Ex-Jehovah’s Witness Survey
A.) Name: (First name only please)
Michelle
B.) Gender
Female
C.) Age:
25-30
Questions:
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:
Faded Away (slowly missed more and more meetings until you stopped going completely)
(was Disassociated without my consent after 3 years)
3.) What Age did you leave?
25-30
4.) Were you Baptized
Yes
5.) What General reason did you leave the religion:
Left for a boyfriend/girlfriend in the world, Fornicated with man/woman, General Fornication
Wanted more Freedom (play school sports, date who you wanted, listen to music, etc.)
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
Left because of the people (saw too much hypocracy, too much gossip, passed over for some leadership role, was treated badly by those in the hall.)
Depressed, Didn’t feel like doing all the things required of you, felt oppressed by the rules.
Combo of all these. If I have to pick only one I'd say "Depressed, Didn’t feel like doing all the things required of you, felt oppressed by the rules."
6.) How did you feel about the doctrine before leaving:
Believed there we more things wrong than right
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 did not think they were a cult at all
10.) Did you research the religion's teachings after leaving?
Yes
11.) What are your feelings on the doctrine of the religion since leaving?
They are totally wrong
12.) How do you feel about the organization since leaving?:
They are evil
13.) How do you feel about the people since leaving?:
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
16.) Are you happier now that you’re gone?
I think every day about how happy I am to have left
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 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
19.) Would you consider returning?
When hell freezes over
20.) How do you feel about discussing your time as a Jehovah's Witness?:
I dislike talking about my upbringing but will if prompted enough
General