Introduction

The topic of Jehovah’s Witnesses often revolves around their doctrines and beliefs, yet there are certain aspects that they tend to avoid discussing or even acknowledge. This article delves into the reasons behind their reluctance and shines a light on the often-concealed truths in their organization.

What Topics Do Jehovah's Witnesses Avoid?

Based on numerous observations and personal experiences, Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) often avoid specific topics that challenge their core beliefs or highlight wrongdoing. Here are some of the subjects they tend to avoid discussing:

The Two Witness Rule

One of the most controversial and avoided policies within the organization is the so-called “two witness rule.” This rule, which has been set by the governing body, states that if a child is molested or raped within the organization, and there is no second witness to the incident, little is done about it. Survivors are often pressured into silence to protect the image of the organization. This silence creates an environment where child abusers can continue to operate without proper consequences. In many cases, the governing body instructs elders to keep such incidents secret, bringing immense guilt and shame to both the survivor and the victim.

Child Molestation and Cover-Ups

The topic of child molestation is one of the most avoided and often concealed issues within Jehovah's Witness communities. The governing body has been revealed to have sent out written policies to every Kingdom Hall in the United States, instructing elders to keep such incidents secret. If a child molestation case is reported, it is often handled internally within the organization, which can result in both the survivor and the abuser being further victimized. Elders are often instructed to move the abuser to another Kingdom Hall and file the case away in a cabinet, away from public knowledge and scrutiny. This ensures that the organization's reputation remains untarnished at the expense of the victim's well-being.

The Disgrace and Guilt

The consequences of these policies and the cover-ups are profound. Victims of child abuse find themselves trapped in a system that demands silence and secrecy. The governing body’s emphasis on protecting Jehovah's name often leads to the shaming and guilt of the survivor, making it nearly impossible to come forward and seek justice. This system perpetuates a cycle of abuse and maintains the abuser within the organization, where they can continue to harm others. The guilt and shame experienced by survivors are exacerbated by the organization’s stance on the issue, which often fails to address the heinous acts committed by members in leadership positions.

Why These Topics Are Avoided

The reluctance of Jehovah’s Witnesses to discuss these topics can be attributed to several factors:

Protecting the Organization’s Image

One of the primary reasons for avoiding these topics is the desire to protect the organization’s public image. By maintaining strict silence on such issues, the governing body can portray the organization as a moral and ethical institution, free from the stains of abuse and wrongdoing. Organizational leaders often emphasize the importance of promoting Jehovah's name without any reproach, which means that any negative publicity, even if it comes from within the organization, is strictly avoided.

Maintaining Order and Discipline

Another factor is the desire to maintain order and discipline within the organization. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in a hierarchical structure where elders have significant authority. Discussing or challenging these policies can lead to chaos and dissent, which the organization seeks to avoid at all costs. The secrecy and shame surrounding these incidents are tools used to maintain control over the members and prevent any potential rebellion or exposure of the truth.

The Growing Awareness

Despite the organization’s efforts to conceal these truths, awareness is growing about the issues within Jehovah's Witness communities. Journalists, activists, and former members have published numerous articles and studies exposing the policies and practices within the organization. The “two witness rule” and the practice of keeping child molesters secret have been the subject of intense scrutiny and widespread criticism. Organizations like Survivors of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been instrumental in bringing these hidden truths to light.

Conclusion

The avoidance by Jehovah’s Witnesses of certain topics is a complex issue that goes beyond simple ignorance. It is a systematic effort by the organization to maintain control and protect its image, even at the expense of the victims. As awareness continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to continue to investigate and expose the concealed truths within the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. This can help bring about necessary changes and ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.