One of the things that really stands out at times is how much people put into following these high control groups, or cults, and how little it takes to get a person kicked out and shunned. Years, even decades can be spent serving faithfully, but one simple statement by a once sincere follower can be all it takes to start the path to shunning. “I wish they were just more open minded”, a reasonable remark and a personal feeling expressed to the wrong person who told the elders started the process for Allison. Her answer to the infamous question often asked in their secret judicial committees, “do you view Jehovah’s organization as your authority”, would seal her fate. A fourth generation Jehovah’s Witness, and everything changed so quickly. There’s often no credit for time served in a cult.
The song chosen by Allison to represent her story is Let The Mystery Be by Iris DeMent.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app or on YouTube. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah’s Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment.
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Music by Fair Voyeur entitled “No Hell Yet”.
Hey Allison I’m an exJW too. I was shunned for years and ended up in the hospital a couple of times. You’re sorry broke my heart. And I wanted to thank you for sharing. It meant a lot and I’m glad to hear you you’ve moved on.
Thank you friend! Thanks for listening, and hope you’re healing well. This website has helped a lot. Keep listening, and would love to hear your story one day!