Allow me to introduce myself. Some of you know me as All Time Jeff.  In 2005, I graduated from the 119th class of Gilead. It was during this time at Gilead that I finished a several years long "epiphany" concerning Jehovah's Witnesses. Shortly thereafter, I went to Cameroon for 6 months. Although the Governing Body no doubt hoped I would view it as a lifelong assignment, I knew that I had to leave, and I did. I resigned over 2 years ago, and started over. To leave this high control group/cult took a great deal of effort.

Because I was able to see the Jehovah's Witness organization from a very unique perspective as an elder, regular pioneer and missionary, and having had a wide variety of experiences, I feel I can offer a unique perspective that can benefit Jehovah's Witnesses and others who are in high control groups. The need for real, authoratative, helpful information has never been greater.

Since the advent of the internet, there have literally been hundreds of websites dedicated to "exposing" Jehovah's Witnesses. Frequently, they have offered helpful information. There are many excellent websites out there. At the same time, there are just as many that offer a very scattered and slanted view of Jehovah's Witnesses. Many come across as hysterical, others present outright falsehoods and lies concerning Jehovah's Witnesses, which actually works at cross purposes with the very real issues that Jehovah's Witnesses have to deal with.

In addition, there are tons of discussion boards and online communities of ex Jehovah's Witnesses. While these communities have literally saved lives and can offer some good information, they quite often have competing points of view. Sometimes, this has resulted in hurt feelings and flame wars that help no one except those who want to argue on line.

I have agreed to blog on Randy Watters new Free Minds site for a couple of reasons. When I left, one of the authoratative sources of information regarding Jehovah's Witnesses I went to was freeminds. Since that time, I have appreciated Randy's open minded approach to his ministry. Many who leave Jehovah's Witnesses stay as believers in the bible. Many choose to be agnostic, athiest. I do not agree with Randy or some of the other posters as to their view of god, the bible and the like. My views on spirituality are continually evolving. But I don't think that my personal views on these items matter, and thankfully, Randy and the others on this website agree. Everyone's goal here is to help Jehovah's Witnesses and those in high control groups. The goal isn't to persuade someone to another point of view if they are leaving, but to get them to actually think for themselves. It will be my goal to present 100% accurate, authoratative information regarding Jehovah's Witnesses, for the benefit of Jehovah's Witnesses.

To think for oneself, to be able to educate yourself and to take in knowledge from all kinds of sources is a very important goal. Make up your own mind, but know the truth about all of your choices. That truth should include the truth about Jehovah's Witnesses.

The whole point of a discussion about Jehovah's Witnesses shouldn't be to demonize the group, because usually, the people who are Jehovah's Witnesses tend to be nice people. The problem is with their teachings and activities. Frequently, the history that the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses puts out about itself is misleading and filled with half truths, usually only the half they want seen. Manipulation of bible scripture and the protecting of the authority of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are two of the least understood parts of Jehovahs Witness theology. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

There are many who are born into Witness families who grow up and have never been exposed to any other thinking. There are others who have doubts, but aren't sure where to investigate these. (you express doubts as a baptized JW to the elders at your own peril. Even intellectual disagreement is not allowed!) There are many others who are victimized in one way or the other by Witness theology and practices. It's high time in the information age to provide real honest information concerning Jehovah's Witnesses.

Should this be done just to bring down the Witnesses? No, because its about the people. People need to know ALL of the history, ALL of the teachings, ALL of the activities that the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses promote and engage in.

With this in mind, I want to say hello! I wish everyone here nothing but the best!

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