Jehovah's Witnesses, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society
Jehovah's Witnesses, formally known as the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, are a small Christian sect best known for preaching door-to-door and an unusual interpretation of the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as the restoration of true Christianity, and denounce other religions as part of Satan's system of things. Many see them as a controlling cult that shuns those who try to leave. Jehovah's Witnesses who wish to leave, though, can experience a lot of trouble in doing so.
Is The Watchtower Society Too Controlling of Jehovah's Witnesses?
Most Jehovah's Witnesses will object when someone accuses the Watchtower Society of being too controlling. They say members are free to leave whenever they like and no one is forcing them to do anything. So how could any reasonable person accuse the Society of being too controlling unless the accuser is bitter about some past slight, envious of it's dedication to God, or misinformed? It's true that Witnesses can stop going to meetings, but only if they're willing to suffer the consequences.
Most Jehovah's Witnesses will object when someone accuses the Watchtower Society of being too controlling. They say members are free to leave whenever they like and no one is forcing them to do anything. So how could any reasonable person accuse the Society of being too controlling unless the accuser is bitter about some past slight, envious of it's dedication to God, or misinformed? It's true that Witnesses can stop going to meetings, but only if they're willing to suffer the consequences.
Debating Jehovah's Witnesses Unique Resurrection Doctrine & Afterlife Beliefs
Millions of Christians look forward to an afterlife where they will be rewarded with a heavenly resurrection while the spirits of the wicked are punished in Hell. Jehovah's Witnesses, in contrast, don't believe in an immortal soul and most look forward to an earthly resurrection where their bodies will be restored to perfect health. Nearly everyone will be resurrected and given a second chance to prove their loyalty to God, which makes Jehovah seem kinder than the God of many Christians.
Millions of Christians look forward to an afterlife where they will be rewarded with a heavenly resurrection while the spirits of the wicked are punished in Hell. Jehovah's Witnesses, in contrast, don't believe in an immortal soul and most look forward to an earthly resurrection where their bodies will be restored to perfect health. Nearly everyone will be resurrected and given a second chance to prove their loyalty to God, which makes Jehovah seem kinder than the God of many Christians.
Coming Out as an Atheist to Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society
Have you ever decided to come out as an atheist to your friends and family, only to have them react with anger or outright denial? Any atheist — not just former Jehovah's Witnesses — is likely to face this after they leave their faith. Many of us hope our associates will get used to the idea, but some never do. They may use guilt, angry condemnations, or other tactics to bring us back into their religion, all while insisting that it's for our benefit. This can be as hurtful as it is confusing.
Have you ever decided to come out as an atheist to your friends and family, only to have them react with anger or outright denial? Any atheist — not just former Jehovah's Witnesses — is likely to face this after they leave their faith. Many of us hope our associates will get used to the idea, but some never do. They may use guilt, angry condemnations, or other tactics to bring us back into their religion, all while insisting that it's for our benefit. This can be as hurtful as it is confusing.
Debating the 6 Biblical Proofs of the Watchtower Society & Jehovah's Witnesses
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society argues it is the True Religion on the basis of six biblical requirements that only they allegedly meet. Atheists may debate these biblical proofs with Jehovah's Witnesses at the front door or because they know Jehovah's Witnesses who wish to leave but are afraid because of nagging doubts. If atheists can refute the Watchtower Society's claim of meeting these Bible proofs, then the doubtful Witness may find it easier to leave with a clean conscience.
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society argues it is the True Religion on the basis of six biblical requirements that only they allegedly meet. Atheists may debate these biblical proofs with Jehovah's Witnesses at the front door or because they know Jehovah's Witnesses who wish to leave but are afraid because of nagging doubts. If atheists can refute the Watchtower Society's claim of meeting these Bible proofs, then the doubtful Witness may find it easier to leave with a clean conscience.
10 Things You Don't Know About Jehovah's Witnesses
Some atheists enjoy debating religion with theists and have a lot of experience with traditional Christian doctrines, but they may find themselves unprepared for that Jehovah's Witness who comes knocking at their door. This is because the views of The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society are different from those of most Protestants.
Some atheists enjoy debating religion with theists and have a lot of experience with traditional Christian doctrines, but they may find themselves unprepared for that Jehovah's Witness who comes knocking at their door. This is because the views of The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society are different from those of most Protestants.
From Jehovah's Witness to Atheist: Life Outside The Watchtower Society
Many Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that life outside the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is filled with wickedness and pointless misery. But what happens when one of them becomes an atheist and decides to leave the religion on their own? Some try to fade away quietly so they can maintain contact with their friends and family. Others make the break all at once and are forced to rebuild their lives without the support of others. But then what?
Many Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that life outside the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is filled with wickedness and pointless misery. But what happens when one of them becomes an atheist and decides to leave the religion on their own? Some try to fade away quietly so they can maintain contact with their friends and family. Others make the break all at once and are forced to rebuild their lives without the support of others. But then what?
Jehovah's Witness To Atheist: How Doubting Witnesses Can Fade, Avoid Shunning
Many Jehovah's Witnesses who become secular atheists can't leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society outright and must fade gradually to avoid being disfellowshipped. The reasons for why Jehovah's Witnesses fear being disfellowshipped and shunned are due to how the Watchtower society exercises extensive social control over its members. But how can a Jehovah's Witness who has become an atheist go about fading? Is it always better than withdrawing (or becoming inactive) all at once?
Many Jehovah's Witnesses who become secular atheists can't leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society outright and must fade gradually to avoid being disfellowshipped. The reasons for why Jehovah's Witnesses fear being disfellowshipped and shunned are due to how the Watchtower society exercises extensive social control over its members. But how can a Jehovah's Witness who has become an atheist go about fading? Is it always better than withdrawing (or becoming inactive) all at once?
From Jehovah's Witness to Atheist: How & Why Witnesses Fade from Congregations
Most religious believers are free to leave their denomination at any time they choose without repercussions. They may face some pressure from associates if they become atheists, but their families will usually continue speaking with them and their business relationships will be unaffected. Not so when one of Jehovah's Witnesses becomes an atheist. For Jehovah's Witnesses, the potential problems associated with being disfellowshipped and shunned lead to many choosing instead to just fade away.
Most religious believers are free to leave their denomination at any time they choose without repercussions. They may face some pressure from associates if they become atheists, but their families will usually continue speaking with them and their business relationships will be unaffected. Not so when one of Jehovah's Witnesses becomes an atheist. For Jehovah's Witnesses, the potential problems associated with being disfellowshipped and shunned lead to many choosing instead to just fade away.