Disfellowshipping & Jehovah's Witnesses Part II: Pain & Misery Since 1952

[@jaygee2611]

In the mid-80s I associated with a foreign language congregation. I recall a young lady very “proudly” telling me about her grandmother that was DF’d and no one in the family spoke a word to her, for many years, although she lived minutes away. She then added that her family was so grateful to the WT Society for changing the position to which one could speak with DF’d family members, but only for mundane topics (no spiritual conversations). And, how happy and grateful her family was to be reunited with the grandmother. And, the grandmother in time “came back to Jehovah”. Fortunately I retained my “critical thinking skills” … as I’m listening to her story my thought was WTF!!!??? I would be pissed that I had to “punish” my grandmother for years under the guise of “being loyal to Jehovah”. And then the leaders decide to just “change their mind”. CRAZY!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Imagine accepting such a thing!! Isolating your elderly grandmother is 'loving??' Horrible. It just get's worse when you realize this comes from 8 guys in NY that you will never know! Destruction of families in their time of need.....if they only truly read their Bibles they would see it's not taught by their 'king'

[@MidnightAndLuna]

This is exactly why I and many others view this organization as a destructive cult. I am an ex-JW and faded in 2003 for good. When I was younger, I was pressured to get baptized by the congregation. But, my dad was not a JW, thankfully and wouldn’t allow it. He tolerated me and my brothers going to meetings but drew the line at us getting baptized underage.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

He saved you so much heartache!!! So glad you're out!!

[@user-TheTruth]

Chilling ....39 rules ! Not letting people know all the rules for getting d’fd until after baptism ! So deceptive! Great job Stacy and so many other great points , your delivery is excellent!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Truth.....that truly gave me the willies!

[@HD7100]

Excellent analogy- The "B" school becomes the "star chamber". I went through it. At that time I was mentally out of the cult. A couple of years after I was DFed my father passed and I was not allowed to attend the after funeral dinner even though I had out-of-state family members who visited. I wish my sister would wake up but even if she does I think she will stick to it because the cult is her only family now. Being DFed was the best thing to happen for me although at the time I didn't think so. I was lured into the cult by my sister. When I realized it was a cult I should have simply walked away but I stuck to it because of not wanting to lose family or the friends I made while I was in the cult. I have been free from it for 37 years now.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I'm so sorry HD. That is an awful story! No words that you were treated that way :( :( I'm so glad you're free!! I hope your family finds their way out!

[@HD7100]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Very kind and thanks. There is a much longer piece that I wrote about my my journey though this. I wish I could share it with you somehow.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@HD7100 I'll be reaching out for interviews soon!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@HD7100 you're welcome! We will be moving toward interviews soon

[@Eric_01]

Wow! Those details regarding blood transfusions was a real revelation. I had no idea. And the 39. To think that they've refined their methods down to a spreadsheet that determine your life. Pure insanity.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

It's is a huge indication that they are a cult!

[@Yassss-rj9zf]

My mother had a frien that was DF’d. Years later her she was going to visit her grandchildren and when they saw her car they ran out into the street and were killed. 3 of her grandchildren were run over. When my mother heard about it she refused to go to the funeral because this woman had been DF’d. This woman had been over to our house and had gone to field service and the circuit assemblies for YEARS!! I knew then that as soon as I got old enough I was gonna get out. I think about this lady from time to time and wonder how she’s doing. Sad😢

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

OMG, that is awful!!!!! I'm so sorry for all involved!!! So glad you got out!

[@phoebedevereaux308]

My mother's entire family are in this destructive cult. Now that I am an adult and left the cult years ago I have never felt so alone. Yes I am getting help for the depression and CPTSD but there is no local help for people who are victims of spiritual abuse. Yah this sucks.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I'm so sorry!!! I'm so glad you're getting some help! It's helped me as well!

[@disassociated1731]

I used to be a teacher at high school when I DAd. All my wordly students used to greet me by entering the classroom…the only one who did no longer was the son of the family where I lead the book study! but I didn t want to come to him with another gospel! just helping him doing his maths…so crazy

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WHOA! What a strange situation to be put in......and yet here is a kid being told to treat you this way :(

[@jasminema]

Ive said it before....but how many ex JWS who have left and have no family who are JWS end up going back..Id say none because they have no reason to go back.I would say those who do return and have family do so only so they can maintain a relationship with their family..I left around 25 years ago..I have no family who are JWS so I have zero reason to go back

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

It's by far the #1 reason that many people get reinstated: to be with family or loved ones. It only proves what an evil weapon it all is.....

[@ooklathemok7322]

Thank you Stacy! You are giving jws the opportunity to get educated about the beliefs their org teaches. Priceless!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

You're too kind my friend. Thank you!!!

[@maeloortiz2222]

Thank you Stacey for such beautiful work u doing right here! You are saving and restoring so many life’s including mine with your podcast! But this one personally touched me sooo deeply cause at one point I was contemplating in ending it all but since discovering TTATT I’m a stronger person free of any religious beliefs but more kind loving and less judgmental towards anyone for all the damage we endure in this cult! My tears right now are not of pain and suffering but of joy and gratitude to have People like you giving us reminders of hope that we will survive this so call paradise! Thank you so much for all u do it’s helping me tremendously!

[@danettelewis8002]

Maelo I echo your joy at finding Stacey's podcast. It is giving me information to support my disfellowshiping"badge" to any of my numerous relatives as well as two daughters who are still drinking the Kool aid.

[@lizzidpeepole]

Contemplating leaving the Watchtower and taking ones life become a blurred concept for far far too many of us. I'm glad we stuck around to watch it fall.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Maelo, that means the world to me, thank you! I set out to just help one person....PLEASE never consider doing harm to yourself for coming in contact with this 'religion'....I'm so glad you're working your way to freedom!! You're a valuable treasure and you don't need eight guys in NY to prove that!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@danettelewis8002 Amazing Danette!! So glad there was something that could help you!!! You NEVER deserve to be mistreated!! So glad to read this!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@lizzidpeepole It is a VERY hard decision and road to travel. Agree Phil!

[@elizabethharden3842]

I never thought it was possible for me to get to the point that I would speak against the Org. being so indoctrinated. I eventually started to look into the experiences of those who were df'd like myself and realized how many similar horror stories were out there. Thank you Stacey, for bringing awareness and reasoning from the Scriptures to everyone about this very unChristlike and dangerous practice.

[@TBlack-dz5bo]

I’m not a believer, but I gotta say I got emotional when you told the story of Jesus and the adulteress. Very powerful when set against how the organization handles such things. Thank you for sharing and helping people♥️

[@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522]

Great stuff, as always. Might I add that after 1952, you could still disassociate yourself and not be shunned. At least that left a door open to leave with dignity and not lose your family. However, that loophole was swiftly closed in the september 15 1981 watchtower: "... it would be fitting for the congregation to acknowledge by a brief announcement that he had disassociated himself and is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Persons who make themselves "not of our sort" by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshiped for wrongdoing." And there you go...the steel trap was shut.

[@FirsteMann1929]

"Not our sort" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522]

@@FirsteMann1929 Yeah, I saw that too...like, we're not Homo sapiens anymore? 🤣🤣🤣

[@joytoyouandme4593]

I disassociated in 1985, but never sent a letter, just faded. I was blessed to have parents who didn’t shun me. They even maintained a relationship with my df’d brother. I have cousins and another brother who shun us. I have often said my parents should be the poster children for how to treat children who leave the borg.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@joytoyouandme4593 THOSE are great parents!!

[@disassociated1731]

@@joytoyouandme4593 Nice to hear that, my late parents did it the same way, after my DA. They would fly to my new place, and I would visit them too. My dad had been an elder for lifetime, but he followed his conscience. We never spoke about religion, he knew I wouldn t come back, and I didn t try to lower his faith. We had so many other aspects of the love between parents and son and grandchildren to explore!

[@disassociated1731]

when you consider Paul s instruction towards the brother who slept with his stepmother, it s about not partaking with him during meetings or common meals where he would pretend being still a member…but where do they find something about one who disassociates and does no longer want to come to meetings!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Completely fabricated!!

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

Coercion

[@redpillfreedom6692]

And that scripture doesn't say anything about treating the sinner as if he doesn't exist. It just means they can no longer recognize him as a member of the religion due to his behavior and multiple attempts to readjust him.

[@notalktoni4096]

I experienced being DF'd at 19 by refusing to go before the judicial committee. I was so angry with the fact my male friends that I turned in along with myself received a slap on the hand and I had to wait for the CO to come for his visit before the elders would deal with me. Needless to say, I was blamed for it all even though they were all underage drinkers long before I bought them alcohol. I grew up in Canada so the legal age was 19 for drinking. It was all such BS. I have no idea why I ever returned for five years.

[@ooklathemok7322]

Did you go back because you were indoctrinated by this unloving cult?

[@notalktoni4096]

@@ooklathemok7322 Not so much the indoctrination but missing my dad. I have always been a daddy's girl and I wanted to be able to talk to him. The second time around I was able to fade successfully, so I am able to talk to my family still. My dad passed away 16 years ago, so it's my mom and brother now. And of course, extended family. Although I don't talk to them much because I don't want to hear about the blah, blah cult.

[@ooklathemok7322]

Family is always a huge factor in why people return. Blackmailing at its finest. Thanks for sharing

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

:( I'm so sorry .....refusing to attend is a one way ticket to being Disfellowshipped. They claim that just proves you're not sorry because you don't want to meet with three men in private. It's sick.

[@Eric_01]

I had a very similar experience of being the scapegoat for actions that nearly half a dozen of us were all participating in. I was angry about the injustice of that, that I got reinstated in 6 months just out of spite. But, I was damaged by then and would never trust those people again even though they resumed being my "friends" for another 15 years. What I would give to have had the courage to just leave right then, but I was also only 19. I feel you.

[@virginiagirl7014]

This happens Stacy!!! In my parents cong., a man was wanting to go back after being out for 20 yrs, never DF’d. They met with him, because he was baptized & when out did “immoral activities,” they DF’d him! Sad to say those elders pushed him over the edge…he took him own life! Made me sick!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

😭😭 TERRIBLE!!!! This story is too common!! I have no words!

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

Satanic cult, loveless group made just fir that purpose.

[@anniesavedbygrace]

The elders also question explicitly on shepherding visits to unbaptised non-publishers. I was 16 AND 23 when they did it to me. Same Elder. Witnessed by a longterm fulltime pioneer and two other elders (one on each occassion)

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

They're always looking to 'get someone'.....fact. My god, you were a young woman....faced with being questioned by grown men. Sickening!

[@jaygee2611]

Really appreciate your comprehensive approach to this topic! Although I associated for 10 years with the JW Org, I’m so shocked by this practice. It’s just cruelty!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks for listening Jay!! It's straight cruelty

[@LOH__]

Like a tailor you are grateful for sew much.

[@vicdriver501]

My mom got baptized at only 14! And the following yr, she dropped out is high school & started pioneering full-time! She then got married at age 17 (in 1974) as she was so confident that Armageddon will be coming in less then a yr! So I was supposed to be born into the New System! Sadly it failed, as the following yr, I was born!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

These stories are SO common......and heartbreaking!

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

Similar stories happened, those years were crucial.

[@artismytherapy5132]

We need more public awareness on this inhumane cult. They are just publishing brand.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

A publishing company that has put some very weird, sick guys in 'power' over the followers. It's easy to research!

[@ooklathemok7322]

Chapter 16 shepard the flock of God. In bullet points 6-12. That's right 7 paragraphs of gb deep insight and wisdom. A window washer / janitor by reviewing this treasure of insight into the human mind will be able to determine genuine repentance. Sounds logical to me.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

man after my own heart ookla. YES! I often sat there thinking this in real time. Then dealing with the teenager of the elder sitting next to me in the meeting! A few blandly written paragraphs to determine another human beings life course. Sickening.

[@susanjane5837]

Your raw emotion was very powerful! Such a contrast from the accusations of active JWs. (i.e. hateful, bitter, vengeful, prideful, etc). If only they knew how broken some former JWs actually can be!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Mountaingirl63....it got a little rough there. I have a lot of hurt from this stuff.....always healing!

[@back-roomconfessions6746]

i love this podcast! do you ever do interviews? i'd love to share my experiences as an MS Pioneer in foreign language

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Hi, thank you! Yes, I'm working my way toward some real person interviews, I've just been very limited on time and scheduling can be a challenge. But we will get there, thanks, I'd love to hear your story!

[@back-roomconfessions6746]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I’d be happy to share! Keep me posted

[@dantoinettetaylor1663]

@Back-Room Confessions It sounds like you have quite an interesting story. I can’t wait to hear it

[@stopdrinkingthekoolaid9543]

Great info! #StopTheShun

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

thank you! YES!

[@steved3001]

Another big mistake the org perpetrates is encouraging teenagers to get married so as to avoid fornication. An in regards to baptism, an eight year old is not mature enough to decide whether they want to devote their life to the org, teenagers don't have the wisdom or experience to know what love or commitment actually entails. A teenager who is a raging ball of hormones, just wants sex. That is the primary reason they want to get married. I've seen far too many loveless, miserable married couples in the congregation. People who married at 17-19 years old Then realize they didn't have a clue who the kid they married really was. And within a couple years, they are unhappy beyond words. Young people need to explore their sexuality in order to make mature decisions in regards to love and marriage. Forcing teenagers to get married just to assuage a natural instinct is an injustice to both.

[@gisella1350]

Child abuse is normal in this organization. The newly married young ones so full of hormones, are no doubt questioned and followed around by the elders after they are married, in order to find out what their habits are in bed room. Straight to the back room, committee meeting planned in advance.

[@disassociated1731]

I fully agree. After marriage, control is going on. Its very difficult to build up a trusting couple. Some couples have been reproved publicly because they confessed one time sex a few weeks before their official marriage. If the relation turns bad, the couple is trapped for lifetime, as divorce is forbidden. Unless they leave the org.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES!!!!! Huge subject for me and is downright criminal. Kids, teenagers...held to some man made form of corporal punishment for being totally normal!! It makes me so angry Steve. I spent countless hours trying to help miserable, young marriages.....including my own. Horrible!

[@nickyannajones]

You are doing such good work. Thank you

[@allandahma4825]

Powerful Stacy🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you!!

[@reginabasart5080]

I wish there was a way you could reach more people with this knowledge and the way you know to express it.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you so much Regina....I hope it helps at least ONE person....

[@ajnooneslistening6134]

Sorry Stacy, I apologize for my comment. I just had a triggering moment. You do a great job with your podcasts!

[@lizzidpeepole]

Amen. Dont apologize Stacey you nailed it. Keeping it classy.

[@hiramiamilan4392]

Amazing ,,,, thank you 🙏🏼

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

thank you for being here!

[@juliehigbee7398]

For hours and hours and more than one session. I was asked if I yelled and fought back… if I had physical proof of such… and ended up telling me that it was my fault because I put myself in a situation that allowed my assault.

[@ooklathemok7322]

I am saddened that you went thru all of this. This cult will destroy a person, however Jesus loves you deeply.

[@juliehigbee7398]

@@ooklathemok7322 thank you for your kindness

[@ooklathemok7322]

@@juliehigbee7398 It alot of courage for you to relate your experience. It will help someone who is going thru a similar situation. Thank you for your bravery.

[@rdhawk929]

I am so sorry to hear you were subjected to that type of torture. The interrogation methods employed by these cult bastards are truly gross and draconian. My heart goes out to you.

[@joytoyouandme4593]

Unfortunately the abuse you endured, was prolonged by three men in a room. I pray that you have been able to find healing.

[@ooklathemok7322]

I wonder if there was a 1st edition of the shepard the flock book. Scroll form circa 33 c.e. You know the one the apostles used.

[@joytoyouandme4593]

Yes, wouldn’t Jesus have called a judicial committee when Peter denied him three times? That would have been the perfect teaching opportunity. They could have also df’d Judas at the same time. Also as a tax collector how did Matthew become an apostle if no one spoke to him? Because didn’t Jesus say to treat such ones like the tax collector? JW’s have no answers for these analogies.

[@ooklathemok7322]

@@joytoyouandme4593 excellent,and logical points. This is why jws have no answers. Here's another thought. In Matthew 14:33 all the disciples worshipped Jesus. In John 20:28 Thomas worshipped Jesus. Judicial time? Seems like it.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@joytoyouandme4593 excellent....excellent point

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Can you imagine? Sure, they whipped out an elders handbook in Acts 2 to talk circumcision....."everyone turn to page 12" lol

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 never. The very Holy spirit conducted them, not a G.B.

[@anniesavedbygrace]

Thankyou for covering this. Much needed x

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you for listening Annie!!

[@nickyannajones]

In regards to the god of the old testament hit me up. I've got some great info

[@quisthegreat13-KalEl]

Don't know if I told you yet but Thank you for the research and references

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks so much Quis!

[@foehammer8702]

Thank you for what you're doing. The references are great, we can write them down and use them when trying to talk (usually futilelly) to our programed family.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Aaron! I couldn't be happier to hear that they actually help people!!

[@sheilasmart6985]

Lovely stuff! Please remember to be kind and sensitive to any JW God sends our way. JWs need the gospel of Jesus, because there is NO hope of eternal life without Him. God has sent His son to proclaim liberty to the captives. Satan thinks he has immunised JWs against the truth, but this means nothing to Jehovah if He has marked them out for salvation. We - believers - are instruments Jehovah uses for the release of these poor prisoners. Our God reigns!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Sheila, kindness is always the answer!!

[@georgebrown8312]

How cruel and un-Biblical this practice of disfellowshipping/shunning is on the part of Watchtower Society, indeed. There is no telling how lives were turned upside down due to this shameful action. Jesus Christ, who is our risen Lord and Savior, never encouraged it. In fact, he wanted us to reach out to the unsaved, to share the Gospel with them.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Cruel and destructive with no basis in the Bible

[@danettelewis8002]

WOW. Your segment on Disfellowshiping just went like a light bulb to me. My parents must've been reprimanded in 1952/54. Since my mother was pregnant with me out of wedlock. My father's pride/ego prevented our attending meetings for a good bit as a result. I can remember praying to Jehovah with tears in my eyes for my father to "return to Jehovah". He did. Then my Dad's brother, an elder, began molesting me at 8 years old. Now I believe "Jehovah" had nothing to do with any of this.😮‍💨

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

OMG, Danette I'm so sorry to read this :( It makes me angry to see what so many people have been through. Child abuse is pure evil. A sickness of unbelievable darkness!!

[@ajnooneslistening6134]

Thank you Stacy for doing that, I realize it’s difficult to leave emoji’s for every comment, when I was an active JW and also an elder, there were elders I knew who thought they were Gods gift to the congregation, and those elders always thought they gave the best talks ever. So these elders would never commend other elders on their talks, but they would criticize the way they deliver their talk. These same elders would do the same things to the publishers when they commented, or when they had parts on the midweek meeting, the 3 CCC’s ( commend, counsel, commend).

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@ajnooneslistening6134 Oh YES, I served with many elders like that. I've considered an entire episode with comical experiences with other elders. The arrogance....just stunning!

[@jrojala]

I hope that the elders that I spoke to on a near monthly basis as a teenage girl feel guilty about what they said/did. They cause so much terror and pain, and most didn’t seem to be bothered by the devastation they wrought

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

:( I absolutely hate that anyone would make a teenager feel that way. It's shameful. So sorry

[@lori4971]

Stacey we had to send them a disassociation letter because they wouldn’t stop pestering us. Calling, sending e mails and spying on my sons Instagram. It was so stressful we as a family decided to just end it once and for all. These guys are seriously relentless. So I sent an e mail. They called today left a message and said both my son and husband had to send separate e mails. Good lord! They did it just so that we can finally have peace.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

This is so upsetting to read!! That is flat out 'stalking' and is illegal in many states!! We had a CO that instructed the elders against this due to state stalking laws. I would have hammered those elders legally. So sorry you went through that

[@FirsteMann1929]

I don't know about that study either, but I do know of 3 people who did and for myself I came close.

[@missrob4538]

Iam angry too as iam listening to you but thanks for the analogy I could listen to you all day so I subscribe iam currently fading but they just won't leave me alone my family's are in thank you much

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I understand Miss Rob....be good to yourself. It's an incredibly hard journey and you deserve to keep your family. I'm a big believer in faking it when you stand to lose the ones you love ....sending lots of love!

[@superdave1921]

“Surviving Paradise”, you should tackle the subject of the name Jehovah. It is a fact that the name Jehovah and the Tetragrammaton is not even used in the Greek Aramaic Scriptures. It spuriously was added into the JW translation trying to prove their “right” way of worshiping god.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Great suggestion and a fascinating subject. They weren't even called Jehovah's Witnesses until 1931.

[@ooklathemok7322]

If the gross sin a person is involved in has been going on over time, the individual may not be able to show sufficient repentance to the committee so they must be disfellowshipped. Chapter 16 bullet point 9. So 3 guys in effect spiritually kill their fellow believer.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Excellent research ookla. YES! Executioners......the spirit to 'kill' people is there

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

Loveless Men's rules from that book have destroyed do many lives, and then they tell others "it's Jehovah will you keep the congregation pure abd holy".

[@anthonyamare1902]

Crazy how such a loving organization would even mention wanting to kill those who disagree.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

They claim to follow in Jesus footsteps...but I'm still looking for his mention of this after seven times through the Bible

[@missrob4538]

Can you imagine and we are the only loving people in the world how thoughtful we are

[@disassociated1731]

Clone of the Pharisees! brilliant!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Even as a kid I was constantly amazed they couldn't see that THEY were the Pharisees!!!

[@juliehigbee7398]

Didn’t gambling get removed relatively recently? Unless it becomes a problem. I think the term was petty gambling that is “ok” now

[@rdhawk929]

I heard that also

[@Rwdogg21]

I believe it says your can for entertainment purposes

[@rdhawk929]

@@Rwdogg21 LOL so bingo is in. Hahaha

[@Rwdogg21]

@@rdhawk929 football parlay tickets and scratch offs

[@rdhawk929]

@@Rwdogg21 Yes. And if you win, of course you must hand some over to the Boys, CHEERFULLY!

[@Eternal_Life69]

Love this episode

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you! Not an easy one for me......

[@Daniel-pw8ul]

I like your passion with your content! I have a JW story for you! Is there a way to get a private message to you? God's providence will always win the day! God's grace and Jesus Christ and through faith leads to salvation!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Daniel! Yes, I can be contacted at Twitter or Instagram if that is convenient. Or there is an email to our podcast network on our KZbin page. Thanks!

[@Daniel-pw8ul]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Thank you! I will look for the email. I'm not very tech savvy. I don't have Twitter or Instagram.

[@Daniel-pw8ul]

I can't find an email. I'm terrible at tech issues.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@Daniel-pw8ul Hi Daniel, you can send to [e-mail]

[@rdhawk929]

Excellent!!! Is all I have to say 🥂

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

thank you so much!

[@donnietheape712]

Crushing it bro

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Donnie!

[@miamigrl5736]

Jesus was the only one in the "stoning" reference that could of cast the stone..

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yep! The point was clear. As was several other accounts on how he treated sinners. He never mentions this 'dfing' thing.....anywhere

[@vicdriver501]

This happened Way back in yr 2004? Before social media came out

[@Javai7]

The 1981 change to shun disassociated people just like a disfellowshiped person should be called The Ray Franz rule.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Agree! They never accounted for a Ray Franz situation. He 'blew them up'

[@elvenrights2428]

Here is an example of what "horrific" can a 8 years old child do to be disfellowshipped: participate in celebration of a classmate's birthday at school, participate in celebration of christmas or play with a toy resembling a wizard or a warrior or read children's book or watch a movie with content about supernatural (Harry Potter for example). It is enough that their congregation disfellowships them and that their family, congregation and other JW shun them.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

The damage to children is incredible. Normal childlike experiences can result in a lifetime of shunning.

[@elvenrights2428]

@@survivingparadisepodcast i am sorry to hear it.

[@nickyannajones]

I got disfellowshipped fresh out of the mental hospital. That was so loving. And although I did do one of the 39 rules I didn't fornicate until AFTER I got disfellowshipped. I figured well I got the punishment might as well do the crime.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

:( unbelievable! I'm so sorry nickyanna!

[@elizabethharden3842]

How absolutely cruel! Im so sorry Nicky! This much I know... Jesus and Jehovah love you. You poor thing. I went through a similar thing, having a mental crisis over my marriage breakup, my ex locked me out of my home. I was homeless at that point, other than I had a 3 -5 day a week live-in Caregiver job and did the odd film industry project, commercial, bartending work, on the side. I had started to correspond with someone worldly who initially was like a godsend. As I witnessed to him, friendship developed and we started to work together on some film indusry projects. Feelings developed and we had a weekend where there was some inappropriate touching over the xmas break...no intercourse and I stopped it cold. I was very repentant but didn't feel I needed to go to elders because I corrected my own behavior and apologized to him also stressing the seriousness of what we'd done according to my faith. His reply was nothing even happened. My friend and I continued to help each other, as I was now also in the midst of a costly divorce. He stayed often at my place and was fine that there was a 'physically-touching' boundary. He even enjoyed coming to the meetings as said he wanted a relationship with Jehovah and he knew this was important to me. I even brought him on my visits to see my Dad who was PIMI and dying of cancer. He eventually began to disrespect the religion and we had major disagreements about that until one day he called the elders and told them we were sleeping together for over a year. While he was not wrong about that, we often did sleep together though he had his own place, and we were helping each other basically survive at this point. At the committee meeting, I told the truth about the crazy weekend the year prior including hand positioning and every sordid detail, assuring them we stopped short of doing it. We were sort of swept up in a moment but I really was repentant and it never happened again. And it didn't!!!! Which was part of the reason our friendship ended so destructively. I realized how wrong I was to make such poor decisions but I really was in absolute mind-mess, and attempting to survive it the only way I could see at the time. Long story short, I was df'd, had a major car crash shortly thereafter, totalling my car, Dad died 2 weeks after that. Emotional, spiritual healing has been slow. It's now been close to 4 years and I'm finally out of the storm it seems. I no longer see JW's as true Christians, though I think there are alot of good people in there like I was. Hang in there Nicky. It's the same for most of us, that being the nature of df'g process. It is designed to throw you into 'hell'.

[@nickyannajones]

@@survivingparadisepodcast thank you. I appreciate these folks who make these videos. I was carrying around all this guilt. I was already beginning to wake up but the ex JWs activist have sped up the healing process

[@nickyannajones]

@@elizabethharden3842 oh darling. I send my love your way and thank you for your kind words and sharing your story with me. Those elders and those rules are harsh. I had already had my misgivings about them and what they taught but I was floored when I was df'd. That practice should be stopped. It should be up to individuals if they want to associate with someone. Soon after I got df'd I decided that I might as well have the fun since I was doing the time and I met up with a man for a date. We started making out and we're about to have sex but I couldn't do it. He beat the slop out of me and raped me. Changed the course of my life forever. However, not only did I survive everything (that summer I got df'd, suicide attempt, raped, betrayed by bestfriend and hubby, tricked out of custody and in & out of a wheel chair) I not only survived...I flourished. I maintain my relationship with the Lord and I have an even better respect for Jesus and his role

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@nickyannajones So glad it helps Nickyanna!!

[@capnslippy2460]

I was born into the jw religion and I have always been inquisitive asking questions from a young age and the only thing people would tell me even at 8 years old that I am speaking like an apostate and don’t I want to live forever. Just over simple questions.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WHAT?? They said that to you that young?? Insane!!

[@virginiagirl7014]

Sooo….they left John 8:1-11 out of the new “Silver Sword!” How convenient!!!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

There is some controversy around those verses, but it's not consistent with many other similar controversial verses....for example: the entire book LOL!

[@DY2784]

👋 🥰👍 When I got disfellowshipped in the early 80s, I truly believed it was all over for me, so I reasoned to enjoy life wildly to the fullest since I was a dead person walking before the big A put me out of commission. How I didn't end up dead with AIDS is beyond me because I really went to the extreme in sexual and drinking decadence. Sooo much depraved fun with so many different partners!!! I brought it to a halt in my late 20s and returned to the Org. Would do it ALL over again, though. Too much fun! 😀😀😀

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, I went a bit 'wild' myself once I decided to leave. Candidly, it's like a delayed adolescence.

[@dantoinettetaylor1663]

D Y Your experience is why some who leave become the “poster child” for the Watchtower society’s claim that ‘the World will chew you up and spit you out’ . The stupid Governing Body does not realise that the persons who do like you do are purely acting out due to being in despair and distress and feeling abandoned and worthless.

[@extraterrestrial4287]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Not me. I left at age 24 and was a virgin till 33, first kiss at age 32.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@extraterrestrial4287 I'm so sorry on the 'wait' Alex, but I hope it was worth it! So glad you're out!!

[@extraterrestrial4287]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Actually it wasn't. A few failed relationships later I'm now divorced and single.

[@disassociated1731]

Hi Stacey, I agree totally with you about the insane and lethal shunning, but, be cautious with John 8: 3-11. Most scholars agree that this text is not in the earliest copies. And by the way you will find in the Bible many hard laws against apostates or fornicators. If you try to present Jesus as a cool guy about sex you ll find also Matthew 5:27-32, not so cool. Personally I don t need a jewish record of Jesus sayings to know that telling a mother to shun her kid because he does no longer believe is a gross immoral teaching. Children s rights should be protected by Law.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Correct! Tried to throw in that disclaimer. However, it is very consistent with the Jesus portrayed in the Bible. Many other examples anyone can pull from. But those verses have been a source of controversy

[@superdave1921]

On a side note, a few years back, we had a short fat elder that lived next door to the Kingdom Hall. He would show up to give a talk at a meeting dressed with a light blue suit jacket, bright florescent pink tie, bright green pants, and big furry bedroom slippers on. It was a total joke and no one could pay attention to the talk. No elders had the courage to speak with him and explain that he was an eyesore!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL! Whoa!! They would have cornered him in my area. That sounds like he was hiding his true person!

[@superdave1921]

@@survivingparadisepodcast He also didn’t shave every day, more like every three days and he had heavy facial hair! Yes indeed.

[@geraldlatchman6477]

Jesus said you would know a tree by its fruit, the devil came to steal, kill, and destroy, so who runs the GB?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I think I know where you're going with this..... 😎

[@geraldlatchman6477]

Exactly, keep up the great work bro, stay safe and blessings

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@geraldlatchman6477 thanks Gerald!

[@germanproud9882]

👍🏻

[@vicdriver501]

When i Went to the elders, they signed DF me, but rather private approve me for watching R rated movies, associating with a co-worker who was gay and being a member of Elks Lodge!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Unbelievable, but not surprising! They will track every move you make!

[@Charleneslife-23]

Going by the JW narrative. Satan wasn’t kicked out of heaven till 1914. Imagine that. Took God long enough to before he got fed up and kicked Satan out. To top it all off, The greatest apostate (Satan) is still able to do as he pleases. He’ll even be ‘rewarded’ after the thousand year reign to tempt as many people as he wishes. Yet we puny human aren’t given a second chance by the almighty. The JWs are not critical thinkers and that is why they cannot see what’s so blatantly obvious.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

LOL, somewhat alluded too in another episode and prepping for one on this very subject: Universal Sovereignty. Beyond absurd. The lean into the Job story, but then Satan runs free in the heavens and they all return to 'dad's house' after the Flood??? LOL......so much to unpack

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@johnc.8158 john, are you aware that Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and the demons had access to heaven until 1914 when Jesus 'took the throne in heaven' and cast them to the earth? I'm well aware of 2 Pet. 2:4. They teach that Tartarus is a 'condition' not a physical place. However, if you're listening to the podcast, you will note that I do not and never will take the Bible as a literal book or having any application to modern happenings, etc. At best, there are good moral stories and some history in it's pages. So in conclusion, JW's teach that Satan and his demons had access to 'dad's house'.....otherwise known as heaven, until 1914. As absurd a teaching as one can create, especially while Jehovah is drowning innocent babies at the Flood, but letting demons back into heaven. In other words, a man made story and book 😎

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@johnc.8158 I see, I understand what you're saying now. Thanks for clarifying. However, in fairness to you: I'm aware of the timeline with Noah, Job, etc.....but I do not believe they were actual people, nor the events surrounding their lives are real. I'm simply speaking to the beliefs of JW's

[@FirsteMann1929]

IMHO this organization seems to be quite bloodguilty

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

They are 100% accountable for many, many deaths

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

It is, strongly.

[@lisasfaboulouscakes8111]

❤️‍🔥

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Lisa!

[@hannahg.6123]

👍🏾

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks Hannah!

[@Goonapachamoothoo]

Because uou see only one side of your rupee and not the sides ofGod laws ,you are on for laughting but⁰not God Jehivah ,nor jessus ,its laws that govern every ⁰thi ng in our univers ,its God that created disfellowship ,by millions at a time during Noa flood ,if wactch was there ,it would saved innocent people ,babies etc..

[@isaiah30v8]

Disfellowshipping is a profound fulfillment of end time prophecy. . It has been in every Christians bible for 2000 years: . 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 . Did you see Jehovah's promise to disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses? . "He ** MUST ** also appear with rejoicing on YOUR part"! . . What Jehovah said would happen during the time of the end, is really happening! . .

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

While I respect your beliefs, I couldn't disagree more. And...if you're correct about disfellowshipping, how do you explain Jehovah's chosen 'mouthpiece' saying the exact opposite for 70+ years? Or calling it pagan until 1952? or Jesus never mentioning it, applying it and doing the exact opposite? Do you mind showing us all how it is 'profound' using only the Bible? And the time of the end? Oh my.......episode incoming! ;)

[@isaiah30v8]

@@survivingparadisepodcast or Jesus never mentioning it, . Jesus Christ did mention disfellowshipping! . Compare Isaiah 66:5 to what Jesus Christ said in Luke 6:22. I'll post them here so you can see the parallels: . 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 . HATED + EXCLUDED = REJOICE . An end time prophecy that can only be fulfilled by disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses! . Here is what Jesus Christ said: . Luke 6:22-23 Happy are YOU whenever men HATE YOU, and whenever they EXCLUDE YOU and reproach YOU and cast out YOUR name as wicked for the sake of the Son of man. 23 REJOICE in that day . [NAME OF PERSON] is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses ---->> and cast out YOUR NAME . HATED + EXCLUDED = REJOICE . The same formula for rejoicing! . What both Jehovah and Jesus Christ said would happen, is really happening! . Disfellowshipping is in the bible! . Did that HELP? . John 15:26-16:2 When the HELPER arrives that I will send YOU from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me; 27 and YOU, in turn, are to bear witness, because YOU have been with me from when I began.16 “I have spoken these things to YOU that YOU may not be stumbled. 2 Men will expel YOU . [Name of person] is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses ----->> Men will expel YOU . . Keep reading in John Chapter 16: . John 16:20 Most truly I say to YOU, YOU will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice; YOU will be grieved, but YOUR grief will be turned into JOY.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@isaiah30v8 I appreciate your well researched comment! Respectfully, I think we will disagree on this one. Jesus never mentioned disfellowshipping in the form Jehovah's Witnesses currently practice.

[@isaiah30v8]

@@survivingparadisepodcast -- Do you mean the shunning practice that completely destroys and divides families? . Luke 12:49-53 “I came to start a fire on the earth, and what more is there for me to wish if it has already been lighted? 50 Indeed, I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and how I am being distressed until it is finished! 51 Do YOU imagine I came to give peace on the earth? No, indeed, I tell YOU, but rather division. 52 For from now on there will be five in one house divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against [her] mother, mother-in-law against [her] daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against [her] mother-in-law.” . . . That in order to abandon the lies and injustices to find the real truth we would lose our family, our home and perhaps our job as a consequence? . 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. . .

[@MrChinchilla_hn]

Wrong narrative, wrong applications. What about pedophile and molesting kids among some elders and MS not punished? Tell that to kids, mothers & fathers who looked for justice? Just is Jehovah... if the elders let Him do it...