Jehovah's Witnesses are discouraged from doing extensive personal research into their modern-day history. Such action can cause a truth-seeking Witness to be labeled "apostate" and be shunned by family and friends.

Yet, scrutiny of ancient Biblical history is allowable and thought to be important so why can't the same standard apply to Witnesses' modern-day history which reaches back approximately one hundred and thirty years at the very most? Based on the premise that these days are the last few gasps of a dying world, and salvation or eternal destruction depend upon Witnesses having all the information necessary to prove whether or not they really ARE the one and only true religion, one would think the more proof discovered, the better.

Witness leaders strive to give the impression that they are more than candid about their recent history, but their obstruction of truth-seeking can be seen in the Witnesses' history book, Jehovah's Witnesses, Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, published in 1993, a book I was the key researcher for.

The work I did was absorbing and subsequent discoveries enlightening, but the completed book that contains my work is a researcher's nightmare. The book is full of anecdotal testimony and quotes verbatim, without additional investigation, from old Witness literature where controversies within the group were discussed with bias. The maze-like way the book is laid out makes it extremely difficult to understand an entire subject without considerable effort. Some topics were modified to obfuscate the truth, but, for others, the pieces are there, although scattered all over the book without regard for continuity which certainly complicates the process of truth-seeking.

As an example, the 128-page booklet, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, published in 1920 by the Watch Tower, and the lecture by the same name extensively given by the Witnesses second president, J. F. Rutherford (Judge Rutherford), is in some measure discussed in five different chapters, on pages 78, 163, 259, 425-26, and 632. This startling subject matter was said to be "intriguing" and "exciting."  Attention was directed to the year 1925 when "the return [from the dead] of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob . . . to the condition of human perfection," would take place and anointed Christians would go to heaven. Also, the message focused on ". . . the Bible-based hope of eternal life on a paradise earth," and "the realization . . . that hope was very near."

Proclaiming this message "From 1920 through 1925 . . . again and again around the world in public meetings . . .  in upwards of 30 languages" was presented in the book as a positive success.

(Though not mentioned in the book, the Millions message was preached so extensively, to the displeasure of so many people, that in Australia, a sign was posted next to the main road entering a town where the lecture was scheduled to be given which read, "Millions now living would rather die than hear Judge Rutherford.")

Fifty-three pages before the conclusion of this massive volume, casually thrown in on p. 632 are the following words regarding the group's exciting expectations for 1925: "What a happy prospect!" After that exclamation, we read this statement about the message: "Though mistaken, they eagerly shared it with others." This is the only place in the book where Witness leaders admit it was a mistake to call attention to 1925 as the year when the end of the world would take place. And how euphemistic they were when admitting they were wrong, why even commending followers for "eagerly" sharing with others information that was erroneous. By not discussing this topic in its entirety in one section of the book, and admitting the 1925 fiasco therein, a rapid, less than vigilant reader could not come away with the truth.

This writer once heard a Witness elder say in a lecture that "Jehovah used the angels in the heavens to make sure this important information found in Millions Now Living Will Never Die, was preached all over the world." Afterwards, I asked him if he knew exactly what the Millions booklet publicized? "That millions of people would live forever on a paradise earth," he replied. "Well, not entirely," I said. "Actually, the Watch Tower Society positively predicted that in 1925 the end of the world would take place and then millions of the faithful would live forever." I continued, "Since that didn't happen, this is an example of a failed prediction and why would God involve the angels in this blunder?" He got the point and expressed annoyance with the way the Proclaimers book presented the topic and wished the Society had done a better job. He said he didn't have time to do research and counted on them to give him correct information.

This is just one instance of the Witnesses not-so-candid look at a major episode within their religion. To read more examples of the incomplete picture presented of their modern-day religious history, see Notes on the Proclaimers Book by Alan Feuerbacher. http://corior.blogspot.com/2006/02/notes-on-proclaimers-book.html

Inasmuch as researching one's personal history can be very significant, so also is researching the history of one's religion. At one time, I came to believe that only the Witnesses were THE true historians of the Bible, studying it closely to learn of the sins and weaknesses of ancient people to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to God's disapproval. Through careful research, I have come to a different conclusion. And through research I also have seen for myself why Witness leaders obstruct truth-seeking: To keep their members from discovering the truth about their modern-day history of failed predictions.

Rather than allow Witness leaders decide for its members what is truth and what is error, and tell them to ignore individual thought and investigation, each member should think carefully about what the founder of this group, C. T. Russell, said:

"When one joins a sect, his mind is supposed to be given up entirely to that sect, and henceforth not his own. The sect undertakes to decide for him what is truth and what is error; and he, to be a true, staunch, faithful member, must accept the decisions of his sect, future as well as past, on all religious matters, ignoring his own individual thought, and avoiding personal investigation, lest he grow in knowledge, and be lost as a member of such sect. This slavery of conscience to a sect and creed is often stated in so many words, when such a one declares that he "belongs" to such a sect." Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 3, p. 185.

On this blog, I will endeavor to offer readers a truthful and candid look at the religion I was part of for forty-four years, the good along with the bad, not bits and pieces taken out of context, but honest information presented without an agenda and not designed to obstruct truth-seeking.

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written by RienOnVanIsle , May 15, 2009

Thank you for another very interesting revelation. Much appreciated and very helpful.

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written by Bjørn Terje , June 07, 2009

Your story confirms my own experiences with the Society. Betreaters. A nice outlook and dead men's bones inside.

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written by J Kim , July 08, 2009

Barbara,

I remember you and your husband because I did door duty that small residence building on Columbia Heights attached to the office complex.

Barbara, I just read an interesting report that the and Irish Commission just released on the endemic sexual abuse that was perpetrated by the Catholic Church in Ireland for nigh on decades. It's found here

When reading about it, I realized that the abuse that you talk about that JW's have allowed PALES in comparison. I think that, next to the holiness that God is, anything we do will be faulty.

No matter what you write about, what I get is this: What is happening on the world scene? Is it, or is it not a fulfillment of Bible prophecy? Everyday I see things happening that only confirm what I believe in terms of the Bible.

When I was at Bethel I saw a lot of things that bothered me. I wondered how Jehovah could allow some things. I think that sometimes being too close to it, you see things that seem incongruent, and I think they were. But, I also think that Jehovah's ability to work what he wills DESPITE our imperfections, including the many human failures that you saw as well. Bottom line, where does it leave you?

The funny thing is that, you seek to "preach" to people and help those you think will benefit from your stories. Yet, where does it leave you?

Being angry about certain things is one thing. Being angry at people who may very well have wronged you....ok, got it. I've been wronged by elders GALORE. But, they are men, just like King David, Saul, Rehoboam, and Manasseh were men. They each failed at certain points in their career as God's anointed king. David, had a man killed to hide the fact that he slept with the man's wife. What if you were privy to that fact, way back in the day? What if you saw this whole thing play out? Would you go about and decry David as being a total hypocrite? Would you be right or wrong?

I know that the WT organization is not perfect, but that doesn't mean that it intentionally attempts to lie and deceive people.

Btw, after Bethel, I left off being one of JW's for about 15 years and just recently returned. When I was out there, I honestly thought I would never return, but I kept seeing Bible prophecy come true - every morning I would see a news article that would confirm what I'd been taught. It was unavoidable.

And, interestingly, the work is speeding up, not slowing down. More and more people are listening and becoming JW's. We all thought it would slow down. Also, more and more Bethelites are being sent out to help with the preaching work. It's such an exciting time be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I'm glad to have the privilege and joy again.

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written by Blueeyes 54 , July 17, 2009

J.Kim,Barabra tried everything already to get the organizations attention about the child molestation policies and only went public when they chose to be blind. The blind lead the blind. All of those men you mentioned in the Bible were reported on at one time or another by faithful people. Otherwise how would their wrongs have come to light? Jehovah blaims the one who does not report the wrong when they know about it. He told the prophets if they didn't report Israel's sins that he would take the prophets life. We can't sit and wait while others are being harmed. Children need to be safe in the organization. Elders imperfections do not ride above that need. Jesus said let the children come to me. He never molested them. Barabara is one of the 7,000 others who did not bow to BAAL. She never said that Bible prophecy wasn't being fullfilled. As a researcher she of all people knows that. The governing body let the children down when they let offending elders remain in the congregation or move to another. So in that regard they are no less culpable than the Catholic Church. As for your fifteen years in the wilderness I am glad it ended. At least you got reinstated.

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written by sue , July 29, 2009

Well done Barbara, for highlighting the rottenness. As someone who was sexually abused by a witness I know that it does not pale when compared to what happened to Catholics. So much of it is still covered up and has not yet come out. I am now 54 and I am only just able to speak about what happened to me when I was nine. I am sure there are many many more whose parents were told to be silent. Now as adults we are only just beginning to understand the outrage we feel because of the complicity of men. My mother is now in her mid 80’s and has felt guilty since I was 9 about what she chose to do because of a few words from three uneducated foolish men. Can they be prosecuted for not revealing this crime to the police?
When you compare how many Catholics there are to JW’s, then you realise the true amount of peodophiles in the JW sect. Proportionally there is much more abuse. The fact that they try to defend the indefensible is an outrage. I have been out for about 25 years. Its a much better life outside with real friends. All my immediate family are still in it. Recently they have decided to speak to me. I look at them and see how they have wasted their lives. They seem to spend most of their time moaning about illness and life, which is a big shame as life is so rich, beautiful and wonderful. I think the people that go back do so because they were unable to see that richness and its easier to be told what to think. You dont have to take resposnibility for your own happiness and life if you can blame someone or something else. What a waste of life.

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written by FringeDweller , August 26, 2009

Dear Barbara,

Thank you for yet another thought provoking article. Your articles are not only candid, forthright and practical; they are excellent journalism.

I do have one question regarding this section:

Rather than allow Witness leaders decide for its members what is truth and what is error, and tell them to ignore individual thought and investigation, each member should think carefully about what the founder of this group, C. T. Russell, said:

"When one joins a sect, his mind is supposed to be given up entirely to that sect, and henceforth not his own. The sect undertakes to decide for him what is truth and what is error; and he, to be a true, staunch, faithful member, must accept the decisions of his sect, future as well as past, on all religious matters, ignoring his own individual thought, and avoiding personal investigation, lest he grow in knowledge, and be lost as a member of such sect. This slavery of conscience to a sect and creed is often stated in so many words, when such a one declares that he "belongs" to such a sect." Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 3, p. 185.

Since this series of books is very old and nearly impossible to get ones' hands on (especially if you're disfellowshipped and have no access to a Kingdom Hall library), can you please tell me in what context he made the above statement? Was he directing it to members to get them to ponder involvement in outside 'sects' or was he referring to their loyalty and commitment to the Bible Students/Jehovah's Witnesses?

I'm sure you can appreciate how the reader would view the context of his statement in your use of this quote when considering the points you make in the article. Was he warning Bible Students of involvement in 'sects' or was he encouraging this behavior toward the society from the students? Do you see what I'm getting at?

However, I DO wish to emphasize this point: Regardless of whether he was referring to outside 'sects' or to the Bible Students/Witnesses, his statement is correct. One truly should think carefully about those words, regardless of his intent in making such a statement.

My own personal educated guess is that he was referring to involvement in outside organizations and religions. If only he realized that he was digging a hole for the very society he was promoting with his own words; would he retract that statement today?

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written by FringeDweller , August 26, 2009

Dear J.Kim,

It is good to see that you freely read the contents of these sites. I'm sure you're very well aware, as I am, that the congregation members are firmly warned in publications and in talks of the 'dangers' of taking upon it to make personal investigations at these so-called 'apostate' web sites. What would the body of elders say if they knew you were reading at this site? What would they say and do if you continued to do so? And further, ask yourself this: What action would they take if you continually asked them questions about what you see here? Think about that.

In the end, does it really matter how many children are abused in the Catholic Church makes the number of offenses in the WT Soceity PALE in comparison? This is NOT a numbers game here! These are living souls being 'skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd'! Whether it's 1, 10, 100 or 10,000, does it really matter at the end of the day?

Yes! We have been told repeatedly by the Society that the brothers are imperfect. And so they are! They are probably no worse than the Catholic Church in matters like this, but they are certainly no better.

I see prophetic events the society has brought to the attention of the flock just the same as you or any witness. But guess what? So do the Mormons! So do the Catholics! And so do many other Christian religions.

There were many kings and judges (and not a few Ba'al priests serving in the temples!) who were severely punished for their wrongdoings. But that's the point! You might also want to consider how God handled his prophets who didn't follow his direction, like Jonah for example. As soon as wrongdoings were brought to light, the offenders were to be warned, punished or put to death depending on the wrongdoing and their level of repentance. Doesn't it make you stop and think? How Israel persecuted their prophets for doing the very thing God instructed them to do..blowing the whistle? Or at the very least, doing nothing at all till they were destroyed as punishment?

cont....

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written by FringeDweller , August 26, 2009

cont...

If the WT Society and governing body are the faithful and discreet slave as they claim, it falls upon them to execute disciplinary action to their members. In bible times when Israel failed to uphold Gods laws he sent prophets to warn them. When that failed, he sent outside nations to route and punish them. When he finally sent his son, they killed him. And today the trend continues, even in the WT society.

Do not be mislead: If Israel as a nation can be considered no longer God's chosen and select people, as the Society teaches, do NOT think for one moment that he wont 'remove his lamp stand' from the organization as foretold in the book of Revelation.

Remember, there was only one congregation apostle John was told that had nothing held against them: PHILADELPHIA. Brotherly love. Consider the book of James 2:27; "The form of of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation and to keep oneself without spot from the world."

How can anyone claim brotherly love when they neglect the tribulations of children and women who endure abuse not just from the oppressors, but also those who bury the truth and instill fear of retribution if they speak out against those harming them? I say a truly repentant perpetrator has a better chance of salvation than those who do nothing to stop them. A truly repentant perpetrator would humble themselves to discipline and not seek 'refuge' in the organization in the form of silence and privacy. And how often do you ever see a case like that? Hardly ever. Pedophiles are sick people, but what's the excuse of those who stand by and do nothing to protect their victims?

Would I advise you to leave the organization? NO! I say most members are clean. But so are members of the Catholic Church, the Mormons, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus. Any person who lives the law of Christ (love God with your whole heart mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself) perfects their faith with works and has the law written in their heart. No matter what doctrine they adhere to. Look at Oskar Schindler. He proved his faith with works and he was a member of the Nazi party and a Catholic. But he risked his own life and spent his entire fortune saving over a thousand Jews from concentration camps. THAT is faith and love in action.

Faith without works is dead. And I ain't talkin about door to door work either. I'm talking about pure, applied law of love. That is the congregation of Philadelphia, brotherly love.

The choice is yours: Stand by quietly being part of the problem, or get with the program of actively practicing love and not just preaching it.

Any person who claims to practice brotherly love should not keep silent no matter if they get disfellowshipped or not because of it. Christ is our authority, no one else. Be a light in your congregation. Since those who claim authority keep criminal activity in the dark, it's up to individuals to practice personal accountability for what they see and hear going on. Those with authority who say, 'Wait on Jehovah' are just trying to buy time for themselves. Do you truly believe in your heart of hearts that men of this sort will judge angels? And those who listen to that are not using their God-given common sense.

I leave you with these words:

‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'-- English philosopher, Edmund Burke

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written by abdiel , September 03, 2009

my full name is Abdiel("servant of Jehovah")I am doing extensive research on the organization and I don't know where this might lead me I have been born in the truth and don't know anything else but I am Praying to Jehovah and He knows that all that I seek is the "truth" I trust in him with all my heart and soul and I know he will lead me on the path of righteousness
ANY BROTHER THAT WISHES TO CONTACT ME CAN DO SO AT
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
PS.I would love to speak or chat With brother gavelin and hear his story
also I would like some input on e-watchman.com and his views on WT and the UN

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written by abdiel , September 03, 2009

why don't we go back to being Bible students and worship Jehovah God and Jesus christ with only pure teachings from the bible and join forces so that brothers who flee have a place to keep worshiping Jehovah?
P.S. I'm not talking about the people that left when rutherford ousted the 4 leaders that questioned him that only belive in Rusell!!! even though I admire the zeal and energy of brother Rusell

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written by Blueeyes54 , September 04, 2009

Thank you Fringedweller I couldn't have said it better. Just as there is a "faithful and discreet slave", there is "an evil salve". He is sluggish and lazy. It takes effort to be a good shepherd and most take the "road of least resistance", of which includes "man pleasing". One may be guilty by admission or omission. At this time it seems omission is winning.
Faith, Hope, Love The greatest is LOVE!

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written by Brian ODonnell , November 21, 2009

Hi Barbra love your story like to tell you mine



Brian O’Donnell’s Testimony

Hi just to let you know the back round on how I got involved with Jehovah witness
I was brought up a Roman Catholic, I remember when I made my confirmation I was
given a Gideon New Testament and in it there was a quote from Romans 10:13 that
if we call on the name of the Lord we will be saved and Acts 4:12 says that there is
no other name given to man to be saved other than the name of Jesus.
I believed that in my heart and had a great respect for the Bible, so when the
Witnesses called to my home they seemed to have a good knowledge of scripture
so I was interested in studying with them assuming they had similar views.
I studied with them for about 2 years using various books in conjunction with the Bible,
but is was more of a study of their doctrines as opposed to a study of scripture.
When I look back on it, a lot of Scripture they were showing me was taken out of context.
I made swift progress in the organisation and I was baptised in 1990.
I then went to the ministerial school and was made a Representative of the
Watchtower Organisation. I then was made an elder in 1995/96.
As a result of this I was now and insider and this is when I really noticed that
the organisation was put before the bible and Jesus Christ. This is the position
of the Jehovah’s witnesses who in their November edition, of the Watchtower
Magazine, November 1981 page 21 state that, “one must come to Jehovah’s
organisation for salvation, and you have to be a part of it to get everlasting life.”
Also you can live for ever on Paradise Earth, as unfortunately all the places have
gone for those who are going to live in heaven, they number 144,000.
See their “Proclaimers” book page 255 which shows how they have revised their history.
This book came out in 1993/4 and tries to deal with some of their problems like the
dates for Armageddon, why 1914 did not work out.
Also why those living then did not see Armageddon before they died as they were told?

My own study showed me the contradictions in their position.
The bible says that Jesus is the foundation and he is the same yesterday,
today and forever Hebrews 13:8, 1 Corinthians 3:11.
I remembered when I quoted Jesus a lot of the members of the congregation
were not very happy and especially the elders.
They tend to read their organisations documents first, and consequently they
read the bible through rose tinted glasses.
They do not feel comfortable around Jesus,
and they like to hide behind Jehovah.
He always comes second as the Organisation always comes first.
They are not keen on statements made by Jesus like,
“if the son set you free you are free indeed, John 8:31.
Their internal publication “Kingdom Ministry,”
in the September 2007 edition says, “The Jehovah’s Witnesses should
not be having Private Bible study groups and they should not look at
Internet sites or Christian sites for information. However, the biggest
enemy of the Watchtower Organisation are their own books which
can be examined on line. However, a lot of their earlier books have been changed.
An example of how they put the organisation before the bible is when I
was asked to go before the elders. The elder in the congregation is really the god figure
from an authority perspective. I requested an independent witness with me in line
with Matthew 9:16 which suggests that 2 or 3 witness should be allowed to deal with an issue.
Just as the elders can have witnesses present, so the same should apply to the person
coming before them. However, they refused my request.
I requested that they put in writing what they wanted to discuss with me but again they refused.
Consequently, I was disfellowshipped in abstencia and was not told the reason why.
Paul in 1Corinthians 5:11, writes that drunkards, fornicators etc. should be removed
from the congregation and that we should not even greet them.
This is also amplified in 2 John where the apostle writes that if one does not
adhere to Christ he is the anti Christ and that these scriptures applied to me or
anyone who does not agree with the Watchtower Organisation who claims he is a Jehovah’s Witness.
The congregation will be instructed to shun you= disfellowshipping,
a very controlling methodology which affects relationships.
Finally the blood issue they have completely twisted the Scriptures
out of context for details in on this see www.ajwfb.org
There are various sites that are well documented.
If you want to know more about this you can contact me you
can email me at \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
By the way just a note to any Jehovah’s Witnesses I don’t hold any grudges. wish you all God’s blessing and to let you know that I am at peace because
I have accepted Jesus as my lord and saviour. John 20:28, Acts 4:12.
Finally you can ask Jesus for anything and call on his name John 14:14, 1 Corinthians 1:2.
I tell you more next time……….

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written by David Adams , November 29, 2009

To Fringe dweller...you may have the information to hand and so if this posting has reached you late then I apologize.Many of the old publications can be found at this website www.researchapplications.org

That quotation that Barbara spoke of was from thy kingdom Come vol3.

The context was Russell was talking how the churches of christendom bind their adherents,stifling the honest enquiry of truth seeking Christians.He spoke of how one must be prepared to be labeled "traitor" and "turncoat" if they on examination of their confession to their doctrine find that it is lacking.

Hope this helps

David Adams, Southampton England

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written by Claudia/Rosy , February 07, 2010

Good points Barbra, interesting indeed.

Very good points Fringdweller. I agree with all you stated.

Just one more point: When the prophet went to talk to David about his sins nobody stood up saying: APOSTATE, YOU ARE TALKING AGAINST THE ANOINTED ONE!!!!!

Or when Jeremiah was sentencing and condemning the leaders of the Israelites, nobody called him: APOSTATE!

How came that today, we cannot show any word or thought of disagreement with the teachings of the Watchtower,, without being treated as ‘apostate’?????

Claudia

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written by Blueeyes54 , February 15, 2010

Because Watchtower changed the definition of apostasy after they dismissed Raymond Franze. That is why they feel they have the authority to DF anyone who disagrees with the Organization and stamp them with apostasy. They tie all the organization and it's administrators under Jehovah's name so that if you disagree with one part your are disagreeing with all parts. They teach that the elders are the "stars in Jesus hand". Revelation clearly says "the stars are angels". I say not even the angels would be so unloving.

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