Lying is Accepted

If you are considering becoming a JW and believe you are being told the truth about their rules and beliefs, there are some things you should be aware of.  The WT teaches that it is ok to lie in some circumstances.  Ask yourself, how can you be sure JWs are telling you the truth?  Why not verify what they're saying?  Remember, secretiveness is a common trait of high control groups (cults).  Often recruits are unaware of the rules until after they join.

• WT representatives said in written statements to the European Commission of Human Rights that there are no religious sanctions for JWs who accept blood transfusions.  Their literature and current practices contradict that.  Click here for literature citations and further discussion.
• The WT produced a brochure on winning child custody cases that advocated giving deceptive testimony.
• Here are some examples of WT Presidents apparently lying in court.
• WT literature endorses lying in some circumstances.  (Watchtower 5/1/1957, pg. 285; Watchtower 6/1/1960, pg. 352; Preparing for Child Custody Cases brochure; Insight book, Volume 2, Page 245)
• Click here for videotaped testimony of a JW Elder apparently lying in court.  Here are some examples of the errors in his testimony.  Keep in mind that he states he has been a JW Elder for several decades and as such is knowledgeable about these matters.
  • He states family members expelled from JW congregations are not treated differently by their family members.  Yet the Kingdom Ministry of August 2002 article entitled, “Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped”, states about family members:  “they would not want to give...the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred...Loyal Christians should strive to avoid needless association with such a relative, even keeping business dealings to an absolute minimum.”
  • He states JWs do not disdain disfellowshipped members or consider them wicked and demonic.  Yet WT literature does just that!  The 2/15/2004 Watchtower article entitled, “Guard Against Deception”, is only one example.  It includes the following phrases:  “will carry you off as his prey”, “like a kidnapper”, “distortions, half-truths, and outright falsehoods”, “tell all kinds of evil lies”, “malicious opposers”, “intent to deceive”, “counterfeit words, spread deceptive teachings, and twist the Scriptures”, “subverting the faith”, “attack”, “enemy”, “try to defeat you”, “twisted, poisonous reasoning”.  Other WT literature teaches that ex-JWs are demonic.
  • He states JWs are allowed to speak to and say hello to disfellowshipped members they encounter.  Yet the Kingdom Ministry of August 2002 states the opposite.
  • He states JWs do not use the word "shun" because the practice of shunning differs dramatically from disfellowshipping.  In reality, very few if any differences exist.  As noted above, the disfellowshipped person is cut off from virtually all business, social, and familial contact.
  • He states the WT did not publish a child custody brochure.  Yet it did:  “Preparing for Child Custody Cases”.

Finances

  Authority and Obedience

The primary doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses is obedience to the leadership structure established within their organization, The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. No other doctrines would be effective without acceptance of this primary doctrine. Some key factors:

• Within each family unit, the Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that males are the "heads" over females. The male over female headship extends to the congregation; females must observe these headship rules with all Jehovah's Witness males.  Females must not question or criticize decisions made by the males; while they are allowed to participate in familial decision-making, ultimately, the males have the final decision.[4]
  
  Jehovah’s Witnesses will tell you that their obedience is to God Himself (whom they call by the name "Jehovah," a mispronunciation of the ancient Hebrew name for the deity.  The first recorded use of this word dates from the thirteenth century by a Catholic monk..[5] In reality, Jehovah’s Witnesses observe a strict adherence to doctrines interpreted by and directives given by the church's human leaders.
  
  The organization has a Governing Body in New York, a group of males who make all religious decisions for the organization, interpret world events as indicators of the soon-to-come End of the World, and determine how doctrines will be applied.   The Governing Body has created separate groups that make business and legal decisions for the organization, arguably to insulate the organization from legal liability in the molestation and "wrongful death" lawsuits filed against it.
• The Governing Body claims to be the one and only true religion of God Himself, and believing in all they say and unconditional compliance with their guidance is required of members.[6]  In fact, in order to become a Jehovah’s Witness, one must avow recognition of the Watchtower Society as God’s one and only true religion.[7]  Click here for a letter illustrating what happens when someone questions the WTS.
  
  The organization has local Elders, a group of males selected to lead each local congregation. These males hold the most power over the day-to-day lives of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They are empowered to officially and publicly reprimand any local members who, in their view, have gone astray. They also act as leaders one step above males in each family; therefore, they often chastise males regarding family-oriented decisions they make. They also involve themselves in guiding members as to personal decisions they make job choices, dating choices, and provide “suggestions” about pursuing higher education and careers.[8] 
• The Elders follow a secret manual that rank and file Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to read.  There is also a pattern of secrecy when interacting with the media, police, and other governmental authorities.
  
  Between the Elders and the Governing Body, there are numerous layers of Overseers, who act as leaders and intermediaries.
  
  It is also interesting to note the Jehovah’s Witnesses view on faith-based beliefs vs. fact-based beliefs. Jehovah’s Witnesses laud the importance of faith and believing in God and the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization in the absence of proof. At the same time, they claim to have actual proof that their doctrines are based in fact. They staunchly claim to have facts to back up each of their beliefs, yet stress the importance of believing doctrines on faith alone. In reality, there is little proof of the mysteries of the universe, and much of what we choose to believe is based on faith and how we prefer to view the world.  While stressing the need for absolute faith in the Watchtower Society’s doctrines and literature, it simultaneously removes the need for such faith by claiming that all statements are based totally on provable facts.

Refraining from "Independent Thinking"

Forsaking "the World" Possessions, Careers/Education, Friends, and Family

Jehovah’s Witnesses live their lives as though they will be taken into God's New Order at any moment. The Watchtower Society sets out rules and/or stern “suggestions” regarding how they should lead their personal lives.  While some Jehovah’s Witnesses may disregard the “suggestions”, they risk being viewed as having a weak conscience or not being fully faithful.  Reading the entire document will give the reader the essence of the “suggestions”; while the literature may discuss the pros and cons of a certain thing, it is clear what choice they believe “Christians of conscience” would make.  Such suggestions, coming from the Watchtower Society, have a powerful effect on Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

Keep in mind that, despite the passage of time, these “suggestions” or rules have never been specifically retracted.  An organization created and directed by God Himself would have no need for changing rules.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, when asked about these rules, may reply that they are allowed to do these things.  Others may say some Jehovah’s Witnesses do them.  Does either of those responses change what the Watchtower Society has guided them to do?  There may be certain local congregations’ Elders who fail to emphasize certain “suggestions” or rules.  (Elders such as those have sometimes been counseled by the Watchtower Society to cease being lax.)  The Watchtower Society is considered God’s one and only instrument on Earth.  Its publications are extensively used by all Witnesses worldwide, who profess a great deal of trust and faith in their contents.  The Watchtower Society’s counsel applies to all Jehovah’s Witnesses.[9]  Unlike many mainstream religions that allow dissention or partial compliance with doctrines, Jehovah's Witnesses publicly expel members who do not follow their rules.

Members are discouraged and/or prohibited from doing any of the following,and any who do may be shunned.

• Own or purchase nonessential possessions, which they refer to as “materialism” [10]

• Pursue higher education—Young Jehovah’s Witnesses, upon completing high school, are constantly encouraged to move to the commune where they are given shared living quarters, meals, and a very small clothing allowance in exchange for full time employment in the publishing factory. Sadly, there is no known provision for retirement or disability benefits for those who move to the commune.  Note:  Jehovah's Witnesses may object to the use of the word "commune"; however, it is accurate. Click here to view the dictionary definition of this word.)[11]

• Seek full time employment (Working part time is urged so as to allow for more time to devote to the door-to-door ministry or to apply to move to the commune.)

• Work in any capacity that involves carrying a weapon, or join the military, even if drafted

• Have children now, instead of waiting until after Armageddon[12] 

• Withhold corporal punishment (spanking) and/or discipline from your children[13]

• Dating or socializing with people who are not full-blown Jehovah's Witnesses in good standing.[14] 

• Play chess or other games involving competition or aggression[15]

• Use the internet[16]

• Have any hobbies or interests that are not directly linked to Jehovah's Witness-related activities or to "waste free time" in such pursuits

• Join or participate in any extra-curricular activities at work or school (especially pep rallies and cheerleading, because they create "fervor for a worldly institution")[17] 

• Listen to popular music, watch television, read non-Jehovah's Witness materials, and go to movies, if any of those conflict with Jehovah’s Witness beliefs; gambling is prohibited[18] 

• Celebrate any holidays (because they are not traditions that were initiated by Jehovah’s Witnesses), including Mother's Day, birthdays, Christmas, etc. Even anniversary celebrations are discouraged.[19]  (Although the WTS used to encourage celebration of Christmas.)

• Believe in or participate in other religions[20]

• Wear or display a cross in one’s home (Although the Watchtower Society used to use a cross in worship, it no longer does due to claims it is a phallic symbol.)

• Do work for or contribute to any non-Jehovah's Witness charity[21] 

• Have a beard, have body piercings (other than one in each ear), tattoos, wear any clothing, jewelry, or hairstyles that are trendy, and wear any skirts that are above the knee or have slits[22] 

• Use tobacco products or drugs, sell them at your workplace, or have financial ties with tobacco companies.  (Awake 10/8/1995, Watchtower 4/15/1999, Awake 10/8/2000) Interestingly, it appears the Watchtower Society has received proceeds from investments in tobacco companies in the past.  (Click here for tax returns and here for an explanation of the fund itself.)
   

• Have clinical depression (evidence that you may not be joyful in your service of God or are in need of spiritual redirection) or psychosis (evidence you may be possessed by the Devil)[23]

• Be raped or sexually abused (Although not always considered a doctrinal violation, victims of these crimes are often met with deep suspicion that they caused the crime, thus being guilty of sin.[24]) 

• Report a crime committed by a fellow Jehovah’s Witness to the police or other authorities.  Though not absolutely prohibited in all circumstances, one would be hard pressed to find an official retraction of the 1973 Watchtower article discouraging members from reporting such crimes to the police, or any subsequent article specifically encouraging the reporting of such crimes to the authorities.  This article encourages “intracongregational means to have the wrong corrected” be exhausted before involving the authorities (emphasis added).  Many former Witnesses who found themselves in this situation say they were pressured not to report the crime to the authorities.  Astonishingly, the Watchtower Society has formally denounced the Catholic Church for what appears to be a similar practice.   Victims are also strongly pressured, and sometimes required, to verbally confront their attacker in person with their accusations.  Surely, it is not loving to require a victim to confront their attacker! 

• Other literature indicates the congregation will not sanction rapists if the crime is uncovered a long time after it occurred nor will action be taken if there are not at least two eye witnesses to the crime.  Obviously, domestic crimes, rape, and sexual abuse rarely take place in front of two eye witnesses.[25]

• Of grave concern is the Watchtower Society's dealings with pedophiles and other rapists.  Allegations of homosexual rape in the commune at the New York headquarters and a secret database of over 20,000 cases of pedophilia being maintained at the same headquarters have scandalized the Watchtower Society in recent years.  Canadian court documents appear to indicate that church elders hid documentation of pedophilia and even refused to comply with a court order to produce them.  (Click here for directions to view those court documents online.)  More information about this topic can be found at www.silentlambs.org.

• Have oral or anal sex, even with your spouse[26] 

• Be homosexual[27] 

• Masturbate[28]

• Say "Good Luck", "Bless You", or call someone "adorable"

• Participate in toasts, say "Cheers", or chink glasses together before drinking (considered a prohibited Pagan practice)

• Eat any food that contains animal blood (although juice in meat is acceptable)   See the Blood and Medical Treatment page for more information.

• Accept medical treatment with any products made from blood, even if it means you will die without it.[29]  See also a bizarre library of images depicting previous Watchtower views on blood and vaccinations.  Visit the blood issue page for further information.

• Miss attending any church services, which are thrice weekly/5 hours per week, and thrice yearly conventions, plus fellowship time before and after

• Fail to participate in giving speeches or in open question-and-answer study sessions during services

• Spend vacations doing non-Jehovah's Witness recreational activities (Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to spend vacations touring the Jehovah's Witness headquarters and to ensure they attend local Jehovah's Witness meetings.[30])

• Question any doctrines, practices, or Jehovah's Witness publications[31] 

• Females to question anything a male says, or fail to observe males’ headship over women[32]  At one time, it was prohibited for a male to tip his hat to a lady, because it "exalts a woman over a man"!  (Watchtower 4/15/1952)

• Speak to or share a meal with any Jehovah's Witness whom the Elders have announced should be shunned.[33] 

• Participate in patriotic activities, such as national anthems or the Pledge of Allegiance, or perform military service, even if compulsory by law, because all non-Jehovah's Witness electoral processes and leadership structures are led by Satan himself.  Participation is strictly prohibited, and is grounds for immediate public removal from membership.   Voting in political and student elections was previously banned, and it appears some Jehovah’s Witnesses died in Malawi for adherence to that rule.[34] 

Strangely, although patriotism or any non-neutral activities or beliefs have been condemned, it appears the Watchtower Society leadership itself has acted in breach of that rule on some occasions:

Armageddon and the After Life

Preaching Requirements for all Members

Shunning

Bomb Shelter

Conclusion

For further information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witness

How to Obtain the Court Documents for the Canadian Pedophilia Case:

• Post a “No Trespassing” sign on your front door.  Keep on hand a copy of the letter from the Watchtower Society to the local congregations, instructing them not to visit homes with No Trespassing signs on them.  Show it to JWs who enter your property despite the sign being posted, call the police (if you wish), and follow it up with a written complaint to the congregation’s elders, referring to the letter.  Be sure to send the letter by registered mail if you wish to have documentation of your correspondence. 
• You may write a general letter to request no visits.  To do so, find the local congregation’s address in your phone book.  Send it to them and send a copy to the Watchtower headquarters, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-2483, or fax it to: (718) 560-5619.
• Do not accept literature.  This will put you on their “return visit” list.  Inviting them in or engaging them in conversation of any kind will also put you on their “return visit” list.
• If you have social contact with a JW but wish to eliminate religious discussion, clearly state so.  Allowing continued discussion of religious topics will likely be interpreted as interest and will fuel further discussion.  If this discussion is occurring in your workplace, report it to your supervisor.  If it continues, check with your state labor department to determine if the law in your state prevents continued discussion of religion over your objection.  Some states prohibit it.