JW Independent JW? JW Reformation?

[tampasteve]

I know one of the most troubling part of the JW is the overarching control of the Watchtower organization. There is some mention online of a JW reformation attempt, but not a lot of information. Are there many/any independent JW groups around or is it really such a centralized group that once one is out, you are out? It would seem plausible that there are independent groups around that believe in the teachings but are trying to distance themselves from the abuses purportedly perpetuated by the headquarters.

 

[tampasteve]

For what it is worth, it seems there is a fledgling reform movement withing the JWs, however, even they do not think it will come of anything because of the overarching control of the main Watchtower organization
The Jehovah's Witnesses Reformation Movement

 

[KingdomLeast]

There have been in the past prominent JW's at headquarters who tried to reform, in the late 70s, early 80s there was an inquisition like purge. Those who left or were forced out, formed small home Bible study groups, some joined splinters groups from 1909, the Free Bible Students, who have a convention every year, and the former Christian Millennial Fellowship which is now the Christian Discipling Ministries International

These groups do not adhere to the teachings of C.T. Russell or the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Of course there are sites online where current and former JW's fellowship via a forum like this one, but it's more of a whine-fest type therapy.

But it just seems that most who leave never fill that empty void, they either become atheist, agnostics, or join some other group with similar beliefs.

 

[BobRyan]

There have been in the past prominent JW's at headquarters who tried to reform, in the late 70s, early 80s there was an inquisition like purge. Those who left or were forced out, formed small home Bible study groups, some joined splinters groups from 1909, the Free Bible Students, who have a convention every year, and the former Christian Millennial Fellowship which is now the Christian Discipling Ministries International

These groups do not adhere to the teachings of C.T. Russell or the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Of course there are sites online where current and former JW's fellowship via a forum like this one, but it's more of a whine-fest type therapy.

But it just seems that most who leave never fill that empty void, they either become atheist, agnostics, or join some other group with similar beliefs.

Interesting.

 

[RoseCrystal]

I have a friend who considers herself an 'independent Jehovahs Witness'. She studied with them and almost converted but then decided not too. She still holds very tightly to all their false teachings (such as Jesus is really Michael the Archangel, paradise earth, 144000 etc), will only read their version of the bible saying all other translations are corrupt but doesn't believe in the Watchtower organisation or attend their services. But she still will say they are the only correct religion.

 

[BobRyan]

I have a friend who considers herself an 'independent Jehovahs Witness'. She studied with them and almost converted but then decided not too. She still holds very tightly to all their false teachings (such as Jesus is really Michael the Archangel, paradise earth, 144000 etc), will only read their version of the bible saying all other translations are corrupt but doesn't believe in the Watchtower organisation or attend their services. But she still will say they are the only correct religion.

Do any JWs come here or is their practice of shunning JWs that do not conform causing them all to avoid discussion with non-JWs? (Which is kind of odd given their knocking-on-doors of non-JWs)

 

[tampasteve]

Do any JWs come here or is their practice of shunning JWs that do not conform causing them all to avoid discussion with non-JWs? (Which is kind of odd given their knocking-on-doors of non-JWs)

There have been a few since I have been here, but they do not stick around long. There have also been a couple that do not outright identify as JWs by their Faith designation on CF (using either "Christian" or non-denom), but once they start posting about theology it becomes clear pretty quick.

 

[KingdomLeast]

Back in the 90s, there was an exodus of JWs, who were fed up with the Governing Body and their holier tgan thou attitude. Many believed that the GB has apostacized from the JW faith, and left the movement, although they kept to JW theology, they would not recognize the GB as having any authority.