Best jehovah witness books according to redditors
We found 102 Reddit comments discussing the best jehovah witness books. We ranked the 24 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 102 Reddit comments discussing the best jehovah witness books. We ranked the 24 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Yeah. Get on this right away. Check out the book on Amazon called "Before You Open the Door." It hasn't a great section on what to do if a loved one starts getting targeted by JWs.
https://www.amazon.com/Before-You-Open-Door-Witnesses-ebook/dp/B00MNJ1H5S
Where to begin?! Lol welcome.
At this point there’s quite a few ways to disbelieve the JW doctrine. Many people will fill you in I’m sure and debate over doubts here within the comment section. If you were really interested in knowing. I’d suggest:
John Cedars
Start from the very beginning if you’d like to view all the doubts via video format. There’s a lot of substance within that channel so I’d def start there. If your into podcasts I’d suggest:
This JW Life
Shunned
The Prodigal Boys
The Daily Dose
Book References:
Crisis Of Conscience
The Reluctant Apostate
Combating With Cult Mind Control
WHen he first started activism he did not show his face and was still a JW. So he used John Cedars . https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Apostate-Leaving-Jehovahs-Witnesses-ebook/dp/B01N4V1WRA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540038983&sr=8-3&keywords=jehovah%27s+witnesses
You should enjoy this book too then...:
https://www.amazon.ca/Orwellian-World-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0802065457
This book was published in 1984 and I read it in 1985. It was instrumental in my deprogramming. I highly recommend it.
If you can't access it through purchase, your public library likely has a copy or can get it in for you.
Here, I'll do it. Amazon link
Funny enough there is a book about JWs with almost your exact wording. "I'm Perfect, Youre doomed"
Welcome to the board! I found ex-JW information around 20 years after I left, but that was some years ago.
>I still always go back to what if, or second guessing myself.
It's likely because you've never deconstructed the [false] beliefs that you were taught.
You've just now found out about the ex-JW groups, if I read your opening post correctly.
There is a mountain of information out on the internet now, about how wrong the WT Society was/is, and more significantly about how CORRUPT the WT Society was/is.
Someone's already recommended JW facts, right? I haven't read the rest of the thread yet.
Edit to add JW facts link: https://jwfacts.com/
And the book written by Ray Franz that first blew off the lid on the inner and extremely corrupt workings of the WT Society: https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion/dp/0999499211
Also, to anyone else reading this, if I haven't linked the most current version of Crisis of Conscience, please tell me. Thanks!
Oh, and John Cedars' book: https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Apostate-Leaving-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0995669104
And his highly informative YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz1w0ll081JJiYcjb298pOw
Oh, and EXJW Critical Thinkers' channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHhWSPtMDTSa8dzapmzo5A
Then direct people to this and not pirated property.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07B7C21M3/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=
The usual recommended reading is Ray Franz' Crisis of Conscious. Ray Franz was a member of the Governing Body (JW's Corporate overlords) who basically defected and was "disfellowshipped" (excommunicated). You might have trouble finding it in bookstores though, since the copyright holders are refusing to publish for one reason or another [insert conspiracy theory here]. It can be found in PDF form online though.
Available on Amazon is The Reluctant Apostate by Lloyd Evans. He also runs a very informative and even handed (IMHO) YouTube channel under the name "John Cedars".
Lloyd's book was a very emotional read for me because a lot of the stuff that happened to him happened to me. Not everyone is can escape a cult, and those that do have irreversible damage done to their personality and psyche. Everyday is a struggle for me, but knowing that there are other exJW's make the pain bearable.
Knowing that exJW's and exMormon's have so many similarities give me even greater strength to keep going on. Thank you for existing and I hope that we all find our happiness.
side note: Tapirs, amirte? lol
edit: forgot a link
Hardcover
Paperback
Very excited. I never got to read this and I need to make a decision soon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999499211/ref=sr_1_3_det?ie=UTF8&qid=1520134846&sr=8-3#productPromotions
I read '1984' when I was 13 (a really dumb teacher gave it to me. Come on lady, some books you don't put into the hands of kids that young) and it scared me to death. I mean really traumatized. And it took me years to figure out why. In fact it was only a few weeks ago, and finding this subreddit when it all came together: I had grown up in 1984, we all had.
It was a pretty mindblowing revelation. And we're not the first ones to make it.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Orwellian-World-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0802065457/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382064169&sr=8-1&keywords=orwellian+world+of+jehovah
I'm just posting this for information. I have no connection with the book and haven't read it.
.
Shunned: How I Lost my Religion and Found Myself
>Linda A. Curtis, 256-Page Paperback, Released April 17, 2018
>Linda Curtis was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and is an unquestioning true believer who has knocked on doors from the time she was nine years old. Like other Witnesses, she has been discouraged from pursuing a career, higher education, or even voting, and her friendships are limited to the Witness community.
>Then one day, at age thirty-three, she knocks on a door - and a coworker she deeply respects answers the door. To their mutual consternation she launches into her usual spiel, but this time, for the first time ever, the message sounds hollow. In the months that follow, Curtis tries hard to overcome the doubts that spring from that doorstep encounter, knowing they could upend her “safe” existence. But ultimately, unable to reconcile her incredulity, she leaves her religion and divorces her Witness husband - a choice for which she is shunned by the entire community, including all members of her immediate family.
>Shunned follows Linda as she steps into a world she was taught to fear and discovers what is possible when we stay true to our hearts, even when it means disappointing those we love.
>https://www.amazon.com/Shunned-Lost-Religion-Found-Myself/dp/1631523287/
.
See also:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999499211/ref=sr_1_3_det?ie=UTF8&qid=1520134846&sr=8-3#productPromotions
Reinstating to fade is not that uncommon, at least from what I've seen on this board. Makes sense for people who want to keep in contact with family. There is even a book about a mother, Nancy Sage, who did it in order to save her adult daughter from the cult and I think also an abusive marriage. Haven't read the book yet, but did listen to an interview with her on youtube.
Edit: Found the interview
5th edition came out this year.
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion/dp/0999499211
Every congregation. The entire organization. You need this book
https://www.amazon.ca/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion/dp/0999499211
Also watch these. This man is a former Governing Body member. He wrote the book above
https://youtu.be/iK3F9hBcy2M
The actual history of jw:
https://youtu.be/VE3zp9FiyiQ
God doesnt have an organization:
https://youtu.be/mEnySmz-4NQ
Wake up. You have a bright future ahead of you
This is my letter i wrote my jw family using only their bible & publications to prove they are being mislead by false teachers
https://www.bcbpa.com/anonymous-canada
You think Crisis blows your mind? Read The Reluctant Apostate by Lloyd Evans. It covers stuff that is in Crisis, but goes even deeper down the rabbit hole, bringing the reader pretty close to up to date on the Borg.
https://smile.amazon.com/Reluctant-Apostate-Leaving-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0995669104/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537552743&sr=8-1&keywords=the+reluctant+apostate
Reading Ray Franz's book opened my eyes and I'll be forever grateful to that dear man. Here it is, it was just re-released this week! It's quickly sold out but will be in stock very soon.
Reading your post made my heart glad, and you can take a deep breath, you will be fine. The fact that you're here now shows you've already taken the first big step in getting your freedom.
I was in your shoes 2 years ago and i still can remember the incredible relief that I felt when I realized Armageddon is made up, they just use it to control the rank and file, identical to the Catholics and their fearmongering about Hell.
Reasearch! Research! Research, the King and his Kingdom!
In research you will find your freedom. It's better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie.
Go ask around on r/ExMormon, r/ExJW, read I'm Perfect, You're Doomed by Kyria Abrahams. Celibacy for religious purposes is an anachronism in the age of condoms and birth control. It doesn't help anyone anymore.
Good! It's impossible NOT to see parallels between the JW world and that Orwellian dystopia (there's a book you might like: The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses
I too learned to be very good at doublethink. Took me almost two years after I was free, mentally, to be free physically - because I still lived at home. My online exJW friends were instrumental in helping me get through that time. Be patient, smile and nod, and lean on us. :-)
Sure is - Amazon link here (I'm presuming you're in the US) - it was written by a former member of the JWs' governing body.
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion-ebook/dp/B07B7C21M3
Otherwise you may be able to find a PDF somewhere
Amazon
Available now
[Crisis of Conscience: The story of the struggle between loyalty to God and loyalty to one's religion. - Kindle edition by Raymond Franz, Deborah Dykstra, David ...]
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7C21M3/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1520187343&sr=1-4-fkmr0&keywords=crisis+of+conscience+raymond+franz+2018)
607 Vs 586
CSA
Declaration of Facts
Beth Sarim
​
If you want to show him material written by someone who is not DF'ed, you can show him the book I wrote, which documents all of this. If you have kindle unlimited you can read it for free here: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-about-Doctrines-Practices-Witnesses-ebook/dp/B07XFBDHPS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3WQS1IKWMHOL&keywords=daniel+maccabee+the+truth+about+the+truth&qid=1571511867&sprefix=daniel+maccabee+the+truth+about+the+truth%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-3
​
If not, I can send you a PDF copy.
​
jwfacts.com is another good source, but it is written by an apostate so he may reject it.
Google brings up "Faith on the March" by A H MacMillian, "The Truth that leads to Eternal Life", and "I'm Perfect, You're Doomed" which is satire.
Biography of Raymond Franz
Excerpts
>In 1944 Franz graduated from Gilead, the group's school for training missionaries, and temporarily served the organization as a traveling representative in the continental United States until receiving a missionary assignment to Puerto Rico in 1946. Franz became a representative of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the Caribbean, traveling to the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, until at least 1957 when Jehovah's Witnesses were banned in the Dominican Republic by dictator Rafael Trujillo. At the age of 37, Franz married his wife, Cynthia, who joined him on missionary work. Both returned to the Dominican Republic in 1961 to evangelize for four more years and were then assigned to Watch Tower headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Franz
In his book, Crisis of Conscience, Franz talks about his days in the Dominican R, page 19 (Spanish edition):
> During a period of almost 5 years that we stayed in the country, we saw the fall of four different governments and in April 1965 we experimented a war in the surroundings of the capital (Santo Domingo) Translated by me.
Source:
https://www.amazon.com.mx/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion-ebook/dp/B07B7C21M3/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_es_MX=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=CHM8SVLF16CH&keywords=crisis+of+conscience&qid=1550170558&s=gateway&sprefix=Crisis+of+C%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-1
Source of the Photo and Web Page ...Tribute to...
In Tribute to Cynthia and Raymond Franz
https://www.commentarypress.com/
We want to ask the members of the Governing Body of the Jehovah's Witnesses:
> Why did you erase the work of Raymond Franz in his missionary work in the 2015 Yearbook?
> Why are you coping with Stalin's, Chairman Mao Ze Dong's ways to erase friends, comrades of struggle?
Source:
Stalin manipulated the science of photography to further his own political career and to erase the memory of his victims. In each case, the juxtaposition of original and doctored images reveals how easily history can be distorted.
https://www.history101.com/photo-altering-soviet-union/
More people erased by dictators:
https://www.businessinsider.com/people-who-were-erased-from-history-2013-12#leon-trotsky-russian-revolutionary-3
Manipulators of China's history:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/chinas-memory-manipulators
The Borg Manipulation to erase Franz work
In 1954, Trujillo traveled to Rome and signed a concordat with the Pope. Trujillo’s one-time confidant, Germán Ornes, wrote: “Since the Dominican Church is overwhelmingly pro-Trujillo, [it] has been a great source of support for ‘the Chief’ [Trujillo].
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/2015-yearbook/history/catholic-church-trujillo/
Jehovah’s loyal servants had to be courageous in the face of such violent opposition—and courageous they were! Even government officials recognized this. For example, on July 31, 1957, Luis Arzeno Colón, an inspector for the president, wrote to the secretary of state, lamenting: “Although the law recently proclaimed by the National Congress declares illegal the religious activity of the sect known as Jehovah’s Witnesses, the majority of its members continue in their steadfastness.”
https://www.jw.Borg/en/publications/books/2015-yearbook/history/vicious-attack/
Shortly thereafter, Secretary of Security Arturo Espaillat ordered the ten remaining missionaries to leave the country. On July 21, 1957, Roy Brandt wrote to Trujillo, requesting to meet with him to explain our situation.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/2015-yearbook/history/head-witness/
Sorry GB, you can Stalinize the Memory of Cynthia and Raymond Franz, but they will always live in the hearts and minds of people in FREEDOM
I recommend for the op to read:
The Reluctant Apostate: Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses Comes at a Price https://www.amazon.com/dp/0995669104/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Yvz4ybHCEXS26
It's a long book but it organizes a lot of Watchtower material/fallacies/scandals. It's written with non-JWs in mind.
That's interesting that you've heard that because the way I understood the 144 000 was that they were selected arbitrarily by God. If you were in a Kingdom Hall and there was someone who was particularly kind and saintly, everyone in the congregation would start to think that they were one of the elect. As one of the elect, they get respect, special privilege, and they are the only ones who can take communion (everyone else just passes the bread and grape juice because they aren't elect and, therefore, cannot partake in the sacrament).
Granted, I don't know what your source is, but I got this from a memoir by an ex-JW called I'm Perfect, You're Doomed. I don't know how libelous it may or may not be as the author is very, very bitter about her upbringing but the insider knowledge of a tradition is better than any armchair sources.
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion/dp/0999499203/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1524162989&sr=8-2&keywords=crisis+of+conscience+by+raymond+franz
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Perfect-Youre-Doomed-Upbringing/dp/1416556869
Yikes. Hey, if you told MIL you didn't want your kid to wear blue on Tuesday, she should respect that. Doesn't matter what you ask... your kid, your rules.
I googled "Jehovah's views on spanking" and was shown this. Looked interesting... I think it's worth a read. Might help you get in her head...
Here’s the link to the UK Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0999499211/
I'd suggest making a post on /r/exjw and possibly /r/exmormon. The people there will be familiar with this and give you advice to get him out of it.
I saw this posted in this thread so I'll paste it here for you:
>Yeah. Get on this right away. Check out the book on Amazon called "Before You Open the Door." It hasn't a great section on what to do if a loved one starts getting targeted by JWs.
>https://www.amazon.com/Before-You-Open-Door-Witnesses-ebook/dp/B00MNJ1H5S
Besides Combating Cult Mind Control, Crisis of Conscious and The God Delusion (The trinity of exjw books? :D) a great book is "Why Evolution is True" by Jerry Coyne, it cleared up some misconceptions I had on evolution even after researching it. Also enjoyed the explanation on why there are some gaps in the fossil record as well, but overall it really solidified the fact that evolution has enormous irrefutable evidence backing its explanation.
"A Universe From Nothing" by Lawrence Krauss, explains the big bang and the physics of empty space. There is always something rather than nothing and basically the universe had to exist with the properties it does or otherwise it couldn't. (lol I promise im not celebrating 4/20) He did not do a very good job of explaining some of the physics principles in layman's terms so reading another introductory physics book would probably be best. I read "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene before and was still scratching my head a few times... but that might just be my own ineptitude.
"Beyond Religion - Ethics For A Whole World" by the Dali Lama. It was refreshing to read a book by a spiritual leader that actually gets the bigger picture. He talks about where ethics come from, why all people despite their background can be morally upright and that one does not need to be religiously inclined to lead an ethical, happy life that contributes to society. Mainly its a call for understanding and tolerance of others. I plan on sharing with my witness parents and friends to help them escape their narrow minded point of view that atheists and other non witnesses are heathens while respecting their religion... as much as I disagree.
I keep hearing A History of God brought up and Jesus Misquoted so they are next on my book list. I had started on the demon haunted world but have not finished it yet. Also, has anyone read this book yet...
http://www.amazon.com/The-Orwellian-World-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0802065457
Stumbled upon it the other day and thought it looked a little wacky but might be an entertaining read comparing 1984 to witnesses.
P.S. - Here is a shameless plug for the /r/atheism reading list...
http://www.reddit.com/help/faqs/atheism#RecommendedReading
Maybe we should start our own on the side bar. :)
Here's some books I've found that I think help explain the JW experience. Your library system might have some of these.
Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement A sociological study on the religion. Holden gets some doctrines wrong, but I think that's minor compared to how well this describes the experience in terms a therapist would probably find useful.
[Combatting Cult Mind Control] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892813113/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Steve Hassan was in the Moonies but the methods are the same. Freaked me out when I first read it.
I'm Perfect, You're Doomed If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend it. It's hard to get through sometimes because she's not always likeable and sometimes really pathetic, but weren't we all?
You put the wrong link.
The fifth edition of the book can be found here and isn't available on hard cover through amazon yet.
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion-ebook/dp/B07B7C21M3/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1520359740&sr=1-6&keywords=crisis+of+conscience+franz
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion-ebook/dp/B07B7C21M3/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion-ebook/dp/B07B7C21M3/
It looks like they're still in stock ;)
Available as kindle edt
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07B7C21M3/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1520349818&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=crisis+of+conscience+by+raymond+franz&dpPl=1&dpID=51ABjkoh3ML&ref=plSrch
Of course!
This was amazingly helpful to me: https://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies
Teaches you the history and context behind the Hebrew Bible and Greek Scriptures. It’s a great intro to a deeper look at the Bible. I learned so much from those two courses. They are pretty long, but well worth it.
Then I would recommend checking out Bart D Erhman’s books. He has a few lectures on audible and YouTube.
Also, I highly recommend reading Ray Franz’s book Crisis of Conscience. He was a Governing Body member in the 70s/80s who left and wrote an autobiography about his experiences. It’s mind blowing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0999499211/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522373103&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=crisis+of+conscience+by+raymond+franz
When the only versions available were for hundreds of dollars on ebay, downloading a versions from the internet might be justifiable, however, now there is a new version available, it isn't really. The kindle version is <$10
or you could request a copy through your local library.
I never managed to get into the second book, but I think you've inspired me to do so. Read CoC, am in the middle of The Reluctant Apostate at the moment (can be found here: http://amzn.to/2rd25ye ) ... but I will give 'In Search of Christian Freedom' a read very soon.
Thank you.
Regarding your point number 5:
https://www.amazon.ca/Orwellian-World-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0802065457
That Watchtower article is crap - you must always independently research Watchtower.
Here's the link to Amazon where the book can be ordered from:
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Conscience-struggle-between-religion/dp/0999499211/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539476363&sr=8-1&keywords=crisis+of+conscience+by+raymond+franz
&#x200B;
Best of luck
Staying in could help your brotherover time.
Sounds like this mother who got reinstated to get her daughter out. Then both faded...
https://www.amazon.com/Going-Undercover-Rescue-My-Daughter/dp/0941813053
Crisis of Conscience: The story of the struggle between loyalty to God and loyalty to one's religion. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999499211/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vgdpDbJYRG69T
You can get this book on Amazon. Interesting.
In US I found this link...
https://www.amazon.com/Years-Watchtower-Slave-Confessions-Converted/dp/0801063841
&#x200B;
Here's a similar book I can recall. Might want to look up publishing details about that one, maybe contact the author.
A couple of books by James Penton to consider:
Apocalypse Delayed -
https://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Delayed-Story-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0802079733
JWs and the Third Reich -
https://www.amazon.com/Jehovahs-Witnesses-Third-Reich-Persecution/dp/0802089275
And Carl Olaf Jonsson:
Sign of the Last Days-When? -
https://www.amazon.com/Sign-Last-Days-When-Jonsson/dp/0914675095
The Gentile Times Reconsidered -
https://www.amazon.com/Gentile-Times-Reconsidered-Carl-Jonsson/dp/0914675079
I am so sorry that this is happening to you. You are right to be concerned - this could very easily tear your family apart. I have seen it happen firsthand when someone in my family was recruited into the Dubs then became totally alienated from her non-Dub husband. You could very easily end up in a situation where both your wife and your child are brainwashed into thinking you are a bad influence and that only other Dubs are worth spending time with. You definitely do not want to be complacent about this. The JWs are not "just another religion". It is a very dangerous and nasty cult.
My advice would be to immediately start "studying" the JWs yourself - but NOT with their own material. JWs don't know their own history very well at all, but you can find a lot of eye opening stuff using outside materials like http://www.jwfacts.com
Here are the three books that I would strongly recommend you purchase and start reading right away:
The Reluctant Apostate: Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses (a very long and well-researched explanation of the JWs - if you can only read one of these books, I would make it this one)
Combating Cult Mind Control (not focused on just the JWs, but a general book about how cults operate and how to try to work with someone to get them out)
Crisis of Conscience (an older book written by one of the "Governing Body" members that ended up leaving the religion)
If you read those books, you will learn a LOT about how the JWs operate and have ample proof that this is not a legitimate religion. However, you can't confront her directly with this info. She has been programmed by the cult to reject any direct attack on the religion.
However, as you read them, you will probably think of some questions that you'll have for your wife about the Dubs. Start asking her questions NOT in an aggressive way but just in a "curious" sort of way. For example, "What do you make of [this thing]? What is the JW explanation for that?"
When people are being brainwashed, you can't confront them directly about it. That just makes them dig their heels in. You have to slowly dismantle the belief system by asking them questions and forcing them to realize for themselves that the cult doesn't have a good answer for it.
I also recommend trying your best to find excuses to spend time away from home on meeting days to keep her away from the dubs as much as possible. Time spent away from the indoctrination sessions can often help people realize on their own that it is bullshit.
Yes there are! I enjoyed them all, I found them all on amazon for under $10-$15.
Some of my favorites are:
There are a few others but I can't remember the name off the top of my head, just type JWs into amazon and shit ton pops up. And if you want a laugh, some JWs left comments on some of the books angry about their existence and they were hilarious to me.
Edit:added some and changed formatting
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0999499211/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1520391160&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=CB192198896_AA75_QL70&amp;keywords=crisis+of+conscience
Have you read The Truth Book by Joy Castro? It's really good. It's partially about JH, and childhood abuse.
Related, did you have experiences with abuse that you feel were related to your religion? Verbal or otherwise?
I was in a similar situation as you. I won't try to guess your current views on the Watchtower organization, but let me share my experience.
For two years I was disfellowshipped, but still believed it was The Truth. We have a special acronym for this over at r/exjw - POMI (Physically Out, Mentally In). It is not a good situation. You try to lead a normal life, but deep down you feel deeply guilty and unworthy, convinced that, when Armageddon comes, God will personally destroy you for turning your back on Him. It's virtually impossible to do anything meaningful with your life when you live with this burden.
Fortunately, after 2 years I gave myself permission to research my faith.... actual research. I read Crisis of Conscience. I visited JW Facts. I soon realized that, it wasn't all "apostate lies" like I had been warned. Rather, I had been lied to by the Governing Body my entire life. I really can't put into words how joyful it is to be set free from Watchtower guilt.
My point is this: There is life after Watchtower. And it's more rewarding and satisfying than I could have ever imagined.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Orwellian-World-Jehovahs-Witnesses/dp/0802065457
I guess I should point out that this exists. I haven't read it so I cannot recommend it, but I really want to.
My wife is an ex-jw. She likes the following books in part because they inject lots of humor into their painful accounts of living in the system, and then leaving it:
I'm Perfect, You're Doomed: Tales from a Jehovah's Witness Upbringing by Kyria Abrahams
and
Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk by Tony DuShane (a fictionalized account of DuShane's life and exit from the Witnesses.)
Autogenerated.
Discussion Megathread: Leah Remini A&E Special + AMA Announcement for Cedars and Steve Hassan!
The long-awaited special will be airing at 9PM ET/PT on Tuesday November 13th, 2018. It will air on the cable channel A&E in the US.
We'll be trying to keep this post up to date with links/details on how to watch Leah's A&E expose as we get them in, so please comment below if you know of a way to watch that isn't listed.
Do you want to Thank Leah? Do that here! A few Folks are organizing a Twitter Storm to thank Leah on November 14, which you can read all about here, or see u/patlynnw:
&#x200B;
Watch in Canada on Optik/Teleus
How to Watch in the UK Sun Nov 18th, 7pm
(Possibly) Watch Online, after the fact:
&#x200B;
Special AMA Details!!
To ease your cult expose hangover, we will also be hosting TWO Special AMAs. Please give a massive thanks to both Cedars and Steve Hassan who have reached out and accepted our AMA invitations! Here is when all that is going down:
&#x200B;
Cedars, AKA the inimitable Lloyd Evans- Friday November 16th, 2018. Starting 8AMEST for appx. 24 hours.
Guys, it's Cedars!! Join us as we offer the chance to Q&A one of the most prominent activists in the EXJW community. Lloyd is best known as the Founder of JW Survey and the John Cedars Channel He has also recently authored a book, which is part of a greater wave that is making public the struggles of those in the EXJW community. Lloyd, if I've missed anything (as I am sure I have), let me know. :) For the rest of you, watch this space for the sticky, where you will be able to ask your quesetions!
&#x200B;
Steve Hassan- Monday November 19th, 2018. 9AM EST, for appx 24 Hours.
Let's have a round of applause for everyone's favorite cult deprogramming expert! Steve Hassan is the founder of Freedom of Mind, and a leading figure in the movement to define how cults operate and combat their effects. His book "Combating Cult Mind Control" is a cult favorite (no pun intended) among EXJWs and will be having its 30th anniversary this week. Here is an excerpt from his website, with more information:
>"Steven has helped thousands of former cult members and their families, clergy, psychologists and fellow cult experts over the years. He co-developed “Ending the Game”, a non-coercive curriculum designed to educate and empower commercial sex trafficking victims, and has spoken out about the effects, mechanisms, and signs of undue influence in its many forms on 60 Minutes, CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Larry King Live, Oprah, and many other programs, as well as being featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, and dozens of other major publications and websites."
Watch "Hot" sort for the sticky next Monday where you can ask Steve whatever you'd like! You won't want to miss this chance.
&#x200B;
PS- Sorry we had to clump it all together. Reddit only gives us two stickys.
&#x200B;
-----------------------------------------------------------
IamAbot_v01. Alpha version. Under care of /u/oppon.
Comment 1 of 1
Updated at 2018-11-12 08:24:51.091331
Next update in approximately 20 mins at 2018-11-12 08:44:51.091368
For fun and a few laughs read [I'm perfect You're Doomed]
(http://www.amazon.com/Im-Perfect-Youre-Doomed-Upbringing/dp/1416556842)
Link is Amazon.
Has anybody read this?
I really enjoyed Kyria Abrams' memoir I'm Perfect, You're Doomed.
https://www.amazon.com/Going-Undercover-Rescue-My-Daughter/dp/0941813053
Crisis of Conscience https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999499211/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9WHzCbMPB3A85
He will love this book, it's a must have for every JW.
I think you're perceiving anger because I'm saying something negative about the organization, and it's making you feel defensive and angry, so you're projecting how you feel onto my words.
You're misinformed about every claim you made. If you want, you can research and see for yourself.
A few things to consider. Have you noticed that the Watchtower always bring court cases and political news stories to the congregation's attention when it has to do with them being "persecuted"? They mentioned Russia and had everyone write letters. They've talked about how they went to court and fought for their right to preach, and not to salute the flag. But they never mention the cases that accuse them of wrongdoing. They lose and settle so many of these cases, but never mention them. They never get into the details, they don't show you the supposed lies against them and how they've defended Jehovah's organization. They just tell you to believe their side of the story, without actually telling you anything about the story.
As for your claim that some witnesses made up the 1975 date, I used to believe that too. Until I saw copies of old Watchtower Publications that aren't available in the online library. You have to find a long time Jehovah's Witness that still has them. Here's a link to a page that gives a lot of sources, including audio, as to how so many JWs came to believe the end would come in 1975 https://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/1975.php
You don't have to look that far though, the Overlapping Generation is a hard one to swallow these days. Soon they'll be claiming that Jehovah's Witnesses who remember them saying that the generation of 1914 would not pass without Armageddon's arrival, had also just gotten confused and made it up. You'll see.
You can decide whether or not you want to verify it for yourself.
Lastly, I suggest you read Crisis of Conscience if you ever get a chance, and are actually interested in learning both sides.
I'm not going to be objective, but I will try to be graceful.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe in their interpretation of their "translation" of the Bible as delivered through the current the literature that they buy and sell from the Governing Body of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Like other groups with roots in 19th century American Restoration Movement, they have a underlining presupposition the mainstream Christianity diverged from the truth of the Bible back in the days of early Roman Catholicism. They might say that the Reformation was a move in the right direction, away from the Pope and his demonically inspired organization, but they will deny just about every aspect of orthodoxy that isn't undeniably obvious.
JWs do not believe in the Trinity; it is a doctrine that they believe has pagan roots and is intrinsically polytheistic. Nevertheless, they believe that Jesus is a god, but not the God Jehovah. They believe that the Holy Spirit is merely the finger of God and not a distinct divine person.
JWs do not believe that people have immortal souls. They believe that one's spirit is simply one's breath.They believe that when a person dies, they are annihilated. God may choose to recreate anyone from His memory which is what he did with Jesus after his death. They do not believe that Jesus was resurrected as a physical man (except for when he had to demonstrate to his disciples that he was alive). They do not believe in the Ascension.
JWs do not believe in hell. They do not believe in Christ's sacrificial atonement. Christ is merely the first and most obedient creature that God created and is therefore our greatest example. They (currently) believe that only a very select group of believers will ever go to heaven. Most of humanity will be recreated from God's memory to repopulate a new earth. Those who did not offend God directly or join Satan's organization (the Roman Catholic Church) will be permitted to live in happiness whether or not they ever trusted in Jesus.
Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe that Jesus died on a cross; he was nailed to a stake. They do not believe that God is out right more powerful than the Devil. They very likely believe that Jesus has already returned invisibly and that he is guiding the Governing Body of the Watch Tower and judging Christian churches around the globe.
Active JW missionaries are called publishers. They are heavily encouraged to study and distribute Watch Tower literature. They buy enough tracts and pamphlets to give away to whoever will take them with their own money. That money goes back to the Watch Tower B&amp;T Society for them to print more books, pay staff (including the Governing Body), purchase and maintain property, and other organizational expenses. The materials in the literature is subject to change. Beyond certain points in the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, you will find no publicly available physical literature that the Society has recalled. Ostensibly, that recalled literature will be made available digitally in unedited form (ostensibly).
JW churches are called Meeting Halls and their services are called meetings. Meetings are held several nights a week. It is in these meetings that the latest Watch Tower literature is discussed and their more systematic doctrines taught. One basic understanding that JWs have is that the Bible without the light of the Watch Tower is very easy to misunderstand. Nevertheless,I must admit that they spend more time memorizing (Watch Tower exegeted) scripture than I do.
There is much more about Jehovah's Witnesses to say, but I'll stop here before typos overwhelm me. I haven't even discussed their Bible or mentioned theocratic warfare.
Sources:
http://freeminds.org
Crisis of Conscience by Raymond Franz
30 Years A Watchtower Slave by William J Schnell
Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin
working with and befriending current, former, and disfellowshipped (excommunicated) JWs.