Thank you so much Lloyd for having me on the channel. You continue to help so many to wake up and grow, every single day. You definitely reassured me that I wasn’t alone or crazy when I first woke up. I appreciate you letting me tell my story. I wholeheartedly support you as you continue on in your amazing work my friend. ❤️
There are so many people worldwide that need healing from this. And even though you may leave you can carry it with you subconsciously for years, especially those who were brought up in it from early childhood on like Lloyd. Thank you for bringing up so many truths about your experience. You were quite fortunate that you were able to go to college/university especially being a woman. I am not judging or saying anyone is an alcoholic, but I saw the disease alcholism all over the org. and how they handled it. Thank you for your courage and for your service to others. I have big gratitude!
@@mlove.1376 Thank you so much! I absolutely agree with you. Alcohol is a crutch in the organization for so many. They really don't know how to cope with the negative lives they are living, so they cover the pain with alcohol and sadly a lot of them get addicted. I know several alcoholics that could not even attend a JW gathering without getting buzzed up first. I had a good friend in the org who wouldn't even stay at a gathering if there was no alcohol there. Very sad.
You are so brave and now free! 4th gen. is not easy to get out from under. We were 1st gen. only and got out with both of our grown kids and families so we feel really lucky. Take care Lori. Great interview Lloyd
I'm 54, and currently trying to fade. Do you have an Instagram or email that I can contact you on? I would love to talk to you about my experience, and what I'm dealing with.
Thank you for sharing your story. I've been in this organization for at least forty to forty five years, and I remember the many talks, conventions and studies where I literally wasn't paying attention. I can't count how many times I wanted to just jump up, put my coat on, and take off running. But the fear of losing my family, death and being socially awkward worked every time.
@@cherylseebreth328 - POMIs are the worst J-Dub apologists out there. They don't want to do what the Watchtower requires from them, they only visit the Hall once a year during the Memorial, they live in constant fear of being destroyed in Armageddon, but they want to defend the cult like a rabid dog believing that will earn them brownie points with the man upstairs.
I was in for 65 years my husband woke up and tried to show me the proof he had found. Of course I never allowed myself to listen even when he was dying I can't imagine what he went through at a time when he needed his faith the most. My eye's have been opened so now I am beung shunned for someone else's sin. I have been shown unconditional love by people we have always been told to fear
Wow so powerful! I’ve been shown that same unconditional love by so many amazing people out in the “world” that they taught us would “eat us alive”. All part of the control. I’m so sorry about your husband. Hugs 🤗
@@loricline6723 thank you it's been very hard especially knowing I allowed the Governing Body to dictate my lorality. He told me he wouldn't see the day my eye's would be opened but he knew in his heart it would be soon how right he was
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said these VERY WORDS recently. It’s become almost a silent mantra. Knowing I’m not alone has been the turning point.
I’m also a 4th generation. EVERYONE in my family are JW’s!! I was the first one to leave it. I left it 26 years ago & I was never disfellowshipped, but been shunned by all of them. No goodbyes, no nothing ! Thank you to everyone out there who is exposing this cult 💕
I can absolutely relate to Lori! Just awoke this year at 57! Excellent interview, very sad regarding losing her family particularly her grandchildren. The only difference is I blocked and unfriended them before they disgarded me. I completely agree ,you are not allowed to leave this cult, its reminds me of the mob! I haven't been living my authentic self. Bravo Lori! Thankyou for all you do Lloyd!
Thanks! I actually unfriended several witnesses after my family did that to me. It was really liberating 💗 Awesome to us for waking up at our age 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💗💗💗
Thanks for telling your story, Lori. I used to know an elder and his family with the last name of Cline on the central coast of California (George and Cathy). George actually married my ex and I 40+ years ago. Just wondering if you might be related... I know they moved to Portland and were divorced
I have not even finished listening, and I'm thinking how very awful this treatment of your family towards you is. It's shocking really. Ì have a grand baby now, and can't imagine how cruel it must feel to have your daughter no longer speak to you, and not be able to have contact with your grandchild.
My grandfather passed away in February of this year at the age of 98. He was in Chilicothe state prison during World War II. I am just happy my kind aunt allowed me to go say goodbye to him in his final moments though I am an outcast.
I’m sorry for your loss 😔 What is also sad is that we’ve been conditioned to be grateful to say goodbye to family members even though for over 95% of the world this is normal.
Thank you. It was really a pleasure to speak with Lloyd. I’m hopeful that others will realize it’s not impossible to leave, no matter how many years they were in.
Same thing happened with me. My therapist asked me the same question. At what point does your conscience comes into play when you don't have a choice. But we do have a choice and that's what many in the group fail to understand!
Loyd that was one of your very best. WOW what a lady. I would be so, so proud to call her SISTER ! ! ! My late wife got IN in 1983. I attended meetings with her and our children up until her death in 2009 at witch time the elder's talked me into joining by telling me she would be back in 6 months and that she would be very unhappy if I were not there to greet her. 12 years and no longer waiting , I resigned a month ago. Now most of my 7 children no longer talk to me. New grand baby I will never meet or even see. If this is not a DEMONIC CULT I do not know what is. The Russins did the right thing. They should be banned world wide. Every family in this CULT I know has been broken up in one way or another. BAN THE CULT ! ! !
Yes, it should be banned, but what many dont realize its unlikely to happen in the US because they are in bed with the politicians. They tell witnesses not to vote, yet they do behind the scenes.
@@Ava2969ny Yes, the very top of the organization do vote behind the scenes. And they have a political agenda. Why do u think they are pushing Jehovah Witnesses into getting the vaccine? It comes up in every governing body update, plus they were part of the United Nations from 1992 to 2001 and are still part of, just under a new name. To be clear, its not the average Jehovah witness that is out there voting, its the leadership. They are heavily involved with the political world and are always manipulating things to go their way.
Don't feel bad, I left when I was in my teens and in my early 30's I went back (the master beats you bloody and still you crawl back for more - an old wasp song). The last day I entered a KM was when I gave my first public talk - they didn't like me and they let me know it. Even then I was PoMI but Jackson's statement at the ARC was when I was completely out, I can still see the smirk on his face (laughing at us). Watching Herd or Lett is so painful and I would be embarrassed if I was a witness now.
Thank you, Llyod and Lori for this interview. I myself am 61, and recently in the waking process. Its never too late . Like so many of us, I had seen various degrees of " the light getting brighter" at the expense of my own intuitive light and spirit dimming. Not any more! Much appreciation and love !!
@@loricline6723 I'm slow and a little daunted to rediscover the things/relationships I was told to let go of, but I'm going forward. Wobbly knees and all!! Thank you. :)
@@shellfino3462 Sometimes all we can do is put one foot in front of the other but at least we are headed towards our freedom and away from what was hindering us to live our own lives.
Lori, you mirror my experience with my family as well. I can relate to absolutely everything you said! I admire your attitude and it's never too late to wake up. I'm 61 and have not had contact with family for many, many years and I'm better for it. And I have the same opinion about religion as you. Wish the best in the future
Amazing story! Cognitive Dissonance really effects the mind. I left at 63 after 29 years. I deleted all witnesses on my social media before I Dissociated🤷♀️😁.
I sent back one letter I got in the mail, and did not respond at all to the others. When my phone number changed, I did not pass the new # to to the last two people who had the previous one (before it got changed).
Your story and mine mirror each other in so many ways. My people are from Poland and I'm 3rd generation that left at 52. It took several years, flip-flops and plain non fulfillment of what they predicted/prophesied. My final straws were overlapping generations and the CSA and I just said see ya! I too am not DF'd but what I call soft shunned by my family. They will talk to me when they need me or if I reach out but it never ends well because all they do is preach at me and I won't have it. Thanks for the wonderful interview!
This story is almost identical to mine, woke up at 50, also 4th generation JW. My daughter shunned me and blocked me from seeing my 5 year old grandson who was the love of my life. Contemplated just ending my life the emotional pain was just too much. That was the year they had the love never fails convention, after how i was treated could not believe they couldn't see the pain they are causing with their shunning policy. This organization needs to wake up.
Imagine Giving Year's of Your Life to Something for 50 60 Years and Realising that it's not True and you Realise that you have been Lied to we all live Once you can Never Get back Time That you have Lost it's Gone!
Thank you Lori for sharing your experience. You have an energy I gravitate to and look forward to following your Chanel to gleen all I can. I’m a third generation. When I decided I no longer wanted to be married to my abuser that’s when my family decided to shun not just me but my children too. I hadn’t even thought of leaving to cult at that time but I can’t deny, their shunning certainly pushed me in that direction. I’ve been out since 2000. Still processing so many aspects of the cult as well as it’s affects still with me. I’m just excited to hear your story and learn all I can of further empowerment. Thank you.
There is a difference though. With a religion, generally you are allowed to vote, to join the army, to go to prom, to date, to go to college... the list goes on and on. You may be a fool for believing, but you aren't PENALIZED for the rest of your life because of missed opportunities. JWs are the largest, most dangerous cult on Earth, please don't water down the damage they are causing.
I woke up at 51 I was an elder for 20 years. I so wish all my loved ones would wake up. I have dozens of family members, most are active JWs. I see them as zombies now. Like…is there anyone in there? Mind control is a heck of a thing.
Yes! I really think it is getting worse on the inside for them. They seem to have absolutely zero critical thinking skills. I am sad for my family as well. So glad we made it out to enjoy life though.
Please explore ideas raised in Kristy Ann's 'What are the Jehovah's Witnesses Keeping Reports for?' In particular, "the silent partners behind closed doors that run this operation" and how JW is a business. Your guest is well spoken. Thanks
I too woke in my 50's. Two of my adult sons are out but my #2 son is an elder and is a father of two of my granddaughters. I take comfort in the fact that 2 out of 3 Dubbie kids leave. I plan on being there to support my granddaughters when the leave.
Wow, her story is like someone surviving the mob. Four generations what an ordeal. I was blessed to have a mom who faded before my teen years, and a reform Jewish dad. I'm going to be 55 next year. I never learned Yiddish or Hebrew, but I just started telling people I'm a Jew. I guess I could say that's part of my culture. My mom was Mexican.
Hi Lloyd, and Lori, I'm a second generation JW. I left in the late 90's, as it was impossible to achieve the "high" standard expected of a wife and mother. Not forgetting I couldn't understand the teachings, kept finding things I disagreed with, feeling I didn't belong. My husband was also fading out. He refuses to discuss things now. I just have to work my way through on my own. I suspect after I totally rebelled, age 11, my parents no longer talked about anything religious with me, until after I married at 18, and my hubs showed an interest. But we must never forget the emotional damage that the JW's do to people. Thank you for your channel. 😊
Studying Psychology in college is also what made me begin to question things, although I also stayed in the religion for several years after that as well.
Dear Lori, Please write your book. I so want to read your story as a witness. Congratulations on your waking up. I’m a big fan of the LE channel here. Love seeing your beautiful story. Thank You 😊
Thank you so much! I actually am a co-author of a book that will be out on Amazon sometime in January. The title of it is She Is. I shared a little bit of my story in there but plan to expound on it and write my book someday soon. 💗
Lori's experience is very similar to mine. Asking questions that the Witnesses can't or don't want to answer is frowned upon. When I asked where does it say in the Bilble that Jesus is the Angel Michael, I got instantly shunned and invited to a judicial hearing for apostasy. I am 68 and had been an active witness my whole life including giving public talks. I woke up in January 2021 but I am still not disfellowshipped or disassociated but I have now been totally cut off by everyone I knew as a witness including my three children. I have just found out that I became a great grandad in October but wasn't told by my family. Finding out you have been living a lie as part of a cult was very disturbing but my life now is so much better and liberating. I will never go back.
Lori you are so inspiring. This interview was so incredible- thank you Lloyd and Lori. I admire your bravery Lori and hope to hear more from you in the future.
Another great interview Lloyd. Thanks and keep making them. Lori was a fantastic guest. What she said at 14:50 about religion is exactly how I feel today. Yes, it is a racket. A massively profitable one. Congratulations on seeing the light and enjoy your new found freedom. You deserve it. I was never a JW, but I have tons of family members in it.
Thank you for sharing Lori you are so courageous! I hope your children find their way out of it and you can have a normal relationship, but for now it's amazing you were able to get out.
It's intresting that Lori talks about listening to the voice within her. That would be akin to "following your heart" and we were always taught, from the plastform, that "the heart is treacherous and cannot be trusted". Perhaps that was just another way to stop us askng questions.
As well as to not research, listen or watch any articles or news about JWS. The 8 men just like other “religions” goal is to control the masses. For financial gain only. There is no other reason than this.
Thank you for your video! And giving your experience! I’m a granddaughter and I’m being shunned too! Not disfellowshipped just faded. Religion is the opium of mankind and a “snare and a racket “! Hugs
Wow, she has a 6 generation family (Grandson), wow, I don't think I have ever met a 6 generation Family. I have never been on social media and it seems to save a lot of heartache when people start to unfriend you and block you. Ouch.
I really enjoyed your video, Lori really has more insight than your average typical JW. Being married to an elder, the experience with her father being DF, and now her own experience with the shunning without being DF. I could totally see myself being a friend just through the course of this interview. She's down to earth, honest, deals with things as they are, real, and it sounds like you know where you stand with her. I gravitated to those personalities when I was still a member. I still do, but just without the JW aspect. Lori, you mentioned everyone blocking you, I went thru that when we disassociate the first time. I didn't know what to expect than, That conditional friendship really had me, once we came back and were reinstated all those who blocked me, unblocked me. It's such an unmagical experience! I was feeling disappointed they block me in the first place. Since then we've walk away, stop believing, and just shake our heads at the nonsense of everything this cult dishes out to there members, I block every single JW that I know, for very personal reasons. To hear your a life coach for JW women is awesome. Keep up the great job Lori!
You go girl! I remember talking to you when you were in the middle of leaving! Listening to your story deeper, so similar to mine! I’m proud of how far you have come in the last year!
I love her strength and how despite being told by elders to be quiet about the abuser she stood her ground. This was one of the best interviews. I love she is helping ex JW woman because so many were made to feel ‘ less then ‘in this cult.
To the tune of 'Son Of A Preacher Man'. 🎼Lori Cline was an elders wife, 🎶 but when she finally woke up she got a life...🎵🎶 She did. She did... oh yes she did. 🎷🎸🎶🎶🎵
Another great interview. I am disgusted at that "conviction". How do you go from THREE life sentences to him getting out in two years?? 💔. Horrible. I'm glad Lori and others did the right thing by those children.
Real perverted. I went through that & I cussed them out & told them get the f out & I wasn't even baptized nor a publisher nothing. My parents were the rat finks ugh. Pissed just thinking about it
What an incredible and powerful interview so inspiring, Thank you Lori and thank you Lloyd. Keep the interviews coming Lloyd I love them. By the way Lloyd email me and let me know the next time you come back to Austin so I can meet you personally and have you autograph my reluctant apostate book.
This shows how shunning can sometimes backfire. Me waking up went really fast when i was shunned. If they would have treated me like a human being i might have never become an apostate.
Yep. The way they treated me and are still treating me, actually solidifies what they really are as a group. There’s no love within them unless you agree to their terms. True definition of a cult.
Exactly the same for me. I needed practical help but was df’ed instead, I lost several friends and realised it’s not true love in the congregation. The Australian investigation was the final straw, never trying to go back.
Wow this interview is so interesting and very powerful! I wonder if there is any data on how many people in the cult are alcoholics and suffer from depression. JW are so good at dividing families and causing pain to so many people 😠😡
I’d love to know that myself. Most JWs that I know drink heavily. It’s so sad that they cannot seem to see what’s causing their depression and anxiety. 😢
That's been my experience, as well. My husband was an alcoholic as was his parents...his father was an elder. My father, who is out now, is an alcoholic from those days as a witness. So much damage done, it's clear who is the evil ones.
I’m in the process of Awakening, I also was self medicating with Alcohol. The pressure to turn in time, to do a part, to go out in service, to study on Mon for Tues meeting, to attend Tues meeting, to study on Sat to attend sun meeting, to turn in hrs. Then on top of all that I have to train my 3 children to do the exact same thing. There’s still doubt in my mind & it’s extremely weird. My husband never came into the religion. He keeps telling me for the past few days since this is relatively fresh, “I’ve always said it’s a Cult.” I’m shocked at all the information that I’ve been watching/reading because you’re told that’s Apostate information. So I feel guilty, scared, lost. As some have pointed out “now what”. I’ve been trained for the last 10 yrs to think, feel, a certain type of way. My kids are confused. I’ve been showing them Lloyd’s videos 😂. Hoping that they see what I see & it almost made me cry 😭 because they were tuning him out because he’s an Apostate in their eyes. Ultimately I’m the adult thankfully!! & I don’t have to worry about them shunning me as adults. As of yesterday I advised the elder to no longer proceed with my childrens Bible studies 😬😬. I’m somehow afraid still…..it’s crazzzzyyy!!
I met brother Gangas when I visited Bethel in 1991 with three other sisters, one of the sisters was a special pioneer so it gave us some privileges while visiting. Actually the person who gave us the tour was brother Splane who use to be a circuit overseer in Canada. We also met brother Booth, Schroeder and Kline. But brother Gangas was fun, he made us hold hands and swing from left to right while singing kingdom Melodies. I’ve been out for a few years now and after reading Ray Franz’s book I don’t think much of brother Schroeder and Kline. Thank you for this interview Lloyd.
Great interview Lioyd ! Lori- you are beautiful person in and out (: After 33 yrs in this cult, I'm finally not afraid of this world and "their " version of Harmaggedon. Thank you Lori for being brave advocate for ex jw (:(:(:
Good interview. I've just been talking this afternoon to a woman who woke up about the same age as Lori. She discovered "the real Jesus" and that went down badly with her co-JWs. Now she follows Jesus with other Christ-followers who stay clear of institutional religion, and she's like a bird set free. Great to see!
Were you also part of the Elders club that taught young men all the loopholes for cheating on their spouses? My ex's father was an elder and he eventually told me all the elders sons had been taught exactly what "cheating" they could do without being DFd. That was a real eye opener for me.
Oh I am so sorry to hear what you have gone through! You are such a strong woman for moving forward. 💗💗💗 Freedom and authenticity are all a rewarding part of our journey moving forward. Reach out if you ever want to talk 🤗
Lori...love your earrings...talking about blocking. Once I sent DA letter, I never reach to my JW friends but when they reached me, most of time because it was a new service year and they asked me to join in the service, I explained a bit that I am no longer JW,...surprise!!but I enjoyed that moment, like I mocked them hihihi soon those who didnt even reach me, all of sudden just blocked me then ok, I took over by deleting all JW contacts so I would not see more who block me. Enough is enough.They can block as much as I want to exit from this religion
Thank you Mr. Evans for your courage and commitment to shining light on real-life challenges people experience as a result of affiliation with the JW organisation. You present your work in a professional and respectful manner. For this, you have my respect and admiration.
I have never had anything to do with JW. As an outsider, I think it is a very clever tactic for the leaders to have families shun their very own chlidren if they step out into the regular world. Losing your family OR not having a family is one of the most painful and loneliest human experiences. I grew up without a dad, and that made me feel like an outcast in a lot of social situations (school, work, etc.). When you tell others that your own family doesn't want anything to do with you, you instantly wonder if you're being judged. There MUST be something wrong with you if your own family disowns you, right? Wrong. If you were raised in this manipulative, abusive environment, I'm so happy for you to be free. I believe in God and a spiritual realm despite the evil cults out there. I hope and pray that your painful experiences don't cause you to give up on God altogether.
But there is no evidence for God so this woman is better following the rational path she has chosen. Religions are all cult like to a lesser or more degree.
Can you somehow connect me with this amazing lady? I want to do what she does, be a advocate for recovering jws. I have had similar experiences. I want to help. Tell me how 🙂 And keep up your incredible help lloyd, your a great person.
I think most women witnesses go through everything she described. I went through all of that sober, and I almost had a breakdown I left in 2017 Lori, my 2 sons that stayed it was really hard on both our parts but they eventually came around. They finally left this year. I never judged them, I never threw my worldly life in their face, I let them find out on their own. They were able to talk to me and I tried to stay as neutral as possible. The way I saw it was, I raised them to believe it was the truth. I wasn’t going to take it away. Their eyes were opened on their own. When they had questions I answered and pointed them in direction of resources to read and watch. That worked. I had to play it cool with the org from 2017-2021. I was never DF. I did it for my sons to keep contact. After my last son left, about 6 months later I disassociated and I said my peace to the elder body that abused me and my sons.
Trauma, confusion, fear..we've been through it all breaking free from this abusive manipulative organisation. As an ex JW in Africa, I find these conversations very interesting, however I never really hear anyone discuss what their "endgame" is. As an African its clear to me what it is. A continent rich in natural resources. Tell them their lives will be enjoyed later (after armageddon), while we (colonisers) enjoy the now (reality). All religions including JW have been very effective in Africa using more or less this same tactic. Our stories are very similar but I've often wondered what the end game in the western society is. Control for the sake of it? Is it money? I'm not sure I'd call the governing body wealthy. Rich maybe but not wealthy.
Hey Lloyd, I have heard you say now a few times that JW's didn't want to be referred to as a religion until they realized there were benefits to being a religion. I did some research on this and am having difficulty finding info on this. Is there anything it WT publications that support this?
I think there is an actual quote somewhere discussing the change but I did the research ages ago and don't have a reference for you. Suffice to say they once had the slogan "Religion is a snare and a racket" and Rutherford wrote an entire book titled "Religion" denouncing the concept. With or without the official explanation it's no stretch to suggest the change was to enjoy the benefits enjoyed by religions rather than be treated as a corporation.
Fun fact: When we first left the religion I put “religion is a snare and a racquet” in my bio. Also had Matt 5:47 in there. 200 people subsequently unfollowed me 😆😂
Jimmy B, Building on Lloyd’s answer: Rutherford, the Watchtower’s second President, fiercely maintained that the organization he was leading was not a religion - he argued that all religions were false. Indeed, one of his most notorious quotes is, “Religion is a snare and a racket”. Google that quote and Rutherford’s name comes up. I cannot locate a specific quote but I understand he developed the argument against calling the organization a religion is his book entitled Religion (published 1940, a couple of years before he died). I think it was some years after he died - and during Knorr’s presidency of the organization - that they quietly started calling themselves a religion - without explanation or comment. I suspect it was expedient for the organization to be identified as a religion because in many countries that automatically confers a status of being “tax free”.
I've been in for 65 years it was always a point when witnessing to point out we do not have priests, we do not have confessional because we are not a religion. The Society was referred to as The Watchtower Bible and Track Society and still are. They only started declaring they were a religion in court cases to get out of showing records they held on the pedophiles. They choose to hide the evidence there is nothing they will not do. Also I was told by a person who knew it was to help with applying for government grants and tax writeoffs. We did not even know we could have been claiming back our donations when doing our taxes returns.
Thanks so much. I was born in the cult 4 generations, I left alone at 53 ,my married was finished, but my children are free,we immigrant so we left completely alone,but we have a dignity back. Sorry my English is not the best. Love to every one.
Thank you so much Lloyd for having me on the channel. You continue to help so many to wake up and grow, every single day. You definitely reassured me that I wasn’t alone or crazy when I first woke up. I appreciate you letting me tell my story. I wholeheartedly support you as you continue on in your amazing work my friend. ❤️
There are so many people worldwide that need healing from this. And even though you may leave you can carry it with you subconsciously for years, especially those who were brought up in it from early childhood on like Lloyd. Thank you for bringing up so many truths about your experience. You were quite fortunate that you were able to go to college/university especially being a woman. I am not judging or saying anyone is an alcoholic, but I saw the disease alcholism all over the org. and how they handled it. Thank you for your courage and for your service to others. I have big gratitude!
@@mlove.1376 Thank you so much! I absolutely agree with you. Alcohol is a crutch in the organization for so many. They really don't know how to cope with the negative lives they are living, so they cover the pain with alcohol and sadly a lot of them get addicted. I know several alcoholics that could not even attend a JW gathering without getting buzzed up first. I had a good friend in the org who wouldn't even stay at a gathering if there was no alcohol there. Very sad.
You are so brave and now free! 4th gen. is not easy to get out from under. We were 1st gen. only and got out with both of our grown kids and families so we feel really lucky. Take care Lori. Great interview Lloyd
I'm 54, and currently trying to fade. Do you have an Instagram or email that I can contact you on? I would love to talk to you about my experience, and what I'm dealing with.
Thank you for sharing your story. I've been in this organization for at least forty to forty five years, and I remember the many talks, conventions and studies where I literally wasn't paying attention. I can't count how many times I wanted to just jump up, put my coat on, and take off running. But the fear of losing my family, death and being socially awkward worked every time.
The difference between a Cult and a Religion is the price you pay when you try to leave.
What a powerful statement…
@@angelatabbs2567 yes. this is brilliant!
100%
Efrain, Thank you for the quote. I sent it to my POMI (not PIMO) friend who insists watchtower is not a cult.
@@cherylseebreth328 - POMIs are the worst J-Dub apologists out there. They don't want to do what the Watchtower requires from them, they only visit the Hall once a year during the Memorial, they live in constant fear of being destroyed in Armageddon, but they want to defend the cult like a rabid dog believing that will earn them brownie points with the man upstairs.
I was in for 65 years my husband woke up and tried to show me the proof he had found. Of course I never allowed myself to listen even when he was dying I can't imagine what he went through at a time when he needed his faith the most. My eye's have been opened so now I am beung shunned for someone else's sin. I have been shown unconditional love by people we have always been told to fear
Wow so powerful! I’ve been shown that same unconditional love by so many amazing people out in the “world” that they taught us would “eat us alive”. All part of the control. I’m so sorry about your husband. Hugs 🤗
@@loricline6723 thank you it's been very hard especially knowing I allowed the Governing Body to dictate my lorality. He told me he wouldn't see the day my eye's would be opened but he knew in his heart it would be soon how right he was
Hero!
"I'm not afraid anymore" is the most powerful thing that one can say. Thank you for the interview ❤
The truth shall make you free !
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said these VERY WORDS recently. It’s become almost a silent mantra. Knowing I’m not alone has been the turning point.
I’m also a 4th generation. EVERYONE in my family are JW’s!! I was the first one to leave it. I left it 26 years ago & I was never disfellowshipped, but been shunned by all of them. No goodbyes, no nothing ! Thank you to everyone out there who is exposing this cult 💕
I can absolutely relate to Lori! Just awoke this year at 57! Excellent interview, very sad regarding losing her family particularly her grandchildren. The only difference is I blocked and unfriended them before they disgarded me. I completely agree ,you are not allowed to leave this cult, its reminds me of the mob! I haven't been living my authentic self. Bravo Lori! Thankyou for all you do Lloyd!
Thanks! I actually unfriended several witnesses after my family did that to me. It was really liberating 💗 Awesome to us for waking up at our age 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💗💗💗
Thanks for telling your story, Lori. I used to know an elder and his family with the last name of Cline on the central coast of California (George and Cathy). George actually married my ex and I 40+ years ago. Just wondering if you might be related... I know they moved to Portland and were divorced
@@charlottereid9168 no don't know them. My late husband was the one who was an elder. My name now is Cline but I am remarried.
I liked before I listened. Lloyd never disappoints.
Lloyd is the G.O.A.T
yup.
“The alpha, and the omega” 😉
I always do too just to support
Always auto-👍🏻
I have not even finished listening, and I'm thinking how very awful this treatment of your family towards you is. It's shocking really. Ì have a grand baby now, and can't imagine how cruel it must feel to have your daughter no longer speak to you, and not be able to have contact with your grandchild.
It’s the way that the Cult control’s the sheep with threats guilt and the evil weapon of shunning
My grandfather passed away in February of this year at the age of 98. He was in Chilicothe state prison during World War II. I am just happy my kind aunt allowed me to go say goodbye to him in his final moments though I am an outcast.
I’m sorry for your loss 😔
What is also sad is that we’ve been conditioned to be grateful to say goodbye to family members even though for over 95% of the world this is normal.
I’m so sorry. It’s tough for sure. But having the freedom to live our lives is truly amazing 💗
Lori was hands-down one of the best you've had one your show. Love her energy and confidence! Thanks for sharing Lori!
Thank you. It was really a pleasure to speak with Lloyd. I’m hopeful that others will realize it’s not impossible to leave, no matter how many years they were in.
Same thing happened with me. My therapist asked me the same question. At what point does your conscience comes into play when you don't have a choice. But we do have a choice and that's what many in the group fail to understand!
Lori thank you for sharing your story and exposing this horrible Cult. Thank you Lloyd for your continued activism.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” it says behind Lori. Very apt when you first realise that you are pimo!
Loyd that was one of your very best. WOW what a lady. I would be so, so proud to call her SISTER ! ! ! My late wife got IN in 1983. I attended meetings with her and our children up until her death in 2009 at witch time the elder's talked me into joining by telling me she would be back in 6 months and that she would be very unhappy if I were not there to greet her. 12 years and no longer waiting , I resigned a month ago. Now most of my 7 children no longer talk to me. New grand baby I will never meet or even see. If this is not a DEMONIC CULT I do not know what is. The Russins did the right thing. They should be banned world wide. Every family in this CULT I know has been broken up in one way or another. BAN THE CULT ! ! !
I totally agree this Cult should be banned, it’s not a religion it’s a very dangerous controlling evil child abusing Cult!
Thank you so much. And you are so right. They break families up and it’s tragic 😢
Yes, it should be banned, but what many dont realize its unlikely to happen in the US because they are in bed with the politicians. They tell witnesses not to vote, yet they do behind the scenes.
@@vinnyrodriguez2699 -- are you serious? -- do they really vote behind the scenes?
@@Ava2969ny Yes, the very top of the organization do vote behind the scenes. And they have a political agenda. Why do u think they are pushing Jehovah Witnesses into getting the vaccine? It comes up in every governing body update, plus they were part of the United Nations from 1992 to 2001 and are still part of, just under a new name. To be clear, its not the average Jehovah witness that is out there voting, its the leadership. They are heavily involved with the political world and are always manipulating things to go their way.
Don't feel bad, I left when I was in my teens and in my early 30's I went back (the master beats you bloody and still you crawl back for more - an old wasp song). The last day I entered a KM was when I gave my first public talk - they didn't like me and they let me know it. Even then I was PoMI but Jackson's statement at the ARC was when I was completely out, I can still see the smirk on his face (laughing at us). Watching Herd or Lett is so painful and I would be embarrassed if I was a witness now.
Heck yeah w.a.s.p.!!!!
Thank you, Llyod and Lori for this interview. I myself am 61, and recently in the waking process. Its never too late . Like so many of us, I had seen various degrees of " the light getting brighter" at the expense of my own intuitive light and spirit dimming. Not any more! Much appreciation and love !!
Wow amazing! Life is beautiful and you will be able to see just how awesome it is outside of the control.
@@loricline6723 I'm slow and a little daunted to rediscover the things/relationships I was told to let go of, but I'm going forward. Wobbly knees and all!! Thank you. :)
@@shellfino3462 Sometimes all we can do is put one foot in front of the other but at least we are headed towards our freedom and away from what was hindering us to live our own lives.
Lori, you mirror my experience with my family as well. I can relate to absolutely everything you said! I admire your attitude and it's never too late to wake up. I'm 61 and have not had contact with family for many, many years and I'm better for it. And I have the same opinion about religion as you. Wish the best in the future
Amazing story! Cognitive Dissonance really effects the mind. I left at 63 after 29 years. I deleted all witnesses on my social media before I Dissociated🤷♀️😁.
I sent back one letter I got in the mail, and did not respond at all to the others. When my phone number changed, I did not pass the new # to to the last two people who had the previous one (before it got changed).
Your story and mine mirror each other in so many ways. My people are from Poland and I'm 3rd generation that left at 52. It took several years, flip-flops and plain non fulfillment of what they predicted/prophesied. My final straws were overlapping generations and the CSA and I just said see ya! I too am not DF'd but what I call soft shunned by my family. They will talk to me when they need me or if I reach out but it never ends well because all they do is preach at me and I won't have it. Thanks for the wonderful interview!
If you need non JW people in Poland - here we are 😅
@@zofiazajdel Hello Zofia! My husband is from Lodz. I was born here but my family is all from Poland. We are the only ones who have left.
@@EveSieminski oh, Łódź is a great place 🙂 we're just outside Warsaw, on a way to Piaseczno so it's not that far away 🙂
My favorite interview yet. Thank you
The Love that the JWs show their Friends and Family is Conditional!
An excellent interview! Thank you Lorie! Your honesty is so refreshing! 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️🌟
This story is almost identical to mine, woke up at 50, also 4th generation JW. My daughter shunned me and blocked me from seeing my 5 year old grandson who was the love of my life. Contemplated just ending my life the emotional pain was just too much. That was the year they had the love never fails convention, after how i was treated could not believe they couldn't see the pain they are causing with their shunning policy. This organization needs to wake up.
Wow we do have similar stories. Reach out if you ever want to talk. I totally understand your pain.
Imagine Giving Year's of Your Life to Something for 50 60 Years and Realising that it's not True and you Realise that you have been Lied to we all live Once you can Never Get back Time That you have Lost it's Gone!
Thanks Lori! You are an inspiration.
Very good interview Lloyd! I can identify with so much of Lori's story.
Thank you Lori for sharing your experience. You have an energy I gravitate to and look forward to following your Chanel to gleen all I can. I’m a third generation. When I decided I no longer wanted to be married to my abuser that’s when my family decided to shun not just me but my children too. I hadn’t even thought of leaving to cult at that time but I can’t deny, their shunning certainly pushed me in that direction. I’ve been out since 2000. Still processing so many aspects of the cult as well as it’s affects still with me. I’m just excited to hear your story and learn all I can of further empowerment. Thank you.
Happy Holidays Great job 👍
Thank you Lloyd and thank you to your guest for being open and honest about what they have been through.
Love the interviews. ☺️🎤
Merry Christmas Lloyd and Team thank you for the fantastic work and all the best for 2022, love you guys!
A religion is just a cult that's hit the big time.
There is a difference though. With a religion, generally you are allowed to vote, to join the army, to go to prom, to date, to go to college... the list goes on and on. You may be a fool for believing, but you aren't PENALIZED for the rest of your life because of missed opportunities. JWs are the largest, most dangerous cult on Earth, please don't water down the damage they are causing.
Great interview. Wow this woman is amazing 🤩
I woke up at 51
I was an elder for 20 years.
I so wish all my loved ones would wake up.
I have dozens of family members, most are active JWs. I see them as zombies now. Like…is there anyone in there?
Mind control is a heck of a thing.
Yes! I really think it is getting worse on the inside for them. They seem to have absolutely zero critical thinking skills. I am sad for my family as well. So glad we made it out to enjoy life though.
Please explore ideas raised in Kristy Ann's 'What are the Jehovah's Witnesses Keeping Reports for?' In particular, "the silent partners behind closed doors that run this operation" and how JW is a business. Your guest is well spoken. Thanks
I too woke in my 50's. Two of my adult sons are out but my #2 son is an elder and is a father of two of my granddaughters. I take comfort in the fact that 2 out of 3 Dubbie kids leave. I plan on being there to support my granddaughters when the leave.
Love your work Lloyd...
A real eye opener..keep it up..👍
Wow, her story is like someone surviving the mob. Four generations what an ordeal. I was blessed to have a mom who faded before my teen years, and a reform Jewish dad. I'm going to be 55 next year. I never learned Yiddish or Hebrew, but I just started telling people I'm a Jew. I guess I could say that's part of my culture. My mom was Mexican.
Thank you Lori. I finally listened to that inner voice back in 2013-2014 although I still struggle from time to time.
Great interview. I also believe very strongly in responding to the voice inside - something we were taught to ignore.
Hi Lloyd, and Lori, I'm a second generation JW. I left in the late 90's, as it was impossible to achieve the "high" standard expected of a wife and mother. Not forgetting I couldn't understand the teachings, kept finding things I disagreed with, feeling I didn't belong. My husband was also fading out. He refuses to discuss things now. I just have to work my way through on my own. I suspect after I totally rebelled, age 11, my parents no longer talked about anything religious with me, until after I married at 18, and my hubs showed an interest. But we must never forget the emotional damage that the JW's do to people.
Thank you for your channel. 😊
"A women's empowerment coach for ex-JW women"! Wow, way to go Lori! Fantastic :)
Studying Psychology in college is also what made me begin to question things, although I also stayed in the religion for several years after that as well.
Dear Lori,
Please write your book. I so want to read your story as a witness. Congratulations on your waking up.
I’m a big fan of the LE channel here. Love seeing your beautiful story.
Thank You 😊
Thank you so much! I actually am a co-author of a book that will be out on Amazon sometime in January. The title of it is She Is. I shared a little bit of my story in there but plan to expound on it and write my book someday soon. 💗
Lori's experience is very similar to mine. Asking questions that the Witnesses can't or don't want to answer is frowned upon. When I asked where does it say in the Bilble that Jesus is the Angel Michael, I got instantly shunned and invited to a judicial hearing for apostasy. I am 68 and had been an active witness my whole life including giving public talks. I woke up in January 2021 but I am still not disfellowshipped or disassociated but I have now been totally cut off by everyone I knew as a witness including my three children. I have just found out that I became a great grandad in October but wasn't told by my family. Finding out you have been living a lie as part of a cult was very disturbing but my life now is so much better and liberating. I will never go back.
Great interview. Congrats on your freedom!
Lori you are so inspiring. This interview was so incredible- thank you Lloyd and Lori. I admire your bravery Lori and hope to hear more from you in the future.
Another great interview Lloyd. Thanks and keep making them. Lori was a fantastic guest. What she said at 14:50 about religion is exactly how I feel today. Yes, it is a racket. A massively profitable one. Congratulations on seeing the light and enjoy your new found freedom. You deserve it. I was never a JW, but I have tons of family members in it.
Thank you for sharing Lori you are so courageous! I hope your children find their way out of it and you can have a normal relationship, but for now it's amazing you were able to get out.
It's intresting that Lori talks about listening to the voice within her. That would be akin to "following your heart" and we were always taught, from the plastform, that "the heart is treacherous and cannot be trusted". Perhaps that was just another way to stop us askng questions.
Exactly!
As well as to not research, listen or watch any articles or news about JWS. The 8 men just like other “religions” goal is to control the masses. For financial gain only. There is no other reason than this.
Thank you for your video! And giving your experience!
I’m a granddaughter and I’m being shunned too! Not disfellowshipped just faded. Religion is the opium of mankind and a “snare and a racket “!
Hugs
When I had an elders meeting at 19, It didn't make me ashamed of what I did. It made it easier to leave
Second gen jw that left at 55 here as well.
Awesome 💗💗💗
Good to see older members waking up too!
Wow, she has a 6 generation family (Grandson), wow, I don't think I have ever met a 6 generation Family. I have never been on social media and it seems to save a lot of heartache when people start to unfriend you and block you. Ouch.
I really enjoyed your video, Lori really has more insight than your average typical JW. Being married to an elder, the experience with her father being DF, and now her own experience with the shunning without being DF. I could totally see myself being a friend just through the course of this interview. She's down to earth, honest, deals with things as they are, real, and it sounds like you know where you stand with her. I gravitated to those personalities when I was still a member. I still do, but just without the JW aspect. Lori, you mentioned everyone blocking you, I went thru that when we disassociate the first time. I didn't know what to expect than, That conditional friendship really had me, once we came back and were reinstated all those who blocked me, unblocked me. It's such an unmagical experience! I was feeling disappointed they block me in the first place. Since then we've walk away, stop believing, and just shake our heads at the nonsense of everything this cult dishes out to there members, I block every single JW that I know, for very personal reasons. To hear your a life coach for JW women is awesome. Keep up the great job Lori!
You go girl!
I remember talking to you when you were in the middle of leaving!
Listening to your story deeper, so similar to mine!
I’m proud of how far you have come in the last year!
A fellow fourth generation!!!
...and first here 👍
Congratulations on your new-found freedom! It feels good to go explore the world and discover new things.
SADDEST STORY IVE EVERY HEARD ( as an EX JW I feel her )
PRAYERS TO ALL EX JW VICTIMS 🙏
Hi Lori…That was a really good job that you did with Lloyd!… Good to see that you’re doing really well!
A religion that does not allow anyone to walk away gracefully is a cult.
I love her strength and how despite being told by elders to be quiet about the abuser she stood her ground. This was one of the best interviews. I love she is helping ex JW woman because so many were made to feel ‘ less then ‘in this cult.
Thank you for this, this helps me understand why my mother hasn’t woken up yet and I have
So proud of you my friend! Great job!!
Thank you Cherie! xoxo
To the tune of 'Son Of A Preacher Man'.
🎼Lori Cline was an elders wife, 🎶
but when she finally woke up she got a life...🎵🎶
She did. She did... oh yes she did. 🎷🎸🎶🎶🎵
Love it. 🎶💗
Another great interview. I am disgusted at that "conviction". How do you go from THREE life sentences to him getting out in two years?? 💔. Horrible. I'm glad Lori and others did the right thing by those children.
Lori Cline,Lori Cline,it's good to know your doing fine.
Thanks 😊.
39:37 Absolutely !!
Thank you Lori.
Thank you Lloyd.
Real perverted. I went through that & I cussed them out & told them get the f out & I wasn't even baptized nor a publisher nothing. My parents were the rat finks ugh. Pissed just thinking about it
What an incredible and powerful interview so inspiring, Thank you Lori and thank you Lloyd. Keep the interviews coming Lloyd I love them.
By the way Lloyd email me and let me know the next time you come back to Austin so I can meet you personally and have you autograph my reluctant apostate book.
Love you I’m 59 just woke up like your self all my family are in . I’m am pimo at this moment.
This shows how shunning can sometimes backfire. Me waking up went really fast when i was shunned. If they would have treated me like a human being i might have never become an apostate.
Yep. The way they treated me and are still treating me, actually solidifies what they really are as a group. There’s no love within them unless you agree to their terms. True definition of a cult.
@@loricline6723 Exactly, great interview by the way! And thank you for sharing your story
Exactly the same for me. I needed practical help but was df’ed instead, I lost several friends and realised it’s not true love in the congregation. The Australian investigation was the final straw, never trying to go back.
Wow this interview is so interesting and very powerful! I wonder if there is any data on how many people in the cult are alcoholics and suffer from depression.
JW are so good at dividing families and causing pain to so many people 😠😡
I’d love to know that myself. Most JWs that I know drink heavily. It’s so sad that they cannot seem to see what’s causing their depression and anxiety. 😢
That's been my experience, as well. My husband was an alcoholic as was his parents...his father was an elder. My father, who is out now, is an alcoholic from those days as a witness. So much damage done, it's clear who is the evil ones.
@@charlottereid9168 so sorry 😢
I’m in the process of Awakening, I also was self medicating with Alcohol. The pressure to turn in time, to do a part, to go out in service, to study on Mon for Tues meeting, to attend Tues meeting, to study on Sat to attend sun meeting, to turn in hrs. Then on top of all that I have to train my 3 children to do the exact same thing. There’s still doubt in my mind & it’s extremely weird. My husband never came into the religion. He keeps telling me for the past few days since this is relatively fresh, “I’ve always said it’s a Cult.” I’m shocked at all the information that I’ve been watching/reading because you’re told that’s Apostate information. So I feel guilty, scared, lost. As some have pointed out “now what”. I’ve been trained for the last 10 yrs to think, feel, a certain type of way. My kids are confused. I’ve been showing them Lloyd’s videos 😂. Hoping that they see what I see & it almost made me cry 😭 because they were tuning him out because he’s an Apostate in their eyes. Ultimately I’m the adult thankfully!! & I don’t have to worry about them shunning me as adults. As of yesterday I advised the elder to no longer proceed with my childrens Bible studies 😬😬. I’m somehow afraid still…..it’s crazzzzyyy!!
I met brother Gangas when I visited Bethel in 1991 with three other sisters, one of the sisters was a special pioneer so it gave us some privileges while visiting. Actually the person who gave us the tour was brother Splane who use to be a circuit overseer in Canada. We also met brother Booth, Schroeder and Kline. But brother Gangas was fun, he made us hold hands and swing from left to right while singing kingdom Melodies. I’ve been out for a few years now and after reading Ray Franz’s book I don’t think much of brother Schroeder and Kline. Thank you for this interview Lloyd.
Great interview Lori!! Excellent content and proud of you!🤩
And Lloyd..thank you for having a platform for EX! jw’s to tell their story!
🥰♥️🥰
Her voice sounded just like my aunts. It was SO NICE closing my eyes and pretending it was my aunt talking. It would be great to have an allie.
Great interview Lioyd !
Lori- you are beautiful person in and out (: After 33 yrs in this cult, I'm finally not afraid of this world and "their " version of Harmaggedon. Thank you Lori for being brave advocate for ex jw (:(:(:
Lloyd I just love you and I’ve never even been a witness...
Thank you
I wanted to hear more. Thanks Lori & Lloyd….
Scary ! Thanks for this interview.
Good interview. I've just been talking this afternoon to a woman who woke up about the same age as Lori. She discovered "the real Jesus" and that went down badly with her co-JWs. Now she follows Jesus with other Christ-followers who stay clear of institutional religion, and she's like a bird set free. Great to see!
But she's not free though is she? There is no evidence that Jesus is any more than a man who existed many moons ago.
Going back to the 70s i was in the elders sons club ‘which was drinking and smoking behind the KH before the meetings 🤣
Were you also part of the Elders club that taught young men all the loopholes for cheating on their spouses? My ex's father was an elder and he eventually told me all the elders sons had been taught exactly what "cheating" they could do without being DFd. That was a real eye opener for me.
@@charlottereid9168 no i was 13 we left in 76 because the world didnt end! just before we were due to be kicked out for being too disuptive🤣🤣
Lori you’re amazing! I am 55, former pioneer. Survived sexual abuse by district overseer Walter lackey. Just de-culted.
i hope you heal. i am sorry for what you suffered.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been through. You are such a strong
Oh I am so sorry to hear what you have gone through! You are such a strong woman for moving forward. 💗💗💗 Freedom and authenticity are all a rewarding part of our journey moving forward. Reach out if you ever want to talk 🤗
Wow, Lori Cline, you are awesome! You’ve got chutzpah! I love it! I wish everyone was as courageous as you are! ‘You go, girl’!😀
Hey Lori it's Chris we have a lot in common as you know, great interview xx
Yes we do my friend. So glad we met. 😊
Yea I stopped going too and now get ignored too same has you
Lori...love your earrings...talking about blocking. Once I sent DA letter, I never reach to my JW friends but when they reached me, most of time because it was a new service year and they asked me to join in the service, I explained a bit that I am no longer JW,...surprise!!but I enjoyed that moment, like I mocked them hihihi soon those who didnt even reach me, all of sudden just blocked me then ok, I took over by deleting all JW contacts so I would not see more who block me. Enough is enough.They can block as much as I want to exit from this religion
Thank you. I actually got my earrings on Etsy from Greece! 💙
Thank you Mr. Evans for your courage and commitment to shining light on real-life challenges people experience as a result of affiliation with the JW organisation. You present your work in a professional and respectful manner. For this, you have my respect and admiration.
I have never had anything to do with JW. As an outsider, I think it is a very clever tactic for the leaders to have families shun their very own chlidren if they step out into the regular world. Losing your family OR not having a family is one of the most painful and loneliest human experiences. I grew up without a dad, and that made me feel like an outcast in a lot of social situations (school, work, etc.). When you tell others that your own family doesn't want anything to do with you, you instantly wonder if you're being judged. There MUST be something wrong with you if your own family disowns you, right? Wrong. If you were raised in this manipulative, abusive environment, I'm so happy for you to be free. I believe in God and a spiritual realm despite the evil cults out there. I hope and pray that your painful experiences don't cause you to give up on God altogether.
But there is no evidence for God so this woman is better following the rational path she has chosen. Religions are all cult like to a lesser or more degree.
I have noted all comments. I feel so sad for your family's they need your prayers, and forgiveness.
God bless you dear lady.
Can you somehow connect me with this amazing lady? I want to do what she does, be a advocate for recovering jws. I have had similar experiences. I want to help. Tell me how 🙂
And keep up your incredible help lloyd, your a great person.
I think most women witnesses go through everything she described.
I went through all of that sober, and I almost had a breakdown
I left in 2017 Lori, my 2 sons that stayed it was really hard on both our parts but they eventually came around. They finally left this year.
I never judged them, I never threw my worldly life in their face, I let them find out on their own. They were able to talk to me and I tried to stay as neutral as possible.
The way I saw it was, I raised them to believe it was the truth. I wasn’t going to take it away.
Their eyes were opened on their own. When they had questions I answered and pointed them in direction of resources to read and watch.
That worked.
I had to play it cool with the org from 2017-2021. I was never DF. I did it for my sons to keep contact. After my last son left, about 6 months later I disassociated and I said my peace to the elder body that abused me and my sons.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It gives me hope. ❤️
Trauma, confusion, fear..we've been through it all breaking free from this abusive manipulative organisation. As an ex JW in Africa, I find these conversations very interesting, however I never really hear anyone discuss what their "endgame" is. As an African its clear to me what it is. A continent rich in natural resources. Tell them their lives will be enjoyed later (after armageddon), while we (colonisers) enjoy the now (reality). All religions including JW have been very effective in Africa using more or less this same tactic. Our stories are very similar but I've often wondered what the end game in the western society is. Control for the sake of it? Is it money? I'm not sure I'd call the governing body wealthy. Rich maybe but not wealthy.
Great video
Beware of Greeks bearing witness!
Great story thanks Lori, Lloyd
😂😂😂
Hey Lloyd, I have heard you say now a few times that JW's didn't want to be referred to as a religion until they realized there were benefits to being a religion. I did some research on this and am having difficulty finding info on this. Is there anything it WT publications that support this?
I doubt if it's something they would say publicly.
I think there is an actual quote somewhere discussing the change but I did the research ages ago and don't have a reference for you. Suffice to say they once had the slogan "Religion is a snare and a racket" and Rutherford wrote an entire book titled "Religion" denouncing the concept. With or without the official explanation it's no stretch to suggest the change was to enjoy the benefits enjoyed by religions rather than be treated as a corporation.
Fun fact: When we first left the religion I put “religion is a snare and a racquet” in my bio. Also had Matt 5:47 in there. 200 people subsequently unfollowed me 😆😂
Jimmy B, Building on Lloyd’s answer: Rutherford, the Watchtower’s second President, fiercely maintained that the organization he was leading was not a religion - he argued that all religions were false. Indeed, one of his most notorious quotes is, “Religion is a snare and a racket”. Google that quote and Rutherford’s name comes up. I cannot locate a specific quote but I understand he developed the argument against calling the organization a religion is his book entitled Religion (published 1940, a couple of years before he died). I think it was some years after he died - and during Knorr’s presidency of the organization - that they quietly started calling themselves a religion - without explanation or comment. I suspect it was expedient for the organization to be identified as a religion because in many countries that automatically confers a status of being “tax free”.
I've been in for 65 years it was always a point when witnessing to point out we do not have priests, we do not have confessional because we are not a religion. The Society was referred to as The Watchtower Bible and Track Society and still are. They only started declaring they were a religion in court cases to get out of showing records they held on the pedophiles. They choose to hide the evidence there is nothing they will not do. Also I was told by a person who knew it was to help with applying for government grants and tax writeoffs. We did not even know we could have been claiming back our donations when doing our taxes returns.
Thanks so much.
I was born in the cult 4 generations, I left alone at 53 ,my married was finished, but my children are free,we immigrant so we left completely alone,but we have a dignity back.
Sorry my English is not the best.
Love to every one.
Thanks Lori, you’re great.