The Purpose Of This Web Site

"Whether it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves. But as for us, we can not stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard." 

- ACTS 4:19-20 New World Translation

With the words above, the apostles Peter and John clearly established that they were liable to a higher authority than that of the ecclesiastical system of their day. Scripture as well as secular history reveal that in the face of religious persecution and martyrdom, first century Christians were determined to speak boldly about their new-found faith in the risen Christ. 

Today, untold thousands are showing a similar courage with Christian freedom and conscience the issues. Many cannot conscientiously promote some of the Watchtower's unique teachings, nor can they passively follow its vacillating doctrinal course. As a result, their good names have been besmirched - labels such as "apostate" and "antichrist" have been affixed to them resulting in a systematic shunning of life-long friends and associates.  (see former members) In many cases the family circle is irreparably severed leaving the excommunicated abandoned and highly disoriented. 

Yet, how does this painful process take place? To effectively answer that question, one needs to appreciate the current dynamic of the Jehovah's Witness community and the policies that govern it. 

The Watchtower Society demands a lock-step doctrinal conformity of its members. Therefore, when a Jehovah’s Witness has questions, sincere doubts or simply discontinues to believe a unique Watchtower teaching, there is little he can do without fear of congregational or social reprisals.

Should the witness simply mention his differences in private conversation with his friends or family, such a course is often construed as evidence of a desire to "promote a sect" or "apostatize." He runs a similar risk should he mention such things in confidence to an elder of the congregation. 

It’s important to note, however, that to be considered an "apostate" in the Jehovah’s Witness community, one need not promote one’s divergent beliefs, but simply persist in believing something outside the pale of established Watchtower dogma. 

Once a Jehovah’s Witness is officially accused of "apostasy," he is then summoned to a "judicial hearing" chaired by three elders. These elders function as prosecuting lawyers for the accuser and the Watchtower Society, and act as judge and jury as well. In short, far from meeting the biblical standard of justice, the Watchtower Society's judiciary system would not be permitted in any enlightened country as it perfectly mirrors the mechanics of the star chamber courts popular in England in the 1600s. (see Judicial Page)

If the accused is found holding beliefs divergent from those published by the Watchtower Society, a public announcement of disfellowshipment or "disassociation" is made to the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. No reason is furnished regarding the cause of the excommunication which in many cases results in a torrent of gossip. From that point forward, the former Jehovah’s Witness is shunned by all his friends and in some cases, family. Because witnesses are encouraged to nurture friendships solely within the parameters of the Watchtower membership, the disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witness can find himself completely friendless, living in a lonely, isolated and silent world. 

The purpose of this multi-lingual site is to give both former and current Jehovah’s Witnesses a platform to recount their personal experiences with the religious organization known as the Watchtower, Bible and Tract Society. It is meant as a constructive outlet to a voice-less, maligned and much misunderstood community. It is our sincere hope that this public forum will effectuate policy changes and reform in the Watchtower Society resulting in more freedom of expression among the Watchtower's rank and file. 

It is not our intention to offend or actively hinder the work of  Jehovah's Witnesses.  To the contrary, we firmly believe in both freedom of worship and freedom of speech. We submit, however, that these freedoms are not the sole province of the religious elite, those who set themselves up as lords over their brothers. Contrarily, we believe that such freedom should be shared and enjoyed by all who appropriate the name Christian, that all are brothers and one is Lord..

The scope of this web site is not to present an exhaustive analysis of Jehovah' witness doctrine as much as it is to weigh the Watchtower's claim to divine prerogatives in light of scripture, secular history and the Watchtower's history. We contend that salvation is found in the person of Jesus Christ and not by unquestioningly following the teachings of an aggregate of men who claim to represent him as a unique channel of communication between God and mankind.

As lovers of truth we seek to be objective and fair.  Where Watchtower publications are quoted, we have included complete footnote references so the reader can verify the truthfulness of each assertion made. By providing transcripts of closed-door judicial committee meetings, we endeavor to educate Jehovah’s Witnesses and the overall public on the strong-arm tactics employed behind the Watchtower curtain. Through personal testimonies we seek to reveal the devastating consequences that result from the unscriptural and inhumane practice of shunning. To this same end, we have included illuminative articles on the Watchtower's history, teachings and unchristian organizational policies that continue to cause heartache and pain to countless innocent families. 

In short, our mission is to act as a dignified, balanced and truthful voice for a community that has been silenced - a community that is a victim of modern-day religious intolerance.

For a more comprehensive understanding of Watchtower doctrine, please visit their official web site:

 http://www.watchtower.org