A.) Name: (First name only please) Jeff
B.) Gender
Male
C.) Age:
31-35
1.) How were you introduced to Jehovah's Witnesses:
Parents/Grandparents/Relatives were in before you were born and taught you
2.) How did you leave the religion:
Disassociated (I call it resignation, they can call it whatever they want)
3.) What Age did you leave?
31-35
4.) Were you Baptized
Yes
5.) What General reason did you leave the religion: (both reasons here are primary reasons for me)
Didn’t believe the teachings, not allowed to question the teachings, disagreed with stance on social issues, didn’t agree with things said in the magazines or on the platform.
Felt the elders or organization abused their power, felt they took presidence over God, Problem with the way they organized the religion
6.) How did you feel about the doctrine before leaving:
Believed there were more things right than wrong
7.) Did your feelings about the doctrine effect the way you left?
Yes
8.) If you were disfellowshipped for sin, did your feelings on the doctrine effect you sinning in the first place?
N/A
9.) Did you feel the religion was a cult before leaving?:
I saw a few similarities between the religion and a cult
10.) Did you research the religion's teachings after leaving?
Yes
11.) What are your feelings on the doctrine of the religion since leaving? (all 3, pick one if you need only one)
The religion has a problem with nearly every teaching
They might have one or two teachings that are still right if I strain hard enough to think about it
They are totally wrong
12.) How do you feel about the organization since leaving?:
There are many problems which far outweigh the good
They are Totally wrong
13.) How do you feel about the people since leaving?:
They have more good people than bad people
They are no different than any other religion, they have good and bad
They are misguided people and I feel sorry for them
14.) Do you feel the religion is a cult now after leaving?:
Yes they are definitely a cult
15.) What is your opinion on the intelligence of those still in the Organization? :
They're somewhat intelligent
They're intelligent but purposely deny facts for their religion
16.) Are you happier now that you’re gone?
I think every day about how happy I am to have left
I think I’m somewhat happier now that I’m gone
17.) Do you feel that other than the fact you left the Jehovah’s Witnesses that they would agree with how you live your life?
I do quite a few things they would not agree with
18.) If a Jehovah’s Witness approaches you to discuss their religion you’re more than likely do the following:
Tell them I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and feel they’re wrong
Discuss in detail all the wrong things in their religion
Discuss their religion with them and take whatever they want to place, I remember being like that
19.) Would you consider returning?
When hell freezes over
20.) How do you feel about discussing your time as a Jehovah's Witness?:
It's part of me I'll discuss it if it comes up
I bring it up occasionally
I’ll only talk about it with certain people who understand the circumstances
Questions:
