Over time, the JWs have attached a lot of significance to certain dates, connecting them to interpretations of bible prophecies. Anyone who has this picture in their minds will likely find the reality in this book quite shocking. I have got the impression that the general impression is that GB sessions would involve sitting around praying together about every matter that needs discussing and that they would then turn to their bibles to find answers. Most JWs seem to view the Gb as a group of highly spiritual men, that every decision they make must be directed by some sort of “holy spirit”, and that they know and understand every verse in the bible. These are the people that every JW must view as “God’s sole channel of communication and guideance on Earth”. We get to see just how much control the organisation has over very intimate details in the lives of JWs all over the world. ![]() We get a good look inside the workings of this highly secretive power structure, including how they make decisions on policies, doctrines, and restructuring of their power structure, how they respond to questions that arise from JWs outside of their headquarters, their reactions to their failed prophecies, and decisions about disciplinary action. The GB had previously only been made up of the board of directors of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Most of the book deals with Ray’s nine years of service on the governing body, (which from here on I will just refer to as the GB), starting in 1971. For anyone wanting to discount the book as being by someone who just wishes to create devision, or who is “spiritually weak”, Ray gives an account of his many years of service to the organisation, and the lengths he went to in dedicating his whole life and all his energy to the god he believed in. Those who consider it relevant can also look up any of the bible passages that Ray sites to back up any of his beliefs and show problems and inconsistencies in JW doctrine. Every detail of changes in doctrine or policy, cover-up, failed prophecy, and piece of misinformation, includes quotes sources, and photocopies of Watchtower Magazines and other JW publications, as well as copies of written correspondence between members of the organisation. Throughout the book, Ray shows a surprising level of compassion towards everyone involved in this power structure, even those on the governing body. This book is a very honest and illuminating account of his experiences and observations during that time, especially of the nine years he spent on the organisation’s governing body (the small group of men that dictate the doctrines and policies of the entire organisation). Ray Franz lived and worked in every level of the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) power structure, and was a member of their organisation for 43 years. TRIGGER WARNINGS: sexual abuse and rape, brainwashing, violence, theft, ableism, sexual harassment, cults, forced marriage, cheating/adultery, homophobia, fascism/totalitarianism, racism, religious abuse, religious intolerance, antisemitism, child sexual abuse, paranoia, victim blaming, sociopathy, psychological abuse, sexism and misogyny Here is my review (also posted on Goodreads): ![]() I already didn’t believe in any of their teaching, or even in any kind of deity, but was interested to see what Ray Franz had to say about the organisation. I had heard that this book has helped a lot of people break away from Jehovah’s Witness brainwashing, so having been raised in the JW cult, I was very interested. I had been wanting to read this book for a fews, and finally sat down and devoured it in every spair moment last week.
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