One thing for sure, the spike in Amazon sales for Anthony's book proves that this website definitely reaches a wide audience. Thanks once again Simon for JWN.
AndersonsInfo
JoinedPosts by AndersonsInfo
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I wrote a review for Anthony Mathenia's new book, Paradise Earth: Day Zero
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.anthonymathenia.com/barbara-anderson-reviews-paradise-earth-day-zero/.
we know that the publishing of mathenia's new book, paradise earth: day zero was announced here on jwn some weeks ago.
we sincerely hope that many of you reading this post have read part one of this three-part series already.
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I wrote a review for Anthony Mathenia's new book, Paradise Earth: Day Zero
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.anthonymathenia.com/barbara-anderson-reviews-paradise-earth-day-zero/.
we know that the publishing of mathenia's new book, paradise earth: day zero was announced here on jwn some weeks ago.
we sincerely hope that many of you reading this post have read part one of this three-part series already.
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AndersonsInfo
We're pleased that endorsing/advertising Anthony's book has been welcomed on JWN. Thanks renderme/Janet for your recommendation. It sure is a must read. Hurry up Anthony and finish Part 2.
The Andersons
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I wrote a review for Anthony Mathenia's new book, Paradise Earth: Day Zero
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.anthonymathenia.com/barbara-anderson-reviews-paradise-earth-day-zero/.
we know that the publishing of mathenia's new book, paradise earth: day zero was announced here on jwn some weeks ago.
we sincerely hope that many of you reading this post have read part one of this three-part series already.
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AndersonsInfo
http://www.anthonymathenia.com/barbara-anderson-reviews-paradise-earth-day-zero/
We know that the publishing of Mathenia's new book, Paradise Earth: Day Zero was announced here on JWN some weeks ago. We sincerely hope that many of you reading this post have read Part One of this three-part series already. We were so thoroughly engrossed when reading this book that we doubt if someone yelled "fire" it would have caused us to move from where we sat spell-bound while reading this fictional, but oh, so true, story.
Please don't come on this thread and scold us for using this discussion board to endorse a book. Of course, that's exactly what we're doing but this is the only way that we can think of to introduce you to an outstanding story that rang so true with us and should do so for most JWs and XJWs. (There's always those former JWs who are not interested in this type of story, but for those who love a good read about JWs, here's one for you.)
Anthony Mathenia has no idea that we started this thread. Please put your mind at ease as he didn't ask for an endorsement on this board or any other board. If Simon or any of the mods are dissatisfied by our using this board to push a book, please remove this thread.
If anybody desires to read Anthony's book and can't afford the small price asked, we believe that Anthony will make it possible for you to read it through other means. You can also PM us and we'll see what we can arrange. FYI, here's Anthony's website, www.anthonymathenia.com.
Barbara and Joe Anderson
We're not the only ones who liked PE: DZ, here's what others said about it on Amazon:
By Shane Crash "Shane Crash" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Kindle Edition)
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Anthony Mathenia's new novel, Paradise Earth: Day Zero. The novel is a deconstruction of the Jehovah Witness faith, set at the onset of an apocalypse event. Day Zero is the first volume of a forthcoming trilogy. Although the disastrous events are global, the story is pleasantly small in scope. The Jehovah congregants hole up in the kingdom hall for shelter, lending to the evocative humanization of the group.
The catastrophe is viewed through the eyes of one central character. The man remains nameless throughout the story, but the narrative flows in such a way that backstory reveals itself as the event progresses. Wielded correctly, this form of exposition can work brilliantly, and Anthony pulls it off without missing a beat.
Even more fascinating than the blizzard fireballs of doom raining down from the heavens is the progression of the character's rationalization of humanity's impending destruction. The continual onslaught of horror and death take a toll, leading the character from blind faith to a horrified skepticism. We're able to see through the man's recollection that these events are not the first time his faith has forced him to credit the divine for an unimaginable atrocity. The man's memory reveals just how dangerous an imagined `pious duty' can be for human beings.
As an ex-evangelical I know all too well of the sensationalized pseudo-theology of doomsday and Armageddon. I remember fondly asking a pastor, "how the hell anyone could believe such bollocks?" To which he replied, "youth is a dangerous time in any life. Often times our brains are filled with lies, and most people are afraid to empty their heads when they get older."Many faiths throughout the world have their own prophesied version of the end of all things. As an ex-Jehovah's witness, Anthony's firsthand experience of the faith lends itself well to the difficult task of conveying sympathetic characters in what would otherwise seem inhumane, barbaric, and irrational to an outsider. However monstrous, the central group's lack of compassion for the dead and dying is understandable, albeit disheartening. Anthony uses his insider knowledge to craft an interesting array of characters within the sheltered group.
The hierarchy and patriarchy of the religion is evidenced as the church elders bully the congregants into submission. The congregation is in constant fear of being cast out and shunned by the church elders. And the reader is forced to watch in disgust as their submission leads to horror and death. The commentary on fear mongering and hierarchy is unraveled via story craft, and it also struck me with its parallels to evangelicalism. The story rolls out a sympathetic treatise on the Jehovah Witness faith, but I would venture to say that it could just as easily apply to the majority of systematic faith groups. My study of religious anthropology has shown me that at the heart of even the smallest faith groups is a system of hierarchy and in most cases, patriarchy.
Furthermore, via story craft, Mathenia manages to brilliantly comment on the vice of blind obedience and unquestioning faith. Mathenia observes: the problem with expectations is that in the end we don't always get what we hope for. Mathenia says that we may anticipate the effect of a dream realized, but we don't know that our expectations of a dream realized will mirror reality.
One might expect the group of congregants to be overly pious, and they are to an extent, but what struck me is how similar they are in nature to the nonreligious. They're selfish, violent, and greedy. They share all the traits that make human beings what we are, and they may have given it a name, (sin), and they may fancy themselves set apart, but their humanity resides within them. These traits: lust, greed, envy, and anger are often the source of great evil, but they also lend themselves to empathy and compassion. They are the source of our humanity, and to try and rid the world of them is folly. The problem with perfection is that it's unknowable, and yet, it's all around us.
Day Zero is an incredible start to the Paradise Earth trilogy. Mathenia has crafted a cautionary tale, but more than that he has crafted a human journey from indoctrination and fear - to freedom and compassion. He's a gem of a writer and I highly recommend purchasing this novel.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Paradise earth, January 1, 2013 By Jackie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase (What's this?) This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Paperback) I read Paradise earth in one afternoon and have reread it again. There was so very much I could identify in the things you wrote. Only a person who has been a Witness can really know about such things. When is the second book coming out, I am so excited. My heart went out the df'd brother, he wasn;t even treated as a human who also had needs. Rachel's funeral was like my mother's funeral. They spoke a little about her and then went on to preach a sermon. I am still enjoying "happiness", don't ever stop writing. People have no idea what goes on with Jehovah's Witnesses, their story has to be told. Thank you Anthony.
4.0 out of 5 stars armageddon, January 15, 2013 By Breezie - See all my reviews This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Kindle Edition) Anyone waiting for Armageddon will relate. You will identify with the caracters in this book. Look forward reading book two.
5.0 out of 5 stars The logical end., January 13, 2013 By LeAnn - See all my reviews This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Kindle Edition) Anthony Mathenia's Paradise Earth takes the message Jehovah's Wittnesses preach at your door of armaggedon and a paradise earth and brings you down a path leading to it's logical end. The characters realisticly protray members of the religion and how they would react too finally facing their long aticipated end of the world. The book weaves in issues facing practically every congregation of Jehovah's Wittnesses in a way that even a person unfamilar with the inner workings of the religion will be facinated. For those who are or have been members, Mathenia's ability to grab a group of people and make you feel like you have known them all your life, will have you recalling details of your own experience as a witness, long past the time it took you to read his novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Enraptured Doom, January 12, 2013 By James Wymore - See all my reviews This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Kindle Edition) What will people do when pushed beyond their limits? Anthony Mathenia's apocalyptical book delves into the dark actions of the truly desperate. Featuring a distraught Jehovah's Witness experiencing the pivotal event predicted by their religion, Day Zero stares into the shadows cast by imperfect humans blocking the light of perfection.
Powerful and moving, we experience the emotions of one man as he watches a group of believers cross from the world as we know it into the promised Paradise Earth. Although it is the first of a trilogy, this volume delivers a powerful ending. Not a fan of cliff-hangers, I appreciated the climax. Not only does it take the character to the next level, but it left me in haunted contemplation. The language is masterful and artistic. The scenes are compelling, and hold the reader enraptured. This reading experience easily stands up to any great book.
See a longer review at [...]4.0 out of 5 stars Come for the apocalypse, stay for a moving story!, January 7, 2013 By Jared Hamline (O'fallon, MO) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase (What's this?) This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Paperback) One of my favorite cautionary tales I read sometime back was Sinclair's "The Jungle".It didn't have the effect the author was aiming for. Sinclair wanted to show what industrial life and living conditions were doing to the poor and immigrants, but wound up sparking the fire that forged the creation of the FDA. Upton even said, "I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach."
But, I don't believe that is the case with Anthony Mathenia's "Paradise Earth". It is very apparent that the book is very much about the apocalypse, but I wasn't counting on was how very human and un-Hollywood-Disaster-Film it was. The main character, though flawed and cowardly at times, is one you can sympathize with. By the end of th book, you are left with some questions, but that's what a good author does with a series. He keeps you wanting more and I do. Bring on "PE:D2"!5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible, disturbing and provovative, January 5, 2013 By Thea Gregory - See all my reviews This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Kindle Edition) End-of-the-world scenarios are a dime-a-dozen. From your everyday zombie apocalypse to a giant meteor smashing the Earth, it's all been done. But, what if an event that is suspiciously like the Jehovah's Witnesses' prophesies came to pass? Smart, believable, and certainly blasphemous to our door-to-door friends, Mathenia's Paradise Earth hits hard and hits home. I read it in four hours, without putting it down.
The first chapter won me over. Its darkness and utter despair pulled me in--the imagery and emotion of it was like a punch to the gut. I needed to know what happened. After that, I was held captive by the storytelling. The narrative follows an unnamed brother throughout the early stages of the apocalypse. The dissection of his faith and the loosening boundaries in his mind between past and present are fascinating. Much of the character's back story is explained via flashback, which makes it seem as though two stories are being woven together.
In the end, all he has left is his naked faith.
As far as religious-themed books go, this one is presented in a way that both the religious and non-religious can take enjoyment in. Perhaps not for the same reasons, but I can see it as being interesting to either perspective. It's not preachy and does not seek to give the heavy-handed treatment to the reader. You're left to draw your own conclusions, much like the main character has to. I greatly enjoyed the Zombie Bible for similar reasons, so if you're familiar with Litore's work then you'll have an understanding of the treatment faith has.
I was given a copy for purposes of posting an honest review.5.0 out of 5 stars For Destruction Ice Is Also Great, January 4, 2013 By T. Brasel "Bibliophile" (Southern Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Paradise Earth: Day Zero (Paperback) I read Anthony Mathenia's novel, "Paradise Earth: Day Zero," in one sitting, finding it to be one of those books that clings and lingers with the reader. It is a harrowing, all-too human story: we follow an unnamed narrator as he attempts to follow the many seemingly contradictory tenets of his religion, the "True Religion," and finds himself living through a horrifying apocalypse.
What is interesting to me, as someone who has no connection to the Jehovah's Witnesses, is how universal this story is. Another reviewer has stated that unless you have been a witness, you won't fully understand the novel, and I can respect that. However, you don't have to have been raised in that religion to recognize the hypocrisy and judgment that the narrator experiences (and occasionally doles out). Mathenia has created characters in "Paradise Earth" who are recognizable in any walk of life.
Despite the horrors depicted in the book (and there are many), this is ultimately a story about redemption. In addition to the aforementioned human flaws, we also witness the genuine love that the narrator has for his brothers and sisters in the congregation. The narrator comes to recognize the different atrocities humans commit against one another, and bumps up against the questions: If he survives and makes it to Jehovah's Paradise Earth, will he be worthy? And will Paradise be worth all the pain? Mathenia has pulled off a trick here in crafting a dark story with such an uplifting message. Readers will find themselves haunted by the story, as I have.
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
- Robert Frost -
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List Of Names Of Legal Dept at Bethel?
by frankiespeakin init would be nice to know any info would be helpful..
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AndersonsInfo
The latest definitive information for the United States that I have goes back to 2003 and is found in the April 8, 2003 (signed by Don A. Adams, President) Amended and Restated Charter of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
The page reads:
The names and addreses of attorneys admitted to practice in the State of New York who have, in the past year, made commitments to Watch Tower to provide legal services are:
William R. Bell, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, NY 12563
Christine Benham, 275 Tanner Marsh Road, Guilford, Connecticut 06437
Philip Brumley, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Max Custer, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Michelle Dickinson, 27 Hudson Watch Drive, Ossining, New York 10562
Lisa Douglas, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Robert C. James, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Richard King, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Adam Linett, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
James M. McCabe, 4817 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite B, San Diego, California 92017
John Miller III, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Richard Moake, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Mario F. Moreno, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Erna Neufeld, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Paul D. Polidoro, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Donald T. Ridley, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563
Carolyn R. Wah, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, New York 12563Attorneys Bell, Brumley, James, McCabe, Moreno, Olds, Polidoro, Ridley, and Wah have been representing the Watch Tower the longest, especially Ridley. Brumley runs the Legal Department and has done so even before the Society put him through law school.
Bell, Brumley, James, McCabe, Ridley, and Wah were at Brooklyn Bethel when we were. Since 2003, I'm sure that other attorneys have come on board as well as some on the list probably have gone their own way.
Barbara
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Milan Italy Public Demonstration against ostracism practiced by the Watchtower.
by Nick! inmilan italy public demonstration against ostracism practiced by the watchtower.. .
two years after rome, yesterday december 1st, day by day, we were about 100 of us demonstrating on a public square in the center of milan, italy.. .
at about 10-11 a.m. many of us were already on the spot, installing our gazebo on the public square where we were granted authorization by the police and starting the distribution of about 4000 tracts to passersby in the surrounding squares, boulevards and streets exposing the watchtower for its teachings and instructions on discriminating those who decide to use their rights to walk away from this religious movement without to have to incur the ostracism imposed by the leadership.
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AndersonsInfo
We are delighted to see the results of what many XJWs can accomplish when they team up and protest against the injustice of ostracism (shunning). In this day and age it is outrageous Watch Tower adherents can practice ostracism and that democratic governments are tolerant of such an infringement of human rights.
If we don’t speak up or demonstrate that we have had enough of this intrusion into our civil right to exit a religion without being penalized in a most injurious way, nothing will change and we will only have ourselves to blame.
Factual information to the public will eventually win out against JWs dishonest arguments that they have a God-given right to shun. In reality, shunning amounts to intolerance of others who disagree and this indeed is a human rights issue
Thanks Nick for your report and please extend our greetings to all your associates who turned out for the public demonstration. Wish we had been there with you and the others. We're sure that many government officials took notice of the protest as they are taking notice of the abusive practices of JWs in Australia, France, Belgium, the UK, the US, and other countries.
Barbara and Joe
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The "Kingdom Proclaimer's Book" Who Wrote This Pile of "Sht"?
by ÁrbolesdeArabia ini got coc in the mail yesterday, i am almost done with the book and after using franz's notes with old magazines, i believe he is not a power hungry, man who i was taught went insane from burn-out!.
i love his updated edition he left us before he passed away, he takes the k.p.
book and destroys the false history witnesses are taught.
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AndersonsInfo
For newer ones on the board, here's some background information about the Proclaimers along with some misc. anecdotes:
Long-time Bethelite, Karl Adams, former "Manager" of the Writing Dept. from the 1950s until the late 1970s, working directly under Overseer of Writing, Lyman Swingle, compiled the Proclaimers book. It was a replacement for Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Purpose, written by John Wischuk who, I was told, made many mistakes in the book.
There were others who were assigned chapters in Proclaimers like David Iannelli and Richard Abrahamson. I was Karl's researcher, but worked with Iannelli too on Chapter 1 of Proclaimers. Karl lost his managerial position in Writing when the Ray Franz situation came to a head. Swingle was told he lost control of his "boys" and so was transferred to head the "Treasurer's Office" where he did little. Karl had made some enemies as manager, mostly because he was such an uncompromising and tough man to work with. Consequently, most of the staff were pleased to see him demoted to just a senior writer at that time.
Karl put together, Make Sure of all Things, most Yearbooks, except when he was working on huge projects such as compiling Insight, Volumes 1 & 2, based on the old AID book. Fifty people worked under Karl on Insight.
Don (president of the WT Pennsylvania Corp.) and Joel (Service Dept. Committee member) Adams, were Karl's brothers. Both were tall and handsome as young men and Knorr's favorites. Karl was small and thin, but scholarly and Knorr liked that. Karl had hopes of being made WT president one-day led on by Knorr, but Fred Franz was put in instead, much to Karl's disappointment. Knorr was his protector and once he was gone, Karl was put in his place by people like Klein, etc. There was lots of intrigue behind closed-doors at WT headquarters, mainly because long-time male residents were seeking the three P's: power, position, and prominence.
Karl seemed to me to mentally live in La La land or in a fantasy world, and from dealing with him daily I thought he was a bit unstable. As a young man at Bethel, he had been jilted in the 1950s? so he married on the rebound to a very nice new JW who lived in Manhattan. She had a nervous breakdown after a few years in Bethel. Both of them mentally escaped to a private world of their own making to endure Bethel life. Bobbie, his wife, an aspiring writer when she became a JW, wanted out of Bethel, but couldn't get out of there. She was very nice to me but seemed like a lost soul. Both Karl and Bobbie are deceased.
Barbara
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A Major TV production company seeking YOUNG ADULTS STRUGGLING WITH THEIR RELIGION
by AndersonsInfo ina major tv production company seeking young adults struggling with their religion.
an emmy-winning television production company is seeking young adults (late teens - mid 20s) who are questioning, struggling with, or rebelling against their religious upbringings.
are you thinking of changing your religion to marry your one true love?
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AndersonsInfo
Scott77: No one is hiding anything. If someone is interested in appearing in this production, I provided the email addy to the company where questions can be asked of. I didn't think it proper for me to advertise for any production company. Maybe you can email the company, Scott77, and I'm sure you will be told the name of the company and anything else you want to know.
144001: Interesting explanation how these production companies work and thanks for your input.
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Hawaii Window of Opportunity gives victims of JWs sexual abuse a chance for justice
by AndersonsInfo inhawaii window of opportunity gives victims of jehovah's witness sexual abuse a chance for justicehttp://www.zalkin.com/sexual_abuse_blog/2012/november/hawaii_window_of_opportunity_gives_victims_of_je.aspxsurvivors of childhood sexual abuse in hawaii now have an unprecedented opportunity to seek justice and hold those responsible for their abuse accountable.
on april 24, 2012, the state of hawaii changed the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse occurring years, or even decades ago.
beginning last april, and continuing through april 24, 2014, any survivor of childhood sexual abuse can file a lawsuit, even if their claim had been barred by the statute of limitations in the past.
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AndersonsInfo
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CNN: Victims welcome Australian child sex abuse investigation
by AndersonsInfo ingoogle_ad_section_startstartclickprintincludevictims welcome australian child sex abuse investigationendclickprintincludestartclickprintexcludeno partnerby monica attard for cnnupdated 12:21 am est, tue november 13, 2012google_ad_section_endstartclickprintexcludeaustralia's catholic church is facing claims of widespread abuse by members of the clergy.story highlightsgoogle_ad_section_startaustralia to investigate institutional responses to allegations of child sex abusecountry's catholic church facing claims of systemic cover-ups by church hierarchysenior police officer: church complicit by moving offending priests, destroying evidenceprime minister julia gillard says the inquiry will not be limited to the catholic churchgoogle_ad_section_endendclickprintexcludegoogle_ad_section_startstartclickprintincludesydney, australia (cnn) -- in ireland it took years to weed out the details of systemic sexual abuse of children by catholic clergy.. in australia, prime minister julia gillard has put no time limit on what will be the most wide-ranging inquiry into child sex abuse in the nation's history -- one that will not be confined to the catholic church.. as she announced the establishment of a royal commission into institutional responses to instances and allegations of child sex abuse, gillard said the inquiry would not target any one church but would encompass all religious institutions, state institutions, schools and not-for-profit groups like scouts and sports clubs.. read: irish report damns catholic church abuse response.
"there have been too many revelations of adults who have averted their eyes from this evil," she said.. the evil of which she speaks is said by the mother of one victim to be endemic.. pat feenan's son, daniel, is now 36 years old.. this is a royal commission which will be looking across religious organizations as well as state-based care and the not-for-profit sector.
it is not targeted at any one section or religion.. pm julia gillard.
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AndersonsInfo
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A Major TV production company seeking YOUNG ADULTS STRUGGLING WITH THEIR RELIGION
by AndersonsInfo ina major tv production company seeking young adults struggling with their religion.
an emmy-winning television production company is seeking young adults (late teens - mid 20s) who are questioning, struggling with, or rebelling against their religious upbringings.
are you thinking of changing your religion to marry your one true love?
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AndersonsInfo
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