"I feel dreadful about those I helped disfellowship!" - A conversation with Steve Harvey

Having been involved as an elder in disfellowshipping others, Steve Harvey would find himself on the receiving end of this brutal treatment after discovering he'd been disfellowshipped for years without anyone telling him.
#shunning #interview
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[@kfaulknerstudio]

My daughter starts a college internship tomorrow with a US nonprofit organization fighting for separation of church and state. So proud!

[@Beleen-gw3vw]

that sounds amazing! all the best for her future life w/o any religion:)!!!

[@cherylseebreth328]

It takes a man to apologize. Kudos to you. Watchtower has NEVER apologized for decades of wrongdoing.

[@freddyray6805]

That would make them liable and there would be massive legal repercussions.

[@dianesicgala4310]

It an evil cult.

[@barrygibbons2803]

140 years of it.

[@dianesicgala4310]

Thank you so much.God bless you all.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@cherylseebreth328]

@@djiboutidjango3196 Honey, you are so funny. Made my day.

[@VWHybrid]

I may not have been a JW, but watching you deconstruct your religion helped me wake up from mine. I’m not sure I would have been able to look at myself as clearly if you had belonged to my religion, because it would have been too close to home, so to speak. Too personal. I owe you so much, Lloyd. I am free for the first time in my life, and I thank you for opening the door.

[@alyssawoodman]

Cool! Alot of Witnesses say Leah Remini helped them see that they were in a cult because of the similarities between Scientology and JWs.

[@sammyytube5999]

I am not sure what your religion is (hopefully not a cult like JWs); but yes these exposures are helping many to see that we can take out baptism and use our bible trained knowledge to serve w/o an institution. I certainly do not expect the institution to vanish as many may still prefer it for the socialization. But if you are part of an institution that request so much of an accounting of your time, wake up indeed b/c this life is too short to give away your good years to such brainwashing and abuse.

[@VWHybrid]

@@sammyytube5999 I grew up in my family’s variation on Christianity, and it was most definitely a cult. My parents would often change churches because they weren’t extreme enough in their fanaticism for my parents’ taste. I suffered mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse by my parents’ hands, and the worst part was that they insisted that they did it out of love.

[@sammyytube5999]

@@VWHybrid OMGosh...no wonder you identify with these exposing interviews so well. I am glad that you are finding these experiences more therapeutic over traumatic. The confirmation that nothing is wrong with us as individuals is so relieving as we continue to heal and grow. Whether you are still a believer or not after your experience, it is truly a blessing to be more awake, free and education to extremist and mental abuse. Stay well.

[@VWHybrid]

@Greg Jacques Yes, but I also believe that the religion made them much worse than they would have been otherwise. They were definitely proponents of hurting people for their own good. “You’ll thank us later” and “We hurt you because we love you” were mantras in the house. They are extremely prejudiced against most sexualities and certain mental health conditions; they are paranoid and fearful of everything that doesn’t align with their perspective. “Satanic panic” terrorized my childhood, to the point where I had to hide every defining aspect of my likes and personality from them for fear of offending them and being punished unmercifully. Most of these traits stem directly from teachings blasted at them from the pulpit and taught by fanatical pastors they asked for parental advice. And the sad thing is, I can imagine this other world where they didn’t let it take root, didn’t let it take over every waking moment of their lives. It’s so close I could almost touch it. I see glimmers of the people they could have been; like a mirage or a dream, just out of reach.

[@lady_wasser]

Who’s watching Lloyd and then pause to watch new Lloyd video? I was watching a rebuttal, and omg I’m laughing so hard 😆 Have a wonderful day! ❤️

[@WendiRenay]

Right? Lloyd is a content MACHINE! Goals!

[@sarahbelyeu7961]

I’m struck by the times Steve referenced his own wrongdoing or the “horrendous mistakes” that he feels he made during his challenging time of extrication from the organization. I have struggled with this thinking so much myself, which is really part of our condemnatory programming. For many of us that leave in midlife, our escape also involved the painful ending of a marriage. Part of the work we have to do is to change our inner narrative from one of self-condemnation to one of love and acceptance. I believe that while we still may feel sadness for the hurt we caused those we love or the messy way we exited, we must learn to forgive ourselves if we are to heal. It reminds me of a trapped animal that will literally gnaw off their own limb to escape the trap - that is the extent of the pain and damage that some of us feel as we depart - but it is essentially, in the end, a matter of survival.

[@Pursuepeace0715]

@@robird80 jehovah has forgiven you now you must forgive yourself. those people are going to be in for a rude awakening and a spiritual shock come Armageddon

[@DavidTaylor-ki2ir]

When your guest said he didn’t see himself as a religious person, I as a former elder, pioneer, and MTS grad myself related 100%. I took a more “matter of fact” approach to my time as a Witness. I saw myself more like Kyle Reese or Sarah Connor in terminator. The end was coming and I had to be ready. I’m embarrassed to have to admit this.

[@pansepot1490]

No reason to be embarrassed. Thanks for sharing.

[@disassociated1731]

i guess it was the same for me, i can relate to this.

[@hustonmices3976]

The Watchtower stresses to be a spiritual person. Every time I heard it and heard from the rank and file I wanted to scream at them. Cause you can’t be spiritual and be human.. 😵‍💫 hehehe

[@dennisconstantine624]

@Dave Taylor, just proves its never too late to start living, good luck.

[@Bananachan289]

Pretending to be Sarah Connor sounds like great escapism to be fair

[@WendiRenay]

Thank you so much for this video. I obviously was not an elder but I’ve participated in a lot of shunning. We were all grossly misled.

[@WendiRenay]

@@AlwaysPur3 shunning is part of the group think. Under indoctrination we were conditioned to shun others who are disfellowshipped.

[@WendiRenay]

@@AlwaysPur3 I’m not sure what you’re asking. Shunning *is* treating people badly, and it’s something all JWs are conditioned to do. I never mistreated someone outside shunning if that’s what you’re asking.

[@WendiRenay]

@@AlwaysPur3 I am so sorry you experienced that. The overall group-think is to keep non-members at arm’s length, definitely. It’s not taught to mistreat someone, but it *is* taught to not get close. If a Bible “student” isn’t “progressing”, it’s taught to drop them. As for myself, I never mistreated anyone intentionally outside shunning, which is a horrific practice, that I’m aware of. My own father was / is a non-believer. It is taught that non-believers will be executed and not make it into the new system, so because of the doctrine, most JWs subconsciously view themselves as knowing more than or even better than non-members. Again, this is subconscious. Its all due to indoctrination. It’s us vs. them thinking, and it sets humans apart, unfortunately. Of course, there’s always a people in the mix who actually do have ill intentions, and that’s just one of the countless reasons a majority of us are no longer affiliated w the org.

[@matts6607]

great interview! I sat through an appeal committee. and the appeals elders voted that i shouldn't be disfellowshipped and so it went to the Branch and 6 months later they stuck with original elders and I was DF'd for smoking pot. BTW both meetings with elders lasted about 4 hours. The first Judicial Committee was made up of 2 elders that had a vendetta against me and wanted me to snitch on all my friends even though I didn't know of anything they did wrong. It was probably one of the craziest things I ever had to deal with. It literally destroyed my mental health.

[@longbeachwoman]

No such thing as a judicial committee without lawyers!! Not a bunch of high school graduates, maybe, labor workers. 🤨🤨🤨🤨

[@tuntun8935]

Disfellowshipping is actually a 'new light'. It was introduced since 1952. Before it Watchtower considered it as a pagan practice.

[@susanneelisabethbiarinec6082]

Husband was disfellowshipped in 1982 for not believing in 1914... he did his research...right in the middle of having baby in hospital ... no jw visitors but lovely “ worldly friends “ 💐

[@christinescott3177]

Hi Lloyd,I’m pretty sure that I’m that “sister “ that was dfd without knowing. I was a witness for just under 60yrs and was just coming up to my 80th birthday I heard it through a family member , who heard it through a friend.🥺! !! & my son is the Ministerial Servant that Was dfd over the phone. After being OUT for 5yrs.!!! Steve was in same Congregation as him n his family. quite involved stories . . The Org seems to be running scared, when members start to ask questions, and find out things about the Org, that don’t add up and are quite shocking.. very interesting interview.

[@liplockednomore]

Steve, thank you! This gives me hope that other brothers will awaken!❤❤💪💪

[@ResearchThis]

"You can't point to scriptures that prove its true, but you can point to scriptures to prove its not."

[@dennisconstantine624]

yeh if only these staunch theists would start studying instead of believing what there told.

[@justinthyme3396]

OK here's a scripture to prove Christians only need ONE to govern their lives. NWT Matthew Chapter 2 v 6. Not a governing body to dictate every aspect of a person's life. Yes you guessed it Jesus Christ.

[@augiemusky]

Lloyd, my friend, while I was never a JW, I do NOT "just enjoy a train wreck" as you quipped. I had a JW study for six years, was fully indoctrinated, but never got baptized. POMI, I suppose. The effects of the indoctrination lasted for many years. In my one and only visit to the Kingdom Hall, I was evaluating whether or not I would be comfortable bringing my 4 children there. I was well aware that the pressure exerted by certain religious cultures to "train up a Child" in whatever method the church decides can have overwhelmingly negative effects on family relationships. It was your channel that showed me just how lucky I was to get out of the organization before baptism. I had no idea what I was missing by not being a part of the meetings! I thought it was just a quirky offshoot of traditional Christianity, like Penetcostals or Amish until your videos showed me just how dark and evil the society truly is.

[@NeatoboyAus]

How did you study for 6 years with them? That seems like a lot of time.

[@LloydEvans]

Even though you identify as a "never JW" I count someone like you as having a JW background. If you were fully indoctrinated, that fact that you weren't baptized is just a technicality.

[@augiemusky]

@@LloydEvans never being JW, I didn't have to attend multiple weekly meetings, nor study for them. I didn't have a dress code, avoided being watched by tattletales, never knew about "underlining" or went door to door. But I believed their teaching, took holidays away from my children, was afraid of demons lurking in thrift store items and harmed my marriage.

[@milham76]

@@augiemusky Funny you should mention that....my mother was always scared of demons in thrift store items. She said she could sense them. Even when I was 'in', I thought that was a bit weird

[@ResearchThis]

So happy for your children and you that you did your research and escaped their grasp ❤🌻🥰✌🏼

[@andrewhaas664]

I was disfellowshipped and one of the elders on my case, as a young man, had to go and live with another family because he and his step sister were found in bed together. He ended up marrying her. Then about 20 years later he was stood down because he tried to sexually abuse a 16 year old girl in his car whilst out witnessing with her. He was stood down, not disfellowshipped. The father of the girl, was disfellowshipped for slander because he told others about his daughter’s experience. The re appointed elder has a son who has been disfellowshipped 2 times for sexual immorality but reinstated very quickly both times. The son eventually married his cousin. This is the caliber of the “spirit appointed” man who sat in judgement over my case. I refused to meet with the committee and was disfellowshipped without my knowledge. Thank you God for my release !!!

[@milham76]

That's horrendous! But not uncommon.

[@saffronhammer7714]

Humans judging others for actions in their private lives between consenting adults is absurd, unloving, and harmful. Disgusting really. If someone has been harmed or a child is involved--call the police. Otherwise, stay out of people's sex lives. No need for these or any other men to judge.

[@barbaramullins4233]

@@Peekaboo-Kitty this is so true.

[@milham76]

You've never been a JW, have you?

[@saffronhammer7714]

@@milham76 who are you asking? Me? Born in and active, believing, faithful baptized member for decades. So very lucky to be out, and free from the cult control and indoctrination. How about you?

[@marwatson7408]

Abigail Parker Exactly questioning grown adults about their personal experiences is no ones else business I should know the night I got disfellowshipped 3 elders pulled me into the backroom and asked me the most intimate questions I sat there so stunned I don’t know what to say.

[@franb6484]

Brilliant interview. The first inkling I had that I’d been disfellowshipped was when my daughter told me I couldn’t attend her wedding reception but I could go to the ceremony. When I asked why she said that I knew the reason. It seemed to me at the time they were scared of me because I was always challenging them and would ask for hard evidence of what that said. Sadly I’ve lost my beautiful daughters to this evil religion but happily I’ve been free for 20 years. Keep up your excellent work.

[@morningglory9288]

I'm sorry you've lost your daughtes to this vile cult, I too have lost my two adult children as well. My daughter is married to a very devout JW who she will always stand by and my son is a MS planning on getting married end of the year. I'm being shunned by them as well, and it hurts like nothing else can compare. My husband is invited to their wedding who has never been a JW, yet I'm not invited even though WE have put a lot of money towards their wedding arrangements, $5000 to date. Apparently according to Philippinos tradition it's up,to the grooms side of the family to cover all wedding expenses. My son is marrying a Filipino girl whom I don't expect we'll ever meet.

[@RustyWalker]

I walked away after a drawn-out battle with depression and an OD, since there was no point in being a witness after that. Funny thing is, never felt better after leaving it all behind and having time to fix my head.

[@RuthCrocker]

Hope you are doing ok now Rusty.

[@RustyWalker]

@@RuthCrocker Thanks. Better every day.

[@spartan_warrior5927]

To anyone who is in the process of being in a judicial committee or feels like they will be and do Not wanna be DF as not to lose their family. If you're confronted by elders let them know that you have a lawyer and if you're DF then you will have to take legal action for defamation. I promise you will never have to worry about them trying to get you to meet with them ever.

[@saffronhammer7714]

I’ve heard it has worked for some and not for others.

[@hustonmices3976]

I’m thinking the more they hear from soon to be ex members the governing idiots will once again update their enslave the flock book. By the way their latest update states that if they are told by someone to stop calling them they have to back off and not call. But that’s about as far as they went with that.

[@tuntun8935]

It could work but they will consider you as one of the apostate

[@delphinawhiles6235]

Thank u forvletting me n others know this. A friend pointed this out to me. Even bethel I've been told now tell the elders to leave them alone. Slowly things r changing. We have real health n mental illness to consider. N just how the world is watching us now with all the legal cases going on regarding child se ual abuse. These channels r equipping people to stand up to these bullies in a back room who take pleasure in destroying a person's life. Not even using the bible or misquoting it. Just basing their decision on a book called sherperd the flock or whatever that elders book is called they use. It hasn't even been updated for Australia, in child sexual abuse, 1st step report it to police. Yes the royal commission made the gb put out a statement for aust now (previously basically dontvreport it, we shall handle it internally. Why is it not updated in the elders book. It must be bc its not mandated in every country eg England n in different states in amercia. Other countries I have no idea.

[@mamajan99]

Tell them you refuse to meet with them because you afraid of being MOLESTED!

[@cynthiaschobesberger2783]

When I was very young I wanted to be either a Veterinarian or psychologist...I love animals and the human brain always intrigued me because how complex it is and why we are all different. I consider myself relatively smart and my teachers were sad I didn't continue school. My mother didn't want me to and she said there is no need the end is very very close. Well guess what now I am 46 years old and it still hasn't happened. Like you said children don't realize the impact this is gonna have in their future...we had no idea...instead of learning what can we do right here and now about our lives to achieve happiness...they prefer us to be miserable, anxious, etc...waiting for a paradis that you have absolutely no proof whatsoever will come.

[@downieduck2414]

I am 70 and i had the same experience,, told told from a very young age, just finish high school and pioneer..the end is near, as a kid going from door to door i remember some man telling me his grandparents were told the same time, as were theirs

[@Pehmu]

"If Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult, what would it look like?" This is an excellent, thought-provoking question. Hopefully this will encourage people to actually look into cults and learn how they operate and treat their members. It might offer some eye-opening perspective.

[@adrianneavenicci]

I’m not a religious person either. I think I believed in “Jehovah”, but not God, if that makes any sense, and only because I was a child who never questioned anything. I even became atheist before I fully woke up.

[@gongusdeedeetow1510]

Yea I believe in yahweh but he's a god of madness. I consider myself a modern day gnostic astronaut.

[@jimkidd6334]

Just like this elder excepting it not the truth after being out disfellowshiped for over 20years it still hit me so very hard I wandered around a loss soul for months not knowing where I fit in anywhere

[@tniero3652]

I have often wondered with my father being the PO for many years, if he ever dismissed any child abuse cases that should have been reported. It’s all very sad

[@youtuber-rh1eg]

Iv never been a jw myself but I love hearing other people's stories and I admire you, you're guests and any exjws bravery to speak out against this awful organisation even if it costs you you're famiy and friends that takes guts and I look up to all of you for that

[@kohljackal]

"They just love a good train wreck." Who just put their head back under the covers? 🤚🏾

[@kfaulknerstudio]

I had a childhood witness friend, so I have more interest than just a train wreck. She’s out! I’m sure there are other viewers like me who care and want to help.

[@Monotheist137]

I am super into religions or cults. Tried to find other channels with diffrent cults, but Lloyd is da best.

[@peggystoutemorin4529]

@@Monotheist137 He is the absolute best! I'm always amazed at the depth he reaches. Never was a JW, but this "organization" is terrifying! 😳

[@grahamfreeman2252]

This has given me a lot to think about. I'm I really only watching because I like a good train wreck? What sort of person does that make me?

[@TheVipir]

@@michellec5489 me too. I danced around the edges for 5 - 7 years. Decided last year not to join for various reasons. I watch Lloyd to reinforce that decision because every now and then I question my decision.

[@mjq243]

This is a brilliant interview and brilliant guest.

[@Firefoxy75]

I agree. I think this is one of his best guests yet. Very informative.

[@GingerSmurfette]

I remember going to a May Day first aid session at bowes road assembly hall. As csa survivor I am appalled at that example of disfellowshipping of the 80 yr old sister.

[@dennisconstantine624]

Its the love the org shows? Despicable!

[@joseph-stephenbonanno6851]

I was disfellowshipped (apostasy) without even being informed to appear in front of a judicial committee. I learned about it by chance from my sister-in-law.

[@kittylove2975]

Even soft shunning by "friends" is detrimental to ones well being... I speak from my experience from being soft shunned and then shunned...😞

[@joanferguson4194]

As soon as it was announced I was “unfit association “ for not returning to an abusive JW husband, a family I’d known for years actually smirked and sneered at me as we passed in the street! Their kids even attacked mine at school calling them “devils”. All this did was reaffirm my decision to never go back to such evil people capable of enjoying the wrongful treatment of a wronged person! Felt such a weight lifted off when that happened. Those morons actually were proof positive I had done the right thing!

[@kittylove2975]

@@joanferguson4194 : Yes, it's a despicable organization. I'm glad you and your family are out too‼️ The only true friend I had (from a different Congregation) in the Organization married me. He had been told by a Ministerial Servant "friend" of mine that I was marked. Crazy thing is... I didn't even know that I'd been marked. I just didn't understand why my "friends" no longer were available to even go out for a cup of coffee (Very short version). But leaving the Organization was the BEST decision I've made... Take care and wishing you and your family a wonderful day ‼️🌄

[@dianesicgala4310]

I was brought up in the Anglican faith. Became a crazy J. W. Living in the U.S. I was in for about 19yrs. Worst mistake of my life.😢

[@andrewchristou2857]

Fantastic discussion and so relatable on so many levels, good one!! It's criminal the way our youth was stolen and our life courses altered forever!!!

[@MichaelYoder1961]

As one of your "never ins", it's not that I "like a good train wreck". I like how you analyze and pull apart the "cult" - the same way I'm interested in ex-Scientologists and ex-Mormons, and the stories they have to tell. It's about learning what these groups have done, and continue to do, to perfectly whole human beings. I knew a woman who was dis-fellowshipped and shunned for an extra-marital affair and saw what she went through. So now, I want to learn more and you are a good teacher, Lloyd. I've made good friends through your channel who are remarkable people and I value those connections - even when we're worlds apart (both physically and in our experience). People connect on all kinds of levels, whether we have the same experiences or not.

[@gettingout7870]

The Governing Body makes changes that suit THEIR purposes. That is all the matters to them. Baptism is also an open ended contract to fit their needs.

[@morningglory9288]

The judicial meeting is like the JW's own personal court case. The elders act like judges and jury's, they get to decide who's lives they destroy and who's they don't when they can be totally wrong in their judgements.

[@alyssawoodman]

It's similar to Sharia law, but because it's based in Christianity people tend to give JW's a pass for their religious court.

[@mariacardoso1477]

The thing is, the accused person is there, completely alone and no "defense lawyer" to help. Alone and vulnerable at the mercy of three endoctrinated guys.

[@Poyni]

Bowes Road assembly hall is the one i grew up going to! just a couple days ago i found out an old friend of mine got out with her whole family. it really is a small world

[@brendafox8594]

I was disfellowshipped when I was 23 years old. I was a single parent. I lost all my family & friends. I’m still shunned 34 years later. My Mother died and they muted me at the on-line service. It has been a horrible experience!

[@simahlanga]

I am sorry this has happened to you. Have you been trying to go back? I got DF’D then reinstated and left afterwards. No regrets. I was fortunate my family never took to the truth.

[@brendafox8594]

@@simahlanga no I will never go back. I am so happy to be out of the JW religion. I wish I got to be close with my Mother & sister but, I realized it wouldn’t be a true relationship. They are so brainwashed.

[@khaedundou2942]

Fuck. You will always think you have had it worse. Nope!

[@jehovisbutty2959]

I was baptized at 15 and at Bowes Rd. And don't even get me started on window cleaning...great video, great conversation. And interesting to hear how disfellowshiping actualy effects the elders involved as well.

[@dianesicgala4310]

God bless this kind gentleman.

[@jeanniejewel2272]

Thank you Steve for this interview and thank you both for your activism. You help warn the 40 percent of non JWs watching as well as validate ex JWs

[@cindyarnold8165]

Wow, I could be disfellowshipped and not even be informed. Hmmmm....dont think I really care at this point.

[@stewartking4928]

Bows road! Woo not heard that for a while. That’s where I was dunked. Blurgh...my dad ran the book counter. We had to get there a 7am! On a weekend! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@saffronhammer7714]

I wish here in the States we were allowed to retrieve our records from the WTS.

[@gettingout7870]

I thought you could.

[@saffronhammer7714]

They won’t delete or destroy them. And they are not legally bound to.

[@BEASTxMODE]

I was expecting Family Feud, King of Comedy Steve Harvey 😂

[@saffronhammer7714]

I so relate the being on a train and not truly making choices. And while I was devout I never felt religious and god and the bible never made sense to me even as a child. But I was brainwashed to believe and immediately turned off all doubts. And even though it felt awful and went against my inner wisdom, I absolutely would have lain down my life for the religion.

[@saffronhammer7714]

"Something wrong"? Why is it wrong for two consenting adults to express themselves? And how would it possibly rub off on someone else?

[@valeries3356]

So true!!

[@milham76]

Suspect you've never been a JW.

[@saffronhammer7714]

@@milham76 ? Odd comment. Because I ask rhetorical questions pointing out the absurdity of their purity culture and cult control? Should I suspect you've never been one? Or are you still an active JW?

[@carlsands4060]

Very nice interview...very well said 👏 thank you so much for you're story.

[@adrianneavenicci]

If anyone apologetically says “oh they’re just imperfect men” or “it’s just that one congregation” remember this is 3+ elders making the decision, which then gets sent to the CO and the Branch and I assume ultimately the New York HQ. If a decision was in any way incorrect the Branch would surely say so? That’s why I don’t buy it when JWs make excuses for what happens.

[@tommythecat4961]

the easy answer to that (and to a degree, a right one) would be that by necessity the Branch needs to trust the elders and their decisions, and they can't oversee everything. Also, a person who is qualified to be an elder may become worse with time, and so on. What I mean is, doesn't matter what happens, people willing to make excuses for WT will always find a way.

[@sammyytube5999]

Yes, it is a judicial structure and way of handling things organization wide. JWs will often and some always stay in denial b/c that is their training and blind loyalty as they feel that they are talking against god's holy spirit if they dare call out a wrong with the elders or GB. Things won't change majorly until this controlling organization is drastically exposed and it just can't come fast enough.

[@jimmusa1249]

Check out all those decisions up to NYork relate to any Bible real versus than Man made rules Jehovah God is not a Jehovah's Witness.He doesn't even approve those Awakes or Magazines or any Watchtower Books approved by those self proclaimed Men in USA. Jehovah God has only approved the Bible.Just Bible.

[@gettingout7870]

Not to mention that those “imperfect men” generally lack any real training on how to deal with things. They do not understand how to identify people who have mental disorders, depression or any other of the wide variety of issues that people are truly dealing with. Nor do they know how to help people deal with these issues.

[@mystique-1337]

@@jimmusa1249 Jehovah is just a misvocalization of the tetragrammaton. When did God approve the bible? It was just a decision of the church of the 4th-5th centuries.

[@WendiRenay]

Former 90 hour pioneer here! The 90s were 🔥

[@milham76]

Former 100 hour pioneer here.

[@markvickery5894]

Tl;dr: Stephen Lett gave experience at my convention saying brother should’ve waited for org to get it right instead of leaving and caused me to doubt Ok so around the 17 minute mark Steve here was talking about the new light and people who left bc they believed this new light teaching over the old one. That’s actually what first led me to doubt this organization. It was at one of the conventions and we had brother lett visiting our circuit. He gave his last talk on Sunday and in it he gave an experience. He mentioned how back when bethel used to celebrate christmas. Now there was this one brother who through study of the scriptures came to the conclusion that this wasn’t right and the organization should stop. He went to whoever, maybe Rutherford idk can’t remember what brother lett said but I thought he said gb but I now know they weren’t around then. Anyways this brother went to whoever was in charge and was like hey look we shouldn’t be doing this. The person he went to was like no you’re wrong and I’m pretty sure that brother that had found this got some privileges taken away. Well now lett told us how this stumbled the brother who found Christmas unscriptural and that brother left the organization. I was like wow that sucks, but then lett made this point how just 5 or 7 years later the organization changed and stopped celebrating Christmas. I was like wow that sucks so the brother came back right or the organization said sorry something like that right? Nope, lett said how the brother never came back and how he should’ve waited for jehovahs organization and been patient and not let this stumbled him. To me that was like wtf? Bc even in my pimi mind I was still like wait what no if I found out there was something about this organization that didn’t match up with the scriptures I’d leave too, I thought maybe the brother who left should’ve come back after that but still he had every right to leave. Anyways that’s what started my doubts hearing that experience from a governing body member and how he so blatantly put the blame on the person who left and not the organization

[@mystique-1337]

And they also say that you would get destroyed at Armageddon if you are not part of the organization. Think if someone in the past had doubts that the scriptures said that Armageddon would have come in 1914 or 75, he would have been disfellowshipped as a apostate and destroyed at Armageddon just because he was ahead of the organization and already had the 'new light'. They even admitted it, they are not inspired or infallible, so why should we follow them or why they don't like when people don't agree with them if they know they can be wrong???

[@milham76]

Very good point.

[@joanferguson4194]

I never fell for the 1975 BS and when I quoted the scripture where Christ said no man, not even he knew when the end would come, only his Father, I got shocked looks and warnings that I should be careful or I’d be “marked” for going against the Society! I left in late 1974 having finally had enough of the crap teachings and the number of really vile people who call themselves Christians in that bogus religion!

[@JillyC5]

Loved this, always great to see a fellow UK person, especially someone with such a great story. It does make you think how many people stay in that just don't believe any more.

[@alyssawoodman]

I was in this organization for 20 years...these stories make my blood boil!!!

[@MJBsays]

Every time there's someone interviewed from London, I'm always hoping it's someone I knew. No luck so far lol.

[@freddyray6805]

We all know good old Bowes Road though. Sat in those seats.

[@MJBsays]

@@freddyray6805 that we did. And Twickenham. I think the last one I attended was an international one. Too many years have passed. 😅

[@freddyray6805]

@@MJBsays Yes, I remember feeling that I could not get into that Twickenham international fake love hysteria.... And I volunteered many times.

[@acegoldengloves1133]

Bowes Road, Twickenham & Godstone were just a few of the different ones I remember going to! Wow, brings back memories 🤔💭 I feel so much lighter now I’m out of it all after having a miserable childhood. It’s strange to actually see comments from people who can relate so closely to my upbringing 😊 a good strange!

[@MJBsays]

@@freddyray6805 I feel you. It was my first an only international assembly. Also my last one ever. Remember the crazy process people used to have to go to through to attend international assemblies in another country? The delegation. It reminds me of Star Trek 😂😂😂

[@charmainemarino4151]

8:00 OMG totally can relate. I never THOUGHT. No critical thought at all... just rode along, did what I was told.

[@milham76]

Yep. True.

[@milham76]

I found myself nodding all the way through this interview. I could sooo identify with it ( other than his magnificent last name). I grew up not far from Steve and I'm pretty sure I have seen him at assemblies. Nice to see someone with compassion and intelligence although I do hope he continued the education denied him by this wicked cult.

[@darrengreen9273]

Kudos to this Brother!!

[@finnguy9096]

I know the feeling of being on the train. My parents didn't put me on the tracks but the congregation's positive feedback drove me to it. First baptism, pioneering, servant, elder, international conventions, service overseer in a matter of 14 years, and then I was all burnt up, depressed and wanted to die. And as I let go of my assignments I realised too that I didn't actually find the evidence compelling. Now I'm relieved because I don't feel like I try to be something that I'm not. But of course no one suggested that the religion itself could be detrimental to mental health.

[@siemprevivauk6600]

This is number 1 in my list of "quotes I chocked on". I remember clearly the moment in my teen when I heard that "If an individual was right but against what the organisatio was saying at the moment, the time individual was WRONG" This was in the 80's but clear in my mind what I thought at that moment which was: it was a slap on my face. Yes, my sister, you are in a cult. What are going to do about it? Nothing! But got you in our clutches

[@jenburlock377]

Maybe some who were wrongly DVD will see this video, and see how it has plagued him. Although not face to face, this is better than never knowing how he feels!

[@danic7522]

My father was an elder and my mother was a *the wife* who physically and mentally abused me all well my father knew. His best friend who was an elder sexually assaulted me at age 12. I’m busy writing my memoirs whorls love to talk about my experiences

[@itsMe-ey2lv]

I'm sorry about ur experience. I hope you're coping with it better

[@danic7522]

@@itsMe-ey2lv It has been over 30 years but it messed up my decision making and choices I have made. Now I know why but when I walked out of the house at 16 I had no one to help so I relate to how it is and how hard it can be. It took 30+ years for the the high amount of sexual abuse to be exposed. Even know they cover up and protect abusers. It’s a sin to be gay but it’s ok to molest children - how warped must a person be to believe that?

[@itsMe-ey2lv]

@@danic7522 I think for us jw victims just getting out is an accomplishment. Unfortunately we don't get out unscathed. I hope u find justice. Alot of states including ny are allowing victims to come forward despite any possible statute of limitations

[@danic7522]

@@itsMe-ey2lv I live in the UK so I’m unfortunately there is no clear path but for me it’s more about helping people who get out to have a support system like forums like this. Back then there was no one I could talk too or get help from. Thank the he stars that at least now there is social media and support groups. My story unfortunately is one of thousands who had to fight for their lives. If I had stayed I would not be here today for sure. There are many people who are desperately trying to get out and have Hugh MH issues because of the constant brainwashing they have received. We need to do more and stand together because we matter.

[@itsMe-ey2lv]

@@danic7522 the internet will truly be the fall of watchtower. Funny how jehovah didn't see it coming

[@ashleycastillo7109]

I had been to several committee meeting during my time in JW org. Has anyone else had a committee of 5-6 Elders? That was such a brutal experience for me.

[@onebite4784]

You were clearly a 'complicated' case...

[@АндрейДвуличанский-я7е]

I had. It was the most awful expirience of my life. They stripped me up emotionally and destroyed my faith. I hate them.

[@WendiRenay]

I appealed. Man, I’d love to tell that story.

[@jrojala]

I’d love to hear it!!

[@milham76]

@@jrojala Me too.

[@starvinmarvin1216]

I appealed as well, so embarrassing. 6 elders in the room and just me.

[@simahlanga]

@@starvinmarvin1216 I refused to appeal not wanting to repeat my story.

[@AH-bm4ts]

When you call the branch as an elder they ask for your name, congregation number, and date of baptism to confirm identify.

[@Lydiaheart411]

Are you serious?? 😮

[@wpiofm]

Excellent and educational.

[@Charleneslife-23]

45:47 oh my goodness Steve. I had the same experience when I sent in my Subject Access Request. The 1st letter I got was from the British branch who said they have no info on me, then I receive one from the Christian congregation of Jehovah’s Witness. This letter had my JC notes from my apostasy trial. A few weeks later I got a 3rd letter from my local congregation. This letter had more information on me which includes the number of hours I spent in the ministry, how many literatures I place. What was the most shocking was the text messages I sent to an elder two years prior to my DF about my doubts were kept by the elder and used against me. Unfortunately the organisation has the backing of the government as most think of the JWs as harmless.

[@3540pepo]

You are not alone. Your story is similar to many of us. Our family being held up as examples, but in truth we were struggling like everyone else to be perfect little jws.

[@leannazanewich]

Excellent interview!👍👏

[@tonidebolt270]

Why did we have to go in front of mere man anyway? They are not the judges by any means????😢I look back now and 🤔.....WT?????? When I left last year I DID NOT give the elders the satisfaction of judging me because I WANTED to leave. They marked me for 2 years for asking honest questions! 😭 I am still going through 'war ptsd'.😱 It was literally a tug and war between them and me for putting up with McCook congregation of JWs. And Coppersquare in PHX. I saw nothing BUT hatred from these people for 3 years. And I was nothing less than a 'good little foot soldier'. I want no pity.....but I would like to see JUSTICE for ALL abused ex members and for those still in and getting abused for whatever reason. They are just scared to leave! Blessed be the ones who desperately want AND need to get out of Watchtowers yoke. Thank you Lloyd for allowing me to rant!!!! 💕

[@catht9653]

Lovely guy, great interview, thanks!

[@Bananachan289]

I wouldn’t described myself as “loving a good train wreck”. I’m interested in peoples stories and experiences. Every interview has had lovely, articulate and fascinating people. Plus I grew up Catholic so maybe there’s something in that.

[@HaydenHoneywood]

Wonderfully honest interview Steve. A lot I can relate to and interesting to hear your story. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@HaydenHoneywood]

On another note, I have heard of people being disfellowshipped incorrectly, the branch informing the elders to revoke the announcement and never the person being told. Locally here a guy was disfellowshipped for 20+ years until he decided to come back and get reinstated… problem was he was never disfellowshipped in the beginning!

[@KatyLazcano]

I loved this testimony 😢😢😢❤️❤️❤️

[@Will0wFire]

Been binging your videos. Not an ex-anything, except wife, lol. New subscriber. Am so interested in life stories, particularly people who leave high control religions. I live in a town where we have representatives of all the "weird" faiths: We have a Kingdom Hall, a Mormon Temple, scientology centre, Opus Dei, 7th day Adventists, the Anthroposophs (Rudolph Steiner - not a religion but a philosophy) You name it, they're here. I'd be interested in setting up a support group for people who have left or are thinking of leaving their faiths. No idea how to go about it.

[@disassociated1731]

fifty years ago, I went to college but assisted all meetings, not missing the ministry, and i helped 4 ppl at college to go to baptism...the only one who tried to lead me to special pioneering was the COs wife, but my elder dad did not do that. Later i downsized a bit my education, but i would study at university, while being a regular pionneer ( 100 h per month). Even when i began working, i could continue RPing. Just had to stop it when i had my first child, as I was also a ( too young ) elder with a lot of work in jdubs hamsterwheel. It seems at this time the gb wasn’t so paranoid about higher education. At least in my study domain. We had graduated students, doctors, engineers, some went to Bethel, as translators or researchers. Fortunately, the only ppl i had to DF were ppl ( best friends of mine) who wrote a DA letter. But I m sad for all the ppl i attracted to the cult, who stayed stucked in it, but whom I lost when i myself disassociated eventually.

[@cygnustsp]

I got disfellowshipped for refusing to stop associating with a disfellowshipped friend, i brought him to my judicial meeting... the elders didn't think it was funny. I appealed and the idiot chairman was a family friend and 3 months later went to introduce himself to me at my grandfather's funeral. What a dick. My dad died a few weeks ago and I'm very thankful the kingdom halls are closed, don't think i could handle a jw funeral service for him.

[@cygnustsp]

I wrote watchtower after the appeal and they wrote me back saying they found no fault in the decision. Which there wasn't lol.

[@cygnustsp]

I was df'd 33 months after id stopped going to meetings. I asked them, how can you disfellowship me when I'm not fellowshipping lol.

[@longbeachwoman]

Sorry for your loss. My dad is very sick and was disfellowshipped because he’s a chronic alcoholic and I begged him not to get baptized as JW because I knew this would happened. What he needed was medical help but he did and was disfellowshipped but I still talk to him and spending as much time with him as possible. He has liver disease 😕😕😕

[@queend9320]

Excellent interview!

[@catmeow333]

Your parents establish your “reality” from birth. You trust them, no reason question it. The generation debacle is absurd. The “religion” changed to a completely different organization. There wasn’t as much arbitrary disfellowshipping, the elder arrangement didn’t police the congregation, the elderly anointed remnant were cherished. It was always controlled but now it’s downright insane. An ex-elder friend feels very sorry but he treats it like AA does. One of the steps is to make amends, then do better.

[@tarachapman916]

Glad to see you Lloyd happy memorial day

[@anonymousvon5159]

I left in 1980's, I wonder If I have been disfellowshiped - so funny! 😅

[@kristinebenardos9373]

Yeah I wonder the same. My last meeting was 1993. Done plenty since that would qualify me to be disfellowshipped, and proud of it.

[@dianesicgala4310]

I grew up in England. Miss it so much. I left school at 15yrs old.That how it was in the 60’s only the kids who did very well stayed on for O levels and then A levels. They stayed on for 12 yrs. so different than the U.S.

[@cygnustsp]

The first generation change was way back in 1995, when i was still involved. I quit in 1997 and my goodness the organization is so different from what i remember. It's become a trainwreck. Back then we rank and file knew next to nothing, now they're exposing themselves.

[@nailara538]

This is going to get more views for the wrong reason lol I thought it was the big mustache guy who hosts family feud 😭

[@WendiRenay]

Yeah, I’m sure he gets that a lot. Lol!

[@ResearchThis]

🤣

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

When my wife was disfellowshipped, she asked for an appeal. The appeal committee overseer started the meeting saying that the decision was already made and that it would not be overruled, but "go ahead and speak. We can listen." Appeal committees are formed only to find out if the original committee followed procedure.

[@joanferguson4194]

Or they hope to hear something incriminating that got left out the first time!

[@krossapatriarkatet2696]

Nice and balanced conversation

[@darrengreen9273]

Hahahaha hahahaha, this is crazy. After more than 3 years of fading, while listening to this I get a text from one of the elders from my former congregation. I haven’t replied yet; just found it ironic that I’d be listening to this and a elder text, “How ya doing D”

[@rodywithers3536]

Life as an active JW is pretty much like constantly running on the spot: Your feet are so often not on solid ground that you don’t get to ascertain what the ground is actually like ; you’re too busy to notice. It’s only when your running hits a snag that you realize, “This isn’t all it’s made out to be.” And the more snags, the more the discomfort grows. JW Solution: Don’t stop running...ever.

[@loisintheusa9931]

You've got 3 sinners judging another sinner.

[@1111DoubleOH7]

Right...Make it make sense...SMH

[@annamarina3087]

I was df'd for saying the number 3 is the number 3 and that the Bible is right. Their problem is they neither know what the Bible says nor care. If they did they would accept their 1914 doctrine is wrong and that they are not and never were Jehovah's Witnesses.

[@vincents5187]

I studied with JW's from 2004 to 2010 never became one as I had different beliefs. The elder who studied with me passed away in 2012. There was a replacement servant or elder who was supposed to check up on me. He gave up on me because I was not moving forward as a study.

[@tniero3652]

You dodged a major Bullet! I hope there is no trauma from just attending the meetings and studying.❤️

[@alisonschmitt9533]

Great interview and nice to find another exjw who got baptized at good old Bowes Road.

[@dianesicgala4310]

Wonderful gentleman.

[@kittylove2975]

The magic phrase in our Congregation was: Leave it in Jehovah's hands.😐

[@joanferguson4194]

In mine, in response to some rumour of improprieties or actual wrongdoing the expression “Jehovah knows” was bandied about as if that took care of everything. Hated that mindless statement!

[@tintinismybelgian]

I don't understand why the "new light" explanation wouldn't work if the JW organization were to reverse direction on DF-ing, as far as preventing lawsuits. Could someone explain?

[@renlr5094]

Train wreck comment made me laugh. I'm an atheist and have never really been religious as I don't think praising or blaming 1 entity for all things makes sense. I watch because I enjoy learning about others views and trying to understand why others believe. Not just JWs but many religions and cults. How do people reconcile the negative aspects and what it gives them that is so worth shunning others and giving up aspects of their life. Thank you for your videos.

[@alviticusfox9390]

There are 2 entities, one you praise - God and the other you blame - Satan

[@dquam009]

Thank you for all your comments I was just wondering if anybody tried to get back in without going through all the bull. Shit I am definitely physically out. I never goin back but I often wondered if anybody tried to infiltrate them. I am a Christian though. And I know many are atheists now after leaving, I do not judge others for what they believe. So once again thank you for your comments.

[@deborahtaylor3478]

I have Dementia and yet got disfellowshipped .I have been heart broken for three months now and now live in fear for my life . We're was the love that Jesus's was talking about.

[@milham76]

Why are you in fear for your life, Deborah? You don't need to be. Armageddon is not coming and you will not be destroyed. Is there someone who can help you feel better?

[@deborahtaylor3478]

It will come and no body nose when .Armageddon deos scare me .it should scare everyone .Becouse this is what the jw's worn us all.

[@debrabrookham6670]

Read the bible yourself. Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit for understanding. It is not the belief in the JWs that saves you. It is Christ's free gift to you as a believer. He died for our sins because we are imperfect. You don't need the false JWs. I was in the cult for many years. Best wishes.

[@deborahtaylor3478]

Thank you I would love to have you as my friend on face book you are making me fill a little better I need a friend like by my side to help me through this dark time in my life.

[@frankbray9416]

Well hell, the whole talk of being disfellowshipped and not even knowing it means I could have been disfellowshipped years ago and might not even know! I left the JWs in 1995 and came out as gay in early 2001 and the elders all knew because my family was still going (and one elder dealing with my Dad for another issue was VERY nasty to me). Always thought I was a fader but maybe I'm disfellowshipped too and never knew! Blows my mind!

[@valeries3356]

I actually quoted the scripture about jehovah forgetting our sins like sunrise to sunset and my three dumb elders were like “no ...not enough time...” it was truly a wake up!! So thankful to see the real truth!!

[@DoseofDoriJ]

They are the polar opposite of the "Truth" basically a whole "LIE".And that’s the scary part.😳

[@kingdom97ncfc]

I’ve just come back to this video as tonight I’ve had confirmation from my local congregation that, after many many months of back and forth(As Steve said, they take 28 of the 30 days to respond) have finally agreed to delete my sensitive personal data which relates to my mental and sexual history from the age of 16. Don’t give up. Their bully tactics don’t work.

[@robinrobyn1714]

"Steve Harvey" is the name of an American celebrity. He used to host the game show" Family Feud", amongst other things.

[@jeneb52]

My friend is in love with him, and he still does host the show at 4 pm ,lol

[@robinrobyn1714]

@@jeneb52 Steve Harvey competed against Robin Meade, on " Morning Express with Robin Meade". They played" The Feud". Just the two of them answering a number of questions. Being a Robin myself, I of course cheered on Robin Meade . Plus- she's just so gorgeous!!!!!

[@Bananachan289]

I noticed that too 😂

[@milham76]

And your point is???

[@Bananachan289]

@@milham76 ANOTHER HARVEY

[@ResearchThis]

I just received a letter and brochure from jdubs as I'm watching this video! Sheesh

[@ZoeBellCake]

'If we looked at it like a cult, what would be different about the organization?' *mind blown*