10 Years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion (w1997 June 1) – Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19. 20.
10 Years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion (w1997 June 1) – Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19. 20.
On September 13th, 2024, a peaceful protest titled “Love Never Shuns – Shun No More 2024” Was held in front of the White House in Washington, DC. It was recorded live by a YouTube channel called ‘Awakened Truth.’ You can find the website for this protest at Befreeprotest.com.
The organizer of this protest, a former Jehovah’s Witness who is recognized as PIMO (physically in, mentally out), met with a member of the Senator’s staff to discuss the detrimental impact that highly controlled groups can have on both their members and their children. It is essential to be aware and to cause awareness about abuse, even if it was years ago. If you have experienced Child Sexual Abuse or Shunning within the Jehovah’s Witnesses and wish to share your story, we encourage you to visit the website under the ‘Call to Action’ section and submit your testimony. Submissions will be accepted until November 30th, 2024
Organized by former Jehovah’s Witnesses, the main focus of the protest was to raise awareness about the emotional and social harms caused by the practice of shunning in the Jehovah’s Witness Community and their guidelines for hiding Child Sexual Abuse. Individuals who leave or are expelled from the faith are removed from family and friends, and many have contemplated and taken their lives due to the severe depression this causes.
The heartfelt speeches at the protest were by victims of this cult. There were speeches, poems, and presentations to describe their personal experiences, offering raw, empowering perspectives on the consequences of shunning and advocating for change. When asked about their goal with this protest, one of the organizers expressed, “I would like to talk about our purpose for the love of people and children and to protect those people and children no matter how they choose to worship. No one should be mandated to shun anyone, nor should any leadership or anyone in a position of authority be able to be ENABLERS of child sexual abuse. If so, they should be held accountable if they know a crime is occurring. The clergy pertinent privilege right for clergymen to do this is flawed and needs to be changed. It is a disservice to all humanity and puts innocent children at risk for serious trauma in their lives if they can survive it.” She then quotes Edmond Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
While Jehovah’s Witnesses defend shunning as a core religious belief and practice, many do not know that it fosters isolation, mental distress, and fractured relationships. The majority of the protest was to accentuate the danger that Witnesses pose. The protest began with Ivy, the team leader, and the main speaker. While addressing the reason behind the protest, she also made it clear that there would be no tolerance for aggression. Another protester, Karla, expresses her desire for change. “The shunning, sexual abuse being hidden, and protected by this organization and the authoritarianism displayed by their leaders are under the umbrella of human rights. The organization violates multiple human rights, that of children, women, the disabled, the most vulnerable and marginalized in the world- Anyone in this cult.”
What is Brainwashing?
I bring up brainwashing because it was a significant part of this protest. Ones who peacefully and proudly expressed their inner turmoil and deprogramming needed to escape the Jehovah’s Witness organization. To be able to do that, you need to know what is happening and how to fix what was once controled.
Brainwashing is a form of thought control or coercive persuasion used to maintain strict loyalty and obedience to the group’s leadership. This involves psychological manipulation and social isolation. Examples of Brainwashing are:
Discouraging outside perspectives: Members are discouraged from reading or engaging with material contradicting the organization’s teachings, such as critical news, literature, or former member testimonies.
Exclusive reliance on official publications: The Watchtower Society, the governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, produces all the literature members are encouraged to read, creating an environment where they are primarily exposed to only one worldview.
Fear of shunning: Members who question the teachings or leave the organization risk being shunned by their families and community. This practice, known as disfellowshipping, isolates former members emotionally and socially, making it difficult to leave or question without severe personal consequences.
The organization fosters a worldview where Jehovah’s Witnesses see themselves as part of a pure, righteous group, while everyone outside the organization is part of a corrupted, doomed world. This can lead to a sense of superiority and isolation, making members more dependent on the group for social and emotional support.
Brainwashing in the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization involves control over information, manipulation through fear, strict behavioral regulation, and suppression of critical thinking. By fostering an insular environment with high emotional stakes (fear of Armageddon and disfellowshipping), members are kept in a state of dependence and loyalty, limiting their ability to question or leave the group without significant consequences.
Aiding Transparency to Watchtowers teachings. If you have additional information about this topic or would like to reach the author- Please email [email protected]
The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, watching both the bad and the good – Proverbs 15:3