Jehovah's Witnesses & Friendship: It's Conditional 

Everytime i look at my "friends" at the meetings i can see that fake smile and it's scares me

Powerful statement which is so true. "Friends can't simply agree to disagree within the organization"

Most insidious is the illusion of friendship between the "Bible student" and the teacher of the study and other members of the congregation. As the study was conducted with me, I wanted to become a JW and had no illusions (like some) that studying with a JW is not about becoming a JW. But at the same time, I spend a lot of time with people from the congregation outside of the study, preaching and meetings, I could talk to them about everything, watch movies (not published by the org), make bonfires, sing, etc. They even taught me how to memorize the group of Polish kings, which was very much needed for school. I thought, that this is friendship. I didn't know then that they could write the time spent with me on the report. And then, the more I learned about JWs and expressed my doubts, and finally gave them a thorough "apostate teaching" (about 1914, everchanging new lights about the resurrection of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, Beth Sarim etc.) these "friendships" ended. And I'm treated as an apostate even though I've never been baptized.

As a Witness, nothing screamed "this is a people of true Christian love" like seeing some elderly sister throwing elbows into younger brothers as the doors to the convention site opened like she was James Caan in Rollerball. Truly a moving moment.😂

Stacy, when you mentioned district conventions, that brought back a load of repressed memories. Like sitting under a blazing sun in a cloudless sky in 95° heat for hours at a time. Listening to a guy wearing a fake beard droning on and on between bouts of delirium. Then scrambling to find shade at intermission. Oh, the memories, Stacy. . . oh, the memories.😝

I can totally relate to not having any feelings when my friends dropped me. Saw my former best friend at the store the other day, and surprisingly, he tried to talk to me. Out of emotion I told him not to talk to me. He looked surprised. I said you aren't my friend. He said I love you brother. I said well I've felt allot of love from you since you haven't talked to me in 2 years.

As a JW, I had the absolute best friend a person could have. We were as close as fleshly brothers with none of the kinky vibes and Brokeback Mountain undertones of the David-Jonathan love story. Friends for over 30 years, Pioneer partners, best man at his wedding, etc.

This one really hit home since it’s been just a smidge over a yr from disassociating. 1000% facts; the vast majority of the friendships in the org is superficial & conditional. It’s predicated upon proximity.

Happy Monday another great episode. The shunning has to be the most non Christ like thing that JWs do.

Stacey, I just now saw this brand new video that you posted. I haven’t had a chance to watch it just yet, but I do know that it will be fantastic like all of the others. I wait in anticipation for every new video knowing that you are revealing the truth regarding the JW cult. Thanks

I have an ex JDub friend who was abused by her ex husband. She finally left when he fractured her skull - after she was raped by an elder who was trying to “help” her. She knew no one would believe her but eventually confided in a “sister” who she considered her closest most trusted friend. The response of this woman was “I love you but I love Jehovah more so I am going to report you” - thus victim blaming someone who was already in crisis and broken. You cannot trust anyone who is a JDub. Never.

Pineapple on pizza. It's the "overlapping generation" of food choices. 😁

Always appreciate your podcast Stacy

After leaving the JW 25 years ago, I have many, many so call friends. Not one of them have I asked what religion do you belong to. I avoid that topic like a plague. A friend you will know that he or she is there for you similar to a marriage. He or she is there for you during good time or bad times, not asking what religion you belong to.

I had more than a few friends in my decades of association with Jehovah's Witnesses, some of them as close as my fleshly family, but when I was disfellowshipped eighteen years ago, most dropped me like a hot potato. Some maintained our relationship for a few years after that. They had hoped that I would be reinstated. When I made it clear that I had neither the wish nor desire to ever return, those relationships ended. So I know how conditional Witness friendships are.

My brother up and quit after 30 years. He does not get invited to do anything even with someone he thought was his best friend. He does not speak against the Organization at all. He just quit after them trying to force him not to get a blood transfusion. They acted like vultures and literally scared him off. He was a ministerial servant and pioneer. Seeing his "friends" pushing him to die as he lay in a cancer unit was alarming. If not for cancer he probably would have never left. I can't imagine having your life on the line and your friends saying just die. Pretty sick friendships in the Borg.

My brother, you again are on Point...Damn man. It's like you're reading my mind....Damn man where have you been all of my exjw life.. 😂. Thank you, Stacy you are keeping people Off the roof and saving lives.

I distinctly remember being at my friend's house one day thinking this is probably going to be the last time I'm over at their house, and it turned out I was correct. They will turn on you on a dime.

I had a few friends outside of the org. that I had met in high school. When I got heavy into my beliefs, (indoctrination) I told one of them she was a witch based on Lev

I really enjoy your channel, as you say other channels (which I also like) are concentrated in other point of view: doctrinal, etc.