Everything has a beginning. And for me, the first glimpse of AAWA, albeit without a name, occurred during a phone conversation. I was writing a story about Bo Juel Jensen for jwsurvey.org back in January 2013.
After being interviewed, Bo remarked, “So Richard, why don’t we use a business model to get the Tower’s full attention? Let’s form a not-for-profit corporation to rally and unite the worldwide ex-JW community. A well organized and focused business could force the Tower to change many of its harmful policies.”
Having been a successful businessman for thirty-three years, what Bo said made perfect sense. Even so, I thought it couldn’t hurt to get a second opinion. So I phoned my friend John Cedars, and asked if he’d ever thought about using a business model—a business plan—to get Watchtower to rethink its damaging policies.
At first, Cedars seemed strangely irritated. It seemed the word business was a sticking point for him. He couldn’t associate such a word with activism against the Watchtower. I persevered, and figured out that it was all just semantics. After all, it does sometimes take a while for a Brit and a Yank to reconcile their English.
When it finally dawned on Cedars that Bo and I were suggesting we apply a business model to the development of an activist organization, he said, “Ooooh! About a month ago I sent John Hoyle an email pitching him that very idea. Would you like to see a copy of it?”
Bingo! Cedars had already drafted a preliminary business plan for a “Council” of Anti-Watchtower activists. It was a great place to start, so we began tweaking Cedars’ original email into a workable business document. We needed a Mission Statement, at least that’s what I called it. Cedars preferred calling it a “Charter.” Again, it was semantics.
An organization takes shape
I suggested that we needed to clearly define the culture of our company—our personal and business values. Amazingly, it didn’t take long to come up with a workable solution. Soon it was time to get advice from critical-thinking ex-JWs who we could rely on to challenge us on our plan, and recommend improvements. So we approached an international panel, bringing in Barbara Anderson, Bo, Paul Grundy, Danmera (Mickey Hudson) and John Hoyle for their input. What it would take to get their buy-in? What should we add, delete or change? And so, gradually, the “light got brighter and brighter” on our idea! The seven of us became founders, making decisions collectively. An organization began to take shape.
After much deliberation, we reached consensus on a name for our brainchild, The Association of Anti-Watchtower Activists (AAWA). The purpose for our business would be to to raise awareness and help people escape a damaging cult. No person in our organization would be allowed to rise to prominence, or use his or her efforts to further any personal agenda.
AAWA would be religiously neutral. Our gripe was not so much with JW beliefs. We all believe that most JWs are good people; all of us having JW family members that we love. AAWA will focus its efforts on five of Watchtower’s most harmful policies, which the Governing Body in their Ivory Tower needs to urgently address. We will extend an offer to meet with them in person to discuss these if they so wish. If they choose to listen and respond wisely, we close up shop. The five policies are:
- The shunning of family members.
- The mishandling of child abuse cases.
- The mishandling of domestic abuse cases.
- The ban on certain medical treatments involving blood.
- The stigmatizing of higher education (college) as the pursuit of materialism and a waste of time.
AAWA was incorporated as a non-profit company on March 7, 2013 and is in the process of being organized into specific teams. Lee Marsh, who has qualifications and experience in the field of support work, joined as an Advisory Board member on March 31, 2013 – bringing the total number of board members to eight. Lee will lead the Support Team, and we are grateful to be adding her skills and experience to our project.
More information about AAWA can be found on our new website at jwactivists.org.
Standing on the shoulders of giants
AAWA would not have been possible without the hard work and visionary minds of Ray Franz, Randy Watters, Barbara Anderson, Simon Green and his wife, Angharad – real heroes, who in my mind will take centre stage in the history books as those who bravely stood up to the Watchtower. All of them are critical-thinking people who have helped thousands of people escape the Watchtower’s mental chains. And the number of modern-day internet vigilantes continues to expand.
Marvin Shilmer‘s research and writing skills related to the blood issue are second to none. Ruben Ortiz has created a social networking model on Facebook that has helped hundreds of people, a model that can be used all over the world by ex-JWs. Brenda Lee continues to reach out to young women who have been disfellowshipped, offering them a safe community of friends.
And now an international army of AAWA supporters is emerging. Nestor & Toni Kuilan (former missionaries and a District Overseer from Spain) and Roberto di Stefano (former Watchtower translator in Europe and an ex-JW activist) have already committed themselves to help make AAWA’s vision a reality.
My guess is that the Bullies in Brooklyn have underestimated the growing army of passionate people who are saying, “Enough is enough!” We will not remain silent. The leaders of the Watch Tower Society must be held accountable for the harm they inflict daily on current and former JWs alike.
Richard E. Kelly is the author of Growing Up In Mama’s Club, and The Ghosts From Mama’s Club, which are available on Amazon.com
Visit AAWA’s official web page at jwactivists.org
AAWA’s inaugural video…
Brilliant idea! and what a great team!
No doubt JWs of the ‘Conscious Class ‘ will support this worthy cause…
Without wanting to sound skeptical, the newly self appointed Slave Class has always been too arrogant to listen to voices of reason…but thanks to the Internet,more and more JWs are waking up to the deception.
Wishing you all the best .
I suppose this is where I again digress then since it was made quite clear that the “Pharisees” at one time were approved and the teachers of Jehovah’s Word even if The Society ever was or not, I personally have the Society to thank for teaching me about the paradise and the ransom and the basic Bible truths aside from the brutal and unspeakable crimes and abuses that were committed against and witnessed by me in amass…We saw or at least have record of what happen to the Pharisees and their system even though they were absolutely certain beyond certain that they were “Children of Abraham” and had Jehovah’s approval!
If the punishment for Moses who had a close personal relationship with God and was come to be called “Jehovah’s Friend” was never to enter into the land of Canaan for his presumptuousness, then I hate to think what lying usurpers who beat, rape and abuse the sick and weakest innocents of their own and defend the ones who do with every scheming machination of man’s law to the deceit of those they claim to call their own sheep!
Does it take an alliance of men to oppose them? I think not!
I will still choose to wait on Jehovah and his justice which by the looks of events “In the sunrising” and around the world may not be that far off and even if so? I will wait any way…rather than presume upon men to take justice other than authorized law enforcement which looks mighty slow in coming! That’s my take anyway…
Thanks Konrad. I’m sorry you seem to feel Watchtower still has some “divinely appointed” role to play, despite its harmful practices and dubious history.
I would like to suggest you call yourselves Association for Human Rights for Jehovah’s Witnesses (AHRJW).
Your present name is likely to alienate your target audience by using ‘anti-Watchtower’ in your title. Also it is likely you’ll attract comments and stories that will cause you to lose your focus. After all, all the pillars of purpose you propose are human rights violations, not everything that is right about the Organsation but others have a problem with.
I believe you shouldn’t be AGAINST something as resistance is harder to handle that when you tell people what you are FOR. Most might dismiss you as merely angry.
Then there is the matter of removing the perceived ‘enemy’s’ name from the title and inserting the underdogs’ names – the ones you wish to fight for.
Frank V
Thanks Frank. It’s interesting that you don’t think anyone should be against anything. This attitude gives ruthless organizations like Watchtower the perfect opportunity to thrive and oppress others. Activism isn’t for everyone. We don’t ask everyone to support us – we just ask everyone to know that we are here.
As a witness since my early childhood, my mother married into a large witness family. At one time in the 70’s, the family proudly boasted having over 40 members in the truth and doing well. I and my family have experienced the first 2 issues, namely shunning by relatives – which has destroyed my family. And also child abuse mishandling, where the perpetrator was an elder who progressed to a circuit overseer before I got involved and started the process of getting him removed. However, both my sisters who this perpetrator molested are still disfellowshipped, while he is still at large. One got married and moved on with her life and the other is damaged mentally and in very bad shape. My parents who have 12 children only really talk to 2 of them because of all of this mess. I agree that an association should be started to help fight these type of oppressive wolves. I like the name -“United Workers of Light.” I am against all the gag orders, and feel the truth should shine forth in regards to all evil organizations.
I feel the energy should be put into negotiating compensation for victims of these oppressive organizations. Thus counseling and help can be provided.
Jim Penton should also be informed of this. He has written various books, is from Canada. Lives in Ontario now. Very well educated person, a professor of University prior to retirement.
Cedars, this site sets out to fight a war it cannot win. The battle is to win individuals’ minds, not bring down the castle. That may happen but it won’t be by sites like this, not if your beliefs are those of a genuine Christian.
If you call yourselves, “The Association of Anti-Watchtower Activists” you will only confirm yourselves as ‘apostates,’ ‘religious insurgents,’ and ‘opposers,’ and will only vindicate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in the eyes of those who are only beginning to doubt. Do you wish to project vitriol for your perceived enemies or show compassion for genuine victims of human rights violations?
Think of theses title; what do they convey?
United Nations
Amnesty International
The International Rights of the Child
You need to remember that heroes like Ray Franz and Randy Watters NEVER intended/intend to ‘fight’ anything, but believe in raising peoples’ consciousness rather than engage in a frontal assault.
Your title you’re supporting has: “Anti-Watchtower,” “Activist,” as its shop window.
The title Association for Human Rights for Jehovah’s Witnesses has the mission statement in the title itself. If you must, you could try: Association Against Human Rights Violations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It may work but not as attractive.
Do you wish to attract world-wide religious malcontents or thinking people who are persuaded by reason and reason only? If you want a war, that’s what you’ll get. Surely the desire is not to put ‘loyal’ ones’ backs up but to get them to look into the issues presented. Many may not even get past the title.
Frank V
Frank V, you say…
“You need to remember that heroes like Ray Franz and Randy Watters NEVER intended/intend to ‘fight’ anything, but believe in raising peoples’ consciousness rather than engage in a frontal assault.”
Please stop trying to misrepresent what AAWA is about in order to drive your point home. Using words like “frontal assault” implies violence. Activism does not have to be violent, and neither is AAWA’s. We are activists just like Ray and Randy are/were. They got information across through books and websites. We will get information across through websites, billboards, videos, leaflets and press releases. There is no difference – only in the medium through which the information is disseminated.
If you continue to try to besmerch AAWA with false propaganda to try to drive your point home, I won’t hesitate to eject you from this website. This is not about freedom of speech – this is about the freedom of website users to not be subjected to false information from you.
Good initiative. Could I add an additional item that has always bothered me.
The setting of Dates by the Organization.
The amount of times this has created confusion and angst is not to be believed. And the Bible is very clear, nobody knows the times, not even the Son, but only the Father.
Oh yeah! “Dates” are definitely troubling for any thinking bible student. The bible only warns that we should live out our lives on the ready, since we never know…and so we still have to eat, get schooled, work hard, and worship our Creator, without knowing when the times will change or God will act! Setting dates to create a phony different kind of urgency is so manipulative and cruel. I always dismissed the rhetoric and lived a thoughtful life but I knew it was wrong of the Tower.
Divide and conquer. Thanks for making a distinction between WatchTower Society and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The 5 Policies are no doubt secretly wanted by current JWs and this new AAWA is a good start to push internal unrest. The purpose of AAWA is far more important than its name. Our voices will be louder than the name. The end result will be justified by name.
Enoch, you are right, The time has come, and this is the right time in my OPINION for the WTS to accept either change or “fall”
The problem is, William, that as AAWA gets more powerful, the louder the WTBTS will scream, “Religious persecution by apostates! Persecution, persecution!” This is what war is all about.
Logic tells us to play them at their own game. Play the martyr trump by showing people the double standard employed by denying the same human rights to its own adherents that this religion demands for its own survival.
Age of Enlightenment principles is about encouraging people out of the Dark Ages by persuading them to think (teach them HOW to think, not WHAT to think). Light will conquer darkeness, but in its own time. It won’t happen by telling people they are being brainwashed.
Frank V
My mother showed me a book; “Forty Years A Watchtower Slave” when I was studying with JWs. I looked at it but she was silent when I asked her what the author of the book was “for”. That confirmed my faith in JWs because I knew intuitively that positivity, not negativity, wins the day. We all know that names are important. I will be waiting to see if you all are humble enough to take the hot button word “Anti” away from your cause. If you do then I can try to show this cause to my many jw friends and loved ones. Then I will at least have reason to hope that some of the seeds I plant will bear good fruit!
I agree with Frank. The name should be changed. The watchtower will be screaming, ” persecution, persecution! “
If they scream because of the name….well, then they scream. I´ll rather have them screaming than thousands of children with no chance to be heard… Dear people, this is not a name contest, this is a struggle to sett people free. And the name will not scare anyone…Four letters AAWA…. Almost like JHVH – thats four letters too….does not scare me! We are going to do this and as we have stated many times, many places; We do not sett out to bring salvation to people, we are here to shine light on the WT dangerous policys, and we are going to be a safe haven to those humans who get kicked out or decides to leave the tower. We are not here to build a big flock of followers. We are not going to be another starry eyed Messiah. Someone else can take that job. We are in business to expose the WT and help the wounded people who are being abused by the cult.
Dear Bo, You have been so brave. I know you have been scarred more than many have because of the arrogant and cruel policies of the Tower!!! You can now choose to listen to these interested voices about the title of your organization or not. I believe these voices are from mostly brave souls who want to join with you, but their peaceful natures are troubled by a single word. May I ask; Did this issue come up from within the group while you were developing this powerful idea?
I must agree with all of the above posts.
If its a organization ,its part of the world.
Sounds like a trap.
God forbid if this would ruin, the victory that Barbara and her Lawyers have worked so long for. That case is not closed yet.
Our Family inside would really view this as a attack from apostates. So you will gain nothing, and possibly be responsible for those inside to stay inside.
Jesus told us what his Father was looking for
John 4:23-24
New Living Translation (NLT)
23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Suzanna, let us not loose the focus. We have five policies listed in the article, that should be the main focus. Whether our family members stay inside or not, it is of little importance, something must be done!!
Do you feel you are an apostate? The WTS branding us “apostates” should not lead us to loosing the balance; let us ignore what the WTS says and keep the focus!!
I agree on not loosing our focus . Of course I know we aren’t apostates . That isn’t the point here.
What I am concerned about is the “TIMING .”
The courts are still open right now with the Watchtower appealing Jehovah’s arrangement of reporting pedophiles to the police That’s the WT’s reason for fighting ,
Respect for Authority
13 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.***********
,its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The WT is actually refusing to submit to Gods arrangement, it would just be awful if this new move would interfere with Jehovah’s hand, The WT appeals have kept this case open. I think at present the right focus, is to see that Jehovah is NOT finished with this open case .
If the WT won’t submit to the ” Most High”, your organization wouldn’t mean a thing at present.
Now , once the WT loses this case , Jehovah may just allow you to succeed in your movement against her. ( Speaking only for my self ).
Cedar, I have to agree with the majority here. What you are doing has apostasy written all over it as far as far as the WTO is concerned, and you will be just as responsible for stumbling “such ones” as the Skave are
Please take a good look at our web page before you draw your conclusions… http://jwactivists.org/our-open-offer/
EIGHT board members ? Doesn’t that ring a bell ? ;-)
Just kidding, keep up the good work!
Nevertheless, the word ‘anti-watchtower’… hmmm… sounds a bit, you know, too ‘anti’…
Thanks Belgian Bloke. I suppose it all depends on whether you approve of activism or not. In my mind, a world without activism of any kind is a world full of bullies who will take advantage of the vacuum of those who will stand up and do something. Watchtower is just such a bully, and has been for many decades. We are all activists (even JWsurvey is an expression of activism) and in order to be an activist you need to be “anti” something. That’s just the way it goes. The important thing is, we are not “Anti-JWs.” They are not the problem. Watchtower is.
Just reading the mission statement:
Despite this, AAWA understands that the word “cult” carries huge stigma and negativity in the minds of indoctrinated Jehovah’s Witnesses. AAWA is therefore sensitive in its use of this word when trying to help indoctrinated Witnesses awaken from the influence of mind control.
If AAWA intends to be sensitive in their use of words, then again, I certainly would reconsider the word ‘anti’. But then again (I just read Cedar’s reply) I agree the word activist implies ‘anti’. Bo is right: this isn’t a name contest and I wish you guys all the best.
Greetz,
a semi-lurking belgian fader
The Hungarian exjw movement (and the Central Europe countries: Romania, Slovakia, Croatia, etc.) will join.
Cedars, I would like to give you an idea:
Every site that join the association should get a logo to place on the site, and link the AAWA homepage on the picture.
The video is really powerful. We may translate the AAWA main pages and also make a hun subtitle for the video. The joining translators could start with that.
Count me among those whom you have helped and who will support WHOLE-HEARTED the AAWA. I can really foresee tremendous success of this initiative that will benefit MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD!!
I sometimes wonder where I would be if I was isolated from the world of critical thinkers after my dissociating with the WTS officially in February 2012.
In my country, many people think the WTS is a safe organization and when you voice out how “silent killers elders are” with your experience, no one listens to you and its painful!!. Enough is Enough, something must be done!!
Cedars, you are right! What delights me is that the idea has come in the right time when I can feel a significant degree of awareness about WTS’s cruelty. Something must be done!! Did you konw they have scheduled “The Truth Brings “Not Peace, But a Sword” (Matthew10:32-38) on their 2013 program of District Convention? Your ideas are bright, the battle is already won.
I don’t know frank i think we have room for a few different types of work.I like the human rights angle.I’m just saying we should recognize a place for more aggressive areas of advancement.
I agree with Roger. Setting dates and/or using loaded language such as “Very Soon Jehovah will bring an end to this system of things” is less than truthful/misleading. They continue to do this to this day which stirs up peoples emotions and keeps them enslaved.
Scriptural reasons why making an absolute statement of the end being: “Very Soon”, “in the Near Future” or “Just around the Corner” is misleading:
“Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36
“Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” – Matthew 24:42
“He said to them: “It does not belong to YOU to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.” – (Or, “appointed times.” Footnote) – Acts 1:7
Loaded language (also known as emotive language, high-inference language or language persuasive techniques) is wording that attempts to influence the certain audience by using an appeal to emotion. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_language )
Firstly, I would like to say as an ex-jw, that the idea all though
being well well intentioned seems to have religious bias towards the Watchtower. By calling itself Association of the “Anti-Watchtower”!
What religious ‘discriminations’ will that have under the legal system? Secondly, my research if correct shows you are fighting the biggest and wealthiest people on the earth. That the Watchtower and other religions are deceptively owned by the likes
of Rothschilds and Rockafellas, masonic members with lots of power
and influence, even in courts. And finally, no matter how much I detest the way the WT.org runs it’s mind control on people, I think as a religious person believing in Jesus Christ. That we should follow Jesus’s example and not get bogged down trying to
crush, what in my opinion, seems to be is an anti-christ religion!
But should rather let God do the judging and take respective action upon should awful man made religions in His ‘own time’!
After all the last thing we want to become is even bigger hypocrites at judging others than the GB of the WT.org are.
Probably, would be better calling it:
Association Against Religious Oppression of Human Rights.
I am so encouraged to hear of your association may your hard work not go unrecognized. Messenger4truth You share my sentiments. I too know that the Watchtower was and is funded by the Rothchilds. They use the Rothchilds banks. They are as we know a high mind control group. From all the research I have done C T Russell was a 32nd degree Mason it is a matter of record. (Cedars I sent you information on this but never heard back so I assumed you disagree) I have not left simply because I have too much family to loose and they would steal their hearts in a second. But my mind has left. I no longer consider myself a christian more of a thinker and I do feel that we are the creators of our life experience and that there is no god waiting to punish us. We are the only ones that can truly love ourselves and we must do what is best ourselves and ourselves alone. Again folks thanks for what you are doing your tireless work will one day help all to see the truth about the truth. LIES
What a great idea! I will support anyway I can. I feel for those suffering and if there is a way to help those sheep who need it, I support it!
This is a new organization and it is our free decision to participate or not to participate in it. I recall the famous words:
“First they came for the socialists.
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists.
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews.
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for me.
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
For many years I have been helping ex witnesses and hidden witnesses, one by one only when I am able to contact them. I think this a GRAND opportunity to give massive help and that is what we want to do. We have to be courageous and call things by their name, we are activists and we are against a terrible organization.
“it is our free decision to participate or not to participate in it…”
It most certainly is, and where we all are coming from an organization of such absolute and abhorrent, inappropriate control of every quadrant of life and intimate decision making, I cherish the very Right to make such conscientious decisions. Far be it from me to impose on that freedom or interject my views on the consciences of others since we sure saw enough of that, haven’t we? I’ve already expressed my position and I do believe that no resolution will come successfully or permanently at the hand of man other than whatever criminal charges are justly pressed where applicable. It clearly wouldn’t change too may opinions at this point if I or anyone did …
That being said, it is patent and indisputable with evidence in reams “To the Heavens” that such ones who slaughter and murder those whom they falsely claim as their own sheep will account.
If they ever believed that they would continue indefinitely in that course with no accounting? They were not simply pathological in their criminal behavior but fundamental fools unto themselves!
I come from and education background with a Father who is a retired teacher, a Brother who was also a Teacher, My other Brother married my 5th grade Teacher who was my father’s former student while she was my teacher and I taught post secondary briefly…I believe in communication and proper, accurate edification as the solution to most things which is another reason why I despise “Disfellowshipping” (in the absolute sense) aside from the fact that it is unscriptural and abusive. Not communicating and exchanging thoughts, ideas, information and emotions between Human Beings is virtually never a solution to anything!
I still hold to the spiritual solution but that “each must render an accounting” and make a decison in accord with their conscience…
@ Cedars ~ “Thanks Konrad. I’m sorry you seem to feel Watchtower still has some “divinely appointed” role to play, despite its harmful practices and dubious history” ~ I believe they will pay! they as selected or as part of the overall big picture or not is irrelevant but I firmly believe that they will account…and the history is in fact dubious!
There’s no doubt about that…
Congratulations to all the brave people that thought up this wonderful, freeing organization for us. I am overwhelmed, happy and elated! It brings back those troublesome days at Bethel when both my husband, Nestor and I had to make our decision. He was to be disfellowshiped for not relating his conversations with Ray Franz and Ray had told him to go ahead and tell them. But then Nestor said: “Am I a man or a mouse?” He turned to me and said: “You know what this means and how it will go over with your witness family, what do you want to do?” I said I could not live my families life and had to be true to myself. So we made our decision and it’s been 33 years since. How happy and proud I feel to have made that decision. But it doesn’t come without pain and sorrow. My mother, father and brother shunned us but after 30 years of separation my mother had to come and spend her last days in our house and we lovingly took her in and looked after her. Before she died she asked Nestor to pray with her. It’s going to take the same or more courage to stand up to the WTS but we must all make our decisions and live with them. Thank you all and count us in to do all we can as we had previously in Spain and Puerto Rico and the whole wide world. I am honored to be a part of such a group. Thank you!
I’m not so sure the use of the term “Anti-Watchtower” is a bad idea. It’s very forthright, and the AAWA can never be accused of pretending to be something it’s not. It testifies to the seriousness of the situation and it makes it more difficult for the WTBTS to skate by as a fringe Christian group.
Thank you to everyone who worked to put this together. It is encouraging to see so many from the different sites come together and try to make some changes. I think it is time to unite and make an even bigger impact. Count us in to do what we can.
Cedars obviously feels that I am an apostate to his perceived orthodoxy.
Here’s why I will never become a member of AAWA:
“But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”‘
Acts 5;29
It is not that I don’t applaud the motive, it is that if the site insists on being called “Anti-Watchtower” it may as well be called “AntiChrist” as far as your presumed target audience.
I am not ‘anti-Watchtower’ despite the chip on my shoulder, but I am FOR the human rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
If this site intends to attract followers after itself, be warned.
Frank V
Frank, you’ve made your pre-conceived notions about AAWA abundantly clear, thank you. I have removed your ridiculous comment that attempts to equate AAWA with “mental terrorists.” If you attempt to spam this site again with outrageous and unfounded propaganda about our new organization, you will be deleted. I hope that’s clear. You’ve pushed my patience for long enough now, and I won’t have people on this site who wilfully spread lies in order to get their point across. As I mentioned in my “Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?” article, I have never had any interest in aquiring followers, and that continues to be the case. http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/is-jwsurvey-org-an-apostate-website
My work for AAWA is entirely separate from my work for this site. As founder of JWsurvey I am solely interested in getting people information to people. What they do with it and where they go next is their business. If you continue to try to misrepresent me or the projects I am involved in, don’t expect a warm welcome next time you try to comment. It has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It has everything to do with this being my site and you being a monumental pain in the ass.
Toni, thank you for sharing a small portion of your story. I know that Nestor plans to share the full story to the AAWA community and the world in Spanish. A story that should make it very clear to everyone that the Watchtower Society cares little about social justice. I think it does no one any good to sugar coat the harm initiated by this group in the name of God. I for one am anti-Watchtower for its damaging policies.
Frank, you say “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”‘
Acts 5;29
These men: Who are those men in your opinion? The Watchtower???? Read the book “the Finished Mystery” and tell me if they are from God.
If you want to use the Bible to prove they are from God, let me help you concerning the Watchtower:
“‘However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?” when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.’ (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
Are frightened at the Watchtower, do not join and study the history and learn to calculate the number of men who were killed after being labelled “Apostates”? Why was Galileo killed?
THOSE WHO WERE KILLED IN THE PAST AS APOSTATES ARE PRAISED TODAY BY THE WATCHTOWER AND USED TO CRITICIZE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Show me a certificate from God approving the Watchtower as “God’s organization” I will buy in your ideas!!
Richard, I too am against damaging policies and for the human rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I do not think juxtaposing “Human Rights” with “Jehovah’s Witnesses” is ‘sugar-coating’ anything.
There was a very notable principle I remember from one of my favourite parts of the 1970s Poseidon Adventure. When the ship turned upside down, the survivors got together and decided what the best thing to do. Some said they would go to the stern of the the ship for rescue, others said the better way to go was upwards for salvation. The only difference between me and you is that I choose to go up.
Frank V
Hakizimana, there is no doubt that the WTBTS
has lost the plot. Being errant doesn’t mean that the claims are false. I could regale you with innumerous Bible stories about God’s wrath upon the errant, however I think you know about them already.
Gamaliel was warning his fellow pharisees about their plots and intrigues. We know he was right. We know nothing of the sort. If the AAWA wants its pound of flesh, let it get in line; there are plenty awaiting payment. Either way it’s only another brick in the wall. It is time for a new direction.
If you think I’m afraid of the Watchtower I invite you to go to JW Stuggle and many later sites on JW Survey to read many of my comments. Why do think that because I am asking the creators of this site to reconsider their approach that this equates with my fear of the WTBTS?
I became a theistic agnostic because of the way I was treated and what I have since discovered in my research, but I believe that removing dangerous emotions from any resistance is the way to go. You seem angry at me; is that right?
Don’t you think we have enough war on Earth? Isn’t it time the WT gets to starve of oxygen in favour of giving the victims a look-in? This is what it should be about – Jehovah’s Witnesses, not mud-slinging at an organisation that GOD WILL JUDGE, NOT US.
Help the walking wounded to recover and let greater powers do the rest.
Frank V
“Not game to face the Court of Public Opinion, Cedars?” – no, not game to put up with you any longer Frank V. Deleted.
Cedars, while I agree and feel an organized effort can be more effective and taken more seriously when directed under a legal entity (especially on a global scale), I have mixed thoughts. On the one hand I’m happy to see this new development.
On the other hand I can’t understand why more people weren’t invited to contribute some input on this particular topic prior to the definitive formation of the AAWA. Perhaps in a survey with questions about what some would like to have seen in the purpose and structure of an organization that they could serve in, that would represent their voice and concerns, and that would confront the WT Society and the GB policy. Is it to late for something like that? Were you considering doing something like that in the near future?
Thanks again for all you do, and my best to the AAWA team. Congrats on the new website.
AWAKENOW – the simple answer to your question, i.e. “why weren’t we consulted?” is simply this… we have no real way of knowing who “we” are (meaning no disrespect to you personally). JWsurvey is about canvassing the opinions of ALL Jehovah’s Witnesses about the organization and its beliefs, including those who are supportive of the Watchtower. The same model cannot be applied to forming an organization whose sole intention is to oppose the Watchtower. Do we really want to include Watchtower apologists in the formulating of strategies and a sound business model?
Simply put, there is really no way for sure of knowing the personal agendas of all who visit JWsurvey for a project of such strategic importance, which is why I would rather get involved in something like this with a small close-knit group of individuals who I can talk to on the phone or via Skype. If anyone wants to approach it differently and get all and sundry involved in a similar project, they are welcome to try.
I believe TIME is our greatest weaon.the WTBTS always have to come up with a reason why their “prophecies and understandings” always fail and will continue to do so.
Good day, Nestor Kuilian, I appreciate your motives and courage!
But I think for global legal reasons and the ‘negative limelight’ title you are giving yourselves on this broad fight towards the watchtower. Will only go against you in most if not all matters. I am sure that this association will help others, other than JWs, in mind control strife of having their dignity and human rights removed by a cult (my opinion).
So I would like to say I strongly support the ‘idea’ of giving assistance to members of false religions/cults. But have an inclination that unless you reconsider a more neutral title.
The title, AAWA, will only greatly weaken all your efforts in
combating the forces of religious oppression in court battles if that is what you are aiming for, eventually?
But I think that God will do His own judgement upon them in His appointed time as with all anti-christ religions and powers.
Why MORE neutral title in front of worldwide cries, children crying because of the Watchtower? Instead of thinking of a neutral title we should think on how we will effectively deal with Watchtower’s reactions on the name which I love. Let’s face the reality!!
Read *** w94 7/1 p. 12 par. 11 At Which Table Are You Feeding? *** you will find these words referring to “Apostates”: They seem inoculated with madness, Satanic hydrophobia [rabies]. Some of them smite us and then claim that we did the smiting. They are ready to say and write contemptible falsities and to stoop to do meanness.”
Are these words neutral? They were WRITTEN AND STUDIED as coming from God Jehovah almost 20 years ago, have you witnessed any change!! I think the title “AAWA” is the right one!! We will help those who seek help, and we will be saying what we have WITNESSED NOT BASELESS TALES!!
Dear brothers and sisters,
i come from Germany and my English isn´t very well. I want writing my thoughts about the article and i want say it with following Words of the bible:
Röm 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
1Ko 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Every “flock” will be saved and in Hesekiel Jahwe says:
Hes 34:15 “I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. Hes 34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. Hes 34:17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.”
I think, we fight FOR Jesus, but not AGAINST the WTO. Ok, thats my thoughts . I pray for my brothers and sisters in every country, and it´s good to see this people all over the world, they think by themself and don´t let the WTO have might over their lifes. :-)
See you. Marco
Marco, you have used the Bible and you seem to be for the Watchtower’s trap “leave the matters in Jehovah’s hands”!! but as you have used the bible read the following”
Consequently Jehovah said: “The cry of complaint about Sod′om and Go•mor′rah, yes, it is loud, and their sin, yes, it is very heavy. I am quite determined to go down that I may see whether they act altogether according to the outcry over it that has come to me, and, if not, I can get to know it.” (GENESIS 18:20-21)!!
DO YOU THINK GOD HAD TO TAKE ACTION BEFORE “THE LOUD CRY OF COMPLAINT ABOUT SODOM AND GOMORRAH…”!! Think about it!!!
AAWS is a secular organization right? I get the feeling from some of the responses that a few believe the AAWS is conducting some kind of spiritual warfare, but that’s false, right?
Correct. There is no “spiritual warfare” involved in our organization, because we are religiously neutral. We are purely focused on Watchtower’s damaging policies, and helping people escape mind control.