MY STORY: Waking Up and Being Shunned by the Jehovah's Witness Cult

[@RiceSteph]

I can't believe I woke up and left. The depression was horrible (every 6 months). I always felt better when I was away and that made me curious. These videos are the best! My life is soooooOooo much better now ❤ Thank you for this good work!'

[@Nosaphira]

For those who think that there’s disaster, relief, I had unpacked that. The disaster relief is provided by volunteers and voluntary donations not from watchtower coffers. I know of several cases were watchtower, then demanded the insurance checks when they came in. They did not provide the funds. They did not provide the work and they took, what little money these people needed to start over again

[@nospringchicken2211]

They came and collected the branches in my elderly jw mother's front yard and put it by the curb for the city to pick up. It sat there for 2 months because my mother would not let me put it in the bins for the garbage man. We had to do the back yard. So, no, it did not cost wt a thing.

[@JustWakeUp2704]

So sad, they scam on all levels.

[@davidreda1211]

Great interview with Beth. Thank you both for your time & energy on this!

[@SidrahEsmael]

What a great interview, so happy for you both

[@ap6252004]

“It’s not really a win if you had to wait for permission from the governing body…” 100%!

[@gisella1350]

Thank you for sharing. For me the starting point of waking up was the lack of caring while going through unexpected hard times with two little boys. They put the blame on me, I was told "YOU must be doing something wrong" I wasn't. No help with food for my children. Then I found out that they have shares in warfare companies, that shocked me into reality.

[@Belinha264]

Happy Christmans e kisses from Brazil ❤

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

They expect you to "rely on Jehovah" instead of getting a college degree and for provisions but at the same time, make it clear that the health and wealth prosperity gospel is another false religion. It's the same old double standard they practice. They have mean people in that organization and mean people suck!

[@christinesotelo7655]

Yes, this is true. I remember this too. ❤

[@chroniclesoflucifer]

Thank you for sharing Beth. And best wishes to Riley! Been listening to Riley during my journey from pomi to pomo. 🎉❤

[@charm6531]

Spot On abt Undue Influence!!

[@truelove2334]

All the best to you!💞

[@Crystal-kl6dv]

I wasn't going to listen to this interview because it was going to be over an hour long. I am so glad that i did listen! So very educational and uplifting. You two were great! I was considering this cult for a brief second. But something never felt right about it. You guys have confirmed that it was not my imagination. I always felt like i was being trained to obey the organization and not Jehovah. The members seemed kind at first, but once you start asking questions, you're perceived as some kind of troublemaker. If you don't fall in line quickly, they kick you to the curb. Gaslighting and love bombing at its best. Thanks for posting. Thanks for helping so many people.

[@ltbob8274]

I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. I was required to "prepare for" and attend FIVE meetings per week...The Ministry School, The Service Meeting, The Book Study, The Watchtower Study and the Public Talk. Along with this, I was expected to get at LEAST 10 hours of "Field Service" or Door to Door each month, prepare and give a "talk" about every two months, and attend all of the Circuit and District Conventions. (District Conventions back then were FIVE LONG DAYS.) I had very little time or energy for anything else, and I rarely did any homework. I was also not allowed to have any friends in "the world" or "worldly" friends. I was not allowed to partake in ANY after school activities...I was not even allowed to join the Chess Club. I never got to celebrate Christmas or have a birthday party...not to mention Easter, 4th of July or any other holiday. And I did not have a clue that I was in a cult. I believed everything I was taught since I was a baby, and like I was trained, would DEFEND "the truth" to anyone that tried to show me the true light or real truth. I was about 40 years old when I began to question what I had been taught. I coincided with them changing the doctrine on 1914 yet again, due to their "new light." According to them, the generation of 1914, is STILL alive, and Jesus has already returned, but he came invisibly. Once I started to do honest research with a lot of it using the "Societies" own past publications, my eyes were opened. (Among other things, they have had one false prophesy after another.) I have now been free from this high control cult for many years, after doing a "long fade" as to avoid being disfellowshiped and shunned, simply for no longer agreeing with their doctrine. One thing to keep in mind...you may....just may, be able to plant a small seed of doubt in the mind of a JW, but they are TRAINED to raise their shields and NOT even listen to anyone or anything that questions the teaching of their Governing Body...especially an X-JW who they refer to as "apostates." They will not visit your church, or read anything you give to them. At your door, they may take it, but they are trained to throw it away without looking at it. Never forget they are truly cultists. And I am so glad I have freed myself from them.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

Those meetings were horrible! But, door knocking was pretty bad too. We didn't have anything to do with family because they weren't Jehovah witnesses. Bad associations. When I got older I could see that my relatives were the normal ones in the family. At that time I didn't know what a cult was. When I did find out what a cult was, I said that's us!! We are in a cult! We are in a genuine cult! We are cult members! Well this just sucks! Then, one day when I was door knocking, a guy who answered the door said, you do know that they are false prophets, right? You do know that don't you? This was years before 1975. I always remembered what he told me. Then came 1975. Then 1976. I still remembered what he told me! I remember thinking, he was right. That was when my research started. It was a quest. The more that I found out, the more I wanted to know more. It began with that one question, you do know that they are false prophets, don't you? That one question started it all. I couldn't believe that my parents didn't know this. When I tried to tell them, they just became angry. I was an apostate. Their own son was a dreaded apostate. The devil had a hold of me. The worst kind of person. Probably a hippie as well! Like one of them Beatles! Evil, Evil, Evil! Smokes marijuana too I bet! ( that would come later)

[@ltbob8274]

@ yeah the thing that got me questioning everything was when they change the doctrine on 1914 just one too many times… To something that just couldn’t be understood. And maybe the reason why I couldn’t understand it was they expected me to believe that in 2010, the generation of 1914 who was… Supposed to have been born around 1900, was still alive.

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

You're very brave to get out. Congratulations. I hope you kept all the printed literature you were force fed all those years. It's hard evidence against them. I studied with them for years and I saw 1975 come and go. The Vietnam war ended that year & I remember JWs swarming the neighborhood, convinced Armageddon was coming that afternoon. 🤣😂 I still react from their entrenched teaching from time to time, especially the part where you can only be saved by doing good works, and even then it's a definite maybe. Stay strong and breathe the free air again, my friend.❤

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

​@@jimbobaggans1564Horrible that you had to go through all that trauma! I never got baptized, but their doctrine got pretty entrenched in me. I just couldn't buy into their only 144,000 will go to heaven teaching and their "we're the only true religion" teaching. So they wouldn't baptize me into their system. Because of that, I believed I would be killed in Armageddon, but decided to take my chances. I couldn't worship such a rigid and punishing God. Congratulations on getting free. Big sacrifice, losing family and friends, but worth it to get free. ❤

[@xxxxyz854]

Good for you. 1957 was the year I started learning the cult teachings. I left when the 1975 gaslighting video was broadcasted.

[@Laurie-q4s]

Keep up the good work. You are the Leah Remini for JWs who need to be free.

[@daniellassander]

Thank you, I hope you are having a wonderful life now. I understand its not perfect no ones life is. But I really hope that your life is so much better now. Full of love, family and joy, and that you feel loved.

[@vicdriver501]

I was definitely a TRUE BLUE believer, as I was so confident that I was following the 1 & only true religion, that I dropped out of high school after my 11th grade wayyyyy back in 1994, started studying, got baptized and became a regular axilery pioneer in 1997, spending sometimes over 90hrs a month, became I was so conflicted that Armageddon was just around the corner! I was shattered…….

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

JW doctrine really messes you up, doesn't it? I never got baptized, but my Christianity was messed up just the same. I thoroughly believed I would be killed in Armageddon. I remember JWs frantically knocking on people's doors the day the Vietnam war ended in 1975 because they believed world peace just happened and Armageddon was coming that afternoon. So glad you got away from that cult. ❤

[@carlismycat]

I didn't go past 9th grade and I failed that grade because of it. I couldn't succeed because I was being criticisized for everything (and physically abused by my non jw parent) instead of being taught and guided lovingly.

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

@carlismycat How traumatic! So sorry you had to go through all that. I hope you found a better life, healing and a college degree. ❤️🙏

[@NewSkiwi]

I would highly recommend Mel Robbins' latest episode on YT "For anyone going through a breakup" - I know its about a romantic break up, but she delves into the impact a breakup has on one's nervous system. I feel the information she shares is so relevant to our break up with our relationship with the WT.

[@derrickhall1712]

This was very good, me and my wife just left and our family is shunning us. Thx

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

@@derrickhall1712 JWs will collapse soon because of their unkind behavior. Remember that your family is being forced to shun you because they're terrified of getting disfellowshipped themselves, not because they don't love you. I'm sure they're in just as much agony as you are. Just don't give up on God. Pray to the REAL Heavenly Father and ask Him to take this cult OUT. ❤️🙏

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

@@derrickhall1712 If you're being shunned, you can sue them all for defamation of character. It will intimidate them right back.

[@Esther-eh]

Thank you for sharing your story, Bethany!💖💖 Some wonderful things I learned was that "our natural state is joy". If we don't experience joy, we are out of spiritual alignment. As far as I can tell, religion is just a way to teach people to be obedient sheep. Think about it. "Follow our passion." All my life I wanted to learn to ballroom dance. But my parents forbade such a "worthless pursuit". My first husband had no interest and I wasn't allowed to go by myself to lessons. I learned to dance after I divorced him. "We are free sovereign beings." So why do I need guidance from strangers/men (i.e., strange men) in NY who don't even know me? And their henchmen in local congregations? Or a priest/pastor with special garb to prove their authority over me and who supposedly has communication with a god? Where is our personal autonomy in any of that? Watchtowerland is a punishing belief system. Communication is the resolution to any discordant views. Shunning and disfellowshipping is the very opposite of healing discord. It causes depression, fear, anxiety, PTSD, CPTSD, and more.

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

All the things you listed in your last sentence are also witnesses to CSA, plus the victim herself. DNA, fibers, fluids, hair, fingerprints, physical and emotional trauma are all considered hard evidence in a court of law. A person's testimony is only circumstantial. Science doesn't lie Science is thorough and exact. JW victims of CSA shouldn't say anything to the elders at all and go straight to the police. That way, the pervert goes to jail, he goes directly to jail, he does not pass go, he does not collect $200. I'm so glad you finally got to learn ballroom dancing. Finding joy in dancing is Scriptural, too. JWs just don't want anyone to be happy. Just oppressed and controlled. May the true God continue to bless 🙏 you and bring you joy. ❤

[@SisterOfTheFireflies181]

Hi Riley, I want to thank you for your efforts and hard work since you started your KZbin channel in 2020. I followed you and always found your content interesting and helpful. You put a lot of work into helping others and it definitely made a positive difference in many lives. Your sincere compassion and empathy was always evident and I found it heartwarming. Thank you sincerely, you are a beautiful soul and you deserve a rich, fulfilling, happy life--I wish you all these things. Thanks for everything you did to improve the lives of others, I hope it is returned to you ten-fold. I wish you the best in the future and hope all your dreams come true. Most importantly, I hope you experience joy each and every day! 🫂❤️🙋‍♀️🦋

[@haan3549]

Loved this Thank you both ❤

[@janespitfire9884]

Thank you Beth and Martin..great info in helping so many wake up and live better life

[@natashapeeters988]

I am so proud of you both 💓...waking up and you were not physically abused or CSA victims... I was abused in both ways...from birth until 13 years old for CSA and from 4 or 5 years old on until I left for being beaten almost to death several times a week. It gives me a huge 🫂 hugg. Because it was people in my situation that gave you the guts to leave that cult. ❤ Thanks, it's feeling like I didn't go through that for nothing. ❤

[@christinesotelo7655]

I’m so sorry you went through that. I pray you know freedom and joy now! ❤

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

@@natashapeeters988 How horrible you had to go through all that! It always breaks my heart when I hear stories like yours and it makes me so angry at the elders and governing body. They should have protected you by going with you to the hospital and the police station. Sending prayers for your recovery from the PTSD you have to cope with. Since you were a child, you can still file a police report. I don't think there's a statute of limitations on CSA. Plus if you were disfellowshipped, you can sue them for defamation of character and for throwing you out on the streets if this happened to you. 💔😢🙏

[@dtschuor459]

@@ChristineRossi-rc7xlThat is absolutely correct!

[@bethanycordero3453]

God bless your new endeavors Riley

[@elainebraindrain3174]

ARC was also my final straw. I match your wake up time 2017 . Blessings🥰

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

I woke up in 1985 after studying with JWs for years. Blessings to you, too. ❤

[@AlmostAnonymously]

Bethany, Awesome Interview. Glad to hear you touch on the theatrical, dramatically staged, manipulative & fabricated story lines - not even based on real-world scenarios, & yet to still see (sunk-cost) old people literally falling for this is Tragic. Your previous bulletized video was also on point (re: language) To see the GB & their helpers with the same identical mannerisms; they have adopted the mannerism of Undertakers & Morticians. I think there is something very sinister in all of that. Its like they're trained in voice, tone, inflection, wording, facial & body expressions & so on. Sometimes their gesturing s (histrionics) is as if they'll almost leap in the air or hover in space with wings on their ankles with this fake enthusiasm. Each one of the aired speakers have their own Steven Lett exaggerated, animated persona. E E R I E. This cannot be coincidental. It's almost Undertaker & Mortician-like mezmerizing antics. And it seems to work! But they're also imploding & their desperation is showing. (You Guys) The EXJW Community are (in conjunction with the world of electronic, digital, social media & the INTERNET are responsible for the Norways, the ARC's & other EXPOSES that's S L O W L Y unraveling them. It's the exposure of the historically amateurish "theocracy" - that they did not see coming, that's their undoing. The TRUTH is, they have no one to blame for this, but them! Great Work!

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

I think they talk like funeral directors, too. JW talks? Boring! You'd think they would have spoken with a lot more urgency. I think the covered up cases of sexual abuse is more their undoing than anything else, especially on little children. They would have been glorifying Jehovah's name if they'd directed their victimized parishioners to go to the police right off the bat and gone with them and gave them love and support. But true church leadership involves the harder path and they didn't want to be bothered. Glad they're finally getting what they deserve. 😂🤣🎶❤️

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

@@AlmostAnonymously I think the CSA abuse coverups is REALLY going to be their undoing. Their 2 witness rule is a copout because they underestimate the power of forensic science. Even a daily journal of documented events is admissable in court. They would have done better to use the Elizabeth Smart case as a good example for caring for their CSA victims. Instead, they preferred to keep up appearances. Going with them to the hospital, police department and later court, would have glorified Jehovah's name, not brought reproach. Those elders and GB 🤡 clowns have really messed up this time! What goes around comes around...😂🤣

[@carolmighali1230]

I’ve just found you Beth and wow every thing you say I want to shout yeah what a great human you are I’ve watched Jon’s Chanel and enjoy those so pleased to see you’re doing so well ❤️much love from John and Carol fully awake in the uk x

[@xxxxyz854]

My mother was never baptized because she "WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH".

[@adrianpachay5681]

When I was in the cult, I remember joking after my daughter was born saying:Since our congregation hasn't grown so much recently, we had to provide the publishers ourselves. What a moron I was

[@dianelowe972]

You two speaking the true truth is quite relaxing. The depression is so real. I've been there & still am after all of these yrs. & like similar comments on here, I didnt realize til just now, that I wd do so much betr when I wd get away for wks at a time 2 take care of family. You two make so much logical sense. When their teens r kicked out of their homes when disfellowshipped, it is not only illegal, it is all of a sudden telling their teens, 2 do a 180 & go out in the world & njoy an opposite lifestyle & we hope u survive, bcz r love 4 u hz always been conditional. No wonder they have the highest rate of suicides. Bcz who cd possibly endure a spiritual execution ?! So very happy that my parents, as well as us, who refused to shun a child & leave them 2 figure out the world on their own. Truly loving shepherds will seek to keep their lost sheep at any cost bcz they care about them & don't want them 2 liv in fear & danger. They wd protect them from danger, instd of leaving them to the wolves whether in sheeps clothing or not.

[@cheneethompson5756]

That sister gave a homeless man a magazine? Seriously? They need food, not that crappy magazine! Other churches are kinder than the witnesses! Hands down!

[@robertmardis2110]

Loved your interview! I follow you and John....followed John on the round table....I am friends with Jimmy....

[@claudetteedwards4115]

Love Jexit ❤

[@jimbobaggans1564]

Hey, i had a No Blood Transfusion card! How many of you guys had one of those? I heard they even had a publishers card. I didn't have one of those. I must have left the cult before they were issued. A co asked for mine, at the hospital where my dad was. He came in the room like he owned the place and asked to see mine. I handed him my Visa card, which really chapped his biscuits. He handed it back and said, i don't wanna see this! Pompous Puke!

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

@@jimbobaggans1564 😂🤣

[@BooBooBugalugs]

My very devout jw dad told me that i couldn't get baptised until i was 18, because i couldnt legally sign a contract before then. I thought that was the rules at the time. Luckily, i was never baptised, but still mostly shunned as "worldly" even though i am also classed as a "lost sheep" because my df (psycho) mum pulled me out at 13 and moved us away.

[@vicdriver501]

I would love to be interviewed by him, as of course, I reached my 20th yr, wayyyyyy back in 2004, as I was second generation born and raised JW, as my parents got married in ‘74, thinking that Armageddon was coming the following yr, and I was going to be born into the NEW SYSTEM!

[@jimbobaggans1564]

Well praise be to Jehovah, you were going to be born in the new system! Talk about lucky! You would never know about the great tribulation! A home grown child of watchtower. Too bad it didn't pan out.

[@Ruben-zf9cg]

B.I.T.E model, true talk. One needs to understand that, the talks reviewed every six months, texts same ones overall and out of context. Long term programming. Younger ones don’t understand it they feel, we felt it was truth because our family and friends were doing the same. Infallible/ Not Inspired, these GD lire’s… Now they wanna go mainstream. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

Glad you're not in that cult anymore. ❤

[@yafois988]

Love stye acronym there, very creative !

[@StefWokeUp]

That was really great! Thanks for sharing.

[@lfr2112]

It's interesting you remember the circumstances of your last meeting - I don't! Knowing it was going to be my last meeting (as I was ready to move out of my parents home the following week), it was nothing but incomprehensible gibberish that I tuned out😆

[@POMO1914]

I'm an agnostic XJW, who doesn't believe in the Bible anymore. But if Jesus is supposed to be the example for the Dubs, and he was "a perfect man", why didn't he get baptized before the age of thirty? So, to follow his example, I believe the minimum age of baptism should be thirty & older.

[@NoBodyknows-n4b]

Ty

[@elainebraindrain3174]

❤❤❤farewell for now😊

[@Douglas.Scott.McCarron]

Congrats

[@christinesotelo7655]

Hi, Bethany. Can you tell me how to publish a book? I spent a year finishing my manuscript. I was a JW recruited in in the 1970’s when Armageddon was coming in 1975. Now I am 75 and finished the book on the experience. But I am not technically savvy and so what do I do now? I don’t have it on a WHATs-it-called-thumb drive? So where do I send it? I know it will help.

[@jokich6379]

Becoming a JW allow one to put binders on our eyes- limited our perception. Coming out of it, I did get traumatized by the world scene- and politics/government (am an American). Entered into a sense of how complicated life is and difficult it is to be human- much to navigate. Live in area that is part of the Bible Belt and “ Trump” country. Part of attraction to JW org. Was idea of all people of all nations could be acceptable. I am troubled over racism, labelling /stereotyping immigrants spewing of hatred out of people’s mouths. Especially when “white” Americans can be far more corrupt. Very good interview. Thanks.

[@vicdriver501]

My mom got baptized at 14, my step sister got baptized at 14, I got baptized at 18!

[@Doris1888]

Are all three of you still in?

[@christinesotelo7655]

Does one who writes a letter of Disassociation get shunned? Or just the “removed” one?

[@jimbobaggans1564]

Beth, like you i was born into this cult. Ever since i can remember i hated it. I hated every aspect of it. The endless meetings. The door knocking. The end of the world predictions. The fake people. Even though i hated it all, i still got baptized at a very young age. I thought they will all like me, if i do that. I had to bite my tongue until i was old enough to be on my own. I too suffered from anxiety attacks and having stomach problems. Until, i left. Then, the weight was removed. Some in the congregation could see that i had no intention of staying in the cult. I think that i made them nervous. When you hate something so much it's difficult to keep it hidden. It's written all over your face. At least i thought it was. I would think, how many can see that i don't want to be here? I lived two lives. One in the world the other at the kingdom hall. I was dragged along going from door to door, dressed in my little suit and bow tie, dreading going to the next house. That all stopped when i got into my late teens. I mean, there is only so much BS you can stand! I got so sick of hearing about Armageddon coming any day, practically every day. Reading the daily text from those stupid yearbooks. When i finally broke free, i thought, maybe i judged the organization too harshly. Then immediately think, no, i didn't. But, they weren't done with me yet. Oh No, not yet. I had to get mean. I had to threaten the guy who called me. After that, they left me alone. You know some people don't understand anything but force. You need to curl back you lips and let them see your teeth. Just like a cross dog. I honestly wasn't angry but i had to make him think that i was. He never called again. No one did.

[@andrewschiffer4323]

I have come across a JW using lots of references to the early Christians. Any thoughts.

[@AugustGrace-w2q]

True friends in the congregation, really? How often do members meet up for coffee, shopping, an event or whatever, other than Sunday meeting, mid week meeting and service groups?

[@ltbob8274]

True friends? I hate to break it to you, but true friendship cannot be ended by two janitors and a window washer in the back room of the kingdom hall, pretending to be your spiritual advisors.

[@christinesotelo7655]

Starbucks in front of cart witnesses? 😂 No true friends, no. They will shun you in a New York minute.

[@nospringchicken2211]

I saw a video a while back when someone got in trouble because their friends brought the meals after giving birth and her husband was working long hours to pay the expenses. I guess they did not go through the congregation so they could take credit.

[@theadskipper2928]

The problem with the CSA argument is it goes both ways. There are a lot of young girls that have to babysit. Bout time I was 16 i knew about the Rythm and BPM’s.. I know about split ends, I know girls have eating disorders. When you say ARC I don’t feel that it encompasses that women are participating in these cases. These aren’t weird elders…. It’s weird sisters too.

[@natashapeeters988]

1006 or 1004 Pedophiles/ not cases. Pedophiles have numerous victims, specifically in jw cult// it's so easy 😢

[@christinesotelo7655]

I also hated that word “endure” also. “He who endures to the end shall be saved.” So, in order to be “saved”, you had to endure and endure...but endure WHAT? The persecution already started in Malawi (in the 70’s), we heard about all the atrocities in Sunday talks (children present while the Elders spoke of atrocious acts); I was frightened, depressed, and all that was coming our way was the need for endurance. No future. It terrified me and the children. You had to go through a whole lot of endurance then Armageddon and the clean-up before you can get into Paradise. Very much like the Catholics who raised 50’s kids on martyrdom: no future, if ya wanna get into Heaven, die for the Catholic Church first.

[@toddhayes3506]

Great Job Thanks God Bless You Happy Holidays

[@nicosyiallouris1103]

I feel very sorry for the people still in this terrible watch tower Cult!!

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

Isaiah 8:10, 2thimoty 3:7-9,2Peter 2:1-3, Psalms 37:20.

[@planeclassic7129]

Me too. They don’t realize what they are a part of. Man enslaves, God frees.

[@ckelly5141]

That’s a good thing. We should. They are deceived, following man. We want to help them go to Christ only, which is salvation.(Joh.14:6)

[@anavictoriacarlos7297]

My brother is an elder of Jw. How can I help him go out when he is so devoted?

[@ckelly5141]

@@anavictoriacarlos7297 You can’t. I disassociated after 40 years in and left alone. I am avoided by my kids, and hence, that includes grandkids. My wife still talks to me but the relationship is not the same. They can only leave when they realize that it is not the truth, but deception. We must respect their decision to believe what they want to believe. Hopefully, this will happen one day.

[@NoBodyknows-n4b]

It depends on why you leave...I thought, I left on my own four times, so they tell me so this last time they told me, even though I went to them for help with another issue but they forgot about me one said after I got off reproof it was it before. Anyway, I was fine for over six years but going to a shepherding meeting two months ago and offered a bible study since they have programs for the issues ousted ones may have I believe covid just made witnesses enjoy staying in instead of going to meetings and door to door plus now sounds like service hours are not necessary for gaining everlasting life like we were taught or what is now, is the new kindness still on for disfellowshipped ones or is it real that we are not even considered as using name Jw's anymore?

[@astralclub5964]

Where you have a conspiracy of silence, you'll have CSA! Great interview, Beth!

[@WatchtowerHunter]

I didn’t have a trigger word, but a trigger expression, “wait on Jehovah”. That phrase has been used to cover up and cover over so many horrific wrongs rather than actually doing the work of righting the wrong, most of the time perpetrated by elders in the congregation.

[@carlismycat]

A lot of non JW people use that same phrase only they say “ wait on God” I feel the same way about that 👎

[@BPC1053]

The Bible says that Jehovah and Satan are the Same god, that's all one needs to know.

[@Doris1888]

There are other cults that forbid men to have beards which i found odd since men in the Bible had beards.

[@stoobpendous]

Bethany, you speak directly to my soul. 👍

[@Doris1888]

Bethany I was curious, you said in one of your older podcasts that your parents weren't against you going to college. Do you think that they think that going to college is what caused you to leave the JWs and regret it now? I know it didn't because you said you were already questioning things. But I was curious to what you think your parents might think.

[@NoBodyknows-n4b]

Never considered the door to door training as presented in a video

[@nicosyiallouris1103]

Thank you Beth for your honesty, your a star!❤

[@johnf587]

lol in the entire world what religion worship the one Jesus, the apostles and the prophets called, The Living and True God, if Jesus is his son? And who dont even know who he is? Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered [To Jesus]: “You are the Christ, the SON.. of THE LIVING GOD.” John 17:3 Jesus said praying to.. This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 10:10 But Jehovah is the True God, HE IS - THE LIVING GOD - and the eternal King. Because of his indignation the earth will quake, And no nations will endure his denunciation.

[@yafois988]

Interesting on the scriptures, the Hebraic spelling in it, the Torah, has the Holy sacred name of our father in Heaven. It is, Y-H-V-H, in a letter sequence . Pronounce the Y as a “J, as in Hebrew the “V can be pronounced the “B sound. Hevron city in middle Israel is called Hebron also. Anyway Yes the creators name can have a “J sound as in Jahova when in Proper paleo Hebrew YaHoVaH. BTW, there is NO “W” in our Aleph Bet or alpha bet lettering. It’s somewhat associated with the argument of, "is the saviors name Jezizz or Jesus’? When again in Proper originating Vernacular is Yehoshua, which actually means Ya or YHVH saves his people. As the savior is Jewish and the Walking Torah manifest into flesh, whom came here to Save humans. The 5 Books of Moses, the first two spell Torah in proper forward direction sequencing, the Last two books spell Torah Backwards, and the center book spells the Creators name YHVH as if the 1-2 book point Forward to him in name, the 4-5 books spell Torah backwards and point Backward To the 3rd book his very name -YHVH. The gematria on Hebrew is Very deep, mechanically impossible bt n\humans spelling or crafting it yet an eternal God made the Lang with countless things in Torah that work in amazing mysterious true fashion. Shalom

[@johnf587]

@@yafois988 interesting that people use Jesus and Jerusalem but are against the name of Jehovah, usually those who dont even know the father are agasint his name and translations as usual

[@yafois988]

@@johnf587 n Hebraic Spelling, converted to English, lettings, the four most significant things in all creation, begin with the “Y” - Yod letter 1- Yerushly’m Or Jerusalem. 2- Ya or YHVH ABBA’s name. 3- Yehoshua or Ya incarnate as "The Christ". 4- Yitri’el Or Israel. If you look at the letters, the Yod , is HIGH, on the very scale of letterings, when all the rest are middle and a few sub level like sophit letters. J is often used in place of Y

[@BruceLeeR1-2103]

It IS exactly like being in an abusive relationship!! Was in 40 years, the last three of which was out physically but in mentally. I was thoroughly convinced it was true and the only way. I'm still grieving and processing leaving this cult. I was drinking everyday to deal with the emotional pain and cognitive dissonance to the point I joined Alcoholics Anonymous and learned about this thing called, "Grace." The JW hate grace to the point they took it out of the bible!! Cant control people without guilt shame and gaslighting. I then understood i had been taught things that weren't Christian at all. I somehow fell into a Works for Salvation legalistic belief system, not all that different from the Pharisees condemned during Jesus earthy ministry. Was having a discussion with my sister who waited until 41 years old to get baptized and caught myself telling her the GB says the WT magazine is not inspired by God, and they themselves admit they are not inspired by God. She was appalled but i explained that was all from their broadcasting and magazines, no apostate sources! After we hung up the phone i put it together. No Grace, not inspired yet all the flock treats the magazine and GB like they are inspired and expect you to do the same! My heart sank and I knew i was done. I felt this HUGE peace from God and freedom. One brother as ive been out physically for 3 years visited me and said 'I need to prove it is the truth to myself." And so i did! And it isn't!! Instead of putting Faith in Christ they want you to put Faith in an Organization and a Governing Body!! What a load of crap! Only been mentally out for 4 months now. It is hard but life is so much more rewarding.

[@Ruben-zf9cg]

Brother I’m sorry to read this but glad at the same time. Well done having breaking out, break being the word, I wish you the best with your goals and gurney.

[@BruceLeeR1-2103]

@Ruben-zf9cg thanks for the kind words my guy! 21 months 9 days alcohol free weed free. Best shape in 15 years and over two years being in business for myself. Its hard but for some reason it all came together in the same time frame. Just could not see spending an eternity with all those cold hypocritical people and a God that only loved me for my works. I could be wrong but reviewing the Bible and much prayer the JW life just did not add up. Peace and goodwill🙏

[@CiaoBello21]

After you left the prison, did you go to college? And what degree did you pursue?

[@willyb933]

Thank You Riley and Bethany you both did an outstanding job as usual!

[@mamat5922]

This is one of the most refreshing EX JW interviews I’ve heard in a while. Thank you for sharing your experience. ❤😊

[@jlu9619]

Opakovane prosím o zavedenie prekladu Vasej reci vo videu do jazyka slovenčina alebo čeština. Potrebujú Vaše slová vedieť mnohí ďalší. (V komentaroch k obsahu vo videu sú titulky viditeľné, ale k videu nie je v zozname náš jazyk.) Dakujem pekne.

[@NabeelDebbas]

I thank you for your concern, i appreciate, other suggestion if? It Is possible, which can make even easier, if you write during your or their speach. By returning back, easier to find out the section we need. I wish i didn't bother you,i thank you another time.

[@NoBodyknows-n4b]

I'd change people being disfellowshipped, I'd tell the truth about "the truth". I'd do away with governing body governing in the way they do and just have the society be in charge of pertinent articles and truthful edited articles with correct information. Allow to be able to receive help needed when and wherever they need to go. Reading other people's info to better learn what other know and can teach us also, share., no part of the world but take what they have to offer for free at that but help no one on the outside. Stop catering to certain witnesses when it comes to elders helping, food and money assistance, disfellowshipped catering not chastised by elders for their own families or friends of such

[@juliemcalister2557]

There is nada we can do about those elders that sit up there in the watchtower with Steven Lett that wears all his jewlery but my husband was reproved for wearing the same. Yeah let these people go and be glad you are out of their control.

[@NoBodyknows-n4b]

Wow! What right did they have and were people really giving and okay with it!? No spoke up I suppose😢

[@nicosyiallouris1103]

Thank you so much Beth for all the hard work your doing to help good people to come out from this poisonous distractive Cult ❤

[@elainebraindrain3174]

I hate the term "wait on jhoover"

[@Esther-eh]

Hi elaine! "jhoover"😂😂

[@elainebraindrain3174]

@Esther-👋hi esther

[@ckelly5141]

Would that be J Edgar Hoover? Isn’t he dead? ⚰️ 🤔

[@Esther-eh]

​@@ckelly5141 jhoover is an inside joke about the JW god.

[@Bun-q3v]

Yeah one elder told my husband to quit his job and go cut trees - my hubby knew nothing about cutting trees 😂

[@nicosyiallouris1103]

Twenty two years after i came out from this poisonous distractive Cult and still have to suffer because they ruined my family

[@xxxxyz854]

Now that beards are allowed, I'm shaving mine and wearing tight panties.

[@joachimgoethe7864]

So true. Watchtower corporation could easily afford to initiate and promote charitable undertakings within congregations. Food, clothing, etc. But alas, Watchtower only takes. . . Be it time, labor or money. And rarely if ever gives back.

[@Bun-q3v]

I agree - individual members of the congregations give when there is a need; we help each other, not the congregation helping the members. I can remember my husband and I being asked to donate money, food and clothing when friends have been in need. What about the congregation helping? We received some food from the organization during covid, but that’s it. Even when we feed volunteers for schools, construction and other events at our congregations, the individual members provide the food, not the congregation. Man this is really crazy. I can remember having the nerves to have negative thoughts because my parents volunteer to cook at their church for functions; well at least their church provides the food whereas we provide and prepare the food. I am fading.

[@ucanliv4ever]

You can't be serious... what part of disaster relief don't you understand?

[@robertmardis2110]

​@ucanliv4ever what part don't you understand! Not one cent comes from watchtower! The brother & sisters provide the free labor! Donations at times might provide for some material....most of the ones I worked on were donated materials from the friends even there wasn't adequate insurance! Your delusional my friend on how it works! I worked and seen the inside workings first hand!!

[@ucanliv4ever]

Robert, I guess this means we aren't going to have a linear discussion. Disaster relief is not building Kingdom Halls. Beware of pretty faces that you find... A pretty face can hide an evil mind. Ah you let the wrong word slip While kissing persuasive lips... Odds are you won't live to see tomorrow

[@Madman2024-]

Depression in a spiritual paradise

[@Esther-eh]

@Madman -- apparently.🤔😏

[@AnayhiasMimi]

I love being able to have more of a inner look on your life ty for the share

[@gabrielvanhelsing8214]

My "rude awakening" came about through a different perspective. Couldn't understand of how the bible spells it out in Psalms 104 vs. 5: "He established the earth upon its foundations, so that it won't totter forever and ever." Also, Ecclesiastes Ch. 1 vs. 4 states: "People come and people go, but the earth remains forever". I, being inquisitive and possessing a curious mind and a desire to engage in investigative probing along with developing critical thinking; I forced myself to research of what the bible says respecting this planet could be a factual prediction or not.🤔 Accounting for the 2nd. law of thermodynamics, the sun as being a medium size yellow star will ultimately exhaust its hydrogen fuel supply. That is a fact that will eventually (granted) over several billion years from the present regarding our closest star of burning or fading out into oblivion. The destiny of this planet can therefore be determined by the sun's life phases over time. All those who are inquisitive and possess a curious mind as well; look up the future of the "Sun" from any source of your choosing. In any case, how are the meek going to inherent a dissolved planet?💫🌍🌞🌟🔥😰😱

[@decodynamo]

The future is as bright as the promises of God

[@dancingnature]

That’s Interesting. , I’ve never been a JW and one of the reasons I accepted an old earth was from a book for children that my mother purchased from them . Of course, the book from the 1950s did mistakenly state 100s of thousands of years but it let me know that the earth was old. I learned in public school much later that it was actually billions but. ... I was always interested in science ( which was unusual for a girl during the 50s) so the JW refusal to accept evolution just rubbed me the wrong way . I was aware of common ancestry from about age 10 because it’s so blindingly obvious if you haven’t been terrorized into not understanding it.

[@Madman2024-]

Thanks Beth

[@astralclub5964]

I would add get rid of the NO BLOOD doctrine to changes!

[@thisguy2917]

One of the best interviews on the subject. Glad to see this cult masquerading as a religion is being exposed.

[@EmilySolem-Davis]

I can relate to the feeling depressed thing. It’s like, thoughts and prayers don’t do much, if anything, in the long run.

[@ASMR_Orangely]

*I once saw our 60 year-old ministerial servant taking a picture with my 17 year-old younger sister (in flesh) and his hand was leaning on her lower back…*

[@greyberet1]

Yeah, and so…? Unless saying “lower back” was a euphemism for buttocks? Just saying.

[@Eddy-Edmondo]

and a married elder, 60 years old, invited my 17 year old daughter to eat pizza in a pizzeria 60 kilometers away. At that time I was still kosher and did nothing.

[@Esther-eh]

eeew!😫🤢

[@ramrod576]

Every week I see a new story on KZbin about the JWs being garbage. I freaking love it. Down with abusive cults!

[@Antlil2023]

Awesome thank you ❤

[@QuëstionšnÅňşwęŕż]

Thank you Beth for your interview. And Jehovah bless you for your trueness and help for those who are hurt.

[@Mak1122-e1t]

Escape watchtower

[@Eddy-Edmondo]

and a married elder, 60 years old, invited my 17-year-old daughter to eat pizza in a pizzeria 60 kilometers away. At that time I was still kosher and did nothing. Of course she did not go

[@JustWakeUp2704]

❤

[@NabeelDebbas]

For us , as English is not our mother's tongue, i suggest if you talk slowly, for it is not enough to listen, but to analyze,and make the comparisons, if that will do with you ?

[@danielvesely4473]

Hello from Eastern Europe, technical remark. Very good pronunciation, but sometimes colloquial expressions _American, Canadian, Idont know. Merry Christmas and Hapinnes in 2025 /Dan JW 1990_ 2002, Czech republic/

[@meimeix1202]

Thank you for helping me getting out of this cult as early as possible, just finished unit 16 bible study with two sisters this week and feeling stressed about the entire doctrines 😵😓😓

[@latonyasmith683]

Hugs!🤗🤗🤗

[@jimbobaggans1564]

Beth, i have got to mention this. In my teenage years some of the younger guys and girls went out in field service. How i got roped into that, i can't recall. All smashed into the car like sardines in a can. The regular chit chat was going on. Mostly gossip as i remember. Then someone said something about the kingdom songs. I usually said very little on these excursions, as i just wanted to get it over with. But, lo, i spoke up. I said that i liked a few of the kingdom songs. Which ones? Well,,,,,,just one in particular. What's the name of it? I can't remember. Well, sing just a little bit of it, if you remember it. Ok, but let me think about how it goes. So i started singing Plastic Jesus. Only a couple bars, but that was enough. There was no talking for at least an hour. I was never asked to join a car group again. It got so quiet! I said, there's more of it but you probably don't wanna hear it. Anyway, i like it. I wonder if any of them still remember that day?

[@dancingnature]

🤣

[@jackijax505]

I love Jexit. He’s a genuine guy.

[@devinmedeiros9466]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂💪💪💪💪💪💔💔💔🤡🤡🤡🤡🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢

[@rich748]

I have breast cancer start studying with Jehovah witness organizations again but my religion don't do blood transfusions but I having a bone marrow biopsy and organ transplant

[@dancingnature]

Don’t join a religious group that forces you to harm yourself! Especially over a belief about blood that is so ignorantly superstitious