Witnesses: NEVER Confess Your Sins to the Elders: How & Why to Avoid!

Witnesses are taught that they must confess their sins to the elders to be forgiven. But that is NOT necessary. There is the mother of all 'loopholes' in print, rendering confessions, judicial committees and punishment completely unnecessary for the common JW... and it's been there for 50 years. Listen in on why a Jehovah's Witness should NEVER confess there sins to the elders or feel guilty in NOT doing so.
#jehovahwitnesses #exjw #bible #elders #watchtower #governingbody
TWITTER: @exjwpodcast
INSTAGRAM: survivingparadisepodcast

[@Coral-lu5hi]

This topic is very appropriate. Never confess your sins to the ELDERS. WHY? They need to confess their sins to us.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Can you imagine the elders being humble enough? great point

[@Adjacentred]

Right before I called it quits there was a guy from the hall that asked me to tag along on a date so they weren't alone. One thing let to another and we ended up at a single sister's place and crashed there. I fell asleep on the couch, the sister in her room, and the guy was was on another couch trying to arouse his date, and she rejected him. The next day I left, nothing happened that night. A week passes and I get a phone call from elders asking me to meet with them. Come to find out this guy had a habit of hanging out with people then ratting everyone out if he didn't get his way. On the phone I just laughed and said "no I'm good" haven't been near a hall since.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

You were SMART!! I plan on doing an entire episode on the 'mock' authority of the 'elders' and why you should never deal with them. It's a loaded subject due to the pain they can potentially cause so many .... good on you for saying "nah, I'm good"

[@caroldanvers265]

Nice answer! Don't give the elders the authority on anything. It's a trap.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@caroldanvers265 Yes, a total trap!!

[@gennaropannelli7138]

Concordo anchio da L'ITALIA, e veramente una trappola ,mi sono pentito di aver dato fiducia a personi che si ritengono anziani spirituali ,erano giudici della Watchtower, senza sentimenti dediti solo a regolamenti Watchtower.

[@beautyRest1]

Years ago, I was a single divorced sister an elder CAME ALONE in the evening for a visit. I know if I would have given him any indication that I was interested in him, something would have happened that night. Oh, by the way, he was married and had two children. Back then I thought it was strange, but I now I wonder how many times he did this to other sisters.

[@Discern2025]

Thank you for this KM. It is good, useful information. I am convinced of the teachings of the Bible as explained by JWs, regarding Trinity, hellfire, last days, etc... I chose this course in 1982. Only these days , I decided to hear others. I wanted to hear why some left. It is interesting to hear. The local humans in charge are imperfect... I want allow their handling to put me out of my belief. Jehovah will look after me.❤😂

[@valeriecraig7571]

I attended a N Portland cong for a number of years. Found your channel and I love it. Raw truth! I could share numerous stories of many who were not pure but proclaimed to be so and carried on. I have my own story and I'm truly sickened. Born in and I'm so happy to be on the other side finally! Love your honesty & transparency!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Hi Valerie, wow, we may 'know' each other! I had plenty of friends in N. Portland congregations and was a frequent guest speaker out there. Which congregation if you don't mind me asking? Thank you so much for listening, I appreciate it!

[@Alanhock75]

I would like all all elders and ministerial servants to have an in depth police criminal disclosure search- how many would be left???

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I actually wouldn't be surprised if they start moving toward 'background checks' on guys that are going to be elder. Yep, I'm serious

[@Discern2025]

😂😂😂

[@Sad_Monkey]

I was a JW, baptised in 1992. I tried to date sisters I wanted to marry 2 times but it just never worked out. In 2016 I met a JW widow from the UK online. I really liked her and in 2017 she came here to the US 2 times, for a week in April and a week in October. During both weeks we had sex every day in her hotel room. Then in 2019 she broke up with me. She wouldn't talk with me over the phone any longer but kept texting me and sending memes. Over the pandemic I begged her to talk with me (as I hadn't really talked with anyone for a while) but she insisted she was too busy so I blocked her. I'm sure to get back at me, she confessed our sins to her elders and I was disfellowshipped in 2021. One month ago I woke up and stopped attending zoom meetings.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I'm so sorry Sad Monkey, I hate to see people alone or sad. I think many of us have similar experiences. I hope you're taking care of yourself, mentally and emotionally. This will be one chapter in your life....keep going my friend

[@Sad_Monkey]

@@survivingparadisepodcast thanks, I have been taking care of myself. I have been getting together with a Catholic guy I witnessed to and use to study with. He tried to tell me about the Watchtower Society back then but I just dismissed it then. Now I know he was right! We get together for some coffee every couple months.

[@BookerTAdams]

Stacy you are so correct. I was called in to attend a judicial committee by 4 elders for flirting with a worldly girl. My mom had turned me into the elders out of concern for me. The elders had me shaking like a leaf and feeling like crap. They called me I was a fornicater in my thoughts by flirting with the girl. They counseled me but silently not public reproof. Fast forward one of the elders on my j/c was having an affair with a pioneer sister and dump his wife and was disfellowshipped. Elders are hypocritical

[@ronhansen8471]

Not all of them are hypocritical. They are human like you and make mistakes. Flirting with the opposite sex is dangerous for a dedicated Christian and should be saved for someone that you intend to marry. A dedicated witness who commits adultery should be removed especially an elder.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Sorry I missed this so long ago! YES....a story that MANY could tell.....I can count on two hands the amount of elders that were secretly immoral or committed adultery

[@ronhansen8471]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Elders are not special in that they can fall like anyone else. Satan being a good example of how a Cherub angel of high status could end up being a foe of his creator.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

And with that, you just opened a box you can't close. Jehovah makes angels that can sin....and uses holy spirit to appoint elders that can endanger children and more......the questions begin @@ronhansen8471

[@ronhansen8471]

@@survivingparadisepodcast What is wrong with you people? The foregoing information aids in understanding how perfect creatures of God could become disobedient. To view this as incompatible with perfection is to ignore the meaning of the term, substituting a personal concept that goes contrary to fact. God’s intelligent creatures are granted free moral agency, the privilege and responsibility of making a personal decision as to the course they will take. (De 30:19, 20; Jos 24:15) Jehovah knew what he wanted of them, and from the Scriptures it is clear that he wanted, not an automatic, virtually mechanical obedience, but worship and service that sprang from hearts and minds motivated by genuine love. (Compare De 30:15, 16; 1Ch 28:9; 29:17; Joh 4:23, 24.)

[@gisella1350]

Wow, thank you for making this effort for everyone.. I just hope that a lot of JW's watch this presentation. Makes you feel like getting up on the platform and showing everyone. A lot of people have suffered at the hands of elders. New rule for a committee meeting. "What are my rights, what about this article in the Kingdom Ministry? Does this apply to everyone or just the chosen few? What are You hiding? I'll tell you mine, if you tell me yours." At the end of the day, it is all rubbish, I left long ago.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES!! I've had many contact me over the years to discuss this Oct. 72 Question Box....and many decided to NOT meet with the elders after reading it!! So unnecessary! It's all steaming garbage meant to control people

[@superdave1921]

Having served as an elder in the past, what you are speaking of reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials. Everyone tattling on everybody else just to save themselves. I remember at the conclusion of the assemblies the final talk telling the ones who were dating or engaged to confess their secret sins if they were fooling around sexually. Then for the next month or two there were tons of disfellowshippings and public reproofs. Confess your secret sins or we’re gonna get you! Thank god I left this cult and have never looked back!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES Dave!!! Those final talks were classic.....and the elders always knew they were going to be overrun with confessions the next week. It was insane. It was a staple of every assembly!

[@disassociated1731]

@@survivingparadisepodcast i felt so uncomfortable listening to these final talks, we were supposed to invite outside ppl to the public talk, but some of them stayed for the whole Sunday PM program. I remember one talk about masturbation, that was so inappropriate. The next week a worldly husband of a sister complained to his relative, who was an elder: his ( theocratic) wife would not allow him any preliminaries, she told him it was forbidden…

[@ronhansen8471]

Apparently you forgot that if the sinner is repentant there is no disfellowshipping.

[@superdave1921]

@@ronhansen8471 Wrong!!! I served as an elder for quite a number of years. I probably served on over 70+ committee cases. My very own daughter was repentant while serving as a regular pioneer. The committee just wanted to hear the juicy details from her, and after her heart felt repentance in tears, they “voted” to disfellowship her! Serving as an elder, I had the inside scoop so to speak. After hearing the outcome and the prejudices against her and our family, it was high time to leave this cult! Obviously you don’t know about all of the pedophillia taking place within the organization.

[@ronhansen8471]

​@@superdave1921 Serving as an elder is nothing to brag about. Elders are the slaves of the congregation. Because you were an elder in the congregation doesn't make you privileged. No doubt there are those in the JW organization living double lives. What are you going to do about those who live secrete lives in sin? There are so many different situations when it comes to those accused of child abuse and gross sin. You should know the rules governing a Christians life and how they deal with those who commit a gross sin and how we address a repentant sinner. Also keep in mind not all states require elders to report child abuse.

[@JayneMueller-w9l]

Wow, thankyou Stacy. What a very interesting podcast. I always enjoy listening to you. Everything iv heard is so true. I left the organisation recently for the hypocrisy I saw in it, however you only see it for what it is when you leave, a man made organisation, especially the GB, of liars and hyproctites, who as you say often do not know the bible at all. This episode was was an eye opener. I wish more JWS could see what the organisation is really about, because, it's not about love or serving Jehovah and Jesus, that's for sure.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you! This is one of those subjects that very few JWs know....and it can help them avoid so much pain!

[@ajnooneslistening6134]

Stacy this podcast was excellent! When serving as an elder we had this elder, who had a fleshly brother that was an elder, and these elders had sons who were ministerial servants. Both son’s got into trouble, however the elder fathers scrambled to their defense and shielded each of them from any really consequences. But as for the rest of the congregation they made it their mission to make an example out of those who committed errors in their lives. It wasn’t until three of us elders put a stop to the way these 2 elders would handle these types of issues, then we became their targets, these guys were ruthless above and beyond.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

That is VERY common AJ. Especially in smaller congregations. Lots of family members on the 'servant body' who are protecting one another and getting off on power trips. We had a notorious couple of fleshly brothers in our circuit that were seen as powerful and always getting the convention parts, etc.

[@Hhiller]

Wow this blows my mind and nothing proves hypocrisy more than this!!! The most disturbing practice and such a trauma to those who go through it, especially young women (I was one), makes me sick to my stomach and have deep hate for this organization. Thanks for bringing this loophole forward! I hope to share with people still in it and just see what they think 😮

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

It's especially sickening for females. I'm so glad you're out. I strongly recommend a person NEVER go to the elders for ANYTHING.....for anyone still inside, avoid the elders at all costs....and it's in print: YOU DON'T NEED THEM ;)

[@lori4971]

Wow who knew!!! So many secrets in this old boys club. What a joke. So glad we never confessed to any sins before disassociating. My eldest son is faded and won’t watch or listen to any content so I hope to share this information with him because I know he holds a lot of guilt. Thanks Stacey Much love from Niagara Falls Canada

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I've visited MANY times, love the Canadian side! Its a complete joke and destroys lives....so glad you're all OUT! I hope to cover guilt for those that still hold it.....it's horrible for you!

[@ooklathemok7322]

Stacy, your research is impeccable. I have used this Shepard the Flock chapter to help 2 publishers see the double standard. They were disgusted the rank and file never knew this. This is straight up garbage that only elders have this new light! Happy to say the are free! Keep speaking truth Brother.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

You're too kind my friend! YES, the Shepherd book exposes the entire double standard! Both 2010 version and 2022. So glad you were able to share it; I've shared it with those that reached out to me for the reference and are STILL SERVING!! LOL...the hypocrisy....thanks my friend!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@Me As a living being Hi Me, very easy to find, quick Google search for a download....just be careful where you download from due to viruses.....it's out there in droves!

[@brendamolina8714]

Great episode! Kinda similar thing happened to me….went to confess years later and the elders said as long as I felt bad and wasn’t continuing the sin, I was good! No need to get reproved, whether privately or publicly. AND, it was around my baptism time so they said if I felt my baptism was “invalid” I could get baptized again, but it was up to my conscious. 🤷🏻‍♀️ So weird. I had never heard of any of that but I was like “ok cool”! Thanks for bringing this up! Keep up the good work!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you for sharing! It's nuts and I probably didn't go deep enough on how many elders just don't want to 'deal with it' if it's in the past....more work, more meetings and oh....guess what......THEY have secret sins they never confessed so it makes them all uncomfortable!!

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

Benevolent group of elders! I had 2 (3) very, very old friends sitting in judgment. One gave me a verbal "spanking" taken in stride. Expected. Otherwise a formality. Due to nature, length of time, 12 yrs?

[@disassociated1731]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Some elders feel and know that some JW “sins” are not real sins for God. For instance, premarital sex between people who already planned their official marriage. Would an administration act make sex legal? does God judge on the basis of a worldly ceremony and some stamps? but of course, you cannot tell this to the other elders or the CO. There is no trust in jw relations, even between elders. In a committee of 3 elders, the stricter one, the one who will apply the written rules without considering context is probably the one who will impose his views. Even in times of catholic rules, when marriage was pronounced by a priest, they would not make a problem when a child was born 4 months after marriage!

[@disassociated1731]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Some elders feel and know that some JW “sins” are not real sins for God. For instance, premarital sex between people who already planned their official marriage. Would an administration act make sex legal? does God judge on the basis of a worldly ceremony and some stamps? but of course, you cannot tell this to the other elders or the CO. There is no trust in jw relations, even between elders. In a committee of 3 elders, the stricter one, the one who will apply the written rules without considering context is probably the one who will impose his views. Even in times of catholic rules, when marriage was pronounced by a priest, they would not make a problem when a child was born 4 months after marriage!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@disassociated1731 That is a very real assessment of the situation. Each JC takes on it's own personality and there is usually one dominant 'brother'

[@nightsight1391]

HAHAHHA LMAO the way you do the story telling is amazing

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

:) thank you nightsight!!!!!

[@elainafaust3717]

I just wanna say I've never been a jw, and I actually don't think I ever met a jw to be honest. But I love your podcast. We can all learn something about respecting ourselves and resisting undue influence of all kinds from former cult members who are brave and insightful enough to share their experiences. Just wanted to share that so you know that your audience may be bigger than you know.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Elaina!!!

[@stopdrinkingthekoolaid9543]

GREAT EPISODE AND SO TRUE! The truth will set you free, literally. :)

[@Estee.Ar.6869]

Thanks for sharing another great podcast. Watchtower is masterful in speaking out of both sides of their mouth.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you ST R!

[@Vbreychak7212]

I've been subscribed to your channel for months but just today watched a video. Now binge watching them. I was born in. My oldest brother was a ministerial servant for years and fully indoctrinated. He got out about 6 years ago to our complete shock and also said behind the scenes elders sons were committing all kinds of sins but never brought up for a judicial committee. My mother is still in and was a pioneer for many years, beat all her children and molested 3 young boys but is still in good standing. I suppose they didn't want to "bring reproach on Jehovah's name" by admitting there was a child predator in their congregation. She was never reproved or disfellowshipped and has been baptized since 1974. I am 1 of 7 children. We are all out. Love your videos. I watch them mostly because my brother still defends some of the doctrines and I like to keep him learning the actual truth.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WOW! Thank you so much A! I love to read other people's stories. My mother is still 'in' but both of my siblings have left too. OMG, I'm horrified by your mother's story. I started this out of love for children and protecting them physically/mentally from the torrent of abuse :( It's shocking she was able to get away with that!!

[@Vbreychak7212]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I'm currently writing a book on my experience. My parents were baptized in 1974 in Ohio. The local elders had to write the watchtower society to get guidence on whether my parents were elible for baptism because they admitted to being biological brother and sister and having 2 children already. The society wrote back allowing their baptisms and recognition as a married couple. I was the next child born with full approval of the watchtower society. My mother has a letter from the watchtower society approving her baptism even though she was never married and was pretending to be the legal wife of her own brother. She went on to have a total of 7 children. 5 as a baptized JW out of wedlock and of incest as others in the congregation got disfellowshipped for immortality. Others in the congregation knew about the actual brother/sister couple and were sickened but the watchtower society had spoken. My mother went on to be a pioneer while still having children outside of marriage and while still in an incestuous relationship with her brother. She is currently in good standing with her congregation. JW's will say I'm a liar. I am not saying JW's ordinarily accept incest but in the case of my parents after a meeting in New York they were indeed accepted as spiritual family.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@Vbreychak7212 That is an incredible story!! Unbelievable, looking forward to your book!!

[@lifting_the_veil]

Thank you so much for this information. I have learned more from listening to you the last several weeks than from decades of being in the “truth”.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Aww, thank you Leslie for listening! I love that it helps people!

[@myhmbrand]

Just like that! Great video🥂🤙🏿

[@anniesavedbygrace]

Excellent episode. Really enjoying the podcast. Thankyou xxx

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks so much Annie!!

[@b1crusade384]

Based on my observation and study, this is one of those things in life people only understand after they do it. JW members trust the elder and are willing to do anything to please that Divine being in the sky... And after confessing and realizing Watchtower is a business and will destroy any threat mercilessly; then they realize it was a dumb thing to do.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I agree, often times by the time you realize something is wrong, they have you. JW's put tremendous weight in the elders and it's comically bad.....and dangerous.

[@Jimmy-gy3eg]

Great subject, and well explained

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you Jimmy!

[@DY2784]

👋 Hubby and I SUPER naughty while we dated. We just had to find out if we're sexually compatible. 🤣🤣🤣 Loved it!!! A very nice JW wedding, KH and all other trimmings. It's common practice, I dare say; there's no stopping physical attraction 🥰🥰🥰.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yes!! Dating......that needs an episode :)

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@Me As a living being LOL.....I laugh, but it's so sad how many 'sisters' marry to just not be alone. Men have their pick in the 'org' and it's so WRONG! Good for you for enjoying one of life's greatest experiences :)

[@MrMrmetro]

It's almost like they focused so much on the question that they forgot the big picture. Just keep in mind that there is what WT writes then there is what they do. You can have them dead to rights with an article, in fact, I cornered them with their Branch Organization book, which many do not know exists, and they ignored it. That is the rule book that is supposed to govern all branches worldwide.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES! Wow, a rare experience.....that book is not easy to get your hands on. Good for you! But of course they ignored you.... they're mired in man made rules!

[@kerrydwyer1879]

Hi.Hoping you're well. James 5 also mentions that if a person has committed sins it will be forgiven him/her... I noticed many e's didn't like that being pointed out.... Also,Jesus is the High Priest through whom we confess..plus those scriptures you pointed out... Take care. Thank you .. John17:17 :-)

[@Elecyah]

Thank you for another great episode! I never went to the elders to confess - I never did anything bad enough until I was out already. 🤷‍♀ BUT I lived with crushing guilt all throughout my childhood for ALL sorts of things. My confessor was my mom, and oh, did I confess to practically everything that could be confessed to. 🙄 The need to confess to someone is in me to this day. I cannot just think it through on my own, and figure, "Okay, that wasn't good, I should have done better. Next time I will." And move on. No, I will try and try and in the end I will 'fess up to someone. Usually the hubby (poor guy.) Mind you, I am talking about SMALL things. Not big things, not things that need to get hashed out. Small things. I maybe bought a jacket that was possibly a bit too expensive. I maybe accidentally ran a stop sign on an empty road. Maybe I just made a moron of myself in a conversation. 🤦‍♀ Oh god, I just remembered one of those and this one is idiotic, and perfectly showcases the problem. I'd had a health scare at work - an ambulance was called, and I was ok, but rattled. Because I was a young woman and because of the suspected cause of what had happened, my boss, a nice lady, mentioned that it's good to have ambulance called, etc. to make sure that nothing really bad, like a miscarriage or something, was happening. Knowing that to be VERY unlikely thing, I said so, but in a way that stuck in my mind as POSSIBLY, maybe, could be construed in a way that implies that I might be cheating on my husband. This story is already so ridiculous, I swear... 🤦‍♀So I mulled over that little thing I had said for DAYS, until I HAD to go to my husband, and explain what happened. That is that I had said something that someone MIGHT think meant that I was cheating on him. So. Hubby looked at me kinda funny. Um, mainly because the whole story was an absolute nothingburger, but gave me absolution anyway, because he knows me too well at this point. 😶 I'm a grown woman - some would say I fall into the category of a responsible adult, some might disagree on that point - but I need someone else to tell me it's okay, when I've done something 'bad.'

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Elecyah....you're not alone. The guilt pounded into our heads from a young age is overwhelming. I'm a big believer in therapy. I was one of those kids that was always confessing to the elders. I too felt like you needed some 'guys' approval; probably from not having a father. But it's powerful and painful. So glad you're out!!!!

[@Elecyah]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Thank you. I'm glad I'm out, too! 😃And I'm glad you're out! Thank you again for this episode. The main subject of confessing to elders was, like I said, not quite in my world. (I was 'spiritually fatherless' or how do they say it again? I was on the fringes.) The guilt was baked into my being and though I do hate to hear that others have gone through the same thing... Well... It is nice to know I wasn't alone. I found your podcast a week or two ago, now I'm out of episodes, so I'm looking forward to the next one!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@Elecyah if they only knew how great it feels to leave! Thank you for listening, I appreciate the feedback!

[@tks3782]

@@Elecyah I can relate very much to what you're saying. Personally I suffer a bit with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (with intrusive thinking), and the guilt that the organisation would put on me would wreak havoc on my mind. I'd sometimes confess to stupid little things.

[@Elecyah]

@@tks3782 It's people like us that have the worst time in the org, I think. Not everyone is like this, can't be, otherwise the org would've crumbled to dust a long time ago. But for us, the constant parade of things you can and can't do, the guilting to do more for the org, it's crushing. 😞 Once, while maybe 12 or something, in a winter convention, me and my only JW friend were playing among the coat hangers after lunch. A brother came to chastise us and sent us on our way (and a good thing, too, because while weren't meaning any harm, accidents might happen and we might have done damage to someone's coat or other property.) I walked away from there, to my seat, trembling, absolutely broken, practically in tears. I thought it was the worst thing I'd ever done. 🙄 I was SO ashamed, so mortified. But in reality it was NOTHING. We hadn't meant any harm, just hadn't thought about the possibility. Someone came and pointed it out to us, and we quit. 🤷‍♀I still remember the feeling, though, the tightness in my chest, the crushing guilt and shame over me. (On another topic, on reading your comment, I had to look up "intrusive thoughts." Sounds very, very familiar, actually. Over the years I've developed a physical tick to snap myself out of thoughts like that. While it's become automatic, I can control the tick to the extent that I don't let it show when in company. But... 😕)

[@luisg1515]

Wow. Thank you so much for this info. You and I are around the same age. I can so see you being part of our DOUBLE LIFE CREW. We always commented, gave talks, go out on field service, pass mics, work the sound, adjust the mics, give a closing prayer, blah, blah, blah. But when nobody was looking, we would do some of the nastiest things a sexually repressed Jehovah's Witnesses can Imagine. And when we saw each other in the meetings we would give each other that fake handshake, but that REAL NOD. "Yeah, I see you, and I know you see me, we're good Bro"?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Oh yes, as a young guy, I was the king of Double Life....as I got older, I had to deal with the guilt

[@DY2784]

People must NEVER confess anything to another equal human being. I knew of Elders that, while adulterous themselves, were disfellowshipping others for the same sin; Elders that were abusing children for DECADES until one Mother went to the Authorities and the whole thing exploded, all the while the same Elders disfellowshipping others all those years. NEVER CONFESS... EVER!!!

[@missrob4538]

You are right I know elders too never report himself but sit on judgment over another isn't it just something that is beyond comprehension

[@missrob4538]

How they are taking so long to crash I don't know but God is going to deal with them for what they done to people's family 💯 you all continue God is using every apostate to crash this organization and relieve people

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I knew elders that did the same! More common than people know!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@missrob4538 they have destroyed countless families

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@astridmiller7938 It is SO absurd

[@marwatson7408]

Yes never confess your sins I learned that the hard way, I confessed something to someone and they ratted me out. I made the mistake of meeting with the elders should’ve told the elders to mind their own damn business.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

They seriously have ZERO authority and shouldn't be involved in people's lives. Many of us have learned the hard way.

[@nataliegrandauthorofcultgi1231]

*My parents used elders as a punishment. My first kiss, anything was an elder meeting. Eventually they got tired of meeting with my brother and I, we both got df for silly things like drinking one margarita. The pain was so horrendous for us. My bro was homeless at 16. Two youths in my area committed suicide after being df.*

[@ooklathemok7322]

This is a prime example of the evil practices of the watchtower! Sorry to hear of terrible experience. You are not alone!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

:( horrible Natalie ..... that any young person would feel so terrible is heartbreaking. It leaves no doubt how evil it all is...

[@karenmoody2763]

Damn the cult ruins so many lives in so many different ways .

[@exjwukmusicalescape9241]

Thanks for sharing your experience it’s such a powerful personal story. I accidentally saw something in my dads elders book on these kind of lines it definitely had an effect on seeing the deep hypocrisy in this cult.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you! Yes, it's mentioned in Chapter 8, section 25...but goes overlooked by many. It had it's beginnings in 1972. Imagine being an elder listening to someone confess sins of the past and you did the same thing

[@Esther-eh]

I remember hearing many talks about hiding secret sins in the congregation. The elder giving the talk offered some possible scenario to prove that Jayhoover was withholding his spirit from the congregation. It could be as simple as the congregation's service hours were low. Here is a prime example of the depth of mind kontrol in Watchtowerland. Even though this info to which you refer was noted in this obscure KM, the guilt will over-ride to the point that this information is ignored completely, then forgotten. Guilt, guilt, guilt. And no printed reference of this particular question box in jwborg proves it.

[@fLUKEYdNb]

thank you for this, so true the point at the end, confession to elders/priests is not biblical

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

No it's not! Thanks for listening Flukey!

[@junick2012]

I honestly think that the watchtower created this loophole just because they don’t want large amounts of disfellowshippings and reproved people being read left and right… it would show clearly jw’ commits sins as much as others so for the half who doesn’t confess they give them a pass. When I served as an elder another elder confessed to a past sin he was able to continue to serve because the shepherd book has a paragraph stating exactly what you just mentioned. That really shook me and help lead me out of the religion.

[@DM-he1ug]

Interestingly, the Shepherding book also applies the same 'loophole' to the publishers, not just appointed men. (See chpt.12 parags. 56-58)...

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Correct and that was a fairly new addition to the elder's book. It was all based on that '72 Question Box in the KM. It has 'evolved'

[@vicdriver501]

That happened to my brother! He committed adultry and kept it secret for two yrs! The guilt overwhelmed him, as he finally confessed to the elders of what he did! He felt that he could never be forgiven until he contacted the elders

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yep!! I know of several very similar experiences. Now if he just kept it to himself, he could be appointed to elder and judge other people's adulterous mistakes.....knowing he did it and told no one. So messed up!

[@paulchittenden6112]

Hey Bro. I was just a publisher at the time and confessed my premarital antics 12 years later... and nearly got DF but was publicly reproved. Different rules for different people. If I was a MS or Elder I’d get a free get out of jail pass as it happened a few years ago. Double standard! Such hypocrisy.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

UGH! It's insane, isn't it? It's highly likely that the guys sitting their listening to you 12 years later had their own sins of the past they never spoke to anyone about, but they continued to judge and discipline you. Exactly why a JW should never go to the elders

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

Info is also found in the "Shephard the Flock" book....

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Correct! I tried to include that here, it's in both the 2010 and 2022 Shepherd the Flock of God 'secret' elder's book, but doesn't include the '72 reference information

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

I thought of it, JUST before you mentioned it on the video!?... actually been through a judicial scenario, yrs ago, that very issue. Final result was a month long private reproof. No commenting...@ the time, didn't know better! Now? Not under "their" spell!....

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@ghostnoterboomboom9119 I have a whole stand up on this situation....thanks for reminding me :)

[@96t5wagon]

Man I love this podcast

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you so much 96!! I appreciate you listening!

[@linguaphile88]

I knew an elder who had gone through SKE and when they covered this part of the elders' book, they were told that "more than a few years" means a decade or more. We had recently dealt with a guy who confessed to something that happened 5 years in the past and we didn't form a JC for him. This elder was pretty peeved at that when he found out. Lol.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Oh yeah, I bet he was pissed!! LOL! it's a great example of how they can apply things differently by congregation. And most of the elders aren't even aware of this entire 'teaching'.... not until it actually comes up

[@bornagain841]

The GB must get their jollies out of hearing confessions.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Local elders are even worse

[@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756]

The current secret “ELDERS BOOK” says the same thing. Elders can do things without consequences, that they punish others for.

[@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756]

I spoke too soon, you covered it. 💥👍

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756 thanks for listening! It sure does... isn't that something?!

[@bornagain841]

With all the knowledge we have about the WT the organization is has to be on life support and beyond reform.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I think it will always exist, but it is definitely starting to show cracks!

[@hustonmices3976]

I could never understand why i needed to confess to sinful men (elders) like me and most time knowing how their kids had been disfellowshipped for more egregious sins. now I know its the evil compulsion and mind control watchtower had over me. I'm glad I'm awake and the 8 clowns will never again control me. my unpreaching work is now waking individual by individual and having more success than their such called preaching work.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Not biblical at all...completely man made and a form of control. So glad you're OUT!

[@yenbbc8840]

my wife and i were both singles new in the truth. the attraction between us was strong. we left the theocratic highway and took the loose conduct exit. there was a lot of passion beyond kissing but just before the point of no return. it was the disco era. who could resist a seductive bass line and lots of flashing lights. several years into our marriage she, under tremendous guilt, told me she was going to call the elders and turn ourselves in. i vigorously protested. the compromise was that instead of calling the "hall" she called our very best friends. he was an elder. he sorta told her "well it happened in the past bla bla bla". catholic translation - "go my children and sin no more". star trek translation - "live long and prosper". my take was "shaketh not thy bootie with a kool aid drinking cutie".

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yep, happens all the time, just depends on who the elder is you speak with....and I'll just say this: I'd be willing to be that elder had done similar things in the past and never confessed to it

[@iyesis]

My uncle did the same thing. Never lost his privileges of being an elder for something he did 30 years ago.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yep. But he sat in judgement of others sins knowing he never did the same thing. Incredible huh?

[@iyesis]

@@survivingparadisepodcast yes I always thought that was good for him but I never considered how hypocritical it was for him to then judge others for the same sin he never confessed to.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@iyesis puts a different spin on it, doesn't it? 🤔

[@DM-he1ug]

@@iyesis It might have made him more empathetic, compassionate and merciful towards the 'sinner', which would be a good outcome...

[@iyesis]

@@DM-he1ug i would agree with that.

[@ooklathemok7322]

Stacy, you ain't messin around today. I was glad you practiced your quick draw pulling the 44 magnum "shepard book" out of the holster. You are lethal with it! 2022 that should be "current truth" as wt calls it.😁

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thanks my friend!! They make it easy as you know!!

[@missingbluesky09]

You’re so right about the guilt, that’s one of the reasons I faded, I was only a witness for about three years . I never got into it to deeply, but I did feel the overwhelming guilt , I went through depression during and after leaving but so Glad I did leave and would never go back,

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

GREAT job getting out so early! Most hang on for a lifetime letting the endless guilt eat away at them... thanks for listening!

[@jasminema]

I often wonder if the elders who came to see me after I said I no longer wanted to be a JW thought I was doing stuff JWS should not be doing.....I had started seeing this guy ..this was one of the reason I no longer wanted to be a JW....I would have told them it was none of their business.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Highly likely!! They love to insert themselves in everything, but especially in dating/relationships. So glad you got out!!

[@jasminema]

@@survivingparadisepodcast thank you left end of 97 although I think I may have still been going to some meetings met my now husband 98,,we got married in 04

[@christian.comedy.channel.2]

You might be interested to know that I have 1,873 discussions with British Jehovah's Witness elders here on my channel - we often discuss single chapters from their book: Enjoy Life Forever. I'd estimate that I've covered at least 80% of all the Kingdom Halls here in the UK and possibly as high as 90%. It's amazing to see elder after elder, by the hundred, unable the prove their claims from this book.

[@mattmurdock2868]

I subscribe your channel, thank you for your work.

[@christian.comedy.channel.2]

@@mattmurdock2868 thank you Matt

[@christian.comedy.channel.2]

@@astridmiller7938 Thank you Astrid

[@christian.comedy.channel.2]

I'm now upto 1,916 videos where I pseak to different british JW elders.

[@stoobpendous]

Something similar happened to a local MS about 29 yrs ago. He was removed for goofing off too much at work (his employer was a JW). The CO contacted the branch which sent a letter saying the elder body had no business deleting the MS. However, the deletion was NOT overturned.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

WOW!!! Now that is a crazy story!! Oh yeah, once it's been announced, it's over....the body of elders I was talking to never told NY. They covered their own mistake and moved on LOL

[@heatherwillson4862]

Thank you for putting that info out there. Now THATS what Im talking about! Yeah, I totally remember that, tho I didnt know where to find it. I was 13 yrs old when I saw that KM. I realized what it meant. It was love for my family that kept me in. I was married to an elder, who still today cant face the meaning of those words. I saw the horrible consequences to people who were injured to the point of death by those treacherous policies. Sickening...😒 I cant wrap my head around how they get away with it?! JW's have never realized that THEY are the ones giving the elders & the org its POWER. I 2nd your advice. NEVER confess to them. They will gleefully slay you & walk away laughing. Spiritual murder. Human sacrificing.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES! I always refer to the scene in Bug's Life when the ants finally figure out there are more them than the grasshoppers. Kids movie, but profound point!

[@lizzidpeepole]

I had a very unique experience 2 years ago. In a nutshell I was discharged from a mental hospital (suicide watch) by my Father and Sister after 18 years of shunning. Covid hit right after and there was scant professional help in the area my family lived (6-8 months wait list). I had a front row seat to Zoom meetings, hybrid witnessing, and all that was 2020. I dont know if I can explain what it took to find sanity and healing in that environment. Not for the faint of heart.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

So sorry to hear that Phil!! I can't imagine what it took to find balance again!

[@lizzidpeepole]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Thanks man. You're part of the solution. I love that you hammered through the dry throat no editing.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@lizzidpeepole Haha, thanks Phil! I debated.....suddenly I almost choked myself out!! LOL

[@liv328]

It was always my understanding that when "big decisions" such as reprove, marking or even disfellowshipping were on the line, that the elders were spirit guided. That they prayed deeply on the matter and were guided by holy spirit in order to make a fair, just and proper decision... So, in your case it would seem that the elders didn't have Jehovah's backing... hmm Also, thank you so much for your podcasts! I always learn something new :)

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Hi Liv, you understood that because they constantly teach it! And it is NOT true! Many elders show up to a judicial meeting unprepared or disgruntled because they have to stay late after the meeting. There is ZERO 'holy spirit' involved, if anything, they're just referencing old publications depending on the issue/sin. The elder arrangement didn't even exist until 1972, so it creates a few questions, huh? Thank you so much for listening!!

[@lizzidpeepole]

We all were told it was a matter for prayer and through the spirit their decision was guided.

[@disassociated1731]

@@survivingparadisepodcast i would add that these experiences of the real elders life and behaviour, from the inside, is probably the trigger that makes them doubt about the holy spirit…become PIMO elders and find the way out

[@disassociated1731]

@@survivingparadisepodcast even the Kingdom School for elders, or the meetings with the CO or the DO, soon show you the lack of “holy spirit” and of Bible understanding

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@disassociated1731 YES!

[@DM-he1ug]

Then again, 'loopholes' are ok, but like you said, if your conscience is killing you, 3 years of secrecy can destroy you. The whole sin/guilt/conscience/confession merry-go-round can be devastating....

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

That is exactly what I personally experienced which led to confession and this doozy revelation

[@DM-he1ug]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I'm intrigued to ask: you evidently were a 'spiritual man' at one time- as you were waking up, at what point did you realise that your personal relationship with 'Jehovah' had been a sham all along? How did that make you feel, and how did you reconcile any 'blessings' that you once felt were from Jehovah?...

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@DM-he1ug FANTASTIC questions DM. It was fairly gradual but began for me as an elder, then in 2007 it picked up steam. It is truly an ongoing journey, but much easier now than in the the first 5 years of leaving. I thought I would do an episode on that if of interest to anyone. It can be incredibly difficult to contemplate mortality, being duped, etc.

[@DM-he1ug]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I ask the question because I notice most of the exJW youtubers tend to focus on the GB, the history, the doctrines etc but I don't think anyone has actually commented on how they felt when they realised that their relationship with Jehovah had collapsed. That must be devastating for a 'spiritual' person. One telling comment I read was something like- 'You think Jehovah cares, but then you realise he doesn't, and it feels like s**t.'...

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@DM-he1ug It truly is a FASCINATING subject DM. I'm trying to write and communicate this in a future episode. It's this 'dynamic' that actually contributed to me starting this podcast. There are many great activists/students/historian types on KZbin/podcasting....I feel like there is a special space not being covered and you just described it!! I'm trying to refine my own information to be slanted towards what you described....challenging....but closest to my own feelings!

[@thedemysticist6730]

I can honestly say I'd have never freed my mind if I hadn't become an elder and seen this and the other idiotic loopholes and craziness in the Shepherd book. Also I'm not sure if you're aware but there's a support group on Discord for ex-elders and even some PIMO elders trying to escape with some of their life intact. We could benefit from your input but no pressure. Email is in my YT profile if you want to contact me and I can have the admin reach out.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

I've often said the best thing that can happen to a good man is becoming an elder. That usually is all it takes to wake him up to how fake it all is.....thank you for the invite to your group! I'm traveling but will check it out when I get home!

[@SunShineU-dl9or]

Did you know…that the elders cannot meet with a sister unless her husband is present! They also need the husband’s permission… wonder why?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Yes I do. I served as an elder for 11 years; ran into it in person many times. It all has to do with 'headship'.....women are demoralized in that religion. They are treated terrible.

[@extraterrestrial4287]

Keep the flock in perpetual guilt.

[@Renewthoughtlife]

This sounds just like Mike Winger! Is that you Mike? 😂

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Sorry, not Mike....but I hope that's a good thing!

[@Renewthoughtlife]

@@survivingparadisepodcast it's a good thing

[@MrMrmetro]

Since you asked for input, there are elders that did not want the work. There are elders that are true shepherds and care about the sheep. The ones that are true tend to hang out with others of like mind. They also tend to have targets on their backs and are attacked for doing the right thing. While I respect your presentation, to say that elders are a certain way puts everyone in the same box and does not represent reality.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Thank you MrMrmetro, you and I completely agree! There are VERY fine men in that position of elders, but they end up burned out and quitting or being removed. I'm not sure if you listened to this entire episode, but I mention that fact in several episodes. In fact, every man should become and elder... it reveals everything. Thanks for listening....we actually agree!

[@MrMrmetro]

@@survivingparadisepodcast Yes, just making sure I understood you. I am listening to your segment on Elders & HS. Fun Fact with that Prince of Peace book. One of the truckers fell asleep behind the wheel of a semi on his way to the Canadian Branch and flipped it over. He wasn't hurt but Prince of Peace books were all over the highway. I was in the shop at Wallkill at the time and we had to gather them all up. Of course, we were sworn to secrecy because they were not released yet lol.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@MrMrmetro WHOA!! That is an incredible story!!! That seems like a sign of things to come; that book was comically bad and all over the road. What a fascinating story, thank you for sharing!!

[@ooklathemok7322]

The gb does not want to lose elders. Do you know that appointed men who look at pornography can still be elders and servants. Quote from Shepard the flock. Guess what? When a fellow elder is removed the remaining elders get his jobs😭. Who wants more work as a jw?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES!!!!! The 'porn thing' will be a big subject...it's unreal and really is part of what led to this reminder not to remove guys with past sins. But you NAILED it Ookla....more than anything, they do NOT want to remove an elder....it's just more work for them!! And it plays a huge role in what happens.... I saw it personally. I was the WT conductor, book study conductor, had a part on the school/service meeting weekly and was exhausted from the judicial meetings. They did NOT want me to quit or be removed....

[@ooklathemok7322]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I was school overseer, secretary, group overseer, rbc dept head, talk every meeting sometimes 2. co and cobe met with me when I resigned and told me I still qualified. I asked for what?

[@ooklathemok7322]

@@johnc.8158 I was already 50% out. They didn't want to give me an open 🎤. They are just desperate for warm bodies in pants!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@astridmiller7938 Yes the do!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@ooklathemok7322 WOW, you were BUSY my friend!! They must have been devastated when you decided to step down. I'll have to share my 'stepping down' story down the line

[@charlesmorris6476]

Yeah I knew about this teaching or loophole as you put it, and saw it in the elders handbook and vaguely remember that 72 kingdom ministry reference. There is quite a bit of leeway granted to elders and their family complications that for the most part the rank and file are not privy to. JW’s are inculcated with a plethora of unwritten rules and regulations based on position, likes and dislikes, status, and being in with the in crowd, so to speak. They have created this severely judge mental type of different levels or tiers of spiritual worthiness and only JW zombies are unaware of this. We’re all familiar with the proverbial saying of “ The pot calling the kettle black”. The proverbial kettle should never be guilt tripped by the blackest of the black soot covered pot into sorrowfully confessing its blackness to the pot. People with an IQ of 105 or higher should be able to figure this out. 😂

[@anniemoss6085]

Sounds like Catholicism confessing to another human.. Scriptures tell us to confess to God alone. 🙏

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Very similar!

[@disassociated1731]

Typically, reporting premarital sex although the marriage is “ blessed” , the husband being appointed, is very unwise! I m sure the elders would prefer not to know it! there is a high probability that they themselves are hiding something, arguing that God’s blessing is evident on them, the brothers like them, they are successful in the ministry, so if God did not forgive, he would not help them with Holy Spirit! but as soon as three elders come together, no one wants to be estimated as permitting sins, and the whole system forces them into taking steps to reprove them. The good solution is to explain to the wife, that in God s eyes, who sees in the hearts, you were already married. Don’t let your love and marriage get in danger by reporting it!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

TRUTH! Never....EVER ....allow the elders into your marriage or relationship!!

[@hiramiamilan4392]

I haven known of brothers driving around town at night on Fridays and Saturdays looking for youngsters brothers and sisters that are maybe attending a local bar or club ,,,, just with the motive of telling on them ,,,,

[@MichaelSmith-lm5sl]

i never spoke to them about my personal business

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Good! ZERO reason too!

[@lizzidpeepole]

Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more.

[@leetjepeetje5247]

It's def not old light... a few years ago my father was outed on horrible sin he did. many many years back... and they "waved it way" based on this... I am out of the borg 21 years now... and it still horrofied me that this sin he commited was just pushed aside... so yes for the sins that dont really hurt anyone, use this in your benefit... but the horrible sin which does hurt others, its an away out for not getting convicted...

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

unbelievable. All too common! I know of many examples and have had many contact me for the reference over the years

[@leetjepeetje5247]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I have never spoken about this before, but your podcast triggered me to speak out, at least a bit... Thank you for that, i mean we should talk about all these things.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@leetjepeetje5247 I'm always very happy if it helps someone even in the smallest way!

[@jeanwalker5106]

This loophole is even in the not so secret Elder book "Appointment and Deletion of Elders and Ministerial Servants 25. Committed a Disfellowshipping Offense Years in the Past and the Matter Was Never Addressed: The body of elders may de- termine he can continue to serve if the following is true: The im- morality or other serious wrongdoing occurred more than a few years ago, and he is genuinely repentant, recognizing that he should have come forward immediately when he sinned. (Perhaps he has even confessed to his sin, seeking help with his guilty con- science.) He has been serving faithfully for many years, has ev- idence of God’s blessing, and has the respect of the congregation. 26. If the sin occurred before he was appointed as an elder or a min- isterial servant, the elders will need to take into consideration the fact that he should have mentioned this possible obstacle to his being qualified when elders met with him just prior to announc- ing his appointment. Moreover, the nature of the sin may reflect greatly on his qualifications to serve. For example, the sin may involve past child sexual abuse, which means that he would not qualify for many years, if ever.-See 14:22-24." Shepherd the Flock of God, 04/2020, Ch.8

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

YES! There it is! I refer to it toward the end of this episode and it's all based on the '72 KM QB. What is interesting is that they don't site the '72 KM reference in the two latest books....I find that interesting

[@broncosbest6441]

Thanks for a great podcast but I’m a cynic. This provision was to hide the sins of appointed men because a sizeable portion had sexual episodes in their past. I don’t think this provision is extended to the so called rank and file. Would you believe I was told that why should I confess to a Catholic priest swopping that org for one where you confess to 3 men instead😂. I knew nothing about judicial committee until well after I was baptised😂. Wish your podcast was available then this will assist so many you will see!

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

There is no question about it. It's my best guess, but I believe after several 'talks' and the Organization Book in the early days, that sincere men started coming forth in droves to confess sins of the past and it led to serious attrition among the elders/MS's, etc......so they had to give them an 'out' or lose everyone at the congregation level LOL. Judicial Committees are such a loaded subject; hope to do more on those down the road. But it's this simple: what applies to men in greater responsibility should apply to EVERYONE....thanks Bronco!

[@broncosbest6441]

@@survivingparadisepodcast I agree. You had me cracking up when they got up and literally said they were joking about your removal😂🤣😂. That was hilarious. The gossip must have been amazing. This podcast gets better every week looking forward to next episode.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@broncosbest6441 Thanks Broncos! I wish I was there to witness the announcement, but talk about awkward! LOL

[@jerudella8236]

For us it was Korah and his family. If you don't agree with the 8.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Oh yes, they LOVE to lean on the Korah story and his sons.....loyalty to family or the 'org'....great example

[@discoveringlisa486]

I think there's something perverse about inciting people to confess their sins to them. It's the same with abuse, I heard a tape on another channel were the elders were asking a woman who was raped to tell them every detail and the man who raped her was on this panel of interregators too. It's disgusting. My mum is in this cult and has been for 20 years, I know she's miserable but these men have their claws so deep into her mind she doesn't know which way is up. It's evil in my opinion and they will be judged for it in the end

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

😡 sickening!!! They are literally 'nobody' and to have a woman in such a vulnerable, painful position. I'm so sorry; infuriates me. I'm so sorry to hear your mother is in....keep loving her. She is so invested :(

[@jacquelineadams4872]

My sister is in this cult. She was not raised in it. She has raised her children in it. I love them but their is this divide because of this cult. They are so brainwashed. Her grandson doesn't work anywhere to my knowledge.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

@@jacquelineadams4872 I'm so sorry to to read that. The cult divides families at every turn :(

[@melioratewithnate]

This is so cringy and deflating. If people only knew

[@gustavscholten597]

Nitpicking from the book of fables to prove a point ? Witnessing in reverse ? Old habits die hard it seems. First half of your life dragging them in, second half because of guilt complex? trying to drag them out of the “truth”…..somewhere between PIMI and POMO.

[@Dogpool]

What the hell is evidence of gods blessing?

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

They can't seem to answer that.... ;)

[@zip6404]

The reason why they give the elders this LOOP HOLE ,and not the rank and file ,because the need the elders to WATCCCCCCCCCCCCCCH!!!!!!! the rank and file jws,end of story.😂😂😂😂😂😂Psalms 1

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

True! But they are actually 'applying it' to publishers now too.....there is another reference in the elders not so secret book ;)

[@lizzidpeepole]

Fun Fact: The earliest known root of the Hebrew language is Canaannite.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

😉 yep, lots of interesting information around the name Yahweh as well.....stay tuned!

[@SunShineU-dl9or]

Theres a book written called “Hebrew is Greek “ very expensive to buy…if you can ever find it…

[@lizzidpeepole]

@@SunShineU-dl9or I did a quick search. I need to know more because this is crazy interesting. A common root to Arabic, Homeric Greek and Hebrew and it is ridiculously hard to find... Hmmmm. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanDan-tn8zv]

So good . I went to the elders after my wife and i were married to confess our naughty touching before our marriage as the guilt was killing us. Turns out the elder ( who was our cobe) we confessed to was banging a married sister in our congo for a year or so.

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

Oh man Dan....such a common story. How a guy can sit there listening to someone's pain, knowing he has or is currently sinning, is just unreal. Sociopathic.

[@dianeriddick2339]

No no no you go to God and Jesus to confess your Sins not men

[@survivingparadisepodcast]

That is indeed what the Bible and Christianity teaches!