Podcasts about disfellowship

Gain valuable insights on how to handle the challenging situation of dealing with disfellowshipped members, guided by biblical principles and a compassionate approach.

We discuss the practice of disfellowshipping members in the church, what it looks like, what the Bible says about it, and why don't churches employ it any more.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Inappropriate forms of control, 1-3Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)Big decisions require approval of church minister?Must trim vacation not to miss Sunday.Overweight people cannot be up front on Sunday.Send in stats Sunday night: visitors, missing members, etc.Threaten with disfellowship just because disagreed with the leader's decision.Removing people from the membership list for missing midweek.Can't come to leaders' meeting unless you had a visitor that week.Must provide (free) house-cleaning or babysitting services to leaders.Must attend all events—even if scheduled at the last minute.Control in other areas: relationships, finances, employment, domicile, marriage, family…Are the people serving the leader, or is the leader serving the people?1) Heavy loadsThey tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them (Matt 23:4).“No physical food before spiritual food”—personal devotional rule.“One-a-day challenge”—and other evangelistic rules.Financial control—encouraging people to go into debt in order to make contribution. Or group leaders seeing what everyone has given (standing around in circle).*** Negative evangelistic impact“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to (Matt 23:13)—heavyhandedness can also prevent people from coming to Christ.2) Prohibitions with an appearance of wisdomSince you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Col 2:20-23).Discipline for drinking alcohol—of course some people should never drink.Disfellowship for dating someone outside one's own fellowship—assuming you are the only Christians in town? Is this really an area in which elders / church leaders should be involvedDisfellowship for owning & watching TV.Forbidding films of a certain rating.Cards—because of the association with gambling.Dancing—a lot of it is worldly, but how do we monitor this?3) Mark 7—Manmade rules & traditionsHe replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain;  their teachings are merely human rules.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (Mark 7:6-8).Every church inevitably needs some "rules" (not necessarily bad), like "Church starts at 9:00," or "Members need to participate in a small group."Still, these do not have divine authority.Yes, younger disciples often benefit from guidelines, yet even then these should be a matter of consent, not law. Legalism will shape their concept of God.Best practices ≠ commands of God.Distinguish church traditions.When we fail to make the distinction, then people stop obeying the start using external metrics: visitors, QTs, days without overeating, etc.Let's not go beyond what is written (Deut 4:2; Prov 30:5-6; 1 Cor 4:6; Rev 22:18-19).In Control, Part 2: Three more areas of inappropriate control.

Jared and Allen discuss recent developments in the SBC, including disfellowship and a lawsuit, plus some thoughts on the best seasoning.Make sure you are following us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotluckPodcastSBC

In this episode, Scott S. talks with Christine and Scott H. about several mega churches that have been in the news lately for various reasons and how Christians should think about and respond to the issues at hand. We ask the question, how much room for different beliefs should there be before a group is reprimanded for their actions?

«Today on the podcast... Adam and Dillon discuss the biblical truths on the topic of woman pastors. «LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel! It's free and you always have the option to unsubscribe later! «Like all of our socials for the podcast: ««Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeBearWitnessPodcast/ ««Instagram: www.instagram.com/webearwitnesspodcast/ ««Twitter: www.twitter.com/wbearwpodcast

Occasionally, it takes drastic action to help individuals get back on the right path and to keep our community healthy. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Occasionally, it takes drastic action to help individuals get back on the right path and to keep our community healthy. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Occasionally, it takes drastic action to help individuals get back on the right path and to keep our community healthy. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

The one doctrine that has always been a despicable practice with regard to the Jehovah's Witnesses and many cults and high control groups is the practice of disfellowhipping. Jehovah's Witnesses were recently fined 12000 Euros in Belgium due to this practice of disfellowshipping and shunning. The court ruled that the non-profit association behind Jehovah's Witnesses is guilty of inciting discrimination and hatred or violence against former members. One of the lawyers of the civil parties said during the trial last month, “The Jehovah's Witnesses' shunning policy cuts to the very core of relationships, and the victims suffer both physical and psychological consequences.” In this video I discuss the effects of this policy on its members. ___________________________________________________________________ If you would like to support the work I do and would like to see this channel grow please consider supporting me on Patreon. It would be highly appreciated. https://patreon.com/robinjackson Buy my book Losing The Faith: Amazon https://tinyurl.com/27x2htzm Buy my book Cults: How They Work Amazon https://tinyurl.com/3bw82jk4 #JehovahsWitnesses #EXJW #Disfellowship

The one doctrine that has always been a despicable practice with regard to the Jehovah's Witnesses and many cults and high control groups is the practice of disfellowhipping. Jehovah's Witnesses were recently fined 12000 Euros in Belgium due to this practice of disfellowshipping and shunning. The court ruled that the non-profit association behind Jehovah's Witnesses is guilty of inciting discrimination and hatred or violence against former members. One of the lawyers of the civil parties said during the trial last month, “The Jehovah's Witnesses' shunning policy cuts to the very core of relationships, and the victims suffer both physical and psychological consequences.” In this video I discuss the effects of this policy on its members. ___________________________________________________________________ If you would like to support the work I do and would like to see this channel grow please consider supporting me on Patreon. It would be highly appreciated. https://patreon.com/robinjackson Buy my book Losing The Faith: Amazon https://tinyurl.com/27x2htzm Buy my book Cults: How They Work Amazon https://tinyurl.com/3bw82jk4 #JehovahsWitnesses #EXJW #Disfellowship

The one doctrine that has always been a despicable practice with regard to the Jehovah's Witnesses and many cults and high control groups is the practice of disfellowhipping.Jehovah's Witnesses were recently fined 12000 Euros in Belgium due to this practice of disfellowshipping and shunning. The court ruled that the non-profit association behind Jehovah's Witnesses is guilty of inciting discrimination and hatred or violence against former members. One of the lawyers of the civil parties said during the trial last month, “The Jehovah's Witnesses' shunning policy cuts to the very core of relationships, and the victims suffer both physical and psychological consequences.”In this video I discuss the effects of this policy on its members.___________________________________________________________________If you would like to support the work I do and would like to see this channel grow please consider supporting me on Patreon. It would be highly appreciated. https://patreon.com/robinjacksonBuy my book Losing The Faith: Amazon https://tinyurl.com/27x2htzmBuy my book Cults: How They Work Amazon https://tinyurl.com/3bw82jk4 #JehovahsWitnesses #EXJW #Disfellowship

This is such a touchy topic, and rightly so, because it is a difficult topic. In today's episode, we dig down into how we can truly handle this concept in a Biblical way and how it can be motivating to us as we try to serve God.

I receive questions often about the process of disfellowshipping, and often it is because there is some emotional connection to the topic. Terry Francis and I work together to eliminate some of the errors that are practiced in regards to this commandment, and to make sure we truly understand the purpose behind disfellowshipping so we can do it for the right reason.

Brandon Johnson returns to the podcast for a conversation about a heavy, often painful topic; the withdrawing of fellowship from a fellow believer. The topic of disfellowship (excommunication in some circles) is a heavy topic for many. The practice of disfellowshiping fellow believers happens far too often, many times for trivial reasons. Families, churches, and communities have been torn apart as a result of needless and flippant withdrawal of fellowship between Christians. While there is a time and place for withdrawing fellowship from a fellow believer, this practice is one that should never be considered lightly and should only be utilized as a measure of last resort.  In this episode, Kevin, Brandon, and Lee discuss their experience with this practice in terms of being on both the 'giving' and 'receiving' end of disfellowship, what the Bible says about this practice, and how Christians can and should do better. Questions? Comments? Email us! exploringfaithpursuinggrace@gmail.com Thanks for listening!

Today I am joined by Jack Pine research to discuss Jehovah's Witnesses, disfellowship, cultish behavior, watchtower publication, and so much more. 

Jinghpaw christmas shakawn mahkawn n'sen // Jinghpaw christmas praising songs.

Jinghpaw christmas shakawn mahkawn n'sen // Jinghpaw christmas praising songs.

We are diving into new territory this week on The Modesty Files as Melanie walks us through her family's transition into the world of Jehovah's Witnesses. Melanie remembers celebrating her birthday in the 5th grade, but as her family fell deeper into the church, all celebrations of any kind had to cease. Her life became focused on biding her time as she waited and prepared for Armageddon and the end of the world as they knew it. This episode involves mature adult themes. Listener discretion is advised.Follow us on Instagram @themodestyfiles for updates and bonus content.

Saint Athanasius Church: https://www.saintathanasiusfc.com/ Contra Mundum Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/Contra-Mundum-Swagger-Following-Divorce/dp/0692838961

This is Part 2 of our review of the recently announced changes to the LDS Church's General Handbook of Instructions. Major changes include: - Major changes to the church's Disciplinary Council and Exommunication processes. - Major changes for LGBTQ Mormons, and specifically for Transgender Mormons. - Some minor changes for women/feminists. - Other changes to general policy. Tonight our panel includes Natasha Helfer Parker, Gina Colvin, Anthony D. Miller, Kyle Ashworth, Samantha Taylor, and Jana Johnson Spangler.

This is Part 2 of our review of the recently announced changes to the LDS Church's General Handbook of Instructions. Major changes include: - Major changes to the church's Disciplinary Council and Exommunication processes. - Major changes for LGBTQ Mormons, and specifically for Transgender Mormons. - Some minor changes for women/feminists. - Other changes to general policy. Tonight our panel includes Natasha Helfer Parker, Gina Colvin, Anthony D. Miller, Kyle Ashworth, Samantha Taylor, and Jana Johnson Spangler.

This is Part 2 of our review of the recently announced changes to the LDS Church's General Handbook of Instructions. Major changes include: - Major changes to the church's Disciplinary Council and Exommunication processes. - Major changes for LGBTQ Mormons, and specifically for Transgender Mormons. - Some minor changes for women/feminists. - Other changes to general policy. Tonight our panel includes Natasha Helfer Parker, Gina Colvin, Anthony D. Miller, Kyle Ashworth, Samantha Taylor, and Jana Johnson Spangler.  

Today we are interviewing Lila Tueller - daughter of prominent Mormon General Authority, Hartman Rector Jr. Today we will discuss Lila’s story, which includes: - Her parent’s story joining the church and becoming church leaders. - What it was like to grow up in the family of a prominent Mormon General Authority. - Lila’s own faith journey as a Mormon, which includes her own faith crisis. - Lila’s beliefs and perspective now about Mormonism, and about life.

Today we are interviewing Lila Tueller - daughter of prominent Mormon General Authority, Hartman Rector Jr. Today we will discuss Lila’s story, which includes: - Her parent’s story joining the church and becoming church leaders. - What it was like to grow up in the family of a prominent Mormon General Authority. - Lila’s own faith journey as a Mormon, which includes her own faith crisis. - Lila’s beliefs and perspective now about Mormonism, and about life.

Today we are interviewing Lila Tueller - daughter of prominent Mormon General Authority, Hartman Rector Jr. Today we will discuss Lila’s story, which includes: - Her parent’s story joining the church and becoming church leaders. - What it was like to grow up in the family of a prominent Mormon General Authority. - Lila’s own faith journey as a Mormon, which includes her own faith crisis. - Lila’s beliefs and perspective now about Mormonism, and about life.

Today we are interviewing Lila Tueller - daughter of prominent Mormon General Authority, Hartman Rector Jr. Today we will discuss Lila’s story, which includes: - Her parent’s story joining the church and becoming church leaders. - What it was like to grow up in the family of a prominent Mormon General Authority. - Lila’s own faith journey as a Mormon, which includes her own faith crisis. - Lila’s beliefs and perspective now about Mormonism, and about life.

On 6/30/2019 Mormon Bishop Jared Lusk attended a Mormon church disciplinary council in the Farmington, New Mexico stake on the charges of apostasy. His "sins" included:   1) Losing his Mormon faith after reading the Mormon church's own Gospel Topics essays, which discussed topics such as : a) discrepancies in the multiple accounts of Joseph Smith's first vision, b) Joseph Smith's polygamy and polyandry, c) concerns about the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and Book of Abraham, etc.   2) Writing publicly about his loss of faith on Facebook, and   3) Supporting Mormon Bishop Sam Young's efforts to protect Mormon children from sexual abuse.   During the disciplinary council Jared's Mormon Stake President read the charges of apostasy, including several of Jared's Facebook statements. Then, Jared's wife, Gwen, along with two of their daughters (Taylor and Madison) testified on Jared's behalf. Then Jared provided his own response to the charges.   At the close of the disciplinary council, Jared's stake president twice asked Jared explicitly if he would agree to stop commenting on social media about his disbelief in fundamental Mormon truth claims. Both times Jared told his stake president that he would NOT stop expressing his disbelief on social media - explicitly defying the counsel of Jared's priesthood leadership (which in and of itself is ground for apostasy).   In a somewhat unexpected and heretofore unheard of act in the modern area, Jared was informed by his Stake President that he has been Disfellowshipped for Apostasy.

The rise of secularism has made many Christians defensive. We know we are required to love, so we wrap our ‘concerns’ for unbelieving children, spouses, friends in awkward, uncomfortable conversations that end up breaking relationships.  In this episode, we will look at the podcast of atheist Matt Dillahunty on his 50th birthday. We will consider research on religion and morality, look at some of the core biblical passages that are used to justify separation from others, and consider Jesus’ actions as a way forward toward reconciliation.  Matt Dillahunty: 50th Birthday Podcast Dimitris Xygalatas: Are Religious People More Moral

The rise of secularism has made many Christians defensive. We know we are required to love, so we wrap our 'concerns' for unbelieving children, spouses, friends in awkward, uncomfortable conversations that end up breaking relationships.  In this episode, we will look at the podcast of atheist Matt Dillahunty on his 50th birthday. We will consider research on religion and morality, look at some of the core biblical passages that are used to justify separation from others, and consider Jesus' actions as a way forward toward reconciliation.   Matt Dillahunty: 50th Birthday PodcastDimitris Xygalatas: Are Religious People More Moral 

You know that knock and the door. You answer. As soon as you see who’s there you close the door with the standard accompanying and dismissive phrase "I'm not interested". Yes, it’s the Jehovah’s Witness. Today's interview guest is Lloyd Evans who is an ex-member with plenty of stories to tell (who was also on Leah Remini's show). He tells us about his (nearly) whole life in the organisation. He shines a light on the challenges, the damage, the practices and the personal effect of being in a cult. It’s a fascinating interview that opened our eyes in many ways. What we generally dismiss usually has a human and very vulnerable story behind it. There is so many parallels to be drawn between cults and long-established religions, a lot of which modern cults are based on. The people who knock on your door are under a binding doctrine that is incredibly damaging and should and will be exposed on every level possible.If you are in need of contact, resources, reassurance or help as you are doubting or leaving the organisation, please avail of the plentiful opportunities out there and get into contact. There are a lot of people who went through the same thing and are here to help. Educate yourself and see what’s there and contact where need be. Please check out his books and various outlets, as they are a tremendous resource. You can also support the cause by donating to his Patreon, which is entirely dedicated to helping people who feel they have no out:Website: https://jwsurvey.org/Additional full resource: jwfacts.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/johncedars1929/featuredTwitter: @cedarsjwsurveyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/cedars Amazon/Kindle Books for research and a good starting point:The Reluctant Apostate: Leaving Jehovah’s Witness: https://amzn.to/2D4z2krHow to Escape from Jehovah’s Witness: https://amzn.to/2sZ5SOO

You know that knock and the door. You answer. As soon as you see who’s there you close the door with the standard accompanying and dismissive phrase "I'm not interested". Yes, it’s the Jehovah’s Witness. Today's interview guest is Lloyd Evans who is an ex-member with plenty of stories to tell (who was also on Leah Remini's show). He tells us about his (nearly) whole life in the organisation. He shines a light on the challenges, the damage, the practices and the personal effect of being in a cult. It’s a fascinating interview that opened our eyes in many ways. What we generally dismiss usually has a human and very vulnerable story behind it. There is so many parallels to be drawn between cults and long-established religions, a lot of which modern cults are based on. The people who knock on your door are under a binding doctrine that is incredibly damaging and should and will be exposed on every level possible.If you are in need of contact, resources, reassurance or help as you are doubting or leaving the organisation, please avail of the plentiful opportunities out there and get into contact. There are a lot of people who went through the same thing and are here to help. Educate yourself and see what’s there and contact where need be. Please check out his books and various outlets, as they are a tremendous resource. You can also support the cause by donating to his Patreon, which is entirely dedicated to helping people who feel they have no out:Website: https://jwsurvey.org/Additional full resource: jwfacts.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/johncedars1929/featuredTwitter: @cedarsjwsurveyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/cedars Amazon/Kindle Books for research and a good starting point:The Reluctant Apostate: Leaving Jehovah’s Witness: https://amzn.to/2D4z2krHow to Escape from Jehovah’s Witness: https://amzn.to/2sZ5SOO

10/23/16 (AM)

Is there any Word from the Lord about … Disfellowship? Speaker: Daniel Lange Date: 4/17/16

disfellowship, forgiving 70 x 7, forgiveness without repentance, two or three witnesses

Amber Scorah went to Shanghai as a Jehovah's Witness missionary. But in one of the most restrictive, totalitarian countries in the world, for the first time in her life, she found she had the freedom to think. Photo: Andy

This podcast concludes my first judicial hearing. Remember, I was expected to defend myself in front of a committee of 3 elders with no representation; it was me against them. The two witness called to testify against me were both elders, one of whom is my brother. Both of these witnesses used conversations I had had with them, trusting that they were going to help me. Instead, they convened a meeting of the elders, brought their testimonies together and formed a judicial committee. This was a breach of clergy privilege.* Please pay careful attention to what can only be described as a personal bias on the part of one of the elders in the committee who was supposed to have been going on holiday with two of our friends. Compare his questioning, coupled with the testimony of the two elders, with the statement made right at the end by the Chairman that the committee was not prejudiced or biased. Remember, anyone who does not accept all of the Governing Body's interpretation of scripture is liable to face a committee such as I did. Ask yourself whether the Watch Tower Society allows it's members to enjoy the same level of freedom of thought and religion as it itself expects to be afforded. Is there any wonder why some view the Watch Tower Society as a dangerous cult? *Jehovah's Witness elders consistently use the excuse of "clergy privilege" to avoid having to testify in court against suspected Jehovah's Witness pedophiles. Please check www.silentlambs.org for further information.

PLAY THE AUDIO In this edition of the podcast we start the first of my judicial hearings. This is part 1 of the first hearing. I'll let the audio speak for itself, however, please notice who the two witnesses are and how apostasy is defined. Please feel free to copy and distribute these podcasts. If you've any comments, please leave them on the website; www.deathorobedience.blogspot.com

Play This podcast was recorded on Christmas Day 2008. After our last visit from two local elders my wife felt she could no longer be known as a Jehovah's Witness and had chosen to disassociate herself in November 2008. We had been on a family holiday and had returned to find that one of the local elders who had visited us had warned off my mother-in-law from having anything to do with my wife - her daughter. He also made false statements about one of my children. I decided to confront this elder at the Kingdom Hall. This podcast is the recording of our conversation. Notice how he denies making such statements to my mother-in-law and falsely accuses me of teaching her beliefs contrary to Jehovah's Witnesses. Notice too his view of choosing not to be a Jehovah's Witness is a sin or not. He also clearly states his position regarding the worship of Jesus. I firmly believe that as a result a result of this conversation this elder initiated judicial proceedings against me the following month. Podcasts from this judicial hearing will follow shortly.

Play Get all of the podcasts in iTunes This is the final part of our second visit from two local elders. In this podcast you'll notice the huge emphasis Jehovah's Witnesses put on their need to have an organisation to follow, an organisation that will place upon them an enforced unity of belief. The elders stress their belief that only the 144,000 get the Holy Spirit and that they alone represent Jesus on earth today. We come back to the issue of the United Nations. One of the elders had previously stated that the United Nations was "just the Beast". In this podcast you'll notice that he denies saying this. I press one of the elders as to whether he would ever have any affiliation with the UN, notice how he responds. The elders completely dismiss myself, my wife and my childrens' futures because we are no longer associated with the Watch Tower Society. We're also told that God is not with us, again because we don't believe the teachings of men in Brooklyn. Closeness to God is absolutely linked to the Watch Tower Society in the eyes of these elders, and sadly this is typical of most Jehovah's Witnesses. The discussion turns from being about the teachings of the organisation to being about our personal character and the sort of people we are and will become. Interestingly, it's tacitly admitted that the lifestyle of the organisation can make you feel bad about yourself.

In this podcast we continue with our second visit from two of the local elders. The discussion moves onto the Biblical definition of a false prophet. I also provide both elders with evidence relating to the Watch Tower Society's dishonesty regarding their links to Johannes Grieber. Please notice how swiftly this information is dismissed and attention is turned on my character instead. Listen out for one of the elders saying that Jehovah would allow people to die within the Organisation due to their teachings. Stunningly, this same elder says that anomalies in the Society's publication is the same as there being anomalies in the Bible. For some reason he also recommends that we read the "God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins . this elder says , "You'll find enough there to disturb you". Also, the overt use of emotional blackmail may surprise you. Emotions become raw. Listen out for the moment when one of the elders agrees that we're being treated like we're dirt on the bottom of someone's shoe.

Click on the link below to listen to the audio. play the audio Death or obedience podcast part 5 My wife and I had already had a visit from two elders, one of whom promised that he'd return. True to his word, he returned bringing another local elder with him, who happens to be my brother. This podcast is the first of 3 parts of their visit. We discuss some of Jehovah's Witnesses unique beliefs Is 1914 found in scripture? Do the presence of "ministerial servants" and "elders" mark one group as being true Christians over all others? Have the Watch Tower Society added to the Gospel? And is the Watch Tower Society's calculation of the Gentile Times an express Bible teaching? I'd love to hear your thoughts on these podcasts, please leave your comments on the website. Or email me.

This is part 4 of the Death or Obedience Podcast. For the story behind this podcast, be sure to visit the website - deathorobedience.blogspot.com PLAY THE AUDIO Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 This is the final part of our first visit from 2 of the local elders. Despite previously stating that a person would not be considered an apostate for reading material critical of the Watch Tower Society's teachings, one of the elders now makes the grave comment that passing on such material does designate a person as an apostate. I am commended for keeping my own counsel - the elder admits that I have not been guilty of discussing my concerns about the Organisation with anyone else. This is an important point to keep in mind as he later claims the opposite to be true. The elder also contradicts himself as to whether Jehovah has been blessing individuals or groups since 33CE.

PLAY THE AUDIO This is part 3 of the Death or Obedience Podcast. For the story behind this podcast, be sure to visit the website - deathorobedience.blogspot.com In this edition we continue with our visit from 2 of the local elders. Our discussion moves onto whether the Organisation is inspired by God or not. One of elders admits that it isn't, however, he fails to explain how God can be using it as his agent on earth. My wife is put under pressure to talk about any books she may have read which criticise the teachings of the Watch Tower Society. It's pointed out by the elder, though, that reading such literature does not make one an apostate. We also broach the life or death topic of organ transplants.

This is part 2 of the Death or Obedience Podcast. For the story behind this podcast, be sure to visit the website - deathorobedience.blogspot.com PLAY THE AUDIO In this edition we continue with our visit from 2 of the local elders. We discuss at length the Watch Tower Society's self-assigned role as God's prophet. Notice, however, how one of the elders states that the Society has never claimed to be a prophet, but were merely running ahead of Jehovah. Notice also the terms "negative Bible study" and the complete dismissal of the Watch Tower Society's relationship with the United Nations.

Part 1 - The Elders Come to Visit Part 1 of 4 Jehovah's Witnesses are required to accept the entire range of teachings and unique beliefs as laid out in Watch Tower Society publications. Failure to do so results in being cut off, excommunicated, leaving the Jehovah's Witness to face one of two choices; Death or Obedience. In this series of podcasts we reveal what actually happens when Jehovah's Witnesses start to have doubts as to the scriptural validity of these unique teachings. My wife and I were approached by the local elders who wished to visit us to impart some 'scriptural encouragement'. Little did we realise that this visit would eventually lead to us being faced with the choice; Death or Obedience. In the coming weeks you will hear recorded conversation with Jehovah's Witness elders, culminating with the secretive 'Judicial Committee' hearings that Jehovah's Witnesses are threatened with if they continue to question Watch Tower teachings. Some of what you will hear may disturb you. Some of what you hear may upset you. The purpose of this podcast is to educate people as to the level of control an average Jehovah's Witness will face from the body of elders. In part 1 of this series, my wife and I are visited by 2 local elders to enquire as to our spiritual well-being. This is part 1 of this particular visit which will span 4 podcasts. Listen out for their unwillingness to admit that any outwith the Watch Tower Society can be considered a Christian, that the Watch Tower Society is, by definition, a false prophet and in particular listen out for one of the elders admitting that their belief of 1914 is not based in scripture.

Grant Palmer served as a CES Institute Director and Seminary/Institute Teacher for over 30 years. In part 4 of this 4 part series, Grant discusses the early reactions to his book, his trial with the LDS Church for apostacy (which ultimately led to his disfellowship), his thoughts about how the LDS Church might constructively deal with these tough historical issues, and his testimony of how focusing on Christ could benefit all sides of these issues.

Grant Palmer served as a CES Institute Director and Seminary/Institute Teacher for over 30 years. In part 4 of this 4 part series, Grant discusses the early reactions to his book, his trial with the LDS Church for apostacy (which ultimately led to his disfellowship), his thoughts about how the LDS Church might constructively deal with these tough historical issues, and his testimony of how focusing on Christ could benefit all sides of these issues.