Why so many former JW's on the internet?

It must seem strange to see so many "ex JW" sites on the internet. Jehovah's Witnesses often use this as proof of the extreme hatred that their former associates have. This is important from the point of view of a practicing Jehovah's Witness, because the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that those who leave become "apostates" and think of nothing but destroying Jehovah's people through lies and innuendos.

This claim is nothing more then a lie and innuendo. But you don't need to take my word for it.

If you are not one of Jehovah's Witnesses and you are visited, simply ask the Witness if they would be willing to sit down with you and review some claims that are found on the internet. If they hesitate, ask why?

Web forums such as www.jehovahs-witness.com (soon to be www.jehovahs-witness.net ) are well moderated discussion forums where ex JW's, and even a few practicing JW's, meet to discuss current issues facing the group as well as some faults and criticisms of their theology and teachings. I personally visit http://exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com/directory and http://www.jwsupportforum.com/index.php?action=forum as well.

To be sure, there are many other websites, some of which make spectacular, and wrong claims about JW's. (Such as they have secret meetings to worship Satan. That there are subliminal images expertly inserted into JW art.) Such fanciful claims actually do a disservice to those who strive to bring out legitimate issues concerning this group.

That doesn't answer my question: Why all the former JW's on the internet?

Because JW's practice a very effective way to silence dissent. It is a 2 part process that involves
1) Disfellowshipping - the JW phrase for excommunication, which is followed by extreme shunning by all, including immediate family
2) By demonizing ALL critics of the group, making even the reading of critical material against JW's seem like an offense against Jehovah. Don't believe me?


*** w04 2/15 p. 17 par. 9 Guard Against Deception ***
How can we guard against being deceived by apostates? By heeding the advice from God’s Word, which says: "Keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." (Romans 16:17) We "avoid them" by steering clear of their reasonings—whether in person, in printed form, or on the Internet. Why do we take such a stand? First, because God’s Word directs us to do so, and we trust that Jehovah always has our best interests at heart.—Isaiah 48:17, 18.


*** w04 9/1 p. 15 par. 11 Beware of "the Voice of Strangers" ***
Indeed, no matter what apostates may say to the contrary, the real aim of intruders is "to steal and slay and destroy." (John 10:10) Beware of such strangers!

Gods word clearly says nothing of the sort. It is also interesting, and has been brought out my many, that Jehovah's Witnesses best known activity, that of their door to door preaching, has as its aim to expose what they believe to lies in other religions. Yet, when confronted with their own contradictory teachings and history, they are content to label anyone, including the news media, to be under the control of "the world", which Jehovah's Witnesses teach is under Satans control.


*** w95 4/1 p. 27 How Christians Cope With Public Reproach ***
Jesus said of his followers: "You are no part of the world . . . On this account the world hates you." (John 15:19) Many press reports that heap reproach on Jehovah’s Witnesses are an expression of this hatred, and such should be ignored.

Oh yeah, they don't really like their members to go on the internet to research JW's from an independent point of view.


*** km 11/99 p. 4 pars. 11-15 Use of the Internet—Be Alert to the Dangers! ***
Having association via the Internet may not be consistent with the recommendation found at Ephesians 5:15-17. The apostle Paul wrote: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is."
12 The Christian congregation is the theocratic means through which we are fed spiritually by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matt. 24:45-47) Within God’s organization, we find direction and protection to keep us separate from the world as well as motivation to keep busy in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:58) The psalmist indicated that he experienced joy and a feeling of security among God’s congregated people. (Ps. 27:4, 5; 55:14; 122:1) The congregation also provides spiritual support and assistance for those associated with it. Therein, you can find a group of loving, concerned, and caring friends—people you personally know who are ready and willing to help and comfort others in times of distress. (2 Cor. 7:5-7) Congregation members are protected by the Scriptural provision for disfellowshipping those who sin unrepentantly or who promote apostate thinking. (1 Cor. 5:9-13; Titus 3:10, 11) Can we expect to find these same loving arrangements when associating with others via the Internet?
13 It has become apparent that the opposite is true. Some Web sites are clearly vehicles for apostate propaganda. Such Web sites may claim otherwise, and those who sponsor a site may give a detailed explanation to affirm that they truly are Jehovah’s Witnesses. They may even request information from you in order to verify that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
14 Jehovah wants you to exercise discernment. Why? Because he knows that it will safeguard you from various dangers. Proverbs 2:10-19 opens by saying: "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you." Safeguard you from what? From such things as "the bad way," those leaving upright paths, and people who are immoral and devious in their general course.
15 When we go to the Kingdom Hall, there is no question that we are with our brothers. We know them. No one requires authentication of this because the brotherly love manifested makes it obvious. We are not personally required to provide credentials to prove that we truly are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is here that we find the true interchange of encouragement that Paul spoke about at Hebrews 10:24, 25. Web sites that encourage on-line association cannot be depended on to provide this. Having in mind the words of Psalm 26:4, 5 can alert us to dangers that could easily be encountered when using Web sites on the Internet.

The JW practice of disfellowshipping is very well known. This method insulates its members from those with an axe to grind. But lets be reasonable; Is it likely that every person who ever was kicked out of JW membership or who otherwise resigned has as its main aim the destruction of Jehovah's Witnesses?

The truth is that most Jehovah's Witnesses are nice, well meaning people. I have come to believe that they are also mislead by the leadership, even as I was. When you consider the very serious issues facing the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, (such as hundreds of thousands leaving over the last 10 years leading to declining membership, an inconsistent and hypocritical view of blood and blood based medicine, pedophilia within their ranks, hush hush membership in the United Nations as an NGO, which is a frequently condemned political body by the Watchtower, and the change of their prophecies since 1975 till now) it is easy to see why the Governing Body is near desperate to make sure that these issues are kept away from their membership.

Jehovah's Witnesses frequently claim that these issues aren't issues at all. It would be hard to be a baptized member and question otherwise, or to even investigate on your own. You aren't allowed.

This is why the internet has served a very legitimate role in the exposing of Jehovahs Witnesses. Many JW's do in the privacy of their own homes investigate what the media and others have said and compared it with the official JW version, and have found it lacking. There is no doubt that this will continue. At some point, JW's will respond by circling the wagons further, or having to deal with their very checkered history, including their dubious claim that they are the sole channel that God is using today to dispense spiritual truths from the bible. Surely such a claim has nothing to hide or be afraid of. Rather then demonize those who make legitimate claims and accusations against JW's, would it not be better to answer those claims with the forthrightness JW's claim the worlds religions lack?