Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Thank you for your show. I have recently left the JW. I was at bethel Warwick. I left at 34. And I am the only one from my family that left. I divorced my mentally abusive husband and really seen first hand the second class woman process. The brothers were not there to help me but to help my ex to keep his reputation. Your show has been a wonderful help to me. Thank you.

Sorry these things happened. Please keep praying

It is very important that before joining any organization, you do your research. Many people that find themselves beginning a study with the JWs have suffered somehow or at some point in their lives that leaves them asking questions. Questions that we as humans have been asking for thousands of years. In modern history hundreds of religions have cropped up claiming to have exclusive access to what is called “the truth,” however when you really look in to the teachings and history of the Watchtower, you will find it is more similar to all modern day religion than what they tell you. From the hierarchy, to the rules, dogmas, and teachings to Ex-Communicating, yes, they will kick you out if you oppose any of their teachings that at one time you said you would not disagree with. Just like a company kicks you out for opposing the leadership or the direction it is taking. Oh yes, JT and Lady Cee are on Point, On Topic and Accurate in the information they are giving you. Like JT says, “The watchtower has a good product.” Probably one of the best in the religious market, and also as JT says, “I would rather have questions I can’t answer than answers I can’t question.” Be grateful that this source of info is available. Each episode is thoughtfully laid out without rambling or run-on rants. Interviewees are allowed to tell their story and it doesn’t hurt that sometimes opinions may crop up but I would put the percentage of what is discussed at about 99.8% accurate. Thank you JT&Lady Cee. Watch you guys all the time.

Any group that tells you NOT to look to outside sources for ideas or research on any subject, or who tells you not to seek secondary or higher education, is manipulating you into staying malleable for further brain washing. The next suggestion the JW’s have for you, instead of going to college, is to just work a part-time job and spend the rest of your time making more JW disciples and getting people to convert to their doctrine. Members are striped of their autonomy and not allowed critical thinking or personal choice. They are programmed to obey and report back on other JWs. It keeps you in a constant state of fear from even being yourself around people. You develop “imposter syndrome” and lead a double life because you have to in order to survive. I know this because I was born into the JW cult. At age 5, I knew I wanted out. I also knew I had 13 more years to have to hide my true thoughts and feelings from my family that I was not a believer because they had already dumped off my oldest sister out of the house when she was 16 and I was 2. They claimed my sister worshiped Satan and was a lesbian which was enough for my delusional mother to send my oldest sister out of our home. The reality was my sister was smoking cigarettes and wanting to go out with her friends from school instead of the approved JWs. I spent my entire childhood knowing all my friends and family would be torn away and shun me when i finally broke from their cult at 18. It was extremely traumatic and it still affects me now at 50 years old. Thanks for letting me know there are others who have survived escaping this dangerous group. They need to be exposed.