Articles
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| Trees of Mystery, Northern California (Photo by Joel) |
I went to church so you don't have to.
After leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses, I did a sort of flyby on all the churches I could have gone to. Then I reported on the experience. >>
Helping Others Escape
So you want to help someone get out of the Jehovah's Witnesses?
Four tips to help someone find their way out of the Witnesses (or any other high-control religious group). >>
Reasons for Optimism
The Gift of Disfellowshipping: Your Story
However cruel and capricious disfellowshipping is, it’s also a gift. >>
It's easy to look askance at one's Witness past. But there's also a trunkful of great memories, too. I refuse to give them up. >>
Leaps and Bounds
Leaving behind a belief system that no longer works can be terrifying. It might be the greatest leap of faith of your life. >>
Stepping Stones to a Brighter Future
At first, navigating your way across a creek might look difficult. But looking back, it wasn’t so hard after all. >>
Happy Graduation Day!
When we were Jehovah’s Witnesses, we were expected to “press on to maturity.” No wonder we eventually left. >>
Love, Non-Worldly Style
When I was disfellowshipped, I was sure I was doomed to eke my way through a cruel, heartless world. Happily, I was wrong. >>
Dealing with our Emotions
The Myth of Closure
What happens when shunning closes one door and leaves too many others open? >>
What am I Supposed to Do with All This Anger?
When we learned the truth about Jehovah’s Witnesses, anger soon followed. Some say "get over it." But it isn't always that simple. >>
Recovery in a Post-Jehovah's Witness Life
As a former Witness, my relationship to 12-Step programs and therapy was an evolving process. Here's what I learned. >>
You're Okay—I'm not so Bad, Either
No matter what you did to get disfellowshipped, there is absolutely no need to feel shame. >>
Sex and Shame
When it comes to sex, we sometimes carry a shameful burden long after we've left the Witnesses. What can be done? >>
Why is there such a problem with sex?
Cult life can actually create sex addictions and other issues. Here's why—and some ideas on dealing with it. >>
What to Say When the Elders Come Calling
Once you're an inactive Witness, the elders may offer you a "shepherding call." There is no need to feel anxious about this. >>
Life after Leaving
Through the Looking-Glass: On the Road to Your Ex-Witness Afterlife
Sometimes the journey back into the real world can seem like a trip to opposite-land. >>
Making Friends in a Post-Witness Life
I don't think any ex-Witnesses has discovered a short cut to healing. One issue that keeps coming up for me? Trust. >>
Letter Perfect: How One Sister Broke the News to Her Parents
28-year-old "Crystal" was raised in a Zealous Witness family. Here's the letter she left behind when she left. >>
Okay, I've Left—Now What?
Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that when you leave the Organization a life of ruin awaits. Here’s what actually happens. >>
What do I do with My Brain Now?
Now that you're no longer cramming on Watchtower literature every day, how will you keep your brain fed? >>
Thinking about the Organization
Four Lies Jehovah's Witnesses Tell Themselves
Here are four whoppers that Jehovah's Witnesses live by.
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Everyone has a right to be wrong -- even the Governing Body. So why is it so hard for them to admit a mistake and apologize? >>
Apostate? Moi?
Jehovah's Witnesses view apostates as an almost subhuman life form. Why is that? Is it true? Does it describe me? >>
True Stories
Goodbye, Raymond Franz 1922 - 1910
My thoughts about the former Governing Body member. >>
The Story of N
These videos recount the experiences of a young woman named "N." Her story is articulate, funny, sad, courageous and spot on. >>
If You are or Want to be a Jehovah's Witness
An Open Invitation to All Jehovah's Witnesses
If you are a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you are invited to join me in a private conversation about our divergent faith paths. >>
The Shilly Shide of Shunning
The World's First Watchtower Article in Emoji
The Society is proud of the languages they translate their literature into. Here's a translation for a new generation. >>
Watchtower Society Unveils New Light Generator
It's the first computing system specially designed to determine the "times and seasons" of Bible prophecy. >>
Early Example of the Christian Side Hug
Some say the ritual dates back to 2009, but Jehovah's Witnesses have been practicing the chaste embrace for decades. >>
Last Member of the 1914 Generation Speaks Out
In opera, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, but for Bro. Barbour, this wicked system ain't over 'til he croaks. >>
50 Ways to Leave the Watchtower
There are at least 38 distinct matters for which a Jehovah's Witness can be shunned by the congregation. How many can you name? >>
So you want to help someone get out of the Jehovah's Witnesses?
Four tips to help someone find their way out of the Witnesses (or any other high-control religious group). >>
Reasons for Optimism
The Gift of Disfellowshipping: Your Story
However cruel and capricious disfellowshipping is, it’s also a gift. >>
It's easy to look askance at one's Witness past. But there's also a trunkful of great memories, too. I refuse to give them up. >>
Leaps and Bounds
Leaving behind a belief system that no longer works can be terrifying. It might be the greatest leap of faith of your life. >>
Stepping Stones to a Brighter Future
At first, navigating your way across a creek might look difficult. But looking back, it wasn’t so hard after all. >>
Happy Graduation Day!
When we were Jehovah’s Witnesses, we were expected to “press on to maturity.” No wonder we eventually left. >>
Love, Non-Worldly Style
When I was disfellowshipped, I was sure I was doomed to eke my way through a cruel, heartless world. Happily, I was wrong. >>
Dealing with our Emotions
The Myth of Closure
What happens when shunning closes one door and leaves too many others open? >>
What am I Supposed to Do with All This Anger?
When we learned the truth about Jehovah’s Witnesses, anger soon followed. Some say "get over it." But it isn't always that simple. >>
Recovery in a Post-Jehovah's Witness Life
As a former Witness, my relationship to 12-Step programs and therapy was an evolving process. Here's what I learned. >>
You're Okay—I'm not so Bad, Either
No matter what you did to get disfellowshipped, there is absolutely no need to feel shame. >>
Sex and Shame
When it comes to sex, we sometimes carry a shameful burden long after we've left the Witnesses. What can be done? >>
Why is there such a problem with sex?
Cult life can actually create sex addictions and other issues. Here's why—and some ideas on dealing with it. >>
What to Say When the Elders Come Calling
Once you're an inactive Witness, the elders may offer you a "shepherding call." There is no need to feel anxious about this. >>
Life after Leaving
Through the Looking-Glass: On the Road to Your Ex-Witness Afterlife
Sometimes the journey back into the real world can seem like a trip to opposite-land. >>
Making Friends in a Post-Witness Life
I don't think any ex-Witnesses has discovered a short cut to healing. One issue that keeps coming up for me? Trust. >>
Letter Perfect: How One Sister Broke the News to Her Parents
28-year-old "Crystal" was raised in a Zealous Witness family. Here's the letter she left behind when she left. >>
Okay, I've Left—Now What?
Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that when you leave the Organization a life of ruin awaits. Here’s what actually happens. >>
What do I do with My Brain Now?
Now that you're no longer cramming on Watchtower literature every day, how will you keep your brain fed? >>
Thinking about the Organization
Four Lies Jehovah's Witnesses Tell Themselves
Here are four whoppers that Jehovah's Witnesses live by.
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Everyone has a right to be wrong -- even the Governing Body. So why is it so hard for them to admit a mistake and apologize? >>
Apostate? Moi?
Jehovah's Witnesses view apostates as an almost subhuman life form. Why is that? Is it true? Does it describe me? >>
True Stories
Goodbye, Raymond Franz 1922 - 1910
My thoughts about the former Governing Body member. >>
The Story of N
These videos recount the experiences of a young woman named "N." Her story is articulate, funny, sad, courageous and spot on. >>
If You are or Want to be a Jehovah's Witness
An Open Invitation to All Jehovah's Witnesses
If you are a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you are invited to join me in a private conversation about our divergent faith paths. >>
The Shilly Shide of Shunning
The World's First Watchtower Article in Emoji
The Society is proud of the languages they translate their literature into. Here's a translation for a new generation. >>
Watchtower Society Unveils New Light Generator
It's the first computing system specially designed to determine the "times and seasons" of Bible prophecy. >>
Early Example of the Christian Side Hug
Some say the ritual dates back to 2009, but Jehovah's Witnesses have been practicing the chaste embrace for decades. >>
Last Member of the 1914 Generation Speaks Out
In opera, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, but for Bro. Barbour, this wicked system ain't over 'til he croaks. >>
50 Ways to Leave the Watchtower
There are at least 38 distinct matters for which a Jehovah's Witness can be shunned by the congregation. How many can you name? >>