I created a video based on an abbreviated version of this post, and uploaded it to YouTube. This is my first attempt at a YouTube production, so bear with me if something is wonky.

If you were to ask a Jehovah’s Witness today if the Watchtower had any connection to occult beliefs, the answer would be an emphatic No. In fact, the organization frequently reminds it’s members that such practices are clearly forbidden by the Bible. What they won’t tell you is that the very founder of the religion was quite interested in the occult, only he didn’t call it by that name.

In fact, several of the central doctrines and beliefs upheld by the Witnesses to this day were originally supported by Charles T. Russell’s writings on subjects such as astrology, Egyptian Pyramidology, and divination of future events. He even went so far as to suggest that the truths delivered by satanic means were still truths, and not to be discarded. In other instances, the Watchtower effectively invoked Necromancy by claiming that divine inspiration was coming from it’s deceased former leaders. (more…)

I updated the About Me page today with a little more background information on myself and my personal history as a [former] Jehovah’s Witness.

The blog Conversation with an Ex-Jehovah’s Witness has a rather entertaining list of 20 reasons you may be a Jehovah’s Witness. My favorite:

5.  You believe that demons choose to reside in jewelry, furniture, china, books or blue smurfs.

Despite claiming the contrary, Witnesses are some of the most superstitious people in the modern world.

I discovered the above blogger while browsing her channel on YouTube. There is some quality videos and posts to check out; I suggest you do so if you’re interested in hearing from other ex-JW atheists.