teachings to their elders. The elders, in turn, would have a heck of a time defending WT doctrine and predictions that have proven false over the years. Really, the only means of keeping the flock in line has been to get the rank-and-file to swallow and accept WT teachings on faith, not reasoning. And the tool for elders to rein in those who would have the audacity to question even a smidgen of doctrine would be to threaten DF’ing and shunning. That is why you are not likely to see the GB ease up on the shunning policy. For them to do so would be to take a step towards the disintegration of the JW organization where a small group of men in Brooklyn (the GB and their helpers) wield the power of God over 8 million followers. Who among here thinks that those men are going to voluntarily give up their exalted status? Not a chance of that happening, if you ask me. They are drunk with power and enjoying every minute of their ego trip.
Frankie’s Market –
Excellent points. I agree that the WT shunning policy has to remain to keep the rank and file in their place.
After all, wouldn’t we all love a chance to discuss things freely with former associates without them feeling threatened.
The brothers who continue to be blinded by the ‘light’ will inevitably remain in the dark.
Wow! Love this article. My thoughts exactly! Thank you covert fade, very well written
https://www.change.org/p/united-states-attorney-general-investigate-the-watchtower-society-of-jehovah-s-witnesses-re-child-sexual-abuse?recruiter=373488240
This is for anyone who missed the post in Cedar’s Twitter feed. It’s a great way to anonymously have your voice heard.
I was reading your comments Winston Smith and I have to agree, POWER is the drug. In fact Jesus prophecy Math24;48-9 says “But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ 49 and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards”. I don’t believe he was talking about literal drunkards. Men in particular have the problem of being drunk with power, why else would billionaire Trump run for the US Presidency? The pay packet is not in his class of earnings.
And Markie keep up the good work in saying what the current reality is with regards to WT thinking. They GB do indulge themselves a little when it comes to rings, watches and expensive well tailored suits- but then again don’t all televangelists?
A dislike of the WT doesn’t mean others wont like them and support them (not me) but I like your comments.
I ABSOLUTELY HATE THIS RELIGION! IDIOTS!
Please put my name down for those who wish to destroy this cult, genocide the members and cut the throats of all the Governing Body live on Pay Per View.
Now that’s a bit harsh, Garret, but I understand your sentiment.
The words ‘Jehovah’ and ‘Watchtower’, to me, are now toxic and I loathe them. I would love to see the GB arrested for crimes against humanity, and if they’re are so keen for Armageddon to come about and be transported back to the bronze age, they should be granted that wish. The Watchtower building should be demolished, ring fenced, and then the GB put to work with hammers from dawn til dusk, breaking up the rubble while being pelted with stones by any of the abused who wish to do so. The GB are showing no quarter, so none should be shown. They have blood on their hands and must pay.
I understand and agree with Covert on one level, and the rank and file are not to blame of course, but on another level…….
Gosh, it sounds like you have been shown some loving counsel by some spirit appointed elder in the past.