I just had to post this because after being a jehovahs witness from birth and that has been thirty or so years, It just occurred to me how little Bible reading is done at the meetings in context. Yes, it is true we are told to read the Bible daily and given a nice little schedule, but how many of the witnesses are actually doing the reading? We do more logging and checking of out in service hours than logging and checking how many hours per week we spent reading God's Word. It seems so strange to me now. If you add up the hours spent at meetings. Five meetings per week. And, the Bible reading is done at the service meeting for only a few minutes. This just does not make sense for a group that is all about studying the Bible.
I wish this had occurred to me years earlier. But, it didn't, and so I will share it with you now. Yes, I could and should have done my own Bible reading at home and I did try to many times, but I just did not like it. I figured I already knew the basics from studying the watchtower and awake and it just seemed dry to me. I did not enjoy it most of the time.
Now in retrospect I see how the witnesses are able to start bible studies with new people. Most of the time (from experience) the people we studied with did not know anything about the Bible or religion. That is why I stress to people the need to educate themselves. Do it online (encyclopedia) or at the library, but get to know the history of the Bible and religion. Inform yourself so that you do not leave the witnesses and get involved in another group just like them. As humans we tend to go back to what we know and feels comfortable. The Watchtower Org. is an authoritarian organization and most leave there and go to another authoritarian org. or relationship. Please take time to yourself. To get to know who you are and what you want and what is acceptable to you. You deserve it!
I have done a lot of reading and research since leaving the witnesses two years ago. And, I still have a lot of questions but.......I know when to trust my instincts now and I am learning to stand up for myself and set appropriate boundaries to keep myself safe and happy. We all deserve this and we owe it to our children to teach them this also. I hope all goes well with you and if you need encouragement, please let me know. It is really hard when you are thinking of leaving or have left. I know first hand. My family is four generations JW and most of them do not speak to me now and so I am starting over.......but I am doing it informed this time and I want to be around people who accept me for the wonderful person I am even if I don't agree with all of their religious interpretations.
The Truth
What exactly is the truth? How do we find it? Many Jehovah's Witnesses believe they have found the truth. And, if the Jehovah's Witness' group has a positive affect on your family then maybe you should stay with them. However, what about the ones it is not having a positive affect on? What if you now want to leave the group but you are told if you do you will lose your family and your everlasting life? What if you are told (as I was) that my children will die in Armageddon all because I left the group? Is this the truth?
I do believe that the Jehovah's Witnesses do have some positive things to say and have helped some. But, once you belong to the group you can never leave without adverse affects. Is this right, is this truth? Are they really the only ones you can go through for everlasting life? We are going to take a look at that because I feel there are so many out there who have been scared into staying with this group (I know I was and many of my loved ones) because of these scare tactics. It reminds me of the churches that teach you will be going to a burning Hell...........Since the Witnesses have taught that Hell is not a place of burning torment and we will not be doomed for leaving Christendom then maybe we will not lose our everlasting life if we are questioning the Jehovah's Witness group's authority.
First let's look at what exactly the Jehovah's witnesses say about their authority:
1960 Watchtower July 15 Staying Awake with the Faithful and Discreet Slave says:
"The facts show that during this time and up to the present hour the "slave" class has served as God's sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth." ("Sole Channel") "The Bible figures this channel arrangement as New Jerusalem's "broad way" ". They refer to themselves as "A Modern Miracle" and all others asleep spiritually. "By 1931 the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy were snoring in even deeper spiritual slumber than prior to 1914. Not an awake watchman among them".
1953 Watchtower Aug 15 "Living Now as a New World Society" says:
"After the Battle of Armageddon obliterates this old world the New World Society will continue on, for it will be approved and authorized by the only government then in power, the divine government." They feel you must be a part of this New World Society in order to survive Armageddon since as they stated above only their New World Society will be left.
1954 Watchtower March 1 "Meaning of Baptism Today".
"Only by keeping integrity to God and by associating with God's people, the New World Society, may we hope to survive the destruction of this wicked world in the coming destruction of this wicked world in the coming battle of Armageddon and enter into the new world of righteousness even as Noah and his family entered a new world after the flood."
(For more recent articles on what will happen to those who reject their message see July 15, 2008 and April 1, 2008.)
Do the scriptures support this? What scriptures do they use to support these statements? Are there other scriptures that apply that may send a different message?
The scriptures the Jehovah's Witnesses use in support of their New World Society and it's members as the only survivors:
Matt 13:25 "While men were sleeping, his enemy came and over sowed weeds in among the wheat, and left." (NWT)
Matt 13:38,39 "the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them is the devil. The harvest is a conclusion of a system of thins, and the reapers are angels." (NWT)
They also refer to Rev. 7:9 and 11:18 and all of Rev. chapter 22 and apply it to their organization. Again that is fine if that is how they would like to interpret it. But, to hurt and manipulate others by saying it is truth and you will die if you don't believe it and live by it well................
First, you should not take scriptures out of context to get the full and correct meaning. By taking the scriptures out of context you can make them say anything to anyone. (Many people do this these days to gain followers so be on guard) (know your Bible well first before trusting anyone). But, in context Rev. chapter 7 clearly tells who it is speaking about and to whom. There is no need to interpret it because it clearly states that the angel is speaking of the 144,000 sealed "slaves of our God" "sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel". The sons of Israel. It does not say spiritual Israel or spiritual Jews, it says sons of Israel. Literally. For further clarification in verse 5-8 it even show which tribes of Israel ie.: Judah, Reuben, Gad, etc., and how many from each tribe. Twelve thousand from each tribe. Twelve thousand times twelve tribes equal 144,000.
As for the Jehovah's witnesses being the only survivors of Armageddon the scriptures clearly state that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him (Deut. 4:29).
Other supporting scriptures include:
Psalm 69:32-33 (those seeking God and meek will live.)
Psalm 145: 18-20 (God is close to all who call on Him.)
Proverbs 2: 3-6 (if you keep seeking you will find the knowledge of God)
Isaiah 45: 22 (turn to God and you will be saved, there is no one else)
Notice it does not say to find His one true organization for through them only you will be saved. It says turn to God to be saved for there is no one else who can save you. Matt. 6:33 If you seek God first then He will show you the way and He will give you everything you need. Do not trust in men.
As I said before, if you are happy as a Jehovah's witness and you find the religion satisfying, good. But, if you are having doubts investigate them and do not let others opinions or interpretations scare you or manipulate you into staying for the wrong reasons. God is Love, and He know those that are seeking Him, and He will not let you down. I hope you find this encouraging. I have many loved ones who are suffering from anxiety because they have doubts and do not know where to turn. This website is for them. I was in the same situation for many years because I was afraid to study on my own and did not know how to study and understand the Bible on my own. Now I know there are alternatives and I want to encourage others to stand up for themselves and Trust your God given Instincts. I was told my family would suffer at Armageddon because of my rebelliousness. How horrible for someone to pass judgement on another human being like that! But, I knew in my heart that I was honestly searching for God and He was the one I would answer to. And, He will be there for you too.
If you would like to read a great book on the Jehovah's Witnesses from someone who used to be at Bethel please read Christian Freedom. Raymond Franz is a wonderful caring person who was with the Witness Organization along with his father for many, many years and has a lot of history and inside information to share concerning the leadership. He also includes great insight for Christians for all denominations and encouragement on staying strong spiritually in spite of adversity and conflict. I published the link below for your convenience. Just click on the photo for more information or to place an order.
I do believe that the Jehovah's Witnesses do have some positive things to say and have helped some. But, once you belong to the group you can never leave without adverse affects. Is this right, is this truth? Are they really the only ones you can go through for everlasting life? We are going to take a look at that because I feel there are so many out there who have been scared into staying with this group (I know I was and many of my loved ones) because of these scare tactics. It reminds me of the churches that teach you will be going to a burning Hell...........Since the Witnesses have taught that Hell is not a place of burning torment and we will not be doomed for leaving Christendom then maybe we will not lose our everlasting life if we are questioning the Jehovah's Witness group's authority.
First let's look at what exactly the Jehovah's witnesses say about their authority:
1960 Watchtower July 15 Staying Awake with the Faithful and Discreet Slave says:
"The facts show that during this time and up to the present hour the "slave" class has served as God's sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth." ("Sole Channel") "The Bible figures this channel arrangement as New Jerusalem's "broad way" ". They refer to themselves as "A Modern Miracle" and all others asleep spiritually. "By 1931 the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy were snoring in even deeper spiritual slumber than prior to 1914. Not an awake watchman among them".
1953 Watchtower Aug 15 "Living Now as a New World Society" says:
"After the Battle of Armageddon obliterates this old world the New World Society will continue on, for it will be approved and authorized by the only government then in power, the divine government." They feel you must be a part of this New World Society in order to survive Armageddon since as they stated above only their New World Society will be left.
1954 Watchtower March 1 "Meaning of Baptism Today".
"Only by keeping integrity to God and by associating with God's people, the New World Society, may we hope to survive the destruction of this wicked world in the coming destruction of this wicked world in the coming battle of Armageddon and enter into the new world of righteousness even as Noah and his family entered a new world after the flood."
(For more recent articles on what will happen to those who reject their message see July 15, 2008 and April 1, 2008.)
Do the scriptures support this? What scriptures do they use to support these statements? Are there other scriptures that apply that may send a different message?
The scriptures the Jehovah's Witnesses use in support of their New World Society and it's members as the only survivors:
Matt 13:25 "While men were sleeping, his enemy came and over sowed weeds in among the wheat, and left." (NWT)
Matt 13:38,39 "the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them is the devil. The harvest is a conclusion of a system of thins, and the reapers are angels." (NWT)
They also refer to Rev. 7:9 and 11:18 and all of Rev. chapter 22 and apply it to their organization. Again that is fine if that is how they would like to interpret it. But, to hurt and manipulate others by saying it is truth and you will die if you don't believe it and live by it well................
First, you should not take scriptures out of context to get the full and correct meaning. By taking the scriptures out of context you can make them say anything to anyone. (Many people do this these days to gain followers so be on guard) (know your Bible well first before trusting anyone). But, in context Rev. chapter 7 clearly tells who it is speaking about and to whom. There is no need to interpret it because it clearly states that the angel is speaking of the 144,000 sealed "slaves of our God" "sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel". The sons of Israel. It does not say spiritual Israel or spiritual Jews, it says sons of Israel. Literally. For further clarification in verse 5-8 it even show which tribes of Israel ie.: Judah, Reuben, Gad, etc., and how many from each tribe. Twelve thousand from each tribe. Twelve thousand times twelve tribes equal 144,000.
As for the Jehovah's witnesses being the only survivors of Armageddon the scriptures clearly state that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him (Deut. 4:29).
Other supporting scriptures include:
Psalm 69:32-33 (those seeking God and meek will live.)
Psalm 145: 18-20 (God is close to all who call on Him.)
Proverbs 2: 3-6 (if you keep seeking you will find the knowledge of God)
Isaiah 45: 22 (turn to God and you will be saved, there is no one else)
Notice it does not say to find His one true organization for through them only you will be saved. It says turn to God to be saved for there is no one else who can save you. Matt. 6:33 If you seek God first then He will show you the way and He will give you everything you need. Do not trust in men.
As I said before, if you are happy as a Jehovah's witness and you find the religion satisfying, good. But, if you are having doubts investigate them and do not let others opinions or interpretations scare you or manipulate you into staying for the wrong reasons. God is Love, and He know those that are seeking Him, and He will not let you down. I hope you find this encouraging. I have many loved ones who are suffering from anxiety because they have doubts and do not know where to turn. This website is for them. I was in the same situation for many years because I was afraid to study on my own and did not know how to study and understand the Bible on my own. Now I know there are alternatives and I want to encourage others to stand up for themselves and Trust your God given Instincts. I was told my family would suffer at Armageddon because of my rebelliousness. How horrible for someone to pass judgement on another human being like that! But, I knew in my heart that I was honestly searching for God and He was the one I would answer to. And, He will be there for you too.
If you would like to read a great book on the Jehovah's Witnesses from someone who used to be at Bethel please read Christian Freedom. Raymond Franz is a wonderful caring person who was with the Witness Organization along with his father for many, many years and has a lot of history and inside information to share concerning the leadership. He also includes great insight for Christians for all denominations and encouragement on staying strong spiritually in spite of adversity and conflict. I published the link below for your convenience. Just click on the photo for more information or to place an order.
Torah Study For Jews and Non-jews
Here is the link to Torah study for Jews and Non-Jews that I recommended above. http://bfm101.com/ .And after much research on the best translation of the Tanakh (Torah, Writings, and Prophets) from Hebrew into English, I ordered the :
from JPS. It comes highly recommended. It is very easy to read and understand.
Are You In A Cult?
Are you in a Cult? Many would say of course not. My group/organization is reputable. We have normal jobs, we attend public schools, we are happy well-adjusted people. Well, before you go and join their group, or any group for that matter, it is a good idea to see what the experts say. First, what is a cult? Let's ask Steven Hassan. He has been active in cult awareness since 1976. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor and licensed Mental Health Counselor. He has helped people and their families involved in several groups such as Moonies, Scientology, and many others including MLM groups. He says to look for ways the group uses control. Does the group control its members Behavior, Information, Thoughts, and Emotions? This is what Steven Hassan says to look for.
Control Behavior-
Require obedience to it's self-appointed leaders without question. Do they want you to depend on them for truth. And, if you do not agree with what they say is truth do they get upset? Do they tell you what jobs you may or may not have, sports you may or may not play, college you may or may not attend? These are just some examples. There may be more or different examples. Do they require that you tell others in charge if someone gets "out of line" or does not behave the way they would like? Do they try to impose lots of their own rules and regulations on the group?
Control Information-
Control Thoughts-
Do they use words like apostate, demonized, troublemaker, to label others that do not conform to their standards thus turning others away from them? Do they tell you what you can read, watch, listen to and use guilt to make members feel bad if they don't conform? If you come across information that makes them look bad or in a negative light do they instantly label it as apostate or other name to get you to leave it alone?
Control Emotions-
Does the group use guilt to control it's members? Or, maybe fear as well. For example, they may say that person is going to go to hell or die at Armageddon if they do not change. Or, may be they use the member's children in that way. For example, they may say that if you do not attend meetings or other activities mandated by the leader that your children may die because of your behavior. These are all ways some cult groups keep their members from getting out of line or questioning their authority.
Many of these groups use shunning also as a way to keep members from questioning. If the group is told to shun a former member then they may be hoping any negative information will not get out concerning them.
Please do your research before you join any group. Even if they seem nice they are just like any other group or association. There are so many people getting scammed these days you must show extreme caution. Go to the experts. See what they say. The Internet is a very large place and anyone can say anything about just about everything and everyone. But, if you go to an expert such as Steven Hassan and others who are experienced and educated you can make a better decision for you and your family. You can even get information at your local library or bookstore. S. Hassan has written books on the subject as well that will be extremely helpful to your or a loved one.
His web address is http://freedomofmind.com/.
I for one was totally unaware of what a cult was. When I heard the word I thought of something very dark and brought to mind Jonestown or Waco. I never gave it much thought that it could happen to me or someone I love. But, I am sure that when those unfortunate victims joined they most likely found something positive in it at first too. Also, if you have already left a highly controlled group or family the risk of joining another one similar can be high if you do not become educated on what to look for and how to arm yourself.
Please educate yourself. You will not be sorry. There are many caring, loving, patient people out there waiting to help who know exactly how you feel. It is possible to move forward and live a happy positive life.
These groups and organizations prey on people even going to their homes to recruit them under the guise of "free bible study". Steven Hassan an expert on cults was asked how do we keep ourselves and our loved ones from joining a cult in the first place? His answer was by education. We must be educated on what a cult is so we can stay away from them. It is possible to leave a cult but trying to get a loved one out can be very difficult. Much easier to stay away in the first place. There are plenty of great books on the subject and can even find them at the library. That is where I first received my cult awareness. I was at the library for something else and came across the book Kingdom of the Cults. It just so happened that my congregation's name was on the list. I was dumbfounded to say the least!! But, I checked out the book and read it and it has changed my life for the better and now I want to help others in the same situation. I had no idea that the people who I trusted with my life and my children's lives were not as safe as I had thought. I am glad I got out before it was too late.
Some of these cult members if not most do not even know the deceit they are spreading. They may think they are helping and that they have found "the truth". They may not know the groups history and the ulterior agenda the leaders have. Check out the groups history before you join. You will be highly discouraged from checking the groups past after you join.
Here are a few books on the subject that I highly recommend. Many of them are very inexpensive at Amazon.com if you buy used or you can find some of them at the library. (I have purchased many books on line for under $2.00, all like new condition). If you or a loved one has a similar story or needs encouragement please write to me in comments and I will respond. My family was in the same organization for over four generations and very few of us has left which has torn the family apart. I have seen the emotional turmoil this group has caused my family members. They are scared into staying and told to shun the family members that have left. This makes it very hard for them to see what is being done to them and the help we could give them. So in the meantime it has become my passion to help others in this sad situation.
Below are the books I mentioned. If you click on the picture it will take you right to Amazon and you can read about the book and others in the same category. If you do decide to buy a book, I do receive a small commission from Amazon which goes right back into cult awareness and education against spiritual abuse. So, thank you in advance.
Here are some suggestions of books for cult awareness and education.
History of Jehovah's Witness
I find the history of Jehovah's witness fascinating. How can a religion that has changed it's doctrines and beliefs so many times still be around? I have read many articles claiming the history of Jehovah's Witnesses started in or around 1870. But, this is just not exactly true. Charles Taze Russell started his own bible study group in or around that time after rejecting what he found being taught in the churches near him. Some people called this group Russellites after him. They were a a small independent group who rejected the trinity and trinitarian churches but still loved the Bible. Charles Russell's writings and followers are still around. In fact you can still obtain his books and writings from the Internet for personal bible study.
When C.T. Russell passed away his lawyer J.F. Rutherford took over the group and systematically started changing many of C.T. Russell's beloved beliefs about God and the Bible. Many of Russell's faithful followers could not agree or support the new president's beliefs and his strong personality and tactics and they left the new organization over the course of several years. Some estimates say that at least 75% eventually left.
Then in or around 1932 the charismatic leader and president of the organization J.F. Rutherford (also called Judge Rutherford) changed the group's name to Jehovah's Witnesses instead of the bible students. This led to a lot of hurt and anger on both sides I would imagine. when I was brought up in the 1970's people were still talking about it in hushed tones around the kitchen table. I did not know exactly what it all meant but I remember it was not in a positive light and I specifically remember the name Russellites. That is why the name has stuck with me all of this time and I was shocked to find out that C.T. Russell's followers were still around because I was told like a lot of others that Jehovah's Witnesses were started in 1870.
I also find it very peculiar that despite the Jehovah's witnesses claim to be non-political or neutral their new president "Judge" Rutherford a lawyer did not seem to be so neutral. He led the group to the supreme court over issues of their right to freedom of religion and freedom to go door to door and not taking blood transfusions ordered by a doctor to save a life and at one time shots or certain surgery. I also find it curious that even though they fought so hard for religious freedom if a member wants out or wants to go to a different church (even if it is christian) they will be disfellowshipped and shunned. So, you may have the freedom to leave the Jehovahs witness organization but you may have to leave without your friends, family, your good name, and in some cases your livelihood.
Sincerely
JimmiK
When C.T. Russell passed away his lawyer J.F. Rutherford took over the group and systematically started changing many of C.T. Russell's beloved beliefs about God and the Bible. Many of Russell's faithful followers could not agree or support the new president's beliefs and his strong personality and tactics and they left the new organization over the course of several years. Some estimates say that at least 75% eventually left.
Then in or around 1932 the charismatic leader and president of the organization J.F. Rutherford (also called Judge Rutherford) changed the group's name to Jehovah's Witnesses instead of the bible students. This led to a lot of hurt and anger on both sides I would imagine. when I was brought up in the 1970's people were still talking about it in hushed tones around the kitchen table. I did not know exactly what it all meant but I remember it was not in a positive light and I specifically remember the name Russellites. That is why the name has stuck with me all of this time and I was shocked to find out that C.T. Russell's followers were still around because I was told like a lot of others that Jehovah's Witnesses were started in 1870.
I also find it very peculiar that despite the Jehovah's witnesses claim to be non-political or neutral their new president "Judge" Rutherford a lawyer did not seem to be so neutral. He led the group to the supreme court over issues of their right to freedom of religion and freedom to go door to door and not taking blood transfusions ordered by a doctor to save a life and at one time shots or certain surgery. I also find it curious that even though they fought so hard for religious freedom if a member wants out or wants to go to a different church (even if it is christian) they will be disfellowshipped and shunned. So, you may have the freedom to leave the Jehovahs witness organization but you may have to leave without your friends, family, your good name, and in some cases your livelihood.
Sincerely
JimmiK
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)