Sorry Watchtower! (You may be an abusive organization, but you didn’t fake a recording)

Sorry-NoteMy aim with this website has always been to be as honest as possible in any criticism of Watchtower. When I get it wrong, or cast aspersions that turn out to be unsubstantiated, I want to be quick to hold my hands up and say: “My bad!”

With this in mind, I want to reassure readers that Watchtower did NOT fake the recording of Yuriy Dobychin that appears in the July 2016 JW Broadcasting episode.

A JWsurvey reader has brought it to my attention that a recording of the relevant part of the 1958 Divine Will convention exists online. After checking it, it is obvious that the same recording featured on the video was played at the convention, and in his original talk Rutimann did read the part about the Russians being persecuted by Soviet authorities.

I have no idea why this part about persecution would be subsequently omitted from the 1958 convention report, as it seems to be extremely relevant information for readers at the time (more relevant than other bits of information included in the report). Regardless, I made a wrong call in devoting so much time and effort to exploring the likelihood of Watchtower misleading Witnesses in this matter, and I want to sincerely apologise to the JW Broadcasting producers accordingly.

Yes, Watchtower may be devastating families through its cruel shunning practices, killing Witnesses by coercing them into refusing certain medical treatments, and covering up child abuse on an industrial scale. But there is still no excuse for sharing information about Watchtower that creates a false impression – even if this is presented as a possibility rather than an established fact. There is plenty that Watchtower can legitimately be called to account for, without worrying about problems that do not exist.

So as not to perpetuate the claim I have decided to remove the relevant minutes from my JW Broadcasting rebuttal, but with a link to this article included as an annotation by way of transparency. I don’t usually get it wrong in my rebuttals of Watchtower propaganda, but when I do – I want to own it.

Many thanks to the JWsurvey reader James Vigo for bringing this to my attention. And once again, I’m sorry!

 

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78 thoughts on “Sorry Watchtower! (You may be an abusive organization, but you didn’t fake a recording)

  • August 29, 2016 at 1:02 am
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    Well if anything it has proven without a doubt that you are a bigger man and a more honest man than that of the Watchtower, because we know that when the Watchtower Society make a mistake they just try to cover it up with some other lies, we all make wrong calls from time to time, but at least you are man enough to admit it. I always enjoy reading your articles and your vlogs, so keep em coming.

    Cheers for all the hard work that all of you put into helping others to see the cult that the GB run…

  • August 29, 2016 at 1:17 am
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    It’s good to see your integrity and that you are able to hold up your hands when you are mistaken. If only others would do the same!

    • August 29, 2016 at 6:27 am
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      This, exactly.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:05 am
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    Thank you! Jehovah himself is sorry for some mistakes:
    (Genesis 6:6-8) . . .And Jehovah felt regrets that he had made men in the earth, and he felt hurt at his heart.

    Fortunately, his/her reaction is different:

    “So Jehovah said: “I am going to wipe men whom I have created off the surface of the ground, from man to domestic animal, to moving animal and to flying creature of the heavens, because I do regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:11 am
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    Be aware that ‘He comes with the clouds and ALL tribes [religious, political, etc.[… mourn “apart” at His arrival’. [Rev. 1:7; Zechariah 13:].

    Be aware that “He comes with the clouds and ALL tribes [religious, political, etc.[ mourn “apart” at His arrival. [Rev. 1:7; Zechariah 13:].

    • August 29, 2016 at 8:13 pm
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      A reason for ‘All

      • August 29, 2016 at 8:39 pm
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        Read again Daniel 2:44 for that predestined singular ‘place’ is thoroughly authorized and supernally equipped to function as the promised “Deliverers” [Obadiah] with the promised actual deliverance from world and global evils. It’s ways and presences are ever far ‘above the mountains’ [Isaiah 2;

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:33 am
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    This is a good outcome, as I believe in honesty, and im glad that the authenticity of the recording can now be verified for everyone’s sake.

    As I mentioned earlier, I was hoping another recording was possibly out there that could verify either outcome.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:48 am
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    Don’t worry. When has the Society ever apologised for anything? It was always one of my pet peeves that whereas other publications always published erratums & corrections , the Society never did so. In fact – the only ( extremely lame ) apology was for their 1975 false prediction.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:52 am
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    Here’s something you will never see in a Watchtower publication – an admission of error and an apology. Well done.

  • August 29, 2016 at 3:13 am
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    Thank you very much for the retraction.
    Sticking to the retraction without expressing your hatred for the organisation would have been great and would have really differentiated you from the WBTS.

    • August 29, 2016 at 3:18 am
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      I mentioned the enormous harm Watchtower is doing in people’s lives by way of making the point that it is not necessary to invent problems when there are more than enough genuine problems to worry about.

      Pointing this out did not negate my retraction, which was honest and heartfelt. And I certainly don’t make any apology for hating the abuse being inflicted on so many by Watchtower.

      • August 29, 2016 at 11:05 pm
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        Thats it Cedars. Make no apology for hating the WT because they most certainly show no quarter so none should be shown.
        Lets never forget that these people are ok for people to go on dying on their behalf and to continue with their lies and deceit. I find it hard to believe that they aren’t aware of what they’re inflicting. They simply don’t care and they (WT and GB) deserve no courtesy of any kind. They’re pigs, as are all cult leaders.

  • August 29, 2016 at 3:21 am
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    Well done for being honest and big enough to admit you’d made a mistake. I think people who can put up their hand and admit a mistake make it easier to trust them. I wouldn’t trust WT at all, since I know historically they’re not ones to admit a mistake.

  • August 29, 2016 at 4:25 am
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    Class class class is all I can say young man. Perhaps the GB could learn a little humility from you. Good Man you are. Keep them coming!!

  • August 29, 2016 at 4:58 am
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    I am just curious.
    What would happen, if someone from current active JW ‘s would write letter to GJackson or to headquarters or local branch with questions about RC? This is website of Australian government, so this is not apostates website.

    • August 29, 2016 at 6:38 am
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      I did that last year when I was still a JW and an elder. They sent a reply to the body of elders in the congregation. A reply which did not include me even though I was an elder. The letter instructed the other elders to review my qualifications to continue to serve since I was showing signs of apostate thinking.

      I hope that answered your question.

      • August 29, 2016 at 7:30 am
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        Yes Chiafade, the WTS are so hypocritical when it comes to responding to people that write to them with genuine critical concerns.
        Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone…” (ESV)
        Yet it is fine for them to question your faith and gossip about you with others and even damage your good reputation.
        Unfortunately lots of elder bodies are like packs of hyenas: they can’t wait to pounce on each other the moment one of them does something wrong or if they see a chance to get their hands on the other one’s privilege.
        On a related (sort of) point, it will be interesting to see how many elders start growing beards (especially in America and Latin countries) after the point in the September 2015 study edition. I know of some who have let theirs grow and the rest of the body have called Bethel to complain and threatened to remove their privileges if they don’t shave it off. Talk about double standards!!!

      • August 29, 2016 at 9:35 am
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        i dont belive you.
        Why review…this is gov website….whats wrong with reading gov websites?

      • August 29, 2016 at 9:40 am
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        even if that would be true….
        they would have inform elders about RC…
        did they ?
        on what basis should they review yours qualifications?

        • August 30, 2016 at 12:36 am
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          Questong to this day they have not informed anyone INCLUDING the elders about the royal commission investigation. Just check the news section on jw.org there is not one peep about the royal commission investigation or the charity commission investigation in the UK.

          It’s not in their best interests to tell the rank and file about these investigations nor, most importantly, the REASONS for these investigations. They would rather the JWs believe their convention propaganda that the world is persecuting them because they are “Jehovahs” chosen.

          You can choose not to believe me all you want. That’s your choice. Just like shunning, it doesn’t make people nor facts disappear just because they make you uncomfortable.

          Another ex elder and ex witness I spoke showed them the royal commission website. They told him and I quote “if its not on jw.org it’s apostate information period”. You can’t make this stuff up. There’s no need to. To many are experiencing the same things.

      • August 29, 2016 at 10:55 am
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        @ Chiafade;

        Good for you in questioning the ‘faithful and discrete slave!

        Per the never ending policy of the WTBTS trying to squash dissent by ‘killing the messenger’. Similar to Bro. Carl O. Johsson’s efforts to dislodge the Watchtower from its erroneous belief of 607 BC as the date of Jerusalem’s destruction (he was disfellowshipped for the effort). His book, which information the Society soundly rejected, “Gentile Times Reconsidered”, is currently in its fourth printing.

        Anything and anyone that does not agree 100% in lock step with the current understanding of the ‘faithful and discrete’ slave is an anathema to them; a cancer that must be silenced and removed….quickly.

        However, the TTATT (the Truth about the TRUTH) is slowly being revealed thanks to the tireless efforts of Lloyd Evans, Carl O. Jonsson, the late Raymond Franz and others. As they say at ExJW Critical Thinker, “would you rather have questions you can’t answer or ANSWERS YOU CAN’T QUESTION”?

        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHhWSPtMDTSa8dzapmzo5A

        Thanks again Lloyd for your honesty and humility for pointing out your mistake. That in and of itself takes true class, unfortunately not found or practiced by the spirit anointed/begotten ‘faithful and discrete slave’ at the WTBTS.

  • August 29, 2016 at 5:43 am
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    Dear Lloyd

    I enjoy your blog and posts very much and your writing style too. The topics are always to the point and denote great thinking. I’m an ex elder and MTS and have been serving faithfully for many years, until I’ve come across the horrible child abuse scandals and the brilliant job the royal commission is doing in Australia. I’m now a fader, like many others, and trying to recover from the hangover of the indoctrination I received since I was a child.

    The reason why I’m writing this comment is because I’d like to share few points on the JW’S and the approach taken by ex-jw’s towards them. I can understand the disappointment and anger that derive from dealing with the non sensicality of the doctrines and man made policies, but we’ve got to remember that most of us were like them, thought like them, hoped like them, lived and breathed like them; we believed that this was the only truth!

    It doesn’t matter how hard you try to convince a JW of the foolishness of their beliefs, they will not accept the reality because this religion, like all the other religions, appeals to the human needs of justice, peace, hope and love for God. JW’S are not dumbs or fools, like some of you call them, not more than a Muslim, a Catholic, a Buddhist or an atheist are; they simply believe with all their heart that shunning a person who was disfellowshiped, or refusing blood or going door to door and so on is the best and only way to worship God and obey his commandments.

    On the GB, I share R. Franz’s thought: they’re victims of victims. No one with a little bit of common sense would try to support the rule of 2 witnesses before a case of a child abuse, and I can speak from experience because I was abused when 7 years old by a non-Jw. These people truly believe, to a delusional level, that a GT is coming and so it’s Armaggedon. The despicable videos broadcasted at the latest convention would ring a bell in any person’s mind that there’s something wrong here, and to a certain extent I know quite a few JW’s who would like to change, or at least see changes, to some of the doctrines and policies because they genuinely believe that Jehovah is guiding this organisation.

    My fear is that this propaganda will eventually draw the wrong kind of attention and may result in a ban or worse a persecution against them and I don’t to think that my family and friends will be ready to die for 7 deluded men and their crazy ideas.

    Funny enough when I realised all of this I was praying to Jehovah to help see where the truth was. I’m really sorry for all those disfellowshiped ones who have suffered because of this but please remember that the witnesses are victims too.

    I agree with S. Freud: religion is an illusion and it derives it’s strength from the fact that it falls in with our instinctual desires.

    • August 29, 2016 at 7:33 am
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      I support your comment by %99. I just want to point out to things:
      1 – “love for God” listed as “human needs” ? Come on…
      2 – JWs are dumbs and fools indeed. Catholics too. I guess Muslims and Hindus too (don’t know them so well). I’m not sure about the Buddists, it seems like it’s more about philosophy and psychology rather than supernatural beliefs, don’t know. Why would a atheist be dumb? NOT having supernatural beliefs? (sure there are dumb atheists, as there are dumb taxi drivers, but that’s not the point). It’s ok to be misguided, we all are/have been on some issue but a reasonable person would have your attitude: consider the evidence, modify your position; not that “new light lalalala I can’t hear you” attitude. If some qualifies as dumb at all, it’s certainly that kind of JW

      • August 29, 2016 at 11:54 am
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        Hi Matias

        Thanks for your comment but I still stand my ground, I don’t call people fools or dumbs for having or not having a belief.

        The only way to find answers is to start asking the questions, but when you think that you have all the answers, like the witnesses tend to believe or any other believer regardless whether religious or not, then it’s very unlikely you will go on a search for anything new. When I was an active jw I’ve come across apostate accusations and all this stuff, but nothing would move me from believing I had the truth because I would always go back to their publications and would find a logical way to dismiss the doubts. I don’t consider myself a dumb for this, I am graduated – thanks mom and dad for sending me to uni in spite of what the big brother said – and have an inquisitive mind and love reading and researching. The problem with this org is that they manage to convince all the adherents to overlook and dismiss the mistakes and their past in a very crafty way, even when confronted with something like Mr Jackson & CO and their embarrassing deposition before the RC.

        It took me a while to accept the evidence, then I confronted elders, Co and so on but still in front of logical, sensible reasoning and evidence they would still believe that we don’t have all the facts and cannot say. When you really love someone you will find difficult to accept that all that you loved and lived for is a lie and a deceit, in the same way a woman continues living with an abusive husband and yet she still loves him only because he always finds the way to convince her that he loves her and will change. Our mind and the way it operates are a mistery.

        I just hope and pray that this madness won’t escalate any further….

    • August 29, 2016 at 11:16 am
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      @ Mark;

      Truly sorry for your past experiences, its heart breaking to hear.

      I agree with your comments about Jehovah’s Witnesses completely. We were like them at one time or another. But what changed us? An unforgettable event? A unsubstantiated rumor?

      The difference is, and it is a great difference, namely that “there are none so blind as those who REFUSE to see”. When given evidence of their doctrinal short comings and it is pointed out that their doctrines are truly their interpretation only, most JW’s turn aside or get annoyed/argumentative.

      You cannot change or influence those that ‘refuse to see’. ONLY when they get no answers to their questions (or get into hot water for asking) and do their own research themselves then they will come to realize TTATT (the truth about the TRUTH) and not before.

      As OUBLIETTE is so fond of saying, “Let’s review… its a cult”.

      • August 29, 2016 at 11:59 am
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        Hi big b

        Thanks for your sympathy. I know that they refuse to see, but this doesn’t make them more fool than anyone else who believes in something. I don’t think this religion has made anyone worse. Every cloud has a silver lining.

        • August 29, 2016 at 1:51 pm
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          @ Mark;

          Truly spoken. This religion is filled with good, kind people who are, unfortunately duped.

          For example: if someone came to you and asked you to work for them selling a product ‘cold-calling’ (going unannounced and uninvited) door to door on your own dime would you do it? I bet you wouldn’t. You would think yourself badly used if you did. Why is it any different if the work is religious and is sponsored by a multi-million dollar Bible publishing corporation which requires a monthly time card but you still don’t get paid? Crazy, no.

          You not only work for pro bono but in order to engage in this ‘charitable’ work you must follow certain guidelines that involve every aspect of your life. For example: if you’re male how much, if any, facial hair are you allowed, how about your dress and grooming, for women is that skirt to revealing and why not a business attire such as pants suits? Are your children involved, do you get enough time in this “charitable work”, do you allow to much entertainment or hobbies to crowd out ‘kingdom interests’ and field ministry?

          This list of non-Bible based Pharisaic rules and regulations being imposed on JW’s is a far cry from what the apostles wrote to the Gentile brothers namely,
          It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: 29 You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.” ACTS 15:28-29. http://biblehub.com/acts/15-29.htm

          In short is the silver lining worth selling of yourself and your ambitions and desires for absolutely no gain? I think not. Truly I can’t see a “silver lining” at the cost of my selling out of my soul.

          • August 30, 2016 at 12:22 pm
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            Exactly!! Cults with silver linings?
            Can’t see it.

  • August 29, 2016 at 6:03 am
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    A retraction is a way to admit a mistake and shows journalistic integrity. More people will follow you because you have higher standards of journalism.

  • August 29, 2016 at 6:07 am
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    Wow. Well, one cannot be right 100% of the time. Humans are so prone to error. And, having seen all that goes on with the Watchtower, including doing some pretty underhanded things at times, up to and including serious misuse of sources and deceptions in print regarding others, it would have been no surprise if the recording had been faked. But, that it wasn’t this time around doesn’t absolve the organization from the other times.

    Would that the Watchtower family would apologize for their errors in judgment as you did! But, then, if they did, a lot of their theology would go into the discard. Imagine if they would admit that they were inconsistent with their own rules regarding the placement of the Divine Name in their Bible! Or, if they admitted that they misused sources and that they falsely translated passages in their Bible to cover up what the Bible really teaches in the original languages! Or, that they would admit that they retain Jehovah readings in two places in the face of current research that reveals that Jesus is also Jehovah in the oldest readings in the manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures (or, Greek New Testament)!

    It’ll never happen but that you apologized for your small error is at least an example of your real desire for truth to be known. Both your example and their examples speak volumes: good for you and not so good for them.

  • August 29, 2016 at 6:09 am
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    @ Cedars: You are an all round good egg. You show Insight and Perspicacity, along with humility in your Honesty. Would that our former Watchtower overloads demonstrated they have the same! Bravo, Sir…and a big Thank you to the JW Survey Writing team, for adopting the same Winning format.

  • August 29, 2016 at 7:21 am
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    Excellent Lloyd and hats off to you. I can’t say anymore than has already been stated in the other comments. You set yourself apart as a better man then the WTS by your apology.

  • August 29, 2016 at 7:48 am
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    LOVE THE PUPPIES! Wish you could ship one to me in the USA so I could name it Cedar or Lloyd! My family wouldn’t know until they woke up and realized apostates come in all forms!

  • August 29, 2016 at 7:50 am
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    No, no.. You received “new light”.

    • August 29, 2016 at 10:26 am
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      sorry Matias.. I just noticed you commented about “new light” as well.. Didn’t mean to copy :)

  • August 29, 2016 at 10:18 am
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    Cedars admire your courage in correcting your oversight errors. But, I’d like to note that something I missed in my previous response and no one notes here–to whom was this JWtv video intended? What is left out here is the context of Russia–recall that for years the Watchtower had limited communications with its Russian associates, especially after the 1962 switch to the “superior authorities”. A switch which left persons of such staunch God-first-governments-never beliefs stumped and leery of reconnecting after the Iron Curtain and USSR regime fell apart suspecting the mandate to place submission to governments as part of “theocratic order” as a KGB plot. Schism–some groups in Russia reject any Watchtower literature since this 1962 date either suspecting the KGB or US intelligence as subverting the leadership.

    Which brings up a conspiracy theory potential, the US CIA began mind-control experiments using LSD and other conscious-alternating approaches, even experimenting on private citizens in some cases, around the 1962 period. What if–? [Google Project MKULTRA for the details of what this experimenting expected to create] Individuals were subjected to mind-control–some of these leaders were possibly imprisoned, tortured, and other “trials” that proofed them as “anointed ones”(144k) by US, Nazi Germany and even Communist countries which could have included mind-control experiments (usually these heinous projects are derived from Germany’s WW2 history not that USA is any innocent). Flip a switch, so to speak, and a docile, obscure religious group becomes an ongoing off-the-books experiment in governing without mass enforcement personnel.

    Ever notice how eagerly and willingly JW’s are to confess to their “sins” and “crimes”–even the private ones? Or, feel compelled to explain every action, even when one decides to part company with the W*? An indoctrinated need for external authority.

    • August 29, 2016 at 3:08 pm
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      Sir, good read but may i just mention a few things that are not a conspiracy in thought or in imagination.
      You mentioned LSD. Well this was a DOD funded program until shut down but later went on to become what they call a black budget program.(congress or senate had no idea this was happening) Much like the Iran Contra affair and lately the Benghazi operation.
      In the 60s they would entice men who were under the
      influence of acid. It could of been purple haze or sunshine. Sunshine was favored by many. In Frisco the address was 25 Broad Street were this experiment was held. The purpose was to ascertain whether a man would reveal secrets to hookers while
      under the acid trip.Women were also told secrets and while drugged questioned and both men and woman sometimes failed and other time were successful. The view of many at the time was that these subjects were not holding a great deal of info in their minds and face it the woman who ran this op were hookers and were not quite keen on how to draw info from subjects. I could go on and explain more but I think this is sufficient to take on the conspiracy idea. Let us put that idea to rest. The FOIA has released a partial view of this experiment. Most folks today would just keep on texting and go on with their life and have no idea what you are talking about. The older Vet from Nam might have an inkling about this. I just happen to know 2 officers that went to Berkley during this time. I have read their papers after their death and I do believe much of this was redacted

      have a great day
      Pj

      • August 29, 2016 at 4:32 pm
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        The FOIA provides the documentation that was spared the shredding knife. FOIA doesn’t touch and reveal ALL information.

        So, the door is wide open for conspiracy theories.

    • August 29, 2016 at 3:14 pm
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      @ JBob;

      “Ever notice how eagerly and willingly JW’s are to confess to their “sins” and “crimes”–even the private ones? Or, feel compelled to explain every action, even when one decides to part company with the W*? An indoctrinated need for external authority”.

      Very true! Unbelievable, isn’t it? It’s the same old game that the WTBTS has played for years. They control you by FOG (fear, obligation and guilt) and as a result of their spy network of congregational snitches it makes totalitarian regimes like Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany look like a bunch of pacifists.

      When my elders came to visit me, at the end of my fade, I told them in front of my wife and my brother that I no longer believed that the ‘faithful and discrete slave’ had or ever had God’s infallible Holy Spirit. If they had the Holy Spirit they would be correct at all times especially in matters of doctrine. But they are not correct, why? Because they are just guessing. Well, I can do that myself and be just as wrong as they are. To my understanding I cannot, for the life of me, recall a Scriptural reference of ‘New Light’ or revealed truth being spoken of. (Except in case of the identity of the Messiah which was done to protect the linage from extinction.)

      When they heard that both elders (one was the presiding overseer or coordinator of the body of elders or whatever the title is now) got up and left especially after I told them, in no uncertain terms, that my family and I would never return.

      If the elders want a signed letter from me of my disassociation they won’t get it, period. If the elders invite me to their ‘star chamber apostasy show trial’ or send me a certified letter it will be sent unopened ‘RETURN TO SENDER’ with postage due. The WTBTS has no hold on me whatsoever! So let the ‘shunning’ begin, I don’t care.

      • August 29, 2016 at 9:49 pm
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        Any genuine baptism should be to the ever living Deity, not to a human contrivance; but just toss aside liberating eternal truth when progressing upon other rungs.

        • August 29, 2016 at 9:55 pm
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          I meant JUST DON’T toss aside liberating eternal truth. [We can’t here edit typing mistakes].

        • August 30, 2016 at 11:31 pm
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          Not Safe For Believers (NSFB)

          And, there lies the can-o-worms because a critical thinker would go back to the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matt 7:24-) and extract more from it. Another “what-if”, suppose the Watchtower’s recent shift in “this generation” was built on purpose of correcting a flaw in its previous teachings–Dogma 2007. Yet, the previous teaching (Dogma 2007, here the date is to pinpoint when a “new thought” was released) was a correction to another flawed projection (Dogma 1994), and with these adjustments it created a series of corollary teachings to cover and rationalize the flawed assumptions discovered in Dogma 1994. Yet, Dogma 1994 was to adjust for failure to fulfill in Dogma 1984, or maybe sincere questions from blatant inconsistencies in Dogma 1984. Those inconsistencies in Dogma 1984 were actually derived because Dogma 1984 was a correction and adjustment to flawed Dogma 1972. And, on and on, until we discover that a series of “corrections” and corollary beliefs reaches back to Dogma 1844, which was based on an iconic “Christendom” and “Babylonian” pastor’s beliefs derived from an equally iconic “C” & “B” pastor’s speculative writings.

          Have we built upon the Rock or have we built upon the shifting sands so that when the rising and changing populous washes through, the beliefs must be changed and swept aside? do we have a belief structure to stand for the Ages, for Eternity–immutable?

          • September 8, 2016 at 8:40 am
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            @ JBob

            “Have we built upon the Rock or have we built upon the shifting sands so that when the rising and changing populous washes through, the beliefs must be changed and swept aside? do we have a belief structure to stand for the Ages, for Eternity–immutable?”

            Most definitely the “skyscraper” of JW dogma is built on the shifting sands of, what has proved to be, the guesswork of imperfect men pretending to have God’s infallible Holy Spirit.

            A quick glance into the Watchtowers sordid history proves as much. Starting with the hostile takeover of the Watchtower by the drunken sot ‘Judge’ J.F. Rutherford. Almost everything the JW’s believe; their name, their ministry, where they meet, etc. comes from the Judge. They should call themselves ‘Rutherfordites’ and leave Jehovah out of it.

            The beliefs do not coincide with any of the goofy beliefs of Pastor Russell or Holy Scripture. For example can anyone show me, in the Bible, the phrase “Paradise Earth”? Type that on your Watchtower CD Library (in quotes) and see what you can find. SPOILER ALERT: mentioned plenty of times in the literature. However, not ONCE in the Bible, period.

            The July 15, 2013 Watchtower made it a point to throw ‘Chuckie’ Russell and his followers under the bus. Why? To show that they did not have God’s direction or infallible Holy Spirit because their doctrines were flawed. But not one elder, in my congregation, noticed the ‘Rapture’ shown in the timeline printed in that issue. Why? Because it was not discussed in the study. Truth hidden in plain sight. Once again gullible JW’s are kept in the dark as to what their doctrine is by the continued understanding of NEW LIGHT! Over 100 years as a religious organization and still can’t get a handle on their doctrine as it changes every 20 years with NEW LIGHT. Miraculous, isn’t it? God’s infallible Holy Spirit in action! Yeah, right. :)

  • August 29, 2016 at 10:25 am
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    Are you sure you were wrong and not just awakened to “New Light”? :P
    Seriously though, your retraction shows more honesty and humility than the “B’org” has ever shown.
    Keep up the great work!
    Cheers!

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:01 pm
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    you have my admiration, my respect and my full support. we all have feet of clay. greetings and love from across the pond.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:11 pm
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    Fair play to you Mr Evans Sir. I really appreciate all your efforts for this site and the diligent work of the many other contributors. I certainly don’t agree with you on everything, but after seven years out of the Org., it is still so refreshing to be free to consider others thoughts and ideas, examine my own beliefs and conclusions and compare and contrast. Whether we call it ‘critical thinking’, ‘open-mindedness’ or ‘freedom to embrace alternative possibilities’, it certainly makes my life more enjoyable and exciting than the blinkered mindset I was raised with. To all who administer, contribute to and make this site work….please keep it going.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:23 pm
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    Lloyd, what else can be said? Well done! I admire you more than ever.

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:50 pm
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    Your a good man. One who is quick to admit a mistake no matter how small shows that person to have values and principles

  • August 29, 2016 at 2:57 pm
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    Well, all my money was on Explanation #3, that the JWBroadcasting version was a fabrication. I lost…

    Should have listened to all those Watchtower articles about not gambling.

  • August 29, 2016 at 7:45 pm
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    Thank you Lloyd for your intelctual integrity, I wished the organization would adknowldge this. But I’m sure they are disappointed that you are not propagating apostate driven lies ;).
    Obviously you still don’t want to go door to door which is your main motivation to lead this activism against god’s organization…..right?

  • August 29, 2016 at 8:59 pm
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    Lots of religious groups claim that they are the channel God is using. But guess what? God has given to us a way to find out WHO he really is using by these few scriptures. If your “prophet” or “organization” or “Channel” to God does NOT meet these requirements set out by God Himself then you don’t have the channel to God that he is using.

     This may be a big blow to the JW’s because their WT organization NEVER, NEVER has displayed ANY of these situations of Divine guidance. NEVER, and they will admit it. So people, you have a choice set before you, either God is TRUE in what he says or your religion, your religious teachings are NOT from God,

     PLEASE think that over very carefully what I have said here….These are GODs requirements, not mine…

    Num 12:6  And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

    Num 12:7  My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
    Num 12:8  With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches

    Job 33:14  For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
    Job 33:15  In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

    Lloyd, do me a Favor, if you don’t want my opinions here let me know, I don’t want censorship, I don’t need this in my life if you stop my opinions and ridicule me. I already went through one JW cult experience, don’t need another from you, just be honest with me.
    I’ve been out of the JW’s since 1991…I’ve only recently been interested in what is happening with the JW’s. If you don’t like my opinions then I won’t waste my time here. I am truly out of the JWs, you won’t be untill you throw out your library…it will take time but that’s when you know you won….I’m here to help you, not fight with you…

    • August 29, 2016 at 11:44 pm
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      Hello Joseph, thank you for your comment, but I don’t need you to tell me what I should do with my Watchtower collection if I want to be considered a bonafide Ex-JW, and I certainly don’t need you evangelizing on this website because you believe you have fallen out of one set of false beliefs and, by happy coincidence, have found God’s one and only truth all over again.

      Our religious neutrality policy is clear and non-negotiable. If you refuse to abide by it, there are plenty of other websites you can comment on. But I’m in no haste to block you because, as my post highlights, we all make mistakes. :)

      • August 30, 2016 at 11:15 am
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        Actually I am not here to evangelize anyone. My point in Scripture that I showed would have been a big help when I was ousted from the WT, that’s all. I put those out there to help, not evangelize. As to YOU, Lloyd, I think you are doing a great job in helping people. I really mean it.
        When we get out of the WT we all are at a different place. It’s like going through a bad marriage. A lot of anger, bitterness, depression, most of you know what I mean. When I got out I started a group called the Cult Information Network in my area. It wasn’t just for the JW’S but for all cults because I studied a lot of them, read major books, Steve Hassans combatting Cult Mind Control, Ray Franz’s books Crisis of Conscience, his second book, In Search of Christian Freedom, David’s Reeds stuff through his ministry and some of his books, and to tons of others books. I went to major Cult seminars and even had my organization mentioned in one of the major Cult Help journals that listed hundreds of cult support groups. This is all before we had this major internet stuff. This lasted some years till I finally weaned myself away form a lot of it because I understood it all and went on with my life, got involved in cable TV in my area and went on to other topics, Town history, politics, fighting Illegal Immigration in my town through the use of video through a cable show. Did hundreds of shows. The point I want to make is we ALL go through this phase and how long we go through it is up to each individual and their circumstances.

        Now as to my comment about the WT library that you have. I had at one time year books going back to the 50’s. MANY years later I threw them all out, kept a few JW’s books and thats that. WHY? Because these people don’t run me anymore for me to fight them. I don’t need to uses their information on them to tell them they are wrong, remember, they make the rules. I did that when I was in the group. I had countless letters flying back and forth,to the NY branch, ALL FOR NOTHING and a waste of time as I see it now. Believe me, I was right in what I wrote, but again, they make the rules, by writing to them was a sign of “loose conduct”, “going ahead of God’s organization” bla bla bla..
        Jesus said “If the blind lead the blind they both fall into the pit” These people mean NOTHING to me anymore. I don’t need to picket their conventions or get web sites to defeat them because you can’t. When one gets to that point where you don’t fight them anymore then you win.. Ultimately you will all win, how long it takes is up to you…..

        Untill then each and everyone of you need to find out where you are in you ex-JW life, get the help you need to unwind yourselves from this insidious falsity, educate yourselves, use this forum/website to unwind yourselves, help others and finally get the peace of God the Bible talks about….YOU all need to decide where that place is. But one thing is for sure, you will NOT fix the Watchtower. They make their own rules and if you try to get back into their place you might as will committee suicide, it’s not going to happen unless you make it happen that way, but rest assured if you go back you will probably never progress any further in that organization because you have been marked for life. The Watchtower is freedom in a fish bowl. So anyway, that is my opinion. It’s sad to see so many people that have been abused by the WT. But you also have to remember when the Bible talks about the False prophets in the book of Deuteronomy, while mentioning the false prophecies you all understand, one thing you might have missed, the last sentence of that scripture, because it says a lot. I am NOT preaching here, I am just making a point:

        Duet 18:
        22 If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

        False Prophets rule by FEAR. Remember that….The WT society has taken Jesus Christ hostage and now beats the sheep. Be glad you are all out of that….They rule by FEAR. They are are not a religion but a corporation, what I call, Corporate Christianity, the Mormons are like that too…When a person writes to the WT have you noticed nobody signs their real name if it’s a letter to them. They always have initials, and those initials aren’t even their initials of those writing back to you. What kind of people who claim they have Jesus Christ as their example would write back to you in such a un personalized way? Anyway, I need the JW’s like I need a hole in my head….. Anyway, I wrote an article when I got out of the WT called. “The Ultimate Rape by Joe Rizoli” look it up if any are interested….That article was my unwinding from the WT….
        Again, Lloyd you have a great web site and you videos are a great teaching tool….

        • August 30, 2016 at 2:52 pm
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          Fix??? Who want to fix what?

    • August 31, 2016 at 12:12 am
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      @JRiz – I understand what you’re saying… It’s like getting out of a bad lust, or love, relationship. If you’re constantly writing in your journal about how this significant other of yours did you wrong, or tracking what that ex is doing today, at this moment, you’re not “over it”. And, the excuse is, I need to warn others about the “bad experience” with this significant other, but reality, your ex may be the right choice (at that time or always) for that other person, or the other person simply clicks with that ex. Nothing bad about yourself, but you were not the right match.

      The problem is, the ex is just as obsessed in not getting over it. They are vilifying your name to everyone you knew, and didn’t. So, the two of you are locked in a love-hate relationship–separated, but still at each other.

      How to deal?
      -Chalk it up to a learning experience.
      -Get new set of friends–for your peace.
      -Get new relatives, new family.
      -Assess how the experience has made you
      stronger through adversity.

      Create a new village, a new set of “bloods”–put the former behind you if they’re unable to respect your new choices or you’re not able to respect their choices. That latter bit reflects a bit of growth needed by the self, too, because coming out of JW-world, b/w-thinking remains a crutch for years. And, it can take some persons an herculean effort to shatter out of that box. Example, have a friend who is Islam or Buddhist, and not have a drive to preach at them–just be. Those JW’s (few of them) who are bohemian (nonconformist) with an assortment of diverse and inclusive associates are often why person’s look confused when some website reports negatively about JW’s.

  • August 29, 2016 at 9:27 pm
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    The Spirit reaches ‘all flesh’ as do “The seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” And even ‘if even only two have gathered together…’ It’s likely ill motivated crafty disrupters have crept in, and sought to rein, as elsewhere; and biblically too warned against [2Peter chapter 2, etc].

  • August 30, 2016 at 2:52 am
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    Reply me !!!!

    I am just curious.
    What would happen, if someone from current active JW ‘s would write letter to GJackson or to headquarters or local branch with questions about RC? This is website of Australian government, so this is not apostates website.

    Please write all possible cases.
    If i speak another language would they translate my letter for edlers of local congregation?
    Would they notify them about RC?
    would they risk theirs faith telling them about RC?
    would they translate whole RC material for them to speak with me ?

    Please answear me !!!!

    I HAVE TO KNOW IT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.

    if you have some such letters obfuscate names on them and send here please.

  • August 30, 2016 at 5:07 am
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    Dear Questong,
    I didn’t ask WTS about the royal commission, but did speak to elders. They weren’t interested at all if the allegations were true or not. The only thing they really cared was if I got the information from apostate website. So the problem to be handled was much easier, being my apostacy and not the pedophilia issue.
    I did however write to WTS about subliminales images and they first answered by a standard answer. I wrote a second time, pushing further and never got an answer.

  • August 30, 2016 at 3:33 pm
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    Lloyd, I think we all understand. Watchtower isn’t above lying to further its propaganda.

    The 1958 book omitting the persecution message is strange, but like everyone else has said…at least you’ve manned up and realised you were mistaken. Making one mistake doesn’t nullify what you say…and admitting it only proves you’re heart is in the right place.

  • August 30, 2016 at 7:29 pm
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    and once again, I am refreshed by your honesty and your integrity. Carry on and may our Father continue to bless your efforts leading so many to the Christ for salvation. oh and here’s a hug for you cuz I know you’re feeling dreadful. Thank you for all that you do.

  • August 31, 2016 at 10:02 am
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    Dear Loyd,
    Even if we have different opinions about the BITE model, and I never will agree totally with Steve Hassan’s suggested model, because more studies must be done in the future about mind control to persuade me, and others of the worlwide psychiatric community..I must say that in this particular case, it decorates you for your honesty, and intelectual integrity.
    Greetings, yoda!

  • September 1, 2016 at 7:23 am
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    Great job Lloyd. I was going to post earlier but have had to settle my anger down somewhat. I posted on the Tony Morris thread about an experience the other day. I’m not going to go into detail again.. you can read it there if you want. Basically what happened was I was picking up my granddaughter from her sitter, who just happened to be an elders wife. She gave the whole ‘last days, come back, only men…’ It eventually came out and I told her that I could not condone the non reporting of child abuse. this is what she said…

    ‘The children don’t matter..’

    As far as she was concerned Jehovah would remove all our memories of such abuse and would sort out the wrong doing. I was incredulous…. I had to leave. I told my daughter to never, ever put me in that situation again where I had to collect my grandchild from a cult member. I am certain her elder husband was loitering in the background as she spoke to ‘someone’ as she closed the door. They now have their ‘two witness’ rule to my ‘apostate’ rant. I hope they df me. I would be proud to be df’d for taking a stand against the cult.

  • September 1, 2016 at 7:56 am
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    That’s okay, they use all kinds of phony web pages and dummy sites. They use many hacked and corrupted viruses and malware and apps as I and others can attest to and as can be easily proven and in fact right at this very moment for the last year my neighbors and I have recorded the activities of this “ GOSE” WIFI at our apartment complex. It is a proxy server which has no origin no owner yet is responsible for much havoc. It says it’s from Mediacom the local cable company and we have all the data that is available.
    They would monitor and tamper with my MSword documents and Watchtower materials.
    Everyone has had their cable shut off and even when their cables and routers are gone or physically disconnected it is still there. I had to dispose of my computer last night because it while sitting on the table unattached was still being hacked and I could not stop the “Remote Access Connections” access. After 45 minutes of trying no matter where I took it and where plug I plugged it into. This after months of digital TV hacking and several phones. The FBI knows as well but we all know what that’s worth. I could go on but I won’t.

    Kurt Hennig
    http://www.watchtowercriminals.blogspot.com

  • September 1, 2016 at 4:45 pm
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    Thanks Cedar’s, is anyone working on comments re the upcoming September issue of the WT, Article Dress & Grooming, not only does it cover tight revealing clothing, but finally an article on Beards, it also states that in certain places appointed men have beards, look forward to it.

  • September 1, 2016 at 7:53 pm
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    Lloyd,

    This is my first time posting …. I have been following this site for a while … You and the team are an inspiration and please continue to keep up the great work!

    Even with this apology, you have shown far more humility than I have ever seen displayed by the organization. I am a third generation Witness “born in the truth”, baptized as a young one and now 17 years baptized, pioneered, everything the whole nine.

    Your apologetic article makes it even more clear that my awakening is not a mistake. Thank you.

    ~Apostate Babe

    P.S. – A fellow awakened friend gave me this name and I wholeheartedly accept it tongue-in-cheek.

    • September 2, 2016 at 1:39 am
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      Thank you! Well done on freeing yourself! :)

  • September 3, 2016 at 2:27 am
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    @ Cedars

    Kudos to you. It takes courage and humility to raise your hands and admit you messed up. Keep up the good work.

  • September 3, 2016 at 6:48 pm
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    The latest John Cedars video was awesome. Reading the Awake! magazine (No. 4 2016) on ‘What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?’ This quote is such a asinine quote: “While they reject homosexual acts, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not force their view on others, nor do they participate in homophobic hate crimes or rejoice when they hear of them.” Their publishing this magazine on this topic is forcing Jehovah’s Witnesses view on homosexuality onto others. Lloyd you’re absolutely correct on your short YouTube video on this matter.

    Watchtower needs to stop putting their hand in the hornet’s nest thinking that nothing bad will hurt him. My parents used to tell me, if you have nothing good to say, it is best not to say anything.

    I have my opinions on the whole LGBT issue, but it not my job to push my opinion on others. If you believe in God, let God deal with this issue. I respect people for who they are, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, gender, and whatever else.

    In addition, does not Jehovah’s Witnesses have to deal with their real problems of Child Sexual Abuse. The LGBT community does not have this problem.

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