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The beliefs of
the Jehovah's Witnesses can destroy families and life long friendships. That's why some people say they are a dangerous cult. Of course Jehovah's Witnesses deny this. They believe they love everyone and they are the best religion on the planet. However when they try to leave, Jehovah's Witnesses begin to see their religion in a new light.
Why It's Hard For Jehovah's Witnesses To Leave Their Religion.
When someone gets disfellowshipped from the Jehovah's Witnesses, a public announcement is made that warns Jehovah's Witnesses not to associate with that person. More than that, Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed not to say a greeting. They cannot say 'Hello, How are you?' or have any conversations with that person, unless it is a close family member living in the same house. There are also other limited exceptions when it would be proper to speak with someone who is disfellowshipped.
Jehovah's Witnesses treat disfellowshipped persons as if they are spiritually and literally dead. Most will not even look at a disfellowshipped person and make eye contact. [1] If a Jehovah's Witness rebels against Watchtower rules and speaks to a disfellowshipped person they can be disfellowshipped as well. [2]
That's why critics say the doctrine of disfellowshipping and shunning is destructive. Most outsiders believe they are not being faithful to God. They believe he has not approved the practice of disfellowshipping and shunning. They say that disfellowshipping and shunning has absolutely no scriptural basis. In addition it's contrary to teachings of Jesus. [3]
However Jehovah's Witnesses do not see the negative and destructive aspects of their religion. They are proud to belong to the Watchtower organization because they believe they are being faithful to Jehovah God. All they see is love and joy. However once they begin to doubt their faith and do some research from sources other than the Watchtower, they begin to see their religion differently. Some want to leave right away. For others the process of leaving can take several years.
How Can I Help A Jehovah's Witness To Leave?
- Love and accept them unconditionally just the way they are. They'll need good friends when they leave
- Be there for your Jehovah's Witness friend or relative. They may be in a lot of emotional pain
- Gently show them articles on this website, information on the internet, and good books
- Introduce them good people you know, especially spiritually minded, loving people
- Be patient. It can take some time to undo the damage done by mind control
Leaving The Jehovah's Witnesses.
1. Even though many Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe they should hate disfellowshipped persons who leave their organization, the Watchtower has made it perfectly clear that disfellowshipped, apostate, enemies of Jehovah God are to be hated in the truest sense of the word. The Watchtower tells readers to 'hate the person', so it's very up front and personal. This is one of the reasons why some people believe Jehovah's Witnesses are a destructive cult. See Apostate Jehovah's Witnesses
2a. In their literature the Watchtower has said that rebellion against 'the slave' or God's visible Watchtower organization is in reality rebellion against God. See Rebellion Against Jehovah's Organization
2b. Is it true that a Jehovah's Witness who challenges the authority of the Watchtower is challenging the authority of God himself? Of course not. The Watchtower says it has no divine inspiration. How can they have 'the truth' if God does not inspire what they say? And how can all other religions be 'false'? How does the WT know the mind of God if he is not guiding what they say?
3. There is overwhelming evidence that hatred of enemies, disfellowshipping, and shunning violates the instructions of Jesus. In addition critics provide convincing evidence that disfellowshipping is not Bible based. See Disfellowshipping
How You Can Help Jehovah's Witnesses Who Want To Leave.
- Two Choices. Why It's So Hard To Leave The Jehovah's Witnesses
- How to Convince A Jehovah's Witness That You're Right
- How To Convince Jehovah's Witnesses They Are Wrong
- Why It's Hard To Convince Jehovah's Witnesses To Leave
- How To Convince A Jehovah's Witness To Leave
- How To Convince Jehovah's Witnesses To Leave Their Religion
- Everything You Need To Know About Disfellowshipping
Summary: This article is about how to help a Jehovah's Witness you love to leave the Watchtower. We know you want your family member back. It's difficult for Jehovah's Witnesses to leave their religion but there are things you can do to help them make the right decision. Understand how the Watchtower treats disfellowshipped people and how to convince them to leave in spite of what can happen.
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