JW Library App Surprisingly Unimpressive

With short notice (48 hours), the Watchtower organization debuted two new apps for iOS and Android.  JW Library, and JW Library Sign Language.

Currently, the app is the 113th most popular free app in the App Store.  At one point on Monday, it was the third most popular iOS app, and in the top 20 for Android.  In the last three days, the app has seen over 100,000 downloads on Apple devices alone.  There have been over 100,000 downloads on Android, as well.

In the Google Play Store, the app currently has 19,809 reviews.  19,638 are five star reviews.  On iOS, it has a total of 14,059 reviews, 13,878 of which are five star.  That's 99.1% and 98.7% respectively.  Reading some of these reviews, it appears that most people believe that God himself programmed the code.

"All glory, honor, and praise to the only true and living God Jehovah who has provided."

"I love this app.  So simple.  So easy.  Jehovah always gives the greatest gifts."

"Yes and now there is an app for that - for our newly clarified nwt bible and references to the extreme.  Bible highlights here I come!  Thank you Jehovah.  You truly are so good..."

So, late last night, I downloaded the app on my phone.  And, I have to admit, I'm not really impressed.

First of all, the "library" has a total of 6 Bible translations - The New World Translation (2013 Revision), a "Reference Bible", the Kingdom Interlinear, the Byington translation, the American Standard Version, and the King James.

That's it.  With the dozens of books and brochures that Jehovah's Witnesses have published, and the hundreds of editions of The Watchtower and Awake! that have been produced, the only JW-published publication on the app is the Bible.

I would hardly consider this a "library".  If the only books I had on my shelf were the 'Twilight' series, I would be hard pressed to legitimately say that I had a "library".  I was shocked to discover that the app didn't even have an option to view the daily text, the weekly Bible reading, access the Witnesses website, or to contact them to schedule a bible study.

In all fairness, JW Library is quite pleasant to look at.  The user interface is simple and easy to use, with an appeasing array of grays and purples.  

That being said, the app is pretty much useless.  As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, when are you going to read the Bible without any "study aids"?  When do Jehovah's Witnesses EVER encourage people to read their Bible, without the help from any Watchtower published books or magazines? Sure, the Revised New World Translation may "read like a novel" (which is depressing in and of itself), but you don't see JWs going door to door, trying to put Bibles in people's hands.

There are a two appendixes included in the application, which have a number of charts and maps, diagrams of King Solomon's temple and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and assorted weights and measures.  They're interesting to look at, but provide nothing than trivial information.  They remind me of the maps that used to be in the binding of the old green Bibles.  It's something to look at when you're bored by the Sunday talk.

Like I said...interesting.  But, there's nothing here that will be useful in your day to day life.  Coincidentally, the biblical measurement for a span is the same method you use to accurately measure one's penis.

Even as someone that was no longer in the faith, I was looking forward to using the app to keep up with the rhetoric and "new light" coming from the bigwigs in New York.  Sadly, I was underwhelmed.  I've seen much better "JW" apps that were made by individuals trying to make a quick buck.

Jehovah's Witnesses To Announce Slimmer Magazines

During this Sunday's Watchtower study, a letter will be read to all congregations.  The letter states that, starting in January, the Watchtower and Awake! magazines will go from 32 pages, down to 16 pages.

Why?

Print has become a dead media, even for the Jehovah's Witnesses.  Moving operations online dramatically cuts costs.  Think about it...

How many of those magazines were legitimately "placed" out in field service?  My family would order a dozen copies of each issue.  Back in the day, we regularly had a stack of 50-60 magazines laying around the house.  It got to the point where we would leave an old Watchtower in the door, regardless of whether anyone was home or not.

A couple of years back, the organization scaled down their printing operations to only one "public" issue of the Watchtower and Awake! each month, with a second, super secret issue of the Watchtower made available to members of the Church.

Today, they claim that they're printing 42 million copies of each issue today.  I don't buy it.  If they are, the amount of waste is staggering.  Speaking for myself, I regularly shred 8-10 magazines a month...and that's just the ones I randomly come across in doctor's offices.  (Just imagine how easy it will be to shred Watchtowers that are half as thick.)

After years of having elders warn their congregations about the "dangers" of the internet and social media, it seems that the Society has reversed their position when it comes to their interests.  In the coming months, Jehovah's Witnesses are going to be consolidating their three websites into one, and focus the majority of their proselytizing to the World Wide Web.

Now, you can read the latest issue of the Watchtower, and have your favorite kiddie porn site open in the next tab.  That's a joke, of course.  We all know that only elders and ministerial servants watch kiddie porn.

You can see an image of the letter being read Sunday, below:

Chart Of The Day

The following is a rundown of the more notable pieces of real estate put up for sale by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.  The parent company of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization has 34 buildings up for sale in Brooklyn, New York.  The list includes four parking lots, 17 residential buildings, and 13 buildings zoned for manufacturing.

In recent weeks, the WBTS has sold three buildings in the area, for a total of $14.2 million.  With a total square footage of 25,800, it comes to approximately $550 per square foot of real estate.  The 34 remaining buildings have a total square footage in the neighborhood of 3.4 million.  At the current going rate, they're likely to make something in the $1.8 - $2 billion range.

Three years ago, the organization purchased a 248 acre piece of land in Warwick, NY, for $11.5 million to move their entire publishing operation to.  In the time since, they have "laid off" a very large percentage of their staff.  I use quotation marks because the facilities' workers didn't make a salary.  They received room and board, but essentially worked for free.  Some of these properties have been part of the Witnesses portfolio for decades.  In 2004, they sold one building for $205 million, after having bought it 30 years prior for less than $4 million.

The Witnesses intend on announcing this Sunday that, starting in January, both the Watchtower and Awake magazines will go from 32 pages per issue, down to 16. (The announcement letter can be found here.)

My question is:  Where is all of the money going?

44-45

Jehovah's Witnesses Now Indoctrinating Toddlers In The Watchtower

One of my earliest memories was of that damn yellow book.

As a child, I don't remember having any other storybooks in the house.  It wasn't until I was in grade school, and had access to the library, that I read something "worldly".

My mom was very diligent in trying to educate me.  At the age of three, I was already reading and writing on my own.  At four, I was enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School, giving sermons in front of the congregation, with the intent of making myself a better magazine salesman on the weekends. 

When most kids were learning nursery rhymes or fairy tales, I was memorizing the lineage of Jesus.  I even memorized the tribes of Israel.  All twelve of them.  To the tune of 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious', no less.

In the years since 1978, the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses have converted 'My Book of Bible Stories' into audio cassettes, CDs, and even a webpage.  Around 2006, they swapped out the cover to something less atrocious.  

Now, the Watchtower has taken a giant leap forward in the realm of religious indoctrination.  In the May 1, 2012, Watchtower, they have dedicated pages 24 and 25 to children under the age of three.  

That's funny.  That's not the picture I remember in the Noah's Ark story that I read as a kid.

That's the one.  Bald guy getting swept away by the current.  Mother and child clinging to life on the rocks.  No wonder I had horrific nightmares as a kid.

February 15, 2012 'Watchtower': Domestic Violence VICTIMS Are 'Unchristian' For "Feeling Sad"

Take a moment, if you will to read paragraphs 11 and 12 of the February 15, 2012, 'Watchtower' magazine.  It's part of an article titled "Happiness is Possible in a Divided Household", found on page 29:

"11 Many modern-day examples illustrate the value of applying Peter’s counsel. Consider the case of Selma. When she began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, her husband, Steve, was not pleased. He admits, “I became angry, jealous, possessive, and insecure.” Selma observes: “Even before I got the truth, living with Steve was like walking on eggshells. He was hot-tempered. When I started studying the Bible, this characteristic intensified.” What helped?

12 Selma recalls a lesson she learned from the Witness who studied with her. “On one particular day,” says Selma, “I didn’t want to have a Bible study. The night before, Steve had hit me as I had tried to prove a point, and I was feeling sad and sorry for myself. After I told the sister what had happened and how I felt, she asked me to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. As I did, I began to reason, ‘Steve never does any of these loving things for me.’ But the sister made me think differently by asking, ‘How many of those acts of love do you show toward your husband?’ My answer was, ‘None, for he is so difficult to live with.' The sister softly said, ‘Selma, who is trying to be a Christian here? You or Steve?’ Realizing that I needed to adjust my thinking, I prayed to Jehovah to help me be more loving toward Steve. Slowly, things started to change.”  After 17 years, Steve accepted the truth."

I'm sorry?  Come again??

"Who's trying to be a Christian here?"  I thought you said "Did you call the police?", as that would have been the logical response to someone telling you that her husband hit her!  That, or, "I have a gun you can borrow.  It's not registered.  I'll help you bury him in the morning".


Yes.  This is really printed in a 'Watchtower' magazine.  In a study article no less.  One that the entire congregation will read aloud and ask questions corresponding to the paragraphs.  Don't believe me.  Follow this link to the Watchtower's website, and read it for yourself.  The article appears in the study copy of the magazine, and not the public copy, since the Jehovah's Witness organization would hate it if the public knew that they were excusing domestic abuse.

The article in question.

For those that were curious, one of the questions for discussion for paragraphs 10-12 is:

"How did one Bible student learn to apply the counsel recorded at 1 Peter 3:1,2?"

1 Peter Chapter 3, verses one and two state (I'm quoting the New International Version, and not the translation Jehovah's Witnesses use):

"¹ Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ² when they see the purity and reverence of your lives."

Early in my teenage years, I recognized that Jehovah's Witnesses have a fundamental problem in their belief system.  They honestly, truly in their hearts, believe that if you are not one of Jehovah's Witnesses, you have no moral compass.  That it is impossible to have a conscience, or know rght from wrong, without being a follower of Jehovah god.  

Perhaps that explains the paragraph a bit.  You see, Steve simply did not know any better.  Since he was not one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he didn't know that it isn't acceptable to hit your fucking wife.  For that matter, Steve doesn't know that it's wrong to cheat on his taxes, or rob a bank, or rape and murder a little girl.  In the Witnesses' minds, he wasn't born with the instinct to know what he should or shouldn't do.  Since his parents weren't Witnesses, they didn't raise him to know the difference, either.  Not only do they believe that, when we are nearing the year 2012, we need the commandment "Thou shall not kill", but we need Jehovah's Witnesses to interpret those words for us.

This was clearly Selma's fault.  As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, she knew that Steve couldn't be trusted to keep from pooping on the new carpet, let alone not beat her.  She clearly was not following the principles set forth in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

^"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

So what's the lesson to be learned?

Let's look at Selma.  She says that “Even before I got the truth, living with Steve was like walking on eggshells. He was hot-tempered. When I started studying the Bible, this characteristic intensified.”  With Selma's patience and love (and a steady supply of bags of frozen peas), Steve accepted "the truth" and became a kinder, gentler man after 17 years!!!!


That's right ladies.  According to the Watchtower, suck it up and stop your bitching.  Because "feeling sad or sorry for yourself" wouldn't be the Christian thing to do.  You made this bed, now you have to lie in it.


Think of the message this is sending to the little girls that are currently in the congregation.  That, in any circumstance, it's acceptable for your husband to hit you.  Not only is it acceptable, but, as the one that is getting hit, you have no reason to be upset.  Essentially, you have what's coming to you.


It's hard to tell, but the picture accompanying the paragraphs is pretty telling, whether it's meant to be or not.  It's the typical "gathering" type of photo that you see in a Watchtower or Awake! magazine.  The men and women are never in the same room together.  Everyone in the photo is wearing "business casual".  The women are wearing slacks and blazers.  The men are wearing khakis and polos. (When I was younger, I used to think that there was a dress code to go to someone's house.)

Something interesting caught my eye.  While all of the guys are in the other room, chatting it up, the ladies are gathered in the kitchen, making dinner.  The one "sister" in the foreground is putting something in the oven.  She literally has a look on her face of, "I better not be late with Barry's dinner, again".   She looks panicked.

It's official.  I'm at a loss for words.

New Watchtower Tells Witnesses 'Stop Asking Us Questions'

The October 15, 2011, Watchtower appears to be telling Jehovah's Witnesses to keep following along blindly.  In the issue's 'Questions From Readers', an article that appears only in the "study copy" (or Witness only), the question is:

"What should I do when I have a question about something I read in the Bible or when I need advice about a personal problem?"

The article starts off, interestingly enough, quoting Proverbs chapter 2, where it says to "keep searching for" understanding and "hidden treasures".  It then makes it decidedly clear as to what resources should be used when doing your "searching".  The article amounts to, "Stick to our publications only, and don't expect any more answers from us if you write us.  That's not our job."

The Watchtower admits that "there some topics and scriptures that our publications have not specifically addressed."  There are some topics where the publications have been, should we say, vague on.  On some issues, especially when it comes to blood transfusions, the company line seems to change every couple of years.  In such an event, "we should avoid speculating about things that simply cannot be answered, lest we get involved in debating “questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith.”", according to the article.


So can the headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses help out in a situation like this?  Nope.  You're on your own.

"Neither the branch office nor world headquarters is in a position to analyze and answer all such questions that have not been considered in our literature. We can be satisfied that the Bible provides sufficient information to guide us through life but also omits enough details so as to require us to have strong faith in its divine Author."

I'm sorry.  What?!  The Bible "also omits enough details so as to require us to have strong faith in its divine Author."  Isn't that like Toyota saying that the owner's manual for the 2011 Tacoma gives you enough information to drive the car, but it leaves out the "details" on what the that little red light on your dashboard is for?  You'll just have to trust the guy at the dealership that sold it to you.  That is exactly what they are saying.

What if you've done all of the research you can, and still can't find the "direction you need"? (Their words, not mine.)  Talk to an elder.  And if you still don't have the answer you're looking for?  Use the old standby...pray for an answer.  Because that works.

So, why are the big wigs at the top of the organization refusing to answer questions from readers?  In my opinion, this is simply a legal move.  The Witnesses have been brought into court numerous times in recent years on many of their more controversial policies.  The organization is tied up in a number of wrongful death claims as we speak.  When the word to their followers is, "If you accept a blood transfusion, regardless of circumstance, you will be kicked out of the church", people die.  Thousands of Witness men, women and children have effectively become martyrs in the last 50 years.  Childhood friends of mine have died in the hospital, either from loyalty to an archaic belief, or being bullied by church elders and family members to remain faithful.  The organization knows it has blood on it's hands, and it's eliminating future evidence from being admissible in court by saying, "Go to an elder", rather than having physical proof of Witness policy in a future "plaintiff's" hands.


The entire article reeks of suspicion.  Of course, it will likely go without notice to the faithful lemmings sheep within the rank and file.  Here is a copy of the pdf for those who are interested in seeing it:

What To Expect Over The Next Week Or Two

Other than an update from my hospital room, I didn't have a single post on this blog in 16 days.  It's amazing how much can happen in 16 days.

I watched tens of thousands get washed out to sea from my bed.  I nervously  flipped back and forth between MSNBC and CNN in my hospital room as temperatures rose in reactor after reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.  It was frustrating enough that I felt helpless laying in a bed 10,000 miles away.  It was even worse that I couldn't write about the situation.

I have some catching up to do.  Over the last two weeks, I have accumulated a number of rare and exclusive videos on the earthquake and tsunami that I feel that I have to share.  You cannot understand the magnitude of what happened there until you see some of this video.

There are also some other news stories that have occurred in the last couple of weeks that I want to put my two cents in on.  You may care.  You may not.

In the last week, I have also seen a number of things regarding some recent Watchtower articles that I cannot stay silent on.  Expect a slew of ex-JW posts all of a sudden.  Maybe it's all of those blood transfusions I had in the hospital.  LOL.  Kidding.

So, over the next few days, some of this stuff may be old news to some of you.  Some of it may be eye opening.  Hopefully, regardless if you've heard the subject matter before, you'll see it from a new perspective. That's my goal at least.

02/15/2011 Watchtower: Disfellowshipped/Disassociated Ones 'Are Demons'

You know, it's funny.  I read The Watchtower and Awake a hell of a lot more now, than what I ever did when I was a Witness.  Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to things I see in the Watchtower magazine.  While their rhetoric may not be shocking, it sometimes hits close to home.  In the last couple of weeks, I was able to see an article from a recent Watchtower magazine that outright manipulates readers regarding loved ones who may be disfellowshipped (kicked out of the church) or have disassociated (submitted a letter of resignation to the church) themselves from the organization.

The Governing Body (the "board of directors" over the church) has a way of making Jehovah's Witnesses get certain information.  If they find it important enough, they will put the information in one of the two articles that the congregation will study on Sunday mornings.  They figured out years ago that cover to cover readership, even among Witnesses, was dwindling.

The February 15, 2011, Watchtower, likely to be studied in the congregation mid-April, has an article entitled, 'Do You Hate Lawlessness?'.  On the surface, you hear that question and think, "Yeah.  Of course I hate lawlessness.  I think murder is wrong.  I don't like it when people steal.  I pay my taxes."  But, you see, for Jehovah's Witnesses, it doesn't appear to be that simple.

To be one of Jehovah's Witnesses, you have to live a life that demonstrates that you hate lawlessness.  How do you do that?  By monitoring how you dress, what you watch on television, what movies you watch, and the music you listen to.  Now, I wasn't privy to the entire magazine article, just the last half; paragraphs 11-21.  From what I read around paragraph 11 and 12, it was the same old song and dance we've heard from the Witnesses for years:

"12.)  You might start by asking yourself: 'Do the songs I listen to glorify murder, adultery, fornication, and blasphemy? If I were to read the lyrics of certain songs to someone, would that person get the impression that I hate lawlessness, or would the words indicate that my heart is defiled?' We cannot hate lawlessness in word while glorifying it in song.  "The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart," said Jesus, "and those things defile a man.  For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies." - Matt. 15:18,19

I like this.  I went to Dictionary.com, and looked up "defiled" under the Thesaurus link.  One of the results that came back was "messed up".  One of the synonyms for lawlessness was "evil".  So, in other words, the paragraph was saying that 'are you listening to music that gives the impression that you hate "evil", or do the words indicate that your heart is "messed up"?'  Then, the scripture they use implies that, say you listen to an Eminem song about him beating his wife, you'll start beating your wife too, simply because you were listening to his song.  That was the line of thinking my mother had when I was growing up.  I wasn't allowed to listen to any gay artists, such as Freddie Mercury of Queen, Elton John, or George Michael, because she thought I would become gay just by listening to them.  How ridiculous.

The part of the article that started to upset me starts at around paragraph 14:

"God's Word commands that unrepentant sinners be removed from the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)  This is necessary for at least three reasons.  (1) to keep Jehovah's name free from reproach, (2) to protect the congregation from contamination, and (3) to help the sinner come to repentance if possible."

OK.  That's somewhat standard.  Anyone familiar with Jehovah's Witnesses wouldn't find anything new there.  It goes on in paragraph 15:

 "We need to give thought to these questions:  'Would I choose to associate regularly with someone who has been disfellowshipped or who has disassociated himself from the Christian congregation? What if that one is a close relative who no longer lives at home?' Such a situation can be a real test of our love of righteousness and our loyalty to God."

Then, the article starts to play on the heart strings of the "faithful servant of God".

"16.) Consider the experience of a sister whose adult son at one time had love for Jehovah.  Later in life, however, he unrepentantly chose to practice lawlessness.  Hence, he was disfellowshipped from the congregation.  Our sister loved Jehovah, but she also loved her son and found it extremely difficult to apply the Scriptural command to avoid associating with him."

And this is where things get, how should I put it, interesting:

"17.)  What advice would you have given this sister? An elder helped her to realize that Jehovah understood the pain she felt.  The brother invited her to think about the pain Jehovah must have experienced when some of his angelic sons rebelled.  The elder reasoned with her that even though Jehovah knows how painful such a circumstance can be, he requires that unrepentant sinners be disfellowshipped.  She took the reminders to heart and loyally upheld the disfellowshipping arrangement.  Such loyalty makes Jehovah's heart glad.

 18.) If you face a similar situation, please remember that Jehovah sympathizes with you.  By cutting off contact with the disfellowshipped or disassociated one, you are showing that you hate the attitudes and actions that led to that outcome.  However, you are also showing that you love the wrongdoer enough to do what is best for him or her.  Your loyalty to Jehovah may increase the likelihood that the disciplined one will repent and return to Jehovah."

I have two words to describe the previous two paragraphs:  BULL SHIT.   Where do I begin?  First, when it comes to paragraph 17, metaphorically speaking, it directly compares human beings that have either been kicked out of a church, or have left on their own free will, to angels that sided with Satan the Devil and were kicked out of Heaven by God.  When you think of demons, you think of "evil beyond evil" (lawless).  So, if you're unfamiliar with Jehovah's Witnesses, and you read this article, you might be thinking, "Wow.  If they are kicking these people out of the church to "protect the congregation", they must have done some pretty bad stuff."  As a Witness though, you can get disfellowshipped for smoking, having sex out of marriage, and even for saving your own life by getting a blood transfusion.

What bothers me even more is how they bait the families of those that are no longer in the organization.  They play the empathy card.  "God understands what you're going through.  He sympathizes with you."  I've read a couple of other blog posts on this, and they tend to go along that line of criticism.  Check out (we are not) The Governing Body for their take on the article.  I'm going to tackle it from another direction.  The JW publications have always played the empathy card.  It's nothing new.  What they have also done, and especially in this case (in my opinion), is "guilt" the reader.  They sow that seed of guilt that festers in someone until they can't take it any longer, and then they follow along with what the article is telling them to do.

When the article was saying, "Jehovah knows how painful such a circumstance can be", what it is actually/subliminally saying is, "If God did it, why aren't you doing it already?  What makes you think you're better than God?'' Disfellowshipping breaks up families.  It breaks up life long friendships.  In some cases, it leads to alcoholism, drug abuse, and even suicide.  The only way that it brings people back to the Witness organization is that some are so alone, they miss their families so much, that they will do anything to see them again.

I have heard the rumor (at this point it's unsubstantiated, it's just a rumor) that speaking to someone who is disfellowshipped or disassociated is an offense that can get you disfellowshipped yourself, now.  If you know either way whether that is the case or not, please send me a message.  The disfellowshipping arrangement was supposed to be in place to, not only "protect the congregation", but to also encourage the offending member of the congregation to change their ways and return.  They were likened to a lost sheep in the flock.  When that sheep was found by the shepherd, he "rejoiced" when finding the sheep and welcomed him back to the flock.  Lately, those disfellowshipped people trying to return are treated like dogs.  They are told not to look other members of the congregation in the eye, to look down at the ground.  They're being told that they can't sit with the rest of the congregation, but have to sit in the library; out of sight from everyone else.  They're also being told that they must leave before the final prayer, that the prayer's not for them.  They're making it more and more humiliating and more degrading for those trying to come back.

Many of you reading this post have been lucky enough to have cool family members or friends from your past, that have still been communicating with you, even though you may no longer be with the religion.  Be prepared to have an awkward conversation soon.  The Governing Body is tightening the leash among the rank and file Witnesses.  It's not going to be pretty.  I wish you all the best of luck.

Side note:  For decades, the Jehovah's Witnesses have publicly said that they do not shun family members.  Below is a copy of the article, that clearly states in paragraph 18, that Witnesses "cut off contact" with disfellowshipped family members.  Nice little thing to keep handy.

 

Jehovah's Witness Organization Urging Followers To Rat Out Friends

So, I may have been out of the religion for 15 years, but last time I checked my sins were on MY conscience.  Sure, there was always gossip floating around the congregation about what Brother So And So was getting into, and what Sister So And So was doing, but you never heard of people turning each other in, unless it was considered a "gross sin", or a serious offense.  Not until now, at least.

For the last couple of years, the Jehovah's Witnesses have printed two different versions of 'The Watchtower' magazine.  You have a softer, less jargon filled version that is placed in the hands of the public.  I like to call that one 'Watchtower Lite'.  Then, there is the "eyes only" version that church members see.  In the "eyes only" version, there are two articles per issue that are reviewed during Sunday morning "meetings" or services.  The January 15, 2011 issue of the 'Watchtower' has a study article in it which will likely be reviewed by congregations sometime in March.  In it, the article encourages church members to act on behalf of  their brother in the event their brother's conscience is faulty: (Italics mine)

"10.  Some young ones might face a dilemma if they learn that a friend has engaged in unscriptural conduct. They may feel that seeking spiritual help for their friend would violate an unwritten code of silence; therefore, they refuse to speak about the matter because of a misguided sense of loyalty. A wrongdoer may even pressure his friends to keep his sin hidden. Of course, this kind of problem is not unique to young people. Some adults too may find it difficult to approach congregation elders concerning the wrongdoing of a friend or a family member. But how should true Christians react to such pressure?  

11.  Imagine this situation. Suppose that Alex, a young brother, learned that Steve, his friend in the congregation, was in the habit of viewing pornography. Alex tells Steve that he is deeply concerned about what his friend is doing. However, Steve shrugs off his words. When Alex urges him to talk to the elders about it, Steve responds that if the two really are friends, then Alex will not tell on him. Should Alex be afraid of losing his friend? He might wonder whom the elders would believe if Steve denied everything. Still, the situation is not going to improve if Alex keeps quiet about it. Indeed, it could lead to Steve’s losing his relationship with Jehovah. Alex would do well to recall that “trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected.” (Prov. 29:25) What else could Alex do? He might lovingly approach Steve again and lay bare his fault. That will take courage. It may well be, though, that this time Steve will welcome the opportunity to talk about his problem. Alex should again encourage Steve to speak to the elders and tell him that if he does not do so within a reasonable period of time, then Alex will alert them.—Lev. 5:1."

 We're not talking about a situation where you know your friend has committed murder, or rape, or has robbed a bank.  The article's example is if you knew your friend was viewing pornography.  There are a vast number of things that are not allowed within the Witness organization, including: cursing, smoking, masturbating, watching R rated movies, premarital sex, and even reading this very blog post.  Half of these offenses can get you "disfellowshipped", kicked out of the church and shunned by your friends and family.   Now, it appears that congregation members are being told that it's their Christian responsibility to run to the elders every time they're aware of anyone's shortcomings.  Let me tell you, from experience, how embarrassing that can be.

Late one night, when I was 15, my mom walked in on me while I was masturbating.  If that wasn't embarrassing enough for a teenager to go through, it got worse.  Instead of walking out of my room and closing the door, or talking to me later about our awkward moment, she scheduled an appointment to meet with the body of elders at my local congregation.  I had to meet with a pair of old men and discuss my masturbation habits at the tender age of 15.  My mother was not in the room.  Neither was my father.  Hell, my father and I have never even mentioned the incident to each other all these years.  They went over a number of scriptures that they felt talked about why I shouldn't masturbate. (They consider it a selfish and "unclean" act.  They feel that if you masturbate as teenager, you'll have no interest in having sex with your wife or your husband once you're married, because you know how to pleasure yourself.)

At this point, no one is safe.  Married couples can't confide in each other.  Friends can't have an honest, open relationship.  You have to look over your shoulder to make sure that other family members in the house aren't in on your secrets.  It does nothing but make you feel guilty, paranoid, and alone.  Welcome to life as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Ready to leave now?