Funeral may show if Michael Jackson converted to Islam
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One of the many rumours that swirled around Michael Jackson in the final years of his life was that he had secretly converted to Islam and taken the name Mikaeel. The “King of Pop” does not seem to have spoken about this publicly himself, and that scene in Bahrain when he went shopping badly disguised in an Arab woman’s abaya could be put down to his well-known penchant for dressing up. So unless there is some statement in his will or documentary evidence in his estate, his funeral expected this week may be the last time to test whether this rumour has any basis in fact.
(Photo: Veiled Jackson greets security guard as he enters shopping mall in Manama, Bahrain with veiled child, 25 Jan 2006/Hamad Mohammed)
The Jacksons are Jehovah’s Witnesses and could be expected to bury Michael in the tradition of that faith. When he announced the death, his brother Jermaine — a Muslim — ended with the words: “May Allah be with you, Michael, always.” Jermaine said in 2007 he was trying to convince Michael to convert.
The post-mortem period hasn’t looked very Muslim so far. Traditions vary, but in Islamic funeral practices in general, autopsies and cremation are out and the body should be buried quickly, usually in a day or two. Jackson is reported to have asked for cremation in his will and his family has asked for a second autopsy after the first one failed to pinpoint the cause of death without long toxicology tests.
Jehovah’s Witnesses prefer short and simple funerals, usually with a Scripture reading, and warn adherents against funerals with emotional outbursts ranging “from frantic wailing and shouting in the presence of the corpse to joyous festivities after the burial. Unrestrained feasting, drunkenness, and dancing to loud music often characterize such funeral celebrations.”
The focal point of an Islamic funeral is the funeral prayer called the salat al-janazah. An imam facing Mecca leads the faithful in saying the prayer, punctuated by declarations of Allahu Akbar. The corpse of the deceased is placed perpendicular to the qibla, the direction of Mecca in which all worshippers are standing, rather than in the same direction as the faithful as usual in a Christian funeral.
The funeral service could be in the Jehovah’s Witness style, it could be Islamic or it could be a mix of the two (maybe even with borrowings from other traditions as well). If Michael Jackson’s artistic career is anything to go by, the third option wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
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I find it interesting that 99.9% of reporters and commentators state or imply that Michael Jackson’s connection with the WatchTower Cult ended when he was disfellowshipped in the 1980s.Katherine and Rebbie’s family are all active JWs. Anyone who knows anything about JWs knows how this would play on MJ, who was at onetime an extremely devout JW.In fact, circa 2004-5, a southern California newspaper published photos and an article showing MJ and his children attending their local Kingdom Hall. Does anyone really believe that someone with MJ’s ego would not only attend a “meetings” at his Kingdom Hall, but also take his children with him, if he were being shunned as disfellowshipped persons are at a JW Kingdom Hall. I suspect that MJ had been “reinstated” as an active JW sometime prior to 2004. Let’s see some reporter dig into that one. Don’t expect the WatchTower Society or local JWs admit such without presentation of overwhelming evidence given present citcumstances.The negative influence of the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses on Michael and his family have been either downplayed or totally ignored for as long as the Jackson Family has received public attention. For those readers who really want to know what life is like to be reared in the WatchTower Cult, nothing beats real world scenarios, and of real world scenarios, nothing beats actual civil and criminal court cases.The following website summarizes 900 court cases and lawsuits involving children of Jehovah’s Witness Parents. The summaries demonstrate how JW Families rear their children and live life day-to-day. Also included are nearly 400 CRIMINAL cases — most involving MURDERS:DIVORCE, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSESjwdivorces.bravehost.com
Michael Jackson disassociated himself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses years ago, so the funeral will not be held like that. Also, this: Unrestrained feasting, drunkenness, and dancing to loud music often characterize such funeral celebrations.”, is completely untrue.
may his soul rest in peace.
I think this abaya had little to do with converting to Islam, I more see it as his love for cross dressing (dressing up).
Jackson was kicked out/forced out by the Jehovahs Witnesses. Anyone disassociated or disfellowshipped cannot receive an official service by anyone acting as an Elder of a congregation. Apart from Rebbie, I don’t know if anyone in the Jackson family is still a member of the religion.
Michael’s religious preferences should be none of our concern. We should focus on what he tried to change about the world, through his music and philanthropic efforts. A great man, in any light.
may Michael Jackson rest in peace and he shall not be judge by this world anymore EXCEPT by his maker!!!!!!!!!
The rules in Islam bear a lot of logic and we as Muslims are called to use our minds when applying the rules and not just apply them blindly. If the case calls for an autopsy or further tests then this should be done and the body should be buried as soon as humanly possible. We believe that the best way to show respect to the deceased is to let him rest in peace. We also forbid screaming, etc during and after the funeral and it goes without saying that people should either mention the deceased’s good deeds or be silent because bad-mouthing others is unacceptable in general and its even worse when someone is bad-mouthing a person who passed away.The salat-Al-Jinazah could be attended by any one, even a by passer who so wishes to attend and pray for God to forgive the deceased. The salat and the funeral are meant to be a way for people to make prayers to God to forgive the deceased and accept him in heavens and also to give comfort to his family so that they feel they are not alone in this. The prayer also includes asking God to forgive all of us and those who already passed away. More important, death is seen as a reminder to all of us that in the end no matter how rich or poor, how powerful or weak that we are all meant to die and all that we will get is that small piece of soil that preserve our bodies and remains. This should make us feel humble and think of how we are spending our time on Earth and what have we done to prepare us for the eternal life because we will be questioned for each and every deed and thought and our fate will be subject to how well we did in this earthly life and subject to God’s vast compassion.Regardless of whether he died as a Muslim or not, I gave prayers for God to forgive him. This man used his talent to make millions of ppl happy, clearly served as a role model for many and used his connections to help the poor in several parts of the World. Like all humans, he had his share of happiness and sadness. What remains evident is that he was loved by millions of fans despite the negative impact the media had on his image in the past few years. For me this type of love is a good indication because as we say in my country peoples true love is a gift from God, it cannt be bought.
please just let him rest…why does it matter!!
Well the point is still well made, the funeral will reveal if Jacko has something in his will about his burial and whether it should conform with Islam. If there is nothing about it in the will, then it is up to the family. I’m not sure how many, other than the mom, is a Witness – so she may be out voted. If it is Witness style, then it will be a simple memorial service at a funeral home. A short Bible-based talk discussing the condition of the dead on the resurrection is given by an elder (assuming one is willing!) in accord with Witness believes. Oh, and a closing prayer. No eulogy, no additional speakers are allowed. That’s about it for the religious aspect. If there is a burial, a reception, anything else – it’s all up to the family.
This is very bad reporting. I understand you meant to say “Unrestrained feasting, drunkenness and dancing to loud music” characterize the type of funerals Jehovah’s witnesses warn adherents against, as the italics and quotes suggest. Instead the reading of this seem to be saying these features characterize a Jehovah Witness funeral. I would expect clearer, less ambiguous from Reuters. Unless, of course, you are having a joke on us all.
JW’s don’t have any specific burial requirements so long as individuals attending are respectful to themselves and others. If family members are sobbing uncontrollably I doubt that it would be frowned upon. The writer needs to get more info about these things before posting. Abd also I thought Katherine Jackson was disfellowshipped and Joe Jackson never wanted any part of the faith so I’m confused….
I completely agree with Danny and before anyone speaks about the Jehovah’s Witnesses they should do a lot of research!!! There is a website where everyone can go find info just Google it!!!!!!!!!! MAKE SURE ITS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE!!
well,i also think that he convrtd to islam .all i can comnt is that may ALLAH ALMIGHTY rest his soul in peace.
Only his mom and oldest sister, Rebby are JW’s – Michael was, but is no longer -not for many years altho he visited halls from time to timeLatoya was df’d
Danny I think you misunderstood the quote the writer took from the Watchtower website. He was not saying that Jehovah’s Witnesses have “unrestrained feasting, drunkeness, etc…”This is the actual quote from the JW website:”Funerals that are intended to appease the dead often involve a whole range of emotions—from frantic wailing and shouting in the presence of the corpse to joyous festivities after the burial. Unrestrained feasting, drunkenness, and dancing to loud music often characterize such funeral celebrations.”Therefore the statement made in this news article is true.
Danny- the article says J.W.’s warn AGAINST drunkenness, feasting, and emotional outbursts. J.W.’s believe, “Cry at a birth, celebrate at a funeral.”Do you know when Michael dissociated? Was that his decision, or was he disfellowshipped by the ‘church’? The web can’t seem to decide on any of this…I am curious as to why Janet appeared wearing a cross on B.E.T. last night, if she is a practicing J.W.? They are against all such symbols, as they don’t believe Jesus was crucified on a cross, nor do they believe in Jesus’ diety.How does the pentecost turned baptist Sharpton fit into all this?
What’s the big deal? All that matters is that he gets a respectful farewell.
Chapter 48:1-5Al-Fath — The Victory:________________________________ ________In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.48:1 Surely We have granted thee a clear victory,48:2 That Allah may cover for thee thy (alleged) shortcomings in the past and those to come, and complete His favour to thee and guide thee on a right path,48:3 And that Allah might help thee with a mighty help.48:4 He it is Who sent down tranquillity into the hearts of the believers that they might add faith to their faith. And Allah’s are the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is ever Knowing, Wise —48:5 That He may cause the believing men and the believing women to enter Gardens wherein flow rivers to abide therein and remove from them their evil. And that is a grand achievement with Allah,Allah U Akbar!
Beloved Michael.“O soul that art at rest! return to thy Lord, He being pleased with thee and thou being pleased with Him. So enter among My servants and enter My Garden” (89:27–30).Further on Micheal (the name)The boy’s name Michael \m(i)-chael\, also used as girl’s name Michael, is pronounced MYE-kal. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is “who resembles God”. Biblical: Michael is the archangel (chief or principal angel) who defeats the dragon. He and Gabriel are angels given personal names in the canonical Bible.What a beautiful name for a beautiful human being.
I find it very suspicious that Michael died days before his concert in London, in which we know he was going to announce something. The circumstances in which he died are obscure as well.Imagine Michael telling millions of people in the concert (and through TV) that he converted to Islam and that he has found the truth! Some people might not be ready to face that perspective. Now you can make the link. I hope everyone else does.I hope that the truth comes out from where people want to hide it, and that God saves Mikaeel and all those who love him.
Just for the record and for those who may not already know, Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses are not a cult and never have been. They ‘witness’ about the existence of God, the creator, that He has a name and as ‘witnesses’ they tell the truth about Him and the message, the comforting message the Bible contains that gives to all the sure hope of the coming new system of things under God’s Kingdom Government rule. The Lord’s prayer, for starters, is where this rule is talked of by Jesus. As ‘witnesses’ they choose to provide evidence in support of Jehovah in the universal court case in which Jehovah is slandered and maligned by Satan the devil. The vindication of Jehovah’s Sovereignty and the sanctification of his great and illustrious name, is very shortly to take place. I repeat, Jehovah’s witnesses are not a cult if they were, they would vote, go to war and do all the things that cults do. But as true Christians, they cannot in all conscience do these things. Ask any Jehovah’s Witness for a free home Bible study to confirm for yourself, the above and you will be very pleasantly surprised, I guarantee it. Thank you.
James Jones, I am deeply saddened by your view of Jehovah’s witnesses! I am 19 and have been a Jehovah’s witness all my life! Contrary to what you said, We are not a cult!! I do however find it interesting how you are quick to condemn witnesses but not muslims? Have muslims not done wrong in their lives? No one is perfect!My dad is an elder in my congregation (we dont have reverends or priests, but a group of appointed men, who are in a good spiritual & moral standing, these men oversee the congregation and help us, they are from all backgrounds, white, black, family men, married men, etc!!) All of our teachings come directly from the bible! Pick up any of our magazines, books or walk into any Kingdom Hall and listen to a talk, it all comes from the bible – which is inspired of God, his name is Jehovah.. Psalms 83 v 18, It has been taken out alot of bibles
We like everyone are imperfect, if people do SERIOUS wrong, they are put outside the congregation! If people are sorry for what they have done, they can come back to the meetings.. but are helped by the elders and have restrictions placed upon them!! It really depends on the situation!! We do NOT tolerate things such as murders!! This is NOT covered up rather the local authorities are notified straight away!You say that there is around 400 cases! Did you know there is over 7 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide?? A very small proportion I would say compared to most religious groups! I am not condoning those cases, as I am unaware of them, but I am sure they were dealt with correctly and these people were not true lovers of Jehovah!Jehovah’s Witnesses are normal people in society who live very moral lives and would bend over backwards to help people!! I remember going to the Carribean last year on holiday and I didnt know anyone, I went to my local congregation and not only did they ask if I needed a place to stay but also included me in their social activities in their daily lives, the same happened when I went to Australia!! It feels like a big family when your a witness, anyone can walk into a Kingdom Hall and you will be welcomed!!! I now have friends all over the world 
I don’t understand why you seem to make out that Jehovah’s witnesses are bad people? Were not! I don’t smoke, I drink moderately, I dress respectfully, I do not use bad language, I treat people older than me with respect, inc my parents! I will wait until I am married to have sex, I help people in my community! How are these bad qualities for a 19 year old? Or any other person??Anyway, I am not a spokesman, just someone that is defending her faith 
If you want to know THE TRUTH about Jehovah’s witnesses, don’t believe what you read online, in the papers, or listen to apostate comments that are looking for trouble, instead go to a Kingdom Hall or one of our assemblies, see for yourself!Im going to the biggest convention in the country at Twickenham from the 31st July – 2nd August 2009! Your all more than welcome to come and listen!! Its totally free.. Just walk into the stadium and find a seat, if you need assistance ask any brother in a yellow jacket (they are friendly attendants who are there to help you) 
All the best to everyone!! xx
Michael Jackson personally left Jehovah’s Witnesses many years ago …. and although his mother and one sister may or may not be a Witness…that is completely immaterial.He rejected Jehovah’s Witnesses, and left them and Jehovah and Christian principles for the lifestyle and all strangeness that money could buy.If he has a JW funeral, it will show that the rightous standards that one might reasonably expect of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a sham.My best friend’s son died in a motorcycle accident, years after rejecting the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and his memorial service was NOT held in a Kingdom Hall because of that. He was considered a “man of the Nations”, not a person consecrated to God.If he gets a “Witness Funeral” it will show that Jehovah’s Witnesses are no better than Christendom, who has spent the last 1700 years in cannibalistic warfare, and from whom no one really expects anything spiritual .. only “politics as usual”.Tom.Rook@Technik-SA.US
Michael Jackson formally disassociated himself from Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1987, and has had no contact with the organization since then. Normal protocol prevents Jehovah’s Witnesses from conducting funeral/memorial services for disfellowshiped or disassociated persons, unless they began to live by Bible principals and were seeking reinstatement at the time of their death. I would be very surprised if a Jehovah’s Witness elder consented to giving a talk.
What ever faith Michael embraced in, I think it doesn’t really matter anymore and so does the ritual. We know that he was and his so loved by so many out there, no matter what. So, let him Rest In Peace. May Allah, God, Jesus, of what ever be with him, loves him, always…
Michael Jackson was nuts but even he knew to get the hell out of the JW cult. What a bunch of mouth-breathers…
If he had embraced Islam, I wonder how he could hide such a big truth from his day to day life. Islam is not a political ideology, policy or theory which can be secretly keep inside anyone’s mind. Accepting Islam is he/she takes a “U TURN” in his life where he would become an active in practicing it.Will see…
I totally agree with you Kirsty! You are a wonderful YOUNG sister who obviously loves JEHOVAH. I’d love to meet you someday in the NEW World soon to come! I’m a sister too.
I use to be a Jehovah witness. If Michael never recieved Jesus Christ as his savior he is in a place of eternal torment. Unless one be born again he will never see the kingdom of God ! Repent and recieve Jesus as your savior.
This is a message for Kristy. I love you first in Jesus Christ but does’nt your organization prevent you from going on the internet because you could possibly find the real truth that your organization is built upon one man who was insane and believed in astrology one Charles Taze Russel that is burried under a pyramid in Penn. Look it up on Google “Charles Taze Russel Jehovah Witness”.Ask your self the question were are you going to spend eternity when you die ? Jesus talked about hell more than He ever talked about heaven. Isaiah said that your works are as filthy rags so when is the last time you been door to to door trying to work your way to God’s ( Jehovah’s) approval ?
Michael jackson might have been a Muslim, might not have. If he is a Muslim and he has a Muslim funeral then, he might get saved from the punishment of the grave and Inshallah have a good life in the hereafter BUT if he has any other form of funeral, then God help him for he has committed too many sins and erm….Inshallah Allah is forgiving and its all up to God, he might forgive him, but now its all between him and Allah xxxx
i dont how a king of pop could convert to islam lolllz!
i dont know how a ”’king”’ of pop could be converted to a good islam lollz!!!!!
The only official websites of Jehovah’s Witness are http://www.watchtower.org and http://www.jw.org. Anything else you read on the internet is false.
Not to be bashing JW’s or anything, but I would love to know MJ’s mother’s answer to this: How does it feel to know your son doesn’t have the chance of resurrection due to his disassociating himself from the Organization? (or whatever the real case may be)I would bet she would think he will be raised up again and not believe JW’s theory about this, but will not make it known to anyone due to this making her subject for disfellowshipping. Anyone have any thoughts about this?
Hey Nikki:You wrote that JW’s do not believe in Jesuse’s diety, could you please explain how they view him? I do not know much about JW’s but I found it interesting that based on the information in this article, they seem to share with us Muslims several practices regarding the meaning of death and funerals. We also believe that Jesus (for us Eisa the son of blessed Mariam) is not God himself, or his son etc but a prophet and we also believe that he was not killed but was saved by God and will come back to rid the World from the anti-christ. I am always interested in common points between religions and so, I would appreciate it if you have any more information.
I don’t think that it matters which religion he was following as long as he goes to heaven. There is only one Truth and only one God… Hope he did and will experience the eternal love and mercy of our Father once again. May he rest in peace.
Know the real J . Whttp://www.rawmeat.com/link.php?id=6300
I am a Jehovah’s Witness, I am not sure what Michael Jackson was. I can tell you that the Witnesses cannot and will not judge whether a person has a resurrection or not, this is simply left up to the Creator himself. We do believe what the scriptures say at Acts 24:15 that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. But the Sovereign Lord of the Universe along with Christ Jesus makes the ultimate decision. We are only human beings with a beautiful hope.
There are many who attack Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some are ministers of churches who have seen members of their flocks leave to become Witnesses and some are ex-Witnesses who were disfellowshipped for grossly dishonest or immoral conduct. Stubbornly refusing to accept correction their only defense is to retaliate with apostate lies and slander.Disgruntled former Jehovah’s Witnesses never divulge to those whom their hate mongering is intended to influence just why it was that they were excommunicated. Telling the truth on just this point alone might prove helpful to those who read their comments but being helpful is no part of their motives. Instead of accepting correction they give in to the injured pride and jealousy that can result from being unmasked and not getting to have it their way. They allow their personal chagrin to fester until vexation leads them into open declarations of animosity, spewing forth all consuming tirades with such vehemence that they no longer have any capacity left for telling the truth.As a result, readers who relish hate filled criticism eagerly believe apostate lies and become their latest victims, while those interested in knowing the truth look for factual evidence and are not taken in by falsely contrived stories. If you are one who prefers to know the facts contact the nearest Kingdom Hall or ask the next Witness who calls at your door and it will be supplied to you.
Egygirl go here,This is what Jehovah’s witnesses believe regarding the Trinity.Should You Believe in the Trinity?http://www.watchtower.org/e/ti/s tart.htm
This is what Jehovah’s witnesses believe regarding the resurrection.Acts 24:15: “I have hope toward God . . . that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Both those who lived in harmony with God’s righteous ways and people who, out of ignorance, did unrighteous things will be resurrected. The Bible does not answer all our questions as to whether certain specific individuals who have died will be resurrected. But we can be confident that God, who knows all the facts, will act impartially, with justice tempered by mercy that does not ignore his righteous standards. Compare Genesis 18:25.)
to the few of you that have responded about JW’s belief of the resurrection. Am I wrong when I say I thought they believed that anyone who made the choice to turn down the opportunity to become one of Jehovahs Witnesses, or left them either on their own or by disfellowshipping would not have the chance of a resurrection? I haven’t been to any of their meetings in a long time, but I know for sure that they used to say anyone who died while being disfellowshipped would not have the chance for a resurrection. As for unrighteous ones also being resurrected, I remember being told that was only for the ones that never got the opportunity to become part of “His” organization on earth.I also would like to comment about JW’s being judgmental and that I have asked this to their face of several of them including my own parents. At first they don’t want to actually say they are judgmental, but if you ask them if they are the chosen ones they will say yes, and also that only JW’s will survive armaggedon. Please dont comment calling me names or anything, I am only asking about all this. As for Michael Jackson, from what I was taught as a JW he would not be resurrected….as for what I believe now I don’t have the right to say because it’s up to God alone, and Jesus. I should not be judging him or anyone else. I would also like to say altho some of MJ’s ways may have seemed “different”, I myself believe he was a great person and never did anything wrong with any children. No one needs me to tell you he was talented, and I hope to meet him some day.
@Stuart: many thanks. I will check that. I wasnt sure if you were asking if we believe in trinity. If you were, the answer is nope. We believe in one god, Allah the almighty, the creator of all. We believe that he sent a lot of prophets and messengers, some are known to us but many were kept from our knowledge. We believe that God is like no other, he doesnt have children, a wife etc. We also believe that Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) is the last of the prophets and his message compliments the messages of both Moses and Eissa (and previous prophets of course like Ibrahim, Ismail, Yacoub, Issac, etc), which were tarnished by human intervention in their respective holy books and teachings. We also believe that all humans will witness judgment day with no distinction and that is when each persons fate, (to go to hell or heavens) will be decided by God, through ones deeds and God’s vast compassion and forgiveness.
As regards former Jehovah’s Witnesses being disgruntled, sadly most of them would be around the age of Michael.The way a child lived was no life for a child, and Michael is an example of ‘what it was like to be raised as a JW Child”.I feel so much for him, because anyone who has suffered the total and complete loss of a childhood never, ever, ever recovers completely.This is the typical week Michael would have had-:I two hour meeting on a Sunday + Preaching door to door. That is Sunday out of the way apart from a small amount of time a child can have on that day.Tuesday was another 2 hourly meeting, and home by about 10pm if you are lucky.Wednesday or Monday was a “book study” for studying a new publication or an old one and went for an hour, usually more as people would mingle and talk after. Fine for parents, but too late for children to get adequate sleep. In amongst that is the beatings of “spare the rod or spoil the child”. The “rod” became feared, a child felt hated, loathed, a piece of garbage that could never be accepted. The child had to constantly seek perfection within themselves or be punished in ways that today would be a major criminal offence.I’m still a JW. They won’t Disfellowship me, and I doubt they did Michael either.They stole his cildhood. They stole mine, and they stole millions of others.Do I hate them? No. I used to, but had to let it go for me own sake, but I still cry a lot, and cry a lot for any other that was raised and abused in this manner.I believe those brought up as JW’s now have things far easier, so please do not attack what I say if you are far younger that 45-50, or had parents that were not so dogmatic to take every word so literal in the bible.I am not an apostate, and am not known as one, and I shall leave this by saying, I pray Michael now has peace; a peace some of us longed for all our lives. He deserved the childhood he always sought and couldn’t find. There is always a kinship with those of us who suffered the loss of a truly absent childhood.I will let the JW’s reply to my post in their usual manner.RIP Michael. Some of us do know what you felt. I’m so sorry.
An extended family member grew up Jehovah’s Witness. Truely this religion has been a disapointment to her. Her family is forever split according to who is in the fold and who isn’t that month. She has never had a family reunion that can be attended by all relatives. We don’t talk about it but I know that the Societies teachings have not unfolded as she expected. She told me in 1985 that Armagedon would arrive probably within 5 years, but definitely within 10. She was required to go to meetings Sunday, Monday, Thursday along with door to door work Saturdays. He baptized sister left and joined the pentacostals. They haven’t spoken in over 20 years. For a religion that claims that ‘the members are the happiest people on earth’ there doesn’t seem to be much to celebrate for her.
Rosa, your childhood sounds like the complete opposite to mine & any witnesses I personally know. That scripture you cited is regarding discipline NOT abuse!! So it saddens me when it is mis-interpreted. My parents have never hurt me, sure they have told me off when I have done wrong things like any child does, what parent doesn’t? But my punishment was usually being grounded! Every parent in the world has a different form of discipline so please don’t generalize all witness parents by saying that they robbed their children’s childhood & beat their children!I have never been made to fear or hate my parents! And wasn’t brought up as a piece of garbage. I have respect for my parents because they brought me up in a loving manner and made me feel valued! They have never put me down but always encouraged me to have an opinion on things.I am 19 now and can look back and say that I had a great childhood!! I did all the things children should do.. I climbed trees, built tree houses, played football with my friends, spent hours riding my bike and having fun! I also went to these meetings and still do go the meetings (in fact I’m going tonight),Ok the meetings when your a kid are not exciting! But you send kids to school to get an education don’t you, that’s not exciting for kids, but you do it for their best interests! Because you know they will learn things they will need in their daily lives & in the future! So that’s what the meetings are, a spiritual education, they are just as important! And these meetings have stood me in good stead for later life! After the meetings I used to chat with all sorts of people at the Kingdom Hall, people from different races, nationalities, ages!! It has made me the confident people person I am today, but also helped me respect people from different backgrounds.We now have a 1 & 3/4 hour meeting on a Wednesday & a 1 hour and a 1/2 meeting on a Sunday! We also do ministry on a Saturday, which is an hour followed by drinks and association (which is offered but you don’t have to go), So that is about 4 hours out of 168 hours in the week!! Hardly robbing a child’s childhood! What else would you be doing in those 4 hours? Sitting on the computer? Watching the TV? The reason are meetings have been shortened is because having 3 meetings in the current economic climate could cause financial worry – I.e petrol costs! What a loving thing to do by having 2 and instead encouraging families to have studies at home one night a week!My family study is half an hour and is great!! I read the bible with my mum, My dad reads the young people ask book with my brother, as he is 17 it deals with everyday teenage problems and how the bible helps! My little sister studies with my mum and does the book of bible stories! Which my mum helps bring to life for her – when they learnt about the flood last week they built a little ark out of paper mache, she loves every minute of it!! She is also disabled and I tell you what she has a much happier out look on life than a lot of people in the world!! In my family we love and care for each other!! And I know loads of families just like mine! Hey, were not perfect, no family in the world is! But we all look out for each other and try to do our best!So, looking back on my childhood I don’t really know what I have missed? Unless your referring to Birthdays & Christmas? Which we have present days, so I get presents every year anyway!I know you said not to reply if I was under 45-50 but I am defending what I believe in which I hope you can respect. And I know loads of people in that age category that did have a happy upbringing including my own parents! I am sorry that yours wasn’t
Its a shame that you have dis-associated yourself, but this is none on my business, I just think its a shame that’s all 
I don’t really know what your implying when you say that you will let JW’s reply in our usual manner? I think that’s pretty harsh, were defending our faith and expressing our beliefs, just as you have you have done in your email. Anyway.. I wish you all the best in the future 
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Real Hope for Your Loved Ones Who Have DiedClick the linkhttp://www.watchtower.org/e/bh/artic le_07.htm
Kirsty, as I said in my post, I believe some things have changed for witness children now, althought I am fully aware that that is not the case for all of the children.At 19, you are still a child, and so much remind me of how I was at 19 despite what I suffered.Be glad your parents did not take those scriptures literally. For me, and countless others, it was not uncommon to be beaten unconcious. But it made a better \”lady\” of me for an elder\’s wife, or it was supposed to.As for all the time I had between those meetings, the time was spent doing household chores and book study at home. The most I ever had to myself was an hour or so alone, and that was time wishing I had not been born.So what was my life, and others like me at that time. Please note the past tense.MeetingsBeatingsEmotional AbuseHouseworkSpiritual StudyPioneering – yes I was that good a JW.SchoolingI was denied university where I had the grades and wished to become a Doctor of Medicine due to the blood issues. Doctor friends have said I would have been a brillant Doctor of research.You tell me where there was a childhood in that?Same as Michael with the constant perfecting of his music; his entire family of brothers and sisters. It was a mess for many of us back then. It was a crime against humantities children.Like Michael, that past placed me in the hands of Doctors who diagnosed me with PTSD. This led to prescription use, and then abuse to help stop the pain of what I suffered.Fast forward – I got off the medication, I accept I have no family other than the beautiful man I married and the children I have made with him. I am a successful artist. I don\’t drink, I don\’t smoke, I don\’t do drugs, and I\’m a faithful wife, and will be to my dying day. I am proud of what I made of myself – alone. But all of that does not mean that now and then the shadows of the past do not haunt me. I was not alone. Many of us suffered like this whether you know it or not. I shut up for a very long time before I walked away. Why? Why do so many shut up? Because to walk away means no family will have anything to do with you once you leave. You are disassociated through inactivity, and I married a man outside of the faith.The loss of all family ties is usually sufficient to make many put on a happy face, marry a JW and shut up.Few have what it takes to go it alone, and I don\’t blame them, I don\’t blame the average JW like you. I do blame the organization at that time and how they taught parents to guard their children.You can elect to believe me or not. It is your choice. It is also a question of empathy. Do you have enough empathy to understand that this happened to more children than I care to mention, and worse? I pray you do for a lie detector would prove me honest.I posted here because I know why Michael was so messed up to begin with. He never stood a chance unless he had the right help [medically], and clearly he didn\’t. My heart cries for the child he was.As for what I thought about my own parents, I didn\’t hate them as a child. I hated and feared what was done to me. I adored my parents. That is the pain.**According to what I remember of JW teachings, Michael would be resurrected. His \”\”sin\”\” would be repaid by his death.**My only deepest wish and prayer is not for Michael as it is sadly too late for him; it is for the children. I pray they not be brought up in a home and with people that are already known abusers through Michael\’s suffering.Kirsty, I also wish you the best, and am so happy you are, and have been well treated.