How Millions of Jehovah's Witnesses are Trapped by Fear & Guilt
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- čas přidán 25. 09. 2022
- It's the perfect cocktail served up by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses: scare them and make them feel bad about it. Millions are trapped by the FEAR that they must stay in this organization... and then hit with guilt for knowing something is wrong. We take a look at these powerful 'weapons,' as well as share thoughts on breaking free.
#jehovahwitnesses #exjw #watchtower #jw #governingbody
TWITTER: @exjwpodcast
INSTAGRAM: survivingparadisepodcast
Thank you Stacy, I appreciated this podcast you did! I was an elder for 10 years a ministerial servant for 7 years. And to be truthful I never had any good experiences. I was the territory servant, the talk servant, and as an elder the secretary. And every time I would turn around some jealous publisher would try like hell to get me in trouble, and it would end up backfiring on them. The point is though is why in the world would these ones who professed to love with agape love always try to stab you in the back? Being in different congregations would start out well, and then just slowly fall apart. So many narcissists under one roof it’s unbelievable.
I saw very similar things as an elder AJ! Many decisions are made by a dominant personality on the BOE...it has zero to do with spirituality! And tons of narcissism!
My goodness! You must have been through a lot. Many brothers and sisters are backstabbers. I realized that over the years as well.
The main one's are the Elders feeding there massive ego and not practicing love and kindness.
Something they love to talk about but many miss the whole point of true Christianity.
But boy o boy don't they love to blow there own trumpet.
Since 1914 everything in Jehovah cult.was installed shunning to protect sinners to lead to repentance ,as without repentace after one has shun ,he must repent,how will a sinner be found repented if nothing is done,its a consingnement of God Jehovah through apostle and Jessus too,as it is jessus that has chosen through apostle
And 2 Cor ch 2 and Ch 5 ,about how to do to encourage a siner to come torepentance ,so why are you groaming ,for God wait for Judgement you will cease your laughing.which I heard during yout podcast .
I would say another thing that keeps them trapped is the belief that they are special, better than the average person that is not smart enough, humble enough or lucky enough to win the belief lottery and make the required sacrifices.
Those quotes about pushing guilt on brothers both for having kids and also for having a vasectomy was gold.
They have destroyed lives an they just don't care . There are no words to describe all the abuse's that children have suffered, my heart goes out to you all , don't let them win, heal an grow Strong , take your beautiful soul's back , so much love an healing 🦚💖🦚
So true Louise, it truly makes me sick. I hope we can encourage people to get out!
Thank you ❣️
I remember an older Bethelite sis . told me and my just married wife in 1990 that we probably shouldn’t have kids since we’re so close to the end ! Thank goodness we ignored her to have beautiful kids and adorable grandkids ......only one is still indoctrinated but I think it’s only a matter of time with the one !
So many people got the same message!
Not just Jehovah's Witnesses, but all those in Abrahamic cults are trapped in fear and guilt.
Speaking only for myself, when I left the cult it was like having cataracts removed from my eyes . Instead of a dim and dreary grey colored outlook on life, things became crystal clear with an entire new perception of life and what it has to offer. Thanks so much for relating your take on this false religion. Amen, brother!
I think many of us can relate Dave!
My father told us kids, "You couldn't live without me!"
Very similar abuse comes from Watchtowerland. "You need us!"
Fear, guilt, and mind-kontrol are tools the WT uses liberally against members.
I left home at age 16 and survived.
I left Watchtower in 2000 and survived very well. I live better now than I ever did as a JW.
@Stacey I just gotta add that I knew I'd never survive if I didn't deconstruct the JW teachings. That cult sets us up to fail if we dare to leave. My journals are full of picking apart every WT teaching/propaganda. I got plenty of therapy as well. Life is way better on the outside of that stinkin' borg.💩
🥂🥂🍉🍊🍋🍌🍍🥭🍏🍐🍑🍒🍓🍅🍄🥑🧄🧅🥕💐🌸🌹🌺🌻🌼🌷
Esther Yes exactly the scare tactics they use is no different than an abuser uses if you leave this, that, or other will happen to you and you can’t survive without them or Jehovah.
I'm so glad you broke free Esther!!
@@marwatson7408 Exactly! Thanks for your comment @Mar.
I couldn't agree more, it's the governing body's tyrannical use of a lot of "appeal to fear & authority" fallacies, guilt tripping & fear tactics thru shunning & doomsday scenarios. This has been their tune since Rutherford. The members' bondage to submit, left them no choice but to conform to the governing body's dictatorial policies that kept on piling up. They were held hostage to this cycle of toxicity, that's why they're just too exhausted & terribly overburdened.
It's so true Rafael. It's a lifetime of fear and guilt :(
Thank you Stacy. I think You left out *Obligation* - the last ingredient of the terrible triad and thus we have the acronym “the F.O.G.” for fear, obligation and guilt. Obligation to report field service - the elder asked me about reporting time spent informal witnessing. I enjoyed the relaxed approach to informal witnessing and often did not report it as I felt uneasy about clocking the time I spent talking to persons about my faith. It was unsettling to me and when I think about it, this was what started my waking up process as far back as 2005/6 but didn’t realise it at the time. There’s this excellent video on the FOG done by Ex-JW Critical Thinker a few years ago. It’s a must watch
Good point Dantoinette! So much to include here!! I've seen some of his videos; does a very nice job! You and I woke up roughly the same time period
Being a JW kid in the 80s, I describe the impact in one word. Fear. All encompassing fear. Still dealing with anxiety in my 40s, and I’ve been out for over 20 years.
This org talks love but in reality it is fear that motivates you. The org loves fear. I am in my 50s and images I was shown in my formative years still bother me.
They think they can scare you into paradise.
Fear.....fear all the time. constantly!
When I decided to leave I kid you not I was waiting for Jehovah to strike me down. The fear I use to have with lightning was unbelievable. I feel silly now just thinking about it but when you’re in it you can’t think straight and it’s so real for you. It’s true how you say that you can leave but never check out. I have a huge JW family so I’ll always have some ties to this organization. May everyone find peace and true love.
So much trauma and detriment but I’m glad you got out.
You weren't alone Denise! Every bad thing that happened made me think 'is that Jehovah?'.....truth! They do a remarkable job and harming our minds! Like you, I still have family in; I'll always be attached in some way
Amen🙏🏻🌷
Thank you Stacy for saying it out loud.
Thank ookla,......a bit of a rant! LOL
Please Surviving Paradise permit me to mention that I telephone JW elders from around the UK. I now have 1,916 videos of these conversations with elders from an estimated 50% of British Congregation and I guess I've covered about 90% of Kingdom Halls in the UK. Many of my discussions cover individual chapters from their latest book: Enjoy Life Forever. It's amazing to hear elder after elder incapable of defending Jehovah's Witness doctrine. I was once a Oneness Pentecostal (1988-1989) this group is also known as Jesus Only or the Apostolic movement, I've never been a JW. I also have another 450+ videos in my Church Folk in Dialogue series where I speak to British Mormon, Oneness Pentecostal, Christadelphian, Iglesia ni Cristo, the Kip McKean founded cults ICC and ICoC and other similar cult leaders.
Fascinating! I've seen you share the information before....I will check it out. You've seen some of this first hand!
I have to said I love your podcast! I new to all this. I could said I was born in the jw org, I was baptized one week after my 12 birthday and left school to be a pioner in Mexico. I was disfellowshiped at 19. Since then, living on my own without my family. I have spent the past 22 years with that fear and even I have made my life outside, still believing then, still listening or reading their stuff once and a while until a month ago when I finally really wake up and stopped feeling guilty. Yes, even knowing I was raped by 2 ministerial sevant after my baptism. After 22 years, even then, has been a roller-coaster for me and going through a bad depression. Never read o listen to an "apostasy " cause of fear! So is really truth that u can not really leave.
Emmanuel, I so feel for what you've gone through. I was also sexually abused at the age of eight. You know it's not fair that our parents get to indoctrinate us in a way of believing that grooms us to be prey. Welcome to the healing of this podcast.🙂
I am so so sorry for all the abuse you have suffered in this cult an I really hope you got all the healing work to have survived these horrific acts. So sorry for your pain . 💟💟
Emmanuel Gonzales e dannete lewis ,da L'ITALIA sono sofferente nel profondo del mio cuore ascoltare le vostre sofferenze causati da maledetti schifosi malati mentali ,il mio augurio e che Gesu vi protegga visto che Geova non lo ha fatto ,O forse e perche questa organizzazione appartoene a satana ,siate forti a voi e capitato il piu grande crimine che esiste sul pianeta terra ,confortatevi perche gli apostati di tutto il mondo stanno denunciando questi crimini a lumanita intera per salvare tutte queste personi che cadono nella trappola Watchtower, il caso internazionale di pedofili ALL'INTERNO della congregazione e in Australia e gia noto al mondo intero compreso ai Governi ,unforte abbraccio da noi Italiani .
When I was a very new believer in Christ, just a few months in fact, I met a JW. We became friends and he invited me to the Kingdom Hall and we went to several JW Bible "studies." At the time, I had literally never even heard of the Watchtower and I assumed they were just another denomination, like Presbyterians or Methodists.
Something just felt... off. It felt so inauthentic. So dull and lifeless. And so controlled! One of the red flags that went off was when I was at one of the Bible "studies" and I quoted from CS Lewis' "Mere Christianity." There was an audible gasp among the others. An older lady leaned over and whispered to me, "We do NOT discuss CS Lewis here."
"Uh... why not?"
"He was not a Jehovah's Witness."
"...And?"
They all looked awkward and went silent before the elder continued the study. I walked away. I did a little more research online and realized this is just another pseudo-Christian cult. So glad I wasn't sucked in!
Wow, thank you for sharing that experience. Very common. Nothing outside their publications, history or teachings is allowed. They do everything possible to isolate their people inside those Kingdom Halls and their 'culture'.....I'm so glad you recognized it and ran!!
So enjoy your podcasts. This was is so very true. I left in the early 2000's and I still feel guilty when I celebrate Xmas. And about the fear.....my mum still spoke to me as I never got disfellowshipped etc so I was lucky in this...anyway before she passed away in 2019 she had an Armeggedon bag. They all were advised to have one ready for when the end came. They really are a doomsday cult
Thank you Sharon! We left at around the same time. My first Christmas was surprisingly nice.....no guilt. But I had other issues! Oh yes, they taught us to have bags ready, there was an entire Kingdom Ministry part on 'Armageddon prep', including a list of items; they claimed the book study arrangement was training for the Great Tribulation.....now it doesn't even exist!!! And no one questions it!! They're just relieved to have one less meeting a week LOL
@Sharon An Armageddon bag?😂😂😂
I wonder what JWs put in that bag that would help them in paradise. A shovel? To bury the dead?
@@Esther-1914 🤣this has inspired me to find the Kingdom Ministry this was taught in.....believe it or not it had a list....things like flashlights, etc. It's right in line with their bunker videos at conventions....
@@survivingparadisepodcast Oh, that's hilarious. I'll be watching for it. I always enjoy your videos. Will they bring along their devices? Will WT still have ZOOM calls?😂
@@Esther-1914 I think it was a Bible, a change of clothes, water etc.... but yes I think they would need a shovel and a mask for the smell from the bodies too....
Thank you for helping us come to our common senses.
It was a continuous living nightmare! Do this, do that, with their burdensome load.
Thankfully I was the invisible one. . . and a hall hopper. 🤣 Thankfully I did not attach myself to anyone in any of the 10 kh's that I transferred to, bc of being hurt by bullies in the first two halls I attended. No one wants to hurt. Most of their personalities sucked! Following their god the devil's personality. So self-righteous. So this is how I faded away gradually for 25 of the 30 yrs I was in...FADE AWAY! STAY AWAY! FEEL NORMAL! FEEL FREE!
LOVE GOD, LOVE JESUS, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR!
Remembering That God Can Read Our Individual Heart
Still waiting for the extension of 1914, "Million's Now living Will Never Die." And there has been a Tidal wave of new applicants for the 14400 destined to hurl fireballs at everyone. Who needs horror movies, they have their own built in. Thank you Surviving Paradise.
Thank you Stacy! I found your podcast not to long ago...absolutely love it!....I have been bing listening to you at work! I have been faded since February....
Thanks Robert, I appreciate you listening!
My brother thanks for your information about this organization that DECIT most of us .
Thanks for listening Alex!!
I had that fear from leaving at aged 17 until I sat down and studied every single doctrine through a reputable bible. I untangled all the JW teachings. Seeing their doctrines did not teach what the bible said I felt a huge release and a validation that all my fears of my childhood and early adulthood had bo substance and I felt free.
Even if we don't believe in God or Jesus or the bible I think it's really worth going through to prove that the JW doctrines are not in scripture helps to rid the fear and guilt of leaving.
The online Bible hub has many versions of the Bible that you can compare back to back and it also has the original words in Hebrew and Greek and their meanings
For me it was Ray Franz book Crisis of Concience, got rid of that guilt, exposing what a man made corporation it was devoid of "christlike" love
@@50shadesofnewlight73 I've just managed to get my hands on a copy. I've just started reading it. Xxx
Thanks Annie, I agree! That is exactly why I still quote from the Bible. They don't even follow the book they claim comes from Jehovah. Basic.....very basic things....that many JW's just don't read or consider!
@@50shadesofnewlight73 That book and man are a treasure. Pulls the curtain back!
WOW! !!! The fear the guilt keeps you trapped for sure it's called trauma bonded.
YES! They construct careful trauma dynamics....you can't live without them...now or in the future!!
The fear tactics the organization uses is horrible, criminal! This always bothered me tremendously when this was written in a watchtower magazine. This creeps me out too when the organization said this.
During the great tribulation, we may receive instructions that seem strange, impractical, or illogical. Of course, Jehovah will not speak to us personally. He will likely provide direction through his appointed representatives. That will hardly be the time to second-guess the direction or to view it with skepticism, wondering, ‘Is this really coming from Jehovah, or are the responsible brothers acting on their own?’ How will you fare during that crucial time in human history?
Fabulous, I went in at 25 and raised 4 kids on my own in the cult unfortunately I did a good job and struggling with shining light onto this org breaks my heart. One of the boys opened the door for me but 3 still in. It’s so good to hear this and understand where they are at. Thanks for sharing. They have the two of us on the outside to turn to 💗✌🏼💫
Be patient Gracie, love is the answer....let them 'think' about things....
I was so filled with fear it felt like jumping off a 10 story building.
The God they serve cannot be real. Their God gives us talents ambitions and desires and then punishes you for wanting to act on them. You can never be yourself. 6 or 7 generations falling for some man made BS.
I'm so sorry Laverne! I agree with you 100%.....it's all made by men!
When my wife and I were disfellowshiped, I thought in a year we will try for reinstatement. But after 7 months I realize the complete pathalogical narsasistic attitude of the Elders involved. The other day a widowed Sister who stopped attending meetings because of various bad sins of certain Elders was met by one of those Elders in an open air market , this Elder started mocking at her saying to her "your running eh! Your running! Aren't you tired of running yet? Mocking her in front of hundreds of people shopping, belittling her terribly! She told us she just looked at him as if he was dirty filth. So I asked myself, is it really necessary for my wife and I to put ourselves in a situation of judgement by Elders who lack common empathy? Because they claim they hold the keys to our lives or our deaths! We either bow down to these kind of individuals or die! 3 Elders who have no mercy, or lack any kind of empathy even for widows! Where in the scriptures does it say 3 imperfect men will judge weather you are repentant or not. And at what cost emotionally to my wife and I when we dedicated over 60 years of our lives to Jehovah, just for 3 unforgiving narcissistic men to judge weather we live or die!
That is a horrific story!!!! Unbelievable abuse!!! I would never recommend anyone put themselves through that process, however, I certainly understand that many people have lost people they love and must do everything possible to regain their family. ABUSIVE conduct.......I'm so sorry!
Part of midweek meeting "treasure from God's Word"
"ASK YOURSELF: ‘Do I show zeal for pure worship? Do I stop associating with anyone, including a family member, who turns his back on Jehovah?’-2Jo 9, 10"
Trouble is just a few men decide who turns their back on Jehovah. Which includes those sexualy abused by servants and Elders.
I saw that Universe. I actually posted on Twitter a past episode. They are doubling down on DFing....you can tell they're panicked.
Wow!!! "The sky just isn't as blue" That is perfect!
Just finished binge-listening to your podcast.Came to YT to comment....I'm hooked!!
Took me 6 business days, on & off.It was was worth it.You're my sarcastic kindred spirit.Can't wait for the next episode.
What you're doing, means a lot.
Thanks, from a PIMO
Thank you Rac.....sorry for the delay in commenting.....I miss so many!
Another great podcast! It reminded me of how Anthony Morris the turd threatened people that if they went three whole weeks without going in the ministry that they would be blood guilty and would lose their lives. The mental illness they are instilling in people is profound! It makes your blood boil. And don’t even get me started on how demented the Caleb and Sofia videos are for the poor innocent children. Anyways, good job with this subject! Cheers!
If Anthony Morris went 3 weeks without drinking booze he would go into convulsions.
He is truly a turd!! And he is the one behind Caleb and Sophia! he is the actual host! How they appointed that guy is beyond me!
Instilling mental illness is an excellent way of describing what they do! They ruin good people. The Caleb & Sophia vids are disgusting on so many levels. If you want to really scare yourself, look up the pedo symbols put out by the FBI & then watch again! How do they get away with it?
@@extraterrestrial4287 anchio la penso cosi ,tre settimane senza WISCHIY Entoni perderebbe tutta la sua spiritualita .
AGREE!
Having been a JW for many, many years, this organization is not based upon love or a loving god. It smacks of all the other fear based religions, just in a different manner. From loving the Witnesses at the beginning, I grew to hate the entire cult and what they stand for. Finally free after serving a 50 year sentence of guilt and shame! If you, by chance, are thinking of getting involved with this organization, do serious research before you commit to a life of servitude of serving a man-made cult!
“We are all just prisoners here. Of our own device”
Fear is a great motivator! In my experience as a 5 year old in the early 70s the org used the paradise lost book to instill fear in me. They showed me in pictures Jehovah the God of love, will kill little children and their beloved pets by having the earth swallow them up.
We were the same kid!! That book was so damaging!! That illustration of the little girl reaching for her doll while falling down an earthquake crevasse...alongside her dog!
Resonated with every word....left 14 years ago (regular pioneer). Returned and was reinstated only now, 3 months later, fading away. The culture shock, fear mongering, absolute obedience to the ever teoubled governing body is worse than ever. Happy to have found you!
Hi Maja, love your name!! Oh no, I'm so GLAD you're getting out.....it sounds like we left around the same time in 2009....so glad you're here!
I think you are best, reasonble source of information for any Ex-JW and hopefully any PIMO people. I sense no alternative motive other than to present all JW propaganda for what it is… propaganda. I appreciate your view as everything you say resonates with me after being captive for 45 years in the organization. Thank you for helping me see the truth about the organization. It’s so sound and clear to me. I wish I had been stronger, pre- online testimonials to finally see the truth. So many missed opportunities to live a real life while still serving our creator with a full heart. So much so-called spiritual carnage to deal with that may never be resolved. Loosing everything in my older years… left and abandoned by everyone I’ve ever known.The sickness is so real and powerful. We have to pick ourselves up and go on… still devoted to the creator but doing it alone. We are all responsible for our ultimate out come.I get strength from your experience. Thank- you.
Your words are encouraging! So beautiful. Thank you.
Like you I lost everything. 💔
Mark Stephen Lett was told by the Governing body in a meeting that he was anointed. He made the mistake of phoning his wife from the parlor of headquarters in NY as Wallkill was not constructed yet, where he was overheard telling his wife that he was on his way home, where ever that was, to pray about him being one if the anointed, as that was what his meeting with the GB was about. Next Memorial Mark Stephen Lett began partaking of the emblems. So it fits, that he would give a talk about how one knows they are anointed! Liar Lett!
When his niece was asked about Lett, whom she spent many years around, she stated he was very competitive. She is now an apostate after her brother committed suicide as he was gay and shunned by the family. No doubt shunning destroys, not unites families.
Fear = Power.
100%
well done! My grandmother said the end was coming in 1979 so I need not worry about high school, college, a career, etc. Thankfully, I did not listen as I now plan my retirement from a long career. Thank you for the podcast.
I'm so glad you didn't listen!!
Greetings from Honduras 🇭🇳. Free since 2000
Thanks Stacy. It’s 12:30 and I can’t sleep. Perfect timing 😊
Krissy, ditto for me also. Little bit of insomnia going on.😊
When I was young and didn't listen at the meetings once my mom drove me and my sisters up a steep road and said she was going to drive off the cliff because we were just as good as dead because we weren't listening so triggering
Still afraid to drive with my mom hate heights.
Talk about fear.
OMG Rachel!!! That is terrible!!! I'm so sorry you had to experience that! That is abuse!
the year 2020 is what led me to leave, and my depression lifted after i disassociated!
Welcome to your freedom. Matthew 11:28-30 doesn't work if you are a jw.
If I didn't go out in service, holy cow, the guilt was huge!
You were taught that you were bloodguilty if you didn't knock on doors
"The sky isn't as blue." Well said. As a JW, life is over-laid by a filter. God/the organization has to come first, and everything is interpreted through that lens to some extent. Even innocent things.
To illustrate: Last year, as I was looking into JW-land for the first time in years, we'd been talking about the faith, me and my neverJW husband. The conversation got a bit heavy, and afterwards the hubby looked up a feel-good video on CZcams. It was a video of people rescuing animals from different predicaments, happy ending every time. Half-way through the video I start crying. Because, as the JW stuff was on the surface, I REMEMBERED what it was like with the filter. Some people in the video grabbed a dog to safety from a flood or something, and my brain went, "That's nice, but too bad it doesn't really count, since they aren't JW's."
That's how it is, as a JW. Everything is colored by the faith. The demands of the religion are there all the time, you're supposed to live and breath it. You really shouldn't even look up and see how beautifully blue the sky is, without then adding, Jehovah was so wise to have made it so. Or something similar. Or, without feeling guilty that you're taking time to stare at the sky when you ought to be doing theocratic activities. You'll have time to appreciate the blue sky in paradise.
I LOVE that you understood what I meant by that. I'm sometime not sure what I mean by it myself, but you defined it so well! Your illustration of the dog......gut punch! I used to do that in school with classmates. Sweet little girls giving you a Valentine card, but in the back of my head "well she's going to die at Armageddon'.....HORRIFIC!
@@survivingparadisepodcast My thought had been "The flowers weren't as pretty." But I'd never actually voiced it, because I thought NO-ONE would understand what I meant. You said "The sky wasn't as blue" and I knew I wasn't insane with that though of mine! 😂
It really was a gut punch to me, too, while watching the video and getting that thought in my head. I've been out for 15 years, awake about 13 of it, and I. HAD. FORGOTTEN. I'd forgotten the full reality of it.
Yet, after all that time, the thought came out SO strong: watching the people pull the dog to safety and me... DISMISSING IT. Doesn't REALLY matter - they aren't witnesses. It was SO strong in the moment. That, of course, brought back a glimpse of what it was like, living with the JW filter. Everything was colored with it. And if there was something that wasn't, you'd at least feel guilty for it not being colored with it, afterwards. 🙄 Same went for friends at school (like you mentioned) any 'worldly' thing you enjoyed. Anything at all.
In a way I am glad I had that moment, that I remembered. It's hard looking back and figuring out this stuff. What was caused by the unhealthy teachings of the religion, what was just ME and my personality, what was just my parents' outlook on life etc. It's a mess, all in all. But that little window that opened for me, was an eye-opener. That and hearing other people relate the same kinds of stories. No, it wasn't just me, after all.
I hate that there are kids and young people - and old people for that matter - right now, not seeing how blue the sky is.
(As far as the rescued-dog-incident goes, the innocent victim really was my husband. He had thought he had picked out a nice, feel-good video and half way through it -- the wifey is crying her eyes out again! 😂Poor guy!)
@@Elecyah ❤ YES. I'm so glad you understand what I meant. It's hard to define! But your flower analogy is just as great. Nothing is as sharp, brilliant or beautiful. It's a cult malaise.....it destroys brains. Glad I'm not alone!
The teaching of universal reconciliation has brought me great comfort since coming out of the watchtower.
Many JW's never consider it. That feeling of being free is worth every ;moment
That Jan 15th, 1983 Watchtower that you alluded to with that interesting quote about if we get to thinking we know more about the Bible than the organization, don't forget were you learned the Bible truth in the first place has an interesting backdrop. I don't know if you know the background behind that Watchtower but here it is. When Ray Franz and others were DF'd for researching the Bible on their own, discovering things that didn't harmonize with WTS doctrines, it cascaded down into many congregations, esp. those that had family members serving in Bethel. We had one such family. This family was a pillar in the congregation! However, their family member and her husband had heard what Franz and others discovered and did their own research only to realize that the WTS was NOT who they said they were. Long story short, many congregations lost some one-time very faithful members and this was leaving those still in the congregation with many questions. The questions went on for years! Elders were reporting this to CO and the COs took this back to the GB. Thus, the WTS had to print this article to remind everyone that they are the source of truth. The WTS that year had a District Convention talk that contains that now unfamous statement, "If the society tells you to jump, your response should be, 'how high?'" They railed on how they put the fire out of hell and where did you learn that from, they asked the audience. They were determined to put this problem to bed.
Shame and guilt ruled my most crucial years of development as a child and teenager. Through therapy and uncovering where my adult depression and feelings of constant self criticisms, I blame a lot of it on the religious trauma. I felt abnormally guilty and ashamed of doing things normal teens do and it makes me so sad and angry. Thanks for going over this one!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's a JOURNEY to heal....keep going! :)
Spot on Stacy! I'm not a psychologist, however 'trauma bonding' comes to mind regarding the level of fear and guilt JW's are subjected to. Sadly I suspect it is intentional, and very effective.
Oh!! I'd love to hear more from your perspective!!
Thankyou your rant is very comforting as many who are shining light on this org I know where I would be without you all. I hope one day my 3 kids and their partner which are basically my kids to as they all grew up together, all the innocents trapped. What h out watchtower the sun is rising 🌞 through all these amazing people and your darkness will be gone 🎉
Thank you Gracie!! I wish for that too! Anything we can do to help other people!!
Is that why I love Hotel California? Hell Freezes over live version is spectacular.
There are Caleb and Sophia mugs. My mind melted when I seen those. Caleb can be found in gnostic gospel stories of young Jesus. Sophia means knowledge to many including the gnostics.
I will leave it there because this one can get deep.
WOW! Now THAT is very interesting!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I have had a decent convo with 4 of my closest friends still in. All elders or servants. Answering their questions required more finesse than what I had to ask. The love and concern from them was bittersweet and I dont like going into the deets out of respect for them giving me that space/time.
@@lizzidpeepole It think it's fantastic you can continue to talk with them!
@@lizzidpeepole I think it's really cool that they'll have the convo with you!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I hear you there. Not sure it does much besides solidify their minds that I am lost though. I picture a message in a bottle, hopefully one of my points bobs ashore. In the meantime I enjoy deep discussions especially these rare opportunities.
Another Major Fear is the fear of disappointing your family. Whether it be your parents, kids, siblings, Aunt, Uncle. Then to add to that the fear of being a disappointment to your friends, peers and people you've been led to believe you need to respect and love. You feel guilty for making them all feel sad for leaving. BUT THE REALITY IS, ITS THERE OWN ALLOWING OF THEMSELVES TO BE BRAINWASHED! You've done nothing wrong! Keep following Jesus not men! Even if you don't believe in Jesus anymore, definitely even more so, STOP FOLLOWING MEN!
Very true! It was one of my main concerns. I called my siblings to the house to tell them I was leaving. My mother....well that took time.
@@survivingparadisepodcast That guilt unfortunately always comes around again. Maybe never even goes away. Always idling in the background.
@@strengthequals5336 very true, it manifests in the strangest ways; even when you think it's long gone
They also fear even one trash is found in the hall. Also fear children sleep during meetings.
the Caleb and Sophia cartoons seem a way they can really control kids, and adults to. These cartoons are sometimes watched at meetings. They can make adults feel guilty. my mum thinks they're cute. l feel there is something that is not so nice about them
Tons of subliminal mind control messaging to kids. There is nothing cute about them, I'm sorry your mom likes them. Many parents like them. But if you watch with a keen eye, there is some very disturbing messaging in those cartoons!
I felt guilty my whole life. These last 9 months, I have not had any guilt, and my severe depression is better. I may not have any friends or family, but I can look at myself in the mirror and not hate what I see.
Hi and welcome!! I'm so sorry for all you've endured! Be good to yourself and continue the journey; go slow.... you will make new friends and wonderful things await you. LOVE yourself....you didn't deserve anything done to you by JWs!
FEAR!! You nailed it!!
I lived in fear all my childhood! It was awful. I thought Jehovah was going to destroy me during Armageddon because I wasn’t a good Christian. And that was at the age of seven!! I was afraid of earthquakes.
I was afraid of the dark. I was taught, I would never attend high school.
The END IS NEAR!!!!
And I wonder why I have anxiety!!! This Cult robbed me of a normal childhood.
You weren't alone! We all dealt with the endless fear and residual fear that hangs on for dear life after leave!
Thank you, I was waiting for another one 👏👏
I have a twin brother and we both kind a left the JW at the same time 23 years ago, I moved on with my life but my twin brother as of today does not want me to talk bad about the JW. It’s amazing , I guess the fear or guilt has him trapped in his mind.
It's sad how it impacts people so differently. The guilt can linger for decades :(
I believe is the last music video, of the last talk, undoubtedly the last minutes of the last talk where they show this girl sleeping under a tree, then it switches to a dr’s office and he is showing an X-ray to a woman who appears to be the loyal and beautiful NEETA. My guess is that in the future once everyone has fallen in love with this beautiful, courageous, faithful( to the governing body) sister. She will succumb to a terminal illness and the gb will martyr her. Will be an amazing thing to watch the reaction of all the witnesses then.
I’m gonna have my popcorn ready.
Those videos are so hideous....so cruel. I can't hate them enough.
*Excellent as always!!!!!!!!!*
Thank you Natalie!!
I am still officially JW but have returned to my previous church, Church of Christ. I didn't start believing in the trinity and immortal soul since I did not leave Watchtower for this reason. Example - I will always appreciate king Solomon's books although I would never join him in his idolatry in his old age. Fortunately Church of Christ has not defined doctrines, what important are principles. Every organized religion is slavery.
I couldn't agree more on religion and slavery!!
It's Jim Carrey not Drew Carey in the Truman show. Love your words, keep up good work!
Putting aside the Organisation, the GB, the doctrines, the narcissists, the fear and the guilt- presumably when you were 'in the truth' you felt you had a personal relationship with 'Jehovah' , believing he was listening to your prayers and answering them specifically. I'd be interested to know, looking back now how you feel about that more personal aspect?
Back in the 80's they taught how dangerous cartoons were. Now they are making them, encouraging children to throw gifts in the trash.
Wonder how that went the next day at school? (If it were real)
Fear & guilt that's it been free since 1996
Yes, good to hear!
I always couldn’t understand why we will feel suicidal too, if we were in a true religion with knowing true God. And what shocked me was the first suicide report of a girl I knew, she was in a family all jw and she looked fine. So shocked wondering how can this happen. God actually can’t read hearts and will not even encourage a child who’s suicidal, to live not die.
LOL Love your LOGO! Watchtower is a pile alright but laughing all the way to the Bank!
Thanks Dale...it's not very subtle, is it?? LOL
So let the Governing Body, and Stephen Lett, step up to the plate, and tell the many Congregations the truth! The truth about hiw Stephen Lett became one if the announted! Because soon or later the truth will be brought out by Jehovah!
I doubt Lett ever steps up to the plate. I'm not sure he can find the plate. LOL
Millions of couples have decided to be childless to have free time🤦🏽♀️
In my family we have like 5 JW couples and have decided to be childless!
I’m going to predict that in a few years they will Bible quote: to multiply!
Why I say this?: today trends of baptized are either old people (above 50 years old) or children of JW children
And they will need these “enemies of Jehovah” - stephen Lett
to keep the numbers up !
Mark my words!
I deconverted away from religion after being diagnosed with religious trauma. I also left knowing Gods don't need human worship.
A fantastic subject for conversation!
Yeah, that's exactly how it goes. As born in myself I've have experienced alot what you talked about. I totally understand the sky isn't that blue. You feel like you just exist.
I'm glad I came across your channel. As I just started making videos about my life. I guess I need to talk about how I felt in my teenage years. Because I used to pray for death. Just let me die in my sleep. Ofcourse that never happened. Never felt like my life was worth anything even after leaving. Never was baptized. Wasn't allowed. I couldn't shut my mouth....lol I was bad girl😂 Always told the way it was. Never sugar coated a damn thing. Yet I still had fear.
Trucker, that is so heartbreaking to read. But I understand. I had moments like this too. I'm glad you can relate to my 'sky blue' comment...it's the only way I can define the malaise we all live in. It's awful and almost unexplainable, even in therapy. The fear lives on for so many years.
I AGREE 👍💯 AND I BELIEVE JWS HAVE PRIDE OF SELF-RIGHTEOUS SPIRIT.
THE WATCHTOWER CONTINUE TO LIE BECAUSE LIES HAVE A SHORT LIFE BUT THE TRUTH REIGNS FOREVER.
Fear, guilt, brainwashing indoctrinations of whatever religions particular views and concepts and teachings from whatever texts they use... It is all cult tactics.
All of these religions, and more predominantly those of relation to and from Abrahamic faiths are definitely and clearly cults.
Not one is worse than the other.
As per the BITE model each scores differently in different areas. Pending on the question asked.
Behavior control, Information control, Thought control, and Emotional control.
you can ask more specific questions in particular areas of each religion and rate those answers on a scale... Each one will answer differently to each question.. multiple questions in each area and they will vary the degree per question... And in the end they all score much higher than most would think in each area of the BITE model, thus clearly making them a cult.
In my opinion it doesn't matter if a religion scored one point out of ten thousand possible in every category of the BITE model.. one point in each area is still qualifying as a cult.. just not as culty or much as a cult using as much cult tactics as others may. Scoring in all areas still makes it a cult...not the total score in each area.
I know some will disagree with me on this... But oh well, it doesn't make it less true. While not all cults are religions, it is definite that all religions are cults. Some are worse than others. Cult ideology is dangerous and harmful...it does not matter the degree or extent they go to.
This idea that somehow humans are inherently flawed and need saved or to be forgiven and made right or pure or whatever by some outside source... That is harmful.
It is an abuser tactic... Victim blaming. It is emotional and psychological abuse. And all these Abrahamic religions and those stemming from such are exactly that dangerous, harmful and abusive. Just in the base ideology and concepts of foundational beliefs.
They target children especially...to trap and train and target their young minds to condition them into this type of thinking.
That is why I call all clergy and biblical Sunday school type teachers and whatever over children, child abusers. Call it as I see it, call it for what it is.
Very true Metal! I would like to cover why I believe JW's are a cult via the BITE model. It's all there. The challenge is with those already in.... they struggle to come out of deep cognitive dissonance.
AS AN EXJW I REGRET NOT STUDYING BIBLE CONTEXT BECAUSE THE BIBLE CONTEXT EXPLAINS ITSELF 1TIMOTHY 3:16-17 .
I will say as a Christian - not church going anymore, was never a JW but my sister has been for 35 plus years. JW's version of "Jehovah" God or Jesus is not the same at all. It is so screwed up for lack of a better word...there is no Grace at all. For me its all about a relationship not a book or a church. I do enjoy your podcast!
Thank you so much Miamigrl! It is very screwed up and doesn't even match the Bible! Grace is a fantastic subject!
I love the fact that Peter Parker(Spider Man) has a better moral code than Jehovah of the JW’s. Any evil that happens,that I could have prevented, is my fault, my responsibility.
Yep.... a very poorly written 'god' once you actually study it all
Fear that those you bought into the cult will find out now you do not believe the crap you thought them.
yes!!!
Sex Drugs and Rock&Roll!!!
Thats exactly why I left the organization at the age of 19.
And I went at it hard!!!
Joined Bands, played Clubs, did a lot of drugs and of course, there were women involved. That was along time ago.
Now, I am turning 60 in December and have a great career and a wonderful wife, Good kids and my house is still standing strong! Faithfully and Spiritually!! Despite what the organization said about 1975, or 1977! My life has been pretty good as a real Christian following Jesus!
The number of subscribers made me giggle 🤭. Just pull the decimal and let your mind make the short jump 😂
Are these armageddon threats real?
THE GOVERNING BODY REMINDS US OF THE SANHEDRAN ?
Fear that your relatives and friends know you are rebelling against the JW
yep and risk being shunned
Here's one question that you will never get an honest/factual answer to if you ask any JW: "Did your religion predict the end of the world in 1975?" (BTW: This was used as a fear tactic in the 60s and 70s!)
Correct. But there is print and audio to prove they pushed it. However, true stuff: most modern day JW's don't even know what you're referring to with 1975. They don't study LOL
Ya know what I’ve been wondering? All these WT produced movies have all Witness casts so are the brothers who are portraying all these police/military boogie men that are portrayed displaying text book tactics of room clearing/Tactcal approach etc, are they receiving training from real life police/military technical advisor?? Once more is WT purchasing all those rubber or blank firing emblems of war?? I know on one video they said an NYPD Officer who was working set security for them while they were filming said he was impressed with how realistic the JW production’s police car was. I kid you not the governing body member being interviewed actually said that a worldly police officer complimenting the JW movie police car was a fantastic witness. I’m just like wow…….dumbfounded by this nonsense.
LOL...Jesus brothers have zero common sense....isn't it incredible? I have on clue, but it is interesting that they keep all of these props in an effort to scare JW's each summer. Imagine the $$ involved!
@@survivingparadisepodcast Well when you have over a billion dollars at your disposal I suppose anything is possible huh?
@@jackthomas6952 truth!
THE BIBLE CONTEXT SHOWS THAT SINNERS CAN'T LIVE UP TO GOD'S STANDARDS; HOWEVER WE HAVE JESUS BLOOD AS OUR COVER NOT AN ORGANIZATION.
👋 Good morning 🌞 Here in SW Florida, preparing to get hit by hurricane Ian. Usual perils of living in this State.
Count me in. Fear of losing my lovely Family and lifelong friends. Doing as little as possible just to maintain JW membership, PIMO since 1995. 😰
How do you feel about the worlds conditions now? Are you fearful we are in the last days? How do you explain and approach these conditions?
@@MrSkull-tl5iv No longer in fear. We're doing well and will continue to prosper. Whatever is happening today is nothing new since the time Humans have recorded history.
Be safe out there D Y!! Glad you've found a way to keep your family and friends!
@@ellegee4683 Exacty. A terrible way to live your life. Be yourself!
@@ellegee4683 You are right but we don’t know people’s circumstances in general. I remember someone in comments criticising someone for doing this and they explained they were in a nursing home and aged so therefore weren’t in a position to cut ties to family and friends.
I would volunteer to heat up the
Continuation: incinerators to burn all WT literature and the unyielding authors to rid us of this soul crushing guilting.
Would it be more that 8 millìons during memorial of christ about 2i millions its jehovah high trapping
.not yours.
THE BIBLE CONTEXT HAS NO EXPIRATION. THE BIBLE IS ABOUT THE JESUS WHOM IS THE TRUTH AND THE LORD AND THE ONLY WAY. WATCHTOWER HAS SUBTLY ERASED JESUS FROM THE BIBLE. APOSTALE PAUL FIND OUT JESUS @ ACTS 9:5 .
I was with you until you endorsed sodomy. So sad that you've exchanged one spell for another.
😳😳 I'm not sure where you got the impression I endorse ANY sexual practice between two consenting adults. I go out of my way to not endorse people's private decisions and that includes any anal play. NOT my business.....nor anyone else's. What I vehemently disagree with is strangers telling adults what to do in their bedroom. And I've exchanged nothing for the record. I comment on other humans trying to control other humans. No go on that one.
If you hate Jehovah's witnesses and their religion so bad. You've chosen to leave! Then leave it alone. You do these podcasts to warn people about their beliefs and what they think and. Which a lot of it's not true
People can walk into a Kingdom Hall anytime they want and see how Jehovah's witnesses are.
I respect your opinion. I also stand by this "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." I think many would be VERY curious as to what you believe is 'untrue'........would you be willing to share what you believe is untrue? Also, based on your comment, may I ask why you're listening? Thank you!
This man speaks the truth ! And I'm grateful for people like him that is the light in the darkness of the Watchtower Society that is nothing more than a branch off of the Freemasons