Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult?

[@universeworld1782]

Thank you Stacy! I have managed to share you podcasts with active JW'S including my wife who is physically out but mentally in POMI, and she agreed with your podcast as she began making comment's showing she was fully absorbed in your research since it came from their own publications! I am currently sharing with other active JW'S and they have not blocked me or shunned me as of yet. Some never greet me but as of yet they have not cut me off their email in boxes. They are listening even thanking me at times as thousands are becoming awakened. 😮

[@beautyRest1]

Good for you! But be careful! It’s only a matter of time!! One day someone may forward it to an elder and that’s it!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Wow, thank you for sharing universe!!! I truly appreciate people listening and hope beyond hope that it helps!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

good advice!@@beautyRest1

[@lawrencestoll6287]

You are so easy to follow and listen to. You're smooth, logical, and have a good sense of humor. You are also easy to fact check.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Wow, thank you so much Lawrence, kind remarks!

[@allandahma4825]

I was expecting you to talk about the recent governing body changes, but I have to say what you said was more important. It’s the cold hard truth that everyone indoctrinated by this cult needs to hear!! As always thank you Stacey 🙏🙏🙏

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you!! I need a week to digest these 'new changes'.....next Monday....game on!! ;)

[@youcanthandlethetruth2655]

I was like 20 21 when RHS first came out. I had my own business and i cleaned a couple of movie theaters. One of them was showing the RHS movie. I would go in the morning and had to clean up all the hot dogs,pop corn, garbage that was all over the floor... and this went on for weeks n weeks.... as a young innocent JW that i was, didn't know what was going on. So one night i went to the theater around midnight and the owner let me go in and see what all the craziness was..... wow, could not believe my eyes!!!! I saw it a few times, can't remember how many? But i do remember Susan Sarandan, who starred in this flick looking fantastic. What an experience. Thx stacy

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I LOVE this story!!! LOL, you must have been totally weirded out! We were shielded from these movies.....that is hilarious!!

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

*Cult* = A small unpopular religion. *Religion* = A large popular cult.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I completely agree ;)

[@hearstboy]

I like the mutually recursive definitions 😂

[@hustonmices3976]

Your last 2 podcast has sent chills down my spine. Stacy you are getting too good at this sir!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Wow, thank you so much for saying that!!

[@JexitPodcast]

My second best friend in the whole world had an aunt in the Branch Davidians who died at Wako. After I left the org, she told me that she knew all along that the JWs were a cult and that she worried about me constantly because of it.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WOW Riley!!!! That's wild! What a connection....and everyone here: go check out Riley's new podcast!!!

[@kewlleleven9771]

Thank you so much for your outstanding job.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you, that is so kind!!

[@ranles1]

The thing about being in a cult is you don’t realize you were in one until you’re out.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

VERY important statement!!!

[@Sad_Monkey]

It was actually the actor Tim Cury. My mother became inactive in the 80's and I went to midnight showings with my high school friends many times.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you for correcting me....I blew that!!! CURRY.....good catch!

[@queen_of_flatulence]

This came at the best time! I was bored AF

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, I hope I entertained you!

[@asherasky8147]

Yes I've attended that show way back in the mid nineties, dressed up and everything. Thanks for bringing that memory back😊

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I love it!!!! It was crazy times....fun!!

[@DY2784]

Clear as can be... A true Cult indeed...👍

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

....and in their own words!

[@universeworld1782]

Yes Patty Hurst we were all lead to believe she was 😮kidnapped and her life in danger, then pictures of her robbing a bank surfaced that she had been indoctrinated by her captives. The term "Yellow Journalism" became permanently attached to the Hurst Dynasties. And in the early 80's I was influenced to take a tour of Hurst Castle with my then older Girl friend who was a personal Secretary of the Dean of Palo Alto University! Freshly disfellowshipped in 1980 I was exploring life and my own personality. 😮which eventually led me to be reinstated. But I never was aware JW'S were a Cult until late 2022 I woke up saying to myself "Oh My God" I belong to a Cult and began education myself, some say critical thinking 🤔 😮😢 I was oh my god I have been blinded by the Truth Book! My all time favorite book!!!😢😮

[@linvest8466]

In 2022 what was it about the organization that made you come to realize that you were in a cult, the fact that they pressured members to take the Covid shot?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Amazing story!!!! Very few remember that whole storyline! The castle is incredible isn't it? I'm so glad you broke free....it's a huge journey

[@Bigworld-rl]

Thank you! Appreciate you. Excellent as always!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you for being here! ;)

[@Digidab]

Again a interesting topic ... Thank You !

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you!

[@universeworld1782]

I feel sad 😢as I was pretty much in denial for almost 50 years. But then I viewed cults as something that was outright Saran worship. As A Jehovah's Witness since early 70, I was very ignorant because I was taught you listen not question or critically think as higher education was very bad.😮 The Truth Book is what I studied and I can tell you there was an awakening when I hit the subject that when one dies that person does not have a spirit that goes to heaven or hell. 😮

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

You can question anything before you get baptized, but question anything after you are baptized and you are dead meat!

[@beautyRest1]

Me too, hot baptized in 1970 woke up over 50 years later, ! What is your story? What woke you up?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

We came from the same generation!!!

[@Mattheosgirlie2]

Thanks dude needed this tonight

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks for being here!

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

4. "Sex Cults: Because everyone loves an all you can eat buffet and sex is popular." Imagine my disappointment when I realized I was baptized into the wrong cult (JW).

[@DarthMagog]

Right? All these fun cults and we get born into the one that even the Mormons call boring and creepy.

[@beautyRest1]

That’s funny!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL ME TOO!!!!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL!!@@DarthMagog

[@leogolive]

Now I feel even more cheated than I already did!🤣🤣🤣

[@damonrandall9844]

I don’t wanna sound like a critical jerk, but the actor you spoke of was Tim Curry not Burton. I know you meant to say that. I remember the midnight showings of Rocky Horror too. You and I are very close in age. A lot of things you talk about make me very nostalgic. This video is super awesome. Your research is sterling. The control the GB wields is scary! Especially when they say things like “obey us even it’s not sound or logical from a human standpoint.” Thanks for all your hard work Stacey!

[@dackjanielz]

I get goose bumps listening to Stacey, it's like he was sat next to me in every meeting 😅

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you for correcting me!! I totally blew that! LOL! CURRY!! Thank you for being here.....always correct me! ;)

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

You're far too kind, thanks for being here!@@dackjanielz

[@SallieB196]

One should never forget the first principle of the old KGB " Always accuse your enemy of exactly what you are doing "

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Excellent reminder!!!

[@kewlleleven9771]

😂😂😂 All you can eat BUFFET ehhhee eheee and Sex is POPULAR 😂😂😂😂. this is an epic video!! An outstanding research and yr spitting wisdom & knowledge. Thank you so very much 🙏.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, I'm out of control!!

[@leogolive]

45:39 “Nooo…couldn’t be….I’m uncomfortable”🤣🤣🤣

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, you get me!!!

[@leogolive]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Hey man even though we’re not witnesses anymore I bet you gave great talks!!!

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

It is my opinion that Watchtower's theological strategy is to deliberately be so self-contradictory that JWs have absolutely no idea what the organization actually teaches. That way, JWs just shut their mind off and believe whatever the doctrine du jour happens to be. Watchtower: _"In fact, the Scriptures advise against quickly believing someone who claims to have a special appointment from God."_ -- Daily Text, June 3, 2017 Also Watchtower: _"Respond to the directions of the organization as you would the voice of God."_ (w57 6/15 p.370) Watchtower: "Did Christ Jesus, who set our example and told us to follow his example to gain life, join any church organization in his day? No...Certainly *it is not necessary for a person to become a member of a church to gain everlasting life."* w53 3/1 p.143, par.12 Also Watchtower: "But Jehovah's servants already belong to the *only organization that will survive* the end of this wicked system of things." Watchtower 2007 Dec 15 p.14 "But if we were to draw away from *Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation* and true joy." Watchtower 1993 Sep 15 p.22 _"come to Jehovah's _*_organization_*_ [Watchtower] _*_for salvation."_* w81 Nov 15 p.21 Australian Royal Commission Attorney Mr. Stewart: "And do you see yourselves as Jehovah God's spokespeople on earth?" Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson: "That I think would seem to be quite *presumptuous to say that we are the only spokesperson God is using.* The scriptures clearly show that someone can act in harmony with God's spirit in giving comfort and help in the congregation." But Watchtower actually teaches, *"Is it presumptuous* of Jehovah’s Witnesses to point out that they alone have God’s backing? . . . The facts speak for themselves." w01 6/1 p.16, par. 17 "It is only logical that there would be *one true religion* . . .We do not hesitate to say that they are *Jehovah's Witnesses."* (Live Forever, p. 190)

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES!!! They blatantly do it....they've truly trapped everyone's mind with habitual gaslighting

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I especially enjoyed this episode, Stacy. I looked up the articles you referenced, and a couple of them (i.e. w1992)* were real doozies. Every paragraph was so filled with nonsense, especially in comparison to how the written points are so different from current WT theology, it was hard to keep all the points organized as to how to save them for future use. *I really appreciate that you include well-researched source material and quotes in your videos.* * WT is "directed by his spirit". The publications "came from God" and are "provided by God", all while the current GB claims to not be inspired and admits they err in doctrine.

[@manueltraverso4528]

It’s horrifying absolutely scary they get away with this

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Aside from the laughs, it's terrifying

[@HeatherHiller]

“What we do not question, controls us. What we question, frees us.” quote from Joseph Nguyen This stick out to me in a book of poems about our minds I recently read. So fitting for your podcast!!! Now being out of the cult, just the term “the truth” is clearly so culty!! Yep I was duped but so thankful to have left before my children were brainwashed! Thank you Stacy. I alway look forward to Mondays. Not for work 😂 but for your podcast.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I love that quote, thank you for sharing that!!

[@jefffoster6430]

Ah yes, Rocky horror, went to see it at 18, myself and 3 other guys from the local congregation, they lasted 10 minutes before they said they wanted to leave🤣 I thought it was hilarious and I didn't get to see the whole film until many years later! It is a brilliant movie and I've loved it ever since 😉

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, they probably went home and prayed all night!!!

[@melioratewithnate]

Thanks for another awesome video. I think it's great that you're using a bit of the public speaking skills you developed against them;) Too awesome when you think about it. If former members can break through the cognitive dissonance and fear of being labeled an apostate, they can make such awesome advocates to help expose the dangers of this cult

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

It's really hard to break those habits! I notice I sound like I'm giving a public talk at times.....turning lemons into lemonade!

[@melioratewithnate]

@survivingparadisepodcast Exactly what I was thinking, this guy gets a ...go into the ratings for a talk in the ministry school. LOL. You are among the best out there doing this. Thanks!

[@Jeron_Benton]

I just mentioned heavens gate in my latest video also!! lol 😂but good job as always 👏🏾

[@beautyRest1]

It’s truly amazing when JW’s describe their “enemies” , false religion, cults, apostates, it’s always as if they exactly describe themselves . It’s always “the others” never them, but yes, they are no cult😆😃😀 THANK YOU for another outstanding video!!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Isn't it EERY...it's an incredible dynamic.....they do it CONSTANTLY

[@pamelaecovert193]

I really like it when you laugh. Keep it up

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Pamela, it keeps me sane!

[@stoobpendous]

Likely your very best episode. ❤

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WOW, thank you so much!!!!

[@Sad_Monkey]

"I exploit you, you still love me, I tell you one and one makes three"

[@munch670]

You beat me to it😂

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

That covers it!

[@watchingthetower1281]

Do you have any videos on the topic: "A JW Funeral Service"?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I mention the funeral format in several episodes, but not one totally dedicated to the subject. As someone that gave those talks, it's terrible!!!

[@Sittingstraight12]

OMG!! We ALWAYS went to the midnight showing! It was weird, yet intriguing. When I see the word cult. I always thought Jim jones. People who can be easily manipulated manipulated by a group thought. NEVER did I think JW was a cult. Until I woke up.. from the cult.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I love it! I knew someone had to experience that thing! Jim Jones is the BIG one from my childhood too

[@deonsthumbring5511]

Another great video 👍👍👍

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you!!!

[@AlboGonzo-sb2tk]

Excellent Thank You

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you!!!

[@Gabby-er1sr]

During covid they had stickers on the floor with footprints on them ( six feet apart ) while standing in line I sang , " you take a jump to left , Let's do the time warp again " . Only the 50 plus girls got it ! 😅

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

NO WAY!!!! REALLY??? Epic!!!

[@CapoPhil1914]

Brother Stacey, I must say, I will give you a G on your use of illustrations. A fine job. Next week, let's work on Gestures.

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

He was gesturing. Invisibly.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Phil! I'll take the G over the W everyday ;)

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL LOL, that was FUNNY!@@adamantiumbullet9215

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I always dreaded getting the "WIG" on the school counsel form: Work Improved Good

[@StefWokeUp]

Another great one! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Stef, look forward to connecting with you!

[@kdrazalotg-usa6345]

I moved to the Mountains in Plumas County, from Marin, now am a couple hours away from Marin.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I love it! I still very much love Marin County!

[@K-Fred]

How do you spell your name? (Stacy Baughman sp?) What an excellent job and my favorite episode yet!!! Thank you

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Fred!!! Appreciate you being here! Baumann

[@elainevazquez7438]

ran away when I was in 8th grade and got to live with my "worldly" grandparents that let me run a muck! They let me go to Rocky Horror Picture Show!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I love it, those are great grandparents!!

[@beautyRest1]

Great!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Beauty!

[@cindyjohnson7883]

I DO! I DO! I DID! I DID!❤❤❤

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I LOVE IT!!!! Let's do the Time Warp....again!

[@blindovision]

I didn't even have to listen to this podcast. I just read the question answered yes and was done. Lol just kidding. Can't wait to hear the rest of it but just had to say that as a Joe.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, it's so true......30 second podcast lol

[@latinabruja4955]

I went to see RHS. Loved it so much

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Oh the memories, right??

[@DY2784]

👋🏼Cult + Time = Religion.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

100%

[@kevinhahn3286]

We went each week and dressed uo fir it

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Those were the days!!!

[@cindyjohnson7883]

😅😅😅🌟🌟🌹🌹👏👏👏😂😂👏👏Thank YOU 😂😂👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹🌹Bravo👏👏🌟

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Awwww, thanks!!

[@cindyjohnson7883]

@@survivingparadisepodcast most kindly 🤗 welcome (what, no shucks ma'am!?😂😂)

[@IvanCastillo-gb9vp]

YES!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yep!! ;)

[@estherjuan5499]

If they are cults, how come they have religious exemption.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Much larger conversation: mentioned at the outset of the episode that many feel any religion qualifies as a cult. It's an interesting convo

[@ravenchan625]

The fact we see the GB in public more recently, looks like they would like to be seen as charismatic. They try lol. Becoming culty if they werent before!

[@hearstboy]

Walks like a cult, talks like a cult, looks like a cult. Conclusion: it must be a cult.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

It's just so easy!

[@janedoe8446]

I call the JWs a semi-cult... and the funny thing is that some JWs I still speak to actually reluctantly agree to that...

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Wow, very interesting! And yet they stay, don't they? So much power in cognitive dissonance and habit

[@janedoe8446]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Cults are addictive and habit forming... :) Edit: with severe withdrawal and delayed withdrawal side-effects...

[@Dogpool]

In the scavenger hunt that god has set up, I assume because it’s funny, he has made the true religion indistinguishable from a false religion cult. Also made the only way to tell if you are anointed is either you are actually gods special pick , or schizophrenic. You can’t tell the difference , because it’s more funny that way.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Right? It's crazy how 'tough' he made all of this, isn't it?

[@chasethetruth4071]

Tim Curry my guy, not Tim Burton. LOVE your show, Stacy!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

THANK you for correcting me, I blew that!

[@xjwfurious]

@@survivingparadisepodcast You blew Tim Curry? I didn't think you were that fanatical about The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 🤪

[@soundthealarm83]

So funny factoid: When they sold the Kingdom Hall I grew up in it got sold to a group called "The Kingdom of Jesus Christ" which it still is to this day What is The Kingdom of Jesus Christ you ask? Well, it is is a Philippine-based Nontrinitarian Restorationist church founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. A man who, according to their website, was on March 20, 1974 "heavenly visitors came and one held a cup and poured oil on him, then it streamed down. to his face, to his clothes, to his body." anointing him as the appointed Son of God. Let's just ignore the fact that the church and its leader, chosen by God himself, are under investigation for human Trafficking and child sex Trafficking, along with various claims of abuse from ex-members. I guess that small building in western Canada was zoned for cult purposes only...

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WOW! and no one questions it....it's staggering

[@HerefortheLove]

Answer to the question: Yes.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I very much agree!

[@estherjuan5499]

There are lots of deaths in this org. because they prohibit blood transfusion and lots of committed suicides because of shunning.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

They've caused countless deaths!

[@kevinhahn3286]

Hear the word makes me feel.fearful like the Borq queen comes out to meet in star trek .I feel embarrassed that I fell so hard for a group that never cared about me. A group that harms other mentally .Really in early days JW seemed benevolent but last 10 years it seems they went Apostate. Suddenly we have a group kidnapped the faithful slave ?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Don't feel bad! They've trapped millions....they know it works, but you're free now! We have to help others!

[@manueltraverso4528]

Don’t have to look to far than the founders of this religion to see it is nothing different or special…they held some crazy beliefs

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Too easy and too true!

[@rehcoorijola4598]

You think so they admit that?😂

[@anthonymeech5030]

Annnn......................ticipation!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you!

[@anthonymeech5030]

@survivingparadisepodcast btw anticipating the downfall of THIS cult!! Keep up the good work my friend !!

[@JasonSmith-pe5py]

Duh

[@SammySpillsTheTea]

Tim Curry

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks for correcting me, I really blew that!

[@SammySpillsTheTea]

@@survivingparadisepodcast it’s ok lol everything else was spot on! ❤️

[@amton8823]

Looks very much like a cult hmm..... when you step one centimeter outside

[@majecal1818]

Nope! Didnt get to see a live screening of RHS ..mom was strict..even if it meant hanging w other jw kids...nope. i did get to go see E.T.at the theater and Michael Jackson's, Thriller short movie before the main attraction. Rambo was the other movie...but only the "edgy" jw ministerial servants saw it in the movie theater .. Stacy, you were part of the cool 😎 kids... 🤗 *mc*

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

HI! Oh no, I had the same mom.....but I was very REBELLIOUS lol!! I snuck to everything...but mom did love Michael Jackson....we watched Thriller on loop!!

[@manueltraverso4528]

I was duped it annoys me but it’s a money maker and that trumps all else in the great us of a….

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yep, I was too....but we are free now!

[@johnpociecha1177]

sure did not long after i got out i took my then girlfriend by the way it was tim curry frankenfurter loved it still do

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Hahaha, I love it!

[@D-Rv8iv]

Why are so many ex-JW elders running their own podcasts and KZbin channels? If they can’t preach one way they preach another.

[@munch670]

Why are you here?

[@majafleur9646]

Because Witnesses frown on secular education so when one leaves, what else are they capable of doing but speaking?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Well, please listen to past episodes. I personally waited 14 years to comment on their organization.....I'm open that the harming of children needs to be exposed. Every minute of every day.

[@sgt.v7237]

Another master class Stacey. You could have been a trial attorney.🫡 I too was duped for 30 years and while it was easy for me to admit once I allowed myself to look at the evidence it's much harder to come to grips with it. The lost time and possibilities. Your take and comical sarcasm helps greatly with the healing. I'm sure others feel the same.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Sarge!! I agree....I still struggle with all the lost time and potential...I'm glad you get me!