Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses: Personal Experiences and Aftermath
Leaving any religious organization, especially one as tightly-knit as Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs), can be a challenging and often isolating experience. The process of renouncing one's faith and severing ties with a religious community is not always straightforward. Different individuals may face various outcomes depending on their reasons for leaving and how their former congregation reacts to their departure.
This article explores the experiences of those who have left the Jehovah's Witnesses, including common challenges, the importance of personal discretion, and the sometimes controversial aftermath. We will also delve into specific scenarios involving members and their families to provide a broader understanding of the complexities involved when leaving this religion.
Personal Disassociation from Jehovah's Witnesses
Personal stories from former members of Jehovah's Witnesses highlight the wide range of experiences one can encounter when leaving this faith community. One such individual, who went by the pseudonym 'Writer,' explains their journey as follows:
"I just wrote them a disassociation letter and I left. I was never baptized or disfellowshipped, or anything. And I never returned to their meetings. One of the elders texted me asking if he could come over to chat. I told him no, thank you, and I have not heard from them again. I assume they wanted to discuss my letter. I have been lucky that they haven't knocked on my door yet. I've heard that they sometimes harass their ex-members. I told them that I was dating a woman of the same sex, and in their religion, relationships like mine are not accepted.
Writer left in 2014 and has not returned to any JW meetings or memorials. The experience of writer is beneficial to understand the quiet leave of individuals who do not wish to cause public conflict or engage in controversial discussions.
Common Challenges and Aftermath
The aftermath of leaving Jehovah's Witnesses can vary. Some former members face a smooth transition from the community to secular life, while others may encounter antagonism and even harassment from their former co-religionists. Former members must navigate both internal and external challenges, including reconciling their past teachings and practices with their current beliefs.
One example of the aftermath involves a woman who had two sons who chose to leave the religion. One son wanted to live with a non-JW, citing the inability to get married in a JW kingdom hall as a reason. This son has since remained unmarried despite his desire to marry. The other son married a Catholic woman and got married in both her church and a secular setting, with the secular marriage coming first. Both sons are now considered irreligious by the JW community, yet they are still able to visit their mother, who has been excommunicated from the JW organization but not from her family.
Conclusion
Leaving any religious organization, including Jehovah's Witnesses, is a deeply personal decision that carries its own set of challenges and consequences. The experiences of former members offer valuable insights into the reasons why individuals choose to leave and the potential outcomes of their decision. It is crucial to respect the rights of those who choose to leave their faith, while also understanding the often emotional and legal complexities that can arise from such a choice.