What do you think?
Rate this book
Crisis of Conscience
Synopsis The tendency of religious authority to seek to dominate rather than serve, and the struggle of those who wish to prevent the erosion of their God-given freedom of conscience -- these form the heart of the very personal and candid account in Crisis of Conscience. The scene of struggle is within the membership of a distinctive Jehovah's Witnesses. The same fundamental issues that mark this account, however, could arise within any of the world's religions. Starting in the 1870's as an independent Bible study group composed of a handful of persons in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jehovah's Witnesses today number more than five million in some 200 lands. When their publishing agency, the Watch Tower Society, puts out a new book, the normal initial printing is one million copies, with other millions following. In countries where they are active, few people have not had contact with the Witnesses as a result of their intense door-to-door activity. Product Identifiers
446 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
419 people are currently reading
2301 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 26, 2008
This book was written quite a few years back as an expose of the JW religion, told by a former high-level insider.
It is well written, with enough documentation so that anyone who was present as a JW at the time these events were happening, will recognize the honesty of his account.
CoC motivated me to open my eyes and really examine what I believe, instead of just believing what I was told.
P.S. I'm no longer a JW, and would never go back. I'm indebted to Mr. Franz for stimulating my critical thinking skills.
It is well written, with enough documentation so that anyone who was present as a JW at the time these events were happening, will recognize the honesty of his account.
CoC motivated me to open my eyes and really examine what I believe, instead of just believing what I was told.
P.S. I'm no longer a JW, and would never go back. I'm indebted to Mr. Franz for stimulating my critical thinking skills.
October 6, 2008
This book rocked my entire world. Ray Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses and talks about what goes on during their secret meetings about the affairs of Jehovah's Witnesses all over the world. Case in point, the rape, brutal murders, and village burning of the Malawi people all because the Society told them not be buy a 25cent political card, when across the world in Mexico, the brothers were told they could bribe soldiers just to avoid the draft.
In other words, alot of mind-changing going on.
I do not believe a Witness could stay as one after reading this book in it's entirety.
This is written, by the way, by the same author that wrote "Aid to Bible Understanding" with the full backing of the Governing Body.
He has the bible knowledge, the wisdom and the chutzbah to tell the truth even though it cost him everything to tell it.
In other words, alot of mind-changing going on.
I do not believe a Witness could stay as one after reading this book in it's entirety.
This is written, by the way, by the same author that wrote "Aid to Bible Understanding" with the full backing of the Governing Body.
He has the bible knowledge, the wisdom and the chutzbah to tell the truth even though it cost him everything to tell it.
July 9, 2008
This book is perfect at the job Ray Franz set out to accomplish. He was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's witnesses and left due to cognitive dissonance. He writes about his experiences and has well documented proof of the things he says. The tone is perfect: Not angry but factual and honest. I am afraid that only a Jehovah's Witness or a former member would understand or appreciate all of the contents. But considering that the audience is just that, it is appropriate.
February 8, 2013
If you have never been part of the Jehovah's Witnesses religion, I am not sure what this book would mean to you. If you are interested in the subject of thought control, or institutional evil, then you may get something out of this. But if you have been a member of this religion, then this book will resonate from your teeth to your toes.
To be a Witness is to give up much of your creativity, your ability to express yourself freely, and the sum of your critical thinking. Above all, being a Witness is intensely, oppressively dull. To get a taste of just how anti-intellectual it is, check out this spot-on animation of what a Sunday with the Witnesses is like. This is no exaggeration, this is pretty much exactly how it is. From the stage, they read the words to you, they read the question to you, and then you read back the answer. They call it "study" but it is unsatisfying and painful beyond belief, not like any other studying I have ever done.
The Witnesses I have known over the years are for the most part nice and well-intentioned people, but since their actions are controlled by the Organization they can be very cruel and small minded. Take away the Organization and they are great people.
This book shows how the Jehovah's Witnesses transformed themselves from a highly imaginative and little bit loopy religion in the 1800's, who believed the pyramids were built by God, into an intensely sad and crushing legalistic religion that spends more time creating new rules and counting service hours than it does providing spiritual support to its members.
The source of the problem, just like communism and other authoritarian states, is the centralized government of this religion. A dozen incompetent men name themselves the "Governing Body", also known as the "Faithful and Discrete Slave", and they call all of the shots. If anyone else forms any opinion that person is excommunicated. If one studies the Bible on their own, they are excommunicated and excommunication in this religion is particularly painful, since you will lose contact with your Mother or child - complete loss of contact. They call it "disfellowshipping".
The Governing Body and the preceding two Presidents of the "Watchtower, Bible, and Tract Society" are responsible for the 100% prophecy failure rate of the last 100 years and the bizarre and ever changing rules - no beards, no college, no oral sex with your spouse, and no masquerade parties. What is grounds for disfellowshipping this year may not be next year and as they change the rules they never ever admit fault, but sometimes they blame the members for misunderstanding the old rules.
Raymond Franz, the author, was one of the insiders, a member of the Governing Body who ended up getting disfellowshipped himself. He exposes the inner workings of the power center of this religion and shows how decent people on the Governing Body can get out of touch with the people they rule and how they can get caught up in the corruption of their jobs, especially when they feel that God is talking to them directly. For the average Witness, they have absolutely no idea how the religion is run and just assume that God is directing everything. These rules have led to enough people dying either from medical restrictions or from being forced to piss-off a murderous dictator, when you could have just bought a political party card instead for a buck.
I am grateful that Franz wrote this book, but I do not pity that he lost all that he worked for over 40 years. He was part of this group and he was complicit in decisions that hurt many, many people. Maybe he wised up in the end, but I am not overwhelmed with his conversion. He still comes across as morally smug and condescending, although he tries mightily to come off as humble - a trick that I have seen over and over with the Witnesses. Still, I respect him for writing this powerful source of information where before there was only mist and shadow.
Ultimately, the Governing Body has three weapons to protect its power: enough money to sue anyone who speaks out, total information control over its members, and disfellowshipping. As the internet has grown, the Witnesses have lost total control over information. They are desperately trying to keep their members off the internet, where reviews like this can written, but they will not succeed at this war. With fewer members they will eventually have less money to sue. But the last weapon, disfellowshipping, is still incredibly powerful. It will stay potent even as they shrink, and that is why they are turning to it more and more.
I don't think this religion will be around 100 years from now, at least in any form that looks like what it has been since the 1930's. They will ultimately have to modify themselves to be more open, truthful, and flexible to match the informational access of their members and new recruits, or they will wither away. There just aren't that many people willing to drink this kool-aid anymore.
If you are considering becoming involved with this religion, do yourself the favor to read this book cover to cover and then make up your mind. If you are still interested in the Witnesses, join up, but keep in mind that that this book is forbidden and reading it could get you disfellowshipped.
To be a Witness is to give up much of your creativity, your ability to express yourself freely, and the sum of your critical thinking. Above all, being a Witness is intensely, oppressively dull. To get a taste of just how anti-intellectual it is, check out this spot-on animation of what a Sunday with the Witnesses is like. This is no exaggeration, this is pretty much exactly how it is. From the stage, they read the words to you, they read the question to you, and then you read back the answer. They call it "study" but it is unsatisfying and painful beyond belief, not like any other studying I have ever done.
The Witnesses I have known over the years are for the most part nice and well-intentioned people, but since their actions are controlled by the Organization they can be very cruel and small minded. Take away the Organization and they are great people.
This book shows how the Jehovah's Witnesses transformed themselves from a highly imaginative and little bit loopy religion in the 1800's, who believed the pyramids were built by God, into an intensely sad and crushing legalistic religion that spends more time creating new rules and counting service hours than it does providing spiritual support to its members.
The source of the problem, just like communism and other authoritarian states, is the centralized government of this religion. A dozen incompetent men name themselves the "Governing Body", also known as the "Faithful and Discrete Slave", and they call all of the shots. If anyone else forms any opinion that person is excommunicated. If one studies the Bible on their own, they are excommunicated and excommunication in this religion is particularly painful, since you will lose contact with your Mother or child - complete loss of contact. They call it "disfellowshipping".
The Governing Body and the preceding two Presidents of the "Watchtower, Bible, and Tract Society" are responsible for the 100% prophecy failure rate of the last 100 years and the bizarre and ever changing rules - no beards, no college, no oral sex with your spouse, and no masquerade parties. What is grounds for disfellowshipping this year may not be next year and as they change the rules they never ever admit fault, but sometimes they blame the members for misunderstanding the old rules.
Raymond Franz, the author, was one of the insiders, a member of the Governing Body who ended up getting disfellowshipped himself. He exposes the inner workings of the power center of this religion and shows how decent people on the Governing Body can get out of touch with the people they rule and how they can get caught up in the corruption of their jobs, especially when they feel that God is talking to them directly. For the average Witness, they have absolutely no idea how the religion is run and just assume that God is directing everything. These rules have led to enough people dying either from medical restrictions or from being forced to piss-off a murderous dictator, when you could have just bought a political party card instead for a buck.
I am grateful that Franz wrote this book, but I do not pity that he lost all that he worked for over 40 years. He was part of this group and he was complicit in decisions that hurt many, many people. Maybe he wised up in the end, but I am not overwhelmed with his conversion. He still comes across as morally smug and condescending, although he tries mightily to come off as humble - a trick that I have seen over and over with the Witnesses. Still, I respect him for writing this powerful source of information where before there was only mist and shadow.
Ultimately, the Governing Body has three weapons to protect its power: enough money to sue anyone who speaks out, total information control over its members, and disfellowshipping. As the internet has grown, the Witnesses have lost total control over information. They are desperately trying to keep their members off the internet, where reviews like this can written, but they will not succeed at this war. With fewer members they will eventually have less money to sue. But the last weapon, disfellowshipping, is still incredibly powerful. It will stay potent even as they shrink, and that is why they are turning to it more and more.
I don't think this religion will be around 100 years from now, at least in any form that looks like what it has been since the 1930's. They will ultimately have to modify themselves to be more open, truthful, and flexible to match the informational access of their members and new recruits, or they will wither away. There just aren't that many people willing to drink this kool-aid anymore.
If you are considering becoming involved with this religion, do yourself the favor to read this book cover to cover and then make up your mind. If you are still interested in the Witnesses, join up, but keep in mind that that this book is forbidden and reading it could get you disfellowshipped.
July 12, 2011
As a former Jehovah's witness, this book was beyond eye opening. I am so grateful to the author for writing this book in such an honest and articulate fashion.
December 4, 2008
This is an insider's view of the Jehovah's Witness organization from a man who was a higher-up for a long time. With this sort of exposé you run the risk of the author being one-sided, but I really felt like Franz tried hard to be fair and I could sense his sadness at how things came out. There were some parts where I got bogged down in the minutiae of their procedures, but it was fascinating with regard to JW prophecies and how they seem to change to suit the circumstance. I also was intrigued with the lengths some members would go to just to stay in good standing with the church. Especially some of the stories involving employment and military service. It was sad how membership in the church ruined families and careers. I feel much more well-informed for reading this book
July 27, 2012
After investing some 20 years under the domination of the this man made organization this book gave me a great deal of reassurance that after having escaped I was not alone. Ramond Franz who dedicated the majority of his vital years to the society tells his intimate life story of dedication and then betrayal even though he was considered a loyal and tirelessly dedicated member of the governing body. Boycotted after decades of service he was cast off as an ugly stain on this predomately white self-righteous man made religious organization to be forgotten and hushed-up. the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society aka: Jehovah's Witnesses is actually a mullti billion dollar corporation that speaks through it's team of lawyers. They are not "God's mouthpiece on earth" as they have appointed themselves in order to indoctrinate more gullible slaves who would not even be permitted to read this book.
June 25, 2007
I bought this book back in 2002 I believe. I read half of it and then got side tracked by life I guess. :) I was raised in the religious organization of the Jehovah's Witnesses and so was the author of this book. I have not been affiliated with the Jehovah's Witnesses or any other religion for almost 10 years now. I have recently been back in contact with some friends I grew up with and who also left the organization 7 years ago. I have one brother and one sister who have also recently left the organization and some recent events have led me to do research on the teachings of the bible, especially the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I have enjoyed this book so far and would highly recommend it to anyone who is searching their own "truth."
June 17, 2011
A MUST READ for anyone thinking of leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses or have already left!
August 11, 2012
Pretty powerful. And heartbreaking. It's slow in some places but I would recommend skimming through and reading more into the 1980 era he writes about. Only a JW or former will really understand. It's written with eloquence and respect, certainly not a religion bashing book by any means.
July 19, 2013
A massive eye opener for me. The last snip to sever my cult umbilical cord.
October 22, 2015
Sad. He spent virtually of his life in the Jehovah's Witness organization (with a few years at the very top) only to end up being excommunicated for eating a meal with an excommunicant. Unlike many exposes, He doesn't seem to have an ax to grind and refrains from hyperbole. He does get bogged down into technical details that I found it hard to care about (I guess biblical chronology becomes very important when you're a biblical literalist), but he does a good job conveying the sincere heartache of somebody going through what he did.
September 14, 2014
I personally found this book helpful when leaving this organization. It helped to fortify my feelings and ease my conscience. It helped me see that what I was feeling was not in my head but based in facts and , most important, unscriptural. I would recommend this book to anyone who questions the date of 1914, anyone who feels loaded down or guilty by this organization for not doing more, or if you don't understand the generation teaching. It becomes clear by the author why these things are said. You will receive answers here. May this book bring a sense of healing to you.
December 3, 2013
Ultimately you will take away yet another example of religious hypocrisy. This was a great book but it won't make a bit of sense to someone who is not a Jehovah's Witness. I found this book maddening as a former member of the religion. I wanted to picket the WBTS headquarters, but it's a total waste of time to do so. Great for educational purposes, but please don't let bitterness against JW's keep you from growing as a person.
March 24, 2009
This is a powerful book about Raymond Franz, former member of the governing body in the Jehovah Witnesses...A must read!
June 3, 2015
I found great comfort in reading this book when it was first published in 1983. It tells of the gut wrenching experience of having lived a lifetime under an inherited religious tradition to finally come to the realization that its doctrine and tenets of faith could not stand up to critical scrutiny. The book explains and chronicles the experience of one who after many years encountered the greatest personal challenges to ones long held religious tradition and religious faith. What is so significant about this story is it happened to one at the highest echelons of the religious hierarchy within that lifelong and generational family faith tradition. It is a story of an individual who had to make the choice of either being intellectually honest with himself or retreat into cognitive dissonance with regard to the facts and evidences he was faced with. The decision he made cost him not only his high position within the religious hierarchy of which he was a high ranking member, but also being deprived of his pension after a lifetime of work, loyalty and dedication to his religious profession and the organization he represented and then being ostracized, excommunicated, shunned and made a pariah by family, friends and religious community. The author and myself had a brief correspondence during a time I was undergoing a similar experience. One can never say that he or she has had personal challenges to ones faith until that one has come to a "crisis in conscience" that would require the greatest choice to confront ones integrity and honesty with the innerself or innersoul to the complete disregard to any consequence to that choice. It is the ultimate expression of personal honesty and intellectual bravery.
September 21, 2011
Fantastic insider look into the crooks at the top of the Jehovah's Witness empire. Extremely well documented.
August 7, 2024
4-4.5 stars
This is the third book I've read about leaving the organization known as the Jehovah's Witnesses. It is by far the most learned and serious discussion, from a man who not only belonged to the JW for 43 years, but was also on the Governing Board and on the Writing committee for their various publications. Over the years, issues began to really bother him, decisions made by the Governing Board that affected many people's lives, but that seemed to be made in support of the organization rather than following the teachings of the Bible. He realized he was experiencing a 'crisis of conscience.' A lot is written about the Governing Board's rush to judgment of him and others like him, rather than having an open discussion and search for Truth. Loyalty to the organization was all important, it seemed. Very eye-opening. I am not a member of this organization but I have a very close family member who is determined to join them and I've wanted to understand what they are all about.
This is the third book I've read about leaving the organization known as the Jehovah's Witnesses. It is by far the most learned and serious discussion, from a man who not only belonged to the JW for 43 years, but was also on the Governing Board and on the Writing committee for their various publications. Over the years, issues began to really bother him, decisions made by the Governing Board that affected many people's lives, but that seemed to be made in support of the organization rather than following the teachings of the Bible. He realized he was experiencing a 'crisis of conscience.' A lot is written about the Governing Board's rush to judgment of him and others like him, rather than having an open discussion and search for Truth. Loyalty to the organization was all important, it seemed. Very eye-opening. I am not a member of this organization but I have a very close family member who is determined to join them and I've wanted to understand what they are all about.
March 28, 2024
I want to add a pre-script to this review. I'm not a JW, but I enjoy watching exJWs on youtube, and this book is the one book that seemed to speak to JWs as they ultimately deconstructed from the organization since it speaks their language. I'm an outsider looking in and I see this book as a never have been religious person. Also, there is always a disconnect that I get when I see an evangelical prove the JW as wrong as they both appeal to the bible, those arguments go right past me, because neither side proves the Bible is inerrant as a first principle. (3/2024).
Never Trumper Republicans are shocked that the Republican party is made up of Republicans and can’t believe that they mean what they say, and White Southern Gentlemen civil war aficionados become shocked when they realize their cohorts really did think the Confederacy had nothing to do with slavery, and this Jehovah Witness Grand Poobah gets shocked when he is shunned by the Jehovah Witness grand inquisitors while thinking it couldn’t possibly happen to him.
MAGA and Jehovah Witnesses are both in a cult and their identity requires the belief in absurdities allowing them to commit atrocities. I have no sympathy for those who made their own choices and believe in nutty things.
The value in this book today is MAGA hat morons are just as clueless as Franz is. Franz said that the enemy of the truth is not the lie but the myths that linger and become fact. The JW shaped their present-day reality by ignoring inconvenient truths about the past and letting their leaders tell them what truth is today.
I have no sympathy for those who willfully remain in the dark while those around them believed exactly what they claimed. Republicans, Jehovah Witnesses and Confederate defenders all believed and behaved deplorably and just because you realize that now doesn’t make them any less guilty. The fault lies with the beliefs not the organization.
Never Trumper Republicans are shocked that the Republican party is made up of Republicans and can’t believe that they mean what they say, and White Southern Gentlemen civil war aficionados become shocked when they realize their cohorts really did think the Confederacy had nothing to do with slavery, and this Jehovah Witness Grand Poobah gets shocked when he is shunned by the Jehovah Witness grand inquisitors while thinking it couldn’t possibly happen to him.
MAGA and Jehovah Witnesses are both in a cult and their identity requires the belief in absurdities allowing them to commit atrocities. I have no sympathy for those who made their own choices and believe in nutty things.
The value in this book today is MAGA hat morons are just as clueless as Franz is. Franz said that the enemy of the truth is not the lie but the myths that linger and become fact. The JW shaped their present-day reality by ignoring inconvenient truths about the past and letting their leaders tell them what truth is today.
I have no sympathy for those who willfully remain in the dark while those around them believed exactly what they claimed. Republicans, Jehovah Witnesses and Confederate defenders all believed and behaved deplorably and just because you realize that now doesn’t make them any less guilty. The fault lies with the beliefs not the organization.
March 10, 2018
The real truth of Jehovah Witnesses
This is a must read read for anyone who is or has been involved with this group. If you have family members who are Witnesses, it will help you understand the undue influence they are under from “the organization.” Mr Franz eloquently shared his lifetime experience and how he and his wife survived afterward. Thank you Mrs Dykstra for for making this edition available.
This is a must read read for anyone who is or has been involved with this group. If you have family members who are Witnesses, it will help you understand the undue influence they are under from “the organization.” Mr Franz eloquently shared his lifetime experience and how he and his wife survived afterward. Thank you Mrs Dykstra for for making this edition available.
October 31, 2018
Excellent and up to date
I read this book years ago and the material was a real eye opener. This updated edition is no less important and is applicable to the present manifestation of what the JW's are today. A highly controlled group of the misled, under the bootstraps of a very powerful and wealthy corporation masquerading as a religion who strip away the decency and conscience of good people. The descriptions and updated information, as of this year, about this cult is riveting by any measure. That Ray Franz pushed through his doubts to face his crisis and his beloved religion and associates, is inspiring and well worth the read for anyone who values the true sanctity of the human spirit and freedom of conscience. Highly recommended.
I read this book years ago and the material was a real eye opener. This updated edition is no less important and is applicable to the present manifestation of what the JW's are today. A highly controlled group of the misled, under the bootstraps of a very powerful and wealthy corporation masquerading as a religion who strip away the decency and conscience of good people. The descriptions and updated information, as of this year, about this cult is riveting by any measure. That Ray Franz pushed through his doubts to face his crisis and his beloved religion and associates, is inspiring and well worth the read for anyone who values the true sanctity of the human spirit and freedom of conscience. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2015
Excellent read for anyone who has ever had anything to do with the Jehovah's Witnesses or still has family or loved ones in the cult. Excellent resource.
July 20, 2017
TRIGGER WARNINGS: sexual abuse and rape, brainwashing, violence, theft, ableism, sexual harassment, cults, forced marriage, cheating/adultery, homophobia, fascism/totalitarianism, racism, religious abuse, religious intolerance, antisemitism, child sexual abuse, paranoia, victim blaming, sociopathy, psychological abuse, sexism and misogyny
Ray Franz lived and worked in every level of the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) power structure, and was a member of their organisation for 43 years. This book is a very honest and illuminating account of his experiences and observations during that time, especially of the nine years he spent on the organisation’s governing body (the small group of men that dictate the doctrines and policies of the entire organisation).
Throughout the book, Ray shows a surprising level of compassion towards everyone involved in this power structure, even those on the governing body. Every detail of changes in doctrine or policy, cover-up, failed prophecy, and piece of misinformation, includes quotes sources, and photocopies of Watchtower Magazines and other JW publications, as well as copies of written correspondence between members of the organisation. Those who consider it relevant can also look up any of the bible passages that Ray sites to back up any of his beliefs and show problems and inconsistencies in JW doctrine. For anyone wanting to discount the book as being by someone who just wishes to create devision, or who is “spiritually weak”, Ray gives an account of his many years of service to the organisation, and the lengths he went to in dedicating his whole life and all his energy to the god he believed in.
Most of the book deals with Ray’s nine years of service on the governing body, (which from here on I will just refer to as the GB), starting in 1971. The GB had previously only been made up of the board of directors of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. We get a good look inside the workings of this highly secretive power structure, including how they make decisions on policies, doctrines, and restructuring of their power structure, how they respond to questions that arise from JWs outside of their headquarters, their reactions to their failed prophecies, and decisions about disciplinary action. We get to see just how much control the organisation has over very intimate details in the lives of JWs all over the world. These are the people that every JW must view as “God’s sole channel of communication and guideance on Earth”. Most JWs seem to view the Gb as a group of highly spiritual men, that every decision they make must be directed by some sort of “holy spirit”, and that they know and understand every verse in the bible. I have got the impression that the general impression is that GB sessions would involve sitting around praying together about every matter that needs discussing and that they would then turn to their bibles to find answers. Anyone who has this picture in their minds will likely find the reality in this book quite shocking.
Over time, the JWs have attached a lot of significance to certain dates, connecting them to interpretations of bible prophecies. The lengths they go to in attempts to cling to these, even when members of the GB are unsure whether to keep believing them, might be surprising to some readers. Their own publications try to gloss over any past teachings that they may find uncomfortable or embarrassing. They have worked to discredit archeological and historical evidence, to prop up members’ belief in prophecies that relate to certain dates. Several times while reading this book, I was reminded of 1984 by George Orwell.
Towards the end, Ray describes his being told to resign from the GB and from the organisation’s headquarters, and then the events that lead to his finally being completely outcast (disfellowshipped). He also tells of similar processes suffered by some of his closest friends. Some readers less familiar with the JW cult may be quite surprised by the incident that was used as the reason for the organisation’s final decision against Ray. I think it says a lot about what they are really like.
Unsurprisingly, I have heard “Crisis of Conscience” refered to as the final nail in the coffin of the watchtower. For the JW organisation, I think this book could definitely be considered the kind of “defining moment” mentioned in the following paragraph, taken from the foreword of Crisis of Conscience.
“IN THE HISTORY of a religious organization there can be defining moments, particular times and circumstances that allow for seeing beyond external appearance and recognizing the true character and essential spirit of the organization. The organization’s own self-image, its dominant cast of mind and outlook, its motivating force and its pattern of response to disagreement or challenge, can then be seen more clearly. The factors that come to light may have actually been there all along, at the inner core of the organization, but were beneath the surface, even at odds with external appearances and professed principles. The defining moment may produce a portrait that is disturbingly different from the image the organization holds in the minds of its membership, and that defining period may even escape their notice if those at the organization’s center can effectively suppress awareness of it.”
Any JW who is found to have read this book, or to express any similar oppinions or concerns that are mentioned in it, will suffer a lot of psychological abuse, including being “disfellowshipped”, resulting in being shunned by every person they know who is a JW, even their family. Anyone who has been a JW, who does not agree completely with every teaching of the organisation is viewed as an “apostate” and must be completely avoided at all costs. I think this quote is a perfect example of the level of mind control that is used: “The District Overseer, Bart Thompson, held up a Society publication that had a green cover. He then said to the assembly of elders, “If the Society told me that this book is black instead of green, I would say, ‘Y’know I could have sworn that it was green, but if the Society says it’s black, then it’s black!’””
I also posted this review on my blog. Here's the link for anyone who wants it:
http://wp.me/p7R7jY-1O
Ray Franz lived and worked in every level of the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) power structure, and was a member of their organisation for 43 years. This book is a very honest and illuminating account of his experiences and observations during that time, especially of the nine years he spent on the organisation’s governing body (the small group of men that dictate the doctrines and policies of the entire organisation).
Throughout the book, Ray shows a surprising level of compassion towards everyone involved in this power structure, even those on the governing body. Every detail of changes in doctrine or policy, cover-up, failed prophecy, and piece of misinformation, includes quotes sources, and photocopies of Watchtower Magazines and other JW publications, as well as copies of written correspondence between members of the organisation. Those who consider it relevant can also look up any of the bible passages that Ray sites to back up any of his beliefs and show problems and inconsistencies in JW doctrine. For anyone wanting to discount the book as being by someone who just wishes to create devision, or who is “spiritually weak”, Ray gives an account of his many years of service to the organisation, and the lengths he went to in dedicating his whole life and all his energy to the god he believed in.
Most of the book deals with Ray’s nine years of service on the governing body, (which from here on I will just refer to as the GB), starting in 1971. The GB had previously only been made up of the board of directors of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. We get a good look inside the workings of this highly secretive power structure, including how they make decisions on policies, doctrines, and restructuring of their power structure, how they respond to questions that arise from JWs outside of their headquarters, their reactions to their failed prophecies, and decisions about disciplinary action. We get to see just how much control the organisation has over very intimate details in the lives of JWs all over the world. These are the people that every JW must view as “God’s sole channel of communication and guideance on Earth”. Most JWs seem to view the Gb as a group of highly spiritual men, that every decision they make must be directed by some sort of “holy spirit”, and that they know and understand every verse in the bible. I have got the impression that the general impression is that GB sessions would involve sitting around praying together about every matter that needs discussing and that they would then turn to their bibles to find answers. Anyone who has this picture in their minds will likely find the reality in this book quite shocking.
Over time, the JWs have attached a lot of significance to certain dates, connecting them to interpretations of bible prophecies. The lengths they go to in attempts to cling to these, even when members of the GB are unsure whether to keep believing them, might be surprising to some readers. Their own publications try to gloss over any past teachings that they may find uncomfortable or embarrassing. They have worked to discredit archeological and historical evidence, to prop up members’ belief in prophecies that relate to certain dates. Several times while reading this book, I was reminded of 1984 by George Orwell.
Towards the end, Ray describes his being told to resign from the GB and from the organisation’s headquarters, and then the events that lead to his finally being completely outcast (disfellowshipped). He also tells of similar processes suffered by some of his closest friends. Some readers less familiar with the JW cult may be quite surprised by the incident that was used as the reason for the organisation’s final decision against Ray. I think it says a lot about what they are really like.
Unsurprisingly, I have heard “Crisis of Conscience” refered to as the final nail in the coffin of the watchtower. For the JW organisation, I think this book could definitely be considered the kind of “defining moment” mentioned in the following paragraph, taken from the foreword of Crisis of Conscience.
“IN THE HISTORY of a religious organization there can be defining moments, particular times and circumstances that allow for seeing beyond external appearance and recognizing the true character and essential spirit of the organization. The organization’s own self-image, its dominant cast of mind and outlook, its motivating force and its pattern of response to disagreement or challenge, can then be seen more clearly. The factors that come to light may have actually been there all along, at the inner core of the organization, but were beneath the surface, even at odds with external appearances and professed principles. The defining moment may produce a portrait that is disturbingly different from the image the organization holds in the minds of its membership, and that defining period may even escape their notice if those at the organization’s center can effectively suppress awareness of it.”
Any JW who is found to have read this book, or to express any similar oppinions or concerns that are mentioned in it, will suffer a lot of psychological abuse, including being “disfellowshipped”, resulting in being shunned by every person they know who is a JW, even their family. Anyone who has been a JW, who does not agree completely with every teaching of the organisation is viewed as an “apostate” and must be completely avoided at all costs. I think this quote is a perfect example of the level of mind control that is used: “The District Overseer, Bart Thompson, held up a Society publication that had a green cover. He then said to the assembly of elders, “If the Society told me that this book is black instead of green, I would say, ‘Y’know I could have sworn that it was green, but if the Society says it’s black, then it’s black!’””
I also posted this review on my blog. Here's the link for anyone who wants it:
http://wp.me/p7R7jY-1O
January 2, 2014
Excellent book & very helpful understanding the Watch Tower Society from one of its former main leaders.
August 4, 2016
The author humbly shows what it is to be a moral person.
July 19, 2021
"By controlling the information people receive you gain control of the way they think about issues."
"To search out the answers to the questions raised requires going beyond the individuals affected into the inner structure of a distinctive religious organization, into its system of teaching and control, discovering how the men who direct it arrive at their decisions and policies, and to some extent investigating its past history and origins."
"I found it tragic that a time prophecy could be proclaimed to the world as something solid upon which people could and should confidently rely, build their hopes, form their life plans, when the very ones publishing this knew that within their own collective body there did not exist a unanimity of genuine, firm conviction as to the rightness of that teaching. It may be that when viewed against the whole background of the organization’s decades of date-fixing and shifting of dates, their attitude becomes more understandable.
"Though each year on the Governing Body, particularly from 1976 onward, became increasingly difficult and more stressful for me, I clung to the hope that things would improve. In time I was obliged to recognize that was a hope which the evidence did not support."
"I was not opposed to authority. I was opposed to the extremes to which it was carried. I could not believe that God ever purposed for men to exercise such all-pervading authoritarian control over the lives of fellow members of the Christian congregation."
"The convictions I held I tried to reflect during my years of service on the Governing Body. From the beginning I found that this brought me difficulty, animosity. In the end it brought rejection, expulsion."
"Unity (actually uniformity) was apparently counted more important than truth. Questions about organizational teachings could be discussed within the inner circle of the Governing Body but nowhere else. No matter how heated the debate on an issue within that inner circle, the Body must present a face of unanimity toward all those on the outside, even though such 'face' actually masked serious disagreement on the point in question."
"The most serious aspect of all that took place was the way an array of organizational teachings were used as a standard against which to evaluate plain statements in the Bible, and that those plain statements (because they did not conform to the organizational 'pattern' of interpretation) were depicted as distorted teachings giving evidence of 'apostasy.'"
"What were they trying to hide? Couldn’t the ‘truth’ stand up to such examination?" - Jon Mitchell
"I could not be party to something that labeled a man wicked who had simply acted according to conscience, out of concern for truth and for the interests of others, as he had done."
"I had been baptized on January 1, 1939, and exactly forty-three years later, on December 31, 1981, I experienced excommunication—the only charge serving as the basis for this being testimony that I had eaten a meal with a disassociated person."
"This, then, is my account and these are the fundamental issues that produced in me a crisis of conscience."
"As in Jesus’ day, so today, the divisive force comes from one side, one source, a source that equates conscientious disagreement with disloyalty. There is where the real responsibility for the broken family relationships, ruined friendships and the accompanying emotional hurt and distress ultimately rests."
"People are, however, held by an institution in which they have no real part or say and in which they cannot be themselves. They are reluctant to release themselves from it because they see no alternative and instinctively they want some social structure in which to live as Christians. But the more earnest they are the greater the tension of living under a structure that simply does not correspond to their experience and needs." - Charles Davis
Raymond Franz provides an overwhelming amount of evidence proving that this is just another man-made, man-operated religion, not an organization chosen or backed by God. He apty describes the cult's use of intellectual intimidation, inaccurate predictions made over the years, and inconsistencies, both in their literature, and even internally at Bethel. A must read for anyone interested in the JW cult or anyone wanting to escape it. Not a five-star book for me because it drones on a little too long at times, and I also noticed a few grammatical errors towards the beginning. But an excellent read. 4.5/5.
"And if the wicked system of this world survived until the turn of the century, which is highly improbable in view of world trends and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, there would still be survivors of the World War I generation. However, the fact that their number is dwindling is one more indication that 'the conclusion of the system of things' is moving fast toward its end." - Watchtower, October 15th, 1980 (Almost 41 years ago).
"Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." - Kingdom Ministry, May, 1974 (Over 47 years ago).
"To search out the answers to the questions raised requires going beyond the individuals affected into the inner structure of a distinctive religious organization, into its system of teaching and control, discovering how the men who direct it arrive at their decisions and policies, and to some extent investigating its past history and origins."
"I found it tragic that a time prophecy could be proclaimed to the world as something solid upon which people could and should confidently rely, build their hopes, form their life plans, when the very ones publishing this knew that within their own collective body there did not exist a unanimity of genuine, firm conviction as to the rightness of that teaching. It may be that when viewed against the whole background of the organization’s decades of date-fixing and shifting of dates, their attitude becomes more understandable.
"Though each year on the Governing Body, particularly from 1976 onward, became increasingly difficult and more stressful for me, I clung to the hope that things would improve. In time I was obliged to recognize that was a hope which the evidence did not support."
"I was not opposed to authority. I was opposed to the extremes to which it was carried. I could not believe that God ever purposed for men to exercise such all-pervading authoritarian control over the lives of fellow members of the Christian congregation."
"The convictions I held I tried to reflect during my years of service on the Governing Body. From the beginning I found that this brought me difficulty, animosity. In the end it brought rejection, expulsion."
"Unity (actually uniformity) was apparently counted more important than truth. Questions about organizational teachings could be discussed within the inner circle of the Governing Body but nowhere else. No matter how heated the debate on an issue within that inner circle, the Body must present a face of unanimity toward all those on the outside, even though such 'face' actually masked serious disagreement on the point in question."
"The most serious aspect of all that took place was the way an array of organizational teachings were used as a standard against which to evaluate plain statements in the Bible, and that those plain statements (because they did not conform to the organizational 'pattern' of interpretation) were depicted as distorted teachings giving evidence of 'apostasy.'"
"What were they trying to hide? Couldn’t the ‘truth’ stand up to such examination?" - Jon Mitchell
"I could not be party to something that labeled a man wicked who had simply acted according to conscience, out of concern for truth and for the interests of others, as he had done."
"I had been baptized on January 1, 1939, and exactly forty-three years later, on December 31, 1981, I experienced excommunication—the only charge serving as the basis for this being testimony that I had eaten a meal with a disassociated person."
"This, then, is my account and these are the fundamental issues that produced in me a crisis of conscience."
"As in Jesus’ day, so today, the divisive force comes from one side, one source, a source that equates conscientious disagreement with disloyalty. There is where the real responsibility for the broken family relationships, ruined friendships and the accompanying emotional hurt and distress ultimately rests."
"People are, however, held by an institution in which they have no real part or say and in which they cannot be themselves. They are reluctant to release themselves from it because they see no alternative and instinctively they want some social structure in which to live as Christians. But the more earnest they are the greater the tension of living under a structure that simply does not correspond to their experience and needs." - Charles Davis
Raymond Franz provides an overwhelming amount of evidence proving that this is just another man-made, man-operated religion, not an organization chosen or backed by God. He apty describes the cult's use of intellectual intimidation, inaccurate predictions made over the years, and inconsistencies, both in their literature, and even internally at Bethel. A must read for anyone interested in the JW cult or anyone wanting to escape it. Not a five-star book for me because it drones on a little too long at times, and I also noticed a few grammatical errors towards the beginning. But an excellent read. 4.5/5.
"And if the wicked system of this world survived until the turn of the century, which is highly improbable in view of world trends and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, there would still be survivors of the World War I generation. However, the fact that their number is dwindling is one more indication that 'the conclusion of the system of things' is moving fast toward its end." - Watchtower, October 15th, 1980 (Almost 41 years ago).
"Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." - Kingdom Ministry, May, 1974 (Over 47 years ago).
January 3, 2019
Either the truth matters to you or it doesn't. Either what you believe in can stand a light being shone upon it or it cannot. This book is that light as regards the inner workings of the Governing Body of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. The GB is a secretive group about which the rank and file JWs, up to and including elders and circuit and district overseers and even branch offices typically know very little. (If you understand that last sentence, I recommend this book to you. If you are not acquainted enough with JWs for it to be meaningful, this may not be the book for you as it is very much targeted toward current and, to a slightly lesser extent, ex-JWs. But if you are curious about the organization leadership, by all means, read it; just recognize that you might not fully understand some details he references.)
Ray Franz was, it seems, a kind, thoughtful, and perceptive man who wrote a kind, thoughtful, and perceptive book. The book is thoroughly documented. He came with alllll the receipts. (If you are interested in reading his scanned source material, you may want to read a paper copy or use an app on a tablet or computer that supports blowing up images. I read it on my Kindle, and it was a struggle to get the scanned document images, of which there are many, to an easily readable size for my middle-aged eyes. But he summarizes and quotes those sources freely in the main text, so this won't be a problem for most.)
If I were to find any fault with his reasoning, it is that he extends the remaining members of the GB far too much mercy, believing them to be much better men at their cores than I do. He sees them as largely victims of an organization without giving enough credence to the reality that he and others in similar positions did what their consciences demanded and the others simply have not.
One other caveat: Franz very much retained his identity as a Christian and references that heavily. This is a personal account, so even as an atheist I did not find that problematic, but others may, which is why I mention it. He doesn't proselytize or go into doctrine at all, just references his faith and love for God and Jesus and other people. Hell, if all Christians were like that, I'd like them a lot better as a group.
This book's existence is a very good thing.
Ray Franz was, it seems, a kind, thoughtful, and perceptive man who wrote a kind, thoughtful, and perceptive book. The book is thoroughly documented. He came with alllll the receipts. (If you are interested in reading his scanned source material, you may want to read a paper copy or use an app on a tablet or computer that supports blowing up images. I read it on my Kindle, and it was a struggle to get the scanned document images, of which there are many, to an easily readable size for my middle-aged eyes. But he summarizes and quotes those sources freely in the main text, so this won't be a problem for most.)
If I were to find any fault with his reasoning, it is that he extends the remaining members of the GB far too much mercy, believing them to be much better men at their cores than I do. He sees them as largely victims of an organization without giving enough credence to the reality that he and others in similar positions did what their consciences demanded and the others simply have not.
One other caveat: Franz very much retained his identity as a Christian and references that heavily. This is a personal account, so even as an atheist I did not find that problematic, but others may, which is why I mention it. He doesn't proselytize or go into doctrine at all, just references his faith and love for God and Jesus and other people. Hell, if all Christians were like that, I'd like them a lot better as a group.
This book's existence is a very good thing.
August 29, 2019
An incredible insight into the workings of those men (and only men are allowed) of the small, inner circle that controls the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation.
Raymond Franz was once a leading member of the 'Governing Body' that controls the beliefs, actions, and even the thoughts of the members this devout religious organisation. He has the dubious honour of being the only Governing Body member ever to have been disfellowshipped - shunned by any other name. Now, for any other Witness to even share this man's company - even to own this book - could lead to them suffering the same fate.
He is universally vilified among the ranks of the God-fearing, generally and genuinely lovely rank and file men and women in the organisation. Not, of course, that they're allowed to know what he says.
Yet in spite of the hatred directed at him, Franz's account is full of love and compassion for those who were once his fellows. Although his exposures are frank and pull no punches, he still conveys a humility and respect both for the Witnesses who are being misled, and for the truths contained in the Scriptures. The book is easy to read in spite of being so full of facts, dates, and figures. The story of his life is compelling and inspires both sympathy and admiration. The story of the Jehovah's Witness movement from conception to modern times is fascinating beyond words.
If you are or have ever been a Jehovah's Witness, this is an absolute must! If you are currently a baptised 'publisher' though, I'd keep it safely hidden under your pillow and stay quiet about what it says; something that will become increasingly difficult as you discover the truth about what you have been taught.
If you're not a Witness, then I would still highly recommend reading it. It really is an eye opener without being a hate-fueled rant as is the case with some books on the subject.
Raymond Franz was once a leading member of the 'Governing Body' that controls the beliefs, actions, and even the thoughts of the members this devout religious organisation. He has the dubious honour of being the only Governing Body member ever to have been disfellowshipped - shunned by any other name. Now, for any other Witness to even share this man's company - even to own this book - could lead to them suffering the same fate.
He is universally vilified among the ranks of the God-fearing, generally and genuinely lovely rank and file men and women in the organisation. Not, of course, that they're allowed to know what he says.
Yet in spite of the hatred directed at him, Franz's account is full of love and compassion for those who were once his fellows. Although his exposures are frank and pull no punches, he still conveys a humility and respect both for the Witnesses who are being misled, and for the truths contained in the Scriptures. The book is easy to read in spite of being so full of facts, dates, and figures. The story of his life is compelling and inspires both sympathy and admiration. The story of the Jehovah's Witness movement from conception to modern times is fascinating beyond words.
If you are or have ever been a Jehovah's Witness, this is an absolute must! If you are currently a baptised 'publisher' though, I'd keep it safely hidden under your pillow and stay quiet about what it says; something that will become increasingly difficult as you discover the truth about what you have been taught.
If you're not a Witness, then I would still highly recommend reading it. It really is an eye opener without being a hate-fueled rant as is the case with some books on the subject.
June 5, 2010
I am learning that though the WTBTS uses the techniques outlined in this book (NOT meant to be an expose, by the way)in extreme ways, I have seen so much of what is practiced within those walls as fairly commonplace among all the churches I've been a part of in my past. I have not yet completed reading this book and so will reserve final judgment of what I've read for later on.
The "crisis of conscience" by the author of this book all stemmed from the struggle one often has between choosing loyalty to G-d versus loyalty to one's religion.
The "crisis of conscience" by the author of this book all stemmed from the struggle one often has between choosing loyalty to G-d versus loyalty to one's religion.
August 7, 2016
This book was written by former governing body member (highest title in the organization), Ray Franz. This book is a MUST READ for any Jehovah's Witness or former Jehovah's Witness. That said, i could see how it would bore you to tears if you were not affiliated and didn't know the Watchtower lingo. Ray Franz had the courage to put down what was really going down in the organization and paid for it in his elderly life. Although it does get bogged down with scripture, it is beyond interesting to read and pulls the curtain on the men behind the curtain in the organization (cult).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews