Below is a letter of resignation from a Jehovah’s Witness missionary. He says below “I am sharing my resignation letter with anyone who cares to read it.” so I am putting it up for all my readers. It is on the net at several other sites.
I also left the Jo Ho’s after 50 years and one of the many (way to numerous to list here) reasons was the 607BCE/1914 conundrum he mentions below.
Just to forewarn, any Jo Ho reading this will label it “apostate”, which is in effect to a Jo Ho, equal to the aids virus. Note also that he divorced his wife and left her “scripturally free to remarry” meaning he committed adultery, as to Jo Ho’s that is the only grounds for a divorce. Jo Ho’s will seize on this point, ignore the points he makes about the dates and in their own mind fell that he is a liar and a “tool of Satan” because he is a fornicator.
When one is excommunicated from the Jo Ho’s, or “disfellowshipped” which is Jo Ho speak, (it isn’t a real word), the leaders have to give the impression that you did something wrong. Announcing that one has been “disfellowshipped “ for “Disagreeing with the Watchtower” would raise far too many questions that the Elders can’t answer. In fact, the friends of the guy who wrote the letter below all think he left the Jo Ho’s because he was an adulterer.
As in my case I left the Jo Ho’s because I no longer bought their crap. It was only after, that I became a fornicator and a zealous one at that.
Here is my standard greeting to all Jo Ho’s: Fuck you, you deluded moronic asswipes.
Here is the letter:
I am sharing my resignation letter with anyone who cares to read it. I know some people had to read it, and I hope it did some good. Maybe it will do good for some readers here too. I don’t call my leaving “disassociation”, because that’s a JW term of convenience. I resigned my membership from this group, nothing more. They did the rest. Here is why I left, not even one year after graduating from Gilead…(Gilead is the Witness missionary training school)
To whom it may concern:
In early September, I came across a man in the ministry who was curious as to how Jehovah’s Witnesses got the date 1914. As I explained to him in basic terms, it started with the count of the gentile times, (2,520 years) from 607 BCE. He was intrigued by our calculations, but was puzzled as to why we say Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE, when “everyone else” has it as 586/587 BCE. Confident that I would be able to prove the date of 607 BCE, I went about to research further this date and to use whatever secular sources existed to prove it. He wanted to see proof beyond what Jehovah’s Witnesses have published, so I therefore researched this thoroughly.
Imagine my surprise to find that while Jehovah’s Witnesses use certain ancient secular sources from Babylon and Persia to arrive at 539 BCE as the fall of Babylon , while at the same time dismiss these very same sources for EVERYTHING else related to the fall of Jerusalem . I couldn’t understand this, but resolved that the “faithful and discreet slave” would no doubt have gone to great lengths to make sure that such an important date as 607 BCE could be verified. I also continued my research.
I will not detail my findings, as I have since come to learn that the Governing Body has refused to look at such evidence or even acknowledge it. The Governing Body above all others knows the controversy of this date and of their own efforts at first to prove 1914 through historical references only to fail in that, then to squelch anyone who even suggested otherwise. At some point, it will be in the Governing Body’s best interests to address this. Suffice to say that I have seen abundant and real proof that both 607 BCE and the related date of 1914 is a date propped up by questionable use of bible scriptures, questionable theology, and white washed history relating to the “modern day history” of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The use of the word “bible chronology” in the Watchtower and Insight on the Scriptures always was impressive to me. I now see that it is a misleading “bait and switch” phrase that is designed to stop a person from looking at real historical evidence. The use of one date as a pivotal date by Jehovah’s Witnesses, 539 BCE as the fall of Babylon is stretched and distorted. We discard the very same sources used to arrive at 539 BCE as the date of the destruction of Babylon and say they are inaccurate when it comes to the date of the destruction of Jerusalem!!!. Why? Because it doesn’t fit with a preconceived idea, that of 1914 as being significant. At best, 1914 will go down as a great coincidence between World War I starting, and what a few people who followed C T Russell were looking for. This is disingenuous, misleading, and unfair.
I am not disillusioned at all! I feel relief for the first time. My only strong feeling is that of disgust; that a few men who are themselves married to 1914 yet at the same time unsure of it, will use that “prophetic” teaching as a source of authority to appoint themselves as some kind of “faithful and discreet slave”, and then try to use this authority control the thinking and actions of so many in the name of god!!
Having gone to the Watchtower School of Gilead, I could never get over the fact that almost everything in the bible according to Jehovah’s Witnesses, “prophetically points” to the “faithful slave” and its governing body. You even go so far as to compare the administrations of Rutherford to the prophet Elijah and Knorr to Elisha!! How arrogant!! What an unbelievable stretch to say that the bible “prophesied” the existence of Rutherford and Knorr!! I use this as one of many examples used by the governing body to keep their power base “scriptural” in the eyes of those that follow and support this organization! I am only disappointed in myself that I didn’t scream out loud at the time this was being “taught”. This is how one must study the bible to get close to God and Christ??? Absolutely not!! Yet you clearly go beyond what is written in the bible itself, saying that to be disobedient to the governing body is the same as being disobedient to Jehovah himself, though the governing body neither admits to being inspired or perfect. What a double standard!
It wasn’t a year ago that I almost died in service to “Jehovah” while in Cameroon as a missionary. Now, I see that my service was to nothing more than a group of misguided men. I was even considering taking up a difficult and economically questionable move to help out a congregation our circuit overseer said was in need! I have done all that I have done for Jehovah’s Witnesses with real zeal, belief, and sincerity of heart. I willingly and happily sacrificed much. But now, I have learned that this is just another crazy group using the bible to fit their own agenda.
I therefore find it necessary as of the date of this letter, to officially resign as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because of personal issues, I am also divorcing my wife, ——-. For her benefit, I will provide her with the evidence allowing her to remarry as a Jehovah’s Witness if that is her wish, when in fact, I have such evidence honestly to give.
My only regret is knowing that I will be leaving behind hundreds of friends that I have come to love very much. I realize how I will hence be treated. While I must accept this for the time being, it is my hope that all whom I have ever loved in this organization are or will be happy one day, although I have come to learn that such happiness will likely not result from their association with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
April 8, 2009 at 4:17 pm |
I wish you well my man. I too made the JW commitment decades ago but now know the garbage of “dates” which are so integral to JWs. 1914, 607, 1975, this generation. Untruths, untruths and untruths.
All the subtle changes made in the literature in order to accomodate “egg” on the face for things proven false. Blaming the members for “misreading” WT declarations that did not happen.
It’s The Lie, not the Truth.
Stay strong and take in a breath of fresh air for me too.
May 3, 2009 at 6:16 pm |
Thanks, man.
Glad you made it out! Best wishes!
April 11, 2009 at 6:56 pm |
I understand your anger but maybe the GB is misled too. Could be or not.?
May 3, 2009 at 6:20 pm |
By who or what? It’s an interesting point.
In the same vein, there is a lot of wealth held by the Watchtower Society, but I never saw any indication theu were in it for the money.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we find out they are or that some one or group is getting rich.
April 15, 2009 at 12:43 am |
Good for you. If only they and others like them could know the Truth. As Jesus said “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free”. He also said that “God (or All That Is) is inside you”, within your inner being. Look inside not to some outer belief or religious dogma. There is no sin and there is no hell only karma (good or bad). As stated in the blog, I’m spiritual not religious. Religions, as you have noted, distort and manipulate and of course each is the only true religion. The real truth is that they have no idea, so many lies and deceptons.
April 15, 2009 at 1:05 am |
Thanks Leo. Good points.
April 16, 2009 at 12:42 am |
I’d like to spend a couple of weeks in the Vatican library. Just to see what I could find to bring down the pope. I’m certain that with enough time, it would be possible to discredit the whole christian movement in on fell swoop.
According to my spiritual sources, the pope is on God’s shit list.
Leo
May 3, 2009 at 6:08 pm |
LOL!!
Forget about bringing down any of these guys. They are all so fucking deluded, they don’t listen to reason.
I go on a lot of blogs and forums to stir up interest in this blog, by bashing asshole Jehovah’s Witnesses.
I cut and paste obvious bullshit from their own literature and in most case they ignore it.
For example:
From: The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah – How? 1971 p. 216:
JEHOVAH’S “SWORD” AGAINST “ALL THOSE OF FLESH”
Shortly, within our twentieth century, the “battle in the day of Jehovah” will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom.”
This a quote from a Jehovah’s Witness book. I have this book and an extensive Jo Ho library. Obviously nothing happened in the 20th Century.
Jo Ho’s predicted Armageddon, the end of the world at God’s hands, would come 7 times in the 20th century.
I post the quotes. It doesn’t change anyones mind.
So, just ridicule them. It’s less work and more fun.
Thanks for the Griddle article.
Ready Freddie
May 7, 2009 at 11:54 pm |
You’re welcome, I love that crap. I saw the article and thoght of you. Just had to forward it.
Leo
May 8, 2009 at 12:12 am |
Oh, and btw I hope no one is holding his or her breath on that end of the world thing. Although there will be changes in the church, not much is going to happen until 2075. You might consider me another crazy, but the church will get a major house cleaning.
since neither God nor Jesus wanted a church, not to mention that Paul really royally screwed up the works. It’s to bad I won’t see it in this lfetime, perhaps in my next.
Leo
May 22, 2009 at 1:11 am |
OK. I JUST HAD TO WRITE. IM A 55 YROLD WOMAN WHOSE AUNT IS ONE OF JW. AS A CHILD I HAD PROBLEMS AND MY AUNT TOOK ME TOO THE MEETINGS.MY MOM WHO WAS HER SIS,WAS ACCORDING TO HER WAS LOST. YES MY MOM HAD PROBLEMS, BUT SHE AS A WITNESS SHOULD HAVE TRIED TO HELP HER OLDER SISTER.BUT NOOOOO,BECAUSE MY MOTHER’S PROBLEMS WOULD HAVE EMBARASSED HER.ANY WAY SHE REARED 7 KIDS IN THIS CULT, AND EVERYONE OF HER KIDS HAD PROBLEMS FROM, DRUGS, ALCHOLOL,HOMOSEXUALITY,CRIMINAL RECORDS, STD,I USED TO GO WITH HER TO THE MEETINGS JUST TO GET AWAY FROM MY PROBLEMS. ANY WAY TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT,SHE DISTANCED HERSELF FROM MY SIS AND ME WHEN MY MOTHER DIED,AND I WAS PREGGERS AND SHE REFUSED TO TAKE ME IN AT THE TIME I WAS 17 BECAUSE,”I WOULD BE AN EMBARRASSEMENT TO HER RELIGION. Jehovas witnesses. what else i want to say is too long, but,i know this is not what THE MOST HIGH wanted. they are THE TRUE FALSE RELIGION THAT THEY ALWAYS PREACH ABOUT.
July 15, 2009 at 4:55 pm |
Wow, you have some anger. But I say, let it out.
I have seen your scenario play out in many Witness families. Sad ut true.
Hey, I wish you the best!
July 15, 2009 at 5:31 am |
Well…here is my problem. I have been researching this stuff for a while. The material in some of these quotes is exactly what has been repeated for the past 10-20 years. What is sad is that some that are honestly confused, like me, and are really interested in what is really the truth. Those that promote lies and half truths are just as bad as the ones that have mislead honest hearted ones for generations. I am so ashamed. As if there were really a group of people that really knew what the truth was. At least just say that you don’t know what to believe. That at least would be respectful of God and his teachings!
July 15, 2009 at 4:54 pm |
Dan, I don’t know what God’s truth is. However, I know what it isn’t. As a JW for 50 years I now understand that I not only was fed lies, I repeated them and made a few converts.
JW’s quit all the time for the same reasons I did. It sounds like you were or are a JW and confused.
I supposed if I was searching for “God’s Truth” i wouldbe confused. After years of reading and researching, I have found nothing that indicates what it is.
But, like I said, I know it ain’t the Jo Ho’s.
July 16, 2009 at 11:05 pm |
I guess I’m just going through some major confusion right now. I was raised a witness, went to bethel, and now am feeling disillusioned and confused as to what to do next. I’ve always felt like I was one step behind everyone else and I just couldn’t keep up. But I also fear that I am falling into the traps that they always warn us about. What do you do? I’m SO on the fence about everything right now.
One thing I do know, other religions don’t have the “truth” either. I dont understand those that leave the JW and become pentacostal or something.
July 18, 2009 at 1:11 am |
Dan, no religion has the truth.
Ask yourself why there has to be a true religion. Says who? Often JW’s will say to me “Well, you still knwo it’s the Truth, right?” as if they need some assurance. No, I don’t know “its The Truth”. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not have the truth, are not the true religion and in fact seem to be confused bumblers. Think about it. They predicted with absolute certainty that Armageddon would cone 6 times in the 20th Century:
1914 – “In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of 1914.” (The Time is at Hand, 1902 edition, p. 99) Note: this same statement was contained in the 1908 edition of the same book.
End of WW1: “The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures (Revelation 19:16-20). It will eventuate in the complete overthrow of all the systems of error which have so long oppressed the people of God and deluded the world”. (Pastor Russell’s Sermons, 1915, p. 676) In the same year (1915),
1925 – “The period must end in 1925 . . . [This date] is definitely fixed in the Scriptures. Every thinking person can see that a great climax is at hand. The scriptures clearly indicate that the climax is the fall of Satan’s empire and the full establishment of the Messianic kingdom . . . Therefore, it can be confidently said at this time that millions now living will never die”. (Golden Age, January 4, 1922, p. 217)
1975 – Watchtower, October 15, 1969 pages 622 and 623:
“More recently earnest researchers of the Holy Bible have made a recheck of its chronology. According to their calculations the six millenniums of mankind’s life on earth would end in the mid-seventies…. Would not, then, the end of six millenniums of mankind’s laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil be the fitting time for Jehovah God to usher in a Sabbath millennium for all his human creatures? Yes, indeed! And his King Jesus Christ will be Lord of that Sabbath.”
Notice the use of the definite article “the”. It would be “the fitting time”, not “a fitting time” not “an appropriate time” but “THE FITTING TIME”, to the exclusion of all other times. “Yes, Indeed! And his King Jesus Christ will be Lord of that Sabbath”. Not “might be”, not “could be”, but “WILL BE”.
• End of the 20th Century – Again in 1971, they said it would come in the 20th century: ”Shortly, within our twentieth century, the “battle in the day of Jehovah” will begin”. From: The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah – How? 1971 p. 216”
Within the life span of the 1914 generation: Watchtower, 7/1/69 pg395:
“People who were only just old enough to understand what was happening to the world in 1914 are now approaching seventy years of age. Yes, the numbers of that generation are dwindling fast, but before they all pass away this system must meet its end in the war of Armageddon.”
None of the above happened and the 1914 thing is wrong.
My whole life was spent looking through the 1914/Gen paradigm. And they fucking CHANGED IT!!
Geez, Dan, it confuses the shit out of me. But there are some absolutes. One is that God would not bullshit us. The JW’s did. In fact, all religions are full of shit.
Man, I don’t have answers. I only know what I see as bullshit.
I don’t understand JW’s who leave and go to another religion. Some just consider themselves just Christians. As for me, I can only go as far as being fairly certain that there is intelligent design. After that I got nothing.
But the thing is, Dan, I am glad to be out of the JW whole religion thing.