The Governing Body & the Pharisees: Heavy Loads, Swallowing Camels and Delusion 

I'm so sorry Erin. But if you're free and it doesn't impact your family: RUN! They will torture you emotionally forever. They could care less about the human heart :(

I'm VERY grateful you have seen the light LOL.....thank you for listening and be good to yourself on the journey. It's hard!

@Comment-Eri UGH....I hope you at least had a nice coffee break :)

@Comment-Eri You're the bigger person. Good for you :)

Incredible story! But not surprised!! I was able to do some projects with Guy Pierce back in the day.... he was nice, but they all carry an aura of superiority. Splane looks very arrogant on camera!!

Literally had an argument with someone after that doozy.....we are now getting counseled on 'heavy hand holding'.....WITH YOUR SPOUSE!!??!?!?!

@@survivingparadisepodcast The last time one of the governing body members was laid was probably never! I believe that they are all eunuchs! Thank you for the great programming!

@@superdave1921 LOL now that is a visual!

@@survivingparadisepodcast Stacey, I was in for 50+ years, and much like yourself, served in every position possible. Regular and special pioneering at 100 and 150 hours per month respectively. For some odd reason I wish that I had known you while we were in the cult together. You and I think alike in a lot of ways, and I’ll bet that we could have caused a lot of havoc together! Just saying!

@@superdave1921 Agree Super Dave!! I caused my share of trouble, too bad we never got the chance to do that!

They're twins!

Thank you Truth!! Cognitive dissonance is SO strong.... its all right under a JW's nose, but I didn't see it until I was ready... so glad this stuff helps!!

You're very intuitive! I did love it....I love absurdity! I'm so glad you listened to your gut....never ignore it! I'll be that teacher just couldn't help, right? LOL They should be scared....most 'ideals' only last about 100 years..... their clock is ticking

Thanks Penny!

Thanks Deo!!!

They give us plenty to talk about LOL

WOW!!!! Just.....WOW!!!!! We had similar things in the states with elders employing people.....but that is absolutely terrible!!!

@@survivingparadisepodcast The problem is how do you encourage this widowed Sister to return to meetings when you know what she is facing? My wife and I will never return to meetings physically. We want to serve Jehovah, but not under Cult like conditions. Not under obedience to imperfect men! Over the last 50 years I have made my mistakes and endured bullying, slander, jealousy, on a regular basis. Thinking is it just me or is something seriously wrong with the Elder, GB Arrangements. The Brother Elder who studied with me was removed for abusing his 16 year old daughter physically in New Mexico, she was removed from the home put in Foster care, disfellowshipped and shunned for the next 30 years of her life. Eventually being reinstated but with mental depression issues. Recently I learned she was sexualy abused. The father who studied with me spent 30 years not serving as a servant. But now is an Elder again after so many years. I wonder who was sexualy abusing his daughter?🤔Daaa! It was not until 2005 I began exploring the organisation, Silent Lambs, I was floored, but after my shock, my conscience bothered me having to deal with guilt asking Jehovah am I an apostate? It is difficult to attend meetings I do my study, and reaffirm what's is true scripturaly, and reject what is misleading. Comments like "doesn't that make sense" when I read comments like that, time to fact check their interpretation! I really enjoy "Watchtower History" going online bringing up the letters Rutherford wrote to Hitler in support of the persecution of the Jews, and the half truths of historical events of the Society or GB record of events checked with historical records which clearly show outright lies condemning the 8 leaders of JW'S. But my wife still elevates these 8 imperfect men, but cannot follow Elders anymore. She trusts Elders no more. So I read parts of Mathew 23 this morning as we considered daily text, she admitted for the first time these 8 men are glorifying themselves. I just told her everything something is said by them, first read Mathew 23, meditate if they are glorifying themselves, or Jehovah?⚖ she agreed we have to be more careful what we listen to coming from them. As a regular pioneer for many years, she has finally decided at 50 years to do something for herself instead of just suffering through each day with just enough to eat, wear, or exist. She asked if she could start a resturaunt and make her own money. I told her my account is yours! She opened her roadside resturaunt on Saturday. In the Congregation she is known for cooking traditional dishes, taken advantage by the Congrgations cooking for weddings, even the Bethel Family at Regional Conventions and suffering abusive comments from Elders wives as her traditional dishes are supreme! The best! She has letters from the Branch office thanking her for the best food they have ever had. 😋 but never paid 1 cent for her hard work, not for weddings, not by Elders, not by CO'S, not by Bethelites. Not once being helped financially by any Congregation ever!!! Now she is making her own 📈 profits, the restaraunt is full, she is already hiring help! She is so well known for her cooking by these worldly people, the restaraunt has taken on a really great atmosphere, hard working Africans come and relax from their hard work enjoying relief from the hot African Sun! My wife's smiles are real now, not fake like before. Walk in the kitchen and she is 💃 dancing as she works. Life is better without interference from Elders, and 👃 JW's sisters! I enjoyed your podcast! I agree we need to question the GB's motives! Who really is the Faithful and Discreet Slave? Not 8 imperfect men in New York for sure!

@@universeworld1782 I'm so sorry for what you're family has been through and good for your wife doing something for herself!! It's very easy to see they're literally 'nobodies'....but the weekly brainwashing has all JW's in fear

@@survivingparadisepodcast a lot of fear, so much so they will avoid any kind of accusation against an Elder because they have all seen the severe retaliation against a publisher, especially a Sister if they make an accusation against an Elder, even with multiple witnesses. As the Elders have the power to say a witness does not qualify. As is the case with this widowed Sister. 2 Witnesses plus children hearing. The head Elder excusing the witnesses as unqualified. One cannot make these things up! You just 🙏 there is a God who cares, or karma comes around and catches up with them and you get to witness it. 😉 The 4 Elders that accused me in 2005 of trying to overthrow the Elder arrangement and got caught in a lie in the Judicial against me have all died from 🍸 alcoholic related disease, including the CO, who was their drinking partner, especially at Quickbuilds when they drank together partying late into the night! Maybe the CO also drank with Morris the turd at New York facilities. 🤔

@@universeworld1782 So true....you soon learn how to play the politics

LOL, thank you....I'm glad someone gets me!

It's a corporate term found nowhere in the Bible. And it didn't exist until the 1970's.... so bad....just so bad

Merry Christmas from London UK I’m free yay!!!! Damn cult free only since April 22 it’s all new still but learning more every day. I’m thankful 22 has been a good year I woke up!!!

@@Womanmad1 welcome to your freedom xx Glad your here with us. I was born in, left unbaptised at 17 in '94 but didn't 'wake up' from the indoctrination until 5 years ago. Merry xmas to you and yours. Much love from up the A1. I'm in Cambridgeshire.

Thanks Annie xxx🙏🏾

Thank you Annie, happy holidays to you and yours!!!

@@Womanmad1 Love it!

Thank you Gisella, happy holidays to your family as well!

Thank you Simone! I truly appreciate you listening!

LOL LOL......I had to include it....I'm so glad you enjoyed it

@@survivingparadisepodcast are you here in the states?

@@BlaaBlahBlacksheep Hi Teresa, yes!

LOVE THIS Freddy!! I knew many would say it out loud. There is NO way Jesus is a JW....I LOVE that analogy!

So true....I should have reminded everyone that they all think their group is a descendant of the apostles LOL LOL

@@survivingparadisepodcast 😀😁

Thanks Elizabeth and Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

Glad I'm not alone johnny!

thank you!!

Pioneers take a beating financially and physically. Driving around in circles to make some completely fabricated goal of 70-90 hours. All MAN MADE.....it's stunning and tragic!

I bet the JW Pioneers are also taking a lot of emotional stress from being in that cult.

Thanks Brenda....it is truly easy to see!

Thanks so much Tony!

Thanks kevinator!

Happy Holiday's Steve!

LOL desperately!!

Thank you Tall!!

Thank you!!

Thanks Jaybyrd!

I'm so glad you've found peace Priscilla!

So sorry Heather. I too have family trapped inside. So many wasted lives and potential....worshipping a publishing company :(

Absolutely. So easy to see. He never really left the Pharisees

Thanks Darth!! LOL, Spiderman is smarter!!

Thanks Cecilia, agree.....the two witness rule, found in the MOSAIC LAW, something their King supposedly abolished.....is harming children in 2023!

LOL LOL, than you sy! Oh yes, the pantyhose thing was a BIG thing back in the day!! Imagine that.....straining out those gnats!

Oh NO, I hope that you're NOT a Brother!!

It's that age group that have most difficult time leaving. The cognitive dissonance is strongest with that generation. They NEED it to be the truth....it's devastating. I'm sorry it's affected your family :(

I know EXACTLY how you feel. My 84 year old mother is in too, at least she has not shunned me. (That's why I keep my channel discrete). But part of me doesn't want her to wake up, for the same reasons you mention...it would probably kill her, and I'm not using a figure of speech.

It's a platypus

@@freddyray6805 ...just ask them ;)

...it's too easy

It's all Quackery anyway.

...it's Tony Morris.

LOL, anything for a laugh!

100% TRUTH! They create a rule and tell you it's not a rule. GASLIGHTING

They have all JW's living in fear or apathy....they don't question who is pulling the strings....but HINT: it's eight guys in upstate NY LOL

LOL.....it sure makes it difficult :)

Thank you Susan....I've heard about the Quora convos; you've experienced what we all have: cognitive dissonance. They're literally the modern day Pharisees

I would love to see the expenses too.....hoping someone can get their hands on the their annual spend

It's truly comical!!!!

:( it's tragic

Thanks Monica!

I went to Brooklyn Bethel several times and saw the same things!! I recommend all men become elders and every person visit Bethel. It blows the top off the insanity for anyone that isn't consumed by the brainwashing. It's a poorly run corporate property!

LOL, why doesn't that surprise me??

LOL, I'm glad I'm not alone! You may have seen me on a Wanted poster? 🤣 It's surreal to watch people you care about just go 'dumb' overnight....and it's all explainable when you consider cognitive dissonance. It really messes with people. I'm so sorry you're on the outs with any family.....hey, maybe we do know each other!

I would agree

Only love them up to the point where they don't accept a Bible study.....then you're free to start talking about them like they're bird food LOL

A Book?!!! What's that?? LOL! I agree with your thoughts, very good stuff! They're now TV personalities.....complete with the jewelry!

YES!!! ;)

One of the most overlooked facts by JWs.... they truly believe in a complete lie

Don't lose hope...I've been out for 30 years, and over that time I have reconnected with friends who also left after me. Also, I know for a fact (because they told me themselves) that many witnesses watch my videos and are having questions and doubts. So, these videos and these channels WORK. I have the proof, and it's heartening!

Wise decision Night. There isn't much you can accomplish with that route. However, reading Ray Franz books is a must for any JW...it truly pulls back the curtain on everything!

LOL, yes I do...and you can have your own copy! Check out our Instagram or the May 15, 1999 Watchtower on page 8. Nothing says 'humble' like autographing a book you didn't write....much less the word of God. 🤣

@@survivingparadisepodcast omg for real!! 🤣 thank you, I will look it up

@@erinsweeney6403 I can't even tell you what a big deal that was for me.....the ultimate in arrogance! You're going to laugh your ass off when you see it....it's on one of the show tiles of a past episode here on RU-vid as well if you want to see it.....

They are no longer in print stoobpendous....you can't order or get a print copy. They're collector items now

strain out that gnat!

Also, the actual historical pharisees were the moderates of their era, trying to make the law something the people could really keep. And Paul, while not a feminist (1 Corinthians 11 with the headcovering), the worst passages concerning the view of women are of questionable attribution. Most critical scholars do not think that Paul actually wrote the letters to Timothy we have in the Bible, and the passage in 1 Corinthians 14 is also a bit odd. Even though the words in chapter 11 are not great on the view of women, it does still imply that women were and could speak in public and in the congregation (why cover your head to pray if you never do it?). The verse that women should keep quiet is also a bit odd in the middle of the admonishments concerning prophesying in the congregation (which the chapter gets back to right after). Those words have also been found in different positions in the chapter in different manuscripts, which also opens up more room for doubt as to whether those words were originally Paul's. Further, at the end of Romans Paul we have this verse (the rendition is from the New International Version, but feel free to check more translations on bible hub): "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was." (Romans 16:7) Paul seems to call this Junia (a woman's name, the male name Junias wasn't a thing in the first century) an outstanding apostle, further indicating that Paul didn't really have much issue with prominent women and further casting doubt that Paul would really be the guy to write those words. I'm not trying to say Paul was a saint, he could be really vicious to Christians that went against his view (like when he "hoped" that some gentile Christians that wanted to follow the law would become eunuchs when they got circumcised), and his admonition against "soft men" really isn't great. He seems like he could be a very unpleasant person. It's just that the particular view of women that is attributed to him might not have really been his. So just trying to make a pushback on a very specific point.

FANTASTIC breakdown, and I didn't get too deep on that one point, but I appreciate you sharing. YES! There is much to support the character of Jesus was openly talking about his day, political infrastructure, etc. LOVE IT... it's so easy to study

VERY valid point Lee! Thanks for calling it out!

They are Charles?? I'm sorry, I have no idea. I see this one....have they been disappearing? It definitely is not me....maybe RU-vid?

@@survivingparadisepodcast yes I realize it’s not you however if it is RU-vid, I can’t for the life of me understand why! And if it were someone else, who would have the ability and power to do so? It just doesn’t make any sense to me because when I make a comment on any other type of subject other than religious on other channels with other topics I never get blocked or Removed it’s only when it comes to religious topics, very disconcerting, disturbing, and perplexing when on a public forum in a so-called free country and you cannot speak your thoughts. somebody’s removing my comments with the ability to do so, my comments are basically in support of your points and some others on certain aspects of the organization, it is frustrating as heck especially when you take your comments seriously, I do a great deal of thinking before I respond and then to see my comments practically instantaneously removed within a minute or two, well you could only imagine how disturbing that is. I guess whoever it is has it out for me because for the life of me I just cannot get out a comment on any of the XJW channels anymore. It may be time for me to focus on other Internet possibilities to discuss freely such matters, but I do appreciate your channel and will continue to listen. Most of what you say is very thought-provoking and based on the reality, the ugly truth as they say. Sometimes it’s easier for people to hear the truth when there is some humorous elements I suppose, but for most these are serious topics that should be taken seriously for the most part. People should be able to see both sides of the coin. It makes it so hard when I can’t communicate on your channel. Anyway keep on keeping on. I did notice when I made this comment about my comments being removed it was a benign comment basically and it was allowed to stay on, chuckle, and that’s a joke isn’t it?

@@charlesmorris6476 Thank you Charles! I try to give my experiences and perspectives and hope it helps anyone listening. Please let me know if this happens again, I have no idea and I'm not very RU-vid savvy, but will check on it. It certainly wasn't me....you'll see people that openly disagree with me or are Christians commenting, I don't delete any of them.... please keep sharing your thoughts, I'll watch for it!

Hi Sara! Great to meet you and thanks for posting this!! I lost my best two friends when I left, so I KNOW how this feels for you! Oh, I'm sure I'm an apostate demon for her right now LOL....but I would love if something landed with her at some point. What made her decide to start studying after never being baptized?? It's really hard when you're 'free' and someone you love is living under a big blanket of fear and confusion. Hang in there! Just be available for her .....LOVE and loyalty is what wins them back into the world of the sane. You're a good friend!!!

Thank you Minister, I'll relisten

Who they claim is their king. That is the key point.

@@fitcwebb truth, thanks fit!

It makes me cringe too....but that is what they teach and believe

They seem to have a lot of trouble with 'numbers' right? LOL

Bigger conversation for a future day. I do believe in the Bible...as literature. I do not believe it was inspired or written by god. Unless god makes lots and lots of errors starting in the first two chapters of the book.

Thanks for listening Mike and I can assure you I will be doing what I want.... listen at your own risk!

Ok thanks, I have better things to waste my time on.