That’s the biggest fucking tragedy for me when i think of my family. In the song 10.000 Days by Tool, James sings about the loss of his very religious, but kindhearted mother, that always hit me hard: «You are the light and the way they’ll only read about. I only pray heaven knows when to urge you out. 10000 days in the fire is long enough. You're going home» «You're the only one who can hold your head up high. Shake your fist at the gates saying: "I have come home now!" Fetch me the spirit, the son and the father. Tell them their pillar of faith has ascended» «"It's time now! My time now! Give me my. Give me my wings!".» Like, i almost hope they’re right. For their own sake.
It is hard to believe that the Jehovah's Witnesses ignore the red flags in front of them, but that's what happens when they are deeply indoctrinated with the lies and false teachings of the Watchtower Society. Once this occurs it is hard to wake them up and convince them to leave that cult. Thank you, Stacey, for exposing the hypocrisy and lies of that sham of a religion.
An old witness friend I reached out to about my exit said in a response “to where else would we go”? echoing the John 6:68 scripture pounded into our brains “lord to whom else shall we go? You have everlasting life.” The twisted GB manipulation to trap people inside and make them believe there IS nowhere or anyone else outside this organization as if leaving the Lord is the same as leaving them. I didn’t see it then, now I see it clearly. Great one Stacy, so “eye opening” 😮😂
My grandparents are witnesses and have lost a lot the last few years (like my father). They have become secluded, depressed and even more cynical than before. My grandfather speaks less and less. He mostly watches TV and mutters «Soon it’ll all be over», or «Jehova shall cleanse the earth of all the filth». Tragedy has just made them more devout, whereas they used to be very liberal followers. When i’m staying over i can barely convince them to watch a movie. Because they have, quote: «stopped watching movies and all the other nonsense». They still show love for me, family and friends, but by god the cynicism and HATE towards the world is infuriating. And they’ve started preaching to ME even more. And while my grandfather used to love a good discussion, now i rarely argue as it only makes him angry. And it makes him sad, but that he won’t admit. They have gotten harder to talk to, as every conversation turns into preaching. Like i’m their last mission before leaving the earth. Their health has made it harder to go out, but they have little to no interest in seeing and doing anything outside. Like they feel the whole world is against them and nothing outside faith or family is worth anything. I’ve recommended professional help, but they don’t really «believe that stuff» and psychiatric problems are wordly problems. I feel guilty not being there more, but just a few hours with them makes me exhausted. I’m not saying the JW made them unhappy or killed my father. And some of it is just old age. But i can’t help blame the JW for holding the trapped. It makes me REALLY, REALLY sad sometimes because i know they are good, loving people. And that sadness quickly turns to absolute HATE for the organization. Sometimes i just want to burn it the fuck down.
My JW mom is 80 but still very active in the world. She had worldly friends and still works. She's amazing. I got df'd 25 years ago and she never shunned me. I read these stories about jw land and I shake my head. I can totally see JWs ending up this way and I count my blessings my mom isn't like that.
Take heart friend, here is what is going on with Watchtower... God has amassed for Himself an Army of concerned families and friends, "Apostates," victims and survivors, to tear down this abomination of a false religion. Watchtower is a bad tree, bearing bad fruit, fit only for fire, the LORD has already laid axe to root. A house divided will not stand, and Watchtower will not survive the assault from the Armies of the LORD, in the Mighty name of Jesus, this "Tower"IS coming down!
@@cygnustsp I’m happy to hear that! The worst stories of shunning from ex-members seems to come from outside my country. I live in a very liberal secular europen country. It seems like location has some cultural influence. I get the impression members here are pretty moderate on things like shunning, compared to for example the US. I’d guess that here, any form of religious «extremism» would be met with harder social sanctions, and JWs generally wants to integrate more than they preach. Sounds like you and your mom are making it work great. Are you from the US?
@@electricboogaloo3414 yes US. When I was questioning things I told my JW dad and he was actually very supportive. My JW experience must be very different from most but I still understand where many are coming from. I know a lot of JW kids from my generation that skipped out and didn't get shunned. I got df'd by refusing to stop associating with a df'd friend but I had no association with the group by then. I considered it totally silly. My mom would love for me to get reinstated but there's no way. My brother did so much bad by the organizations standards but he never got df'd. There's certainly no Jehovah keeping track of all this stuff.
I'm so sorry my friend....a terrible story that far too many of us can relate to. I hope you're finding some peace and have other loved ones you can lean on. I too recommend therapy to everyone I talk to!
Another great presentation. The main reason that I stayed in so long was that I felt that God had led me to the witnesses. My brothers and I had a single mom when the witnesses showed up. It was a tough time, we were on welfare living in a not so great neighborhood and I had a lot of questions, and the JW's had answers and seemed to care about us. It seemed like divine direction to a naive 12yo. I always struggled when I was a witness because many things didn't sit right, but I felt leaving would be rejecting God. I blamed myself for not having faith. Waking up has been a wonderful, freeing experience.
Self awareness: I love your voice - I like the comment about being nice to those who were born in it - my two adult children are in and they cannot see. 😢- keep doing this wonderful/ helpful/ educational work- you have “opened my eyes” in so many ways- I always look forward to listening to you every week. I wished my eyes were opened 25 years ago- but now I am free and can see how I was blinded
I'm so sorry your kids are trapped, but don't give up!!! It only takes a small thing to trigger someone. Thank you for the compliment on my voice, it makes up for the face ;)
ah, you are so humble brother stacey...im sure they compliment each other very well. thank you for your much anticipated show. As always it was so well researched and delivered 💕
This has to be one of your finest podcast episodes yet. Very eye opening. Thank you for all the hard work you put into research & writing, and for sharing your insights 😊
I got my book of bible horrors when my parents joined the jws when i was about 8. What a nightmare those pictures were. I cried looking at the flood picture qnd also Jesus on the stake. Freaking horrible.
You had good company Kelly!! The babies drowning messed me up as a kid! it's one of my earliest memories of "jehovah"...who kills babies and puppies???
SAAAME HERE...I REMEMBER ASKING MY MOM WOULD SHE DO WHAT ABRAHAM WAS ABOUT TO DO. I ASKED HER WOULD SHE DO THAT TO ME...SHE LOOKED ME DEAD IN MY EYES AND SAID YES JEHOVAH WOULD BRING ME BACK!!! SMH I WAS LIKE 7 YRS OLD
From the outside looking in, it's so frustrating... And infuriating. Likely all of us tried to 'save' at least one JW when we woke up. It doesn't seem to matter what we say. We can say all the right things, but it just doesn't sink in... And that's the power those nine charlatans have. If your podcasts/videos don't cause them to wake up, nothing will. They are all excellent. The one thing I say to JWs is this: I have watched thousands of ex-JW videos and I have yet to see anyone lie. I hope that thought will cause them to at least watch a video or two. But they have to do it when they feel ready. If we throw anti-JW information at them, it's likely to rebound.
Thank you so much. I try to do my small part, but our living example can make an impact too. You simply cannot confront them and expect success. Their brains are in another realm.
Many consider the recent changes as a test of faith, which enables them to remain and appear strong. The organization certainly uses visual art and now videos to emotionally capture their people. Interestingly though, having left and been shunned for 14 years, it is the songs that come back to me... I'll find myself singing a verse randomly and it dawns on me that it's a Kingdom song. The level of indoctrination permeates every fibre of the Soul. No wonder we, the outcast, continue to question, doubt, skepticise yet still seek to belong somewhere.
Wow! You're sensing things that I too experience. I'll occasionally wake up in the morning or sometimes during a random thought in daytime; and I'll be singing a line or more of Kingdom Songs we haven't sang in decades! But we sang them in the old songbook for decades! As a musician; I hated the replacement songbook, even though I was still an active witness for a few years after they introduced it. Wrote the Society and let them know I was disgusted with them replacing, modifying, and rewording songs embedded into our minds that inspired us for years! Their lame reply reflected the lack of emotional concern for members long associated. And some of these songs are just plain pathetic excuses for music composition!
@@majafleur9646 When I first saw a music video, I thought it was an insult to our Kingdom songs. Songs of worship , IMO, should stay songs of worship and be sung at meetings or gatherings. I didn't like turning a pop, country, or R&B style song; and throwing in "praise or scripture" lyrics. To me, they don't mix. As a musician and songwriter myself for 40 years; the genres just shouldn't be mixed. To me praise music should be more classical, waltz or soft jazz melodies. Also, as a musician, I tend to compare my singing and performing to the lame "teen-ager" music videos that the Watchtower produces. So those music videos don't instill in me any sense of wonder or awe or recognition as a music composition. I think an average JW who isn't already a musician or performer is more motivated by those. After hearing the first 1 or 2 videos; and that only because I HAD TO at a circuit assembly or district convention; I vowed to myself to not waste my time looking at ANY of their stupid song videos. I do, however, enjoy the choir singing videos along with a live orchestra when then actually sing the OLD KINGDOM SONGS from the brown and purple songbooks! (When they actually existed and were featured on their video channel. ) Because the whole setting is fitting, IMO! Singing a song from a music video just to appeal to younger hearts; using a Madonna melody and beat; is not fitting praise music! 😅 It's all part of the Watchtower org's "dumbing down" of the rank and file publishers; trying to appeal to emotions instead of intellect; like Stacy's videos here emphasize.
Lol, I get extra credit. That song was my 1st thought when I saw your title. Yeah, it took me years to fully realize that they are blinded by their complete fantasy world, while completely blinded to the beauty around them, both the earth itself, & many of the genuinely beautiful people around them. So sad for them! 💔😒🙄
Thanks again Stacey, I tend to forget about all those experiments that I know about... I will be less mad at the thinking 🤔 people who stayed in the cult for way longer than me ❣️ I feel sorry for not understanding 😕 what I knew for a long time and forgot about it ❣️
Alexandra Stein on Audible & Kindle. TERROR LOVE AND BRAINWASHING is one and ‘Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult'
Thank you Elizabeth! Yes, great books by Dr. Alexandra Stein: Terror, Love and Brainwashing and Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult
Those JW comments in that forum are a sad reflection of what a witness' life is often reduced to- a desperate longing for an elusive day of vindication, in the hope that those people who are actually enjoying their lives will be made to feel a modicum of the pain the witness feels while stuck in a cult.
Very well put - the revenge fantasy. Believe in it hard enough, and it will come true. But they know they probably won't be able to believe hard enough. But it's all they've got!
Thank you so much for your time and effort for another “eye opener “. Those comments in the forum by JW’s is so typical how I once felt too. Now I see how ridiculous that is. Years ago I visited Thailand and went preaching there. Millions of people never heard “the truth”. Now think of all the people in China, Taiwan etc, and yet they think the end is coming!! How can that be? Will they all die? Or will Jehovah save them? Dr Steins comments describes the cult of JW to the T!!
It's incredible that JWs don't think of this. I bet you have some heartrending stories from your time preaching there. Did those poor people just get bad luck being born there? ugh
They view it as obeying the Bible. In my opinion, the Bible, while containing some nice sayings and principles, is the issue with "Christianity" and Judaism, two faiths that have been at the root of immense human misery. It's a book that can be twisted and cherry picked every which way to support whatever you want it to. It's used to condone violence and hate, as well as promote peace and love. The Witnesses are so good at cherry picking things out of context (see Proverbs 4:18). My daughter in law is getting baptized in month. My son married her when she was "worldly" and she has taken to the JW's with intensity. She loves doing yoga, I can't wait to see her reaction when she's counseled that it isn't appropriate for Christians 😅
This Saturday morning two JWs came knocking on my door , definitely they didn't know my mother house is right beside me and my sister is on the other even though my mother was in the borg for 65 years before she passed and my sy is still in .But when I asked them if they knew about ARC you could see the zombie look come over their eyes .But they won't be back after I told them im atheist because I was born in and raised a JW
Great talk Stacey! So, after listening to your podcast, I click on the youtube song, and realize, yes, this is one of the ones that I never figured out the proper lyrics to, Hahahaaa! Thanks for the flash from the past. Of course, the worldly song prohibited for jw
As a child, I wasn't allowed to watch certain movies or tv programs because they were "violent". However, I could read the Bible or My Book of Bible Stories and absolutely immerse myself in all the violence my young mind could handle without fear of discipline.
Great Talk, Reminds me of the movie "Equilibrium" from 2002 Where they not allowed to feel & have to take dose of Prozium, JW's governing body = Prozium.
@ 21:30 WT changed the wording in the NWT compared to the Bible manuscripts. Jesus didn't tell Thomas to "put your finger here." He told Thomas to "pull my finger", and, thus, one of the greatest jokes in mankind's history was born.
@ 38:00 min mark Spot on. That’s the best advice that can given to any JW who have woke up, don’t try overwhelm ur loved ones with new found information that debunks beliefs, theologies, or what were indoctrinated to feel. It won’t work; I, too, did this & it backfired immensely to the point I was told that I was dead to my parents. That Mark Twain quote to end this week’s podcast could not be more apropos.
Thank you! I made SO many mistakes trying so hard to shake people awake. It does NOT work....don't even try it, it's a mistake!! I love me some Mark Twain! ;)
It’s super unfortunate that so many are still “blinded by the light” in that organization. It’s almost as if their mental “spark plugs” are fouled, preventing them from being “revved up like a deuce”, thus denoting fully functioning mental abilities. 😉 Great episode Stacey!
I just (once again) sent my PI but Mentally in limbo sister money today. But this time I told her if she doesn't leave the cult, it won't happen again. It is frustrating for me that my siblings are suffering, languishing for a cult that does nothing for them but "tickle their ears" and gaslight them. Blindness should NEVER be a CHOICE!
@@survivingparadisepodcast Thank you, but I'm just doing what people who show "natural affection" for family do. Funny thing is, up until the death of my generous father almost two years ago, she NEVER reached out to me to say anything. Go figure.
Oh my gosh, all the memories from the old books. I remember sitting in the swing beneath the apple tree with my grandmother studying the Paradise book. Also, me and my mother studying the Listening to the Great Teacher with my niece. She loved the chapter "tempted by the devil" and my mother told her we are not reading that story again, need to look at other ones. (LOL). Oh, and every night I read the "My Bible Story" book to my two sons. Fortunately, neither my niece nor my sons became "indoctrinated". I totally believed in the 1975 false prophecy. Never would I grow old, hmmm guess 74 is young???? I have looked back at those years and have concluded that the more opposition I encountered (from my "worldly husband") the more I fought for the "truth". I thank God that I didn't marry a JW. Now I am done with the absolute "crap" from the governing body and the rest of the organized cult organization. How can the JW's not see? I can only say that the more opposition they receive, the more they will defend the "faith". I know a couple who lost one son to suicide and one son is an invalid now (approx. age 40) and I know the parents have to hold onto the hope that he will be restored to health in the new system. It would be so devastating to them to give up that hope. It is better for some to not wake up, I guess. I just know I am glad that I have.
:) wow Judy, incredible history!! I studied in ALL of those same books....I too never planned for the future. Devastating. I'm sorry for all you've been through and I hope you're finding peace now at 74. Each day is a blessing.....don't let these guys robbed one more minute from you
I’m convinced that you’re a pro baseball player Stacey, because you keep hitting the ball outta the park!! Another winning episode. But aren’t they all? 🎯🤜🏻🤛🏻🎯 Oh ya, remember that song, Blinded by the Light? How everyone kept getting wrong what he was wrapped up in? 😂😂😂
"KIRK: Captain's log, stardate 3417.7. Except for myself, all crew personnel have transported to the surface of the planet. Mutinied. Lieutenant Uhura has effectively sabotaged the communications station. I can only contact the surface of the planet. The ship can be maintained in orbit for several months, but even with automatic controls, I cannot pilot her alone. In effect, I am marooned here. I'm beginning to realise just how big this ship really is, how quiet. I don't know how to get my crew back, how to counteract the effect of the spores. - I don't know what I can offer against paradise😒 ." 'This side of paradise"
Stacey- I really enjoyed this episode. I debate with JWs online often, and I think an even bigger factor to not seeing what's obvious, is that JWs are simply apathetic about their beliefs. They don't care what's true or not. Just listen and obey. WT has hammered JWs down so badly in the past few years with changed doctrines, goofy doctrines that insult even a person with miniscule intelligence, and a bizarre change in culture, that JWs have, as a matter of survival, disconnected from trying to determine what is true or not. Since critical thinking and authenticity are non-factors in WT Land, most JWs simply choose to put on the blinders while continuing to defend the indefensible in order to keep their egos intact, no matter how irrational those defenses are. Anymore, feeding their addiction to always being right is more important to JWs than acknowledging the painfully obvious. The mental gymnastics that JWs currently go through to defend themselves, and the circus that is Watchtower. is comical if it wasn't so pathetic. I truly feel sorry for them. The Sunk Cost fallacy, along with cognitive dissonance and inordinate pride/ego is what's really hamstringing JWs. They don't see because they don't want to see, because acknowledging what's right in front of them is simply too painful to admit. Ego outweighs reason, unfortunately. Add to this FOG- Fear, Obligation, Guilt - and you have a deadly combination that savages to intellect, and the human spirit, to oblivion. WT is a master at destroying all that it is to be human, and the experience we should be having in this likely one-time go around here on earth.
This is a profound post my friend!!! You nailed it: many in the younger generations are absolutely ambivalent to it being 'true' or not. They just don't care. They don't have to teach and they just drone on in the weekly schedule with very little thought to any of it. Walk up to a book cart and ask them a question....they point to the website, a website they themselves rarely visit. It's wild.....VERY important observation!
Interesting insight into our own psychological framework, for sure. I was a born and raised a JW, indoctrinated with the mysterious belief that an unknown group of men in New York were receiving regular visions from angels of God, and thereby interpreting difficult Bible prophecies and events. We drank the Kool-Aid of mind control without realizing it. Don't get me wrong; I was always a deep researcher, proud to defend the Bible for what it REALLY TAUGHT; and to learn it's truths compared to false doctrines and worship tactics handed down thru Christendom over hundreds of years. But these last few years; the arrogance, control, and judgemental attitudes of elders and the very governing body themselves has risen to the top, where critical thinkers like myself and your audience can see right thru them. They are trying to replace Christ himself; and even Jehovah himself; while tacitly admitting in their publications that they are fallible, imperfect, and NOT INSPIRED BY GOD. When I woke up to that fact; especially after reading the book by ex- GB member Ray Franz on how the meetings of governing body members go and how they arrive at policies; it was a WOW moment for me; followed by many more. But then I realized, unlike the brainwashed "under the influence" rank and file publishers; that I've always "walked by faith, not by sight," as the Apostle Paul urged us to do at 2 Corinth. 5: 7. So I began to be turned off by the JW Broadcasting channel and constant videos of these clowns and their butt kissing buddies at Bethel HQ. I am not "enamored" by watching these clowns do what you and I have done for decades, Stacy,; that is give public talks and discourses to hundreds of people. I don't need TV videos to build my faith and trust in God! I prefer good old fashioned BOOKS, with real paper pages that you can turn by hand, and examine the context of easily. It's like they are doing exactly as the Pharisees did at Matt. 23: 5, by "doing all the works they do to be viewed by men", with special garb that says, "Hey, look at me!" "Aren't I special?"
So well said Connor!!!! VERY well said. They're making it so much easier to see through them! I'm very curious how younger generations are reacting to all of this...they don't have the baggage of past decades that haunt many of us
Thats too funny i thought i was the only one who thought of that song i listen to your videos at least twice each week Thanks so much for helping get on the road to life The real life
My poor sister cannot see how she is being controlled and manipulated. However she likes it and believes it to be true, she doesn’t hurt anyone and is happy. Who am I to tell her what she should/shouldn’t believe. All you can do is provide answers and information as the need arises. It’s up to freinds/family to decide what they choose/choose not to believe. Just my 2 cents
Excellent comment. All of us are on a personal journey through this life and we should respect each other's choices. If one is happy as a JW, have at it.
First, I love that you're thinking of her first, you're a good brother! Second, you bring up a complex question....should we disrupt their fantasy? It's complex, isn't it? But there are children being harmed.....so much to unpack. I agree: they have the right to believe it if they want, it's not our call
Excellent video! JW WT is now juts a social club of people full of anxiety. When WT sell all those KH and members keep giving monthly fee for watching videos since now building a video studio and museums plus having acting school. JW. Actors school in NY state. My relative still hanging on in the JW cult . I say nothing since very separatee from you. I wonder when they hear the new Xmas song will some stay or leave .Time will tell the future but it was predicated back in 1970 Time journal as major religion in US the JW would go extinct. Nope I think will just change their name and rules. I notice they changed the big WATCHTOWER name on buildings in NY to signage says WELCOME now. Ah yes read about a psychology syndrome people get when told or shown facts but still believe but act the opposite. Thank you again!
I think you're right!! They're making decisions for the younger generations and many will be caught without any knowledge of their history. JWs don't study, they just obey. These new things are going to be something else to watch!
In many ways I think they already do: refusing a blood transfusion and dying, giving your life as a sacrifice to their organization, giving your education to their HQ, enduring persecution and death....for a cult. I think they're tragically already doing it :( :(
the songs and exhibits suggest the Disneyfication of the org. they need some animatronics and a catchy tune like "it's a 'new' world after all" in continuous loop. a blinded by the new light laser light show ride with complementary retinal scan. can't wait to get a four day pass! PS. the remakes of "Snow White and the Nine Smurfs" and "The Lyin' Kings" are now in pre-production at Ramapo Pictures.
Yes! Dr. Alexandra Stein, two books: Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult....and Terror, Love and Brainwashing 2nd Edition
No problem with your so-called OCD, in other videos I have to keep going back sometimes because someone has whizzed past an important point, but never in yours. My only issue is that you are a pretty slow speaker but I put you on 1.25x and you sound fine to me..
Stacey...you're ALWAYS on target!! This organization reminds me of certain movies: The Giver Don't Worry Darling Get Out I'm SURE our lists could go on and on! Mind control at it FINEST!!!😮
Yes! Highly recommend: Dr. Alexandra Stein, two books: Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult....and Terror, Love and Brainwashing 2nd Edition
Might be a good idea just to do something different in a group or deliberately disagree. Go against the tide. Some who get out of the. KKK or white supremacy, do so because of kindness from the minority group. Young people are drawn to such groups due to being marginalized or bully. On who exited said the key ingredient is love.
“Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. - Matthew 5:10-12 "people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name." - Matthew 24:9, Luke 21:12,13 We cannot prevent those things that Jesus talked about from happening because they must happen. Therefore, we are not surprised to see God's people being accused today with false claims, half truths and torture. Jesus was treated like that.( John 15:18,19) Although he didn't do any evil to anybody, religious leaders and hateful people accused him with false claims and half truths and he was tortured and killed as a criminal. The Christians who were present at the time of Jesus in the first century were treated in the same way. These things are not new, they happened in the past and are happening today. The purpose of the false claims and half-truths our opponents make is to sow doubt in Jehovah's people. That is one of the method Satan uses to draw people away from Jehovah and make them stop preaching work. Opponents promise to give people freedom when they themselves are not free. They are misled and they mislead others. Their portion will be according to their deeds. (2Peter 2:19,20, Romans 2:6-9) Jehovah knows those who belongs to him. So we will not be distracted, we will continue to focus on the important work of finding honest people to preach and teach them the good news of the kingdom - Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20.
This video has nothing to do with Christmas or women's lib. It is about the Watchtower Society's disingenuous practice of gaslighting their congregations.
This video has nothing to do with Christmas or women's lib. It is about Jehovah's Witnesses who are so deeply indoctrinated that they can't seem to see the real truth.
Waiting to live while being alive is a total tragedy.
“If you think life is good now, just wait till you’re dead”
An absolute tragedy
That’s the biggest fucking tragedy for me when i think of my family.
In the song 10.000 Days by Tool, James sings about the loss of his very religious, but kindhearted mother, that always hit me hard:
«You are the light and the way they’ll only read about.
I only pray heaven knows when to urge you out.
10000 days in the fire is long enough. You're going home»
«You're the only one who can hold your head up high.
Shake your fist at the gates saying: "I have come home now!"
Fetch me the spirit, the son and the father. Tell them their pillar of faith has ascended»
«"It's time now! My time now! Give me my. Give me my wings!".»
Like, i almost hope they’re right. For their own sake.
@@electricboogaloo3414 Just saw Tool! VERY appropriate song to this situation!
In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is disfellowshipped.
Great one!!!
😂 😂 😂
Excellent!
Perfect! :D
LOL, I'm stealing this one...excellent!
It is hard to believe that the Jehovah's Witnesses ignore the red flags in front of them, but that's what happens when they are deeply indoctrinated with the lies and false teachings of the Watchtower Society. Once this occurs it is hard to wake them up and convince them to leave that cult. Thank you, Stacey, for exposing the hypocrisy and lies of that sham of a religion.
It's so true George...painful to watch
An old witness friend I reached out to about my exit said in a response “to where else would we go”? echoing the John 6:68 scripture pounded into our brains “lord to whom else shall we go? You have everlasting life.” The twisted GB manipulation to trap people inside and make them believe there IS nowhere or anyone else outside this organization as if leaving the Lord is the same as leaving them. I didn’t see it then, now I see it clearly.
Great one Stacy, so “eye opening” 😮😂
Isn't it something? They don't even have the scripture correct!!!! Most of us had that quoted to us
My grandparents are witnesses and have lost a lot the last few years (like my father). They have become secluded, depressed and even more cynical than before.
My grandfather speaks less and less. He mostly watches TV and mutters «Soon it’ll all be over», or «Jehova shall cleanse the earth of all the filth».
Tragedy has just made them more devout, whereas they used to be very liberal followers.
When i’m staying over i can barely convince them to watch a movie. Because they have, quote: «stopped watching movies and all the other nonsense».
They still show love for me, family and friends, but by god the cynicism and HATE towards the world is infuriating.
And they’ve started preaching to ME even more. And while my grandfather used to love a good discussion, now i rarely argue as it only makes him angry. And it makes him sad, but that he won’t admit.
They have gotten harder to talk to, as every conversation turns into preaching. Like i’m their last mission before leaving the earth.
Their health has made it harder to go out, but they have little to no interest in seeing and doing anything outside. Like they feel the whole world is against them and nothing outside faith or family is worth anything.
I’ve recommended professional help, but they don’t really «believe that stuff» and psychiatric problems are wordly problems.
I feel guilty not being there more, but just a few hours with them makes me exhausted.
I’m not saying the JW made them unhappy or killed my father. And some of it is just old age. But i can’t help blame the JW for holding the trapped.
It makes me REALLY, REALLY sad sometimes because i know they are good, loving people.
And that sadness quickly turns to absolute HATE for the organization. Sometimes i just want to burn it the fuck down.
My JW mom is 80 but still very active in the world. She had worldly friends and still works. She's amazing. I got df'd 25 years ago and she never shunned me. I read these stories about jw land and I shake my head. I can totally see JWs ending up this way and I count my blessings my mom isn't like that.
Take heart friend, here is what is going on with Watchtower...
God has amassed for Himself an Army of concerned families and friends, "Apostates," victims and survivors, to tear down this abomination of a false religion.
Watchtower is a bad tree, bearing bad fruit, fit only for fire, the LORD has already laid axe to root.
A house divided will not stand, and Watchtower will not survive the assault from the Armies of the LORD, in the Mighty name of Jesus, this "Tower"IS coming down!
@@cygnustsp I’m happy to hear that! The worst stories of shunning from ex-members seems to come from outside my country.
I live in a very liberal secular europen country. It seems like location has some cultural influence. I get the impression members here are pretty moderate on things like shunning, compared to for example the US.
I’d guess that here, any form of religious «extremism» would be met with harder social sanctions, and JWs generally wants to integrate more than they preach.
Sounds like you and your mom are making it work great. Are you from the US?
@@electricboogaloo3414 yes US. When I was questioning things I told my JW dad and he was actually very supportive. My JW experience must be very different from most but I still understand where many are coming from. I know a lot of JW kids from my generation that skipped out and didn't get shunned. I got df'd by refusing to stop associating with a df'd friend but I had no association with the group by then. I considered it totally silly. My mom would love for me to get reinstated but there's no way. My brother did so much bad by the organizations standards but he never got df'd. There's certainly no Jehovah keeping track of all this stuff.
I'm so sorry my friend....a terrible story that far too many of us can relate to. I hope you're finding some peace and have other loved ones you can lean on. I too recommend therapy to everyone I talk to!
I had a talk with my mother yesterday about 1914 .I asked her to back it up with scripture she couldn't..
HELLO BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING PEOPLE
Hi Queen of Flatulence 💣... I see 👀 you in many Ex-jws chats. How are you doing?
@@natashapeeters988 hi! I'm doing good! 😊
Hi Queen of Flatulence I see also you pop up here and there. Hello from Peter in Australia
Hello my beautiful friend 👋 ❤
Always a pleasure to see my one of my fellow Apostates listening to my favorite ExJW Podcast 💙
Another great presentation. The main reason that I stayed in so long was that I felt that God had led me to the witnesses. My brothers and I had a single mom when the witnesses showed up. It was a tough time, we were on welfare living in a not so great neighborhood and I had a lot of questions, and the JW's had answers and seemed to care about us. It seemed like divine direction to a naive 12yo. I always struggled when I was a witness because many things didn't sit right, but I felt leaving would be rejecting God. I blamed myself for not having faith. Waking up has been a wonderful, freeing experience.
WOW!!! We have a VERY similar background/childhood! That feeling of community and care is what caught my mother
The GB members gaslit the rank-n-file so much that the rank-n-file went(& currently going) figuratively blind.
Jesus Christ sent all of you to preach about the Jw's or satan the devil sent all of you to preach about the Jw's?????????
They've got millions captured, but some are breaking free
Here you are again, and we are all lining up and waiting for you. 👋
You're far too kind, thank you for being here!
My little sister was an Armageddon baby 👶...December of 1975...she grew up with the book of HORROR STORIES.
OH yeah, your sister and I are from the same generation!...and they don't overlap! LOL
Yes, I am waiting for this moment every week... thanks Stacey ❣️ 😊
thank you for being here!!!!
Always the spotlights on an interesting Issue . Thank You Stacey !
Thanks Digi, appreciate you!
“Love will prevail” WT doesn’t have it offer it. We do. This podcast is, as always, beautifully, lovingly presented. Thank you Stacey 🫶
Thank you so much! I sure hope people feel the love!
Really excellent episodes! ❤ thx!
The reason why "they" can't see it is because Spiritual Blindness IS Divine Judgement.
Interesting I have to ponder that…. Very possible 🤔
That is mentioned in the Bible!
Self awareness: I love your voice - I like the comment about being nice to those who were born in it - my two adult children are in and they cannot see. 😢- keep doing this wonderful/ helpful/ educational work- you have “opened my eyes” in so many ways- I always look forward to listening to you every week. I wished my eyes were opened 25 years ago- but now I am free and can see how I was blinded
I'm so sorry your kids are trapped, but don't give up!!! It only takes a small thing to trigger someone. Thank you for the compliment on my voice, it makes up for the face ;)
ah, you are so humble brother stacey...im sure they compliment each other very well. thank you for your much anticipated show. As always it was so well researched and delivered 💕
@@aronescobar8912 awww, thank you!!
This has to be one of your finest podcast episodes yet. Very eye opening. Thank you for all the hard work you put into research & writing, and for sharing your insights 😊
Thank you so much!!!! I was low energy this past week, I appreciate you!
Once again mate great show. Greetings from Peter in Australia
Thanks Peter from down under!!
I find all religions weird but the jw one has to be the weirdest.
WT is the "Hold My Beer" of weird religions.
They have some good company....but this one takes the cake on 'dumb'......it's embarrassing at times
Blinded by the light… wrapped up like a deuce another runner in the night 😂😂😂
YES!!! EXTRA CREDIT :)
I got my book of bible horrors when my parents joined the jws when i was about 8. What a nightmare those pictures were. I cried looking at the flood picture qnd also Jesus on the stake. Freaking horrible.
You had good company Kelly!! The babies drowning messed me up as a kid! it's one of my earliest memories of "jehovah"...who kills babies and puppies???
SAAAME HERE...I REMEMBER ASKING MY MOM WOULD SHE DO WHAT ABRAHAM WAS ABOUT TO DO. I ASKED HER WOULD SHE DO THAT TO ME...SHE LOOKED ME DEAD IN MY EYES AND SAID YES JEHOVAH WOULD BRING ME BACK!!! SMH I WAS LIKE 7 YRS OLD
You had it figured out at a young age!! I'm so sorry about your mother :(
@@survivingparadisepodcast yeah....she's still CRAAAAZY/OFF HER ROCKER FOR THE JW CULT
From the outside looking in, it's so frustrating... And infuriating. Likely all of us tried to 'save' at least one JW when we woke up. It doesn't seem to matter what we say. We can say all the right things, but it just doesn't sink in... And that's the power those nine charlatans have.
If your podcasts/videos don't cause them to wake up, nothing will. They are all excellent. The one thing I say to JWs is this: I have watched thousands of ex-JW videos and I have yet to see anyone lie. I hope that thought will cause them to at least watch a video or two. But they have to do it when they feel ready. If we throw anti-JW information at them, it's likely to rebound.
Thank you so much. I try to do my small part, but our living example can make an impact too. You simply cannot confront them and expect success. Their brains are in another realm.
I was not blinded I was trapped because of fear of loosing my family
many, MANY are in that same boat.....no judgement, I have often said if you can fake it to keep family, I strongly support you
Many consider the recent changes as a test of faith, which enables them to remain and appear strong. The organization certainly uses visual art and now videos to emotionally capture their people. Interestingly though, having left and been shunned for 14 years, it is the songs that come back to me... I'll find myself singing a verse randomly and it dawns on me that it's a Kingdom song. The level of indoctrination permeates every fibre of the Soul. No wonder we, the outcast, continue to question, doubt, skepticise yet still seek to belong somewhere.
Well said. EVERYTHING they're doing is to trigger emotions: the music, videos, fear, dramas....all of it
Wow! You're sensing things that I too experience. I'll occasionally wake up in the morning or sometimes during a random thought in daytime; and I'll be singing a line or more of Kingdom Songs we haven't sang in decades! But we sang them in the old songbook for decades! As a musician; I hated the replacement songbook, even though I was still an active witness for a few years after they introduced it. Wrote the Society and let them know I was disgusted with them replacing, modifying, and rewording songs embedded into our minds that inspired us for years! Their lame reply reflected the lack of emotional concern for members long associated. And some of these songs are just plain pathetic excuses for music composition!
@@connormusic9274yes, I can so relate! What do you think of the fact that they now produce music videos?
@@majafleur9646 When I first saw a music video, I thought it was an insult to our Kingdom songs. Songs of worship , IMO, should stay songs of worship and be sung at meetings or gatherings. I didn't like turning a pop, country, or R&B style song; and throwing in "praise or scripture" lyrics. To me, they don't mix. As a musician and songwriter myself for 40 years; the genres just shouldn't be mixed. To me praise music should be more classical, waltz or soft jazz melodies.
Also, as a musician, I tend to compare my singing and performing to the lame "teen-ager" music videos that the Watchtower produces. So those music videos don't instill in me any sense of wonder or awe or recognition as a music composition. I think an average JW who isn't already a musician or performer is more motivated by those. After hearing the first 1 or 2 videos; and that only because I HAD TO at a circuit assembly or district convention; I vowed to myself to not waste my time looking at ANY of their stupid song videos.
I do, however, enjoy the choir singing videos along with a live orchestra when then actually sing the OLD KINGDOM SONGS from the brown and purple songbooks! (When they actually existed and were featured on their video channel. ) Because the whole setting is fitting, IMO! Singing a song from a music video just to appeal to younger hearts; using a Madonna melody and beat; is not fitting praise music! 😅 It's all part of the Watchtower org's "dumbing down" of the rank and file publishers; trying to appeal to emotions instead of intellect; like Stacy's videos here emphasize.
@@connormusic9274 100%. So you are still attending?
And they say it's wrong to watch violence but it was ok to read about it in the Bible and their publications...🤔😳😬
Lol, I get extra credit. That song was my 1st thought when I saw your title. Yeah, it took me years to fully realize that they are blinded by their complete fantasy world, while completely blinded to the beauty around them, both the earth itself, & many of the genuinely beautiful people around them. So sad for them! 💔😒🙄
EXTRA CREDIT!!!! I feel terrible for most of them....it's hard to watch :(
Thanks again Stacey, I tend to forget about all those experiments that I know about... I will be less mad at the thinking 🤔 people who stayed in the cult for way longer than me ❣️ I feel sorry for not understanding 😕 what I knew for a long time and forgot about it ❣️
Trust me, I made a million mistakes.....I was far too emotional when I woke up....don't feel bad, it's a very rough journey out!
Thanks for this one buddy!,
I know you!! :) Thank YOU!
Congratulations in advance for hitting 5000 subs!!!
Wow, thank you, I had no idea LOL....so bad at that stuff
You said 1919 at exactly 19 minutes lol. That was a cool coincidence.
WHOA!!!!!!!!! Incredible observation....synchronicity! And you get extra extra credit for having a Fallout icon!!!! (my favorite game!)
Really enjoyed your podcast hit the spot,just like my cup of Indian monsooned coffee that I brewed and drank while listening
Thank you!!! Ohhhhhhhh, that sounds very good!!! Pour over??
@@survivingparadisepodcast yes and roasted myself
Yes! Podcast time!😊❤
Could you please share the titles of the books you've mentioned?
Alexandra Stein on Audible & Kindle. TERROR LOVE AND BRAINWASHING is one and ‘Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult'
Thank you Elizabeth! Yes, great books by Dr. Alexandra Stein: Terror, Love and Brainwashing and Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult
@@survivingparadisepodcast Thank you!
Another great video 👍 👍👍👍
thanks Deons!
Those JW comments in that forum are a sad reflection of what a witness' life is often reduced to- a desperate longing for an elusive day of vindication, in the hope that those people who are actually enjoying their lives will be made to feel a modicum of the pain the witness feels while stuck in a cult.
Very well put - the revenge fantasy. Believe in it hard enough, and it will come true. But they know they probably won't be able to believe hard enough. But it's all they've got!
I can't see the Forrest with all those trees in the way.
@@joachimgoethe7864, the Cure, " the forest" ...excellent ❣️
@@natashapeeters988 🖤👍
Very well said. it's a brutal dynamic that is often overlooked :( They live for .....nothing....
Stacey, you are my Superman! Thank you.
He’s all our Superman lol
You're so sweet!! Thank you Estee ;)
@@jackijax505 I like you...too kind!
Thank you so much for your time and effort for another “eye opener “. Those comments in the forum by JW’s is so typical how I once felt too. Now I see how ridiculous that is. Years ago I visited Thailand and went preaching there. Millions of people never heard “the truth”. Now think of all the people in China, Taiwan etc, and yet they think the end is coming!! How can that be? Will they all die? Or will Jehovah save them? Dr Steins comments describes the cult of JW to the T!!
It's incredible that JWs don't think of this. I bet you have some heartrending stories from your time preaching there. Did those poor people just get bad luck being born there? ugh
Because they wear the organisation as a badge. A paradise without god. But that is not the Gospel.
Correct.....it's not from the Bible....but they wear it proudly
Is a person who is willing to shun their own flesh and blood at the behest of the Governing Body… really a good person?
They are principled and compliant people, but questionable "good." Excellent point.
They view it as obeying the Bible. In my opinion, the Bible, while containing some nice sayings and principles, is the issue with "Christianity" and Judaism, two faiths that have been at the root of immense human misery. It's a book that can be twisted and cherry picked every which way to support whatever you want it to. It's used to condone violence and hate, as well as promote peace and love. The Witnesses are so good at cherry picking things out of context (see Proverbs 4:18). My daughter in law is getting baptized in month. My son married her when she was "worldly" and she has taken to the JW's with intensity. She loves doing yoga, I can't wait to see her reaction when she's counseled that it isn't appropriate for Christians 😅
@@simplifiedlife8607 yoga-twisting your body. jw-twisting your mind.
@@yenbbc8840 I'm not the one doing yoga 😆
@@simplifiedlife8607 my favorite pose is the pretzel followed by a beer. sometimes i skip the pose.
This Saturday morning two JWs came knocking on my door , definitely they didn't know my mother house is right beside me and my sister is on the other even though my mother was in the borg for 65 years before she passed and my sy is still in .But when I asked them if they knew about ARC you could see the zombie look come over their eyes .But they won't be back after I told them im atheist because I was born in and raised a JW
I love it, that is usually all it takes. They're all terrified of having to actually answer tough questions!
That was so good!!
Thanks Stef :)
BLINDED BY HOPE.
Hope is powerful, but not when it's based on fantasy, right?
Great talk Stacey! So, after listening to your podcast, I click on the youtube song, and realize, yes, this is one of the ones that I never figured out the proper lyrics to, Hahahaaa! Thanks for the flash from the past. Of course, the worldly song prohibited for jw
Thanks Penny....if you were there, you know ;) Deuce!! ;)
Oh I remember the Bible stories book. My intro to Graphic Violence and Blood!
As a child, I wasn't allowed to watch certain movies or tv programs because they were "violent". However, I could read the Bible or My Book of Bible Stories and absolutely immerse myself in all the violence my young mind could handle without fear of discipline.
It was our first Rated R movie ;)
@@adamantiumbullet9215 Right??? Same!
Great Talk, Reminds me of the movie "Equilibrium" from 2002 Where they not allowed to feel & have to take dose of Prozium, JW's governing body = Prozium.
I forgot about that movie!! Excellent comparison!!
“Watching the guys that will soon kill everyone” LOL 😂
LOL, if you don't laugh, you'll cry.....that's literally what they're teaching people....unreal
@@survivingparadisepodcast definitely. They’re a weird bunch to be polite as possible
Kudos for the on-point information to answer age-old questions re herd mentality. I will be starting Alexandra Stein’s book today!
Thanks!
I love it!!! I think you will really enjoy her book....it will be uncomfortable....it's too familiar
@ 21:30 WT changed the wording in the NWT compared to the Bible manuscripts.
Jesus didn't tell Thomas to "put your finger here." He told Thomas to "pull my finger", and, thus, one of the greatest jokes in mankind's history was born.
LOL, I shouldn't have read this while drinking water!!! My screen is a mess!
Your channel is unique.
Thank you! That is a great compliment....I hope that's a good thing? ;)
@survivingparadisepodcast For sure!!
@ 38:00 min mark
Spot on. That’s the best advice that can given to any JW who have woke up, don’t try overwhelm ur loved ones with new found information that debunks beliefs, theologies, or what were indoctrinated to feel.
It won’t work; I, too, did this & it backfired immensely to the point I was told that I was dead to my parents. That Mark Twain quote to end this week’s podcast could not be more apropos.
Thank you! I made SO many mistakes trying so hard to shake people awake. It does NOT work....don't even try it, it's a mistake!! I love me some Mark Twain! ;)
It’s super unfortunate that so many are still “blinded by the light” in that organization. It’s almost as if their mental “spark plugs” are fouled, preventing them from being “revved up like a deuce”, thus denoting fully functioning mental abilities. 😉
Great episode Stacey!
HA!!!! EXTRA CREDIT for 96!!!!!
Stacey, do you remember the difference between my book of horror stories and paradise lost to paradise regained???
One was yellow, one was orange, same psychotic message.
@@adamantiumbullet9215 That was my thought too!
Oh you have me intrigued!!!! The color? The terrible illustrations? Jesus clean shaven?
I just (once again) sent my PI but Mentally in limbo sister money today. But this time I told her if she doesn't leave the cult, it won't happen again. It is frustrating for me that my siblings are suffering, languishing for a cult that does nothing for them but "tickle their ears" and gaslight them. Blindness should NEVER be a CHOICE!
You're such a kind soul!!! TRUE love right here.....amazing, thank you for sharing your kindness, they likely really need your help in MANY ways!
@@survivingparadisepodcast Thank you, but I'm just doing what people who show "natural affection" for family do. Funny thing is, up until the death of my generous father almost two years ago, she NEVER reached out to me to say anything. Go figure.
@@rdhawk929 You're very loving. It's so hard to be generous when the other party is not. Your kindness shines through....
@@survivingparadisepodcast ❤️❤️❤️🫂
Who would of ever thought that Jesus would have a website much more a movie set
Don't forget about Jesus' real estate and stock market assets.
Oh, he is now the subject of a new movie.....that episode is coming.....if you haven't seen it.....prepare yourself.....it's horrifying!
Oh my gosh, all the memories from the old books. I remember sitting in the swing beneath the apple tree with my grandmother studying the Paradise book. Also, me and my mother studying the Listening to the Great Teacher with my niece. She loved the chapter "tempted by the devil" and my mother told her we are not reading that story again, need to look at other ones. (LOL). Oh, and every night I read the "My Bible Story" book to my two sons. Fortunately, neither my niece nor my sons became "indoctrinated". I totally believed in the 1975 false prophecy. Never would I grow old, hmmm guess 74 is young???? I have looked back at those years and have concluded that the more opposition I encountered (from my "worldly husband") the more I fought for the "truth". I thank God that I didn't marry a JW. Now I am done with the absolute "crap" from the governing body and the rest of the organized cult organization. How can the JW's not see? I can only say that the more opposition they receive, the more they will defend the "faith". I know a couple who lost one son to suicide and one son is an invalid now (approx. age 40) and I know the parents have to hold onto the hope that he will be restored to health in the new system. It would be so devastating to them to give up that hope. It is better for some to not wake up, I guess. I just know I am glad that I have.
:) wow Judy, incredible history!! I studied in ALL of those same books....I too never planned for the future. Devastating. I'm sorry for all you've been through and I hope you're finding peace now at 74. Each day is a blessing.....don't let these guys robbed one more minute from you
I’m convinced that you’re a pro baseball player Stacey, because you keep hitting the ball outta the park!!
Another winning episode. But aren’t they all? 🎯🤜🏻🤛🏻🎯
Oh ya, remember that song, Blinded by the Light? How everyone kept getting wrong what he was wrapped up in? 😂😂😂
Ha, you're far too kind, thank you!! I wanted to be a football player! LOL! Oh yeah, some folks nailed it.....Deuce!!
@@survivingparadisepodcast Some still think it’s douche 😂😂😂😂😂😂.
"KIRK: Captain's log, stardate 3417.7. Except for myself, all crew personnel have transported to the surface of the planet. Mutinied. Lieutenant Uhura has effectively sabotaged the communications station. I can only contact the surface of the planet. The ship can be maintained in orbit for several months, but even with automatic controls, I cannot pilot her alone. In effect, I am marooned here. I'm beginning to realise just how big this ship really is, how quiet. I don't know how to get my crew back, how to counteract the effect of the spores. - I don't know what I can offer against paradise😒 ." 'This side of paradise"
Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor, not a spore wrangler!
@@yenbbc8840 LOL LOL!!!
Whatever you do, do NOT report to the guys in red shirts.....they're goners!!!!
Stacey- I really enjoyed this episode.
I debate with JWs online often, and I think an even bigger factor to not seeing what's obvious, is that JWs are simply apathetic about their beliefs. They don't care what's true or not. Just listen and obey.
WT has hammered JWs down so badly in the past few years with changed doctrines, goofy doctrines that insult even a person with miniscule intelligence, and a bizarre change in culture, that JWs have, as a matter of survival, disconnected from trying to determine what is true or not. Since critical thinking and authenticity are non-factors in WT Land, most JWs simply choose to put on the blinders while continuing to defend the indefensible in order to keep their egos intact, no matter how irrational those defenses are. Anymore, feeding their addiction to always being right is more important to JWs than acknowledging the painfully obvious.
The mental gymnastics that JWs currently go through to defend themselves, and the circus that is Watchtower. is comical if it wasn't so pathetic. I truly feel sorry for them. The Sunk Cost fallacy, along with cognitive dissonance and inordinate pride/ego is what's really hamstringing JWs. They don't see because they don't want to see, because acknowledging what's right in front of them is simply too painful to admit. Ego outweighs reason, unfortunately.
Add to this FOG- Fear, Obligation, Guilt - and you have a deadly combination that savages to intellect, and the human spirit, to oblivion. WT is a master at destroying all that it is to be human, and the experience we should be having in this likely one-time go around here on earth.
Yeah, when I pointed out that John 3:16, this one JW tried to use Greek grammar to justify it.
This is a profound post my friend!!! You nailed it: many in the younger generations are absolutely ambivalent to it being 'true' or not. They just don't care. They don't have to teach and they just drone on in the weekly schedule with very little thought to any of it. Walk up to a book cart and ask them a question....they point to the website, a website they themselves rarely visit. It's wild.....VERY important observation!
Yes! =)
Interesting insight into our own psychological framework, for sure. I was a born and raised a JW, indoctrinated with the mysterious belief that an unknown group of men in New York were receiving regular visions from angels of God, and thereby interpreting difficult Bible prophecies and events. We drank the Kool-Aid of mind control without realizing it. Don't get me wrong; I was always a deep researcher, proud to defend the Bible for what it REALLY TAUGHT; and to learn it's truths compared to false doctrines and worship tactics handed down thru Christendom over hundreds of years.
But these last few years; the arrogance, control, and judgemental attitudes of elders and the very governing body themselves has risen to the top, where critical thinkers like myself and your audience can see right thru them. They are trying to replace Christ himself; and even Jehovah himself; while tacitly admitting in their publications that they are fallible, imperfect, and NOT INSPIRED BY GOD. When I woke up to that fact; especially after reading the book by ex- GB member Ray Franz on how the meetings of governing body members go and how they arrive at policies; it was a WOW moment for me; followed by many more.
But then I realized, unlike the brainwashed "under the influence" rank and file publishers; that I've always "walked by faith, not by sight," as the Apostle Paul urged us to do at 2 Corinth. 5: 7. So I began to be turned off by the JW Broadcasting channel and constant videos of these clowns and their butt kissing buddies at Bethel HQ. I am not "enamored" by watching these clowns do what you and I have done for decades, Stacy,; that is give public talks and discourses to hundreds of people. I don't need TV videos to build my faith and trust in God! I prefer good old fashioned BOOKS, with real paper pages that you can turn by hand, and examine the context of easily. It's like they are doing exactly as the Pharisees did at Matt. 23: 5, by "doing all the works they do to be viewed by men", with special garb that says, "Hey, look at me!" "Aren't I special?"
So well said Connor!!!! VERY well said. They're making it so much easier to see through them! I'm very curious how younger generations are reacting to all of this...they don't have the baggage of past decades that haunt many of us
My book of Bible horrors!! I remember standing in line Montreal Canada for two hours for that nut job book!!😑
Same!!! We were so excited to get our copy! How did our parents allow that? LOL
Thats too funny i thought i was the only one who thought of that song i listen to your videos at least twice each week Thanks so much for helping get on the road to life The real life
Love it!! Deuce! :)
My poor sister cannot see how she is being controlled and manipulated. However she likes it and believes it to be true, she doesn’t hurt anyone and is happy. Who am I to tell her what she should/shouldn’t believe. All you can do is provide answers and information as the need arises. It’s up to freinds/family to decide what they choose/choose not to believe. Just my 2 cents
Excellent comment. All of us are on a personal journey through this life and we should respect each other's choices. If one is happy as a JW, have at it.
@@simplifiedlife8607 💯
First, I love that you're thinking of her first, you're a good brother! Second, you bring up a complex question....should we disrupt their fantasy? It's complex, isn't it? But there are children being harmed.....so much to unpack. I agree: they have the right to believe it if they want, it's not our call
@@simplifiedlife8607 It's a very complex subject and a GREAT one......agree!
Facts 👌🏿
Truth ;)
Only JESUS himself , can remove the scales from your eyes. 👁️👁️ 😄😄
Excellent video! JW WT is now juts a social club of people full of anxiety. When WT sell all those KH and members keep giving monthly fee for watching videos since now building a video studio and museums plus having acting school. JW. Actors school in NY state. My relative still hanging on in the JW cult . I say nothing since very separatee from you. I wonder when they hear the new Xmas song will some stay or leave .Time will tell the future but it was predicated back in 1970 Time journal as major religion in US the JW would go extinct. Nope I think will just change their name and rules. I notice they changed the big WATCHTOWER name on buildings in NY to signage says WELCOME now. Ah yes read about a psychology syndrome people get when told or shown facts but still believe but act the opposite. Thank you again!
I think you're right!! They're making decisions for the younger generations and many will be caught without any knowledge of their history. JWs don't study, they just obey. These new things are going to be something else to watch!
MY BOOK OF BIBLE HORRORS 😅😅😅😅
I'm still in therapy!!
Stacey do you ever see the possibility that the witnesses could persuaded to drink the koolaid the same way they did at Jonestown
In many ways I think they already do: refusing a blood transfusion and dying, giving your life as a sacrifice to their organization, giving your education to their HQ, enduring persecution and death....for a cult. I think they're tragically already doing it :( :(
Wearing the New Personality ✨️?¿?
Put it on! LOL!
Revved up like an apostate
Another enemy of god in the night
🤘😖🤘
LOL!!!! Well done!!!!
The type of attention you pay, governs what it is you will find.
Yes, fact!
the songs and exhibits suggest the Disneyfication of the org. they need some animatronics and a catchy tune like "it's a 'new' world after all" in continuous loop. a blinded by the new light laser light show ride with complementary retinal scan. can't wait to get a four day pass! PS. the remakes of "Snow White and the Nine Smurfs" and "The Lyin' Kings" are now in pre-production at Ramapo Pictures.
LOL!!! Watch daily at noon! Missionaries singing and dancing!!!
An you please share the name of the book and author you quoted? I want to read it.
Yes! Dr. Alexandra Stein, two books: Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult....and Terror, Love and Brainwashing 2nd Edition
No problem with your so-called OCD, in other videos I have to keep going back sometimes because someone has whizzed past an important point, but never in yours. My only issue is that you are a pretty slow speaker but I put you on 1.25x and you sound fine to me..
Thank you!! Glad I haven't driven you nuts!
Stacey...you're ALWAYS on target!! This organization reminds me of certain movies:
The Giver
Don't Worry Darling
Get Out
I'm SURE our lists could go on and on! Mind control at it FINEST!!!😮
Thank you and it means a lot coming from a Jedi!!!! They've labeled me a Sith Lord....and I'll take it ;)
What is the title of the book Stein?? Wrote? Familiar with the studies. Know the one when someone is looking up, everyone around does the same thing.
Yes! Highly recommend: Dr. Alexandra Stein, two books: Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering Into and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult....and Terror, Love and Brainwashing 2nd Edition
Might be a good idea just to do something different in a group or deliberately disagree. Go against the tide. Some who get out of the. KKK or white supremacy, do so because of kindness from the minority group. Young people are drawn to such groups due to being marginalized or bully. On who exited said the key ingredient is love.
I agree and I've made my own mistakes. Love and kindness goes far when speaking to someone who is doubting JWs
“Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. - Matthew 5:10-12
"people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name." - Matthew 24:9, Luke 21:12,13
We cannot prevent those things that Jesus talked about from happening because they must happen. Therefore, we are not surprised to see God's people being accused today with false claims, half truths and torture. Jesus was treated like that.( John 15:18,19) Although he didn't do any evil to anybody, religious leaders and hateful people accused him with false claims and half truths and he was tortured and killed as a criminal. The Christians who were present at the time of Jesus in the first century were treated in the same way. These things are not new, they happened in the past and are happening today. The purpose of the false claims and half-truths our opponents make is to sow doubt in Jehovah's people. That is one of the method Satan uses to draw people away from Jehovah and make them stop preaching work. Opponents promise to give people freedom when they themselves are not free. They are misled and they mislead others. Their portion will be according to their deeds. (2Peter 2:19,20, Romans 2:6-9)
Jehovah knows those who belongs to him. So we will not be distracted, we will continue to focus on the important work of finding honest people to preach and teach them the good news of the kingdom - Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20.
Is Jesus Christ the King of Jehovah's Witnesses? I know those scriptures very well, thank you.
You give such a great and funny podcast! 😂 The whole JW thing is such a sick sad joke.
Wow, thank you Amanda! I appreciate you! I agree....at times I get worn out even talking about their clown show!
Is this a no to Christmas and women's lib?
This video has nothing to do with Christmas or women's lib. It is about the Watchtower Society's disingenuous practice of gaslighting their congregations.
This video has nothing to do with Christmas or women's lib. It is about Jehovah's Witnesses who are so deeply indoctrinated that they can't seem to see the real truth.
LOL, I say do both!
@@survivingparadisepodcast is that a no to both evils?
Why is everyone a wyte male??😂
Including Jesus Christ, the Jewish man himself. Right? LOL, we know the answer.