I am an ex-member, and I think it's only when you are out of the religeon you see how much of a 'cult' it is. I say this with all due respect to practising members, as for a start we are being allowed freedom of speech and it is important ex-witnesses like myself do not abuse this facility.
Much of the religeon preys on the weak, and will pick up on this on a door-to-door basis when preaching (can't remember the term, sorry). And this causes problems beyond all imagination. When I was 4, I was dragged into the cult. I was FORCED to go, by my mother, until the age of 16. No choice whatsoever about that. I made my feelings quite clear, that I wanted no part of it anymore. It isn't right, forcing a religeon on someone - especially a child.
Within two years of me coming out of this, I was thrown out of my home here in Lincolnshire, UK. There were so many times I felt I could have ended my life because of this, but I refuse to. I am now 23, and making a life of my own, outside the congregation. It has not been easy.
I would ask all witnesses to consider views very carefully - it's fine saying 'Jehovah will deal with it' - but it doesn't work. Try telling a school child like me, at the age of 9, that all the other children getting presents at Christmas is wrong, and all the other children are evil. What sort of an impact is that? This has certainly caused me to be ill prepared for the real world. What about being 14 and bringing a girl home after school, just to watch TV - as a friend? Then being told it's evil and could cause bad thoughts.
What about the elders who give guidance to youngsters on their own in their own rooms when preparing for a ministry school talk? People who are left alone with children, no matter who they are, need vetting. And is it done? Not at all.
The worst years of my life were spent in that cult, and to hear how much money they rake in every year is disgusting too. No wonder buildings can be purchased in the leafy areas of Brooklyn and North London.
I am still trying to build my life back up after over 7 years since leaving. I would really welcome any ex-members who can relate to what I'm saying to get in touch - my email address is [email protected].
Who knows - Panorama may get in touch!
Regards to all,
Stuart
