The first new episode for a long time aired last night, a special on the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
It’s unlike anything we had done before and I am interested to hear your feedback.
I watched Twitter and Facebook as the show aired on the East Coast, but have not yet caught up following the West Coast airing.
Once again, I want to thank the brave contributors who were willing to sit down and bare their pain to the world in the hope that it will bring some comfort to others who have suffered similarly, and perhaps prevent someone from having to suffer in the future. And my special appreciation to Lloyd Evans, a man I have come to know well over the years. He is a true champion for JW victims, a terrific guy and a fountain of information on the subject. Without Lloyd this show would not have been possible. Each of the people I met on this program was someone I had an instant bond with. They are truly some of the nicest, most sincere and caring people you could ever hope to meet.
I hope their stories came through — as I said to Lloyd, it would only have been possibly to be truly happy with this episode if it was 6 hours long and we could include everything everyone had to say without omitting anything. That’s the dilemma of doing a tv show. You have to cut it down to fit a time slot. Fortunately we were given 2 hours for this due to the scope of the material and that it was a one off show on a single subject.
As always, we are interested to hear the perspective of our viewers. It does not really matter what we think once the show hits the air — then it becomes about what viewers see and feel.
It’s so difficult for me as a none Jehovah’s witnesses to compute how stupid these people really are.The governing body are EVIL .
Mike and Leah, I don’t think you even realize the ministry you are doing for God♥️ I am so greatful for your show and episode on the Jehovah’s Witnesses. For 43 years I was blind. I would self harm and contemplate suicide on a daily basis. I was sick and decided to stay home from the Tuesday night meeting at the local Kingdom Hall. Your show aired that night here in Montana. That night I made the decision to start doing research. I’m 3 months out of this cult. Thank you both so much for taking the time to listen to your viewers about theses false religions and man made doctrines. I don’t know how many lives you assisted in saving on the night your show aired, but I want to thank you for helping save mine. ?♥️
This was a wonderful educational experience! I was a former JW for nearly 10 years! I will be out nearly 20 years and it still effects me on different levels. I think there should be more shows exposing the Witchtower aka Watchtower for the unscrupulous acts!
After watching the special on the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I started remembering a time when I was a kid growing up on the reservation in NM. I remember going to “Sunday School” at a house about five miles from my house. I was maybe about 10 to 12 years old. I remember the teacher would tell us that the world would end soon and that we needed to be “saved” in order to survive the end. What is vivid to me are the illustrations I was shown but more than the others, I remember one depiction showing a church collapsing on people in the pews. During you and Leah’s special, I involuntarily shuddered when you started using the term, “worldly.” The place we went to taught us to renounce “worldly” things, even going so far as to urge us to burn our “worldly” possessions in a pyre. Now, at 38, I am beginning to realize that we, my Native brethren/sistren, were preyed upon by groups seeking to indoctrinate us into their ranks. I now believe this place we went to on Sundays was a Jehovah’s Witness place. I remember the fear of being left behind when Armageddon happened, how I could help my family survive when the time came; keep in mind, this was at 10 to 12 years old and I was afraid for myself and my family. I would imagine how it would all go down and my mother would say, “Be prepared, the world could end tomorrow and we need to be ready, be saved.” This went on for a few years before I started thinking for myself as a young adult. This all said, I want to thank you and Leah for all your work. It scares and angers me that there are entities/people in this world that prey on personal fears/beliefs for their own ends be they financial or otherwise. Keep up the great work on bringing to light these dark organizations.
TY, I can’t even imagine. I’m just starting to understand how this can affect people. I’m so sorry that happened to you but thrilled you were able to think for yourself. Way to go! Thank you for sharing that. ☺
Thanks to you, Leah and Lloyd for helping to shed light on the harmful policies within the Jehovah’s Witness organization. As a former Witness, I was worried the show would contain inaccuracies or exaggerations. That would have given current Witnesses an excuse to dismiss the entire content of the show, and would have supported the organization’s persecution/victimization mantra. However, I found the show to be completely accurate, honest and compelling. I can only hope that current Witnesses (including my parents and siblings) can muster up the courage to watch the show, and come to the realization that their spirituality and loyalty to the Watchtower organization are mutually exclusive.
Parabéns, excelente trabalho.
As for the show I ran out of time on my last comment to add this I truly thought it was great and covered the topic soo well and explained everything soo clearly, it was incredibly accurate and if there ever were any future recordings I would love to see more of how the religion has transitioned into the present day from how things have shifted and focusing on how they are now controlling their members with the use of iPads at the meetings for the publications, creating a tv channel on Roku, creating the cartoon characters Caleb & Sofia, to indoctrinate their youth. Because you did a wonderful job helping the average viewer who was more or less curious on the explanation of the beliefs of the witnesses and not involved. But also the past exjws you gave us all a voice, we were soo lost and felt worthless and you have given us value. So now that the viewers understand the basics of the religion soo much clearer if you were to shift that into supporting and reaching out for exsisting members and explaining why they are wrong with their failed multiple predictions of when Armageddon was supposed to come, how they are financially dieing in the United States, and only growing in third world countries. How they are selling off slot of their properties such as Kingdom Halls and manipulating their members that they are doing it to expand in other areas the ones in currently that will be alarmed by the initial airing will be curious and will start to wake up!! The society is selling Kingdom Halls that have been funded (mortgages paid) for years from their own local members contributions, and taking all the money they are stealing money right beneath their noses!! John cedars explains all of it! And I have been seeing my past witness acquaintances who are on social media having parties welcoming members from other halls combining congregations, even my own cousin believes it’s because they are flourishing,,, and they are growing its insane… those people need to know! I think it would be incredibly interesting to summarize them even more as a cult… if you did the history to the present day transition of tactics with their own numbers and statistics from their literature into modern day tactics ex: jw tv, cartoons for youth.. unbroken promises…. it would be amazing… mike I watched every episode you and Leah did and my heart sank with you all. It resonated soo powerfully and thank you you all are amazing.
I grew up a Jehovah’s Witness was raised into it. My father and grandfather were both prominent elders in our congregation, and seeing this air has been sooo liberating and emotionally draining at the same time. There are soo many people I personally know That have either lost a loved one to suicide or is being shunned by their family and have lost everything. It’s horrific, and seeing this air has freed me from the additional pain I have been buried deep down inside. I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder I suffer severe abandonment issues and I always thought it stemmed from being adopted, but after watching this I think being abandoned by everyone in my life honestly has caused my disorder, from my dissent from this religion… my husband (who was also raised jw) and all of his siblings were molested by a local brother in their congregation, this man was eventually caught because he was sodomizing a 12 year old by her mother so she went to the elders and he was disciplined within the congregation not reported to the authorities and he molested 100’s of children throughout the us,,, being protected by his loyal brothers and sisters… it eventually caught up with him and he spent sometime in prison years later… however he’s back out remarried with a teenage son I found him on Facebook.. my own parents have not spoken to me or seen my children for over 6 months. This horrible religion needs to be exposed. Just in my small circle this has devastated sooo many I know! My own childhood best friend shot himself in the head while he was disfellowshipped… I’m sick of the pain and the hurt but I am soooo happy I am free. Thank you soo much again, the light is definitely getting brighter!!!!!!!
I can’t comment enough on how happy I am to finally see awareness of the JW organization be brought to such a platform. Thank you thank you thank you!!
Very well done. The use of quotes from the literature and actual words of the governing body members to back up beliefs and policies lent so much credibility to the experiences that were related by the panelists. No JW can deny that.
I thought the show was done perfectly! Sp many issues were nailed right on the head. I’ve been out for over a decade now but it was still hard to watch, knowing that I have family still in. Thank you for all of your hard work, Leah and Mike, great job!
Thank you so much for this presentation! It was very well done and the videos of the Governing Body were quite damning. They convict themselves with their own words. I grew up as a (fifth generation!) Jehovah’s Witness. My heart left the Organization in the mid nineties, but I wasn’t officially pronounced “Not a Witness” until 2008 after joining another religion. My exit caused quite the scandal in my local area. The personal cost to me has been enormous in terms of family ties that have severed. I hope all my extended family has the opportunity to see this program and feel the pain of those who had the courage to share their stores. Thank you thank you thank you.
Thank you so much for exposing the JWs more than they have been!!!! People need to know what they’re doing!!! The amount of li es and families they’ve destroyed is sickening!!!! I can’t wait to watch it with my kids and boyfriend so they can get an idea of the things I went through as a child. Seriously, I can’t thank you enough!!!!!
I can’t thank you for doing this episode. The stories of the previous members you shared are not the exception but the rule and the devastation the religion has caused is long lasting and wide spread. So many of us can empathize with the stories shared because ours have been just as tragic. Thank you for exposing the pain caused by white washed religion.
You have no idea how this exposure of this hanese cult has brought me relief ??? you Dear people THANK YOU very much YOU and Leah I’ve been in it for 56 years a slave to the cult that keep me cofined in believing I was expendable and I believed it till my daughter a year ago answer ed all my perplexing question I was just DF 2 weeks ago, why? For using my God gaven rights and freedom of conscience and my right to ask questions to my teachers and leader’s like the bible says I can do.thank God I am FREE and thank you forever Mick and leha????
It’s always so difficult to explain the thinking behind it and why people do what they do as witnesses and how ingrained certain concepts are in you to someone who didn’t experience it. My husband often wonders why I still have to talk about it to others who have left. Last night watching this I just kept nodding my head because it was so accurate and such a perfect portrayal. I left in my early 20’s after my fiancée of 8 years sister told me about the sexual abuse and the elders refused to do anything and I was isolated by the congregation. I had always fought depression and eventually tried to kill myself and nearly succeeded and when I woke up in the hospital I realized I’d rather live this life happy than be miserable and hope to live forever. Over the years I’ve become so much stronger and stripped most the ideas away but it’s hrd to explain to my husband. But even my husband got teary watching this and came and gave me a hug because he finally understood some of it. I hope it can help others, thank you so much.
All of your episodes are so enlightening. Thank you for being there to help stop this insanity. I learned so much. So many tears. Leah and Mike, you two are special, strong people. Thank you for everything that you are doing. I do my small part in contacting governments and any organization that would help bring these cults down but you two, go above and beyond. Thank you again.
I am so very appreciative of the light that has been shone on the organization I was born into. I am 40 and left when I was 17, as soon as I could. I admit, I had to watch this in segments with quite a few breaks to get my emotions under control. I identified with everything those you interviewed said. The Armageddon nightmares, the isolation, the loneliness, the family separation and the pain it causes, the depression and hopelessness and lack of self worth…..the people we have lost to suicide. All of it was so on the nose.
Thank you, from the bottom of my broken heart, for making this special. From now on every time someone not in the know tells me “but they’re such good people” I will have a television special to direct them to.
You guys did a wonderful job. Thank you for listening and giving us a voice and a platform. I wish it was longer! There is so many more things to cover teachings that they twist and scriptures they use to there advantage but it would probably take a lifetime to cover every last bit. The highlights were on point and I hope this opens many more eyes and brings more families together ?
Your guests were very real and came across as such genuine people.JW does have some similarities to Scio Cult.The real horror is how people, in that I include myself can be taken advantage of for a desire to be part of a spiritual world.
I loved it. I smell another emmy nom just for this installment. Church elders of the JH look creepy! At least Miscavige is hot!
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The special really brought to light a secret world. Was in the group from 4 to 32 yrs old… that says enough. That I still think sooo many weird things are normal. And will have many years of work to do to undo the damage.
You guys did a fantastic job! I know a lot of the devastating aspects of JW’s before I saw this special. I kept watching thinking, are you going to mention this, and that, and that, and you did! You hit every major issue and touched on it! That’s really hard to do in just two hours! And still listened to personal stories in a manner that was just fantastic. Great job!
Thank you so much..i am in The Netherlands Europe. Thank you for taking the time to tell our story.
Ha! Nog een Nederlander hier.
(Ha! Another Dutchie here.)
I had no idea of the depth of belief in the Jehovah Witness system. Many thanks to the people who contributed to the show and to the ex JWs with their many interesting comments here.
Things are different now but in the past a newbie in Scn was unaware of Hubbard’s intragalactic conflict cosmology, unlike the JWs who are indoctrinated into a belief system about God and an afterlife right from the beginning. Shaking off a belief system on which “your eternity” depends would be difficult.
Years ago while working in the yard two JW women came to my front gate. While chatting with the younger woman I noticed how, in Scn lingo, she was totally “there” with clear eyes, looking directly at me and intently listening to what I was saying. I guess she was quite confident in her certainty of belief.
I probably mentioned my past experience in Scn. Since I was obviously busy with my yard work I was able to accept their flyer and politely excuse myself. Since I had been willing to at least engage in some conversation I probably got put on a hot prospect list and they came back two or three times but I didn’t answer the door. I’m sure they would have wanted to sit down and have an extended conversation and would have had an answer for any objection I might have about JW.
In Scn we had a “dissemination drill” but “proselytizing” wouldn’t fit the Scn mindset.
When I first began reexamining my Scn experience after watching the HBO movie “Going Clear” I found that writing down my thoughts and having them appear on paper so to speak was therapeutic even if nobody responded directly which is usually the case on a blog. I hope it works that way for some ex JWs.
I grew up in a JW family (in Finland and Sweden). I never really believed fully, but wanted to be a good girl… Baptized at 14 I seriously had no clue what I agreed to live by. It became painfully real later in life. Stuck in a loveless marriage I tried to cope, but the thought of letting my kids grow up with the same anxiety I felt? I couldn’t do it anymore. And I felt like a hypocrite staying in a religion I didn’t believe in.
So I left. Let myself be disfellowshipped. I was 38 at the time. Now 7 years later I try to inform others of what JW can be. How it hurts people.
I have very little contact with my mother. Two of my sisters haven’t reached out with a single word in 7 years. One sister has left JW too, but she still believes, so our relationship is strained. She does not like my criticism.
I am lucky, though. I have friends and new ”families” where I am welcomed just as I am, whether I believe or not. My bf tries to understand this all, and just offers lots of love, compassion and hugs when I need to cry. And cry I still do at times.
JW is toxic.
Thank you for a strong and wonderful show.
Thank you! This shows how much mind control the JW have over people. Finally people can see they are not about love and compassion but preach or you will die. Listen to the older white men out of touch. There is so much more to be shown.
Powerful, gut wrenching, maddening, heartbreaking. After watching this episode, I’m of the opinion that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are more toxic than Scientology, and that’s saying a lot.
My cousin became a JW when she married about forty years ago. There was basically no contact until about ten years ago when she divorced her husband and reconnected with us. She’s now very close with my mom. She’s been trying to get us together with her three children but it always seems we’re the ones reaching out. Now I can see why. She doesn’t talk about the JW at all. Not going to mention it or ask any questions. Will be reaching out to my cousin and her children though. Wasn’t really doing that before. Thanks for shedding light where it’s much needed.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been disfellowshipped and shunned for almost 30 years now. Until I heard all of these other stories, I didn’t connect the dots to my own issues I’ve struggled with throughout my life. That organization is horrific. It literally destroys families as well as many lives. So so sad. Thankful to be free though! ❤️
I at first wanted to watch the episode because I was upset that people would have the audacity to accuse JW of such terrible things, because all the elders and jw I ever knew were caring, loving and generous. I was raised JW never baptized left finally at the age or 15 I think. Watching the show made me cry, made me angry, and opened up my eyes! I could not believe these people who we were supposed to trust, who are supposed to be true hearted and good people could do such horrendous things. I have done some digging up and found a lot of things about the JW and it being tied to the Masons, satanism, the cross and crown symbol specifically, the founder of JW was a Mason and apparently the elders of Bethel also are masons and have been seen with Mason rings, JW have also been called the white lighters which supposedly is a nickname for Lucifer? I have a sister a brother and my mother all in this cult. My mother and sister speak to me, but my brother does not, and I hope one day they see the truth. I hope that the JW organization are exposed for who they truly are
It was really amazing and so well done. I shed tears the whole time. I loved how well everyone was able to explain the experiences of being raised that way and having to start over from scratch as a very unprepared traumatized person. I tried not to get my hopes up too much when I first heard you guys were considering it. Thank you for making a dream come true. You guys are my heroes, sincerely.
Mike,
I just wanted to comment and say how much I appreciated this episode. Being raised as one of Jehovah’s Winesses, I found myself nodding along to every comment and experience related by the guests on your show. Having left roughly 6 years ago, many of the memories are still raw enough that I remember them vividly.
I don’t believe the people involved in this religion are inherently bad. Neither can I say I had an abusive or outright horrible upbringing. I do believe my parents love me, and did their best to raise me in the confines of the faith they had chosen. Unfortunately, their love for me was not great enough to triumph over my rejection of that faith. This is an experience I am sure I share with many others in my situation. Thankfully, upon my leaving the religion I had the experience of finding out that ‘worldly’ people were not evil like I had been raised to think. I found a solid group of friends that helped me find my footing and survive the tumultuous time I found myself in.
Again, thank you! I can attest to it’s accuracy and I hope that it serves its purpose in educating others about this religion.
This episode serves as a beacon of light in the darkness of intergenerational abuse perpetrated in the name of God. Knowledge is power, and that beacon illuminates the power of truth to be claimed in the name of love. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank you all for making this show. I have been out about a year, I was really hoping that the show would be completely accurate to allow no witness to find one thing wrong to argue with and you gave us that. There wasn’t anything that I heard that was over embellished or doctrinally wrong. You hit every important point with style and in a way that I hope it really finds its way to touch the heart of the witnesses still in. Most are wonderful well intentioned people just trying to do their best. I miss my friends but I am so blessed to say my children all came out with us and I didn’t have to suffer the hurt so many others are going through. I was willing to stay in if they didn’t listen to us.But I am glad I did not have to. I wasted almost 50 fear inspired years of my life. I am happy to say my kids wont’ have to.
I learned a lot. To see first-hand the perspectives of those who spent their lives in JW surely opened my eyes. And I commend Mike, allowing them to speak and being a good listener. Good job.
Seeing where they’re coming from, I look forward to be able to engage with them.
Thank you so very much for what you were able to show of the interviews of the ex Witnesses and information from the Watchtower Society. Not only did you use real life examples of what people in the organization went through during and after their time in it, but you also showed that the things we were taught aren’t stories that we created for the sake of scaring others or drawing pity from those that weren’t there. These forms of abuse are very real, they are not as rare as some might want you to believe, and the whole organization is corrupt in the most basic of ways.
I was especially touched and grateful for the raw experiences of the interviewees. I shared many of the same fears as they did from as far back as I can remember; not only that my heart wouldn’t be pure enough to survive Armageddon, but that, when faced with the persecution I was told would come before the destruction of all wicked things, that I would fail to be true to “Jehovah” when threatened with my life. As a 10 year old, I should not have even had to consider the possibility. Those people made it a nightmare, with the threat of it becoming a reality, and no one else would even bat an eyelash when the subject arose. Knowing that others shared the same fear as I did all that time showed me that, even though I’ve known I’m not alone for a while now, I’m even less alone than I thought.
Most of all, I want to thank you for sharing the excerpts from The Watchtower magazine and the JW.org broadcasts where shunning is repeatedly encouraged. There are Witnesses that will deny it is even a part of the organization, but having all of the evidence there to see reaffirmed that the ones living with it (myself included) are not crazy for calling them out on this!
Thank you so many times over for sharing this program with the world! I can only hope that the people it educates helps prevent them from falling into the same horrible experiences that so many of us have had to suffer through.
Hello Leah, Mike and team, all i can say is Thankyou to all of you involved for putting this together, this Watchtower Cult has destroyed thousands of lives all over the world, and they have to be held accountable for it. Your show will have so much of n audience and impact all over the world and reach so many that will help those who no nothing about what goes on with the Jw organization, and hopefully more and more of an awareness will get people asking more and more questions when they get that knock on the door. I can relate so much with everyone on the show, it was so heartbreaking to hear the stories, and the sad part is, they echo what so many others out there have or are going through right now. The Watchtower is a destructive manipulating careless heartless org, i lived through it for 20 years and their fear tactics and i hope so many others will watch this great show and wake up. Thank you so much again for taking the time, everyone who got involved…
This special was pretty spot on. I was DF’d in 2015. My entire family is JW so I had nobody except for my worldly bf (now husband). My mental and emotional health deteriorated and I was a mess. I got help and have gotten better but there are days when I still struggle. The JW way of thinking is still very ingrained in me to this day. My husband would tell you I have a very hard time thinking for myself and that I’m such a rule follower. Each day I leave pieces of my old self behind and discover who I really am but it will take time. I’m so happy to know that I’m not really alone. There are others like me.
It was a fantastic show! One thing I found weird is how many things I had in common with them growing up a fundamentalist Christian. The difference was it wasn’t official church policy – things were just “strongly suggested”. No church I know of suggested disconnection, but I do know of many gay/lesbian teens that were “thrown away” when their parents found out they were gay. A large percentage of homeless teens are throwaways from Fundamentalist or Evangelical Christian families. (Again, I don’t think the churches suggested it, they just preach so harshly against gays that the humiliation was too great (especially when “reparative therapy” didn’t work or he (or she) refused “therapy”.
Do you have a source on the homeless teen issue? I never heard that before – always heard that homeless teens were derived from families that fell apart / were abusive.
I’ve been a big fan of your show on Scientology. I was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as was my wife, and after becoming suicidal myself as a JW in 2008 I started finding help through books. I would read books on emotional abuse, narcissism, happiness, etc. I would listen to podcasts that challenged my perspectives on daily life, though of course nothing that would be anti-JW. As I grew as a human being I was unwittingly on the path to leave the Witnesses behind. Of course, as I got healthier emotionally and mentally I started realizing how unloving and messed up the teachings and comments made were at meetings and in publications. Then I had to get my wife convinced to open up about her own doubts. I was lucky that she was waking up too, and we got out together.
The foremost thing that woke me up was the lack of love in the organization. The hatred of the world around us, the self-hatred that many of us had that led to depression and suicidal ideation, the conditional love that I saw around me, the infighting and misery that I saw in the various congregations around, nothing pointed to love. It was all about control. Control isn’t love.
So that’s one of the things that hit me the most about your episode last night. It was full of heart, and even ended on a loving note. I do a podcast called “shunned” where I interview ex-JWs and I help people to tell their stories with heart. I interview people that have been through equally awful things in the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well as others, with my primary focus being the JW community. I told my own story on my first podcast called “This JW Life”. Even with all of these stories under my belt, knowing the horrors that can occur within these insular groups, watching your special episode last night had me in tears. l hope I never get numb to the devastating impact that these groups have on people, Scientology included. I remember watching your episodes last year with lots of personal interviews and stories and it was equally heartbreaking.
Last night’s episode left me feeling “heavy”. I had a lot to process. At the same time I had a “watch party” of sorts in my Facebook Group for my shunned podcast. My wife was on Twitter talking to people, answering questions, and having conversation. This episode of yours did a great job in stirring up interest, in fueling productive conversation, and no doubt some JWs that were on the fence that watched might even have their exit from the JWs hastened through your work. It’s not about saving everyone, it’s about helping that one next person. You helped others by doing this. You helped my wife and I to help others by creating the conversation. I was already a huge fan of yours, and Leah’s, and I already watch your show, but you tapped specifically into my life story and the stories of those that I help tell through interviews of my own, and I can’t thank you enough for that.
Thank you so much for all the work that you are doing as well. I do not believe I have seen your podcast. I would be interested in looking into it myself. As Mike said there was so much more that we wish we could have covered but I am so glad to see that many see the program as accurate and even feel a bit validated after watching. I believe the producers did a fine job of putting all of our stories as well as, documentation in a light that could in no way be refuted. I look forward to seeing the work that you and your wife are doing as well.
You’re certainly welcome. My first podcast was called This JW Life and was my story told in such a way as to help other ex-JWs process their own stories while explaining things in a way that never JWs could understand. It’s had over 25,000 individual downloads. Then people didn’t want me to end but I couldn’t talk about myself too much longer so I started helping other people to tell their stories on my spinoff podcast called Shunned. I primarily help ex-JWs to tell their stories but my goal is to help even us as ex-JWs to see that we aren’t alone either, so I help other groups like Amish, Mennonites, FLDS, and more to get their stories out too. As you and I know, especially from watching these shows on Scientology, cults use similar tactics. My Shunned podcast just went over 25,000 individual downloads as well.
I’m probably not as well known as I do my own thing. A lot of activists run together and play off of one another. I do my thing and was kind of always the guy in the KH that was talking to the lonely person in the back or the outcasts, never the popular people. I have plans to do more in 2019 and to expand my reach. I really appreciate those people like yourself or Lloyd or others on the program that put yourselves out there. It was so brave to be on camera and to speak your truth in such a setting.
Feel free to reach out. I have a website for each podcast and you can email me through either. I’d love to know what you think about my work and the guests that I have. I have so many people that want to tell their stories with me that I have a deep waiting list. People want to be heard, and people want to listen.
Hello Leah, Mike and team. I want to thank you for the stories presented in your programme about JW. I too cried at the tragic life events. I left the organisation a short time ago and even though I am not disfellowshipped, I am being shunned by my 2 children, their partners and my sister. I am not allowd to see my grandchildren and “not allowd on their property”. It is such a heartbreaking thing to happen when you are divorced (married an ex elder who turns out to be a predator) and on your own at 62. They need to stop this practise! New Zealand government are going to do a Royal Commission enquiry the same as Australia, so we are all hopeful that they will include JW. There are so many hiding in that organisation here in New Zealand.
I have never been a false JW. I am a concerned Christian who wants to help them in relation to this pseudo-Christian cult that ruins lives and families. The show was very well done, accurate, informative, impactful. It covered some of the main issues, but much more needs to be said since it is affecting more lives than Scientology does. You have done a service to many and our anticipation of this show has not left us disappointed. I trust it will be shown more times and more JWs and their friends/families will be able to benefit. Keep up the good work against the abusive kingdom of the cults and false religions.
Thank you so much 8 million times for giving your time and energy to the JWs. The victims of this cult desperately need a voice and a platform to expose the truth about “the truth”-as they call it. I cannot thank you and Leah and A and E enough for allowing this to air. We’ve been waiting and it was worth it! Thank you for the catharsis. Thank you for the exposure. Thank you for the empathy. Thank you! So many people will eventually wake up and this program very well may be a step in that path for them. Think of the lives you are saving! Think of the children you are saving from being indoctrinated into this. On behalf of my mother, my sister, my husband, my 5 children, myself, and my children’s children’s children….THANK YOU!
I am one of the (I assume) thousands of people that wrote a letter to A&E after watching the first season of Scientology, the Aftermath. So many similarities between JW’s and Scientologists. I’m so happy that this special was aired. I have only watched half of the special so far because it is so emotional. I didn’t have the same experiences as my husband and friends, who were sexually abused and had it covered up. But still, I cried and shook while hearing the stories that the participants shared. I was a true believer. I did everything “right”. The straw that broke the camel’s back for me was when my husband, struggling to understand why they did not help him when he was sexually abused, wrote a letter to Watchtower HQ seeking understanding and guidance. And they ignored it. For years I told my husband that a few “bad apples” didn’t define the organization, it was then that I realized that the entire organization was rotten. Thank you for doing this.
I have kept trying to type this since last night, but I can’t stop crying long enough to finish until now. I knew you would do a perfect job. You captured exactly the joylessness and fear that is the life of being a JW. You do such a great job of letting people tell their story, and not embellishing or sensationalizing anything, and letting people’s stories and the words of whatever cult you are exposing highlight the abuse that goes on behind the scenes, and that gives you credibility. I’m sure the JWs will repute what you have to say, but you had all of your facts straight, and every single one of the ex-JWs up there did an amazing job of standing in for the countless stories of molestation, suicide, needless deaths and families being ripped apart that have happened over the years. I have been married to my husband for over 20 years, and have told him about my life before, but after this was over he started crying, and told me I was the bravest person he knew, because I think this did a better job of explaining my life than I ever did. You and Leah have your own cult to expose, but thank you for listening to those of you begging for you to speak up for us.
Thanks you. I am so happy this was helpful to you.
Cathy Jo Tupuola, ‘Facebook ‘Thank You for producing this important and timely show. The stories reflect my story and countless other dark tales I have heard. Sadly the cult has geared up the masses to expect any persecution and bad publicity from these honest heartbreaking stories.
Keep shining light on human abuses.
Well done.
Mike, I’ve only seen the first hour of the show (on Russia’s rutube.ru) but what impressed me most was how articulate each of these people are. Despite their horrific tales, each of them seemed to be able to control their outward emotions. To a one, they seemed like likable, very decent folks. Thanks for you and Leah for shedding light on a cult that is not only much larger but possibly as bad as the Cult of Scientology.
Dan — to a one they ARE likable, very decent folks.
Great show. I’ve always had doubts about the JW’s, and this showed them to be almost as bad as $camology.
I say “almost as” mainly because I’ve never experienced it myself, but I have experienced $camology.
I’m sure that ex JH’s would say that $camology is almost as bad as their experiences………
Overall this show revealed that the JH’s ARE a cult just like any other similar organisation that tries to take complete control of your life for the good of the “group”.
Really looking forward to the rest of series 3.
About the only thing that you can give JW is that they are less obsessed with money than scientology, and I think more of the higher-up people actually believe what they claim to believe. The JW are much less of a scam and more of a doomsday cult.
In the spirit of full disclosure I didn’t watch the entire program last night, but did record it and will give it another try later. It wasn’t long into the program that I just wasn’t up to, right now, trying to wrap my mind around the practice of giving up on people you love, allowing children to suffer. Love isn’t some toggle switch you can flip off and on. I know it’s because of yet another brainwashing cult, and listening to those arrogant abusive asses – grrrr. Should never wish anything bad on them but I think wishing they would all get a mega dose of the shingles would be ok. Let them try and handle that without meds.
As someone who grew up in the JWs, but had an easier time leaving than most (due in no small pet to my dad never having been a JW), I am so happy to see the religion being exposed to the public. It’s really horrible the things they get otherwise good people to go along with, like shunning, denying higher education, allowing people to die for want of blood transfusions, and standing by the two witness rule. I hope to see more such programs in the future. I hope one day my mother will leave the religion.
THANK YOU!!! I grew up as a JW. Left at age 19. Last night it was like listening to my story. I had to watch it twice to watch what I missed while crying and at times getting physically sick. I loved that y’all had clips from the organization and quotes from their publications. Thank you again for shinning the light on this organization.
That was an extremely heartbreaking and powerful episode. Honestly I had no idea. My FB feed has been lit up since last night with conversations about the show, JW’s, scientology and cults in general. People are connecting the pattern of cults and are opening their eyes and seeing clearly. So much good is coming from this! I haven’t even been able to read all the conversations going on because there are so many. Great work Mike and Leah. Heroes in every sense of the word.
I have been following Lloyd for quite some time now, going so far as to donate to be included in his latest book. It fills my heart with such conflicting emotions as an ex-JW, the indoctrination still a small voice apportioned to the minutest section of my psyche: I feel proud that fellow people who have experienced the negative effects of this cult are being so vocal and forward with their stories while also having that small voice speak up in disagreement. Disagreement caused only as a Pavlovian response to any negative connotation associated with Jehovah’s organization. While inside, the blinders are heavy and hard to shake. I felt warmth and protection, later discovering that it was a hollow facade created to foster false attachment. To see such a public evisceration of the organization’s policies and shortcomings is refreshing and edifying. For anyone else who was raised as a JW, I hope they see this as I have: a source from which to gain a measure of validity that, while we are ruined from ever having a normal flow of thoughts absent of those deeply ingrained teachings, there is hope for us to be informative and available to assist anyone who is waking up as well.
I enjoyed the show and enjoyed reading the live tweets as it aired. It amazes me how in this information age grown people don’t google their own religion or even just their religion’s practices. So many are institutional actions designed to control people. Making you feel worthless and guilty for normal human emotions or thoughts. Dangling a carrot of immortality. Promising if you’re a good follower you will be reunited with people who have died that you love. Psychological torture of shunning and telling you that the pain you feel is done out of love like you’re too stupid to know what love or hate feels like. Telling you that all your first fruits belong to Jehovah. Don’t go to college do carpentry or plumbing etc. The kind of jobs that shockingly they use for free to renovate buildings they buy and then they resell them for millions of dollars. Billions in Brooklyn sell off, millions of dollars from Kingdom hall sell offs. All renovated or built with free labor from their “building committees” that if you’re “in good standing ” you can have the privilege of being a part of. It’s blatant but they hammer the users psychologically so hard that they are terrified to look.
Good show. I’m looking forward to the “following the money” episodes on Scientology. You guys help a lot of people and I appreciate your efforts.
“Promising if you are a good follower you will be reunited with people who have died that you love.”
JW doctrine pulls that one on its followers?
May this organization be damned to whatever hell exists and wherever it exists for all eternity if they do.
Aqua, isn’t that common to a lot of religions that believe in an afterlife? You have to be a good Christian or Muslim etc to go to the good place after you die. JWs have some really reprehensible doctrine – the blood transfusion rule, DFing people, covering up abuse – would just seem strange to call out one of the more common doctrines they have.
Dear Mr. Rinder,
Like Leah, I thought those in JW were nice people, but did not know too much about their “religion”. Last night was informative and eye-opening. My heart broke for the family that lost two sons to suicide. I hope through your hard work and dedication you can help those individuals, too. Keep up the good work and fight the good fight.
I was wondering whether or not Scientology would reat to this episode. They haven’t posted anything yet on their “after the money” webiste (their main attack site against Aftermath), but STAND did issue a short article condemning this episode:
https://archive.is/0ZuXk
I don’t think there’s anything to address in STAND’s reponse that’s worthy of addressing as they themselves having addressed any of the issue brought up in this episode.
I spent the first 47 years of my life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I’m the fourth generation in my family to be in this religion. I served as an elder and pioneer and was given many high level speaking assignments. In other words, I was totally devoted. But, I started watching your show about Scientology two years ago and it opened my eyes to see the similarities between the two groups. I grown accustomed to things that were totally unnatural and I knew for the first time in my life that I was in a cult. When I finally realized the lengths that the JW leadership was going to in order to cover up child sexual abuse, I knew I couldn’t stay. I also knew it would mean losing everyone in my life, all my family and the friends I had known for decades. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make but, I knew I morally could not be part of the cover up any more. I’ve tried showing the people I love information about what’s going on but, they literally will not listen or look at anything contrary to the organization. It’s been a frustrating and tragic road but, I know that shows like the one that aired last night are the key to helping others wake up. Thank you for taking the time and using your resources to expose the JW organization for what it really is.
Michael I am so happy you had that moment of clarity! And I’m so sorry for the pain you had to go through. We and many others are here for you. Keep spreading the light of truth. You can’t go wrong
Michael, your intelligences shines like a beacon. Being not only able, but most importantly willing to allow yourself to see a view so diametrically opposed to what you have spent your entire life believing. The cost of freedom is very high, leaving family, friends, your entire way of life. We on Mike’s blog are here for you with what ever support we can offer you.
Michael Paddock, thank you. For your perception, your honesty, your courage and for your belief in your own integrity, and for sharing all of this with us here — thank you!
Leah and Mike, thank you for bringing to light the similarities between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scientology. I was glued to the screen last night and got flashbacks :(( I am a former Jehovah’s Witness and grateful every day of my life for having seen the light. The truth shall set you free. I am excited to watch Season 3. Keep up the great work. Thank you for exposing cults and for helping liberate a lot of people. Respectfully, Pearl Burkett
After two hours of hearing about the Johovah’s Witnesses, I’ve decided I’d rather die in the apocalypse than spend eternity with these monsters of whatever god it is they worship. Horrible.
Count me in too, Mark 🙂
Great show Mike Rinder and Leah Remini.
Please do continue exposing the atrocious behavior of all churches that claim to help people when in fact they are using extortion and black mail to obtain money, keep members and hurt them for their own personal gain – to “appear” to be a real organization that helps people while they hide behind the religious cloak.
I think all churches should pay taxes and should not be immune to the laws of the land.
If they collect money – they need to be transparent as to what the leadership is doing with it and how the leader lives.
All Scientologists everywhere need to know that their leader lives a very lavish lifestyle – drives several expensive automobiles, wears not just designer clothes and shoes but THE MOST EXPENSIVE designer shoes and clothes. His 10 meals are prepared by a chef with fresh food flown in daily, he has a personal gym for just himself and Tom Cruise, he is using IAS funds to silence the members into not exposing his criminal acts, he uses “church donations” to sue, spy and harass anyone who is willing to expose his crimes.
The time has come for all religions everywhere who collect money and have members – to be held totally accountable and transparent.
Worship dead skin for all I care – bow down to satan himself – but for Xenu’s sake – be accountable for the Church / Organization’s financial activities and how they control membership.
I agree, ‘accountability’ is the key. For when it is missing or deliberately sidestepped by those in power, atrocities become the norm and ‘coverup mechanisms’ become a way of life for those lower down the chain. Religion, imo can indeed be likened to some kind of drug for the masses as far as I can make out & drug empires have their masters and enforcers that weave their way into generally despicable methods of control. This may not be true for all religions, but as we are discovering it behooves us all to look closely at the actual behavior of those who run such organizations and their belief policing systems.
Over the last decade or so I have developed an interest in antiques and part of that is the hallmarks of silver & gold and in the forgeries common throughout that industry. It dawned on me recently the actual lifestyles and regimes extant at the time of the making of those objects, who could afford them, their social circles, monarchical/political and religious beliefs etc… sobering to say the least. An example is 18 century sewing needle making. The average lifespan of the sharpeners was 24, such were the working conditions and the dust they inhaled. How the lord of the manor profited by such things is quite the study in arrogance and in social class discrimination.
It takes a brave soul to learn the truth and an even a braver one to stand up for what is right.
Excellent show. It is vital that people are educated and warned about cults before they find themselves in one. Once a person is under the physical, social, mental and information control of a cult, it is very hard for a person to make their way out. It is also almost impossible to help free someone from a cult, from the outside. These episodes need to reach as many people as possible.
I have the same comment many do – How can I help? Can the Aftermath Foundation help ex-JWs and soon-to-be-ex-JWs, just like Scientologists? There’s a big, big mission here to help people escaping from any cults that cut people off from their family members and leave people in some cases nearly helpless and with no hope. People of all faiths and creeds want to help them and show them love and compassion, but we need a way to connect people with those who want to help.
Well, it is not the purpose of the Aftermath Fdn to help people leaving JW’s, though we would of course do what we could. I think some ex-JW’s need to organize their own Foundation for this purpose if there is such a need.
all child molesters are monsters i am a jw and those were wolfs not sheep i feel bad for the girl who was raped by that monster also i dont believe 8 million will be saved its up to jehovah i never hit other witnesses or was ask for money god says in the bible that all sorts of men will be saved and come to the knowledge of truth john 17vs17 jesus said you word is truth also my wife takes a lot of meds and i believe in doctors i also believe women are equal to men and if their brains are 10%smaller than men and men are 20% bigger than women so they have more brain power by weight i studied the bible for 39 years and believe it .this world doesn t put away murders all child molesters should be lock away instead they walk around free its true if the victim says he or she was raped there is no witnesses all the priest who rape are out running around free i was an elder once but my wife health is more important unlike your past religion we believe god will clear the planet not people also i dont believe if a person kills himself he is dammed by god i think you are trying to do good if judas said bad things about jesus does that make jesus bad i do believe mike if your motives are good your eyes will be opened and you can think for yourself i never had a brother or sister tell me they were raped i would have gone straight to the police only those who follow jesus teachings are christians our little group stood up to hitler while good so called christians killed millions of jews talk to me mike i have nothing to hide may the love of god go with you dan
Are you an elder? You say you were in for 39 years? So you have the ability to locate the Aug 1975 WT? Please read it and then tell me my mother was given permission to go to a therapist or take medication for depression.
Thank you, Mike, Leah, Lloyd and all those that shared their stories. Absolutely spot on. I cried the entire show. Being raised in this organization, being disfellowshipped as a 14 year old, going back and leaving as a young adult I could identify with almost every situation this panel presented. Very well done. Honest and raw. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I’m still feeling the aftermath and having a hard time focusing today due to all the emotions. Very well done and I can’t praise you all enough!
The show was so important and so incredible. As a kid, we weren’t allowed to celebrate Halloween (we weren’t JWs) and I remember sitting out the first grade Halloween party with a JW kid. For myself, as a former follower of Harold Camping, so much of this show resonated with me. I feel a great ache in my heart over the way JWs are treated by their own organization and over what happens to all those who leave. I know this episode only scratched the surface and that there is so much more there, as there always seems to be with cults, but it is so important that for two hours a light shined on this organization and revealed what ugly truth. Thank you to all who participated. My heart goes out to all of you. Thank you Mike and thank you Leah for all the work you do.
The ONLY way to keep a cult like religion going is for them to expunge/shun/disconnect non believers. They can’t afford to have those non believers influencing the “still in” to see the light & change their mind & leave as well. It’s one of the reasons certain very much strict religions home school…it keeps other influences OUT of the inner sanctum….no Critical Thinking allowed.
If you’ve no access to other information, you can’t compare it with what you are being spoon fed on a daily basis. That’s another reason to have the congregation & their children in the church for hours and hours at a time, keep their minds occupied ONLY with the nose to the grindstone concepts of that religion.
Throw out the non believers, let them burn in the fire & brimstone of Hell with NO chance at being “saved”…no multiple lives….no nothing, not even the love of family & friends. Take that you rotten no good non believer who is trying to lead us into the darkness of Hell….I will have nothing to do with you…..
Hearing these horror stories is so similar to other religions who must go to the same lengths to keep their followers “toeing the line”….or else face Ex Communication/Disconnection/DeFellowship….Call it whatever name you like “a rose is still a rose etc”……you are dead to them.
To even get OUT of the JW’s don’t they have to write a letter stating their intentions and THEN they have to hand deliver it to the JW Headquarters……WOW…that’s really sick shit.
I grew up around JW’s and I never really asked any questions. I never knew it was so cult-y. I definitely never knew about the family separation policy. The episode was so informative. I am sure there will be a part 2 because I know that you all are being bombarded with ex JW’s looking to share their stories.
Mike and Leah last nights show was so informative it was amazingly eye opening. I’m fifty years old and know many people who are JWs and I never knew what they really believed. I can’t thank you and Leah enough for the show last night it really opened my eyes to what JWs lives are like. Both of you are doing great service to humanity for informing us about the so called religions- cults that are so harmful to our short time while we are alive. Time that can be spent loving our families and friends and treating others as we would like to be treated. Having unconditional love for family members even though we have our faults we help each other through our stumbles in life not disassociate from them in obvious times of need. Thanks again for such an informative show last night.
It was a powerful show. Kinda like looking at people talk about something that I had been through, but with another group and watching it from that perspective was even more revealing to me as to what I what I was a part of.
Leah, Mike, A&E, Lloyd and the other contributors to this show saved lives. We’ll never know how many but educating people as to the pitfalls of a mind-manipulating cult saves the lives of those that will never now get into JW’s or scientology or any other group of this ilk.
Mary, I reacted similarly; it’s one thing to intellectually understand the similarities between high-control groups, and it’s another when the personal stories of members of other cults resonate with ours( as ex-scientologists ).
The show was riveting and deeply moving. Mad respect to all involved with the show; you asked great questions and then LET THE PEOPLE TELL THEIR STORIES. The end utterly
floored me; I just wept.
Tick tock, you pimping pope of perfidy!
Was a very powerful show. The contributors were brave to tell their stories – and the compassion they had for each other was palpable. Abuse is not love. Love is not abandonment. Thank you for this episode, it was quite powerful.
” Abuse is not love. Love is not abandonment.”
Wow. Thank you for saying that. Yes. I am speechless. But … yes.
At one point in my career I worked for about six months in an office where there were two of us who were not JWs. There are so many things I can say about the experience, and the reason I only stayed for six months was because, yes, the two of us who were not JWs were definitely the “odd women out”. The other woman left within two weeks after I did.
But, here’s a funny, yet appalling tale of something bizarre, yet telling, about working in that environment.
One of the other women sneezed. The two of us who were not JWs said simultaneously “bless you”. The girl who sneezed said, quite righteously “we don’t do that”. Xenu help me, I couldn’t hold my tongue, I said “What, be polite”?
That still remains one of the highlights of my employment there. I am a bad bad person. I am sure I will have lots of company in that nice warm place where I’m going. Tee hee.
We watched this very touching show by Leah Remini, Mike Rinder and the disfellowshipped JW individuals. I thought it was very well done with all the pertinent data about JW traditions, their policies and how they are applied to their parishioners. Without even mentioning Scn. one can see the similarities of control mechanisms plus their total lack of empathy. Everything is for the organization and the individuals can suck rocks. Policy replaces compassion in any cult. The end justifies the means in a cult. I cried at least 3-5 times watching these people tell their heartbreaking stories losing family members to suicides, child molestation as well as the loss of all structures as they have known it their whole lives. The show moves at a lively pace, there is no dull spot in there. Thank you for this enlightening show on how Jehovah’s Witness have become a cult.
They( JW’s ) were always a cult. Just had to add that.
This was an amazing episode. I did not know much about JWs other than they went door to door and were always nicely dressed and stood on corners. I had no idea how similar it was to Scientology and how cruel. The head guys are super creepy. I sat broken hearted hearing all the stories. To lose two siblings to suicide in one family due to shunning is just horrible. Thank you again for what you do.
I wasn’t able to watch the show last night. I do want to make a comment, though. My wife is a retired social worker who had clients who suffered at the hands of the JWs. These were not sexual abuse cases, but abuses nonetheless. People with any degree of mental / emotional issues are particularly vulnerable to the dictates of this so-called “religion.”
Definitely a mesmerizing show and your guests were very brave for sharing their stories which had to be very difficult for them.
I wish there had been time to touch on WHY the elders do what they do. With COS I get it, it’s all about the money plus power for the higher ups. With JW’s is there a lot of money involved? Or is their need to control their members and remove those they can’t about power for the elders or because they truly believe all they say or a combination?
I guess it still mystify’s me a bit how people can get in so deep that they’d turn their backs on family.
If you do future show’s on other religions I’d love to see a feature on Mormon’s especially FLDS, If they were and you were willing it would be very interesting to see you spend some time with the sisters from Escaping Polygamy and some of those they’ve helped to escape.
I found the show on Jehovah’s Witness very informative and credible. I am very appreciative that Leah and you have opened the window to this religion and Scientology.
Mike,
Many thanks for this eye opener. You and Leah are helping SO many. THANK YOU BOTH!
My 2 cents: A child seeks for guidance from their parents and they get taught what their parents ‘believe’ is the truth. ‘Controlling’ people gravitate to religions and, in the USA, the legal shielding by the Constitution’s First Amendment.
The Constitution restrains government. The First Amendment begins with “Congress shall make no law … “
If a church doctrine includes the stoning of an individual for stealing, a parishioner doing so can still be charged. The Constitution has nothing to do with it.
Great program, amazing contributions by all the speakers. I’m so glad you always make your appreciation for the contributors clear because what they’re doing in speaking out about such difficult topics really is remarkable. And it’s so great that they have a place where their voices can be heard.
The show made me think about something I read about the Catholic sexual abuse scandals: it’s not that religion makes people abusive, it’s that abusive people are attracted to authoritarian, patriarchal structures and thrive there.
It’s hard enough to deal with child abuse in situations where children have other adults in their lives that they can turn to, where the authorities can get involved, and where there’s an emphasis on believing and caring for victims (or at least a move towards doing so). If abusers know they can get away with it and are given this sense of religious authority, there is going to be widespread abuse. And that’s going to be the case in any community with these authoritarian structures.
AWESOME! Reinforces the previous shows.
So sad. Even my 14 year old son was tearing up. The idea of parents disowning their child struck a painful nerve with him. And the way they handle abuse is infuriating. Great job telling their stories. Well done Mike.
This episode was mindblowingly brilliant. Knowing the parralls of the two cults was incredibly stunning. Thank you for the insight and I hope those people get comfort in knowing the truth is out there now.
Mike, my wife Nancy and I were mesmerized through the entire show. It was great. It is brave of you and Leah, but also of A&E, to do programs like this that show what people get when they fall for these cults. You could keep going to the Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons and more. I have been shunned by some of my Christian family for leaving the faith and speaking out about it. As I have said in this comments section several times, it isn’t just Scientology that hurts and emotionally abuses its flock. Any religion that says you are “nothing without God” or doomed to eternal punishment is guilty of abuse.
The segment last night about the children was a great bit of logic. It truly is abuse to raise children with the thoughts planted in their young brains by these cults. Thank you for bringing it to national attention.
I’d lay off the Seventh Day Adventists. I just went to a vegetarian cooking class run by them. Nice folks. The only “proselytizing” was small leaflet left on everyone’s placemat about living a healthy lifestyle, etc. and it did mention the importance of having a spiritual connection in one’s life, but nothing about their church. No, I’m not going to join them. I’m not even sure you could call it a “cult” but if so, it doesn’t strike me as a destructive cult. I think they actually do a lot of good with their cooking classes and getting people to eat better. I used to eat in a vegan restaurant back in NH run by them. Again, good vibes; pamphlets available which you could easily ignore, and no one ever tried to approach me.
Now the Mormons are another story.
Bixntram, of course they appear to be nice folks when you attend a vegetarian cooking class. Scientologists seem like nice folks, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses who have come to my door always seem like wonderful people. Check this out:
http://leavingsda.com/seventh-day-adventist-cult/
You’ll find most members of almost all religious organisations, whether it’s christian based or not, are generally fine people. You cannot judge a “church” through its members. But Bixntram you telling people to go easy on certain religions seems hypocritical when I’m guessing you yourself is a catholic apologist. You cannot tell me that the catholic church doesn’t protect it’s own pedophile priests. There are numerous cases of this type of brutality and a lot worse, including in my own city. And the vast majority of priests get off scot free and are even allowed to continue practicing in this vile cult. And what does poope Francis do about these priests? Absolutely nothing. Which says a lot doesn’t it.?
Sorry that you had such a rough experience, Ken. I would like to explain why some religious people have the beliefs that you dislike.
My faith is clear – there is no salvation apart from God. However, I also am familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which has the message that God is always waiting for people to come back to Him. God is like the doctor offering those JWs a blood transfusion – He’ll happily save you, but if you tell Him no, He will respect your choice even if it keeps you from being saved.
I also find eternal punishment comforting. How many times do we hear a bout a mass murderer taking his own life after killing innocent people? There’s judgement waiting for him. What about the secret pedophile who took his secret to his grave? He’ll face justice. I don’t know how many people are in hell – hopefully not a lot.
I live walking distance to a Kingdom Hall and had Not One Clue of this organizations abuses! I went to grade school with a JW girl who never tried to recuit any of us!
The sheer number of people reporting suicide on your show broke my heart! But, it was the sexual abuse and their rule of requiring rwo witnesses that Enraged Me!
I want to go visit my local KH and ask why they hide behind a Bible verse that has nothing to do with such act?
This “Church” is hiding in plain site should be outted locally as a Cult!
Im PISSED Mike!!
Even though this wasn’t an episode about Scientology, I thought it was wonderfully made, even if extremely difficult to watch (as all episodes of this show are). I particularly liked how Aftermath used the JW’s own testimony, videos, and other footage to highlight (and confirm) some of their most shocking beliefs (the disfellowshipping, the two witness rule, the mental inferiority of women, etc.). It really drew quite a lot of parallels between the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scientology.
I also thought it was a really nice touch at the end where the contributors gave their personal messages to the loved ones they’ve lost. That was heart-breaking to watch and really showed the lasting damage these groups can leave with a person. I can only hope that their loved ones heard them and that those personal messages will spark something deep inside of them that will ultimately lead them to leave this group and reunite with their family members.
Overall, I though this show was simply, in one word, powerful.
Great show Mike and Leah. It was just as heartbreaking to see the shattered families in Jehova Witness as it is in Scientology.
Here is a “Scientology Parent” magazine from 2010 my daughter sent me
It should be titled “Parent Propaganda”.
I cringe when I read about the “Barley Formula” – now that I know L Ron Hubbard was a total nut case who destroyed all 3 – 4 of his families. He has the audacity to discuss the raising of children.
Check out the article on “Disconnection”
The brainwashing is too clever and the implanted ideas – too deep.
I am afraid Disconnection will always be a part of the Church of Scientology.
I think the first step is to yank that tax exempt status.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scientologyparent.com%2Fher-second-auditors-day%2F%3Fhc_ref%3DARTdRMAJe4cDki7mcD_hfNEi89K320OlqQDxydAVq4mOHYSEn756Wq3R_Mu3JXER2G4%26fbclid%3DIwAR0OzylOc_1hekzlR1LNPm_eViEfX672QCZovVP2HYLZyRTNkhkqKJXM3T4&h=AT1mfh1OJsT90w-fSqG7oikqydUPMiYXzU1PBi2UAaNpPRLE1e_QMS5D9IJyNq50dVgH6-66cXSuA4qXluxmQqut9rRlCX6bmq1ggdRI4dKT6x-vdMfhG6JhugXTTFqXcC59PATNyvcfNFWIYyE
This publication is worth dissecting now that we all know the truth.
This is the brainwashing; lying, deceiving, manipulating the followers that L Ron Hubbard cared at all about anyone’s life, especially children.
Abortion was Scientology’s Birth Control method.
Throwing children in dark, smelly chain lockers for days – as the ethics gradient to discipline.
Money and free labor were the only thing that mattered to L Ron Hubbard and the same follows through with David Miscavige.
We tried watching it last night on the A & E Roku app. It wasn’t there. Is there a delay before the episode is available on Roku?
I have to wonder if things are slightly different in Canada – or if I was just not aware of “behind the scenes”. My maid of honour was a JW – and she attended my side in a Baptist Church! There was never a question or concern voiced from her. Another friend of mine – we were friends for several years through school until they moved away – never any issues. (They did leave the classroom when we sang O’Canada and said the Lord’s Prayer – I remember that)
Currently, I am married to a man who was raised JW – all 5 of his siblings are married to spouses who are from different religions and have all “changed” religions to attend church with their respective spouses. We celebrate all holidays and birthdays. No one is shunned. And I’ve never heard anyone talk about that.
I’m not doubting there are extremes in the world of JW’s. Just wondering if it’s prevalent or if we only hear about the worst cases.
Interesting question. I am hoping to hear from people who can shed light on their experience too even if it differs from those on the show.
I also know some scientologists who dont follow the rules too. Though they tend to be outliers — or as soon as it is discovered they are not following the rules they become outcasts. Not sure how it is for JW’s. We used to have neighbors that were former JW’s and their entire families had shunned them when they expressed doubt about some of the teachings.
My mom and dad considered themselves Catholics. We went to Catholic school. But my mom and dad were more in tune with the philosophy of Christianity and did not agree with all of the church theology.
They took what worked for them; which was basically do unto others and acknowledged the existence of a Creator.
They were never dogmatic about anything and even disagreed with church doctrines with ease.
My mom was a Catholic till the end of her life but never forced anything down our throats.
In fact, my beautiful parents actually allowed me to practice yoga and become a student of Swami Satchitananda when I was a teen. They allowed me to practice Buddhism in the home as well when I was experimenting with that.
Never did they think I was going to hell or anything like that.
Maybe it all boils down to the mindset of the person who assumes these doctrines.
My mom and dad’s personal convictions were senior to church doctrine. And they past that trait onto me.
Although I was closed minded Scientologist, it could be that my mom and dad’s freedom of thought rubbed off.
There is a universe of difference between a Trey Lots Scientologist and a Tom Cruise Scientologist.
Each considers themselves Scientologists. – but one is a kind person and one is a closed cult person.
That was a great show Mike. What an eye opener
The way people deal with religion varies sharply between countries, it seems.
Living in the Netherlands, more than 50% of people here do not subscribe to any religious belief. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Netherlands
Those who do, tend to not subscribe to key teachings of their belief system. E.g. a lot of christians here think gay couples have every right to get married.
Trev,
Frank Herbert (Dune books) wrote of religions casual and religions intense. Individuals gravitate to the type that appeals to them. Even Buddha, who was not into violence, has militant ‘Buddhasts’ in Burma doing atrocities. No one is safe from bad influences, either external or internal.
I am Canadian and raised in the docturin of the JW. by grandparents who confused me to no end.
I left the hall and I lost all my uncles, aunts and cousins. My grandfather was high up in Toronto and it was a daily hardship for me to think and speak at school and different at home.
What I seen on the show last night was like a re-creation of events that went on in my circle.
Watching the entire series has really made me feel better and has helped me understand that we are not alone.
Thank you Leah and Mike and all that made it possible.
I was one of them there outliers. I never got totally sucked into anything. I took many breaks going up the bridge. Most were many months, one time it was 17 years. I never had friends nor family get on board so no worries about disconnection. Miscavige was not around for most of my time in and LRH was mostly in hiding. I did whatever I wanted to do. Some would follow and they would be the ones who got into ethics trouble. I guess I just didn’t give a shit. When I finally left I didn’t really see any change in my life, just different shit. I quit being a Catholic when I was 16 and announced that to my mother who acted as though she didn’t give a shit either. LRH said that I would be a hard case, he was right. All that being said, I do empathize with those who have suffered in the hands of another.
I’ve never been associated with the group, but I’ve known some JW’s. One worked for me years ago and confirmed that shunning takes place, but she tried to justify it and explain why she felt it was important for both parties (she also never celebrated holidays). Another is a set of sisters who are friends of mine and told us they were disfellowshipped when they were young (maybe 20-30 years ago) and haven’t spoken with their parents since. So I’ve heard about some of this first-hand with the very few former/current JW’s I know.
As large as the JW’s are, I’m sure you’ll have varying degrees of fundamentalism, just as any denomination or sect of Christianity will have. However, to have some of these draconian rules codified and promoted at the highest levels of power within the organization gives license to any of their followers to enact those rules. That stains the entire organization in my opinion.
I finally got to sit and watch. Amazing episode. Even though it only touched on topics, I believe I got the big picture. It’s a cult and it is abusive. I subscribe to Lloyd’s YouTube channel, so I’m aware of the abuses, but it was nice to get other stories. The one thing I was surprised about was the spousal abuse. These abuses need to stop!
Mike, I thought the JW special Aftermath was brilliant! I’ve watched Lloyd’s videos for several years now, and couldn’t help but note the similarities between the Watchtower Cult and Scientology. In the space of two hours, Aftermath laid bare some of the worst abuses of the JW group! Millions will now realize that the JW’s aren’t just some harmless group of smiling door knockers!
I watched the show, and frankly I was surprised and dismayed by what I learned. 30 years ago, as a new mother, doing childcare for infants and trying to move house at the same time, some JW’s knocked on my door. They saw the confusion and the babies (4 of them under 1 year) and immediately chipped in and helped me over the next five days get packed up and ready to move as well as taking care of the babies. They showed up every morning and stayed the whole day. I really don’t think I could have managed without their help. As a university grad in comparative religions, you can imagine the discussions we had! I remained ‘friends’ with one of the women in particular, and even toured their printing facilities, spent time at their farm, and attended a few meetings at their Kingdom Hall. They didn’t pressure me overtly, but the ‘push’ was there all the same. I finally decided that their concept of Paradise on Earth after Armageddon was just not viable. To me it totally negated the human condition…….the need to learn, to build, to create art, to write, to think independently, to nurture our children, to love as we wished. As a historian, the thought of the loss of our history, art, literature, architecture, etc., was anthema to my reason for being. The entire experience however, still left me with a good feeling about the JW’s. Last night’s show changed my mind completely. I had no idea, no information about the strictures under which they lived and the abuses that went unanswered. I also had a hard time with the way they took quotes from the Bible and used them to fit the ‘rules’ picked and chosen/written by a group of old men who obviously have problems with the strength and power of women. During my ‘time’ with the JW’s, there was no internet and I didn’t have the time to spend researching. Last night’s show sent me straight to my computer to do that research, especially on the origin of the JW’s and I was so disappointed in what I found. Between the show and the facts I learned on the net, my entire feeling about the JW’s has changed, and sadly not for the good. Like every other ‘religion’ that purports to have a pipeline to God, or the answer to life, it is just another ‘cult’ to subjugate women and maintain male control. Is there ANYONE out there who really knows how to read the Bible and get the true message Christ was trying to impart? I’m am now convinced there is not and the damage done by those with ‘all the answers’ written in stone must make God weep!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I believe there are good people in all religions. And bad “policies”. The former JW’s I have met are uniformly wonderful people who suffered uniformly terrible experiences. But I am sure that when they were still believers they were just as wonderful as people. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Society just like scientology puts on a front to the world. They believe everyone who is not one of them is a part of Satan’s World and needs salvation or to be judged if they are unwilling to go along with their beliefs.
I agree Mike. One bad apple does not always spoil the whole bushel. I will always think fondly of the those women who helped me when I needed it. Their ‘religion’ however, I can not condone.
@Julie Marty…………I am not sure what you meant by your comment, but I can assure you that last night I read their blogs, other’s blogs about them, etc., etc.. As I said, I can not condone their religion, but as Mike pointed out, there are good people in all religions and I was lucky enough to get to know 3 very fine ladies of the JW’s.
In order to “quit” the JW’s also have to write a letter stating their intention of leaving the JW & I believe they have to deliver it to the JW Headquarters….. Then the “shunning” begins, if it already hasn’t started once family & friends learn of the intention of leaving “the fold”.
I once helped a young lady who “escaped” polygamy….she was totally shunned by her biological and extended family. She terribly missed her mother & siblings…she could not adjust to life on the outside & without a word to those who helped her with life on the outside, including obtaining a GED & college….she made a cell phone call to be picked up by the FLDS & she willingly returned.
A person who is “still in” & was working with us informed us that this young lady got to spend a few hours with her family & then she “disappeared”, seemingly punished for her defiance in leaving, & she was moved to “repent” to an undisclosed location far away from those she missed & loved. THAT is what she got for her defiance.
Another person I knew who withdrew from a strict Fundamentalist Christian religion, wanted out. When she rejected that religion, ALL of the congregation shunned her, including her parents, siblings, extended family & friends. She was not invited to any family celebrations..i.e. weddings, baby showers, holiday events…she learned “they considered her dead”…”she’d bring nothing but pure evil with her” if she was permitted to be around her own family…too sad.
I watched it start to finish and shed more than one tear over the stories told. The guests were very credible. Keep up the good work Mike and Leah.