I grew up like this. 26 now, left at 18. Thank you for sharing this and shedding light on this. I still have so many psychological scars most people dont see or understand...
This is a classic cult .They used to regularly knock on my door and hit me with their sales pitch but they know very well I'm an atheist . I feel their dogged persistence was a kind of intimidation similar to the salesmen from safestyle double glazing who also saw me as pray . They appeal to the vulnerable, insecure and lonely and they obviously saw me as the typical isolated outsider that they can own exploit and control..
My story as well and I left about 20 years ago and my mother is also still in it. Still remember one time going with her to the grocery store and she ask if I can stay in the car because she was worried a JW might see her with me in there. Luckily I have have tough skill being in the Marine Corps and all but really was thinking how messed up that was.
Thank you for your story. I left JW organization in 1977. I haven’t spoken to the family I came from in over 47 years. I don’t know who’s alive or dead. I have been on my own for 47 years. During that time I figured out who I was and just live from day by day.
My mom was alone too. You’re it alone now, you have another survivor of sorts, of this horrible cult. You’re incredibly resilient for having survived and made it on your own. I’m glad you did.
@@Fazzamania Chris Evans ok now on this one way and time back and look good with me hope you can soon now and did you take it back next week if you okay just like it tomorrow night and good luck with your day and time
Seeing a therapist saved my life, and helped me get out of the brainwashing. Thank you for sharing your story. Helps me realize how many of us are out there, and that we are not alone. Survivors speak out!
Started attending meetings at 9 years old, began studying at 13 and was baptized at 16. Served in the US and Cuba. Had questions about the new light doctrine, 1914, and blood. They didn't like the questions and word circulated quickly and the only people I had asked the questions to were my brother, my mom, and an elder I viewed as a friend. The shunning and less communication towards me started instantly all due to a few non hostile logical questions to people I loved and viewed as close. I left at the age of 27. I'm 30 now and couldn't be any happier. They may consider me an apostate, but coming from a group of people like that it doesn't bother me lol. Cheers from Missouri
I have never commented on you tube before . Your experience is so concise and true and similar to my experience. I have escaped . The price I pay has been so high . I understand your losses and your gains . I raised my children like you have yours . I have one child who has "escaped" Genuinely you so nailed it . I have finally found me . The loss and grief is overwhelming but to be free as a person and a human feels powerful . I love feeling free . I had zero idea I was in a cult . I was indoctrinated at 6 yrs old . Thank you for your open ness. I have to some degree hugely studied cults at this point . My journey will continue. You do you You are articulate and also have a beautiful heart .❤
she has survived a cult. in awe of this great woman. the fact is cult members allow certain members to have certain jobs suggests to me they want access to where vulnerable people live, so they can target them with their evil gibberish. cults are literally everywhere and adapted within society because of a religious tolerance and acceptance from a wider civilised public the cult members hope will die in agony, and will always despise.
Yeah they do! If one of them needs a blood transfusion in order to save Their life the whole JW community will pressure them into not having one. Many JW's have died because of refusing a blood transfusion. I don't think that's very funny..............@@dectractos
THANKS TO "Deep" FOR THIS AMAZING CHANNEL. Thanks also Ali for such a very personal and clear story of your life. I left JWs at age 15 in 1961 and thus escaped the agony and hurt which you have outlined. I was led to Christ by an ex-JW who is now 90 and we're still in touch. I'm not religious but a Christian who trusts in Jesus.
The guilt. Not feeling like you’re good enough because you don’t want to preach to others. The constant pressure to do and be who you really aren’t. I have migraines, clinical depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation. I also have ADHD which makes this all 2x’s worse.
As a former JW i realized how narcissistic this organization is, they manipulate and psychologically abuse from a young age . I was raised in this cult and traumatized by the beatings i endured at the back of the kingdom hall from the age of 2+ to make me sit still. The fear, shame and guilt these people instil to control the members is horrific and the trauma was a lot to deal with. I got married in a kingdom hall at 19 and i really believed that being a wife and mother was my end goal and i didnt know myself at all. Im now divorced and walked away from all of it and healed myself after years of isolation and therapy. Im so glad people are breaking free from the evil of this cult.
Also nearly everyone I knew from childhood who is still in this cult, is sick, terminally ill, or suffering from acute depression - including my mother. I think there is a definite correlation within the cult of these psychosomatic conditions.
Excellent interview. She is so well-spoken and covered so many of the issues with that cult. As one who escaped myself just before turning 30 after being raised in it, it's difficult to describe the initial trepidation of beginning a life you hadn't planned for. It's been many years now, but there are days when sadness at having not had a decent childhood and young adulthood does pop up. Such an awful religious cult that deserves to lose its tax-exempt status in every country. The money-hoarding governing body most certainly don't need another dime from members who are often scraping by in poverty.
Thank you for sharing. I faded 2 and a half years ago after many years of being in but not believing and I had to have therapy this year when I realised my foundational beliefs still left me blaming myself for being disconnected and feeling a failure. One thing that has helped is knowing there’s so many others with a shared experience. Your account adds strength to us all xx P.S. my first 2 Christmas’s were similar - garish decorations and tonnes of presents. 😂
They are not a charity, their property and land portfolio is massive. Also after leaving myself, I found that you never had any real friends. Any friends I have now are because they want to be my friend and not because I share the same belief. I've never been happier since leaving (it took a while though) and I look back on how many depressed people there are in the organization, I was one of them myself. I was born into it and and knew no different, now I find the whole thing weird. I never realised at the time how tight the control they had over you was. Now I can finally think for myself and make my own decisions.
I'm still JW (inactive) and I have always enjoyed the "scary" aspects of the Bible, even as a kid I absolutely loved this stuff, and I still believe in the Bible. However, what made me lose some faith in the organisation was my judicial committee after I commited a sin some years ago. I had to tell some middle aged men very private details and they wouldn't let me just admit my sin, repent and accept my punishment. They had to know EVERY dirty detail of what I did. I didn't get disfellowshipped, but the event was very traumatic. I wish I knew beforehand that the punishment would be a 1000 times worse than the guilt I felt from the sin, because I blindly believed that the elders reflected the mercy of Jesus Christ. Watching this channel and others makes me feel that I'm not alone in finding the judicial commitee so terrifying and I'm finding out many things I wish I knew before.
Have a look at my story regarding the judicial system … I was a full blown apostate and these elders still reinstated me, just goes to show that this is a man made organization run by men and no god or Jesus running the show.
You are why this work and this community is so important. You're only the cusp of realizing that a deconstruction is needed, but just keep finding the right channels and information that will continue to educate you, not only what the headquarters lies about, but about the authenticity of the bible itself. It's a lot to even willingly realize on the front end, this will take a little while, but keep using your critical mind to question and demand answers that do not include, "because the governing body said so." For starters, while watching their videos, just start counting how many reminders that interject constantly that you, the lame flock, should listen and obey, do not question, what the GB says. Not what the bible says, what THEY say. If you're a male, have you tried your brand new permission to grow a beard yet?
I have always said "There's a need for a JW kids support group." I still feel a hangover from this immersive cult. My formative years were spent memorizing their doctrines. This video is almost my exact same story.
Thank you for this! I too was a child victim of Jehovahs Witness cult. It stunted my social skills so i've struggled my entire life to connect with others. Our family was never baptised, which means, I was not allowed to have "worldly friends" (no friends outside the congregation to prove our worth). The kids in the congregation still saw me as a "worldly" child so I grew up with very little social interactions with others. No dating, no celebrations like birthdays, nothing. Once I graduated from high school, I started studying how others live. When you have only your dysfunctional parents as your only source of guidance in the world, it really screws a kid up. Granted, they were doing the best they could with the information they had. I'm 50 years old now so I didn't have the knowledge of the internet to help guide me in a world I knew little about. I never believed anything they were teaching me, my only dream was to get old enough where I could break free from it. My parents divorced when I graduated which is where I started soaking up as much of the real world I could. I so relate to Ali. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for speaking on this. We are not alone. LOL, I grew up in Nevada, USA...so I too went on a cultural adventure. When I turned 21, I lost my virginity, bought a pack of cigarettes and a Hustler magazine. I don't even smoke and I never have! I just wanted to do something that would have got me into serious trouble with my parents.
This hits home to me. I was abused mentally and verbally by my mother and sister. I have just now realised how much I hated them. The damage has affected me so bad that I have had several stints in rehab for depression. They dare not knock on my door.
@@Mercipher21 Hah. This is ingrained in JW culture. They're taught to be judgemental and ready to cut all ties with family members, including children, at the slightest """"transgression"""". It's a destructive cult and keeping healthy relationships with family is almost impossible there.
This religion has made me so depressed. I’ve never really had support from other witnesses. I was often bullied by both kids and adults due to pulling my eyelashes and eyebrows out because of the stress. When my mom was constantly sick and having seizures many people didn’t help us, instead they let my family deal with it alone. I had a grandma in JW who took me in when my own grandma treated me horribly.. only for her to then ignore me and never speak to me again. I have no friends at all. Everyday I cry because it feels so lonely. I want to find love,start my own life. I’m trying to save up money and learn how to be independent because I know I’ll be alone. I’ve never celebrated Halloween,Christmas or my own birthday, I can’t wait to do that when I can finally be free. Watching people who escaped gave me hope that I can soon be happy.
I was very lonely Too. Weird how some people have a totally different experience than us. But as a single adult I was isolated and constantly depressed. I don't wish it on anyone ! My elder father didn't understand how I was feeling and to this day he has nothing to do with me. You aren't alone !
My mom was disfellowshiped when she was 16. Forced out of her own home by her mother to a marriage that was abusive in every way. And because of their stupid, cruel practice of ostracizing people that have been kicked out, she had no one to turn to for help. She did manage to escape him, after years. And from everything she went through she had PTSD and many other issues. She never really fully recovered, despite how unbelievably strong she was.
Recently I saw a video of a pregnant teenager/mother who said "keep going to church" and all the support she had from her church, despite her sin. So different from JW 😢
Wow this is amazing I was raised and as I’m not 18 I guess I’m still being raised in an orthodox Jewish cult which comprises many of the aspects she is saying. I find this very therapeutic and I hope it is too for everyone else watching who went through similar challenges. I am in a slow process of leaving and hope this will be over soon.
I was bought up with a catholic mother and Jehovah father. They divorced early and my father tried to convert me..I had a few bible studies as a kid and it only left me feeling bleak about life. It’s more fear inducing than Catholicism!
My JW ex husband did everything in his power to try to convert our son. My son had nightmares, severe anxiety, and depression due to these teachings, and I had to send him to therapy for years until we built up a case against him and the justice system told my ex that he was no longer allowed to teach him during his visitations. So my ex never came back to see his son.
Wow, what a life she had... I am so impressed with her strength and courage to tell her story publicly. I am sure that is not easy. I hope from here on out she gets to live a full, happy, amazing and positively thrilling life! ❤
💔 It's so upsetting knowing how many of us have had to survive the 'Truth'. I was raised in London England as a JW and things started going wrong when I was in college. I was so excited to get the grades to go to University then the meetings at the time (coincidentally) were all about how university wasn't the right choice for people in the truth and how witnesses shouldn't really focus on university or progressing their careers because it would eat into their ministry and meeting times etc etc. I was obviously still planning to go to Uni if I got the grades and as the time got near a few elders in casual conversation after meeting with me and other young brothers and sisters kept reminding us how we could do auxiliary pioneering instead of focusing on the world etc etc. I got my grades and was so excited to be accepted to uni. I didn't get in trouble but things started changing, I'd raise my hand to answer during watchtower and I'd be ignored, I wasn't given assignments to do and the elders who had kids told them to be mindful when associating with people 'like me' (Bear in mind I hadn't done anything but accept a place at uni). If you know how kingdom halls work that kind of thing spreads like wildlife and no one will know what it is you're supposed to have done but they'll just be aware you shouldn't be included in anything, people made excuses not to do field service with me, would talk openly about things they'd all attended and I hadn't been invited to and so on. I kept going to meetings for the first few months of Uni but it became unbearable being given the cold shoulder and treated like I'd done something wrong so I left. That was 25 years ago and I've never regretted my decision. Witnesses are raised believing we shouldn't have friendships or relationships with people in the world and so being isolated by people who are like family is an incredible tool to control us and most people who still attend but don't believe only stay because they don't want to lose their connections to everyone in the organisation. I only talk sparingly with my own mum, put it this way she didn't come to visit me and my newborn until 2 months after they were born although she lived 20 minutes from the hospital I gave birth in, but in the meantime she was sending me WhatsApp Daily texts and JW. Org links. 😂😂 You have to laugh to keep from crying
I tell Jehovah's Witnesses to go through the narrow gate that is on the cramped road leading to life. . Matthew 7:13-14 “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road ** LEADING OFF INTO LIFE ** and few are the ones finding it. . I ask them to read what Jehovah said would happen at the time of the end that is in every Christians bible and yet, few are the ones finding it: . Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of Jehovah, YOU men who are trembling at his word: “YOUR brothers that are hating YOU, that are excluding YOU by reason of my name, said, ‘May Jehovah be glorified!’ He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame.” . [Name of person] is no longer one of JEHOVAH's Witnesses ---->> "excluding YOU by reason of MY NAME" . I ask them if they can see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses: . "He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"! . I then warn them that, if they go through this narrow gate they will lose their family as a consequence of the Watchtower Societies shunning policies. . Then I ask them to read what Jesus Christ said about everlasting life: . Mark 10:29-30 Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things ** EVERLASTING LIFE ** . I then ask them if they want to live forever. . I also tell them that they can leave the organization and their congregation with dignity by telling everybody that they believe Jehovah, Jesus Christ and everything else in the bible. . Walk out with your head held high and jump for joy when you do. . What Jehovah said would happen, is now really happening! . That's Good News ................... right! . Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS. .
I agree !!!!! They act like sending more spiritual information is what's needed ~~ when it's really understanding who WE Are as people in this organization,that is needed !!! I don't think our parents ever even knew us !!!🌷
Thank you for being BRAVE and Choosing YOU! ❤ Thank you for speaking up and giving people, still trapped in this System - HOPE! They are definitely the definition of a SECT with all the trademarks ! Blessings on your Future 🙏🙌
I grew up and lived as a devout Mormon til I was 44 years old. Faith crisis is so so painful. Nearly everything experienced in this woman’s story is extremely familiar to my own. High demand Religion really twists one’s identity so tightly with the beliefs that members are each member so that criticism of the church feels like a personal attack on their identity and will fight to try and reestablish the churches untarnished façade. The dark night of the soul one experiences after leaving is like a rebirth except this time you get to decide what you believe, who you are and how you will live on your own. It requires the death of the old self and an awaking to who “you” really are. You become your own best advocate and cheerleader. The self trust and goodness discovered within, allow you to see humanity with so much more love, grace and curiosity.
I was born into being a JW and was in it all the way to my 20s. I never really believed it but it did keep me from thinking about my mortality. My default mindset was that my time was unlimited. After being out for years it finally begins to sink in that I'm going to die. And it hits me like a truck. I fell into a deep depression. My existence is all I have. And someday it will just be snuffed out and there will be nothing. The universe will go on. And I won't see it. I won't see anything. My corpse will rot in the ground and anyone I know who is still alive will remember me until they die too. Then the last of me will be gone. The world will go on like I was never here. Thanks to the JWs I had to take all of that in all at once instead of already working through it slowly over my life. The concept still gets me in a corner and gives me panic attacks from time to time.
You're body is literally made from the same molecules as the stars. You are a child of the universe. Across billions of galaxies, stars, planets, moons, you exist, here and now, conscious, with your own mind and thoughts, feelings and life. You are a miracle. We will all die at some point. And your body will become those particles again, but that doesnt make the fact that you are alive, here and now, in the absolute vastness of space and time, any less beautiful. You've got this.
Well said. Religion is a comfort in life until you see through it, then you're left high and dry. It's then a case of coming to terms with reality and making peace with that. Better still is not to be fed nonsense in the first place.
Eastern thought has the Self as being Consciousness, awareness, persisting. You are not the mind or the body but merely the witness Consciousness. It's not a belief for them but a realization.
You need to get out of toxic religion both physically and mentally. You need to get rid of the guilt and fear. Talk to a therapist who has experience helping people get out of cults.There is also lots of websites to help you get out and get rid of the guilt and fear.
I'm glad you got out of there Ali. A buddy of mine was raised JW and got out and I've seen many videos made by ex-JW's explaining, very similarly to your recollections, what the inside is like. Horrible organisation. I'm glad you're enjoying the world and us 'worldy' folks. We're not all bad and I'm glad you're encouraging other young JW's to see that. I wish you nothing but health, wealth and love mate!
This is the best explanation I’ve herd from a former witness, thank you so much for sharing. I was brought up very religious so when I found out about the organization I was attracted to it and became a witness. I stayed for 9 years but when I woke from it and left I felt so free. I felt so depressed all the time until the day I left and now I can’t become religious. I am so happy to do the things I like. I hated the restrictions. It was easier for me as my family are not witness so shunning didn’t affect me in the other hand I was welcomed back by my family and old friends. It’s been 7 years I left and I’m so happy. ❤
I escaped too at 23, almost 3 years ago. I find it hard to make friends as well. When I tried to celebrate my birthday, my hands started shaking when I put the candles on my cake. I thought it was pretty weird.
I left at 23 as well, finding a community allows you to make friends, I went to a dance community for bachata. They are so welcoming. I advice for us that leave to go to a community to a place we always wanted to explore. There’s kindness everywhere people are so open minded that they’ll understand where you come from without understanding your life but the best part is they will try and understand and judge you 💗
Well done Ali for this interview. Deep and painful but with a positive message. This destructive multi billion religious organization is responsible for this harm. The social media today clearly shows many testimonies of the depth of pain and suffering many of us had to go through. Once again THANKS for sharing with us all.
I tell Jehovah's Witnesses to go through the narrow gate that is on the cramped road leading to life. . Matthew 7:13-14 “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road ** LEADING OFF INTO LIFE ** and few are the ones finding it. . I ask them to read what Jehovah said would happen at the time of the end that is in every Christians bible and yet, few are the ones finding it: . Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of Jehovah, YOU men who are trembling at his word: “YOUR brothers that are hating YOU, that are excluding YOU by reason of my name, said, ‘May Jehovah be glorified!’ He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame.” . [Name of person] is no longer one of JEHOVAH's Witnesses ---->> "excluding YOU by reason of MY NAME" . I ask them if they can see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses: . "He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"! . I then warn them that, if they go through this narrow gate they will lose their family as a consequence of the Watchtower Societies shunning policies. . Then I ask them to read what Jesus Christ said about everlasting life: . Mark 10:29-30 Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things ** EVERLASTING LIFE ** . I then ask them if they want to live forever. . I also tell them that they can leave the organization and their congregation with dignity by telling everybody that they believe Jehovah, Jesus Christ and everything else in the bible. . Walk out with your head held high and jump for joy when you do. . What Jehovah said would happen, is now really happening! . That's Good News ................... right! . Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS. .
Ali's book is excellent. I really appreciated the read and her view. I left almost 30 years ago but was never DF'd, this means that I can still speak to my mum and others but the gap is ever widening. Her offering here is great. Thanks Ali.
I'm so sorry you were put through all of that! Thank you for speaking out. ❤ I still remember how events like 9/11 and a neighbor's house being robbed by a man with a knife impacted me as a child. Being constantly exposed to terrifying things would be extremely psychologically and emotionally damaging to any child. It's no wonder you were traumatized by that, and it deeply affected you.
This is very interesting to listen to. All my 6 cousins on my mom's side are Jehovah's Witnesses. In 2015 I left the LDS church, also known as the Mormon church. Since that time my cousins have been trying to convert me to the Jehovah's Witness faith. I grew up close to my cousins, but as we all moved into adulthood they became more and more distant. That was until my departure from Mormonism. Thanks for sharing this story. It gives me new insights into this faith. I have been to the memorial for Jesus a couple times as well as the conference they have in the summer.
Thank you for coming forward. I wish I could speak to you. Your story is so similar to mine. I’m so glad you broke free so you can become your true authentic self🎉🎉❤❤We are not suppose to live in fear and putting our lives on hold for a fake paradise. I’m the same age as you and put my life on hold for so long as well. I woke up and I had a spiritual awakening at 40 lol smh but I’m glad i FINALLY woke up. Sending much love to you.
You are brave my friend. Most organized groups use the same type of fear mongering and judgemental projection to punch a hole in the hearts of many. I believe in God, and the goodness of that entails, but I don't believe in such extremist measures. Before it is asked, yes! It's a difficult path but I have to believe in something. Live a good life, listen to your heart and I pray peace comes to you. And finally...I heard you because you deserve to be heard. ❤
I’m so sorry for whatever they have done to you 😢 I was raised JW as a child, teen years and wound up disfellowshiped and uneducated and on the street at 13…I can’t even watch your video because I’m not recovered 35 years later….I hope the best for you and all of us who were abused in so many ways
I'm sorry, but that's untrue. It's a much higher level of control and manipulation than the Christianity you may know, but ANY religion based on prophecy and Armageddon is, by definition, a doomsday cult. Yours is just more socially acceptable.
This interview really resonates with me as i grew up in a similar 'religion' andi grew up super anxious and ended up with depression and felt I wasnt good enough. Eventually left when my children were little and it was the best thing i coyld have done! But ive had many issues with decision making as i was told what to yhink and what to do for so many years!
They are a cult. Their teachings do not reflect what Jesus taught. They replace him with themselves as the higher authority. It is a deception that causes much grief.
Well, that's not entirely accurate. They drone on constantly about Jesus and read the same accounts as anyone else. They've changed a few words in their bibles, but it's not so rewritten that the overview is any different. I will concede a little in that I agree that the governing body hasn't replaced Jesus, but God himself.
@@Eric_01 Jesus is God, the incarnate Son of God. All the cults refuse to accept this position of Lordship. A lot of cults talk about a Jesus based upon what they want him to be; a different reality.
@@Eric_01 I can understand that you disagree. The rest is supposition. I know the Bible very well and I also know that people pick and chose the parts they want to support their belief. The Bible is our revelation of Jesus and a lot of people are confused there as well. You do not speak for the Jesus or the Bible so it is out of order for you to make the judgements you say. I have been close enough to countless people involved with cults and the way in which Jesus and the Bible is misrepresented to them. Atheism is a cult too.
A very dear person you are! ❤ You noticed the true downside of the Watchtower mindset - the lack of true love, more of a perfunctory form of love. That is what disqualifies them as true disciples of Jesus. It's great that you've taken what you have learned to make a better life for yourself and your loved ones ❤
Thank you for sharing this courageous womans story. I was put in front of an Elders Comitee at ten years old and again at fifteen years old. Extremely traumatic and abusive. I was called for a third when I was nineteen but I refused and was disfellowshipped in my absence.
dude i have never felt so seen- everything she has said validated all the things my family says that things "arent like that" and theyre "moving forward" but i feel like theyre all trying to make me forget the fear they instilled for all of my childhood
Wow glad you got out. They tried converting me came round every week doing bible studies gave me homework. Went to the kingdom hall. But after 4 years they didn't get me committed so they started leaving me alone. Just the magazines. But that's stopped now. Thank goodness I was such a busy person with a family and not alot of time to join in with them. Only someone's house for a cheese evening.
I can relate to and verify every single point that Ali mentioned regarding JW beliefs and tactics. Absolutely 100% accurate, not one iota of exaggeration. I was born in and made it to age 35 before I left. I'm 57 now. I did maintain visitation with my then 6 year old daughter, which was wonderful and we were very close, until her 18th birthday. At that point I received a "Dear John" text from her stating that she was going to take the truth seriously and could not see me anymore. That was 9 years ago. We've never spoke since. The rest of my immediate family lives within a 15 mile circumference of me, I'm also not spoke to a single sibling or parent in at least 10 years. I only assume they are all living or even still live in the area. Just after I'd quit, I did have a short relationship with a woman who was not a JW, but members of her family were. Unfortunately, she became pregnant simultaneous with the relationship ending. I saw our daughter a few times over the next 2 years, but ultimately, she ended up being given to the JW family members as her guardians. They told me that I was not allowed to see her solely because I was disfellowshipped. The last time I saw her she was 2 years old, she will turn 17 in December. By the way, the male in that guardian dynamic, her fleshly uncle, was arrested a little over a year ago for molesting her and she was given over to another non-related couple in her congregation as her new guardians. I've only learned this through public court records, still have never had contact with anyone involved. Generally, having been a JW well into adulthood and then leaving has absolutely ruined, not only ever single relationship I'd ever had, but the scar makes it impossible to stomach the thought of trusting another person ever. Since the birth of my 2nd daughter, I've not had even the urge to have another relationship. I've been single now since 2010 and likely will spend the rest of days as such. The damage that this horrid religion does, even if you can leave it, is just more than some people can recover from. Ever.
I tell Jehovah's Witnesses to go through the narrow gate that is on the cramped road leading to life. . Matthew 7:13-14 “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road ** LEADING OFF INTO LIFE ** and few are the ones finding it. . I ask them to read what Jehovah said would happen at the time of the end that is in every Christians bible and yet, few are the ones finding it: . Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of Jehovah, YOU men who are trembling at his word: “YOUR brothers that are hating YOU, that are excluding YOU by reason of my name, said, ‘May Jehovah be glorified!’ He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame.” . [Name of person] is no longer one of JEHOVAH's Witnesses ---->> "excluding YOU by reason of MY NAME" . I ask them if they can see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses: . "He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"! . I then warn them that, if they go through this narrow gate they will lose their family as a consequence of the Watchtower Societies shunning policies. . Then I ask them to read what Jesus Christ said about everlasting life: . Mark 10:29-30 Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things ** EVERLASTING LIFE ** . I then ask them if they want to live forever. . I also tell them that they can leave the organization and their congregation with dignity by telling everybody that they believe Jehovah, Jesus Christ and everything else in the bible. . Walk out with your head held high and jump for joy when you do. . What Jehovah said would happen, is now really happening! . That's Good News ................... right! . Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS. .
Well they didn't help us after we went through trauma, but did tell my wife that I was 'no longer her spiritual head', found her a house, gave her a job and then they started working on my children. I lost my whole family.
@@Kam-pz5tbwe have schools to teach us how to speak well. It's role playing that is judged on sticking to doctrine and speaking persuasively about it.
I came to Jesus thanks to the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their knocking on my door got me curious so I went with them to their Kingdom Hall and started a bible study and realised they were fake. Then the Mormons came but I didn't pursue them at all, but I asked them for a copy of their Book of Mormon for fun. I've never actually read it. I read my bible everyday but I don't attend any church as I don't trust any organised religion. I just watch RUclips videos of my favourite Christian creators instead. I watch a diverse group of people so that I'm not in an echo chamber.
This is how my Christian journey started, but then I came across this verse: Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." It showed me how important it is to God that we have a group of believers to walk with. It’s easy to get discouraged, so having friends and family to meet up with keeps us encouraged. I prayed and asked God to lead me to a church that teaches biblical truth, and He answered by revealing one to me. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made-not only do they support me, but I’m able to help them on their journey too, all while keeping God’s word first! Not all churches are bad, there are some rare good ones out there!
Thank you for sharing your story! ❤ I was raised as a JW and I carry the scars. The JW life is a hamster wheel of guilt, obligation and fear; whatever you do, there's ALWAYS more you ought to be doing for the organization. You're endlessly trying to be good enough to earn your salvation. When I was about 8, my hair began falling off. Eventually I was diagnosed with a stress induced alopecia areata. 😕 The JW faith is damaging on SO many levels.
This cult should be exposed and banned. I grew up in it and it. is still very traumatic to me. It definitely messed me up in ways I still deal with today even though I left as a teenager and it's been a while now.
Same here. And to top it off, I have a neighbor that I just found is JW and she’s trying to get me to do “bible study” to recruit me. I’m using “I’m Catholic” as an excuse…but she said, “oh, interesting. I can work with that.” Ugh. 😑
I was born into it. Its awful for a child growing up. This all happened to me. The no friends part of it has wrecked most of my life. My parents were ott strict. Most stupidest religion ever.
I left in 2021, the first few years were rough, I was so lost and empty. Basically I had to start my life again. I’m at the other end now but man, it got very dark.
I grew up in this “religion.” Fortunately, I saw a lie from a talk during my black & white thinking phase. So, it put me on the alert of what was being taught may not be true. As an introspective child, I remember puzzling through the teachings while trying to go to sleep. Not surprisingly, I had night terrors. My mother never made the connection that the teachings: doom and gloom talks, Book of Horror Stories, death and destruction portrayed in WT publications. I survived and got out. My child has never stepped foot in a KH. The Horror story book was not part of their bedtime routine. Only thing missed is the mindf*ck of acceptable contact. Someone is sick, $ is needed, death in the family. They will contact you and seem to want your company. When the emergency is done, they drop you like a hot potato. Shunning is cruel. Acceptable contact ramps up the cruelty. If you don’t play their game, you are the problem.
Oh my, this story resonates with me. I was born into this cult. The isolation crippled me as a child & to this day, I’m terrible with celebrations as well. I become almost depressed with dread with holidays etc. it’s all I can do to keep face. And sorting out the doctrine….extremely difficult! Because I do find overwhelming evidence of creation in our world, but by who? I’m still not sure
My second ex wife had a Catholic family and half the time I had no idea what was going on. They thought I was so weird that I didn't know Christmas songs or had never voted. They weren't exactly Bible readers and half of them were homosexual so there's that too lol.
I feel sorry for people who haven't talk to their family because of leaving JW. My grandma's little brother become part of JW when he was adult. But he never talk to us about it. Since half of the family was part of it and half wasn't, we never talked about faith. To maintain family peace. So I heard a bit about JW, although I am not part of it. Since my parents talked about it when I was growing up, since my great uncle's family couldn't attend birthday parties, christmas and things like that. But I feel my great uncle had a more normal family life, I was a lot at his place growing up playing with his grandkids and the only thing I remembered was the bible in their living room. A part from that it was very normal. But like all religions, people can be different within JW too. I'm from Norway, so maybe it's diff between countries too. Thank you for sharing your story❤
No experience of JW but I worked briefly for a company ran by members of the Plymouth Brethren. Without some of the worst people I've ever had the misfortune to meet.
I escaped a few years ago as a POMI (Physically Out Mentally In) and before I left for good, I was in and out unaware of the “truth about the truth” I basically went back into it during a very dark period of my life and because I had unresolved traumas… I experienced some shocking things as a kid in it and faced some difficulties in the “secular world” I didn’t know any better as a “born in”… I had an education, but I was still believing in their teachings until some friends helped me question and use my critical thinking skills which was incredibly dormant with them. Family still in… but, seeing life in a different light… this cult is one of the most cruel thing ever made by men… the people in power of this have caused so many death and so many mental anguish and suffering to millions around the world… there’s no words to describe this… unfortunately it’s still there and seeing these cults so active to prey on vulnerable with their “religious” verbiage is just one layer of society as destructive organizations exists in many other areas in this world… it goes beyond that. Truly despicable… and heartbreaking. Only time and sincere people as well as therapy can help heal cult survivors…
I grew up like this. 26 now, left at 18. Thank you for sharing this and shedding light on this. I still have so many psychological scars most people dont see or understand...
I hope you heal asap. You are strong to quit at such a young age.
congrats i left at 17
I escaped last year! Just found the courage to talk about it on my RUclips. We are all in this together!
@@justinisbecoming I’m so sorry you are not telling the truth
This is basically my story. I left 30 years ago...but very little has changed and my mother is still in it. Excellently done.
same same ❤ high five! ✋🏼 my mom is in yet has been seeking and talking w me these last few years... i am df'd *gasp 😂
I got df'd 25 years ago but my JW mom never shunned me. I think a lot has changed, it's gotten worse.
This is a classic cult .They used to regularly knock on my door and hit me with their sales pitch but they know very well I'm an atheist . I feel their dogged persistence was a kind of intimidation similar to the salesmen from safestyle double glazing who also saw me as pray . They appeal to the vulnerable, insecure and lonely and they obviously saw me as the typical isolated outsider that they can own exploit and control..
🙁
My story as well and I left about 20 years ago and my mother is also still in it. Still remember one time going with her to the grocery store and she ask if I can stay in the car because she was worried a JW might see her with me in there. Luckily I have have tough skill being in the Marine Corps and all but really was thinking how messed up that was.
Thank you for your story. I left JW organization in 1977. I haven’t spoken to the family I came from in over 47 years. I don’t know who’s alive or dead. I have been on my own for 47 years. During that time I figured out who I was and just live from day by day.
Sorry about your experiences. Congratulations for being yourself.
Crikey! That’s a long time. My sister has been shunning me for over 25 years but I hear news from the rest of the family.
That's more encouraging to me than you might think it should be.
My mom was alone too. You’re it alone now, you have another survivor of sorts, of this horrible cult. You’re incredibly resilient for having survived and made it on your own. I’m glad you did.
@@Fazzamania Chris Evans ok now on this one way and time back and look good with me hope you can soon now and did you take it back next week if you okay just like it tomorrow night and good luck with your day and time
Seeing a therapist saved my life, and helped me get out of the brainwashing. Thank you for sharing your story. Helps me realize how many of us are out there, and that we are not alone. Survivors speak out!
Started attending meetings at 9 years old, began studying at 13 and was baptized at 16. Served in the US and Cuba. Had questions about the new light doctrine, 1914, and blood. They didn't like the questions and word circulated quickly and the only people I had asked the questions to were my brother, my mom, and an elder I viewed as a friend. The shunning and less communication towards me started instantly all due to a few non hostile logical questions to people I loved and viewed as close. I left at the age of 27. I'm 30 now and couldn't be any happier. They may consider me an apostate, but coming from a group of people like that it doesn't bother me lol.
Cheers from Missouri
I have never commented on you tube before .
Your experience is so concise and true and similar to my experience.
I have escaped .
The price I pay has been so high .
I understand your losses and your gains .
I raised my children like you have yours .
I have one child who has "escaped"
Genuinely you so nailed it .
I have finally found me .
The loss and grief is overwhelming but to be free as a person and a human feels powerful .
I love feeling free .
I had zero idea I was in a cult .
I was indoctrinated at 6 yrs old .
Thank you for your open ness.
I have to some degree hugely studied cults at this point .
My journey will continue.
You do you
You are articulate and also have a beautiful heart .❤
she has survived a cult. in awe of this great woman. the fact is cult members allow certain members to have certain jobs suggests to me they want access to where vulnerable people live, so they can target them with their evil gibberish. cults are literally everywhere and adapted within society because of a religious tolerance and acceptance from a wider civilised public the cult members hope will die in agony, and will always despise.
@@brianquigley-je8kx lol do people die in the cult?
Yeah they do! If one of them needs a blood transfusion in order to save Their life the whole JW community will pressure them into not having one. Many JW's have died because of refusing a blood transfusion. I don't think that's very funny..............@@dectractos
THANKS TO "Deep" FOR THIS AMAZING CHANNEL. Thanks also Ali for such a very personal and clear story of your life. I left JWs at age 15 in 1961 and thus escaped the agony and hurt which you have outlined. I was led to Christ by an ex-JW who is now 90 and we're still in touch. I'm not religious but a Christian who trusts in Jesus.
Ex Jw here, super proud of you!!
The guilt. Not feeling like you’re good enough because you don’t want to preach to others. The constant pressure to do and be who you really aren’t.
I have migraines, clinical depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
I also have ADHD which makes this all 2x’s worse.
As a former JW i realized how narcissistic this organization is, they manipulate and psychologically abuse from a young age . I was raised in this cult and traumatized by the beatings i endured at the back of the kingdom hall from the age of 2+ to make me sit still. The fear, shame and guilt these people instil to control the members is horrific and the trauma was a lot to deal with. I got married in a kingdom hall at 19 and i really believed that being a wife and mother was my end goal and i didnt know myself at all. Im now divorced and walked away from all of it and healed myself after years of isolation and therapy. Im so glad people are breaking free from the evil of this cult.
Also nearly everyone I knew from childhood who is still in this cult, is sick, terminally ill, or suffering from acute depression - including my mother. I think there is a definite correlation within the cult of these psychosomatic conditions.
i’m a jehovah witness and i love it
@@morefor9235you’re secretly an apostate
I am out and very mentally sick and this include my children and husband- we all need help to help able to function
@@morefor9235 - cowardly & flippant.
@@ZoëElizabeth-SD 🤡🤡🤡🤡
Excellent interview. She is so well-spoken and covered so many of the issues with that cult. As one who escaped myself just before turning 30 after being raised in it, it's difficult to describe the initial trepidation of beginning a life you hadn't planned for. It's been many years now, but there are days when sadness at having not had a decent childhood and young adulthood does pop up. Such an awful religious cult that deserves to lose its tax-exempt status in every country. The money-hoarding governing body most certainly don't need another dime from members who are often scraping by in poverty.
Thank you for sharing. I faded 2 and a half years ago after many years of being in but not believing and I had to have therapy this year when I realised my foundational beliefs still left me blaming myself for being disconnected and feeling a failure. One thing that has helped is knowing there’s so many others with a shared experience. Your account adds strength to us all xx P.S. my first 2 Christmas’s were similar - garish decorations and tonnes of presents. 😂
I can vouch that this account is 100% accurate
They are not a charity, their property and land portfolio is massive. Also after leaving myself, I found that you never had any real friends. Any friends I have now are because they want to be my friend and not because I share the same belief. I've never been happier since leaving (it took a while though) and I look back on how many depressed people there are in the organization, I was one of them myself. I was born into it and and knew no different, now I find the whole thing weird. I never realised at the time how tight the control they had over you was. Now I can finally think for myself and make my own decisions.
I'm still JW (inactive) and I have always enjoyed the "scary" aspects of the Bible, even as a kid I absolutely loved this stuff, and I still believe in the Bible. However, what made me lose some faith in the organisation was my judicial committee after I commited a sin some years ago. I had to tell some middle aged men very private details and they wouldn't let me just admit my sin, repent and accept my punishment. They had to know EVERY dirty detail of what I did. I didn't get disfellowshipped, but the event was very traumatic. I wish I knew beforehand that the punishment would be a 1000 times worse than the guilt I felt from the sin, because I blindly believed that the elders reflected the mercy of Jesus Christ. Watching this channel and others makes me feel that I'm not alone in finding the judicial commitee so terrifying and I'm finding out many things I wish I knew before.
Now watch a ton more about this cult and origins of Christianity and the New Testament
Have a look at my story regarding the judicial system … I was a full blown apostate and these elders still reinstated me, just goes to show that this is a man made organization run by men and no god or Jesus running the show.
The Bible is just a bunch of mythology
You are why this work and this community is so important. You're only the cusp of realizing that a deconstruction is needed, but just keep finding the right channels and information that will continue to educate you, not only what the headquarters lies about, but about the authenticity of the bible itself. It's a lot to even willingly realize on the front end, this will take a little while, but keep using your critical mind to question and demand answers that do not include, "because the governing body said so." For starters, while watching their videos, just start counting how many reminders that interject constantly that you, the lame flock, should listen and obey, do not question, what the GB says. Not what the bible says, what THEY say. If you're a male, have you tried your brand new permission to grow a beard yet?
I got df'd for refusing to stop associating with a df'd friend, so I brought my friend to the judicial meeting. The elders didn't think it was funny.
I have always said "There's a need for a JW kids support group." I still feel a hangover from this immersive cult. My formative years were spent memorizing their doctrines. This video is almost my exact same story.
There are some on Facebook
Thank you for this! I too was a child victim of Jehovahs Witness cult. It stunted my social skills so i've struggled my entire life to connect with others. Our family was never baptised, which means, I was not allowed to have "worldly friends" (no friends outside the congregation to prove our worth). The kids in the congregation still saw me as a "worldly" child so I grew up with very little social interactions with others. No dating, no celebrations like birthdays, nothing. Once I graduated from high school, I started studying how others live. When you have only your dysfunctional parents as your only source of guidance in the world, it really screws a kid up. Granted, they were doing the best they could with the information they had. I'm 50 years old now so I didn't have the knowledge of the internet to help guide me in a world I knew little about. I never believed anything they were teaching me, my only dream was to get old enough where I could break free from it. My parents divorced when I graduated which is where I started soaking up as much of the real world I could. I so relate to Ali. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for speaking on this. We are not alone.
LOL, I grew up in Nevada, USA...so I too went on a cultural adventure. When I turned 21, I lost my virginity, bought a pack of cigarettes and a Hustler magazine. I don't even smoke and I never have! I just wanted to do something that would have got me into serious trouble with my parents.
Thanks so much for the insightful comment. It was great to hear from you.
Isaiah 8:10.
@@PEOPLEAREDEEPIsaiah 8:10.
@@vusimngomezulu2500 read the room!
@@vusimngomezulu2500 JW IN THE HOUSE!!
Glad you are free
jehovah wickedness
Your Jamaican with this comment here only us man call them man that 😂😂😂dyam whicked yes
This hits home to me. I was abused mentally and verbally by my mother and sister. I have just now realised how much I hated them. The damage has affected me so bad that I have had several stints in rehab for depression. They dare not knock on my door.
You can make it through! You are stronger than you think
That sounds like more of an issue with your mom and sister than JW's, but that's awful.
@@Mercipher21 Hah. This is ingrained in JW culture. They're taught to be judgemental and ready to cut all ties with family members, including children, at the slightest """"transgression"""". It's a destructive cult and keeping healthy relationships with family is almost impossible there.
this is so relatable.. i never thought about growing up in the cult contributed to so many of my psychosomatic symptoms as a child
This religion has made me so depressed. I’ve never really had support from other witnesses. I was often bullied by both kids and adults due to pulling my eyelashes and eyebrows out because of the stress. When my mom was constantly sick and having seizures many people didn’t help us, instead they let my family deal with it alone. I had a grandma in JW who took me in when my own grandma treated me horribly.. only for her to then ignore me and never speak to me again. I have no friends at all. Everyday I cry because it feels so lonely. I want to find love,start my own life. I’m trying to save up money and learn how to be independent because I know I’ll be alone. I’ve never celebrated Halloween,Christmas or my own birthday, I can’t wait to do that when I can finally be free. Watching people who escaped gave me hope that I can soon be happy.
❤❤❤
I was very lonely Too. Weird how some people have a totally different experience than us. But as a single adult I was isolated and constantly depressed. I don't wish it on anyone ! My elder father didn't understand how I was feeling and to this day he has nothing to do with me. You aren't alone !
Why will you be alone? Start believing you won’t be alone. Manifest what you want in life. Don’t dwell on the past and hope for the future
My mom was disfellowshiped when she was 16. Forced out of her own home by her mother to a marriage that was abusive in every way. And because of their stupid, cruel practice of ostracizing people that have been kicked out, she had no one to turn to for help.
She did manage to escape him, after years. And from everything she went through she had PTSD and many other issues. She never really fully recovered, despite how unbelievably strong she was.
Recently I saw a video of a pregnant teenager/mother who said "keep going to church" and all the support she had from her church, despite her sin. So different from JW 😢
Wow this is amazing I was raised and as I’m not 18 I guess I’m still being raised in an orthodox Jewish cult which comprises many of the aspects she is saying. I find this very therapeutic and I hope it is too for everyone else watching who went through similar challenges. I am in a slow process of leaving and hope this will be over soon.
I was bought up with a catholic mother and Jehovah father. They divorced early and my father tried to convert me..I had a few bible studies as a kid and it only left me feeling bleak about life. It’s more fear inducing than Catholicism!
If you had a Catholic mother she couldn't get divorced unless she was married outside of a church..which meant she wasn't really married!
@@jimlong7780 they married in a Catholic Church but the divorce was a civil matter..
@@jimlong7780 ???
My JW ex husband did everything in his power to try to convert our son. My son had nightmares, severe anxiety, and depression due to these teachings, and I had to send him to therapy for years until we built up a case against him and the justice system told my ex that he was no longer allowed to teach him during his visitations. So my ex never came back to see his son.
Wow, what a life she had... I am so impressed with her strength and courage to tell her story publicly. I am sure that is not easy. I hope from here on out she gets to live a full, happy, amazing and positively thrilling life! ❤
Lacerating interview. She is one of the bravest people I have ever seen.
Thank you for doing this video. My sister is JW and I can relate to a lot of what she said. I hope that she will find herself in the future
💔 It's so upsetting knowing how many of us have had to survive the 'Truth'.
I was raised in London England as a JW and things started going wrong when I was in college. I was so excited to get the grades to go to University then the meetings at the time (coincidentally) were all about how university wasn't the right choice for people in the truth and how witnesses shouldn't really focus on university or progressing their careers because it would eat into their ministry and meeting times etc etc.
I was obviously still planning to go to Uni if I got the grades and as the time got near a few elders in casual conversation after meeting with me and other young brothers and sisters kept reminding us how we could do auxiliary pioneering instead of focusing on the world etc etc.
I got my grades and was so excited to be accepted to uni.
I didn't get in trouble but things started changing, I'd raise my hand to answer during watchtower and I'd be ignored, I wasn't given assignments to do and the elders who had kids told them to be mindful when associating with people 'like me' (Bear in mind I hadn't done anything but accept a place at uni). If you know how kingdom halls work that kind of thing spreads like wildlife and no one will know what it is you're supposed to have done but they'll just be aware you shouldn't be included in anything, people made excuses not to do field service with me, would talk openly about things they'd all attended and I hadn't been invited to and so on.
I kept going to meetings for the first few months of Uni but it became unbearable being given the cold shoulder and treated like I'd done something wrong so I left. That was 25 years ago and I've never regretted my decision.
Witnesses are raised believing we shouldn't have friendships or relationships with people in the world and so being isolated by people who are like family is an incredible tool to control us and most people who still attend but don't believe only stay because they don't want to lose their connections to everyone in the organisation.
I only talk sparingly with my own mum, put it this way she didn't come to visit me and my newborn until 2 months after they were born although she lived 20 minutes from the hospital I gave birth in, but in the meantime she was sending me WhatsApp Daily texts and JW. Org links. 😂😂 You have to laugh to keep from crying
Sorry for your experiences but thank you for writing such an interesting message
I tell Jehovah's Witnesses to go through the narrow gate that is on the cramped road leading to life.
.
Matthew 7:13-14
“Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road ** LEADING OFF INTO LIFE ** and few are the ones finding it.
.
I ask them to read what Jehovah said would happen at the time of the end that is in every Christians bible and yet, few are the ones finding it:
.
Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of Jehovah, YOU men who are trembling at his word: “YOUR brothers that are hating YOU, that are excluding YOU by reason of my name, said, ‘May Jehovah be glorified!’ He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame.”
.
[Name of person] is no longer one of JEHOVAH's Witnesses ---->> "excluding YOU by reason of MY NAME"
.
I ask them if they can see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses:
.
"He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"!
.
I then warn them that, if they go through this narrow gate they will lose their family as a consequence of the Watchtower Societies shunning policies.
.
Then I ask them to read what Jesus Christ said about everlasting life:
.
Mark 10:29-30
Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things ** EVERLASTING LIFE **
.
I then ask them if they want to live forever.
.
I also tell them that they can leave the organization and their congregation with dignity by telling everybody that they believe Jehovah, Jesus Christ and everything else in the bible.
.
Walk out with your head held high and jump for joy when you do.
.
What Jehovah said would happen, is now really happening!
.
That's Good News ................... right!
.
Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS.
.
I agree !!!!! They act like sending more spiritual information is what's needed ~~ when it's really understanding who WE Are as people in this organization,that is needed !!! I don't think our parents ever even knew us !!!🌷
Thank you for being BRAVE and Choosing YOU! ❤
Thank you for speaking up and giving people, still trapped in this System - HOPE!
They are definitely the definition of a SECT with all the trademarks !
Blessings on your Future 🙏🙌
I grew up and lived as a devout Mormon til I was 44 years old. Faith crisis is so so painful. Nearly everything experienced in this woman’s story is extremely familiar to my own. High demand Religion really twists one’s identity so tightly with the beliefs that members are each member so that criticism of the church feels like a personal attack on their identity and will fight to try and reestablish the churches untarnished façade.
The dark night of the soul one experiences after leaving is like a rebirth except this time you get to decide what you believe, who you are and how you will live on your own. It requires the death of the old self and an awaking to who “you” really are. You become your own best advocate and cheerleader. The self trust and goodness discovered within, allow you to see humanity with so much more love, grace and curiosity.
I was born into being a JW and was in it all the way to my 20s. I never really believed it but it did keep me from thinking about my mortality. My default mindset was that my time was unlimited. After being out for years it finally begins to sink in that I'm going to die. And it hits me like a truck. I fell into a deep depression. My existence is all I have. And someday it will just be snuffed out and there will be nothing. The universe will go on. And I won't see it. I won't see anything. My corpse will rot in the ground and anyone I know who is still alive will remember me until they die too. Then the last of me will be gone. The world will go on like I was never here.
Thanks to the JWs I had to take all of that in all at once instead of already working through it slowly over my life. The concept still gets me in a corner and gives me panic attacks from time to time.
You're body is literally made from the same molecules as the stars. You are a child of the universe. Across billions of galaxies, stars, planets, moons, you exist, here and now, conscious, with your own mind and thoughts, feelings and life. You are a miracle. We will all die at some point. And your body will become those particles again, but that doesnt make the fact that you are alive, here and now, in the absolute vastness of space and time, any less beautiful. You've got this.
Well said. Religion is a comfort in life until you see through it, then you're left high and dry. It's then a case of coming to terms with reality and making peace with that. Better still is not to be fed nonsense in the first place.
Do something notable then like a famous writer or inventor ect lol
Eastern thought has the Self as being Consciousness, awareness, persisting. You are not the mind or the body but merely the witness Consciousness. It's not a belief for them but a realization.
You need to get out of toxic religion both physically and mentally. You need to get rid of the guilt and fear. Talk to a therapist who has experience helping people get out of cults.There is also lots of websites to help you get out and get rid of the guilt and fear.
I'm glad you got out of there Ali. A buddy of mine was raised JW and got out and I've seen many videos made by ex-JW's explaining, very similarly to your recollections, what the inside is like. Horrible organisation. I'm glad you're enjoying the world and us 'worldy' folks. We're not all bad and I'm glad you're encouraging other young JW's to see that. I wish you nothing but health, wealth and love mate!
This is the best explanation I’ve herd from a former witness, thank you so much for sharing. I was brought up very religious so when I found out about the organization I was attracted to it and became a witness. I stayed for 9 years but when I woke from it and left I felt so free. I felt so depressed all the time until the day I left and now I can’t become religious. I am so happy to do the things I like. I hated the restrictions. It was easier for me as my family are not witness so shunning didn’t affect me in the other hand I was welcomed back by my family and old friends. It’s been 7 years I left and I’m so happy. ❤
I escaped at 23. It’s so hard to make friends
Keep your chin up you are doing an amazing job
I can relate. I have a hard time making real friends.@benlomas1490
I am over 40. Talk if you want at m-i-g-t-v-i-l-l gee male. Say "hello penpal" in subject. I will answer. Remove dashes.
I escaped too at 23, almost 3 years ago. I find it hard to make friends as well. When I tried to celebrate my birthday, my hands started shaking when I put the candles on my cake. I thought it was pretty weird.
I left at 23 as well, finding a community allows you to make friends, I went to a dance community for bachata. They are so welcoming. I advice for us that leave to go to a community to a place we always wanted to explore. There’s kindness everywhere people are so open minded that they’ll understand where you come from without understanding your life but the best part is they will try and understand and judge you 💗
Well done Ali for this interview. Deep and painful but with a positive message. This destructive multi billion religious organization is responsible for this harm. The social media today clearly shows many testimonies of the depth of pain and suffering many of us had to go through. Once again THANKS for sharing with us all.
I tell Jehovah's Witnesses to go through the narrow gate that is on the cramped road leading to life.
.
Matthew 7:13-14
“Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road ** LEADING OFF INTO LIFE ** and few are the ones finding it.
.
I ask them to read what Jehovah said would happen at the time of the end that is in every Christians bible and yet, few are the ones finding it:
.
Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of Jehovah, YOU men who are trembling at his word: “YOUR brothers that are hating YOU, that are excluding YOU by reason of my name, said, ‘May Jehovah be glorified!’ He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame.”
.
[Name of person] is no longer one of JEHOVAH's Witnesses ---->> "excluding YOU by reason of MY NAME"
.
I ask them if they can see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses:
.
"He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"!
.
I then warn them that, if they go through this narrow gate they will lose their family as a consequence of the Watchtower Societies shunning policies.
.
Then I ask them to read what Jesus Christ said about everlasting life:
.
Mark 10:29-30
Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things ** EVERLASTING LIFE **
.
I then ask them if they want to live forever.
.
I also tell them that they can leave the organization and their congregation with dignity by telling everybody that they believe Jehovah, Jesus Christ and everything else in the bible.
.
Walk out with your head held high and jump for joy when you do.
.
What Jehovah said would happen, is now really happening!
.
That's Good News ................... right!
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Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS.
.
Ali's book is excellent. I really appreciated the read and her view. I left almost 30 years ago but was never DF'd, this means that I can still speak to my mum and others but the gap is ever widening. Her offering here is great. Thanks Ali.
Ex Christian fundamentalist cult member here. Super proud of you!!!!
You explain this so well! There will be so many people that relate to your experience. ❤
I'm so sorry you were put through all of that! Thank you for speaking out. ❤ I still remember how events like 9/11 and a neighbor's house being robbed by a man with a knife impacted me as a child. Being constantly exposed to terrifying things would be extremely psychologically and emotionally damaging to any child. It's no wonder you were traumatized by that, and it deeply affected you.
THEY ARE NOT BELIEVERS AND THEY USE PUNISHMENT TACTICS ITS A CULT, A BIG DIFFERENCE
Cry me a river you big baby.
This is very interesting to listen to. All my 6 cousins on my mom's side are Jehovah's Witnesses. In 2015 I left the LDS church, also known as the Mormon church. Since that time my cousins have been trying to convert me to the Jehovah's Witness faith. I grew up close to my cousins, but as we all moved into adulthood they became more and more distant. That was until my departure from Mormonism. Thanks for sharing this story. It gives me new insights into this faith. I have been to the memorial for Jesus a couple times as well as the conference they have in the summer.
Thank you for coming forward. I wish I could speak to you. Your story is so similar to mine. I’m so glad you broke free so you can become your true authentic self🎉🎉❤❤We are not suppose to live in fear and putting our lives on hold for a fake paradise. I’m the same age as you and put my life on hold for so long as well. I woke up and I had a spiritual awakening at 40 lol smh but I’m glad i FINALLY woke up. Sending much love to you.
You are brave my friend. Most organized groups use the same type of fear mongering and judgemental projection to punch a hole in the hearts of many. I believe in God, and the goodness of that entails, but I don't believe in such extremist measures. Before it is asked, yes! It's a difficult path but I have to believe in something. Live a good life, listen to your heart and I pray peace comes to you. And finally...I heard you because you deserve to be heard. ❤
Very well made documentary 👏 and i can relate to everything she says, being a former JW child/teen.
Thank you!
I’m so sorry for whatever they have done to you 😢 I was raised JW as a child, teen years and wound up disfellowshiped and uneducated and on the street at 13…I can’t even watch your video because I’m not recovered 35 years later….I hope the best for you and all of us who were abused in so many ways
There is nothing Christian about the JW
They are anti christian
I'm sorry, but that's untrue. It's a much higher level of control and manipulation than the Christianity you may know, but ANY religion based on prophecy and Armageddon is, by definition, a doomsday cult. Yours is just more socially acceptable.
Fascinating. She's so articulate. Good luck to her with the rest of her life.
Great channel! Thank You.
Never underestimate the mind of a child, even more so never abuse the mind of a child!
Probably the best testimony yet 👍
This interview really resonates with me as i grew up in a similar 'religion' andi grew up super anxious and ended up with depression and felt I wasnt good enough. Eventually left when my children were little and it was the best thing i coyld have done! But ive had many issues with decision making as i was told what to yhink and what to do for so many years!
They are a cult. Their teachings do not reflect what Jesus taught. They replace him with themselves as the higher authority. It is a deception that causes much grief.
By definition all religions are cults..
Well, that's not entirely accurate. They drone on constantly about Jesus and read the same accounts as anyone else. They've changed a few words in their bibles, but it's not so rewritten that the overview is any different. I will concede a little in that I agree that the governing body hasn't replaced Jesus, but God himself.
@@Eric_01 Jesus is God, the incarnate Son of God. All the cults refuse to accept this position of Lordship. A lot of cults talk about a Jesus based upon what they want him to be; a different reality.
@@markbowman2890 I'm going to have to say that I, the bible, and logic all disagree with you. Jesus isn't even unique to that claim.
@@Eric_01 I can understand that you disagree. The rest is supposition. I know the Bible very well and I also know that people pick and chose the parts they want to support their belief. The Bible is our revelation of Jesus and a lot of people are confused there as well. You do not speak for the Jesus or the Bible so it is out of order for you to make the judgements you say. I have been close enough to countless people involved with cults and the way in which Jesus and the Bible is misrepresented to them. Atheism is a cult too.
As a Christian with an exjw partner, I can completely understand her decision of not having faith. I wish her the very best❤️
A very dear person you are! ❤ You noticed the true downside of the Watchtower mindset - the lack of true love, more of a perfunctory form of love. That is what disqualifies them as true disciples of Jesus. It's great that you've taken what you have learned to make a better life for yourself and your loved ones ❤
Wow Wow Wow. Good on you girl. This is honesty.
Thank you for sharing this courageous womans story. I was put in front of an Elders Comitee at ten years old and again at fifteen years old. Extremely traumatic and abusive. I was called for a third when I was nineteen but I refused and was disfellowshipped in my absence.
I got out at 40, this brings everything back, it’s so nice to but second hand and not worry about demons!
Glad you enjoyed
Happy you free now.
Thanks for bringing out the truth
dude i have never felt so seen- everything she has said validated all the things my family says that things "arent like that" and theyre "moving forward" but i feel like theyre all trying to make me forget the fear they instilled for all of my childhood
Wow glad you got out. They tried converting me came round every week doing bible studies gave me homework. Went to the kingdom hall. But after 4 years they didn't get me committed so they started leaving me alone. Just the magazines. But that's stopped now. Thank goodness I was such a busy person with a family and not alot of time to join in with them. Only someone's house for a cheese evening.
I can relate to and verify every single point that Ali mentioned regarding JW beliefs and tactics. Absolutely 100% accurate, not one iota of exaggeration.
I was born in and made it to age 35 before I left. I'm 57 now. I did maintain visitation with my then 6 year old daughter, which was wonderful and we were very close, until her 18th birthday. At that point I received a "Dear John" text from her stating that she was going to take the truth seriously and could not see me anymore. That was 9 years ago. We've never spoke since. The rest of my immediate family lives within a 15 mile circumference of me, I'm also not spoke to a single sibling or parent in at least 10 years. I only assume they are all living or even still live in the area.
Just after I'd quit, I did have a short relationship with a woman who was not a JW, but members of her family were. Unfortunately, she became pregnant simultaneous with the relationship ending. I saw our daughter a few times over the next 2 years, but ultimately, she ended up being given to the JW family members as her guardians. They told me that I was not allowed to see her solely because I was disfellowshipped. The last time I saw her she was 2 years old, she will turn 17 in December. By the way, the male in that guardian dynamic, her fleshly uncle, was arrested a little over a year ago for molesting her and she was given over to another non-related couple in her congregation as her new guardians. I've only learned this through public court records, still have never had contact with anyone involved.
Generally, having been a JW well into adulthood and then leaving has absolutely ruined, not only ever single relationship I'd ever had, but the scar makes it impossible to stomach the thought of trusting another person ever. Since the birth of my 2nd daughter, I've not had even the urge to have another relationship. I've been single now since 2010 and likely will spend the rest of days as such. The damage that this horrid religion does, even if you can leave it, is just more than some people can recover from. Ever.
Omg😮😮 i am so sorry. Tha cut me deep😢i wish i could help you. Courage mon ami❤
So many deaths because of the blood thing, so many suicides, so many lives ruined by this corporate cult!
I tell Jehovah's Witnesses to go through the narrow gate that is on the cramped road leading to life.
.
Matthew 7:13-14
“Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road ** LEADING OFF INTO LIFE ** and few are the ones finding it.
.
I ask them to read what Jehovah said would happen at the time of the end that is in every Christians bible and yet, few are the ones finding it:
.
Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of Jehovah, YOU men who are trembling at his word: “YOUR brothers that are hating YOU, that are excluding YOU by reason of my name, said, ‘May Jehovah be glorified!’ He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame.”
.
[Name of person] is no longer one of JEHOVAH's Witnesses ---->> "excluding YOU by reason of MY NAME"
.
I ask them if they can see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses:
.
"He must also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"!
.
I then warn them that, if they go through this narrow gate they will lose their family as a consequence of the Watchtower Societies shunning policies.
.
Then I ask them to read what Jesus Christ said about everlasting life:
.
Mark 10:29-30
Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things ** EVERLASTING LIFE **
.
I then ask them if they want to live forever.
.
I also tell them that they can leave the organization and their congregation with dignity by telling everybody that they believe Jehovah, Jesus Christ and everything else in the bible.
.
Walk out with your head held high and jump for joy when you do.
.
What Jehovah said would happen, is now really happening!
.
That's Good News ................... right!
.
Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS.
.
@@isaiah30v8 Get lost with your copy and paste crap that you never have done.
Religions, whether they realize it or not, prey on so many vulnerable segments of society.
Well they didn't help us after we went through trauma, but did tell my wife that I was 'no longer her spiritual head', found her a house, gave her a job and then they started working on my children. I lost my whole family.
She’s very well spoken
Most jehovahs witnesses are. They read and study alot
@@Kam-pz5tbwe have schools to teach us how to speak well. It's role playing that is judged on sticking to doctrine and speaking persuasively about it.
I was born into the JW cult too. Finally eacaped over the last couple of years. Life is so much better now
I came to Jesus thanks to the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their knocking on my door got me curious so I went with them to their Kingdom Hall and started a bible study and realised they were fake. Then the Mormons came but I didn't pursue them at all, but I asked them for a copy of their Book of Mormon for fun. I've never actually read it. I read my bible everyday but I don't attend any church as I don't trust any organised religion. I just watch RUclips videos of my favourite Christian creators instead. I watch a diverse group of people so that I'm not in an echo chamber.
This is how my Christian journey started, but then I came across this verse: Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
It showed me how important it is to God that we have a group of believers to walk with. It’s easy to get discouraged, so having friends and family to meet up with keeps us encouraged. I prayed and asked God to lead me to a church that teaches biblical truth, and He answered by revealing one to me. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made-not only do they support me, but I’m able to help them on their journey too, all while keeping God’s word first! Not all churches are bad, there are some rare good ones out there!
Thank you for sharing your story! ❤
I was raised as a JW and I carry the scars. The JW life is a hamster wheel of guilt, obligation and fear; whatever you do, there's ALWAYS more you ought to be doing for the organization. You're endlessly trying to be good enough to earn your salvation.
When I was about 8, my hair began falling off. Eventually I was diagnosed with a stress induced alopecia areata. 😕
The JW faith is damaging on SO many levels.
What a absolute great video
This cult should be exposed and banned. I grew up in it and it. is still very traumatic to me. It definitely messed me up in ways I still deal with today even though I left as a teenager and it's been a while now.
Man I thought being raised and escaping Catholicism was bad…
Same here. And to top it off, I have a neighbor that I just found is JW and she’s trying to get me to do “bible study” to recruit me. I’m using “I’m Catholic” as an excuse…but she said, “oh, interesting. I can work with that.” Ugh. 😑
Catholicism is paradise compared to JW 😭😭
Well done, well said. I know where you are coming from. Love from AU
I was born into it.
Its awful for a child growing up.
This all happened to me.
The no friends part of it has wrecked most of my life.
My parents were ott strict.
Most stupidest religion ever.
Thanks for sharing the truth and effects with us
I left in 2021, the first few years were rough, I was so lost and empty. Basically I had to start my life again. I’m at the other end now but man, it got very dark.
Awesome testimony 🙌🏽👏🏽! Sounds like we're about the same age. I know the feeling! I remember My Book of Bible Stories!
My partner’s brother married a JW from the Philippines. Now there is no contact from him.
I'm an ex unbaptized publisher JW here in the Philippines for 3 years. Sad to hear that. JW/watchtower breaks families apart
I grew up in this “religion.” Fortunately, I saw a lie from a talk during my black & white thinking phase. So, it put me on the alert of what was being taught may not be true. As an introspective child, I remember puzzling through the teachings while trying to go to sleep. Not surprisingly, I had night terrors. My mother never made the connection that the teachings: doom and gloom talks, Book of Horror Stories, death and destruction portrayed in WT publications. I survived and got out. My child has never stepped foot in a KH. The Horror story book was not part of their bedtime routine.
Only thing missed is the mindf*ck of acceptable contact. Someone is sick, $ is needed, death in the family. They will contact you and seem to want your company. When the emergency is done, they drop you like a hot potato. Shunning is cruel. Acceptable contact ramps up the cruelty. If you don’t play their game, you are the problem.
Read Ali Millars book, she has an amazing story to tell.
Her book is amazing!
The more I watch this the more it reminds me of a church I was part of in my early 20's.
Oh my, this story resonates with me. I was born into this cult. The isolation crippled me as a child & to this day, I’m terrible with celebrations as well. I become almost depressed with dread with holidays etc. it’s all I can do to keep face. And sorting out the doctrine….extremely difficult! Because I do find overwhelming evidence of creation in our world, but by who? I’m still not sure
My second ex wife had a Catholic family and half the time I had no idea what was going on. They thought I was so weird that I didn't know Christmas songs or had never voted. They weren't exactly Bible readers and half of them were homosexual so there's that too lol.
Thank you for this interview. Very eye opening
I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. This was pretty much my exact experience and unfortunately the experience of many others.
Thank you so much for talking about everything x you are an amazing woman x
I can concur with nearly everything this lady said, personally in my own life regarding the JW experience of having your life crushed to bits
I'm so sorry what you went through❤ also, really soothing voice🥰
Strong interview!
Appreciate it!
They are not Christian because they don’t believe Jesus is God
That's because Jesus isn't God.
@@stephaniepost2760W
@@stephaniepost2760And God is not real
The Migrines and the Depressions are so real! I had a eating Disorder for 7 years too!
I feel sorry for people who haven't talk to their family because of leaving JW. My grandma's little brother become part of JW when he was adult. But he never talk to us about it. Since half of the family was part of it and half wasn't, we never talked about faith. To maintain family peace. So I heard a bit about JW, although I am not part of it. Since my parents talked about it when I was growing up, since my great uncle's family couldn't attend birthday parties, christmas and things like that. But I feel my great uncle had a more normal family life, I was a lot at his place growing up playing with his grandkids and the only thing I remembered was the bible in their living room. A part from that it was very normal. But like all religions, people can be different within JW too. I'm from Norway, so maybe it's diff between countries too. Thank you for sharing your story❤
This shit is bananas B.A.N.A.N.A.S
I am an ex jw and it's all true what this lady says . I left after 8 years
No experience of JW but I worked briefly for a company ran by members of the Plymouth Brethren. Without some of the worst people I've ever had the misfortune to meet.
Had a similar experience to this-safest part is that if you’re raised in the Jw’s this is your normal life so follows you all your life
6:30 is spot on!
Beautiful, thanks for sharing❤❤❤
I escaped a few years ago as a POMI (Physically Out Mentally In) and before I left for good, I was in and out unaware of the “truth about the truth” I basically went back into it during a very dark period of my life and because I had unresolved traumas… I experienced some shocking things as a kid in it and faced some difficulties in the “secular world” I didn’t know any better as a “born in”… I had an education, but I was still believing in their teachings until some friends helped me question and use my critical thinking skills which was incredibly dormant with them. Family still in… but, seeing life in a different light… this cult is one of the most cruel thing ever made by men… the people in power of this have caused so many death and so many mental anguish and suffering to millions around the world… there’s no words to describe this… unfortunately it’s still there and seeing these cults so active to prey on vulnerable with their “religious” verbiage is just one layer of society as destructive organizations exists in many other areas in this world… it goes beyond that.
Truly despicable… and heartbreaking. Only time and sincere people as well as therapy can help heal cult survivors…
Thank you so much for your courage….
Thank you.. I felt every sentence because I also had all of this that you I don't feel so alone now