Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses

[sacolton]

Those that have been Disfellowshipped or Disassociated.

I was a Jehovah’s Witness for nine years. Married into the sect. It seemed harmless at first, but once you start researching the hardcore doctrines, you discover there are things that aren’t quite right. As for me, I began doing my homework on the history of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society and learned of all the false prophecies and unscriptural doctrines since the beginning of the organization. Right there I knew in my heart this could not be God’s spirit-directed organization on Earth. I submitted my letter of Disassociation in February 2008 and was met by Elders and the Presiding Overseer and none of them could sway my decision upon the proof that I shown.

“Where else where you go? Who else has the Truth?”

Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, Savior and my God.

I am now considered “apostate” from the organization and shunned by all members of the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why?

1. Because I don’t believe God works through False Prophets.
2. Because I don’t believe that Jesus Christ was Michael the Archangel.
3. Because I don’t believe that Jesus returned “invisibly” in 1914 and took His Heavenly throne.
4. Because I don’t believe Jesus approved the WTB&TS in 1919.
5. Because I don’t believe that the 144,000 anointed are ONLY Jehovah’s Witnesses.
6. Because I don’t believe that Jesus Christ is ONLY mediator of those 144,000 anointed and not for the rest of us.
7. Because I don’t believe that God will kill all non-Jehovah’s Witnesses during Armageddon.
8. Because I don’t believe there is a two-class system of the anointed and the “other sheep”.
9. Because I believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ.
10. Because I believe the Holy Spirit is a person and not just some “active force” by God.
11. Because I believe salvation comes from grace, not by works.

Since I have left, I have been doing my own reading of the Bible (discouraged by the WTB&TS) and see how they have twisted the scriptures to meet their theocratic agenda.

I hope to meet other ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses that have left the Watchtower Society on this forum. I hope to meet some real Christians too.

Peace in Christ.

• Shawn Colton

 

[twosweetgirls]

You’re sure to meet ex-JWs and plenty of real Christians here! There’s a lot of beautiful people here who can answer your questions and guide you in your journey to Christ.

God bless you!

 

[ohioszo]

When you are shunned, does that mean that your name is on a list of households “not to visit?” What does a member of the Watchtower Society do when their avocation means that they must interact with you? Let’s say that they have a restaurant. What would they do if you wanted something to eat there? I had wondered if a WS member could skate at Rockefeller Rink. Do you know if any WS member literally, hides in their homes during events such as Halloween? Do they get excused from marching in parades, or are they prevented from belonging in a band, because of the military aspect of it? I know that you are not here to answer questions such as these, but I wonder how they can not celebrate another person’s life, through a party for instance. Why, when there are bridal showers, do they snicker at skimpy underwear, and perhaps skimp at presents? Can they barely say their wedding vows, and still be married? Do they sometimes find that they cannot breath in some of their halls, when the room is full? Is every wedding considered joyous? Is the whole congregation somewhat forced to attend?

Those reasons would prevent most Catholics from treating the Watchtower Society as a temptation to heresy.

Some naturally happy moments in interaction with others, that can be found by joining any society, secular as well, are to be found there. That is the one thing that they count on … friendship, shallow at times it seems if they shun. Test that friendship, yet remaining with them, and they come through I hope … with monetary help for instance. We wondered!

No smoking: That is the Watchtower Society’s counterpart to our Faith’s “intrinsic evil.” It is further confusing as to their ideas about government as “intrinsically evil,” for the laws of government are their fallback.

Finally, it would seem that when a WS member does claim family with Catholics, what do they tell each other about that relationship? Do they think that we are instrinsically evil? as if they were consorting with the enemy when they are with us? Fear of course, you will say, that is why we are to “remain perfectly kind” when we are with them … until they, and we can relax. … Then, when they feel comfortable enough … they start preaching, as if we, their hosts, needed it! I preach back, of course … until I decide that they are guests and … they tire of it.

I am now considered “apostate” from the organization and shunned by all members of the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why?

I hope to meet other ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses that have left the Watchtower Society on this forum. I hope to meet some real Christians too.

Peace in Christ.

• Shawn Colton

 

[FCEGM]

. . .

I hope to meet other ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses that have left the Watchtower Society on this forum. I hope to meet some real Christians too.

Peace in Christ.

• Shawn Colton

Welcome to CAF, Shawn. I know there are a number of former JWs who post here, so you’ll be in good company. Here’s a website that should be of interest to you:

catholicxjw.com/index.html

 

[sacolton]

When you are shunned, does that mean that your name is on a list of households “not to visit?”

It means you are considered “spiritually dead”. That you have become an enemy of Jehovah God. Noone from the congregation will visit you and your home will be put on a list to not visit because you have left the truth. You are seen as a “spawn of Satan” because of apostasy.

What does a member of the Watchtower Society do when their avocation means that they must interact with you?

Interestingly enough, if it requires business association, then it is allowed, but limited to only speak of business and nothing spiritual. It is prefered if no contact is made with Disfellowshipped and Disassociated persons.

Do you know if any WS member literally, hides in their homes during events such as Halloween?

They simply don’t answer the door.

Do they get excused from marching in parades, or are they prevented from belonging in a band, because of the military aspect of it?

I’m not sure of any restrictions on Marching Bands, but participating in school sports is not allowed. Anything military would not be allowed.

I know that you are not here to answer questions such as these, but I wonder how they can not celebrate another person’s life, through a party for instance.

It is not allowed because they teach that it is evil to participate when there are two examples of beheadings during a birthday and that it comes from Pagan origins.

Why, when there are bridal showers, do they snicker at skimpy underwear, and perhaps skimp at presents?

Well, I suppose some girls are just embarrassed to see sexy lingerie. They aren’t known for gift giving. The only celebration they can partcipate in are wedding anniverseries and the Memorial.

Can they barely say their wedding vows, and still be married?

As long as they say their vows, yes.

Do they sometimes find that they cannot breath in some of their halls, when the room is full?

Heh. Actually, you won’t find many Kingdom Halls “full”. It’s quite the opposite.

Is every wedding considered joyous? Is the whole congregation somewhat forced to attend?

Yes. No.

Those reasons would prevent most Catholics from treating the Watchtower Society as a temptation to heresy.

The Watchtower makes no secret that they consider all Christendom churches as false religions.

Some naturally happy moments in interaction with others, that can be found by joining any society, secular as well, are to be found there. That is the one thing that they count on … friendship, shallow at times it seems if they shun. Test that friendship, yet remaining with them, and they come through I hope … with monetary help for instance. We wondered!

Friendship is conditional as a Jehovah’s Witness. You can spend a lifetime with people, but once you leave “the truth” - you are considered bad association. As they would say, “a dog who has returned to its vomit”.

No smoking: That is the Watchtower Society’s counterpart to our Faith’s “intrinsic evil.” It is further confusing as to their ideas about government as “intrinsically evil,” for the laws of government are their fallback.

I don’t think I couldn’t find time or space to list all the things a Jehovah’s Witness can’t do.

Finally, it would seem that when a WS member does claim family with Catholics, what do they tell each other about that relationship?

Mixed-faith marriages are common in the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion, but not by choice. It is tolerated. They strongly recommend that each marry someone within the faith. A man might not become an Ministerial Servant or Elder if his wife is of a different faith.

Do they think that we are instrinsically evil?

Anyone who isn’t a Jehovah’s Witness is considered “worldly”. They don’t use the word “evil”, but you are labelled “bad association”.

I preach back, of course … until I decide that they are guests and … they tire of it.

The mindset of every Jehovah’s Witness is that THEY have the truth - you don’t. They will jump around to scriptures and read them out of context to answer your questions. They depend heavily on the Watchtower publications and not just the Bible.

Hope these answer your questions. Feel free to ask anything.

Peace in Christ.

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

Welcome to CAF. I’m an a disassociated Jehovah’s Witness - studied with them for a couple of years before joining - even was an auxiallary (sp) pioneer back when 60 hrs a month was required. I left after about 4-5 years total with the Org back in 1991. I just ‘faded away’ and I’m sure the Christmas lights at my house are what kept them away. I never checked my status, but didn’t attend any disfellowship hearing, so I assume I’m disassociated.
Welcome again.

 

[bpp85]

Welcome to CAF
I’m also an ex-jw’s. I’m trying to get into the seminary and become a Catholic priest, i’m a true “apostate”
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

Friendship is conditional as a Jehovah’s Witness. You can spend a lifetime with people, but once you leave “the truth” - you are considered bad association. As they would say, “a dog who has returned to its vomit”.

This is SOOO true. I was a college student when I started studying. I quit school to be baptized and serve as an aux pioneer (almost full-time preaching work - 60hrs month) and worked for a Witness full-time. After a year I wanted to go back to school and fell away from Witness’s though didn’t leave the Org - just quit going to meetings, field service etc. After a few months I came back (why?! who knows lol), sat through a judicial committee and everyone was happy to see me —until I told them I was back in school - you could see the disapproval on their faces. During the time I was in school and/or not in the preaching work - I was never invited to get-togethers or any other social gatherings in teh congration - If you don’t do the party-line - you are practically invisible. When you disassocate - you ARE invisible.

 

[adstrinity]

Since I have left, I have been doing my own reading of the Bible (discouraged by the WTB&TS) and see how they have twisted the scriptures to meet their theocratic agenda.

Wait a minute. As much as I want to say, “OH THAT’S HORRIBLE!!!,” ex-Catholics and never-Catholics say the same thing about us and our Church, despite it being false. Are there any practicing JW’s here who can clarify?

Do you know if any WS member literally, hides in their homes during events such as Halloween?

They simply don’t answer the door.

Oh, the delicious creamy nougat center filled irony. SEE?!! HOW DO YOU ALL LIKE IT?!!!

It is not allowed because they teach that it is evil to participate when there are two examples of beheadings during a birthday and that it comes from Pagan origins.

This is from the Book of the Apocalypse, right? …How exactly is it defined?

Well, I suppose some girls are just embarrassed to see sexy lingerie. They aren’t known for gift giving. The only celebration they can partcipate in are wedding anniverseries and the Memorial.

Is this the JW version of the Last Supper?

A man might not become an Ministerial Servant or Elder if his wife is of a different faith.

What are these?

 

[sacolton]

Great to see so many ex-JWs. You’d be surprised how many have turned atheist after leaving because they simply can’t trust anything religious anymore. It’s amazing how an organization can strip a person of all beliefs in God.

 

[excaliber]

Hello
I was born and raised a Jehovahs witness. I pioneered for a few years, then served at bethel.

I thought the Jehovahs witnesses had the truth because it seemed so obvious that we were commanded to preach from door to door, it seemed so obvious that
144,000 people were going to heaven…and everyone else was going to live on earth. It also seemed obvious that holidays had pagan influences. So I was 100 percent sure Jehovahs witnesses were the true faith.

Its a long story…but I am now in rcia.

I hope all ex Jehovahs witnesses
can understand that being christian is not all about giving talks and commenting, and getting your “hours” in preaching.

The watchtower organization is completely different from what christ established.

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

I was attracted to the JWs cause they really appeared to know their bible - they had a scripture for everything.
But one of the many things that led me out was the lack of spirituality. The hymns sung at meetings are accompanied by a tape recording of the piano - no live instruments/chiors ect. I don’t even recall live music at the few weddings I attended. And no even at District Conventions where upwards of thousands of witnesses gather -you figure there they would ditch the CD player for a live choir, but nope.
Everything is so academic - read this, answer these questions which is basically reading the paragraph back. Give a practice talk, doing the daily readings… etc. Tons of assignments, but no worship - no just bowing before our Creator in awe and gratitude - just work, work, work.

 

[NanaR]

Those that have been Disfellowshipped or Disassociated.

I was a Jehovah’s Witness for nine years. Married into the sect. It seemed harmless at first, but once you start researching the hardcore doctrines, you discover there are things that aren’t quite right. As for me, I began doing my homework on the history of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society and learned of all the false prophecies and unscriptural doctrines since the beginning of the organization. Right there I knew in my heart this could not be God’s spirit-directed organization on Earth. I submitted my letter of Disassociation in February 2008 and was met by Elders and the Presiding Overseer and none of them could sway my decision upon the proof that I shown.

“Where else where you go? Who else has the Truth?”

Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, Savior and my God.

I am now considered “apostate” from the organization and shunned by all members of the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why?

1. Because I don’t believe God works through False Prophets.
2. Because I don’t believe that Jesus Christ was Michael the Archangel.
3. Because I don’t believe that Jesus returned “invisibly” in 1914 and took His Heavenly throne.
4. Because I don’t believe Jesus approved the WTB&TS in 1919.
5. Because I don’t believe that the 144,000 anointed are ONLY Jehovah’s Witnesses.
6. Because I don’t believe that Jesus Christ is ONLY mediator of those 144,000 anointed and not for the rest of us.
7. Because I don’t believe that God will kill all non-Jehovah’s Witnesses during Armageddon.
8. Because I don’t believe there is a two-class system of the anointed and the “other sheep”.
9. Because I believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ.
10. Because I believe the Holy Spirit is a person and not just some “active force” by God.
11. Because I believe salvation comes from grace, not by works.

Since I have left, I have been doing my own reading of the Bible (discouraged by the WTB&TS) and see how they have twisted the scriptures to meet their theocratic agenda.

I hope to meet other ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses that have left the Watchtower Society on this forum. I hope to meet some real Christians too.

Peace in Christ.

• Shawn Colton

Hi Shawn!!

This is Ruth, NanaR from JWD

I like your #11. Catholics firmly believe we are “saved by grace alone”. We agree on that!!

I’m at work so I can’t write much right now, but welcome to CAF

Ruth Leone
Born JW, born-again Catholic

 

[tcabeen]

Hi Shawn,

Welcome to the forum. As a former JW, now a Catholic, it may seem daunting to begin to try to sort out all the issues.

Interestingly, your list is mostly a list which begins with “I don’t believe…” Only the last three, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the personality of the Holy Spirit, and salvation by grace, are stated in positive terms. I agree with you on these things. But the makeup of your list is a clue to what is wrong with JWs and many other such groups. They define themselves as much by what they don’t believe as what they do.

Having made the same trip you did, I can recommend this approach:** Focus on truth, not on falsehood.** Many Catholic teachings are rejected by people out of ignorance, because they have no context in which to put them. The Marian doctrines, for example, have come about because holy men and women have meditated deeply on the meaning of the Incarnation, and what it would have meant to bear a divine person in one’s own body.

This, BTW, is a fundamental difference between the Catholic approach to theology and the Protestant one. Whereas Protestants tend to focus on abstract issues like “justification” and “predestination”, Catholics have always tended to focus on concrete issues like would the mother of a divine person be able to be sinful, or would she need to be sinless to fit within the divine patterns set in the OT? (This distinction was not noticed by me, but by John Henry Newman, another convert to the Catholic church.)

Many years ago, I ran across a quote which made a deep impression on me. I printed it out and it hung on my wall for several years. It is from Solomon ibn Gabirol, a Jewish rabbi who lived about a thousand years ago and had a good deal of influence on the Christians of his day. He said something like:

“A fool rejoices when he discovers error; a wise man rejoices when he discovers truth.”

This quote created a mental picture of the method so many former JWs use to analyze things. They spend a lot of time trying to discover all the things that are false, not only in the WTS, but in other religious traditions as well. Every time they do that, they congratulate themselves on seeing through another lie, but, like the detective who spends his time and efforts adding to the list of people who* didn’t *commit the murder, he may not be getting any closer to solving the crime by finding out who did. All things considered, there is relatively little to be gained in proportion to the effort expended from that approach.

If you invest the same amount of effort in becoming informed about things that have been explored by the Church throughout the years, and which have been verified either by very strong evidence that they belong to the original deposit of faith, or that they are logical conclusions based on those original building block truths, then each thing one learns contributes toward building a correct model of reality, which is what truth is. You gain something you can live by each and every time you do it.

Blessings on you, my brother.

Tom Cabeen

 

[ohioszo]

Hope these answer your questions. Feel free to ask anything. Peace in Christ.

Thank you for answering my questions! I wanted to point out their hypocrisy, I guess.

The scanty clothing came from her friends, fellow Watchtower folk. The future bride, placed the undies on her head.

 

[TamM]

My brother has recently started studying and going to meetings after being in a really bad car accident. Do any ex JW’s have any advice for how I can maintain my relationship with him? Do they have any policies on preaching to children they’ve been asked not to preach to? (I"m scared he or other family members who are JW will try to convert my kids eventually). Is there anything specific that enlightened anyone I might be able to point out to him before it’s too late?

God Bless

 

[yellowbird]

My brother has recently started studying and going to meetings after being in a really bad car accident. Do any ex JW’s have any advice for how I can maintain my relationship with him? Do they have any policies on preaching to children they’ve been asked not to preach to? (I"m scared he or other family members who are JW will try to convert my kids eventually). Is there anything specific that enlightened anyone I might be able to point out to him before it’s too late?

God Bless

If I were you I would tell your children they need to pray for Uncle JW because people have lied to him about God and unfortunatly he is begining to believe things that aren’t true. Tell them how sad it is that he doesn’t believe Jesus is God and he doesn’t believe he will go to heaven (JWs believe all those “seats” are filled) So long as you are diligent about teaching them what TO believe, Uncle JW won’t stand a chance…

Regarding what you might be able to tell him… there are many great books out there written by former JW’s exposing the lies but depending on how deep he’s in already, he might not be interested in reading them.

Above all, continue to love him and pray for him. Don’t “study” with him though or take his literature… you’d be suprised how quickly you could get sucked in.

 

[Jay53]

sacolton;4397274]
I’m not sure of any restrictions on Marching Bands, but participating in school sports is not allowed. Anything military would not be allowed.

Hi Shawn, Welcome to the forums!

I don’t know a whole lot about JW’s. One of my best friends in high school was one, but we never discussed religion. I think he was uncomfortable with it. I was just surprised about the school sports, because my friend was on the tennis team in high school. He was a good player too! (Maybe his family wasn’t completely practicing JW’s? I never heard anything about anyone in his family going door to door either. ??)

Anyhow, welcome and thank you for answering our questions.