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PAGES
- About Ex-JW.com
The Editor created this website to provide one important service to all lovers of truth and righteousness: To let the "light of truth" shine on the Watchtower…
- Article Directory
Here is a complete listing of all published articles on Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses Online (www.ex-jw.com). Listed by subject categories.
- Contact Us
We invite you to comment on our articles. If you have a story or something else to offer as a former or current Jehovah's Witness, we'd like to hear from you.
- Privacy Policy
Ex-JW.com is a privately owned and managed website intended for the use, enjoyment and education of our visitors, subscribers, and readers. We take every…
- Directory
This page contains the site table of contents. Use it to quickly find content on this website.
- Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses are followers of the teachings of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York and Pennsylvania. Jehovah's Witnesses are categorized…
- Changes and Challenges Facing the Watchtower
The Watchtower's leaders may be forced to pick retaining some important features of the religion, or finding ways to make the faith acceptable to new converts.
- Video - Early History
A broad compilation of videos examining the early history of the Watchtower Society. Founded and led by Charles Taze Russell from the late 1870s until 1916.
- Other JW Sites
A broad selection of websites, blogs, forums, and videos dedicated to the discussion of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society's leadership.
- Cult Free Radio
Cult Free Radio is Mad Sweeney's UStream podcast. Our editor interviews Sweeney to find out how he hopes to reach out to current and former Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Cult Free Radio Archives 2011
Scroll down and listen to the first season of Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio podcasts. Sweeney invites you to listen here, or you can download the shows to your…
- Cult Free Radio Archives 2012
Scroll down to listen to the second season of Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio podcasts. Sweeney invites you to listen here, or you can download the shows to your…
- Who are Ex-JWs?
It can be tough to be an ex-JW. You may lose all of your friends. Your family may not speak to you except in rare situations. Your life will be changed forever.
ARTICLES
- Category: Biblical Teachings
- Jehovah's Witnesses and Bible Study
Many former Jehovah's Witnesses will admit that one reason they left the Organization was because they actually finally read the Bible cover to cover.
- Category: Biographies
- A personal view of Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's writings can be described as modest and real. His character is in his words and can be seen if you read even one paragraph of either of his books.
- A Sad Day
Ray left everything behind, and continued his fight for justice by confronting and uncovering the contradictions of the Watchtower until the end of his life.
- Conscience and Courage
Starting over at his age (in his late 50s) with basically nothing to his name - except his conscience and ethics - was the most courageous things I've seen.
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Remembering Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's love for God, justice, and Christian freedom shines brilliantly in his book. Our prayer is that the God he loved so much will remember him always.
- Video Memorial to Ray Franz
A fine video tribute to Ray Franz made by "V" with the help of many people who took the time to record a brief message about what Ray Franz meant to them.
- Category: Book Reviews
- Confronting Misinformation
If former Jehovah's Witnesses read these books, they will be amazed how refreshing and energizing basic science and honest history can be.
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Exposing Cults at the Tucson Book Fair
An interactive dialogue about growing up in different cults, exposing surprising and shocking similarities between two unique and secretive religious groups.
- Five books you should read about Jehovah's Witnesses
Here are five great books that we recommend available through bookstores and Amazon.com. These books are informative about the Witness religion and history.
- InsidetheWatchtower.com
For those readers who have not found it yet, we'd like to announce our new website, Inside the Watchtower. It's been online since late July, but was only…
- Read this book! You too could be homeless
Brianna's book is about discrimination against the homeless people among us - and the almost insurmountable obstacles society places in their path to recovery.
- Category: Celebrities
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 1
Part 1 of a group of articles identifying prominent and famous Jehovah's Witnesses. Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Prince, Mickey Spillane, and George Benson.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 2
This time we introduce five more celebrities (actually more than five, as you will see) from the past and present that are or were Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 4
Readers seem to enjoy articles about famous (and in some cases, infamous) people well-known for their careers in the arts, sports, literature and even politics.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 5
This list includes Kid Gavilan (athlete), Evelyn Mandela (politician's wife). Dave Meyers (athlete), Selena Quintanilla (singer) and Michelle Rodriguez (actor).
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs – Part 3
This time we will dig a little deeper and highlight five people that you may not know were Witnesses or they may have faded into obscurity before their time.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs – Part 6
This group of 5 celebrities includes musician Hank Marvin, singer Jean Terrell, TV personality Sherri Shepherd, rapper Xzibit, and the infamous Rodney King.
- Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Sadness
We should shed a tear for Michael Jackson and learn from his experience. Let's never allow our own children to be forced to live under those same pressures.
- The [Two] Three Funerals of Michael Jackson
In a a private ceremony held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in a mortuary chapel a Jehovah's Witness funeral service was conducted by Michael Jackson’s cousin.
- Category: Conventions
- A Protestant visits the Jehovahs Witness Convention
Bridget Anderson is not a Jehovah's Witness and never has been, but has had enough contact with them to have more than a basic understanding of their culture.
- Category: General Information
- Apostate in the neighborhood
I'm sure that local Jehovah's Witnesses have flagged my house as a "den of iniquity, inhabited by an apostate." I do see them, but they never knock on my door.
- InsidetheWatchtower.com
For those readers who have not found it yet, we'd like to announce our new website, Inside the Watchtower. It's been online since late July, but was only…
- JWSurvey.org announces 2012 Global Survey
There is a new online survey about Jehovah's Witnesses available for participation by all current and former members at JWSurvey.org.
"Cedars," the founder…
- New additions to "Other JW Sites"
We've added several links to other websites that discuss the beliefs and history of Jehovah's Witnesses, including three maintained by the Watchtower Society.
- Registration Turned Off - and On
Reader registration on Ex-JW.com has been turned off temporarily.
- Some quick updates
Please note that Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio program #7 is now online. It's been added to the Cult Free archive page. #7 was another great program with an…
- The Truth shall set you free!
This website has a single purpose - to let the light shine on the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society and its followers known as Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Welcome to Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses Online
A one-stop online location that points to the best (and also the worst) information and news about Jehovah's Witnesses, ex-JWs, and the Watchtower Society.
- What happens after leaving the JWs?
Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses is like having the rug pulled out from under you. You have an opportunity to get up, brush yourself off, and start over.
- Category: Historical Personalities
- Discovering the "Truth" - My three years as a JW
Ian Haynes from the UK shares his personal story of how he learned the truth about the Truth during his three years as an active Jehovah's Witness.
- Category: Humor
- "Dubs for Dummies"
What if Jehovah's Witnesses published simplified explanations for all their strange beliefs, dumbed down so that anyone could understand their basic teachings?
- A Craigslist Cry for Help
Editor's Note: This was an actual ad posted on Craigslist.org in mid-September in New Mexico. I first learned of this ad while browsing the Jehovah's Witness…
- Going to the Public Talk
This video, containing a huge dose of satire, nails the basic experience of Jehovah's Witnesses attending a local Kingdom Hall's "public talk."
- Watchtower "breakdown" on the Highway to Paradise
The engine which drives the Watchtower bus to Paradise keeps breaking down, forcing the bus to the side of the road and making passengers wait for repairs.
- Watchtower's Pecking Order
The Watchtower is just a corporation that happens to print religious literature. Its structure has various levels, responsibilities, privileges - and stature.
- Category: JW Teachings
- "Dubs for Dummies"
What if Jehovah's Witnesses published simplified explanations for all their strange beliefs, dumbed down so that anyone could understand their basic teachings?
- The Finished Mystery - the book Jesus approved
The Finished Mystery was the main publication that was being distributed worldwide when Jesus supposedly chose the Watchtower as his only true religion in 1918.
- A letter to the Watchtower
If a near perfect Witness did not accept a teaching of the Watchtower "old light" as true while it was promoted as "new light," would they be disfellowshipped?
- An Elder shares his honest opinions
This article should be considered a “come to Jesus moment” for Jehovah's Witnesses. Hopefully, we’ll recognize the errors of our ways, and take a new…
- An Interesting Twist in a Child Custody Case
A mother believed that we could help her convince a court that her three children should not be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses until they were 18 years old.
- An open letter to the Governing Body
Governing Body: Act as men of principle. Allow Jehovah's Witnesses the freedom to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of your organization.
- BBC goes to a Kingdom Hall
While a BBC-TV reporter notes that Jehovah's Witnesses are Bible quoting Christians, he saw some major differences between them and mainstream UK church-goers.
- Coping with False Prophecy
By Cynthia Hampton
For several years I have been honored to coordinate and moderate a Jehovah's Witness support group based in Los Angeles and San Jose,…
- Disfellowshipping - who's at fault?
"John Doe is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses," is repeated some 70,000 times each year in Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Halls worldwide. Why the increase?
- Douglas's Story
Gordon Smith describes his childhood as a Jehovah's Witness in the UK. He left the cult in his early twenties to venture out on his own and find true freedom.
- Going to the Public Talk
This video, containing a huge dose of satire, nails the basic experience of Jehovah's Witnesses attending a local Kingdom Hall's "public talk."
- Happy Holidays
By the Editor
Within the next few days, millions of people in the western world will celebrate Christmas, followed a week later by the New Year. In most…
- Jehovah's Witnesses and Bible Study
Many former Jehovah's Witnesses will admit that one reason they left the Organization was because they actually finally read the Bible cover to cover.
- Raymond Franz, RIP
Raymond Franz, author of Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom, died on June 2, 2010 due to the effects of a stroke he suffered on May 30th.
- The truth about JW "Bible Studies"
The Watchtower's study book is your only guide. The Bible will be rarely opened, and when it is used, JW only refers to and reads one or two verses at a time.
- The Watchtower redefines a "generation"
The Watchtower Society has created an incredible new definition for the word "generation" in order to cover up another of their failed prophecies.
- Watchtower "breakdown" on the Highway to Paradise
The engine which drives the Watchtower bus to Paradise keeps breaking down, forcing the bus to the side of the road and making passengers wait for repairs.
- Watchtower forgets that "Content is King"
Jehovah's Witness meetings and magazines have become too stale to interest anyone who thinks for themselves. The JW's don't understand that "content is King."
- Watchtower's Pecking Order
The Watchtower is just a corporation that happens to print religious literature. Its structure has various levels, responsibilities, privileges - and stature.
- Category: Opinion
- An Elder shares his honest opinions
This article should be considered a “come to Jesus moment” for Jehovah's Witnesses. Hopefully, we’ll recognize the errors of our ways, and take a new…
- Are changes coming to the Watchtower?
What future circumstances will force the Watchtower Society to modify their current approach to managing their religion, their properties, and their followers?
- Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult?
A Jehovah's Witness sent me a list of "Ten Signs of a Cult" to prove to me that the Watchtower and Jehovah's Witnesses was not a cult, but a true religion.
- Cult Free Radio Archived at Ex-JW.com
We're pleased to announce that the first six podcasts of Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio are now archived here at Ex-JW.com.
- Global Survey of Jehovah's Witnesses - 2011
JWSurvey.org is now online. Share your opinions about current teachings of the Watchtower Society. Free, quick, and includes instant results feedback.
- Happy Holidays
By the Editor
Within the next few days, millions of people in the western world will celebrate Christmas, followed a week later by the New Year. In most…
- JWSurvey.org announces 2012 Global Survey
There is a new online survey about Jehovah's Witnesses available for participation by all current and former members at JWSurvey.org.
"Cedars," the founder…
- Love and the Watchtower
How can Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be God’s chosen people when they do not follow the most basic of his commandments, namely to "love their neighbors?"
- Opinion: Raising kids as Witnesses
Want your children to spend their lives cleaning the restrooms or polishing floors at Wal-Mart? Then force them to become slaves of the Watchtower Society.
- Watchtower forgets that "Content is King"
Jehovah's Witness meetings and magazines have become too stale to interest anyone who thinks for themselves. The JW's don't understand that "content is King."
- Category: Reprints
- A Craigslist Cry for Help
Editor's Note: This was an actual ad posted on Craigslist.org in mid-September in New Mexico. I first learned of this ad while browsing the Jehovah's Witness…
- An open letter to the Governing Body
Governing Body: Act as men of principle. Allow Jehovah's Witnesses the freedom to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of your organization.
- Religion Makes Me Sad
It makes me sad to know that Jehovah’s Witnesses and others believe in a God-delivered Armageddon, looking forward to the brutal murder of billions of people.
- Category: Testimonies
- 100 Speak Out
Phineas Treptow's documentary will allow former Jehovah's Witnesses to share personal stories about their mistreatment and abuse by the Watchtower Society.
- A letter to the Watchtower
If a near perfect Witness did not accept a teaching of the Watchtower "old light" as true while it was promoted as "new light," would they be disfellowshipped?
- A personal view of Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's writings can be described as modest and real. His character is in his words and can be seen if you read even one paragraph of either of his books.
- A Sad Day
Ray left everything behind, and continued his fight for justice by confronting and uncovering the contradictions of the Watchtower until the end of his life.
- An Interesting Twist in a Child Custody Case
A mother believed that we could help her convince a court that her three children should not be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses until they were 18 years old.
- Confronting Misinformation
If former Jehovah's Witnesses read these books, they will be amazed how refreshing and energizing basic science and honest history can be.
- Conscience and Courage
Starting over at his age (in his late 50s) with basically nothing to his name - except his conscience and ethics - was the most courageous things I've seen.
- Coping with False Prophecy
By Cynthia Hampton
For several years I have been honored to coordinate and moderate a Jehovah's Witness support group based in Los Angeles and San Jose,…
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Discovering the "Truth" - My three years as a JW
Ian Haynes from the UK shares his personal story of how he learned the truth about the Truth during his three years as an active Jehovah's Witness.
- Douglas's Story
Gordon Smith describes his childhood as a Jehovah's Witness in the UK. He left the cult in his early twenties to venture out on his own and find true freedom.
- Elder reveals his secret
Dad was entering a new phase in his life as a Jehovah’s Witness. He turned the corner when he told me he'd written an article for an apostate website.
- Remembering Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's love for God, justice, and Christian freedom shines brilliantly in his book. Our prayer is that the God he loved so much will remember him always.
- Sick of it!
This is a story of verbal, physical and extreme sexual abuse by her father, an active Jehovah's Witness and elder for much of his life, when she was fifteen.
- Video Memorial to Ray Franz
A fine video tribute to Ray Franz made by "V" with the help of many people who took the time to record a brief message about what Ray Franz meant to them.
- What happens after leaving the JWs?
Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses is like having the rug pulled out from under you. You have an opportunity to get up, brush yourself off, and start over.
- Category: Urgent News
- Menlo Park Kingdom Hall Lawsuit Dismissed
By the Editor
A federal judge dismissed the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall lawsuit last week due to filing and jurisdictional issues.
On January 6, 2012 the…
- An Interesting Twist in a Child Custody Case
A mother believed that we could help her convince a court that her three children should not be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses until they were 18 years old.
- Ex-JWs Helping Haiti
Pick one of the charities listed and contribute as much as you can or whatever you can afford. Tell your friends and family about this project to help Haiti.
- Menlo Park scandal on Cult Free Radio
The scandal at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall will be discussed May 28, 2011 (10 PM EDT) on a UStream podcast Cult Free Radio. Guest is the editor of Ex-JW.com.
- Raymond Franz, RIP
Raymond Franz, author of Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom, died on June 2, 2010 due to the effects of a stroke he suffered on May 30th.
- Registration Turned Off - and On
Reader registration on Ex-JW.com has been turned off temporarily.
- Takeover in Menlo Park - Part One
A small group of Jehovah's Witnesses, former elders, have filed a lawsuit in federal district court charging Watchtower representatives with "Conspiracy."
- Category: Watchtower History
- The Finished Mystery - the book Jesus approved
The Finished Mystery was the main publication that was being distributed worldwide when Jesus supposedly chose the Watchtower as his only true religion in 1918.
- A Sad Day
Ray left everything behind, and continued his fight for justice by confronting and uncovering the contradictions of the Watchtower until the end of his life.
- An open letter to the Governing Body
Governing Body: Act as men of principle. Allow Jehovah's Witnesses the freedom to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of your organization.
- Are changes coming to the Watchtower?
What future circumstances will force the Watchtower Society to modify their current approach to managing their religion, their properties, and their followers?
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Going to the Public Talk
This video, containing a huge dose of satire, nails the basic experience of Jehovah's Witnesses attending a local Kingdom Hall's "public talk."
- Kingdom Halls - Who owns them?
In past years local Jehovah’s Witnesses owned their Kingdom Hall and had full responsibility for it. They were OK with that because it made sense. Not…
- Raymond Franz, RIP
Raymond Franz, author of Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom, died on June 2, 2010 due to the effects of a stroke he suffered on May 30th.
- Takeover in Menlo Park - Part One
A small group of Jehovah's Witnesses, former elders, have filed a lawsuit in federal district court charging Watchtower representatives with "Conspiracy."
- The Watchtower redefines a "generation"
The Watchtower Society has created an incredible new definition for the word "generation" in order to cover up another of their failed prophecies.
- Watchtower "breakdown" on the Highway to Paradise
The engine which drives the Watchtower bus to Paradise keeps breaking down, forcing the bus to the side of the road and making passengers wait for repairs.
- Why Judge Rutherford went to prison
Joseph Rutherford and 7 other board members of the Watchtower Society went to prison in 1918 for "sedition." Were they guilty? A look at The Finished Mystery.
- Category: Watchtower Leaders
- "Seeds of dissent" against the Governing Body?
Editor's Note: I just received the following news release announcing an attempt to organize an underground movement of Jehovah's Witnesses who want a voice…
- Global Survey of Jehovah's Witnesses - 2011
JWSurvey.org is now online. Share your opinions about current teachings of the Watchtower Society. Free, quick, and includes instant results feedback.
- Menlo Park: "The Truth" vs. the truth
The Watchtower continues to use theocratic war strategy in a attempt to prevent courts from discovering the truth about events at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.
- Watchtower's Pecking Order
The Watchtower is just a corporation that happens to print religious literature. Its structure has various levels, responsibilities, privileges - and stature.
- Why Judge Rutherford went to prison
Joseph Rutherford and 7 other board members of the Watchtower Society went to prison in 1918 for "sedition." Were they guilty? A look at The Finished Mystery.
- Category: Watchtower Scandals
- Menlo Park Kingdom Hall Lawsuit Dismissed
By the Editor
A federal judge dismissed the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall lawsuit last week due to filing and jurisdictional issues.
On January 6, 2012 the…
- Another View of a Kingdom Hall Takeover
A second look at the events taking place at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall in California. The strong arguments on both sides will play out in a federal courthouse.
- Disfellowshipping - who's at fault?
"John Doe is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses," is repeated some 70,000 times each year in Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Halls worldwide. Why the increase?
- Fear and Loathing in Menlo Park
All that is good and bad about the Watchtower Society and Jehovah's Witnesses, is demonstrated by what is going on at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.
- Menlo Park Kingdom Hall - Updates
Since the previous article about the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall court case, published two weeks ago, I've received some updates and a few corrections.
- Menlo Park scandal on Cult Free Radio
The scandal at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall will be discussed May 28, 2011 (10 PM EDT) on a UStream podcast Cult Free Radio. Guest is the editor of Ex-JW.com.
- Menlo Park: "The Truth" vs. the truth
The Watchtower continues to use theocratic war strategy in a attempt to prevent courts from discovering the truth about events at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.
- Menlo Park: From Behind the Scenes
By John Steele
Disclaimer: This article in no way reflects the views of the parties who run this website, are solely my views and opinions, and as such…
- Menlo Park: What are they trying to hide?
What reason would there be to keep a Kingdom Hall's bank statements "confidential"? What could be on those statements that the elders don't want anyone to see?
- Real Estate Magnates
Donated properties become part of the Watchtower Society's huge real estate portfolios, all tax-free when they are acquired, owned, and sold by the Society.
- Some quick updates
Please note that Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio program #7 is now online. It's been added to the Cult Free archive page. #7 was another great program with an…
- Takeover: What really happened at Menlo Park?
Read the inside story of the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall takeover. Written by someone close to the plaintiffs in a federal court case, this is an extensive report.
The Editor created this website to provide one important service to all lovers of truth and righteousness: To let the "light of truth" shine on the Watchtower…
- Article Directory
Here is a complete listing of all published articles on Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses Online (www.ex-jw.com). Listed by subject categories.
We invite you to comment on our articles. If you have a story or something else to offer as a former or current Jehovah's Witness, we'd like to hear from you.
- Privacy Policy
Ex-JW.com is a privately owned and managed website intended for the use, enjoyment and education of our visitors, subscribers, and readers. We take every…
This page contains the site table of contents. Use it to quickly find content on this website.
Jehovah's Witnesses are followers of the teachings of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York and Pennsylvania. Jehovah's Witnesses are categorized…
- Changes and Challenges Facing the Watchtower
The Watchtower's leaders may be forced to pick retaining some important features of the religion, or finding ways to make the faith acceptable to new converts.
- Video - Early History
A broad compilation of videos examining the early history of the Watchtower Society. Founded and led by Charles Taze Russell from the late 1870s until 1916.
A broad selection of websites, blogs, forums, and videos dedicated to the discussion of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society's leadership.
- Cult Free Radio
Cult Free Radio is Mad Sweeney's UStream podcast. Our editor interviews Sweeney to find out how he hopes to reach out to current and former Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Cult Free Radio Archives 2011
Scroll down and listen to the first season of Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio podcasts. Sweeney invites you to listen here, or you can download the shows to your…
- Cult Free Radio Archives 2012
Scroll down to listen to the second season of Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio podcasts. Sweeney invites you to listen here, or you can download the shows to your…
It can be tough to be an ex-JW. You may lose all of your friends. Your family may not speak to you except in rare situations. Your life will be changed forever.
- Jehovah's Witnesses and Bible Study
Many former Jehovah's Witnesses will admit that one reason they left the Organization was because they actually finally read the Bible cover to cover.
- A personal view of Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's writings can be described as modest and real. His character is in his words and can be seen if you read even one paragraph of either of his books.
- A Sad Day
Ray left everything behind, and continued his fight for justice by confronting and uncovering the contradictions of the Watchtower until the end of his life.
- Conscience and Courage
Starting over at his age (in his late 50s) with basically nothing to his name - except his conscience and ethics - was the most courageous things I've seen.
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Remembering Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's love for God, justice, and Christian freedom shines brilliantly in his book. Our prayer is that the God he loved so much will remember him always.
- Video Memorial to Ray Franz
A fine video tribute to Ray Franz made by "V" with the help of many people who took the time to record a brief message about what Ray Franz meant to them.
- Confronting Misinformation
If former Jehovah's Witnesses read these books, they will be amazed how refreshing and energizing basic science and honest history can be.
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Exposing Cults at the Tucson Book Fair
An interactive dialogue about growing up in different cults, exposing surprising and shocking similarities between two unique and secretive religious groups.
- Five books you should read about Jehovah's Witnesses
Here are five great books that we recommend available through bookstores and Amazon.com. These books are informative about the Witness religion and history.
- InsidetheWatchtower.com
For those readers who have not found it yet, we'd like to announce our new website, Inside the Watchtower. It's been online since late July, but was only…
- Read this book! You too could be homeless
Brianna's book is about discrimination against the homeless people among us - and the almost insurmountable obstacles society places in their path to recovery.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 1
Part 1 of a group of articles identifying prominent and famous Jehovah's Witnesses. Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Prince, Mickey Spillane, and George Benson.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 2
This time we introduce five more celebrities (actually more than five, as you will see) from the past and present that are or were Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 4
Readers seem to enjoy articles about famous (and in some cases, infamous) people well-known for their careers in the arts, sports, literature and even politics.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs - Part 5
This list includes Kid Gavilan (athlete), Evelyn Mandela (politician's wife). Dave Meyers (athlete), Selena Quintanilla (singer) and Michelle Rodriguez (actor).
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs – Part 3
This time we will dig a little deeper and highlight five people that you may not know were Witnesses or they may have faded into obscurity before their time.
- Celebrities who are (or were) JWs – Part 6
This group of 5 celebrities includes musician Hank Marvin, singer Jean Terrell, TV personality Sherri Shepherd, rapper Xzibit, and the infamous Rodney King.
- Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Sadness
We should shed a tear for Michael Jackson and learn from his experience. Let's never allow our own children to be forced to live under those same pressures.
- The [Two] Three Funerals of Michael Jackson
In a a private ceremony held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in a mortuary chapel a Jehovah's Witness funeral service was conducted by Michael Jackson’s cousin.
- A Protestant visits the Jehovahs Witness Convention
Bridget Anderson is not a Jehovah's Witness and never has been, but has had enough contact with them to have more than a basic understanding of their culture.
- Apostate in the neighborhood
I'm sure that local Jehovah's Witnesses have flagged my house as a "den of iniquity, inhabited by an apostate." I do see them, but they never knock on my door.
- InsidetheWatchtower.com
For those readers who have not found it yet, we'd like to announce our new website, Inside the Watchtower. It's been online since late July, but was only…
- JWSurvey.org announces 2012 Global Survey
There is a new online survey about Jehovah's Witnesses available for participation by all current and former members at JWSurvey.org. "Cedars," the founder…
- New additions to "Other JW Sites"
We've added several links to other websites that discuss the beliefs and history of Jehovah's Witnesses, including three maintained by the Watchtower Society.
- Registration Turned Off - and On
Reader registration on Ex-JW.com has been turned off temporarily.
- Some quick updates
Please note that Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio program #7 is now online. It's been added to the Cult Free archive page. #7 was another great program with an…
- The Truth shall set you free!
This website has a single purpose - to let the light shine on the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society and its followers known as Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Welcome to Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses Online
A one-stop online location that points to the best (and also the worst) information and news about Jehovah's Witnesses, ex-JWs, and the Watchtower Society.
- What happens after leaving the JWs?
Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses is like having the rug pulled out from under you. You have an opportunity to get up, brush yourself off, and start over.
- Discovering the "Truth" - My three years as a JW
Ian Haynes from the UK shares his personal story of how he learned the truth about the Truth during his three years as an active Jehovah's Witness.
- "Dubs for Dummies"
What if Jehovah's Witnesses published simplified explanations for all their strange beliefs, dumbed down so that anyone could understand their basic teachings?
- A Craigslist Cry for Help
Editor's Note: This was an actual ad posted on Craigslist.org in mid-September in New Mexico. I first learned of this ad while browsing the Jehovah's Witness…
- Going to the Public Talk
This video, containing a huge dose of satire, nails the basic experience of Jehovah's Witnesses attending a local Kingdom Hall's "public talk."
- Watchtower "breakdown" on the Highway to Paradise
The engine which drives the Watchtower bus to Paradise keeps breaking down, forcing the bus to the side of the road and making passengers wait for repairs.
- Watchtower's Pecking Order
The Watchtower is just a corporation that happens to print religious literature. Its structure has various levels, responsibilities, privileges - and stature.
- "Dubs for Dummies"
What if Jehovah's Witnesses published simplified explanations for all their strange beliefs, dumbed down so that anyone could understand their basic teachings?
- The Finished Mystery - the book Jesus approved
The Finished Mystery was the main publication that was being distributed worldwide when Jesus supposedly chose the Watchtower as his only true religion in 1918.
- A letter to the Watchtower
If a near perfect Witness did not accept a teaching of the Watchtower "old light" as true while it was promoted as "new light," would they be disfellowshipped?
- An Elder shares his honest opinions
This article should be considered a “come to Jesus moment” for Jehovah's Witnesses. Hopefully, we’ll recognize the errors of our ways, and take a new…
- An Interesting Twist in a Child Custody Case
A mother believed that we could help her convince a court that her three children should not be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses until they were 18 years old.
- An open letter to the Governing Body
Governing Body: Act as men of principle. Allow Jehovah's Witnesses the freedom to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of your organization.
- BBC goes to a Kingdom Hall
While a BBC-TV reporter notes that Jehovah's Witnesses are Bible quoting Christians, he saw some major differences between them and mainstream UK church-goers.
- Coping with False Prophecy
By Cynthia Hampton For several years I have been honored to coordinate and moderate a Jehovah's Witness support group based in Los Angeles and San Jose,…
- Disfellowshipping - who's at fault?
"John Doe is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses," is repeated some 70,000 times each year in Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Halls worldwide. Why the increase?
- Douglas's Story
Gordon Smith describes his childhood as a Jehovah's Witness in the UK. He left the cult in his early twenties to venture out on his own and find true freedom.
- Going to the Public Talk
This video, containing a huge dose of satire, nails the basic experience of Jehovah's Witnesses attending a local Kingdom Hall's "public talk."
- Happy Holidays
By the Editor Within the next few days, millions of people in the western world will celebrate Christmas, followed a week later by the New Year. In most…
- Jehovah's Witnesses and Bible Study
Many former Jehovah's Witnesses will admit that one reason they left the Organization was because they actually finally read the Bible cover to cover.
- Raymond Franz, RIP
Raymond Franz, author of Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom, died on June 2, 2010 due to the effects of a stroke he suffered on May 30th.
- The truth about JW "Bible Studies"
The Watchtower's study book is your only guide. The Bible will be rarely opened, and when it is used, JW only refers to and reads one or two verses at a time.
- The Watchtower redefines a "generation"
The Watchtower Society has created an incredible new definition for the word "generation" in order to cover up another of their failed prophecies.
- Watchtower "breakdown" on the Highway to Paradise
The engine which drives the Watchtower bus to Paradise keeps breaking down, forcing the bus to the side of the road and making passengers wait for repairs.
- Watchtower forgets that "Content is King"
Jehovah's Witness meetings and magazines have become too stale to interest anyone who thinks for themselves. The JW's don't understand that "content is King."
- Watchtower's Pecking Order
The Watchtower is just a corporation that happens to print religious literature. Its structure has various levels, responsibilities, privileges - and stature.
- An Elder shares his honest opinions
This article should be considered a “come to Jesus moment” for Jehovah's Witnesses. Hopefully, we’ll recognize the errors of our ways, and take a new…
- Are changes coming to the Watchtower?
What future circumstances will force the Watchtower Society to modify their current approach to managing their religion, their properties, and their followers?
- Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult?
A Jehovah's Witness sent me a list of "Ten Signs of a Cult" to prove to me that the Watchtower and Jehovah's Witnesses was not a cult, but a true religion.
- Cult Free Radio Archived at Ex-JW.com
We're pleased to announce that the first six podcasts of Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio are now archived here at Ex-JW.com.
- Global Survey of Jehovah's Witnesses - 2011
JWSurvey.org is now online. Share your opinions about current teachings of the Watchtower Society. Free, quick, and includes instant results feedback.
- Happy Holidays
By the Editor Within the next few days, millions of people in the western world will celebrate Christmas, followed a week later by the New Year. In most…
- JWSurvey.org announces 2012 Global Survey
There is a new online survey about Jehovah's Witnesses available for participation by all current and former members at JWSurvey.org. "Cedars," the founder…
- Love and the Watchtower
How can Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be God’s chosen people when they do not follow the most basic of his commandments, namely to "love their neighbors?"
- Opinion: Raising kids as Witnesses
Want your children to spend their lives cleaning the restrooms or polishing floors at Wal-Mart? Then force them to become slaves of the Watchtower Society.
- Watchtower forgets that "Content is King"
Jehovah's Witness meetings and magazines have become too stale to interest anyone who thinks for themselves. The JW's don't understand that "content is King."
- A Craigslist Cry for Help
Editor's Note: This was an actual ad posted on Craigslist.org in mid-September in New Mexico. I first learned of this ad while browsing the Jehovah's Witness…
- An open letter to the Governing Body
Governing Body: Act as men of principle. Allow Jehovah's Witnesses the freedom to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of your organization.
- Religion Makes Me Sad
It makes me sad to know that Jehovah’s Witnesses and others believe in a God-delivered Armageddon, looking forward to the brutal murder of billions of people.
- 100 Speak Out
Phineas Treptow's documentary will allow former Jehovah's Witnesses to share personal stories about their mistreatment and abuse by the Watchtower Society.
- A letter to the Watchtower
If a near perfect Witness did not accept a teaching of the Watchtower "old light" as true while it was promoted as "new light," would they be disfellowshipped?
- A personal view of Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's writings can be described as modest and real. His character is in his words and can be seen if you read even one paragraph of either of his books.
- A Sad Day
Ray left everything behind, and continued his fight for justice by confronting and uncovering the contradictions of the Watchtower until the end of his life.
- An Interesting Twist in a Child Custody Case
A mother believed that we could help her convince a court that her three children should not be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses until they were 18 years old.
- Confronting Misinformation
If former Jehovah's Witnesses read these books, they will be amazed how refreshing and energizing basic science and honest history can be.
- Conscience and Courage
Starting over at his age (in his late 50s) with basically nothing to his name - except his conscience and ethics - was the most courageous things I've seen.
- Coping with False Prophecy
By Cynthia Hampton For several years I have been honored to coordinate and moderate a Jehovah's Witness support group based in Los Angeles and San Jose,…
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Discovering the "Truth" - My three years as a JW
Ian Haynes from the UK shares his personal story of how he learned the truth about the Truth during his three years as an active Jehovah's Witness.
- Douglas's Story
Gordon Smith describes his childhood as a Jehovah's Witness in the UK. He left the cult in his early twenties to venture out on his own and find true freedom.
- Elder reveals his secret
Dad was entering a new phase in his life as a Jehovah’s Witness. He turned the corner when he told me he'd written an article for an apostate website.
- Remembering Raymond Franz
Ray Franz's love for God, justice, and Christian freedom shines brilliantly in his book. Our prayer is that the God he loved so much will remember him always.
- Sick of it!
This is a story of verbal, physical and extreme sexual abuse by her father, an active Jehovah's Witness and elder for much of his life, when she was fifteen.
- Video Memorial to Ray Franz
A fine video tribute to Ray Franz made by "V" with the help of many people who took the time to record a brief message about what Ray Franz meant to them.
- What happens after leaving the JWs?
Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses is like having the rug pulled out from under you. You have an opportunity to get up, brush yourself off, and start over.
- Menlo Park Kingdom Hall Lawsuit Dismissed
By the Editor A federal judge dismissed the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall lawsuit last week due to filing and jurisdictional issues. On January 6, 2012 the…
- An Interesting Twist in a Child Custody Case
A mother believed that we could help her convince a court that her three children should not be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses until they were 18 years old.
- Ex-JWs Helping Haiti
Pick one of the charities listed and contribute as much as you can or whatever you can afford. Tell your friends and family about this project to help Haiti.
- Menlo Park scandal on Cult Free Radio
The scandal at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall will be discussed May 28, 2011 (10 PM EDT) on a UStream podcast Cult Free Radio. Guest is the editor of Ex-JW.com.
- Raymond Franz, RIP
Raymond Franz, author of Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom, died on June 2, 2010 due to the effects of a stroke he suffered on May 30th.
- Registration Turned Off - and On
Reader registration on Ex-JW.com has been turned off temporarily.
- Takeover in Menlo Park - Part One
A small group of Jehovah's Witnesses, former elders, have filed a lawsuit in federal district court charging Watchtower representatives with "Conspiracy."
- The Finished Mystery - the book Jesus approved
The Finished Mystery was the main publication that was being distributed worldwide when Jesus supposedly chose the Watchtower as his only true religion in 1918.
- A Sad Day
Ray left everything behind, and continued his fight for justice by confronting and uncovering the contradictions of the Watchtower until the end of his life.
- An open letter to the Governing Body
Governing Body: Act as men of principle. Allow Jehovah's Witnesses the freedom to choose for themselves whether they want to be a part of your organization.
- Are changes coming to the Watchtower?
What future circumstances will force the Watchtower Society to modify their current approach to managing their religion, their properties, and their followers?
- Dick Kelly on "Six Screens"
Author Richard E. Kelly will be part of a conference call sponsored by "Six Screens of the Watchtower," Saturday evening, September 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM (EST).
- Going to the Public Talk
This video, containing a huge dose of satire, nails the basic experience of Jehovah's Witnesses attending a local Kingdom Hall's "public talk."
- Kingdom Halls - Who owns them?
In past years local Jehovah’s Witnesses owned their Kingdom Hall and had full responsibility for it. They were OK with that because it made sense. Not…
- Raymond Franz, RIP
Raymond Franz, author of Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom, died on June 2, 2010 due to the effects of a stroke he suffered on May 30th.
- Takeover in Menlo Park - Part One
A small group of Jehovah's Witnesses, former elders, have filed a lawsuit in federal district court charging Watchtower representatives with "Conspiracy."
- The Watchtower redefines a "generation"
The Watchtower Society has created an incredible new definition for the word "generation" in order to cover up another of their failed prophecies.
- Watchtower "breakdown" on the Highway to Paradise
The engine which drives the Watchtower bus to Paradise keeps breaking down, forcing the bus to the side of the road and making passengers wait for repairs.
- Why Judge Rutherford went to prison
Joseph Rutherford and 7 other board members of the Watchtower Society went to prison in 1918 for "sedition." Were they guilty? A look at The Finished Mystery.
- "Seeds of dissent" against the Governing Body?
Editor's Note: I just received the following news release announcing an attempt to organize an underground movement of Jehovah's Witnesses who want a voice…
- Global Survey of Jehovah's Witnesses - 2011
JWSurvey.org is now online. Share your opinions about current teachings of the Watchtower Society. Free, quick, and includes instant results feedback.
- Menlo Park: "The Truth" vs. the truth
The Watchtower continues to use theocratic war strategy in a attempt to prevent courts from discovering the truth about events at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.
- Watchtower's Pecking Order
The Watchtower is just a corporation that happens to print religious literature. Its structure has various levels, responsibilities, privileges - and stature.
- Why Judge Rutherford went to prison
Joseph Rutherford and 7 other board members of the Watchtower Society went to prison in 1918 for "sedition." Were they guilty? A look at The Finished Mystery.
- Menlo Park Kingdom Hall Lawsuit Dismissed
By the Editor A federal judge dismissed the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall lawsuit last week due to filing and jurisdictional issues. On January 6, 2012 the…
- Another View of a Kingdom Hall Takeover
A second look at the events taking place at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall in California. The strong arguments on both sides will play out in a federal courthouse.
- Disfellowshipping - who's at fault?
"John Doe is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses," is repeated some 70,000 times each year in Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Halls worldwide. Why the increase?
- Fear and Loathing in Menlo Park
All that is good and bad about the Watchtower Society and Jehovah's Witnesses, is demonstrated by what is going on at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.
- Menlo Park Kingdom Hall - Updates
Since the previous article about the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall court case, published two weeks ago, I've received some updates and a few corrections.
- Menlo Park scandal on Cult Free Radio
The scandal at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall will be discussed May 28, 2011 (10 PM EDT) on a UStream podcast Cult Free Radio. Guest is the editor of Ex-JW.com.
- Menlo Park: "The Truth" vs. the truth
The Watchtower continues to use theocratic war strategy in a attempt to prevent courts from discovering the truth about events at the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall.
- Menlo Park: From Behind the Scenes
By John Steele Disclaimer: This article in no way reflects the views of the parties who run this website, are solely my views and opinions, and as such…
- Menlo Park: What are they trying to hide?
What reason would there be to keep a Kingdom Hall's bank statements "confidential"? What could be on those statements that the elders don't want anyone to see?
- Real Estate Magnates
Donated properties become part of the Watchtower Society's huge real estate portfolios, all tax-free when they are acquired, owned, and sold by the Society.
- Some quick updates
Please note that Mad Sweeney's Cult Free Radio program #7 is now online. It's been added to the Cult Free archive page. #7 was another great program with an…
- Takeover: What really happened at Menlo Park?
Read the inside story of the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall takeover. Written by someone close to the plaintiffs in a federal court case, this is an extensive report.
