Watchtower article creates furor in UK
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 1:44AM 
The official magazine for Jehovah's Witnesses has described those who leave the church as "mentally diseased", prompting an outcry from former members and insiders concerned about the shunning of those who question official doctrine.
An article published in July's edition of The Watchtower warns followers to stay clear of "false teachers" who are condemned as being "mentally diseased" apostates who should be avoided at all costs. "Suppose that a doctor told you to avoid contact with someone who is infected with a contagious, deadly disease," the article reads. "You would know what the doctor means, and you would strictly heed his warning. Well, apostates are 'mentally diseased', and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings."
A copy of the magazine, distributed by Jehovah's Witnesses around the world, was given to The Independent by a current member of the church who has become unhappy with official teaching but is afraid to leave for fear of losing his family.
"Many like me remain associated with the Witnesses out of fear of being uncovered as an 'apostate' and ousted, not just from the organisation, but from their own friends and families," said the man, who would only give the name John. "I find I am now branded as 'mentally diseased' – giving any who discover my true beliefs free licence to treat me with disdain."
THE TELEGRAPH reports police inquirey into Watchtower "hate speech."
apostates, mentally diseased
Reader Comments (7)
I would like to post but I guess, I am mentally diseased. If I were called that by a rank and file JW, could I have an iron clad excusable reason for giving a good "rap in the mouth" to the offending accuser since, after all, I am mentally diseased?
LOL
I've read the entire article in the "Telegraph", including this little bit of propaganda provided by the WT spokesman: "Any one of Jehovah's Witnesses is free to express their feelings and to ask questions," he said. "If a person changes their mind about Bible-based teachings they once held dear, we recognise their right to leave."
The truth is that the JWs are not free to question and if they dare, they must accept the WT explanation or face dire consequences. Likewise, they may leave but will face dire consequences. Moreover, I have found that the mental and emotional issues faced by ex-cult members are almost invariably a direct by-product of cult indoctrination.
-- C. L., cult exit-counselor and author of "Spiritual Battery: Hope for Cult Casualties - Help for Those Assisting Their Recovery.
Laying to Rest the "Mentally Diseased" Nonsense
http://tearsofoberon.blogspot.com/2011/09/laying-to-rest-mental-disease-nonsense.html
blah blah blah
It's a scripture in the New World Translation, they are using it appropriately to the context. 1 Tim. 6:4
The real problem is religious arrogance. Everything else is just a cover up or a poor excuse. In fact "arrogance" is the #1 problem God is going to deal with during the fast approaching Great Tribulation to come upon the whole world.
"Drunk with power & riches" that is behind their 'religious arrogance' and because of their 'Child Protection (lack of) Policies' there is finally an accounting in Steven Unthanks Aussie Court proceedings coming up soon, due to their non-compliance with Government law.
Third attempt to bring it to court proceedings due to the "Defendents non compliance" to attend court,
the court has adjourned twice already.. it will bring them huge media attention for sure..and WTB&TS
have their "secret society history" which can no longer be hidden...GOD's time has come