How To Handle Family Members Who Are Jehovah’S Witnesses?

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The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that non-Witness family members often cause conflict by refusing to “slam the door in their faces”. Loyal Christian family members do not look for excuses to have dealings with disfellowshipped relatives not living at home, but rather loyalty to Jehovah and his organization moves them to strict shunning. This practice is applied to both friends and family, often leading to tremendous emotional suffering.

Jehovah’s Witnesses practice strict shunning of anyone disfellowshipped or disassociated, often for the remainder of life, leading to tremendous emotional suffering. Dealing with family can be challenging, as each person has different ways of doing things based on their conscience and the circumstances. To cope with the pain and remain spiritually strong, faithful family members can do practical things based on their own conscience and the circumstances.

Conditions vary, and some Christian Witnesses live far away from their parents, making it difficult to visit as often as desired. However, there are practical ways to cope with the pain and remain spiritually strong. Treating Jehovah’s Witness family members with the same love, respect, and kindness as any other family member is key.

When dealing with non-witness family members, it is important to confront them about talking negatively about you in front of your family and tell them flat out that you will never join her cult/high control group. Learn about the Watchtower organization and how it uses mind control techniques which influence the character and personality of your loved one.

Jehovah’s Witnesses place great emphasis on family life and raising children within the faith. Unrelenting family conflicts turn many homes into battlefields, and a communication gap often frustrates attempts at calling a truce.

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📹 JESUS Tells Us How To Deal With Jehovah Witness Family Members

JESUS Tells Us How To Deal With Jehovah Witness Family Members Just a bible believer who was once one of Jehovah’s …


What Happens When You Leave Jehovah'S Witnesses
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What Happens When You Leave Jehovah'S Witnesses?

Shunning profoundly affects former members of the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW). Upon leaving, individuals are treated as outsiders, resulting in feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and loss of control. Current members are forbidden from communicating with those who have left, reinforcing a culture of ostracism and distrust. Shunning typically occurs when members fail to comply with the established doctrines. While some individuals continue to maintain connections after departing, those who leave publicly or join other organizations face stricter shunning.

A member may formally resign or implicitly distance themselves from the faith but can experience a long and challenging process of being shunned while still expected to attend meetings. The distressing transition often involves navigating relationships with family and friends, as members equate the organization with divine endorsement, leading them to sever ties with ex-members. Former members may regain their status if they demonstrate remorse, but the reintegration process can be difficult.

Overall, the impact of shunning on an individual's mental and emotional well-being is significant, as they must cope with the repercussions of leaving a tightly knit community that discourages questioning and facilitates a culture of informing on one another.

What Do Jehovah'S Witnesses Dislike
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What Do Jehovah'S Witnesses Dislike?

Jehovah's Witnesses, known for their door-to-door evangelism, are a controversial Christian denomination subject to criticism from mainstream Christians and former members. They practice shunning, expelling unrepentant members who engage in serious sins or apostasy, and they maintain strict adherence to their code of personal morality. The organization has been accused of doctrinal inconsistencies and reversals. Jehovah's Witnesses do not participate in national anthems, military service, or voting, believing their allegiance lies solely with God.

They are also known for refusing blood transfusions even in life-threatening situations, based on their religious beliefs. The movement's followers consider their practices as necessary for moral cleanliness. However, they face global persecution, with thousands fleeing Russia due to their ban. Critics often view Jehovah's Witnesses as a cult, leading to feelings of annoyance or hostility from the public, particularly due to their persistent proselytizing.

Despite these challenges, Witnesses believe they are following Jesus’ teachings, experiencing hate similar to what he faced. They reject numerous social and religious customs, asserting that their door-to-door ministry is not a means to salvation, but a demonstration of their faith.

What Are The Rules Of Jehovah'S Witnesses' Family
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What Are The Rules Of Jehovah'S Witnesses' Family?

Jehovah's Witnesses adhere to a strict moral code, prohibiting premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning, adultery, smoking, drunkenness, drug abuse, and blood transfusions. They established 141 rules to help maintain focus on their beliefs, compiled by former members. The organization emphasizes building strong family bonds, operating under the belief that God is the Creator of the family. Their handling of death and funerals reflects their distinctive beliefs in resurrection, with services typically lasting 15-30 minutes.

Jehovah’s Witnesses see the world as under Satan's control and strive to remain separate from it, which may appear rigid to outsiders. Family life is paramount, with a strong emphasis on raising children within their faith, and they view marriage as a sacred and enduring bond. Additionally, they do not celebrate holidays such as birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or Halloween. Jehovah's Witnesses aim for purity in body and mind, managing family dynamics through strict adherence to their principles. Their approach to discipline involves a judicial committee of elders for serious offenses, and they maintain unique customs, like avoiding common phrases related to social gatherings.

How To Stop Jehovah'S Witnesses From Knocking On Your Door
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How To Stop Jehovah'S Witnesses From Knocking On Your Door?

If you prefer not to have Jehovah’s Witnesses knock on your door, you can communicate your wishes directly when they visit or send a letter to your local Kingdom Hall. You may also consider placing a "No Trespassing" sign on your property. It's important to approach the situation politely, and if you engage with them, be friendly and respectful. Most Jehovah’s Witnesses honor "No Visits" stickers when displayed. Should you receive pamphlets or unwanted visits, you have options. You can ask your landlord to address it or notify the police if they persist despite your requests.

A direct approach is effective; firmly but politely tell them that you're satisfied with your own beliefs and request that they do not return. If you feel comfortable, share that you were previously a member and now consider yourself "disfellowshipped" or an "apostate," which may discourage them from visiting again.

Ultimately, if you do not wish to answer the door at all, simply ignore the knocks or ask them not to return. Set clear boundaries, and they are likely to update their records to avoid calling you in the future. Remember, it’s about maintaining peace with your neighbors while asserting your personal beliefs and preferences.

What Are The Don'Ts Of Jehovah'S Witnesses
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What Are The Don'Ts Of Jehovah'S Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination with around 8. 58 million members worldwide, are known for their nontrinitarian beliefs and strict adherence to organizational rules. They do not participate in military service, vote, or celebrate holidays. Their practices are governed by a moral code that prohibits premarital sex, homosexuality, adultery, smoking, and blood transfusions. Members are encouraged to pioneer, attend meetings, and contribute generously to their local congregations and the Watch Tower Society (WTS).

The organization emphasizes limited contact with non-members and issues a series of prohibitions, including avoiding idolatry and refraining from practices that could be seen as celebrations, like toasting or using religious icons. Jehovah's Witnesses only celebrate the Memorial of Christ's Death and wedding anniversaries, rejecting birthdays based on beliefs that these celebrations displease God. The group, despite its wealth and influence, maintains a non-transparent approach regarding its operations.

While they engage with those outside their faith, they often face scrutiny and accusations regarding their beliefs and practices, though they remain steadfast in their interpretations rooted in the teachings of founder Charles Taze Russell and subsequent leaders.

What Is The One Question Jehovah'S Witnesses Cannot Answer
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What Is The One Question Jehovah'S Witnesses Cannot Answer?

What happened to the body of Christ? No Jehovah's Witness can definitively answer this question. The Watchtower Society (WTS) claims that Christ was raised as a spirit being, leading to accusations of equivocation against those seeking clarification. Jehovah's Witnesses do not view Jesus as God in the same way as Jehovah, allowing them to assert that Jehovah is the only true God. They often evade challenging questions, such as why they believe only 144, 000 can go to heaven or why many left after the failed prophecies of 1925 and 1975.

Common responses from Jehovah's Witnesses to difficult inquiries include statements like "We're not here to argue." This behavior raises further questions about their belief system and the evidence supporting it, as many feel reliant on interpretation rather than scriptural proof. Jehovah's Witnesses traditionally view Jesus as Michael the archangel, conflicting with numerous biblical passages indicating His divinity. Overall, engaging with these beliefs can often reveal deeper inconsistencies within their doctrines and practices.

How Do I Get Out Of Jehovah Witness
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How Do I Get Out Of Jehovah Witness?

Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses involves either disassociating or being disfellowshipped, both resulting in shunning and the loss of social ties within the community. The organization lacks a dignified resignation process, making the transition difficult for members. Those wishing to leave face challenges such as adjusting to life outside the faith. To resign, individuals can make a formal request either verbally or in writing. It's advised not to rush into speaking with others or making decisions prematurely.

However, many former Jehovah's Witnesses manage to build fulfilling lives outside the group’s control. Support is available for those seeking to leave, whether through practical assistance or encouragement from the stories of others. Nevertheless, choosing to leave can lead to significant isolation; while labeling oneself as inactive allows some connection with friends and family, disfellowshipping leads to complete cut-off. Strategies to manage interactions with current members include being friendly yet firm, declining participation in group activities, and refraining from discussing personal decisions.

It’s essential to have a plan in place for the transition, including finding new living arrangements and establishing connections outside the faith. Resources and communities exist to help navigate this process, promoting the possibility of a happier, independent life.

What Are Jehovah Witnesses Do'S And Don'Ts
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What Are Jehovah Witnesses Do'S And Don'Ts?

Jehovah’s Witnesses prioritize separating themselves from worldly influences, prohibiting activities like gambling, drinking, drug use, and tobacco. They maintain a distinct appearance through rules of modest dress and grooming. The organization has a unique interpretation of the Bible, using their own translation, which has been adapted to align with their beliefs. Additionally, members generally avoid engaging with the broader community.

They adhere to a strict set of guidelines, which includes active participation in their religious activities, such as pioneering, attending meetings, and cleaning the Kingdom Hall. Members are encouraged to love one another, marry only fellow believers, and refrain from associating with non-Witnesses. The denomination imposes various moral codes, prohibiting premarital sex, homosexuality, smoking, drunkenness, drug abuse, and blood transfusions.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not salute flags, vote, or serve in the military, as their primary allegiance is to God. They also follow specific social protocols, such as not clinking glasses toasts, avoiding certain greetings, and adhering to guidelines on grooming and attire. While certain celebrations are permitted, such as weddings and the Memorial of Christ’s Death, they largely abstain from traditional holidays. Understanding these practices and beliefs is essential for both members and outsiders to navigate interactions with Jehovah's Witnesses.

How To Report A Jehovah'S Witnesses
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How To Report A Jehovah'S Witnesses?

Contact your local Kingdom Hall to report situations or seek assistance regarding the Bible and Jehovah's Witnesses' global work. You can request a visit from a local Jehovah’s Witness or find a nearby Kingdom Hall. When engaging with them, establish common ground, much like Paul did in Acts 17, by asking questions about their experiences. Starting November 1, 2023, publishers in congregations will no longer need to report their ministry time, placements, or video showings for the first time since 1920.

The U. S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has reported global persecution against Jehovah's Witnesses in at least a dozen nations, highlighting a dire situation. If you suspect child abuse within this community, follow guidelines from a recent letter which emphasizes providing detailed reports of incidents. Concerns about holidays and birthdays may also arise; if you wish to interact with a Jehovah's Witness, be honest and polite while maintaining firm boundaries. If immediate danger is present, please contact emergency services. Reporting child safety concerns is vital.


📹 Jehovah’s Witnesses and Family Members – Do Not Let This Happen To You


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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17 comments

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  • Thank you for this. It’s so true what you say at the end. My husband’s whole family are jw, not him though. The hypocrisy I’ve seen is crazy. I’m a believer and the only thing I can do is show them through how I live my life. I could never approach them or try to debate. They’re taught to believe what I believe is of the devil, so sad.

  • You bring up important points for us ExJW’s dealing with the shunning policy, your right sticking closely to the Holy scriptures showing our love and respect of them, can help us to reach out to JW’s when we have the opportunities. ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’. Phil 4:13

  • Thank you for sharing your heart, your talent, and your dream. My older brother is a JW, and I constantly intercede on his behalf. I pray that God will help the scales to fall off his eyes and that he will find salvation in Christ. I can’t wait to view your next article. May God bless and keep you for such a time as this.

  • Pausing the article just to tell you I understand being skeptical of the gifts of the spirit. And absolutely not every gift that is claimed by every person is real. But my Brother, you absolutely have the gift of teaching. The gifts are used to equip the body of Christ, as I am sure you know. This, in my opinion no matter how out there some people are or how much the flesh inevitably gets involved, is something that will be necessary until he returns. And I am confident that he has ordained you to bring the word to his people. You are so new at this, but honestly there is something so organic and authentic in your articles that I have never seen before. That I can’t put my finger on. Therefore, i strongly believe it is Christ. God bless your ministry

  • Nice work. My father and three of my children have been blinded by the org. Regarding your dream i believe you clearly know what it means. I think of my family that’s still in i know how indoctrinated i was. But i also know that those feelings of dread and the feelings that something was wrong kept prodding me. Until they feel the same sense that something is inherently wrong with the teachings they cannot begin to break the bonds. 54 years indoctrination for me and waking up on a Sunday morning at 5am with a scripture going over and over in my head changed me. At the time i was a full time pioneer. Pray for them and i will as well that they see something that wakes them from their deep sleep. Peace brother

  • Also had a dream last week. My mum and a sister in the congregation I was studying with were sat in the front of the car. My mum was driving and I was explaining to her, how the New scrolls are estras and bauruck. I wole up and knew it was our spiritual bodies communicating. Keep hope and pray for our lost family’s. Our Lord hears our petition

  • This is explained beautifully. My mother just passed jan 2. She was 80 years old and a jw I have 5 sisters and only 1 who is in the cult my sis i. I feel for her bc i know this is very stressful for her since she will need the jwd approval and not Gods. The rest of us has promised to love and show love in action and let our love for Jesus prevail. I needed this before the funeral at the kh next week. Thank you

  • Excellent thank you with all my heart I needed to hear these words. Im curious if the principal in 1Pet 3:1-5 apies to your dream, perhaps the dream is sayinng scripture is not what will move your parents, but a time will come when you have opportunity to show your strength of faith and that will speak louder than words.

  • 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered them, See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 2 Peter 2:2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 2 Peter 2:14-15 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 2 Peter 2:18-19 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. Matthew 7:15-17 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

  • Hi brother. I don’t think you’re crazy at all. From what I’ve learned we have a few things in common. I was born into the JW organization on both sides of my family. I never was baptized as a JW because I rebelled as a teenager and went on to proclaim myself agnostic over many years. I’m 35 now and only a little over a year ago did I have an experience where I felt the holy spirit and he showed me I was wrong and for the very first time I repented for my sins and felt his grace. After that I began reading the bible and learning things I never knew. Basically every thing you talk about, especially about Jesus Christ, the 144,000 and what happens when we die. Anyway, if I may humble myself to assist you. I by no means am good or know many things but when I listened to you describe your dream it made me think of a scripture that could help explain it. I think it’s amazing that God spoke to you and I do think he can do this to some people. It’s in Luke 16:27-31. When Jesus talks of a parable where a rich man who dies and goes to Hades begs Abraham to send a sign to his family so they turn from their ways and don’t suffer his same fate. But Abraham tells him no, that if they don’t listen and believe the law and the prophets then they won’t believe these signs either. May God be with us all. I pray for my family every day too.

  • John 12:32 (quote from Jesus) “And I, if I be lifted up from the Earth, will draw all men unto me.” All people are drawn, yet not all will accept the invitation. We cannot decide who will or won’t believe. But we can proclaim the truth to them. There is no one for whom Christ did not die. Yet there are many who refuse the gift of his death for them. See 1 John 2:2 and 2 Peter 2:1 if you’re curious.

  • Heres an interpretation of the dream Unfortunately no amount of signs will be enough to wake someone up, because some people have blasphemed The Holy Spirit, even if you move the moon some will simply chose ignorance over God, and this is where our love to Christ comes to play, Showing we love God, more than our family. But all things are possible with God, and this is where us showing our faith to the Lord, to Our God showing we chose God over all things, The possibility of our family members living eternal life with us because of our loyalty to the Living God, is…… Theres no word for it because possible is too little if a word.

  • Jesus said he came not to bring peace but a sword to set man against his father and daughters, sons, in-laws… Matthew 10:34-36 ESV He tells us our enemies will become those in our own households for those who follow him. Take heart and be courageous Body of Christ. Continue to pray and intercede for those who are still blind. But we his sheep are set apart.

  • Deuteronomy 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Luke 6:36 Be ye merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Ephesians 4:32 Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. James 1:22 Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Ephesians 5:1 Be ye followers of God, as dear children; Matthew 23:8 Be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. Matthew 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

  • REV. 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ( the church of God, both in the Old and New Testament, is often called Jerusalem ) So what is the church doing coming down from heaven if they are of a EARTHLY hope I thought the church does not go to heaven ?

  • It’s always a REASON why people don’t like you! Most of the time it’s mainly by their EXPECTATIONS of you. Many expect others to think as they do. Many expect you to do things as they do. Many expect you to fall in line with their zone of things that will make them happy or better off chasing after them calling them it being one sided. They want you to always agree what they agree on. Always being RIGHT over you can sway you to do things to make them happy instead of your self and family and soon as you piss them off they walk away continue on as if you never existed IT’S WHEN WE DON’T ALLOW THAT from them is when the HATE comes. If a child can’t have his way or get what they want they have a tantrum right then and there and get MAD at the person that isn’t complying trying to bust them in the head with a toy. Many of us experience that behavior from different age levels of the people around us never dealing with that to improve themselves getting self control, learning respect, understanding in situations like that. So when they get denied, told “No”, or can’t have what they want out the situation that same mentality comes out age 15, 21, 30, 45, 79 facing rejection. And depending on how bad this person want that OPPORTUNITY of yours for themselves and how they may view “you” as not important, don’t care what you want or may think or your outcome. They will try to take it, they will try to remove you or whomever in their way and most of the time they are not playing fair. They are willing to destroy you if needed to get what they want out the situation.

  • Really?? Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t want to listen? I haven’t met any one that are willing to listen, no matter what they believe or which religion they belong to. I think you may be on the band wagon, dissing Jehovah’s Witnesses cause its popular and to get views. If you are a former Witness then perhaps look at yourself and your agenda and the person you are, don’t lump all Witnesses into the same category that you are in. They are not you.

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