Leaving The Witness

Author : Amber Scorah
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 073522255X
Total Pages : 290 pages
Book Rating : 4.57/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book Leaving the Witness written by Amber Scorah and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2020-06-02 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A fascinating glimpse into the consciousness of being an outsider in every possible way, and what it takes to find your path into the life you'd like to lead."--Nylon A riveting memoir of losing faith and finding freedom while a covert missionary in one of the world's most restrictive countries. A third-generation Jehovah's Witness, Amber Scorah had devoted her life to sounding God's warning of impending Armageddon. She volunteered to take the message to China, where the preaching she did was illegal and could result in her expulsion or worse. Here, she had some distance from her community for the first time. Immersion in a foreign language and culture--and a whole new way of thinking--turned her world upside down, and eventually led her to lose all that she had been sure was true. As a proselytizer in Shanghai, using fake names and secret codes to evade the authorities' notice, Scorah discreetly looked for targets in public parks and stores. To support herself, she found work at a Chinese language learning podcast, hiding her real purpose from her coworkers. Now with a creative outlet, getting to know worldly people for the first time, she began to understand that there were other ways of seeing the world and living a fulfilling life. When one of these relationships became an "escape hatch," Scorah's loss of faith culminated in her own personal apocalypse, the only kind of ending possible for a Jehovah's Witness. Shunned by family and friends as an apostate, Scorah was alone in Shanghai and thrown into a world she had only known from the periphery--with no education or support system. A coming of age story of a woman already in her thirties, this unforgettable memoir examines what it's like to start one's life over again with an entirely new identity. It follows Scorah to New York City, where a personal tragedy forces her to look for new ways to find meaning in the absence of religion. With compelling, spare prose, Leaving the Witness traces the bittersweet process of starting over, when everything one's life was built around is gone.

Author : Lloyd Evans
Publisher : Jle Publishing
ISBN 13 : 9780995669109
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.04/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book The Reluctant Apostate written by Lloyd Evans and published by Jle Publishing. This book was released on 2017-01-20 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jehovah's Witnesses, well known for their enthusiastic evangelism, are a global religious movement boasting over 8 million members. Despite being a familiar sight on doorsteps and street corners, little is known about their doctrines and practices. What are their expectations regarding Armageddon, and who do they believe will survive? How do they justify their ban on blood transfusions? What happens to members who decide to leave? In this remarkably candid part-memoir, part-history guide, former Witness Lloyd Evans comprehensively explores the religion of his upbringing, charting the organization's metamorphosis from unassuming 19th Century brethren to global brand in the modern age. The Witness rules on sex are dissected, as are their far-reaching ramifications on the private lives of millions of devotees. Evans also delves into the controversies surrounding child abuse and the prohibition on blood transfusions with the aid of first hand accounts from those who have been personally impacted. Intertwined with the historical narrative and commentary is the story of the author's journey from devout Witness youth to outspoken ex-Witness activist and atheist. Evans lays bare the circumstances leading to his "awakening" with startling honesty and reveals how the heartbreaking loss of his mother played a profound role in keeping long-held doubts suppressed. In the final chapters, the author discusses the various means by which Witnesses are controlled by their leadership. Evans analyzes the role of shunning (disfellowshipping) and the stigmatization of "apostates" in enforcing loyalty among Witnesses, and reflects on the indifference of society in general to human rights violations by high-control groups. The phenomenon of fundamentalist brainwashing, or "undue influence," is also scrutinized, and those in search of a new life free from its pervasive effects are given reasons for hope. Rather than being a sensationalist rant by an embittered ex-member, The Reluctant Apostate offers a relaxed, good-humored tour of Witness history and teachings supported by extensive references (to be found in the "Notes" section). Though written predominantly with the non-Witness reader in mind, special boxes are also provided for Jehovah's Witness readers. Reviews "Both memoir and reference book, Lloyd Evans' work is an extensive compilation of Jehovah's Witness history and theology. In his honest and exhaustively researched expose, Evans has written what is sure to be the most important book on the religion in this century. The Reluctant Apostate is a must-read for Jehovah's Witnesses and anyone else who has been touched by the faith." -Scott Terry, author of Cowboys, Armageddon and the Truth "Insight only an 'insider' can bring to a subject difficult to understand for those who have never been part of this world, and unthinkable to contemplate for those inside its bubble. Lloyd does a magnificent job of speaking to both audiences and everyone in between. Compassion for the plight of those still held captive bleeds through every page." -Mike Rinder, former senior executive of the Church of Scientology, as featured on the A&E series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath "A compelling and informative window on the world of the Jehovah's Witnesses that will be a vital and life changing resource for former members and many others too in forming an authentic understanding of this group, its beliefs, methods and effects on individuals and families." -Professor Rod Dubrow-Marshall, Ph.D. Co-Editor International Journal of Cultic Studies and co-founder RETIRN UK Dr. Linda Dubrow-Marshall, Ph.D. Co-founder RETIRN UK

Author : Kyria Abrahams
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1416556869
Total Pages : 368 pages
Book Rating : 4.62/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book I'm Perfect, You're Doomed written by Kyria Abrahams and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2010-11 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I'm Perfect, You're Doomed is the story of Kyria Abrahams's coming-of-age as a Jehovah's Witness -- a doorbell-ringing "Pioneer of the Lord." Her childhood was haunted by the knowledge that her neighbors and schoolmates were doomed to die in an imminent fiery apocalypse; that Smurfs were evil; that just about anything you could buy at a yard sale was infested by demons; and that Ouija boards -- even if they were manufactured by Parker Brothers -- were portals to hell. Never mind how popular you are when you hand out the Watchtower instead of candy at Halloween. When Abrahams turned eighteen, things got even stranger. That's when she found herself married to a man she didn't love, with adultery her only way out. "Disfellowshipped" and exiled from the only world she'd ever known, Abrahams realized that the only people who could save her were the very sinners she had prayed would be smitten by God's wrath. Raucously funny, deeply unsettling, and written with scorching wit and deep compassion, I'm Perfect, You're Doomed explores the ironic absurdity of growing up believing that nothing matters because everything's about to be destroyed.

Author : Robert Rient
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781944853051
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.57/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book Witness written by Robert Rient and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A first-person exposé of religious tyranny in Europe today. A current bestseller in Poland, shedding light on the limits of freedom in post-Enlightenment Europe.

Author : Diane Wilson
Publisher : Prometheus Books
ISBN 13 : 161592096X
Total Pages : 327 pages
Book Rating : 4.69/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness written by Diane Wilson and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2010-05 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This tale of mind control, the use of fear to manipulate vulnerable people, and final escape from a suffocating cult environment is a revealing exposeof a secretive contemporary sect, as well as a true psychological thriller. Diane Wilson spent twenty-five precious years of her life, first becoming indoctrinated by the dogma of the Watchtower Society, and then struggling to free herself from its pervasive, intimidating clutches. In this probing, brutally honest assessment, Wilson describes how a childhood of psychological abuse and lack of self-confidence rendered her vulnerable to the seductive doctrines of the Jehovah's Witnesses. What she reveals about the goings-on within the closed Watchtower Society will shock the average person who assumes the polite, well-dressed people who pass out leaflets are much like any other conservative religious group. Wilson contends that membership in the Jehovah's Witnesses requires obedience bordering on psychological enslavement and complete suppression of individuality. Her engrossing memoir will be of great interest to former Witnesses, students of cult phenomena, and anyone who has ever had contact with Jehovah's Witnesses.

Author : Charlotte Jennings
Publisher : iUniverse
ISBN 13 : 0595514391
Total Pages : 70 pages
Book Rating : 4.97/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book Confessions of an Ex-Jehovah's Witness written by Charlotte Jennings and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2008-04 with total page 70 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Charlotte Jennings is an inspiration. The behaviors she exhibits and the examples she sets are goals for us to attain."-Joan Bialk "Charlotte writes an inspiring story of her search for our Savior and His faithfulness to never leave us or forsake us. Hers is a story of stepping into the river for Jesus."-Paula Pelletier "She is called conqueror, encourager, intercessor, prayer warrior, Jesus follower, champion, believer, mighty woman of faith, difference maker, friend, aunt, great aunt, sister, great grandmother, grandmother, the park grandma, cherished wife, but I am honored and blessed to call her mom. I love you mom."-Joelle

Author : Nora Roberts
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 0593637836
Total Pages : 497 pages
Book Rating : 4.38/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book The Witness written by Nora Roberts and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2023-11-07 with total page 497 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In her stunning 200th novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts proves why no one is better “when it comes to flawlessly fusing high-stakes suspense with red-hot romance" (Booklist, starred review). Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth Fitch finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance security systems designer, her own protection is supplemented by a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. Unfortunately, that seems to be the quickest way to get attention in a tiny southern town. The mystery of Abigail Lowery and her sharp mind, secretive nature and unromantic viewpoint intrigues local police chief Brooks Gleason, on both a personal and professional level. And while he suspects that Abigail needs protection from something, Gleason is accustomed to two-bit troublemakers, not the powerful and dangerous men who are about to have him in their sights. And Abigail Lowery, who has built a life based on security and self-control, is at risk of losing both.

Author : Lloyd Evans
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780995669154
Total Pages : 154 pages
Book Rating : 4.55/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book How to Escape from Jehovah's Witnesses written by Lloyd Evans and published by . This book was released on 2018-04-25 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jehovah's Witnesses number into the millions globally and are well known for their public evangelism about God's kingdom. But beneath the facade of brotherly love and organizational unity lies a captive organization in which doubts are stifled and dissent is ruthlessly crushed. Once a Witness stops believing, they face being ostracized as a loathed "mentally diseased" apostate. They must navigate a labyrinth of obstacles and dilemmas due to the organization's cruel policy of shunning former members. Lloyd Evans is a well known ex-Witness writer and activist, and in his second book he draws on his firsthand, insider knowledge as a former elder to guide would-be escapees through the minefield that awaits them. How should elders be dealt with? What resources are available for objective research? What should someone do if they are threatened with judicial action? What about coming clean to family members? How does someone go about rebuilding their social circle? What precautions should be taken to maintain privacy when browsing apostate material online? All these questions and more are answered in How to Escape From Jehovah's Witnesses, described by Paul Grundy of JWfacts.com as "an invaluable tool in helping [former Witnesses] move on as efficiently and painlessly as possible."

Author : Karen Hesse
Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
ISBN 13 : 0545345944
Total Pages : 188 pages
Book Rating : 4.41/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book Witness (Scholastic Gold) written by Karen Hesse and published by Scholastic Inc.. This book was released on 2013-03-01 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse emerses readers in a small Vermont town in 1924 with this haunting and harrowing tale. Leanora Sutter. Esther Hirsh. Merlin Van Tornhout. Johnny Reeves . . .These characters are among the unforgettable cast inhabiting a small Vermont town in 1924. A town that turns against its own when the Ku Klux Klan moves in. No one is safe, especially the two youngest, twelve-year-old Leanora, an African-American girl, and six-year-old Esther, who is Jewish.In this story of a community on the brink of disaster, told through the haunting and impassioned voices of its inhabitants, Newbery Award winner Karen Hesse takes readers into the hearts and minds of those who bear witness.

Author : Edmond C. Gruss
Publisher : Xulon Press
ISBN 13 : 193123230X
Total Pages : 377 pages
Book Rating : 4.02/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download or read book Jehovah's Witnesses written by Edmond C. Gruss and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 377 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: