A Conversation with Daniel Graves (Former Elder, Bethelite, Pioneer)

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  • Опубликовано: 27 дек 2024

Комментарии • 250

  • @danielgraves4947
    @danielgraves4947 Год назад +105

    Thanks for having me on the channel!

    • @patriciajohnson2
      @patriciajohnson2 Год назад +3

      I was wondering if I could get more information on the woman who is an activist in Alaska.

    • @patriciajohnson2
      @patriciajohnson2 Год назад +3

      Great interview by the way

    • @irenegarcia3418
      @irenegarcia3418 Год назад +1

      Daniel I am not a jw I am spiritual but not really one religion or the other. I believe in our creator and Jesus Christ and believe our savior was born of the Virgin Mary so yes I love His mom too for for allowing us Our savior. I was raised Catholic but religion is man made. I writing to you bc I struggle the loss of a man I met he was a JW. I dearly loved him but his family did not like me because I was catholic. I tried studying with the jw group in Miami Florida but it was not enough for his family to accept me. They treated me horrible when I went to meet them and tried so very hard to please them. Ultimately this person choose them over me which I guess he had to do to the shunning. I pray he leaves that cult one day. I hope one day to speak
      to him not to regain that relationship just to be able to have closure. We did not. I went to Michigan to meet his family came home ended it and all he said was he did not want to hurt me or his family. I was heart broken. Never had I ever had anyone block me change the number or anything. I just don’t understand what is that behavior. He said he would be disfellowshipped??? God I pray he wakes up. He had a beautiful thing. We both found eachother after vovid took our long time spouses and a cult took our last chance away to be happy. So sad the story. Is Michigan high up there on witness he is from Mt Clemens MI. I am from Miami Florida. We met on a widows site. Had a normal relation when he came down to Florida but one time I went there destroyed everything. It’s been since July 22 still hurts dearly. My name is Irene. I sm glad you are ok and happy. Please do not go back to that religion. It destroys so many lives. Good luck my friend stSy well.

    • @michelleiversen6293
      @michelleiversen6293 Год назад +1

      Loved listening to you ! So calming and sincere !
      Actions speak loud love❤Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water just yet !
      I’ve been out 20 yrs and I’m only recently exploring so calle apostate information!
      Adjusting to the real truth is a process ❤Xx

    • @piccola2920
      @piccola2920 Год назад +2

      Very well done ❤
      I remember seeing you at Warwick.
      Thank you for sharing your story.

  • @madamecurious
    @madamecurious Год назад +34

    When I moved to Kentucky, I started to see clearly how culty this religion is. That helped me and my daughter to “wake up” and eventually leave!
    Daniel was in my neighbor congregation and he stood out to me, because of his friendly demeanor.
    I’m so glad he’s out of the cult as well!!

  • @wk2761
    @wk2761 Год назад +53

    This is a fantastic interview. Yes, you are showing JW's that we are not the evil, two horned beasts that WT describes. You are calm and well spoken. You are helping so many! Thank you for all you do!

    • @ronhansen8471
      @ronhansen8471 Год назад

      Who is we? Do you represent the two horned beast we call Briton and the USA?

    • @compositioncompilation
      @compositioncompilation Год назад

      The nations are beasts.
      Daniels vision of the image is very relevant.
      Manna was daily..not to be stored overnight.
      World powers are mimicked as well as the political rulers..
      Rev 16:13&14.
      Exactly as you just said 5 mins in.

  • @estherthorp1608
    @estherthorp1608 Год назад +33

    I am a mother an grandmother I thank Jesus everyday for helping me leave because I would never choose a religion over my child or grandchild so I am so grateful for you telling me thank you

    • @ajoseph8920
      @ajoseph8920 Год назад +1

      Why are you thanking a jewish man who died 2500 years ago?

  • @Rosie-s04
    @Rosie-s04 Год назад +28

    Thank You! I appreciate both of you, beautiful humans!
    I finally woke up 3 months ago, after 15 years in, trying to maintain my critical thinking and ignoring the red flags, WT teaches you to ignore your intuition…
    Once you are baptized, as a 15yo teenager in my case, thinking that you belong to a worldwide family, appreciate all the values, Bible principles…
    It is not easy to see the big picture and realize that the Watchtower is a lie, a high-control organization that manipulates and can cause so much damage to our psychology... and that in fact divides families, communities...
    It’s not going to be easy, but definitely worth it. I’m planning to just fade.
    I’m 29yo now, will go back to College… I’ll keep learning, expanding my consciousness, serve my community, enjoy my family and my freedom! Since I’m a child I’ve just been trying to live my best life.
    I’ve been learning a lot about History, Philosophy, Stoicism and more.
    Spirituality without religion 🙌🏼
    Ya basta de tanta ignorancia!
    “I Am Grateful to Wake Up and Know I Have Another Chance”
    Greetings from New York ☺️

    • @karen1saunders
      @karen1saunders Год назад +6

      Aww I understand completely. I have been left 6 months after being in 35yrs. I am starting to feel lots better and you will too 💓

    • @coldbrew6104
      @coldbrew6104 Год назад

      "divides families"
      Just curious, how do you compare this to Matthew 10:35?

    • @suzannemoffitt137
      @suzannemoffitt137 Год назад +1

      Congratulations you will feel a weight lift.

  • @Adriscreationsphotography
    @Adriscreationsphotography Год назад +29

    I grew up being a witness too. I feel so much less judgmental right now and being open but setting boundaries still with people/friends.
    I consider myself spiritual. For the longest time I never posted on IG or FB because I felt traumatized being my true self. I always felt like I was walking on eggshells going to the meetings.

  • @tammyg8031
    @tammyg8031 Год назад +26

    Its really great to see such a great success story after leaving the JW CULT. Daniel's story is a great encouragement to anyone who's thinking about leaving a high controlled group like the Jehovah's Witnesses. Great Interview 👍.

  • @teresavega7750
    @teresavega7750 Год назад +107

    Hi I understand where you coming from I was there for almost 50 years. I would suggest you read the books of Mr Mauro Biglino. Iused to be very dedicated. I was never disfelloshiped. My ex-husband was for adultery. I faded away when I heard about the child abuse. I hope you keep going in your life. Please don't ever go back. You still young. I spent 3/4 of life in there. So I have decided whatever time I have left on this earth I want to use to love myself which I never did. It's horrible in there. Now I see the light. I don't belong to any church. I don't trust them.

    • @tammyg8031
      @tammyg8031 Год назад +15

      Agreed. I wish you more continued happiness and freedom 💖. Watchtower is a very dangerous DOOMSDAY CULT. I am so glad that their are so many activists exposing this CULT.

    • @teresavega7750
      @teresavega7750 Год назад +7

      @tammyg8031 thank you . I wish you happiness and peace in your life. A big hug from far away.

    • @chirovandenbos2339
      @chirovandenbos2339 Год назад +7

      Same here....i believe in God and Jezus but search in the truth....so difficult.
      I dont like the churches or people because i dont trust it.....
      I hope God will understand that

    • @teresavega7750
      @teresavega7750 Год назад

      @chirovandenbos2339 meant to say the jew will tell he does not believe in jesus.. and that the jews blame the Cristian stealing their Bible from them. Which is true. The new testament was written for the jews. Why are we using it as ours?

    • @EmmaNoelaGrace
      @EmmaNoelaGrace Год назад +1

      I’m sorry for your pain. My family is still very much JWS and that results in a lot of stuff I need to work with, understand and process. Best Wishes 🤍

  • @christinesotelo7655
    @christinesotelo7655 Год назад +14

    Thank you SO much for addressing the Blood Issue. I have waited for years for someone to speak about this. I was already a former JW when I was bleeding to death and was ABLE to be save by blood transfusions. But while I was being transfused, the trauma of having been a JW and the memories of destruction by Jehovah if I dared save my life, haunted and emotionally hurt me. The good team of Medical Staff saw me through the tremendous fears and “guilt” I experienced mentally for daring to want to fight and live! When I WAS a JW, I was always concerned about the Blood Doctrine and secretly worked it out ahead of time with my children’s Pediatrician to get the Court Order necessary to override the Doctrine, despite Elders. Of course, I was later disfellowshipped and shunned and lost my loved ones at that time. However, I did go to hospitals and attempted to advocate by being a person who might talk Elders or families into ALLOWING a child to LIVE! But it was unfruitful as HIPA Act of course prevented Confidentiality to be breached. What I would love to see happen is for training to be given to Medical Staff on how to immediately handle the evil Blood Doctrine by making use of Emergency Immediate Court Orders(?)...I am not quite sure, maybe this is being done...but with all my heart and soul I thank you for speaking of this topic. The trauma and the horror of losing a life unnecessarily OR of saving the life only for the innocent to be shunned and fear destruction by that horrible god (the Governing Body) is insurmountable. Much love to your courage! ❤

    • @vusimngomezulu2500
      @vusimngomezulu2500 Год назад

      Jesus sent all of you to preach about the JW's or satan sent all of you to preach about the JW's?????????

  • @danielferrer8790
    @danielferrer8790 Год назад +17

    This was such an incredible interview. Thank you both so much you are both so well spoken and have such fascinating stories to tell. I have been feeling very angry and confused lately. I left the borg almost 10 years ago but I don’t think I ever properly dealt with the trauma. I am learning so much from you two. Thank you sincerely.

  • @denishartley3828
    @denishartley3828 Год назад +10

    Superb interview, I can identify with your reasons for waking up. Very brave of you and totally the right decision. Life gets better and better once you are out!

  • @keithcampbell720
    @keithcampbell720 Год назад +11

    I absolutely LOVE DANIEL!!!!! One of the best guys on TikTok and overall and love the way he's presented himself and we needed him more than he knows

  • @POMO1914
    @POMO1914 Год назад +10

    Excellent interview Matt! Daniel - it was so nice to watch & hear your story. I am going to check out your website. Cheers!

  • @mcbrayerok
    @mcbrayerok Год назад +15

    Really enjoyed this conversation! Thanks to the both of you for sharing and caring enough to put this video out.

  • @eyesontheprize5
    @eyesontheprize5 Год назад +16

    Great interview. I appreciate both of you. Thank you for sharing your stories.

  • @wendylu6939
    @wendylu6939 Год назад +13

    This puts a smile on my face.😊 Great conversation. So incouraging for an ex JW. That cult really leaves its mark, and it really causes a lot of changes for quite awhile, but boy does it ever feel great to get away for good.

  • @Joeandfran
    @Joeandfran Год назад +28

    Incidentally, Matt, your channel is the very first site I explored while mentally disconnecting myself from WT cult. My wife thankfully joined me! Thank you for the work you do! We go forward actively warning the public!

    • @ronhansen8471
      @ronhansen8471 Год назад

      You go forward actively warning the public about what? You all would have to know what the bible teaches and to speak the truth. People who leave the truth never learn what the bible teaches to know better.

    • @karen1saunders
      @karen1saunders Год назад

      ​@ronhansen8471 excuse me what would you know ? After being in the Borg for 35yrs and a regular pioneer. I have woken up and left 6 months ago. I have more bible knowledge exegetically now I don't have to use the watchtower bible aids which is full of their brainwashing doctrine. Even their new world bible has been changed in some instances and did you know that they still use the Scripture at John 1:1 from the Johannes Greber translation who was a spiritualist and consultant the spirit world for a Scriptural translation of the bible. His wife was a full on psychic medium who used to help him with his translation. The organisation credited him in the green bible. But in the 2013 silver bible although the GB use the same translation, they won't credit Johannes Greber. But they definitely use it and the definitely know who he is. They know exactly what they are doing

    • @richbaker7187
      @richbaker7187 Год назад

      @@ronhansen8471 Warning people about trolls like yourself who attack those that leave your cult; the ones with enough courage to give up their entire socio-economic environment due to the oppression of the watchtower cult known as Jehovah's Witnesses. You know, that organization that relocates child molesters to a different congregation, rather than turning them into the police. You know, the organization that protects child molesters by telling the victims that they need 2 witnesses before they can take any action.
      I take it your are one of those cult trolls? Yes?
      You wouldn't know the Truth if He slapped you in the face. The Truth isn't an organization, it's a person. He told us He was the Truth, but I have NEVER heard a JW use that biblical term used in conjunction with Jesus Himself. A JW will never say "in Christ". The only time they get close is when they add the term "union with" between them. But hey, JWs are notorious for adding words to the Bible anyway; try reading Colossians 1:15-16 in ANY "other" bible. Pun intended.

    • @rustanddust5524
      @rustanddust5524 Год назад

      @@ronhansen8471may I ask what you mean when you say “leave the truth”? How do you personally go about determining what is true?

    • @ronhansen8471
      @ronhansen8471 Год назад

      @@rustanddust5524 (John 8:32) and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And the apostle John, who by inspiration described events “in the Lord’s day,” envisioned ‘an angel flying in midheaven having everlasting good news to declare’-in effect, overseeing the global spread of the Kingdom message by Jehovah’s earthly servants.-Revelation 1:10; 14:6. The lords day began when Jesus Christ was inaugurated as king in 1914
      Even though the bible was written for all people only a few will be given God's spirit required to understand it. It is all about the heart. (Matthew 11:25) At that time Jesus said in response: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children.

  • @kenmayo7974
    @kenmayo7974 Год назад +6

    Two of the best Men I know and can call as a friend!

  • @christinesotelo7655
    @christinesotelo7655 Год назад +14

    I was not born in JWs but the years we spent in it accelerated our young naive lives into what culminated into a “blowing apart” of our whole family and that included loss of friends when I was disfellowshipped and shunned for my doubts. It’s hard to believe now, that back in the 70’s I was so young and naive, we never heard of a Governing Body or an organization of any kind. It was simply: Jehovah says this or that. Period. WT was a “Society” and one would state it is not a religion but a way of life. Now, to realize it IS a huge Industry (Printing) or Organization like any “worldly” business Inc or Organization like Chain Nursing Homes or the Mortuary business or anything else just amazes me. It has nothing at all to do with God and yet people are willing to die for a Business. Amazing. 😢

  • @Bonesinbloom
    @Bonesinbloom Год назад +17

    Great interview, guys!

  • @itsjustme6315
    @itsjustme6315 Год назад +6

    Thank you both so much for this truly encouraging video! It helps this PIMO see there's light at the end of the tunnel! Both of your voices are so calm and easy to listen to. Thank you so much for all you're doing! THR Liberati is so needed! No doubt every state could benefit like minded ones to ESCAPE and THRIVE OUTSIDE OF THIS CULT!

  • @justinisbecoming
    @justinisbecoming 3 месяца назад +1

    I want to start by giving a huge thank you for your channel-it gave me the courage to create my own. I recently left the religion during the pandemic, came out as gay, lost everyone in the process, yet I’ve never been happier. I’d love to collaborate with you in some way. I believe this religion is harming people, and together, we could help educate and maybe even save lives.

  • @moonsong9472
    @moonsong9472 Год назад +6

    Wow! What a fantastic and interesting interview. Appreciate your honesty and integrity. Great interview style demonstrated too. Well done and thank you to both of you. Greetings from Aus.

  • @cultytalk
    @cultytalk Год назад +4

    What a nice, level-headed, kind person. Thank you both. Appreciate this very much.

  • @joeseppi1584
    @joeseppi1584 Год назад +6

    I really enjoyed your conversation Falling and Dan!
    Ex JW here who left because I now believe in evolution and feel that the leadership of the witnesses completely misrepresented the theory. After comming to that conclusion I could just never be a witness again. I was disfellowshiped and had every intention of returning, but now that is not the case.

  • @christinesotelo7655
    @christinesotelo7655 Год назад +5

    Oh yes you are so right about life moving forward and the joy of having friends with differing opinions. Oh what a wonderful world!

  • @felixvelo
    @felixvelo Год назад +16

    The organization will never back down from there stance regarding blood transfusion to the the fact that they would be sued out of existence. This stance has been and continues to be criminal.

    • @ericthuesen1
      @ericthuesen1 Год назад

      There’s a legal limit to “New Light”? 😮

  • @DY2784
    @DY2784 Год назад +8

    👋🏼Enjoy your perspective much. Thanks 👍🏼

  • @keithburton3713
    @keithburton3713 Год назад +15

    Great interview !!! Hi Daniel so glad you got out of this evil cult . Now you can live a happy, moral, spiritual life without the watchtower. The organization is losing members in droves. Mostly due to shunning. I wouldn’t be surprised if new light comes out, and they do away with shunning.😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @prenticedarlington2720
    @prenticedarlington2720 Год назад +8

    The world would be a better place were it filled with recovered ex-jws, like yourselves. Nice conversation.

  • @UKS12345
    @UKS12345 Год назад +12

    I agree that all elders should report csa to authorities because it’s not only concerning protection to the cong but also to schools and community

  • @gigiandino745
    @gigiandino745 Год назад +10

    Hi Matt, thanks for your email and for sharing your thoughts with me. I am still in the beginning stages and this video is super helpful ❤. You are the best! I will keep you updated as I continue to make progress in letting go of the JW personality. Daniel, I can't thank you enough for your sincere words of wisdoms and transparency in all you are doing. With much love and greatfull heart. Gigi

  • @rodywithers3536
    @rodywithers3536 Год назад +5

    What an absolutely illuminating interview. Thank you guys. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @eyeswideopen8570
    @eyeswideopen8570 Год назад +5

    Great interview!

  • @DY2784
    @DY2784 Год назад +6

    Great conversation/interview!👍🏼🥰

  • @DavidMalenki
    @DavidMalenki 10 месяцев назад +1

    I was like, why do I recognize this guy and his voice, til I scrolled and saw him with the mustache on Lloyd’s channel and it clicked lol. It’s so nice seeing these men who are just open, honest, mild mannered men, both of you, who aren’t crazy, angry, cynical people who just want to control others. Today my family found out that I want out and the way they flipped on me so easily and quickly was really a let down. I wasn’t surprised but I was disappointed. And the thing is, I’m not broken or depressed. I feel like I have my life ahead of me. They tell me I’m being controlled but I’ve never felt more free in my life. I asked my twin, ‘Is someone giving you permission as a grown man to grow your facial hair not control?’ No response lol. They’re told how to think and are so willing to immediately reject those who leave as untrustworthy “apostates” when we’re just regular people. Wow, I said we. Crazy

  • @haan3549
    @haan3549 Год назад +2

    This was great!!! Thank you both!!

  • @TrironyCyprus
    @TrironyCyprus Год назад +2

    Thanks for sharing ❤

  • @jrojala
    @jrojala Год назад +3

    Great interview, thanks for sharing

  • @Digidab
    @Digidab Год назад +4

    Like to hear this interview ..thank You !

  • @dawnbehatin1224
    @dawnbehatin1224 Год назад +6

    Nice interview ❤

  • @XYZ-ft7vf
    @XYZ-ft7vf Год назад +1

    Such an amazing and incredible conversation, and how trauma has been turned into a way to help others process the questions, the alienation and the soul searching that takes place continuously. ❤❤❤❤ to you all!!!

  • @wardified8566
    @wardified8566 11 месяцев назад

    Tremendous insight. These interviews and videos make the difference the world needs. Thank you!

  • @michaelcorder1250
    @michaelcorder1250 Год назад +5

    Great Work!!!❤

  • @mebestlife888
    @mebestlife888 Год назад +6

    🌴🌺 I had came back and is a reactivated publisher. My one brother who works remotely with bethel has yet to call me.
    My mom calls me more since becoming active again. My point is Love is love and they preach this and it has no limitations. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do or don’t do. They have proven to me the love they speak of is if you’re a JW.
    My children aren’t JW’s and I didn’t fully raise them to be in the organization and our Love is like no other.
    I will continue to pray for clarity. My mom hid my being molested from the elders. That was a big reason why I left and came back 30 years later to see if I could do this. Now I’m convinced I’m not crazy but very bright, intelligent and happy all the years without being molded into this if you answer at a meeting or preach you look better to all and more blessings will come.
    It’s a lot! Thank you for all your transparency ❤🙏

  • @leticiaramirez7668
    @leticiaramirez7668 Год назад +9

    Love you guys, thanks for sharing

  • @valeriecraig7571
    @valeriecraig7571 3 месяца назад

    Late to this watch, but love this interview! I truly believe that many in 'good standing' have questions and doubts' . Just trust that you will be okay if you leave! Im living proof!!!

  • @lorimckimmy6868
    @lorimckimmy6868 Год назад

    One of the most kind, “approachable” videos on broaching the subject of the JW cult! ❤

  • @daviddixon8778
    @daviddixon8778 7 месяцев назад +1

    I was there in the Jarecz, booth, barber era. 1984-1995 I was there for ten years. and an elder. It was right after the Franz shakeup...

  • @kathiewalli8746
    @kathiewalli8746 Год назад +1

    Amazing video 🙏

  • @cynthiacarey-will973
    @cynthiacarey-will973 Год назад +3

    The cult has brainwashed them so much they are afraid to trust anything. God is not like a cult. He shows love and gives us the freedom to choose him without man law. He is faithful and just

  • @sunnyeyes522
    @sunnyeyes522 Год назад +2

    I feel I heard your story in my nephew. He was not prepared. In order for you to learn the process I feel brung worldly then coming to the organization it more gratifying. Being raised in the organization id too robotin thing for ne.

  • @TheAlyssa21marie
    @TheAlyssa21marie Год назад

    Pausing at 40:50 to say THANK YOU for putting into words how I feel

  • @cosmiclove2795
    @cosmiclove2795 9 месяцев назад

    You guys are so brave. Thanks for your generosity.

  • @piccola2920
    @piccola2920 Год назад +2

    I remember him 😊

  • @KYYankey
    @KYYankey Год назад

    Just found your channel. Love it.

  • @Sarah19604
    @Sarah19604 7 месяцев назад

    I appreciate your work on this channel. I have been talking with JW ladies that knocked on my door a few months ago. Your questions to ask them have been so helpful and I pray that these questions will put a stone in their shoes. I had no idea about their doctrine and your channel has been helpful in getting into the meat of their doctrine and what they believe that is different from historical Christianity. That “Bible study” book they use does not talk about their doctrines and I could imagine many people could be deceived by it because they use the same words that Christians use, but when pressed, you can see they have completely different understanding and definitions.

  • @michelleiversen6293
    @michelleiversen6293 Год назад +2

    What a beautiful soul love❤

  • @jeanniejewel2272
    @jeanniejewel2272 Год назад +8

    The nine governing body members belong in prison due to all who have died from the man made no excepting blood rule. Thank you both for this informative video.

  • @reynagold
    @reynagold Год назад +2

    I'm catholic trying to understand why my stepdaughter joined JW. It's confusing when you refer to things as letters like csa, hc etc. But thanks for sharing your story. Gave me lots of insight on how JW works.

    • @rodriguez6196
      @rodriguez6196 9 месяцев назад

      It's true Christianity, Jehovah's people are the only religion on earth that follows what the Bible teaches. Catholics are part of alse religion and they go against what the Bible teaches.

  • @barbtwining7650
    @barbtwining7650 Год назад +5

    Imagine I used to think that Bethel HLC had elders on there that were people acquainted with medicine, not just some guy who has as much knowledge about medicine as I do. What a bill of goods we were sold. It must have so difficult for him to do a job he was so ill equipped for.

  • @tibbles2647
    @tibbles2647 Год назад +3

    Thankyou both really enjoyed this interview. Just had to make the awful decision to go back to meetings. It’s for my wife she’s a pimo but I feel sorry for her going on her own to meetings and being asked stupid questions like ‘has your husband left you?. I love her and going to join her as a pimo. My pimi days are over for now😢😢

    • @tibbles2647
      @tibbles2647 Год назад +1

      I mean my pomo days are over for now. These acrynins are confusing 😊

  • @TheAlyssa21marie
    @TheAlyssa21marie Год назад

    I relate to the grieving/anger process that comes from “waking up “

  • @Angell_Lee
    @Angell_Lee Год назад +1

    Thank you so much, amazing interview and host! I've checked out Liberati and I couldn't find the section to Donate/Support, is that available for us to do so? Would gladly like to support :)

  • @theoriginalwaterbaby
    @theoriginalwaterbaby Год назад +8

    Wow. Amazing. The intricacy and current relevance of Daniel's various Bethel experiences is wonderful! 🥰
    Then ... to have covered so much personal transformation ground in only 2 or 2 1/2 years is blowing my mind - my head is almost literally exploding, trying to make sense of it! 😱 😳 Inspiring! 🎉
    Thank you, both, for sharing this conversation with us. I relate to the Sanderson experiences, the reassignment tales, the growing sense that "this just ain't t right", as the org's focus and expressions became increasingly legalistic, illogical, and materialistic. 😢
    The messages to ones struggling and to friends and family, what a great and thoughtful way to conclude. This is helping me now, and is a 💝 I hope to imitate someday.
    I have a hundred questions and comments ... which wiil be held back until another time lolll!! 😄

  • @janmarie63
    @janmarie63 6 месяцев назад

    I really enjoyed listening to your story. I’ve been out now for over 30 years after spending 15 years as a zealous publisher for the WTS. I’ve only just started watching uTube videos of ex Witnesses as I’m trying to help a very unhappy Witness break free. I was so fortunate in that I had a Damascus Road experience with Jesus Christ in February 1988 which catapulted me out of there faster than you can say ‘religious cult’. I just new that I knew that I knew that Jesus Christ was far more than the WTS claimed him to be. I’ve been a very happy Christian ever since and have had a great life. My old friends in the Org are still there with their children and grandchildren despite my efforts to reach them over the years. I’m so glad many people are leaving - I’m not surprised after learning of the ‘overlapping generations’ doctrine’. I’ve noticed too that they are becoming more ‘user friendly’ these days, singing about Jesus more and letting them dress more casually. Thank you for what you are doing to help people break free.

  • @johnalexander4940
    @johnalexander4940 Год назад +2

    They've Upgraded 😂 from Watched to Falling Tower. ❤

  • @jennaeoconnor4910
    @jennaeoconnor4910 8 месяцев назад

    This video blew my mind. I left 27 years ago in a crisis state and was very alone (This was before social media😂). I tenderly navigated a life created from scratch at 21, with zero support or history or practical life knowledge, having been raised in that weird toxic bubble. At 47 I am just now revisiting what happened. People ask me what it was like being raised a JW or leaving it, and I have honestly never had the words to express the trauma. You are both so articulate and well spoken. You explain everything so clearly. Thank you for sharing. I’m not on social media because it’s been my only way to ‘punish’ those JWs who hurt me. My feeling is that, I’m dead to them, so I’m not going to post my life publicly for them to creep through. They don’t deserve to know me. If you have a way to reach out to me that doesn’t involve FB or X or Insta… please do.

    • @TheFallingTower
      @TheFallingTower  8 месяцев назад

      Not sure if this was directed to Daniel or myself, but you can shoot me an email at thefallingtower1914@gmail.com

  • @JoJoDelBosque
    @JoJoDelBosque Год назад +1

    My mother is a JW. I grew up in it, but I did not become one. My mother has an elder from her congregation as her medical power of attorney. She barely knows this man. I, her daughter, am a registered nurse. Yet, she has a stranger elected to make choices regarding her survival if she’s unable to make decisions. When I asked her why she would not have me as her MPOA, she said, “He would make sure they wouldn’t give me blood, and I don’t know if you would do that.” 😳

  • @jovialbivouacker99
    @jovialbivouacker99 Год назад +3

    I’m assuming HLC stands for Hospital Liaison Committee? I’ve been out of the cult since 1991 and have since had a surgery in which I was asked to sign a form in the event that I needed a blood transfusion. I remember signing the form with such a huge sense of freedom and an immense smile on my face!😊
    It turns out that I did require 16 pints of blood! It’s been over ten years since my surgery, and I haven’t had any negative repercussions from the transfusion.
    Thank you for this informative video. Hopefully, more people will wake up to the destructive nature of the Watchtower Cult! I wonder how much sooner I would have exited the cult if I would have had RUclips and social media?🤔

  • @simplifiedlife8607
    @simplifiedlife8607 Год назад +5

    I enjoyed the interview. I was in for 45 years, so glad to be out. I am surprised so many ex-jw's turn to Athiesm/agnosticism, but can understand being disillusioned after being in the jw cult. I'm grateful to have discovered Christian universalism (ultimate reconciliation), biblical allegory, and the Creator's gradual revealing of himself.

    • @robertmardis2110
      @robertmardis2110 Год назад +1

      Same for me....I never lost my faith in Christ....I finally feel I have a relationship with him

  • @SueHagen1
    @SueHagen1 Год назад +6

    I know you guys both left because you were bright enough to see “the truth”. Many are not.

  • @kathryna6370
    @kathryna6370 Год назад +10

    It’s interesting that your in-laws encouraged your wife to separate from you. They don’t even encourage separation of women being abused. I’m glad you’re out!

  • @yaelisme
    @yaelisme Год назад +2

    I’m just curious to know what you do believe in now? Thank you.

  • @sallydobrinski7648
    @sallydobrinski7648 11 месяцев назад +1

    I just found your channel , i grew up jw, and was extremely abused by my witness stepfather who was an elder annnd a member of the anointed. I feel so weird seeing another jw who nolonger is one. My mother was disfellowshipped for leaving an abusive husband and the congregation stuck by him. Grrrr

  • @Descobridor00
    @Descobridor00 8 месяцев назад +1

    Have you read the book by Raymond Franz, former member of the governing body? The book is called: Crisis of conscience.

  • @LearningToFly1000
    @LearningToFly1000 11 месяцев назад

    Amazing person! Fallen in love with his pure honesty. Any socials ww can follow Daniel ?

  • @Sportliveonline
    @Sportliveonline Год назад +9

    The idea that an elder has a special pedigree or special knowledge is a fallacy

  • @andreabergin3959
    @andreabergin3959 Год назад +1

    Daniel, are you related to Mike and Judy Graves in KY? I was a childhood friend of Judy, and spent a lot of visiting time with her around Brooklyn Bethel just before I became a Christian and was disfellowshipped in 1974.

  • @annabizaro-doo-dah
    @annabizaro-doo-dah Год назад +1

    Off topc so sorry, but may i ask everyone, where is our hosts accent from please? Its a wonderful accent!

  • @Sportliveonline
    @Sportliveonline Год назад +2

    My question would be where does God come into all this controversy

  • @cptswann
    @cptswann 2 месяца назад +1

    The organization is a hot mess, but I don't see anywhere else to go. Why can't we work together to fix what's wrong instead of picking up and leaving? Joel 2:13-14 tells me Jehovah was absolutely expecting his people to be screwing up this badly by this point and they would need to get straight with Him before the end.

  • @jokich6379
    @jokich6379 Год назад +12

    Apostasy can mean greater truth.

  • @desireewelvaert494
    @desireewelvaert494 2 месяца назад

    Wow. Guys, thank you for telling the truth.
    I am now being called " Apostate". All I did, was leave. I told the truth about my (ex) who confessed to sexually molesting my child, and he not only confessed to myself, but he confessed to two Elders! But he was promoted to Elder, and then Congregational Overseer. I warned the people who's child I would see him stroking in the parking lot. I was threatened with being sued in court for slander, and told I would be disfellowshipped. I wrote a ten page letter in anger, to every congregation including the Workd headquarters. The letters were never answered, and some were returned unanswered.
    My poor daughter would be called " liar", and I couldn't understand the evil perpetuated by the people I felt were so loving and Godly.
    I miss the 30 years that I was not " woke".
    Glad God called me out of the organization of J.W.'s, and now I keep the 7th day Holy Sabbath weekly. I am alone. Completely alone. Have no church, or community. Covid hit right after I got out of the K.Hall.
    Very cool to see your videos!
    I'm not as alone.
    🌺

  • @annakat3754
    @annakat3754 Год назад +4

    I've had the opposite experience. Leaving caused me the absolute worst experience of my life. I hated it. The friendships I made outside of the truth were superficial and insincere. So I am a PIMO in many ways. There are things I don't like per say. But nothing is detrimental. Leaving for me was irrational. It didn't bring me happiness. It brought me more isolation than I ever felt in the org.

    • @vestland3877
      @vestland3877 4 месяца назад +1

      Its because you dont know how the regular world works.
      It will get better.

    • @annakat3754
      @annakat3754 4 месяца назад +1

      @@vestland3877 Nope. The world is a gross place.

    • @vestland3877
      @vestland3877 4 месяца назад +1

      @@annakat3754 I find it wonderful. I joined clubs. I done alot of charity.
      I traveled around the world.
      Met wonderful people and made REAL friends.
      You and me have to be honest.
      Jw are not real friends.
      The moment you have issues they trow you under the bus.

    • @Mercipher21
      @Mercipher21 3 месяца назад

      ​@@annakat3754 Agreed. I've been inactive for 7 years and there are a lot of things I miss, but there are some things that I just can't reconcile in my heart and mentally to where I could go back. (Not related to any of the teachings or anything like that. More personal experience type things)

    • @annakat3754
      @annakat3754 3 месяца назад +1

      @@Mercipher21 Same for me was it was moreso the personal experiences that drove me away. But while out, I realized that it wasn't the org or Jah or anything related to that which led me away. Nothing in life is perfect. Yes there are some accepted beliefs I don't wholeheartedly agree with. But I've learnd I don't have to buy into everything. That's not what the bible teaches. It teaches us to test things out for ourselves and to draw our own conclusions. The gov body and elder are merely guides. They aren't Jesus. They aren't perfect.

  • @stoobpendous
    @stoobpendous Год назад +1

    What the hell does anthropology have to do with blood transfusions?

    • @danielgraves4947
      @danielgraves4947 Год назад +5

      The material I was required to read eventually lead me to articles by anthropologists regarding medical conditions and anthropological biology.

    • @stoobpendous
      @stoobpendous Год назад +1

      ​@danielgraves4947 Wow. That's almost right up there with sending bethelites to Law School. If they're compelling you to get such in depth education, the GB is just asking for bethelites to wake up.

  • @estebanterrazas5324
    @estebanterrazas5324 Год назад +7

    I am a therapist and if you men feel you need help. I would gladly assist pro bono.

  • @Sportliveonline
    @Sportliveonline Год назад +2

    Most obvious question would be ~~# How do you know whats written in the Bible is true in the first place should be a presidence before you get in the fear cycle

  • @1TheNews
    @1TheNews Год назад +1

    Oh yes, lawyers should definitely spend their time scanning documents.

  • @QuëstionšnÅňşwęŕż
    @QuëstionšnÅňşwęŕż Год назад

    For a certainty records of individuals who have been accused of or been involved in sexual cases.
    I was pulled in the back room and was asked about my girl friend from over 20 years ago who was 16 years old. I was 18 at the time and she was my girlfriend.
    I was told they were looking to get rid of records and they just wanted to confirm there was no sex abuse of minor children which there wasn't.
    I also explained I had consent of her parents to date this girl. We dated for over a year. She eventually cheated on me and decided to go for a new guy. But yeah they pulled me in the back room and confessed there were records and they confirmed there were no actual sex abuse of minors and then they were going to delete those records.

  • @compositioncompilation
    @compositioncompilation Год назад +1

    Thing is..l never realised gaps were there..and the reason for them.
    Ezekiels temple vision and John's too at rev 11...are very relevant.
    Rev 16:13&14 instructions being implemented to gather the opposing nations to Armageddon .
    (Includes use of lies.)

    • @compositioncompilation
      @compositioncompilation Год назад

      Profound thought..
      Those claiming to love a triune God yet go to war are liars..they cannot both claim to love God yet hate their brother..that makes them liars.

  • @Easydoesit101
    @Easydoesit101 8 месяцев назад +1

    Just found you and New Subscriber, very Conversational and Informative, I was in the Cult from 1958, it’s my Mothers Religion after an abusive Marriage, we were Catholic my Mom studied and took the bait…I got Baptized in 1967, because the End was coming 1975…. I was PIMO, I meet a PIMO Girl and married now 50 years, I was an elder, I had a huge Disagreement with the CO, after Walking out on him over the 2 witness rule, what 5 year old girl getting F’d by a Witness, what other girl is witnessing it….after calling him every name in the Book….Free at Last, Free at Last. Get out of her my people….

  • @MsFreedom62
    @MsFreedom62 11 месяцев назад

    What exactly is "Bethel?" I'm not sure what this means. I know what the word Bethel means but when associated with JW I am confused. Thank you

    • @rodriguez6196
      @rodriguez6196 9 месяцев назад

      Bethel is headquarters of Jehovah's organization. It's where they make all the literature, videos , ECT

  • @ronwillan3179
    @ronwillan3179 Год назад +1

    👍👍

  • @melanienolan1555
    @melanienolan1555 Год назад +2

    I'm not sure if I heard him correctly but he said he is a Agnostic Athiest ? That would be very sad.

  • @Sportliveonline
    @Sportliveonline Год назад +1

    As far as it depends on you go make peace with your brother Romans 12 v 18

  • @Mercipher21
    @Mercipher21 3 месяца назад

    I think the difficulty with the blood issue is that, outside of the JW belief surrounding blood, that there are also medical risks associated with taking blood. So even from just strictly a medical risk perspective, any type of bloodless procedures and bloodless surgery, are worth looking in to as options when appropriate.
    Great conversation guys

  • @teedubb2010
    @teedubb2010 7 месяцев назад +1

    One thing I’ve learned in my search is that NO ONE is more obsessed with JWs more than EX-JWs

    • @vestland3877
      @vestland3877 4 месяца назад +2

      Its because they want to warn others from the lie & scam.

  • @chewonthis...
    @chewonthis... Год назад +4

    I'm curious, it seems most of you that have faded or disassociated, seem to end up being agnostic. I was disfellowshipped way back in 1983, but I've always maintained that there is a God and his name is Jehovah.
    So, where does that leave me in the mix? My associations are all non-JWs and I am not affiliated with any other religion. I still do not except blood when I undergo surgery.

    • @jenniferm6141
      @jenniferm6141 Год назад +1

      Try looking on JW facts about the blood . It may save your life .

    • @missdonner1271
      @missdonner1271 Год назад

      they abandoned me....what a shock! lol....i still believe in jehovah, jesus and the holy spirit as taught by the jws....but i dont believe in the org...anymore.....i look at world events and i believe the end is coming as the bible states....i dont believe they are the channel being used to guide anyone.....Jehovah knows who everyone is .....He knows the score on everything and will provide justice for us.....he doesnt need them as His middlemen.....

    • @molalivapulu5515
      @molalivapulu5515 8 месяцев назад

      Another valid point you've raised. I still believe there is a Creator Jehovah, son of God Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
      I don't belong to a religion, but I am a spiritual person.
      Protecting my well being by filtering out the info I listen to.
      Love is love.
      I still would not accept blood (evidence based)

    • @mdf1958
      @mdf1958 7 месяцев назад

      boggles my mind how you can believe in a creator then swap that for evolution.

  • @cynthiacarey-will973
    @cynthiacarey-will973 Год назад +1

    Didn’t the witnesses teach about MEISM. SAD but the cult still leaves a lot of them in prison….afraid of everything but themselves