WHY I LEFT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

Why I Left Jehovah's Witnesses | My Story and Personal Journey
In this video, I provide a detailed explanation of why I decided to leave Jehovah’s Witnesses. I open up about my personal experiences and the reasons behind my choice, sharing an honest and heartfelt account of my spiritual journey. During this video, I also read the letter I sent to three congregations, which marks a significant moment in my departure from the organization. My intention is not to criticize but to share my own story and perspective.
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Hi, I'm Erika! This is a channel about personal growth + lifestyle + travelling, where I share knowledge and inspiration about creating our dream life. ✨
This channel is for the dreamers who believe. For those who are smart, curious, and conscious, with an open mind, a love for learning, and a deep desire to live a brilliant and vibrant life.
Let's Connect:
▸ website | mesinaerikamae...
▸ instagram | / erika.mae.m
▸ facebook | / mae.eryka
▸ letterboxd | letterboxd.com...

[@bernadette-tee]

I don't always leave a comment but you know that I am and will always be proud of you for choosing yourself and standing up for yourself even though it's a hard and challenging. It's just really sad when someone who is close to you and supposedly be the one that cares for you the most thinks of you as a nuisance. But know that there are still that care about you especially to those you have helped and cherished as close friends. 🙏💖 🫂

[@ErikaMesi]

Thank you so much for your support be! 💖 It's true, standing up for yourself can be difficult, especially when it involves your family. I’m grateful for you 🙏 and the connections I’ve made and the love and support I’ve received along the way. You’re a reminder that real friendship and understanding come from those who truly see your worth. 🫂 Thank you for being one of those people. 💕

[@bernadette-tee]

​​@@ErikaMesi Always happy to be one of those people! 🤗 We may have different lives but we have somewhat similar situations. 🥺

[@larstenfaelt1859]

Im neither JW nor ex-JW but have friends who are. These type of "naked" videos exlosing your thinking and experiences are so important to wake up others. So much filled with respect and love but so to the point. Thank you!

[@ErikaMesi]

It means a lot to know that even those outside of the JW or ex-JW community can connect with these stories. My hope is to bring awareness and help others think critically about their experiences. I truly appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts. Sending love and gratitude!

[@larstenfaelt1859]

@@ErikaMesi Thank you Erika. Keep up the good work!

[@Mercipher21]

Hi Erika, thanks for your video! I was born and raised a 3rd generation JW and was baptized in 1996. I too have only recently left the org. Hang in there, and be kind to yourself.

[@ErikaMesi]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! It’s always comforting to hear from others who’ve gone through a similar experience. Leaving after so many years isn’t easy, but it’s encouraging to know we’re not alone. Wishing you strength and healing on your journey, and thank you for the reminder to be kind to myself 💜

[@sclode2000]

Wow amazing ... I was baptized Dec 1995 during an international convention in Nairobi - Kenya but as from 1998 I couldn't cope with all I was noticing around me and started distancing myself as a POMI up until just recently in 2018 when I became POMO

[@ErikaMesi]

@@sclode2000 It’s powerful how you started noticing things as early as 1998 and gradually began to distance yourself. I can only imagine how tough that must have been, especially after being baptized during such a significant event. Going from POMI to POMO is such a big step, and I’m glad you’ve been able to make that transition.

[@livingoutloud4210]

Congratulations and welcome to your freedom 🎉❤

[@ErikaMesi]

Thank you so much! 🎉❤ It feels amazing to finally embrace this new chapter of freedom. Your support means a lot to me! 😊🙏

[@HerefortheLove]

You are gorgeous! ❤ I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself and what’s right. People are quick to choose others and organizations before they will choose themselves. Who stands up for us? Good for you for choosing YOU.

[@ErikaMesi]

It really means a lot. You're so right-people often put organizations or others before themselves, but at the end of the day, we have to choose ourselves and stand up for what feels right. No one else will do it for us.

[@haynehifanny8006]

What a great joy and happiness it is watching your video about leaving a despicably hurtful and damaging cult like Jehovah's Witlessness. I was an elder for almost 4 decades before I finally left almost 15 years ago. I heartily congratulate you for your freedom.

[@ErikaMesi]

I can only imagine what it must have been like to be an elder for almost 40 years-that’s a long time to be in so deep. It’s incredible that you found the strength to leave, and I’m sure your journey has inspired so many others as well. Congratulations on your own freedom, and I really appreciate your heartfelt message!

[@pilarmartinez4298]

You are smart and strong. I hope you have a wonderful life. You deserve it!

[@NathanielRealubit]

Glad you are out of the cult, that destroys families. Enjoy your new life, I wish you the best life to come. Thank you for sharing the truth about the watchtower.

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s definitely been a tough journey, but I feel more at peace now. I truly hope this video helps others who may be struggling. Wishing you the best as well, and thanks again for watching and for your encouragement! 💖

[@poorboy4855]

Why did you say that the JW religion is a cult?

[@ErikaMesi]

@@poorboy4855 I referred to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult because of the control they exert over their members' lives. Cults are often characterized by manipulative tactics, emotional control, and isolation from outside influences, which are all present in the JW organization. If someone leaves or is disfellowshipped, family and friends are forced to cut all contact with them, which is a form of emotional manipulation. JWs discourage members from researching outside materials that criticize or question the organization, limiting critical thinking and fostering dependency on the group's teachings. They instill fear of 'Armageddon' or eternal destruction if you don't comply with their rules, which is used to manipulate behavior. These methods are classic signs of a high-control group, and many people who have left describe their experience as cult-like due to these aspects of control and fear. I hope this clarifies why I made that statement.

[@oileengrace8228]

I know of 4 friends in HK who were JW and what I found so different, was the number of fears and rules they abide by. I no longer see them but of course I wish them well as I wish you well

[@ErikaMesi]

Thank you for sharing that. I completely agree - many Jehovah's Witnesses I knew were some of the most hardworking and kind people, but unfortunately, they are trapped by fear within the organization. It's heartbreaking to see how they get taken advantage of while trying to do what they believe is right. I also wish your friends well, and I appreciate your kind wishes for me too. Sending good thoughts your way!

[@oileengrace8228]

@@ErikaMesi Do be careful as there are many who take advantage of nice, compassionate people. God is all loving.🙏 me , a grandmother.

[@ItsMikeSandovalsYouTubeChannel]

what do you mean HK ? hare krishna? that is a dangerous cult. i was in for 20 years

[@ErikaMesi]

@@ItsMikeSandovalsKZbinChannel HK means Hong Kong

[@danielmartino8068]

I knew the JW when I was 17 and I knew all the pressure you give through. I left 2 years later and never got bautized. I went back to two years later for a couple of months. I appreciate your honesty. Byt from the beginning I have to stop my inquisitive mind . 32 years later I see it so strangers and I can't figure out how people stay

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s incredible how much pressure there can be, even when you're not baptized. I completely relate to what you said about having to stop your inquisitive mind-it’s something I struggled with too. It’s been a long journey for you, and I’m glad you found your way out. It really is hard to understand how people stay, but everyone’s path is different. I appreciate your support and honesty. Wishing you all the best after 32 years of being free! 🙏

[@latishabennett702]

LOVE THE LETTER ❤❤❤😃🥰

[@ownup987]

So beautiful to see more Filipino exJWs free ❤️ thank you 🙏🏽

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s always amazing to connect with fellow Filipino exJWs who’ve found their freedom. Sending you lots of love and strength on your journey! 🇵🇭💪✨

[@miafuerte1828]

Thank you for your story!! ❤ It's important to hear many different stories from many different countries. Maybe even consider publishing in a different language to help a wider variety of ppl. All the best to you!!

[@ErikaMesi]

I completely agree-it’s so important to hear different perspectives from all over the world. Publishing in different languages is a great idea, and I’ll definitely consider it to reach more people. I really appreciate your support, and I wish you all the best too! 🌍✨

[@BaiGazuke]

I'm an islam but not religious. I don't really mind bout what one's religious preference is but I admire your courage. All the best! :)

[@ErikaMesi]

I really appreciate your support and the respect you have for different beliefs. It takes a lot of courage to navigate personal journeys, especially when it comes to faith. I'm glad to connect with others who value open-mindedness and understanding. Wishing you all the best on your own path, whatever it may be! 😊

[@BaiGazuke]

@@ErikaMesi Thank you :) I can feel how genuine you are as a person. Rooting for you. ^^,

[@rodelgrefalda4830]

That's a smart move. I, myself decided to be a non-believer person. Its started when I was in High School in Manila. And when I migrated here in the US, its made me more a non- believer. Now I'm a retired person still a non-believer and I'm happy, simple, satisfied about my life here in the US. All I can say is just Believe in your self and open your mind. Thank You.

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s inspiring to hear how you've found happiness and contentment by staying true to yourself. I completely agree-believing in yourself and keeping an open mind is so important. It’s wonderful that you’ve created a fulfilling life on your own terms. Wishing you continued peace and happiness in your retirement!

[@arnoldalega2815]

🎙️ brave heart 💞 Jesus Christ recognized us as Christians and to have faith in Him satisfies my Spirituality 💯🙏🔥

[@ErikaMesi]

I’m so glad that you’ve found peace and fulfillment in your faith. It’s beautiful how different paths can lead to a deep sense of spirituality. Wishing you continued strength and blessings on your journey. 🌿✨

[@kaikids5333]

Yeh, when you wake up it's impossible to sit through those indoctrination sessions! 🙏

[@xofmetleh6618]

If that makes you happy and feel free in your life thats the right choice. Just keep your faith to god still and be a better person. God bless.

[@ErikaMesi]

Thank you for your kind words! I've actually come to identify as agnostic now, so my beliefs have shifted a bit. However, I still focus on being a good person and living a meaningful life. I really appreciate your well wishes!

[@lesliethomas7234]

Great letter! I love the indirect jarring points, especially the mention of your decision after personal study. It truly says a lot to them. Your mother's unloving comment to you is very much like my dad's wishing me failure on an exam, because I chose to skip a meeting the day prior. Ugly fanaticism couldn't reach greater heights.

[@ErikaMesi]

Hi Leslie! I’m glad you appreciated the points I made. It’s disheartening to hear about your dad's reaction-it really shows how deep fanaticism can run. It’s frustrating when love gets twisted into something unrecognizable. We both know how ugly that can be, but it’s empowering to break free from that mindset.

[@elirivera8869]

I was born into the JW , and left many years have past and now I am an Orthodox Christian.

[@ErikaMesi]

It's inspiring to hear how you've transitioned from being born into Jehovah's Witnesses to finding your path as an Orthodox Christian. It takes a lot of courage to break away from what you were raised in and seek out what truly resonates with you.

[@JennaSakura]

You wrote a great letter! You should give us viewers a copy so those that want to leave but don’t have the words to say can use it…like me!!! I always contemplate how I’m going to tell the witnesses that I no longer want to be a witness.

[@ErikaMesi]

I’m really glad you found the letter helpful. I know how hard it can be to find the right words in such a tough situation.

[@tammyg8031]

Congratulations to you for making this video. The more former members expose these high controlled groups, the more lives will be SAVED. THIS IS THE REAL LIFE SAVING WORK ❤.

[@ErikaMesi]

I completely agree-every time someone speaks out, it helps others see the truth and break free from these high-control groups.

[@JohnQTaxpayer.]

i never had to experience a lot of the blowback, but i grew up as a jw and have a lot of empathy for what you have gone through. im a trinitarian affirming christian now and never been happier.

[@ErikaMesi]

I’m so glad to hear that you’ve found happiness as a trinitarian affirming Christian. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

[@positivelypepperjones9518]

Proud of you 🎉🎉

[@okhuibutala1640]

You are very smart !

[@Alisha-zq6vh]

You started waking up in Vietnam, my Vietnamese husband woke up in the States 😄 If it were "the Truth", it shouldn’t so easily be shattered when a person is given time and space to think.

[@ErikaMesi]

That’s amazing-funny how we both started waking up in different places! 😄 You’re so right-if it were truly 'the Truth,' it wouldn’t crumble the moment someone steps back and starts thinking for themselves. It’s crazy how a bit of distance and reflection can change everything and here’s to more people waking up wherever they are! 🌍✨

[@kuramakyuubi2245]

Hi Erika! I'm happy for you na nakalabas ka sa kultong yan. Like you, dati din akong JW, at aminin natin, jan sa Pinas, dahil mga relihiyoso ang mga Pilipino, mahirap tumakas ang mga myembro sa ganyang kulto. Bihira yung talagang nagigising, siguro ay dahil na din sa takot na rooted na dahil paulit ulit na dinidikdik sa pulong. Ganunpaman, after waking up, mahirap hatakin palabas ang mga mahal natin sa buhay o mga kaibigan dahil sa shunning na maliwanag na damage control lang nila. Good luck kabayan! Kaya mo yan. Patuloy nating iexpose ang kulto na yan

[@ErikaMesi]

Salamat 🙏 Sobrang relate ako sa sinabi mo, lalo na dito sa Pilipinas, kung saan talagang mahirap kumawala dahil sa takot at pressure ng pagiging relihiyoso masyado. Totoo rin na sobrang hirap tulungan ang mga kamag-anak dahil sa pagtitiwalag, parang sistema talaga nila yan para pigilan ang mga tao sa pag-question. I'm hopeful na with time, mas marami pa ang magigising din. Tuloy lang tayo sa pagsasalita at pag-expose ng totoo.

[@Hawxx9194]

So glad you left at a young age! Live your life. I have been out almost 40 years now

[@ErikaMesi]

that's incredible! I’m sure your journey has been filled with so much growth and freedom. Here’s to living life on our own terms!

[@BEASTxMODE]

A fellow Filipino ex-JW! 🤙🏽 Stepping away for 6mos was the best decision you’ve ever made. 9:20.

[@bearandthecave]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jerielt.3954]

Cheers to all ex-JWs out there 🍻 Much love to you all! ❤

[@Melchizedek11]

Hit the road Erika🎉🎉🎉

[@afroflame]

Lovely and well done!

[@Charleneslife-23]

Welcome. Freedom is bliss.

[@ASMR_Orangely]

*Thanks for sharing ur experience. So as I read in your letter to the congregations, you are not officially disfellowshipped right? You just faded away, didn’t you?*

[@ErikaMesi]

I found a bit of a loophole to avoid being officially disfellowshipped so my mom could still talk to me since I'm her only child. I didn’t want to make things more difficult for her. That’s why I didn’t submit a disassociation letter. It’s a tricky situation, but it was the best way to keep some peace while also stepping away from the organization.

[@cultytalk]

​@@ErikaMesi Very smart decision! NEVER play by their make-believe rules. They simply DO NOT EXIST. Their authority is completely imagined. 😁

[@lh1673]

I just saw your video as exjw. What a wonderful points and the statement of that resignation letter. I’m still a pimo cuz am with my JW family but I don’t regret that I chose to stop believing this org. Same here, since woke it’s so amazing to find the REAL me! The findings of my individuality makes me more happier than I was JW! Actually it’s a waste of time to fear about future or afterlife😅

[@ErikaMesi]

I completely understand your situation as a PIMO-it’s tough when you’re still around JW family but have mentally moved on. I felt the same when I stopped believing; discovering who I really am outside the organization has been such a freeing experience. Wishing you strength and happiness on your journey to fully finding yourself. 💫

[@lh1673]

@@ErikaMesi Thank you for reply and for sure your videos will be a big help to the wokes.

[@annafarago2271]

Congratulations on waking up to the cult of JW. My mum's best friend is a JW (converted when her young son died). She took her young daughter and also had her converted (totally ruined her life. The poor girl married a divorced older man (elder), who treated this beautiful girl like trash. She left her husband many years after she had managed to prove that he was not faithful. The congregation, so-called friends, treated her terribly. She needs constant counseling. She still has not officially left the JW cult, due to her elderly mum she cares for. Her mother never managed to convert my mum, as mum is strong in her Catholic faith. Interestingly, my mum's friend when urgently needed a large sum of money, turned to her non-JW best friend, not her JW friends. She also never managed to convert her youngest son, yet he is the apple of her eye. Best wishes and stay strong.

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s wild how the JW community can be so supportive on the surface but can really turn on people when they need it most. It’s a shame that her so-called friends didn’t have her back when she was going through such a tough time. It’s great that your mom has a strong faith and didn’t get pulled into that! And how telling that when your mom's friend needed help, she turned to her non-JW friend instead. It shows that real support comes from those who genuinely care, not just from the people in her congregation. Wishing you and your family all the best! Thanks for sharing your story-stay strong!

[@dsgray1]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Riley-zt9ue]

Good for you.

[@lh1673]

It’s beyond words of what a mother will say to her own child, “I want you to be sick”😮She must someday realize that she is the one with a sick heart😢controlled by a cult!

[@ErikaMesi]

I couldn’t agree more-hearing something like that from my own mother is absolutely devastating. 😔 It’s such a painful reality. Thank you for your understanding and support. 💖

[@leetrippii1830]

Great video

[@bontings1085]

😢

[@cultytalk]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@krism5575]

JW is a cult. I'm from Cavite, former unbaptized JW. Congratulations to you 😍 do you still believe in God after you left ?

[@ErikaMesi]

I do believe in a higher power, but I'm basically agnostic now. I believe in karma and the power of the universe. It’s been a journey of finding my own path. Wishing you all the best on yours!

[@krism5575]

@@ErikaMesi I've been like that too for like 10 years after leaving JW. We all have our own journey and I know one day you'll know the true Jesus. Not the false Christ that was told by the JW. I wish you all the best 💖 i was actually looking for an ex jw Filipino channel and I suddenly saw yours. Keep it up 💪

[@davidboamah6679]

You are brave. Welcome to freedom form brainwashing and gaslighting. Good decision

[@Fargosportsmassage]

​@@ErikaMesi ALL PHILIPPINES JW HAVE TO WAKE UP

[@ErikaMesi]

@@Fargosportsmassage 💯💯💯

[@Eggmanrocks]

cool video cool channel

[@michelejashinsky8409]

U can always feel the judgment it’s constant it’s gets so bad ur r constantly judging yourself!

[@ErikaMesi]

I totally get what you mean! The judgment from others can be relentless, and it really starts to mess with your own head. It’s like a never-ending cycle where you feel pressured to constantly measure up. Breaking free from that mindset has been such a relief! It's all about finding that self-acceptance and letting go of what others think. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@lawrencestoll6287]

I was also a baptized jehovah's witness. When I did my research, I realized that being a jehovah's witness was the same as being a friend of Satan.

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s always eye-opening when personal research leads to such realizations. Everyone's journey out of the organization is different, and I respect your perspective. I’m glad you found your own path, and I hope you’ve found peace along the way.

[@tammyg8031]

Excellent Excellent Comment. ❤

[@hypercelis01]

Hey Kabayan. I don't believe that JW is around 8M I think they are lying the numbers. BTW I have a JW friend as well. Napaka in-denial nya muntik na rin mahulog ang loob ko sa kanya. Halos pinipilit nya ako umatend ng convention nila at mukhang gusto nya rin maki-pagdate sa akin. Pero parang may pumipigil sa akin dahil kulto daw ito. Hanggang ngayon palagi pa rin kami nag chachat. Btw the clicking sound in your video is very loud ehehe.

[@ErikaMesi]

Hey Kabayan! I get what you mean-there’s definitely a lot of skepticism about the numbers they report, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some manipulation there. It sounds like your friend was really persistent! I’m glad you trusted your instincts when something didn’t feel right. The pressure to attend their conventions and get involved can be intense. Just be careful-sometimes that pressure can turn into something more manipulative. Stay true to yourself! And haha, thanks for pointing out the clicking sound! I’ll keep that in mind for future videos. 😅 Appreciate you watching and sharing your experience! 🙌

[@BenThe-nx3le]

I'm soooo glad u left that system of lies; stick with God, Himself! And use the Christian Bible as your standard (not the JWs bible; it may b different, just as the Catholic bible is different than true believers in Christ); stick w Him, and you'll never b misled by man! 💜

[@RG-qn2qm]

Run Girl run........take a year off all religions. Each believer is a stone that makes up the temple. it's not about a religion that is the stone or temple. The Bible ( KJV) is for all to read, if you need help jn comprehension google and read different Commentaries. To break from the Watchtower doctrines you will need to understand that the Word is God and not a god. That word is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 . The YHWH is not a man made name Jehovah. The YHWH represents the Deity of the Old testament. The Old testament is made up of types. The anti- type is in the New Testament and in this case the YHWH is Jesus Christ. The YHWH says hes the shepherd, he says hes the everlasting water, he says he's the light, he says he's the alpha and omega, he says he is the creator.......and guess who declared that he is all those and more.

[@ErikaMesi]

It’s interesting how we often get caught up in the labels and doctrines instead of focusing on the core message. I love that you emphasized the importance of understanding the Bible for ourselves. There’s so much wisdom in exploring different interpretations and commentaries to really get what it’s saying.

[@RG-qn2qm]

@ErikaMesi it's not going to be easy for you to drop all of the Watchtower false dogma. Two difficult false dogma will be difficult, one understanding that the Name Jehovah is a man made god. The YHWH in the Old testament represents the Deity it's not a personal name. Their is no Jehovah. Secondly to understand that the Word was God and became flesh and walked among man. John 1:14. Once you come to understand that Jesus is that YHWH of the Old testament everything becomes clearer as you read scripture......the Old testament is made up of Types. For example, King David was type of Christ.....etc. the YHWH is a type also and the Anti-type which is found in the New Testament is Jesus Christ.

[@mattgardiner614]

Why is it a cult? Are you labelling it a cult because of doctrinal differences, the way many groups do?

[@ErikaMesi]

Great question! When I refer to Jehovah's Witnesses as a cult, it goes beyond just doctrinal differences. It's about the overall structure and practices of the organization. JWs often employ high levels of control over their members’ lives, including strict rules about relationships, information, and personal freedoms. They use shunning as a means of maintaining control, which can isolate individuals from friends and family who might not share their beliefs. The organization also discourages critical thinking and promotes a culture of fear regarding questioning their teachings. This level of control and manipulation is what many people associate with cult-like behavior. It's about how the organization operates and impacts the lives of its members, not just differing beliefs. Hope that clarifies my perspective!

[@poorboy4855]

The question is, did you really leave or are you just a disfellow? because it is hard to believe that a JW will voluntarily leave the organization, if there is no serious reason?

[@ErikaMesi]

Yes, I really did leave. If you’d watched the entire video, you’d see that I even read my letter. I started thinking about leaving when I was just 19, and it wasn’t easy knowing I might lose family ties. It’s understandable how some people assume others can’t make their own choices. Thanks for watching!

[@poorboy4855]

@@ErikaMesi The question is, what is the deep reason for you to leave the organization, because before we became JWs, we studied the Bible for several years just to be baptized??

[@jerielt.3954]

​​​@@poorboy4855"No one leaves the organization thinking that this is not the truth. They've probably committed a serious sin and just wants to get away with it. And even if they do leave, they'll come back eventually knowing that this is the truth. Where will they go anyway?" That's what they say in the halls and what I thought before leaving too. Never was I so wrong. If you join ex-JW communities online or watch more videos here on KZbin, you'll find that thousands of people leave because they don't agree with Watchtower's teachings. They left because they discovered lies told by the Watchtower. They left because of the hypocrisy of the governing body. They left because they know exactly that this is not the truth.

[@ErikaMesi]

@@poorboy4855 sometimes you don't have to have any deep reason. A person can just wake up and realize that the brainwashing and controlling has to stop.

[@ErikaMesi]

@@jerielt.3954 I agree, it takes years to learn that JW teachings are lies, especially the doomsday scare tactic they use

[@reslight]

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. -- Isaiah 26:3. I am not with the JWs, and I definitely do not post to support their organization. I do believe it is good if a JW comes to realization that the JW org is not actually "Jehovah's visible organization on earth". I do not, however, believe that one should throw out Biblical truths when leaving that organization. I am responding to a statement made at about 2:29: "They also believed that the world was going to end in 1914". A picture of Bible Study Monthly is shown which shows the headlines: "End of the World in 1914 - Not the View of Pastor Russell nor of I. B. S. A." First, by "they" is obviously referring to the Jehovah's Witnesses. Despite the fact that the Jehovah's Witnesses include Russell and the Bible Students in Russell's days as being members of their organization, in reality Russell was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Indeed, his message of glad tidings of great joy that will be for all the people is almost the very opposite to the message of bad tidings of great woe that will be for most of the people that those who do not join their organization will enter the second death at Armageddon that the Jehovah's Witnesses teach. Russell preached against such an organization that Rutherford creaed, and he also preached against the kind of Armageddon message that Rutherford presented. Next, the entire headline presented in the video denies that Russell or the I. B. S. A. taught that the end of the world was to come in 1914. Especially since 1904, Russell was expecting the world to enter into the time of trouble in 1914 and the time of trouble would last for some unknown time after 1914. As far as I know, at least from about 10 years before 1914, no one among the Bible Students movement was preaching that the world was to end in 1914. However, there may have been some outside the Bible Students movement who were preaching such. After Russell died, Rutherford basically destroyed the non-authoritarian Watch Tower Society as it was designed to be, and proceeded to create the very kind of organization that Russell had consistently preached against. When the vast majority of the Bible Students around the world refused to accept Rutherford's visible organization dogma, Rutherford had his followers adopt the name "Jehovah's witnesses" in 1931. The Bible Students still exist today, apart from the JW organization that Rutherford created.

[@ErikaMesi]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I really appreciate you sharing your perspective. I totally agree-just because someone leaves the JW organization doesn’t mean they have to abandon biblical truths. The peace that comes from focusing on a higher power, like that verse from Isaiah, is something a lot of us are still drawn to, even after leaving. You make a great point about Russell and the early Bible Students. A lot of people don’t realize that what JWs teach today is so different from what Russell was preaching back then. He never wanted a controlling organization like what Rutherford ended up creating, and it’s clear that many of his followers rejected that shift. It’s fascinating how much of the history has been reshaped to fit the current JW narrative. About the 1914 prophecy, thanks for clarifying! Russell didn’t claim the world would end that year-he saw it as the start of the 'time of trouble,' not the end. It’s interesting how much of that was altered after his death, especially with the changes Rutherford made. It’s crazy how the whole vibe of the movement shifted, and I think it’s great that the Bible Students still exist today, separate from all that. I really appreciate you diving into the history-it’s important to understand how things evolved and how different the early beliefs were. Thanks again for the comment, and I’m wishing you all the best on your journey!

[@johnreybartolata2405]

Akala ko walang Filipino JW that would wake up from the cult... But anyways I am certain that this isn't easy for you for it costs so much trauma and it's difficult to remove all the brainwashing and the conditioning...

[@ErikaMesi]

I used to think the same thing-but slowly, more of us are finding the courage to question things and leave. You're right, it’s definitely not easy. The trauma and conditioning run deep, and it takes time to heal and unlearn everything. But I’m hopeful that more people will find their way out. Thank you for your support! 🙏

[@SmilingAirboat-hq7rj]

Ban it

[@prophettruth1923]

HAHAH JEHOVA WITNESSES IS FOR MONEY AND POWER AND CONTROL....