Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with a 4th-generation former Jehovah's Witness who shares her deeply personal journey of faith, family, and awakening. From pioneering with her husband across multiple language congregations and dreaming of Gilead, to witnessing the heartbreaking realities of shunning and child abuse within the organization, she opens up about the emotional toll of living a life dedicated to the faith.

She recounts the harrowing experience of her grandfather's near-death due to the 'No-blood' policy, the tragic shunning and suicide attempts of her aunt, and the recent abduction of her mother by zealous JW relatives. Her story is a testament to resilience and the painful but liberating process of waking up to the truth.

Now, as an active member of the Stop Mandated Shunning team and a participant in significant research and legal efforts, she’s fighting to expose the harmful practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses and support others on their journey out. Tune in to hear her discuss her participation in the ICSA Conference, the groundbreaking Roehampton University Research project, and how the power of storytelling is driving legal and academic progress worldwide.

Don't miss this candid conversation that shines a light on the unseen struggles and victories of those who have left high-control religions.

LINKS:
My Shunning Story:  https://stopmandatedshunning.org/monica-velin-rodriguez-can-you-help-me-stop-mandated-shunning/
SMS Website (Survey & Invitation to tell story):  https://stopmandatedshunning.org/
Roehampton Research Project:  https://stopmandatedshunning.org/new-research-project-on-the-harmful-effects-of-mandated-shunning/
ICSA Conference (general):  https://stopmandatedshunning.org/stop-mandated-shunning-at-icsa-annual-conference/
*My Review of ICSA Conference: https://stopmandatedshunning.org/review-of-the-icsa-conference-from-the-perspective-of-a-recent-defector-of-a-high-control-group/

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Welcome to a powerful session of truth-telling and empowerment. In this video, we dive deep into the experiences of those who have dared to challenge the authority of the Governing Body. Through candid discussions, we uncover the personal and collective journeys of bravery that inspire and ignite change.

Why Listen to this Podcast?

Discover Untold Stories: Hear firsthand the compelling narratives of individuals who have stepped away from the shadows of control.

Experience Group Therapy: Witness the therapeutic power of open dialogue in a supportive community setting.

Get Inspired: Learn how breaking the silence can lead to healing and personal growth.
Whether you're someone who has experienced similar challenges or you're simply interested in learning about the resilience of the human spirit, this video is for you. Join us as we celebrate the voices that refuse to be silenced, offering insights that challenge the norm and pave the way for a future of freedom and understanding.

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Our guests: Awaken Truths - https://www.youtube.com/@UCPWA3KaDx-MFFNwsOhjXAqg 

Healing Journal PIMO Edition 
https://www.lulu.com/shop/alexis-smith-and-jeven-sly/healing-journal-pimo-edition/paperback/product-gjv9m4q.html?q=Healing+journal+pimo&page=1&pageSize=4

Rebuilding After A Cult: A Journal To Healing 
https://www.lulu.com/shop/jeven-sly-and-alexis-smith/rebuilding-after-a-cult-a-journey-to-healing/paperback/product-yvz8dzr.html?q=Rebuilding+after+a+cult&page=1&pageSize=4

In this heart-to-heart episode, Lady Cee and JT sit down with the dynamic duo behind the "Awaken Truths" YouTube channel. This young couple shares their courageous journey of leaving the Watchtower, unveiling the challenges and revelations that led them to seek a life beyond its confines.

🔍 Why Watch?

Relatable Experiences: Hear firsthand the struggles and triumphs of breaking free from a high-cost religion.

Insights & Reflections: Discover the pivotal moments that awakened them to new truths, reshaping their path forward.

Community & Support: Learn about the importance of finding a community that understands and supports your journey towards freedom and authenticity.

🌈 What's Inside?
From the initial doubts to the liberating steps of leaving and the aftermath of such a significant life change, our guests open up about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with such a profound transformation. They also share valuable advice for others who might be on the fence or in the process of leaving high-control groups.

📣 Join Us
Tune in to this powerful episode on the "EXJW Critical Thinker" channel. Whether you're navigating your own journey away from the Watchtower or you're here to support and learn, this conversation is a beacon of hope, strength, and solidarity.

💬 We Want to Hear from You!
After watching, drop us a comment! Share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions you have for us or our incredible guests. Your voice is a vital part of this community, and together, we can continue to support and uplift each other.

🔗 Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please consider subscribing to our channel and sharing this video. By spreading awareness, we can help more individuals find the courage to seek their own truths and lead a life of freedom and authenticity.

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Dive into an engaging exploration with Lady Cee and JT as we dissect the recent, surprising shifts in Jehovah's Witnesses' policies on dress and grooming. This episode takes a closer look at the impact and reactions to the acceptance of beards and changes in dress code, blending humor with heartfelt stories from the community.

Highlights:

• A light-hearted look at the evolution of JW dress and grooming standards.
• Insightful commentary on Mark Sanderson's groundbreaking announcement and its ripple effects.
• Real-life stories capturing the personal side of adapting to new norms.
• A humorous prediction of future 'beard committees' and fashion policing.
• Reflections on the broader implications of these changes for the JW community and beyond.

Join us as we navigate through laughter and learning, uncovering what these developments mean for individual expression and community dynamics. Stay tuned for a blend of entertainment, insights, and the kind of stories that bring us all closer together.

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In this heartfelt episode of "A Critical Thought," Lady Cee and JT open up about their recent journey of recovery following a car accident. They extend their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, including well-wishes, emails, and care packages that have been a source of strength during this challenging time.

As they navigate the path to healing, Lady Cee and JT share insightful reflections on their experiences within the healthcare system, touching on the complexities of being former Jehovah's Witnesses and the unexpected conversations that arose with medical professionals. From discussions about the Hospital Liaison Committee to the personal revelations in hospital records, this episode delves into the importance of critical thinking and the power of personal advocacy in medical settings.

Moreover, they explore the broader implications of identity and belief systems on healthcare interactions and the significance of ensuring personal records accurately reflect one's current beliefs. This episode is not just a story of physical recovery but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the continuous journey of self-discovery and advocacy.

Join Lady Cee and JT as they share their thoughts, experiences, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or seeking to understand the intricate dance between personal beliefs and professional healthcare, this episode offers a compelling blend of personal stories, critical insights, and heartfelt advice.

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La Verdad al Descubierto: Efrain Revela Por Qué Dejó los Testigos de Jehová - Charla Íntima con JT y Lady Cee

English Only Version - However be sure to visit Efrain's show on six screens of Watchtower - see details below:

🔹 Video Description:

In this eye-opening episode of EXJW Critical Thinker, join your host, Lady Cee, as she delves into the captivating and courageous story of Efrain. Once a devout Jehovah's Witness, Efrain embarked on a daring quest for personal freedom, challenging the beliefs he was raised with and facing the daunting task of starting anew.

🔹 About This Episode:
Efrain shares his deeply personal experiences - from his initial faith in the Jehovah's Witnesses to the pivotal moments that led him to seek a life beyond the religion. His story is not just about leaving a faith; it's about the resilience and strength it takes to redefine one's identity and purpose.

🔹 Efrain's Activism:
Beyond his personal journey, Efrain is a beacon of hope and support for others navigating similar paths. His activism work is a source of inspiration and guidance for many who find themselves in the crossroads of faith and personal freedom.

🔹 Connect with Efrain:
Discover more about Efrain's inspiring journey and his impactful activism by visiting his YouTube channel, OASIS Ex Testigos, at [https://www.youtube.com/@araretreat](https://www.youtube.com/@araretreat). On his channel, Efrain not only shares his personal insights and stories but also features interviews with members of the Spanish-speaking community. These interviews shed light on the diverse experiences of those who have been part of or have left the Jehovah's Witness community. Efrain's channel is a rich resource for understanding, support, and solidarity, especially for Spanish-speaking individuals navigating similar paths.

Streaming Live
2 Saturday's/Month @ 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time

🔹 Stay Engaged:
If Efrain's story resonates with you, or if you're seeking support and community, don't hesitate to reach out and connect with him. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

🔹 Support Our Channel:
If you found this episode enlightening and empowering, please like, share, and subscribe to EXJW Critical Thinker. Your support helps us continue to bring these important stories and voices to the forefront.

Thank you for watching, and remember, keep thinking critically and stay strong.

Join us behind the scenes on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/exjwcriticalthinker
 
 
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How to Contact Us
We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:
 
✰✰ EMAIL: 
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Lady Cee and JT are back to unpack a major announcement from the Jehovah's Witness Headquarters! 🚨 "Are Jehovah's Witnesses Cancelling their Door-to-Door Proselytizing for the Rank & File?" 🚪🛑

For countless years, knocking on doors and sharing the message has been at the heart of the Jehovah's Witnesses' outreach. But now, a significant change in reporting practices suggests a potential shift in how the rank & file engage in proselytizing. Could this be a hint at a more substantial transformation within the organization? Or is it just a modern adaptation to the changing times?

Join us as we dive deep into the implications and motivations behind this move, explore how it may impact the perception of Jehovah's Witnesses, and discuss the broader landscape of faith outreach in today's world. 🌍💬

Your insights and perspectives are valued! Be part of this enlightening conversation, and together, let's uncover the layers behind this development. 🧐🔍

Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard:

Previous videos produced by EXJW Critical Thinker on the topic of counting time:

Part 1 - Counting Time - Why Are Jehovah's Witnesses Always on the Clock?

Part 2 - Counting Time - Why Are Jehovah's Witnesses Required to Turn in Timesheets?

Part 3 - Counting Time - Required to Turn in Timesheets

Part 4 – Counting Time - Jehovah's Witnesses and the Publisher Record Card

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In this video JT focuses on his personal experience with the the financial aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses' circuit assemblies and regional conventions. JT also discusses the lack of transparency in the organization's financial dealings, particularly at higher levels.

Key Points:
1. **Always in the Red**: JT mentions that circuit assemblies always seem to be running a deficit, something he questioned even as a child. He didn't understand why until he became an elder and was responsible for circuit assembly accounts.

2. **Per Publisher Rate**: The organization charges a "per publisher rate" for every circuit assembly, guaranteeing a certain amount of money will be generated. For example, if the rate is $10 per publisher and there are 1,000 publishers, the assembly starts $10,000 in the red.

3. **Lack of Transparency**: While local Kingdom Halls and circuit assemblies provide detailed accounts of their finances, this transparency is not extended to district or regional conventions. The organization has never disclosed how much money is collected at these larger events.

4. **Accounting Practices**: At the local level, two people are required to count and sign off on the money collected, adhering to good accounting practices. However, this level of scrutiny is not applied at higher organizational levels.

5. **Money Makers**: JT points out that these assemblies and conventions are significant moneymakers for the organization. Despite this, there's no clear accounting provided to the general membership about where this money goes or how it's used.

6. **Personal Experience**: JT shares anecdotes from his time as an elder, including the pressure to meet financial targets and the lack of questioning among the elders about keeping some money in the account for future needs.

7. **Change in Policy**: Due to instances of "borrowing" (essentially stealing), the organization changed its policy to require two people to count and sign off on any money collected, even at the smaller book study level.

The video aims to encourage critical thinking about the financial aspects of being a Jehovah's Witness, questioning the lack of transparency and accountability in the organization's handling of funds.

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00:00 Introduction
06:28 1914 Generation Changes
12:17 Separating the Sheep & the Goats (changed)
13:04 Alternative Military Service EXJW Critical Thinker Classics


August 15, 1998 Watchtower
Article: Strengthening Our Confidence in God’s Righteousness
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1998604

Located under the subheading - Feelings of Having Suffered Needlessly


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