How does the life of JEHOVAH'S WITNESS look like? - 7 meters underground # 29

Summary

This transcript provides a personal account of someone who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and later left the faith. The speaker shares their experiences of strict rules, including prohibitions on celebrations, certain behaviors, and medical treatments. They discuss the oppressive control over personal choices, the practice of shunning ex-members, and the disturbing issues such as handling of pedophilia cases within the organization. Ultimately, the speaker recounts their difficult decision to leave at 19, the fallout with family, and their reflections on the manipulation and closed worldview that shaped their upbringing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses live in a very closed environment where every aspect of life is strictly governed by biblical teachings.
• 😞 Celebrating holidays like birthdays, Christmas, and Mother's Day is prohibited within the Jehovah's Witness community.
• 😱 Women are subjected to strict rules, with their role often relegated to submission to men, both in the family and the congregation.
• 🚫 Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to accept blood transfusions, and there have been instances where children have died due to parents refusing transfusions.
• 🤐 Members who are 'disfellowshipped' or leave the religion are shunned by family and friends, leading to severe social isolation.
• 🚫 Homosexuality is viewed as equally sinful as pedophilia, despite no harm being done in consensual homosexual relationships.
• 👎 The organization has a controversial approach to handling allegations of sexual abuse, including discouraging members from reporting to authorities and questioning victims in the presence of their abusers.
• 🚶‍♂️ The decision to leave the Jehovah's Witnesses often results in emotional pain, such as severed relationships and estrangement from family, even parents.
• 💔 The individual who left the faith at 19 had their family cut off contact, and even their father would no longer speak to them, despite knowing the consequences beforehand.
• 🔒 Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses can lead to confusion and a loss of direction, with some former members even adopting conspiracy theories as they struggle to reconcile their past experiences.

Q & A

What is the primary belief system of Jehovah's Witnesses according to the transcript?

Jehovah's Witnesses adhere strictly to the teachings of the Bible, applying it to every aspect of their lives. They avoid worldly activities such as celebrating holidays, participating in politics, and watching certain types of media, which they deem immoral or unbiblical.

How do Jehovah's Witnesses view people who are not part of their faith?

People who are not Jehovah's Witnesses are referred to as 'people from the world.' These individuals are often considered outside the faith, and Jehovah's Witnesses are discouraged from forming close relationships with them.

What are some of the strict prohibitions and behaviors expected of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses are prohibited from celebrating birthdays, Christmas, or Mother's Day. They also avoid engaging with media that contains violence, immorality, or magic. Superstitions are also discouraged, and even small gestures like saying 'bless you' when someone sneezes are forbidden.

What role does preaching play in the life of a Jehovah's Witness?

Preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God is a fundamental duty for every Jehovah's Witness. This often involves door-to-door evangelism and standing with literature to spread their beliefs.

What is the significance of baptism for Jehovah's Witnesses, and how is it performed?

Baptism is a significant and lifelong commitment in the Jehovah's Witness faith, requiring a conscious, informed decision. It is typically performed at large gatherings where the individual is fully immersed in water as a symbol of their faith.

What are some of the major consequences of leaving the Jehovah's Witness community?

Leaving the Jehovah's Witness faith often leads to complete social isolation. Family members, including parents and close friends, are required to sever all contact with the individual, and they may face public shunning within the community.

What are the church's policies on sexual abuse within the Jehovah's Witnesses community?

Jehovah's Witnesses handle sexual abuse internally, treating it as a sin rather than a crime. Cases require two witnesses to take any action, and the victim is often questioned in the presence of the perpetrator. Reporting to the police is discouraged.

How are women treated within the Jehovah's Witnesses community?

Women in the Jehovah's Witness faith are expected to be subordinate to men, whether as daughters, wives, or members of the congregation. Women typically have limited roles in teaching and leadership and are often subjected to strict standards of modesty.

How does the Jehovah's Witness community view homosexuality?

Jehovah's Witnesses consider homosexuality as morally wrong, often equating it with pedophilia. The community condemns same-sex relationships, despite the fact that consensual homosexual relationships do not harm others.

What was the turning point for the individual in the transcript to leave Jehovah's Witnesses?

The individual decided to leave Jehovah's Witnesses after learning about the church's handling of pedophilia cases. The organization's refusal to publicly address these issues and its failure to report them to the authorities led to a loss of trust.