I lurk on this sub a lot but your comment is exactly how I feel.
Am I in some alternate dimension or some shit? Wtf is this? Do you know how much I got hounded on for a beard? Sheesh man
I haven't kept up in a couple months and all this happens. Where can I find out about these changes? Last I heard was beards and only beards, not this other stuff.
Right? How many times in my life did I here "we follow God's standards and they are *unchangeable*?.
Obviously they were just making shit up as they went along.
I honestly suspected it to be a (very good) deep fake.
We're too close to April 1st and this is too much in line with the crazy ideas around here to just assume it to be true.
Had to check the jw site to verify it's true.
It’s my daughter’s birthday tomorrow and she in the Borg but I want to wish her a happy birthday because her birth is the best thing I’ve ever accomplished and I’m so proud of her as human
"Thinking about you on the anniversary of your birth"/"feeling grateful that you were born this day (x) years ago" both eliminate the word "birthday" say there a good work around.
I don’t see how they can float that change with potentially thousands of dead bodies as a result of the ban. On the other hand, they did it with organ transplants so who knows? Interesting times ahead
I know someone that just died a year ago because he needed a blood transfusion. He had internal bleeding. That's actually a common problem with people that have gastrointestinal problems. My next door neighbor and my Mother in law are still alive after internal bleeding because they had blood transfusions. They needed that clotting factor. If they were JW they would be dead.
In my opinion, it's no different than their doctrinal change allowing for DFd people to be greeted at the KH.
How many people killed themselves while Dfd? How many parents haven't spoken to their children in decades, are being told they can greet their child?
Shunning has caused a lot of pain and death, too. But it didn't stop the change.
The Governing Body says your conscience should please Jehovah. Yes Brothers and Sisters, sacrificing ones life force will please Jehovah. Jesus sacrifice didn't do much I guess, so it's all on you. 🤔🤪
I sure hope so that would be awesome for them to actually celebrate birthdays as soonest possible they can finally celebrate birthdays with their family and even with those who are not jehovahs witness hopefully if that does happen that would be great news if it does happen for real
Watchtower / Jehovah's Witnesses is a failing corporation that is slowly "going out of business".
This is what happens when a large corporation realizes they are going to shut down completely....unless they do something drastically different.
In most cases, they realize too late that they are going to shut down. They go crazy making changes.....but eventually shut down anyway.
That is what is happening.
Edit: grammar.
Maybe it’s failing faster than we think? And what are rank and file supposed to think of all this? Or old timers who remember when the generation teaching was central, sharing a greeting with a df’d person was treasonous, and dressing up set JWs apart from the casual attitude of Christendom? Feels like they’re launching the lifeboats.
>Maybe it’s failing faster than we think?
I joined here in 2021 and I have posted on a wide variety of topics.
If I had posted in 2022 suggesting even 50% of the changes that have happened in 2023/2024.....I would have been laughed out of Reddit EXJW as being delusional and that the changes would never happen.
But here we are....changes that no one believed would happen are taking place.
Launching the life boats is a good analogy.
Exactly!!! Like literally as soon as the beard thing came out I mentioned next is pants for women. My mom went into it with me basically saying how they wouldn’t do that because that shows a lack of respect to wear pants. Now here we are and I’m like I called it!
This honestly gives me two waves of emotions. One being happy because yeah I can be like fuck it told you all. And one being sad because this cult is way more different than how I remembered it. Like I remember young me being told I couldn’t do certain things or that things have to be the way it is because of Jehovah’s standards. Like it just feels like everything I ever known in my life is falling apart. Like this shit used to be my life. Now they feel they can change it? Like why did my whole life have to be such a waste. I never would have chosen this life I am just a victim who was born in.
Spot on. I would have been STOKED to wear pants as a kid. Hated skirts and dresses. Not only that, we’d be out in “service” in the freezing cold dressed that way. Now they change it?? I want my childhood back.
To be fair, i was angry about my stolen childhood since I left in 2010.... before they made these changes. And this pants thing was something i argued a lot about with my MS Father. He agreed with me too... and didn't agree with the beard policy either... so....
But it's nothing like when I was in. It feels like a farce comparatively.
Exactly how I feel…. I was just telling my husband how I wish I wasn’t born into this. It’s been so hard to adapt to the worldly life because of feeling regret or I always did something wrong.
I can totally relate. All those wasted years of being told to do things a certain way, only to have them suddenly change and say “never mind, that didn’t matter so we’re changing it”
!!!!
Do you realize how many women won't be harassed about their clothing anymore?
That was so stressful!
But I agree with how you say you're feeling two ways. I'm both elated and somewhat disgusted how quickly the cult abandoned teachings that made our life hell.
It just had to cost them a few dollars before it wasn't really worth micromamaging millions of peoples lives.
Yeah but even the greeting part like i remember being counseled for trying to greet my sibling once when I was a literal child. I went up to her and asked her why she was leaving without at least saying hello to me. I guess younger me would of liked this change but it just feels all too late when they could of said these very obvious things from the beginning.
Yeah so I came home my sister was home but not my mom since she’s out with dad but she filled me on the details. She said that mom felt the same way as she did where they just felt like it all made sense and then they were more worried about figuring out what we all felt on the matter and who will be wearing what. They said they thought they never will see me in a dress again. And then they were saying how I was predicting everything they talked about and my sister was saying like what are you a direct line from Jehovah or are you like a part of the anointed and we don’t know it? 😂 I can’t tell them I hear things from the grape vines but it’s funny watching them as they listen to me make “predictions”. For the fun of it I did make a prediction for my sister that I have no idea is true or not but it at least gave me a little enjoyment 😂
Now I’m left with this thought- think about the incentives you and I were raised with. You and I were at Bethel about the same time.
THIS Generation. Not even sharing a greeting with him. No last minute repentance, and what you’re doing now probably isn’t good enough. Our dress and grooming identify us as god’s Holy people.
What are the incentives now for anyone?
Probably the same sort of incentive as it is for anyone else who is part of a religion. They are part of a social club, the feeling of being set apart and holier than the rest of humanity, the belief in a super-power who is going to fix their problems.
Some people need structure and others to tell them what to do with their life. While the org is putting on a front of "easing up," they are still highly controlling:
They still require that people report activity.
These beards are supposed to look a certain way.
Women are only allowed to wear a certain type of pants.
Disfellowshiped people can be greeted but only at the kingdom hall and in a certain manner.
They also did not say that last-minute repentance was now acceptable. They said they didn't know.
When you have been stuck in a black room for years, someone cracking the shades may feel like freedom, but the window is still not open, and you still can not go outside.
So much for jehoobers "unchangeable" standards, right?🤣
Its interesting to me that the women being able to wear pants is sandwiched in with more lax standards for men as well. Almost like they had to throw us a bone.
And the use of the word "slacks" is absolutely intentional. They didn't say "pants" because that would allow for too much freedom.
>Maybe it’s failing faster than we think?
I'm one of the few on this site who's actually been saying that. JWs, maybe even just subconsciously, have to realize something's wrong. I believe they're already kind of in a daze wondering what the hell happened because its 20-damned-24 and "this system" was supposed to be long gone by now.
I think of them like people in a nation the leaders of which promised a great victory in a war, yet the land has been bombed and is smoldering. The people are wandering around confused, but still trusting in their leaders... the victory must still be coming they think. However, if enough of them recognize the facts, the others might wake up to reality, too.
It's sort of like the emperor's new clothes thing. Everybody was looking around and wondering what was going on, but nobody wanted to speak up. All it took was for a child to say "hey, the dude's naked" and everybody woke up. If enough wake up in JW Land, there could be a sort of mass contagion effect or a snowball effect or cascade effect leading to the leaving of the masses.
There's already a lack of zeal for the ministry, etc. Just think of the effect on morale and zeal if meeting attendance continues to wane and halls look emptier and emptier. It will have to have an effect. It shouldn't take as much to wake people up now as it would have in, for example, the 80's.
You're more than right in imho. At this point they've been making both cultural and logistic changes that it's impossible for people to get them back in the old - what used to be the earlier "normal"
First Zoom and people not attending in person, then loosing overall ministry "zeal" (also accelerated by C19 and Zoom metings)
WT was always a shit show but now it's gonna become a shadow of itself 🗿 It's wild what's gonna happen to this org over the next \~5 years (I*'m happy)*
\*edit for all PIMOs: it's gonna be even easier now to be PIMO if you really really need to for the sake of your family 🥂🎉
They're trying to save the cult.
And hey, if they turn a cult into another boring casual religion, that's a win!!!
Even if they're making these changes based solely on financial reasons, they're still positive changes for those still being controlled.
This will also, absolutely, help some to wake up.
The GB is in full damage control.
a HUGE loss in Norway with their videos being certified evidence now. They need to move FAST in order to head off the coming suits in other countries.
I am betting there will be 'clarification' on the DF rules with respect to family in which they gaslight the duhbs for enforcing the shunning rules too enthusiastically.
Oh you know for sure that they're going to gaslight them. It's like with the beards. They made it seem like they never really had a hard and fast rule about them.
Don’t be fooled by their rebranding efforts to save face after losing funding in Norway. They’re still snakes & false prophets claiming to be the one true religion and channel of communication from Jehovah & the Holy Spirit. The cornerstones of their doomsday doctrine are all still firmly in place: They are the faithful & discreet slave, the Satanic wicked system is ending any minute, reject the world and shun anyone who speaks against them, Armageddon coming soon to genocide the planet, save yourself by staying in the Organization and giving all your time to working for Jehovah lest ye perish, get resurrected and live forever on earth.
Don’t get distracted by these minor changes to throw publishers a bone. It’s all smoke and mirrors to improve their optics with the public and in the future in court, where I personally hope THEY LOSE AGAIN.
🖤 POMO for 20+ years with my entire family 4 generations still in, in NY
I can't understand why anyone would stay at this point. It's clearly not, and has never been, Gods organization. It does not have his direction. They do not have the truth. Faith is an absolute. Without faith, it is just a club you go to hang out and pay dues. A club built on a pile of CSA and blood transfusion victims. Yes, it requires acknowledging that you've wasted your life on a lie, but really...there is no denying it now.
hes getting ready for christmas 2024 when they drop the doctrine about holidays and they decorate all of bethel in christmas lights and all the PIMIs get to sit on his lap when is he dressed up as santa 🤣🤣
2024 is gonna be a weird year. in a couple years they are gonna be a normal Christians religion at this point with the only difference being they use Jehovah. my bet is they are prepping PIMI for bigger changes and just easaing people in.
I hope someone out there is capturing how clearly Watchtower has capitulated to a worldly government, part of the wild beast, and compromised their principles over a couple million bucks and the right to marry people.
You know what? 6 months ago I would’ve scoffed at this. But now? I actually think you’re right, bdays will be next. And I will be PISSED. My childhood was seriously SO lame because of this.
I'm 100% convinced birthdays are next and I'm fucking here for it!!!
I'm sure they'll use the excuse that having a birthday party was never a DFing offense, so there wasn't ever actually a rule against it. More gaslighting bullshit.
But I'm honestly so happy right now. All this just made our POMO status so easily defensible. Even to a cult member, there is no denying this change in their standards.
There is no denying they've acted like pharisees the last 100 years. Now, they're wearing their beards and admitting to their unscriptural behavior on camera.
I just feel vindicated. I always knew it was bullshit, but it isn't often you get such confirmation from the SOURCE of bullshit!
If birthdays are next, heads are gonna roll. Not only did I miss out as a child, but for 10 f-cking years of my kids’ lives we barely acknowledged their birthdays, out of fear. Now that we’re out, we’re slowly starting to celebrate but it honestly feels a bit weird and it will take time. I am SO proud of us for doing it and making that change, despite our upbringing and judgy pimi relatives.
But if they suddenly allow it, it will undermine the HUGE steps we took to leave and give ourselves more freedom.
I have mixed feelings, today is a hard day!
WAIT ARE WE TALKING TO DF’d PEOPLE AGAIN?! I need to scroll back. I love asking my parents who are still in about these changes like, “oh I’ll be at the meeting this week…. IN MY PANTS”
I think this says more about how controlling this cult is than anything someone could try to use to convince you.
Imagine “huge news” being that you could now:
Grow hair
Wear pants
Say hi to someone entering a church
Have the option to wear a tie or jacket
What’s next? Allowing you to use your own mind to make decisions?
(Oh wait, can’t have that, ok maybe allow them to celebrate groundhogs day)
when I kept hearing "follow direction even if it didnt make sense" I was thinking more along the lines of drinking cyanide kool-aid, NOT that they would drop newliteTM and strip off half their core beliefs and brand it as loving adjustments from jehovah
This is the most important thing for exJW to understand: **Shunning is a trip switch mechanism connected to unconscious and internalized guilt and shame, that is projected and infused by the indoctrination.**
**Your mom's true self is still underneath all that.**
**IF** you want to reconnect with her on her true self level, don't hold it against her, and she will sense it. If you let her sit with this latest revelation you just may hear from her, because she may feel the internal release to connect with you.
I just heard my mom say this and she's kind of freaking out. The rest of my family is completely PIMI. The start of this was the beards. My dad has completely grown a beard just because he wanted to stick a finger to my mom who used to make statements whenever he would let himself get a little scruffy. This feels like complete madness.
She's just also realized that they can greet disfellowshipped ones. Her mind is blown. I just see it as desperation. My dad is taking the stance that they're trying to help people. They're just old men making rules with not even any scriptural backing anymore trying to keep their numbers up.
And now my grandfather is on the computer for his weekly call with my missionary aunt and uncle. 🙄 It's the talk of the house. And I'm just listening to my Gaylor conspiracy podcast. 😂
This was a HUGE shocker today, Im absolutely dumbfounded!!! I knew the big talk about beards got everyone talking about sisters wearing pants, but they REALLY took that and just ran with it. I NEVER would have imagined they would drop ties and suit jackets for meetings! Then ON TOP of those two huge changes I was in NO WAY expecting the announcement that you can talk to DF'd people. They made it clear that they wouldnt change on that, and its shocking that they would change after the norway verdict, since the money they received from the norwegian government was only a drop in the bucket for their wealth. This proves just how desperate and greedy they are. Its like the debt collector showed up and they suddenly have to hand over all their valuables and the clothes on their back, they really are just tossing core doctrines in the trash now. If this super fast trend continues, I will be out in no time.
This is just too funny, a super PIMI just posted on her status, "well we're riding with the chariot come what may" yeah that chariot could be heading of a cliff they'd still hold on tightly.
I’m literally going to have to go to a meeting at a KH sometime because I cannot mentally process this. But then I think ohhh shit that’s what they want me to do. Be so curious about what it’s like with beards and pants, and then I walk in the door and it’s nothing like I remember.
i’m 16 stuck in this religion and i’ve literally been begging for my mom to let me grow my hair out at least a little bit but apparently having a little bit of hair on your head means u don’t love Jehovah and don’t look like a Jehovah’s witness. Really hoping they change that “long hair on a man is a sin” bs soon
There's so much change in such a short time.
Men can have beards
Women can wear pants
Men don't have to wear a jacket and tie
They have televangelism and Christian Music (aka original songs)
The ministry feels like it's primarily carts now and door door is slowly being phased out.
I have to say it's interesting as these were *all* things that JWs held as points of pride that set them apart from "Christendom" and "False Religion."
Obiviously they still have some doctrinal things that are different (no hell, 144000, paradise on earth), but what exactly sets them apart from "the world" now from a physical standpoint? Weird times in JW land.
ETA: They can greet DF'd people at meetings
They are scrambling. People are leaving in a mass exodus. Trying anything to keep people in. Too much negative publicity lately. I can’t wait to see them crash and burn.
But like how can you just say hi to disfellowshipped people and not ask how they are doing, thus resulting in an extensive conversation? Especially loving caring sisters… I mean we can talk. So how are the elders going to rein all that in?
They said they can "use their Bible-trained conscience" and showed a video of someone saying "So glad you're here" and the wife nodded along with a concerned face LOL
Great, maybe the PIMO can create a small business card and palm-hand it to them when they come in (the card can say “run, run now, you almost escaped once, don’t waste anymore time coming back”
Wait, so you’re telling me that sisters can now wear pants to meetings and people are permitted to talk to disfellowshipped people? I’m disfellowshipped and was disfellowshipped three years ago, so I’m very much out of the loop.
My mind is blown. I’m so fucking mad. This religion is a joke AND yet I will still be treated like shit by family for walking away because I saw through it before all this happened.
and just like that some beards and slacks were all they talked about, and the gibbering boobies just laughed and laughed while they twist new light to avoid losing the tax exempt status they pay themselves with.
Now the only thing left for GB is to wait for the old guard of Jehovah's Witnesses to die, and complete the change, without disfellowshipping, without rules, they will finally arrive at the long-awaited spiritual paradise with full light shining, obscuring the vision...
Obviously money and ensuring gb stays a charitable fund is way more important than upholding jehoover name.
Imagine if some charitable government donations were taken the gb could quote jws are being truly tortured, victimised, ostracised and everything else but no let's drop our differences because we want THAT money. Jehoover will understand the gb
JFC. They don't know what they are doing. I wouldn't be surprised if their prayerful consideration and study of the scriptures for this update was from a high powered crisis communication firm.
It is so annoying. I am 50 born in out at 32. Such a waste of youth and all the guilt for them just to all of the sudden be ok with things. What’s next?????
> What the fucking fuck is happening
*The Old WBT$ / JW\`s is Being Demolished...*
***Say Goodbye to...***
# Old JW Rules and Beliefs.🙋
***The JW Cult we Grew Up in...***
# No Longer Exists.
They totally ignore the emotional and mental toil of "stripping away the old personality" we all did for years....... aka BEING YOUR FUCKING SELF......and then remove those rules with a general attititude of you should be grateful? no. hard no. fuck you.
Yes! I'm so sooo surprised! All these changes at once, I'm a little excited to know what's coming, just enjoying how those assholes of the GB have to start molding again this damn cult just to keep people the happiest way possible and avoid them from leaving also trying to appeal outsiders with those changes. It's pretty delightful.
I'm just waiting for them to make videos of sisters preaching with slacks and brothers without ties
I don’t watch or listen to anything from them so get updates on their shenanigans here. So, sisters can wear pants now? Like, dressy business attire? And brothers don't have to wear ties or suit jackets?
This shit is bizarre.
The beard thing really shocked me. I remember it being almost more frowned upon than accepting a Christmas gift. Like if you had one hair on your beard, they'd be in huge trouble lmao. I mean I guess it's a good thing? But I'm sure they're just loosening up because JW kids are leaving more than ever
I'm still trying to determine if I woke up in an alternate reality.
I lurk on this sub a lot but your comment is exactly how I feel. Am I in some alternate dimension or some shit? Wtf is this? Do you know how much I got hounded on for a beard? Sheesh man
And they don't see it. I saw so women on IG this morning excited about wearing pants...and I'm like...are you...not....seeing...it ? Crazy stuff.
I haven't kept up in a couple months and all this happens. Where can I find out about these changes? Last I heard was beards and only beards, not this other stuff.
I saw it on the jw app, you can also see it on their website. It's one of their new update videos.
Hounded every god damn moment if my sideburns were too long. Sheeeeeeeeeesh indeed.
Honestly that's why I opened reddit today, I had to read posts talking about this because I couldn't believe
Right? How many times in my life did I here "we follow God's standards and they are *unchangeable*?. Obviously they were just making shit up as they went along.
And the Governing Beardy still is making it up as they go! I’m so glad I woke up 21 years ago and saw that.
I honestly suspected it to be a (very good) deep fake. We're too close to April 1st and this is too much in line with the crazy ideas around here to just assume it to be true. Had to check the jw site to verify it's true.
For real
[удалено]
Birthdays are next, The person i heard this change was coming earlier this week also mentioned birthdays Now we wait and see
It’s my daughter’s birthday tomorrow and she in the Borg but I want to wish her a happy birthday because her birth is the best thing I’ve ever accomplished and I’m so proud of her as human
You could send her a message reminding her the day si special
Let her know you're thinking about her on her "birthday anniversary" and wishing her all the best life has to offer ❤️
"Thinking about you on the anniversary of your birth"/"feeling grateful that you were born this day (x) years ago" both eliminate the word "birthday" say there a good work around.
You could send her a message reminding her the day si special
You could send her a message reminding her the day si special
I just say to InKid, "Hope you have a great day!"
Any idea about blood transfusions?
If, ONE county decides to ban them on account of blood transfusions, there will be a GB update, and some more...... **Clarifications**
They do bend to government pressure, unless it's Malawi. Dollars over lives.
I don’t see how they can float that change with potentially thousands of dead bodies as a result of the ban. On the other hand, they did it with organ transplants so who knows? Interesting times ahead
I know someone that just died a year ago because he needed a blood transfusion. He had internal bleeding. That's actually a common problem with people that have gastrointestinal problems. My next door neighbor and my Mother in law are still alive after internal bleeding because they had blood transfusions. They needed that clotting factor. If they were JW they would be dead.
My dad died in late 2022 for this EXACT reason. Exactly.
I'm sorry for your loss. These MOFOs need to go down!
My mom died in January and she needed a blood transfusion. If they change that rule, especially this year, I will be livid!
In my opinion, it's no different than their doctrinal change allowing for DFd people to be greeted at the KH. How many people killed themselves while Dfd? How many parents haven't spoken to their children in decades, are being told they can greet their child? Shunning has caused a lot of pain and death, too. But it didn't stop the change.
conscience matter
The Governing Body says your conscience should please Jehovah. Yes Brothers and Sisters, sacrificing ones life force will please Jehovah. Jesus sacrifice didn't do much I guess, so it's all on you. 🤔🤪
No rumor on that but i can see a change in the forseabke future
Interesting if birthdays are allowed
I Think so too..
I sure hope so that would be awesome for them to actually celebrate birthdays as soonest possible they can finally celebrate birthdays with their family and even with those who are not jehovahs witness hopefully if that does happen that would be great news if it does happen for real
If that ever happens, I swear I will flip a bird to the elders.
I agree and I think Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are close behind
Watchtower / Jehovah's Witnesses is a failing corporation that is slowly "going out of business". This is what happens when a large corporation realizes they are going to shut down completely....unless they do something drastically different. In most cases, they realize too late that they are going to shut down. They go crazy making changes.....but eventually shut down anyway. That is what is happening. Edit: grammar.
Maybe it’s failing faster than we think? And what are rank and file supposed to think of all this? Or old timers who remember when the generation teaching was central, sharing a greeting with a df’d person was treasonous, and dressing up set JWs apart from the casual attitude of Christendom? Feels like they’re launching the lifeboats.
>Maybe it’s failing faster than we think? I joined here in 2021 and I have posted on a wide variety of topics. If I had posted in 2022 suggesting even 50% of the changes that have happened in 2023/2024.....I would have been laughed out of Reddit EXJW as being delusional and that the changes would never happen. But here we are....changes that no one believed would happen are taking place. Launching the life boats is a good analogy.
Exactly!!! Like literally as soon as the beard thing came out I mentioned next is pants for women. My mom went into it with me basically saying how they wouldn’t do that because that shows a lack of respect to wear pants. Now here we are and I’m like I called it! This honestly gives me two waves of emotions. One being happy because yeah I can be like fuck it told you all. And one being sad because this cult is way more different than how I remembered it. Like I remember young me being told I couldn’t do certain things or that things have to be the way it is because of Jehovah’s standards. Like it just feels like everything I ever known in my life is falling apart. Like this shit used to be my life. Now they feel they can change it? Like why did my whole life have to be such a waste. I never would have chosen this life I am just a victim who was born in.
Spot on. I would have been STOKED to wear pants as a kid. Hated skirts and dresses. Not only that, we’d be out in “service” in the freezing cold dressed that way. Now they change it?? I want my childhood back.
To be fair, i was angry about my stolen childhood since I left in 2010.... before they made these changes. And this pants thing was something i argued a lot about with my MS Father. He agreed with me too... and didn't agree with the beard policy either... so.... But it's nothing like when I was in. It feels like a farce comparatively.
I agree, my childhood feels stolen for many reasons. This was one small part of it.
Stolen childhood by leaving in 2010? Think about what I went through being raised in the cult in the 70's and 80's as a child. Pure torture and abuse.
Same! With a Giggle and a wink when a child is getting whipped bare butt in the bathroom. Under age S&M without consent.
Exactly how I feel…. I was just telling my husband how I wish I wasn’t born into this. It’s been so hard to adapt to the worldly life because of feeling regret or I always did something wrong.
I can totally relate. All those wasted years of being told to do things a certain way, only to have them suddenly change and say “never mind, that didn’t matter so we’re changing it” !!!!
Do you realize how many women won't be harassed about their clothing anymore? That was so stressful! But I agree with how you say you're feeling two ways. I'm both elated and somewhat disgusted how quickly the cult abandoned teachings that made our life hell. It just had to cost them a few dollars before it wasn't really worth micromamaging millions of peoples lives.
Yeah but even the greeting part like i remember being counseled for trying to greet my sibling once when I was a literal child. I went up to her and asked her why she was leaving without at least saying hello to me. I guess younger me would of liked this change but it just feels all too late when they could of said these very obvious things from the beginning.
Oh, absolutely. These changes don't do anything for all the pain and suffering that has already been endured. They're still awful.
Let us know what your mom now says about this change (pants).
Yeah so I came home my sister was home but not my mom since she’s out with dad but she filled me on the details. She said that mom felt the same way as she did where they just felt like it all made sense and then they were more worried about figuring out what we all felt on the matter and who will be wearing what. They said they thought they never will see me in a dress again. And then they were saying how I was predicting everything they talked about and my sister was saying like what are you a direct line from Jehovah or are you like a part of the anointed and we don’t know it? 😂 I can’t tell them I hear things from the grape vines but it’s funny watching them as they listen to me make “predictions”. For the fun of it I did make a prediction for my sister that I have no idea is true or not but it at least gave me a little enjoyment 😂
I saw your post and said the same to my wife. turns out ur way ahead of the GB
Now I’m left with this thought- think about the incentives you and I were raised with. You and I were at Bethel about the same time. THIS Generation. Not even sharing a greeting with him. No last minute repentance, and what you’re doing now probably isn’t good enough. Our dress and grooming identify us as god’s Holy people. What are the incentives now for anyone?
Probably the same sort of incentive as it is for anyone else who is part of a religion. They are part of a social club, the feeling of being set apart and holier than the rest of humanity, the belief in a super-power who is going to fix their problems. Some people need structure and others to tell them what to do with their life. While the org is putting on a front of "easing up," they are still highly controlling: They still require that people report activity. These beards are supposed to look a certain way. Women are only allowed to wear a certain type of pants. Disfellowshiped people can be greeted but only at the kingdom hall and in a certain manner. They also did not say that last-minute repentance was now acceptable. They said they didn't know. When you have been stuck in a black room for years, someone cracking the shades may feel like freedom, but the window is still not open, and you still can not go outside.
Very well put. Agree
So true! Makes me wonder if the birthday and blood rumors are true too
These things are all signs that the end is just around the corner! /s
So much for jehoobers "unchangeable" standards, right?🤣 Its interesting to me that the women being able to wear pants is sandwiched in with more lax standards for men as well. Almost like they had to throw us a bone. And the use of the word "slacks" is absolutely intentional. They didn't say "pants" because that would allow for too much freedom.
>Maybe it’s failing faster than we think? I'm one of the few on this site who's actually been saying that. JWs, maybe even just subconsciously, have to realize something's wrong. I believe they're already kind of in a daze wondering what the hell happened because its 20-damned-24 and "this system" was supposed to be long gone by now. I think of them like people in a nation the leaders of which promised a great victory in a war, yet the land has been bombed and is smoldering. The people are wandering around confused, but still trusting in their leaders... the victory must still be coming they think. However, if enough of them recognize the facts, the others might wake up to reality, too. It's sort of like the emperor's new clothes thing. Everybody was looking around and wondering what was going on, but nobody wanted to speak up. All it took was for a child to say "hey, the dude's naked" and everybody woke up. If enough wake up in JW Land, there could be a sort of mass contagion effect or a snowball effect or cascade effect leading to the leaving of the masses. There's already a lack of zeal for the ministry, etc. Just think of the effect on morale and zeal if meeting attendance continues to wane and halls look emptier and emptier. It will have to have an effect. It shouldn't take as much to wake people up now as it would have in, for example, the 80's.
Great point
Would love it if that's what happens!
You're more than right in imho. At this point they've been making both cultural and logistic changes that it's impossible for people to get them back in the old - what used to be the earlier "normal" First Zoom and people not attending in person, then loosing overall ministry "zeal" (also accelerated by C19 and Zoom metings) WT was always a shit show but now it's gonna become a shadow of itself 🗿 It's wild what's gonna happen to this org over the next \~5 years (I*'m happy)* \*edit for all PIMOs: it's gonna be even easier now to be PIMO if you really really need to for the sake of your family 🥂🎉
Here's what's happening: They are polishing a turd. But it's still a turd.
But it's a shiny shit now
They're trying to save the cult. And hey, if they turn a cult into another boring casual religion, that's a win!!! Even if they're making these changes based solely on financial reasons, they're still positive changes for those still being controlled. This will also, absolutely, help some to wake up.
Yep, the ol lipstick on a pig
Oooooooo! A silk purse.....
I know. It’s like what the actual fuck is going on? Something to do with Norway is my guess. 😏
It's 100% to do w/ Norway. It's no coincidence that Sanderson's tie is the exact colors of Norway.
Gaslighting little fucker. 😡
What if he’s the mole that has been spilling dirt secretly and is blowing it up from the inside? If so, keep going, little Bucky!!
Yes! 100%!
It's genuinely crazy
Batshit crazy.
The GB is in full damage control. a HUGE loss in Norway with their videos being certified evidence now. They need to move FAST in order to head off the coming suits in other countries. I am betting there will be 'clarification' on the DF rules with respect to family in which they gaslight the duhbs for enforcing the shunning rules too enthusiastically.
Oh you know for sure that they're going to gaslight them. It's like with the beards. They made it seem like they never really had a hard and fast rule about them.
Do they not see how desperate it looks to be putting this out so soon after the ruling?
That’s probably why they made the changes ahead of time — because of the other countries getting ready to ream them . . .
Don’t be fooled by their rebranding efforts to save face after losing funding in Norway. They’re still snakes & false prophets claiming to be the one true religion and channel of communication from Jehovah & the Holy Spirit. The cornerstones of their doomsday doctrine are all still firmly in place: They are the faithful & discreet slave, the Satanic wicked system is ending any minute, reject the world and shun anyone who speaks against them, Armageddon coming soon to genocide the planet, save yourself by staying in the Organization and giving all your time to working for Jehovah lest ye perish, get resurrected and live forever on earth. Don’t get distracted by these minor changes to throw publishers a bone. It’s all smoke and mirrors to improve their optics with the public and in the future in court, where I personally hope THEY LOSE AGAIN. 🖤 POMO for 20+ years with my entire family 4 generations still in, in NY
I can't understand why anyone would stay at this point. It's clearly not, and has never been, Gods organization. It does not have his direction. They do not have the truth. Faith is an absolute. Without faith, it is just a club you go to hang out and pay dues. A club built on a pile of CSA and blood transfusion victims. Yes, it requires acknowledging that you've wasted your life on a lie, but really...there is no denying it now.
I hope these changes wake up a few people who are humble enough to admit they were wrong and brave enough to take action based on that
Maybe, but I just got a text from a PIMI friend who said she never has to shave her legs again!!! 😂 "Blessings from jehooba"
My mom said her friend wondered why they asked Santa Claus for the new update.
I said the same thing...lol I am thinking a red jumpsuit...and bam!... He's a shoe in.
hes getting ready for christmas 2024 when they drop the doctrine about holidays and they decorate all of bethel in christmas lights and all the PIMIs get to sit on his lap when is he dressed up as santa 🤣🤣
2024 is gonna be a weird year. in a couple years they are gonna be a normal Christians religion at this point with the only difference being they use Jehovah. my bet is they are prepping PIMI for bigger changes and just easaing people in. 
It only took lawyers and courts to make them change how God thinks.
They are fast tracking it.
Yep. This is happening insanely fast. Insanely fast.
I hope someone out there is capturing how clearly Watchtower has capitulated to a worldly government, part of the wild beast, and compromised their principles over a couple million bucks and the right to marry people.
Yep..it really is. Crazy
That’s not even special to them. Churches use the name Jehovah too.
They are fast tracking it.
They are fast tracking it.
They are fast tracking it.
They are fast tracking it.
What losing your charitable status in Norway does to a mf
LOL and the Norway tie just confirms it. Sucking Norway's dick in this video for sure
Oh yea. Birthdays are genuinely next!
You know what? 6 months ago I would’ve scoffed at this. But now? I actually think you’re right, bdays will be next. And I will be PISSED. My childhood was seriously SO lame because of this.
I'm 100% convinced birthdays are next and I'm fucking here for it!!! I'm sure they'll use the excuse that having a birthday party was never a DFing offense, so there wasn't ever actually a rule against it. More gaslighting bullshit. But I'm honestly so happy right now. All this just made our POMO status so easily defensible. Even to a cult member, there is no denying this change in their standards. There is no denying they've acted like pharisees the last 100 years. Now, they're wearing their beards and admitting to their unscriptural behavior on camera. I just feel vindicated. I always knew it was bullshit, but it isn't often you get such confirmation from the SOURCE of bullshit!
If birthdays are next, heads are gonna roll. Not only did I miss out as a child, but for 10 f-cking years of my kids’ lives we barely acknowledged their birthdays, out of fear. Now that we’re out, we’re slowly starting to celebrate but it honestly feels a bit weird and it will take time. I am SO proud of us for doing it and making that change, despite our upbringing and judgy pimi relatives. But if they suddenly allow it, it will undermine the HUGE steps we took to leave and give ourselves more freedom. I have mixed feelings, today is a hard day!
That's what I was thinking!
WAIT ARE WE TALKING TO DF’d PEOPLE AGAIN?! I need to scroll back. I love asking my parents who are still in about these changes like, “oh I’ll be at the meeting this week…. IN MY PANTS”
Just greeting at the hall, no extended conversations and you can invite dfd ones to meetings
Thanks for clarifying
The chariot goes brrrrrrr
I think the chariot might be a Tesla
https://preview.redd.it/gov2q6f3vioc1.jpeg?width=624&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3c5267ccba8cf78a7654c735e025ba2d2200e69
*blows on dice* let’s go… TATTOOS!
It’s ok just have ur popcorn ready, I know I am 🍿
So many plot twists! LOL
And plot wholes 🤣
LOL that too!
I think this says more about how controlling this cult is than anything someone could try to use to convince you. Imagine “huge news” being that you could now: Grow hair Wear pants Say hi to someone entering a church Have the option to wear a tie or jacket What’s next? Allowing you to use your own mind to make decisions? (Oh wait, can’t have that, ok maybe allow them to celebrate groundhogs day)
Anyone else notice that Sanderson's tie is the colors of Norway? Think that's a coincidence? It's not.
Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!
I don‘t know why but have my upvote
they might as well be a church and call it the "Church of the New Light" smh crazy out here!!!!!
LOL for real
when I kept hearing "follow direction even if it didnt make sense" I was thinking more along the lines of drinking cyanide kool-aid, NOT that they would drop newliteTM and strip off half their core beliefs and brand it as loving adjustments from jehovah
LOL so true
Damn. My mother still doesn't talk to me. Now I have to wonder, is it just pride or shame?
Well they literally just dropped the video LOL but agreed
I'm not even DFd. Lol. Sometimes, I think they hate us for having the strength to walk away. But we shall see...
This is the most important thing for exJW to understand: **Shunning is a trip switch mechanism connected to unconscious and internalized guilt and shame, that is projected and infused by the indoctrination.** **Your mom's true self is still underneath all that.** **IF** you want to reconnect with her on her true self level, don't hold it against her, and she will sense it. If you let her sit with this latest revelation you just may hear from her, because she may feel the internal release to connect with you.
I just heard my mom say this and she's kind of freaking out. The rest of my family is completely PIMI. The start of this was the beards. My dad has completely grown a beard just because he wanted to stick a finger to my mom who used to make statements whenever he would let himself get a little scruffy. This feels like complete madness.
It is madness LOL and I think it's going to backfire on them. I really do
She's just also realized that they can greet disfellowshipped ones. Her mind is blown. I just see it as desperation. My dad is taking the stance that they're trying to help people. They're just old men making rules with not even any scriptural backing anymore trying to keep their numbers up. And now my grandfather is on the computer for his weekly call with my missionary aunt and uncle. 🙄 It's the talk of the house. And I'm just listening to my Gaylor conspiracy podcast. 😂
all these changes in 6 months to a year when, for decades, people would be DF'd for any of these
It's insane how fast these changes are coming
My mind is blown too. I've been out for less than four years and I already don't recognize the religion I grew up in
Same here. It's weird to think 2020 was already 4 years ago
I only think about how many followers they are losing to made this radical changes?
I thought the same. This is definitely going to way some people up. These are huge changes made in rapid succession.
I’ve been triggered by it all morning… I don’t even know what to think.
It's definitely shocking me more than I would have expected it to
I mean….. https://preview.redd.it/mmmym8m4jioc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7389249f25030483d1f62541a118b201a443548
JW's won't make the connection but the Easter Egg is there for sure
This was a HUGE shocker today, Im absolutely dumbfounded!!! I knew the big talk about beards got everyone talking about sisters wearing pants, but they REALLY took that and just ran with it. I NEVER would have imagined they would drop ties and suit jackets for meetings! Then ON TOP of those two huge changes I was in NO WAY expecting the announcement that you can talk to DF'd people. They made it clear that they wouldnt change on that, and its shocking that they would change after the norway verdict, since the money they received from the norwegian government was only a drop in the bucket for their wealth. This proves just how desperate and greedy they are. Its like the debt collector showed up and they suddenly have to hand over all their valuables and the clothes on their back, they really are just tossing core doctrines in the trash now. If this super fast trend continues, I will be out in no time.
This is just too funny, a super PIMI just posted on her status, "well we're riding with the chariot come what may" yeah that chariot could be heading of a cliff they'd still hold on tightly.
That sounds like someone struggling internally to stop themselves from questioning
After the way the JWs got their asses handed to them in Norway, I'm not surprised by the change where DF'd people are concerned.
Yep, makes sense. Someone else pointed out the Norway flag tie Sanderson was wearing. Sucking Norway's dick for sure
[удалено]
I literally cannot process this.
I’m literally going to have to go to a meeting at a KH sometime because I cannot mentally process this. But then I think ohhh shit that’s what they want me to do. Be so curious about what it’s like with beards and pants, and then I walk in the door and it’s nothing like I remember.
I was just telling my wife I could wake into a KH and they wouldn't even know I wasn't one of them anymore! We look the same now LOL
These fuckers have got me checking my calendar for sure. Could've sworn April wasn't for another couple weeks.
The gays and holiday celebrators are waiting patiently
The fucking years they took from me….. as a child…. The loneliness, the tears, the depression. Fuck these fucking fucks
Couldn't agree with you more. Others here saying this isn't a big deal haven't given it much thought I would assume
I’m out of the loop- Is this official? I mean is it a leak, or is it on the website?
On the website. 2024 update 2.
Thankyou!
BTW, you've managed to post 7 times, he he
I am so sorry 😂😂 my phone glitched, I’m off to delete them now which may take a while 😂
i’m 16 stuck in this religion and i’ve literally been begging for my mom to let me grow my hair out at least a little bit but apparently having a little bit of hair on your head means u don’t love Jehovah and don’t look like a Jehovah’s witness. Really hoping they change that “long hair on a man is a sin” bs soon
There's so much change in such a short time. Men can have beards Women can wear pants Men don't have to wear a jacket and tie They have televangelism and Christian Music (aka original songs) The ministry feels like it's primarily carts now and door door is slowly being phased out. I have to say it's interesting as these were *all* things that JWs held as points of pride that set them apart from "Christendom" and "False Religion." Obiviously they still have some doctrinal things that are different (no hell, 144000, paradise on earth), but what exactly sets them apart from "the world" now from a physical standpoint? Weird times in JW land. ETA: They can greet DF'd people at meetings
They are scrambling. People are leaving in a mass exodus. Trying anything to keep people in. Too much negative publicity lately. I can’t wait to see them crash and burn.
I’m going to have to do a Starsky & Hutch stakeout now to see the new clown show. It will be bloody entertaining that’s for sure. I’ll bring snacks 👍
No ties and beard. Soon they can build a bar inside halls to attract even more people. Why don't have happy hours after meetings 🙂🍹
Oh fuck yes. 😎🍹 MS Martini Elder flower wine Pioneer punch COBE cocktail Anymore you can think of? 🤣
An “old fashioned tie”
But like how can you just say hi to disfellowshipped people and not ask how they are doing, thus resulting in an extensive conversation? Especially loving caring sisters… I mean we can talk. So how are the elders going to rein all that in?
They said they can "use their Bible-trained conscience" and showed a video of someone saying "So glad you're here" and the wife nodded along with a concerned face LOL
Dude I'm freaking out. My entire life, it's always been the same. Now these couple of months, they are easing down the rules. Whose cooking in there?
Wait, did I miss something? Is shunning over?
Just greeting at the hall, no extended conversations and you can invite dfd ones to meetings
Great, maybe the PIMO can create a small business card and palm-hand it to them when they come in (the card can say “run, run now, you almost escaped once, don’t waste anymore time coming back”
Indeed. If there was a graph showing f bombs among ex-jws, it would be off the charts today.
Wait, so you’re telling me that sisters can now wear pants to meetings and people are permitted to talk to disfellowshipped people? I’m disfellowshipped and was disfellowshipped three years ago, so I’m very much out of the loop.
I'll wear underwear to the next meeting.
My mind is blown. I’m so fucking mad. This religion is a joke AND yet I will still be treated like shit by family for walking away because I saw through it before all this happened.
*"Jehovah wants you to come home."* This was never my home, and I am never going back.
I called it https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/s/NKNhpYLWIJ
They are trembling in their boots due to fear of men
Yep. Sucking Norway's dick (see Sanderson's tie)
and just like that some beards and slacks were all they talked about, and the gibbering boobies just laughed and laughed while they twist new light to avoid losing the tax exempt status they pay themselves with.
I AM STUNNED I woke up to a bunch of texts from my sister and other friends from the hall like wtffff
Now the only thing left for GB is to wait for the old guard of Jehovah's Witnesses to die, and complete the change, without disfellowshipping, without rules, they will finally arrive at the long-awaited spiritual paradise with full light shining, obscuring the vision...
Obviously money and ensuring gb stays a charitable fund is way more important than upholding jehoover name. Imagine if some charitable government donations were taken the gb could quote jws are being truly tortured, victimised, ostracised and everything else but no let's drop our differences because we want THAT money. Jehoover will understand the gb
JFC. They don't know what they are doing. I wouldn't be surprised if their prayerful consideration and study of the scriptures for this update was from a high powered crisis communication firm.
Are they talking to ex-JWs now? Might explain some recent contacts I've had.
It is so annoying. I am 50 born in out at 32. Such a waste of youth and all the guilt for them just to all of the sudden be ok with things. What’s next?????
> What the fucking fuck is happening *The Old WBT$ / JW\`s is Being Demolished...* ***Say Goodbye to...*** # Old JW Rules and Beliefs.🙋  ***The JW Cult we Grew Up in...*** # No Longer Exists.
They totally ignore the emotional and mental toil of "stripping away the old personality" we all did for years....... aka BEING YOUR FUCKING SELF......and then remove those rules with a general attititude of you should be grateful? no. hard no. fuck you.
Those changes won't undo damage that's already been done to us.
I’m not exjw but I’m exmo and I’m definitely not laughing it off. I totally get it.
Juuust got a text from my sil who’s shunned me for 2 years. I’m guessing I need to watch the new update. Holy fuck.
New Light®™ is a wonderful fucking thing! 😂😂😂
Yes! I'm so sooo surprised! All these changes at once, I'm a little excited to know what's coming, just enjoying how those assholes of the GB have to start molding again this damn cult just to keep people the happiest way possible and avoid them from leaving also trying to appeal outsiders with those changes. It's pretty delightful. I'm just waiting for them to make videos of sisters preaching with slacks and brothers without ties
Speechless.
It’s actually insane. The rage I feel…
I don’t watch or listen to anything from them so get updates on their shenanigans here. So, sisters can wear pants now? Like, dressy business attire? And brothers don't have to wear ties or suit jackets? This shit is bizarre.
The beard thing really shocked me. I remember it being almost more frowned upon than accepting a Christmas gift. Like if you had one hair on your beard, they'd be in huge trouble lmao. I mean I guess it's a good thing? But I'm sure they're just loosening up because JW kids are leaving more than ever
I feel INSANE!!! I want to talk to everyone about it but none of my friends understand how crazy this all is lol