The dark secrets of Jehovah’s Witnesses

1. Known pedophiles are not reported to the police

Jehovah's Witnesses are renowned for protecting known pedophiles, putting people involved with the church and outside it both at risk. Jehovah's believe in a very controversial law, known as the two witness rule, which means two people need to be present to accuse somebody else of a sin. This rule has been known to defend some of the evilest of sexual abusers associated with the clan.

2. A male and female can't share a room alone

Image source/St. Thomas SourceAnother rule of the cult, which seems rather backwards and impractical, is that men and women can't be in a house, an apartment or even a room alone unless they're related or married. For the extremist, men will refuse to sit next to a woman he's not related to in a car, often sitting in the back seat if the woman is driving.

3. Women are considered a lesser being

Image source/JW.ORGYou would think that in 2022, woman should be seen as equal to men. One of the governing body members, Samuel Herd, would disagree on that case. During a public talk, he openly admitted to saying the brain of a woman is 10% smaller than that of the man.

4. Extreme shunning

Image source/Living LutheranAnother toxic trait about Jehovah's witnesses is the extreme shunning shown to anybody leaving the cult. Whether it's a man, woman or child, whoever leaves will receive total abandonment from all their relatives. Theres also a very good chance that if that person dies, nobody in the family will know, which is pretty sickening.

5. Wives are submissive to husbands

Image source/Wedding WireIn most modern day marriages, the man and the woman share equal power in the relationship. When it comes the Jehovah's Witnesses, the woman is simple considered a complement to the husband. Woman are powerless when it comes to making big decisions in the relationship

6. They believe Satan is real

Image source/BBCJehovah's witnesses believe that Satan is who controls the world. They believe he uses religion, commercial advertising and the government to mislead the media and corrupt the public. This results in them not adhering to laws, especially the ones that go against their beliefs.

7. They believe in an Armageddon very soon

Image source/USA TodayAlongside some of the controversial beliefs the Jehovah's may have, one of the strangest is they believe the end of the world is very imminent. The cult has given dates previously, but continue to tell followers it will take place any time soon. They believe the end will come when God fights the human government, and all wicked humanity will be wiped out.

8. They don't accept blood transfusions

Image source/Medical News TodayBlood transfusions are completely banned, even if they are life saving, for all Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's witnesses cite the Old and New Testaments as the Biblical basis for refusing blood transfusions. They believe it is God's will for them to "abstain from blood" (Genesis 9:4; Levictus 17:10; Deuteronomy 12:23; Acts 15:28,29). This has resulted in thousands of them dying.

9. They are one of Canada's wealthiest charities

Image source/World AtlasOne way the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation will get around paying tax is by being a registered charity. They rank 18th out of the 86,000 registered charities in Canada, with over $80 million via donations in 2016. They are known for having a huge lack of transparency when it comes to their spending, giving them a one star rating out of five.

10. Women can't pray in the presence of a man

Image source/JW.ORGBefore you think Jehovah's Witnesses are degrading enough already to women, they don't even allow women to pray when even a single man is present. If a woman needs to pray, she must cover her head, no matter how silly she may look, just to emphasise her lesser being-ness even more.

11. They can't serve in the military

Image source/Defence NewsSimilar to what has been mentioned previously, Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in the government and their control. Due to this, they refuse to serve in the military or even bare arms. The followers believe their allegiances lie with God, who runs an actual government in heaven

12. They don't celebrate holidays

Image source/HistoryJehovah's Witnesses only celebrate the holidays that honour Jesus. This means many of your favourite holidays, including Christmas and even the likes of Mothers Day, are not celebrated by them. The organisation claims "Christmas is not approved my God", as the have no proof Jesus was actually born on the 25th December.

13. Marriage or a Virgin

Image source/Good HousekeepingIf you're born into the cult and abide by the rules, if you don't settle down and marry you will have to stay a virgin your whole life. For Jehovah's Witnesses, there are no sexual adventures. This often leads to loveless marriages for sex, not exactly what you want for the rest of your life.

14. They keep themselves to themselves

Image source/Foreign PolicyFollowers of the cult largely advocate distancing themselves from those not part of the faith. They preach to not join groups or teams outside the faith, and are discouraged against extra curricular education. They believe people who are 'worldly' are bad influences and should not be mixed with.

15. They were persecuted by the Nazis

Image source/HistoryWhen you think of the Holocaust, you instantly think that it was just Jewish people targeted. Jehovah's Witnesses were also victim to the Nazi party and many were placed in concentration camps. Whilst the scale of killings was nothing compared to the number of jewish people murdered, it is estimated around 1200 Jehovah's witnesses were killed.

16. They believe their followers will be resurrected

Image source/Focus on the FamilyAs we have already gathered, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the end of the world is soon approaching. When this happens, if it does, 144,000 followers will be allowed to transcend to heaven, where they will rule alongside Jesus. However, there is no scientific proof or the world ending any time soon don't worry.

17. They do not worship the cross

Image source/Brother Rice High SchoolYou may be shocked to hear that Jehovah's Witnesses don't wear or worship the cross, it is actually completely against their beliefs! Jehovah's Witnesses claim that Jesus Christ did not die on a cross, but rather an upright torture stake. In addition, the cross's pre Christian ties with Egypt, Babylon and other Gods also goes against their beliefs.

18. Homosexuality is banned

Image source/BloombergWith the extremely strict and rigorous rules when it comes to marriage and relationships, it is no surprise that the cult have banned homosexuality. The cult have demonstrated on a number of times what many people would consider backwards laws, this also being one of them.

19. They're views on mental illness

Image source/FAVPNGJehovah's Witnesses have received major criticism for their views on mental illness being a sign of spiritual weakness or a sign of Satan's influence. Those suffering would also be reluctant to seek help, as they didn't want to form relationships with those outside the cult. For those of you who have experienced mental health issues, this probably angers you and rightly so.

20. The true name of God

Image source/New StatesmanSomething you may have not realised is that Jehovah's witnesses refuse to use the word "God", instead they use the word "Jehovah". From their perspective, it is ignorant and rude to refuse to use the correct name, as it is readily knowable and should be used.

21. Mandatory preaching

Image source/JW.ORGYou have almost certainly experienced a Jehovah's Witness come knocking on your door at some point in your life. This is because it is mandatory to preach at least 8 hours a week. At the end of each month they must report their time spent preaching, which eventually will work its way to the main Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. Those slacking will potentially receive consequences.

22. They're membership is growing fast

Image source/Radio Free EuropeDespite hearing some of the ridiculous and backwards ideologies on this list, Jehovah's Witnesses are the fastest growing church body in the U.S. and Canada according to one survey. They're believed to be 8.5 million members actively involved in preaching with members all over the world.

23. You can't vote

Image source/New York TimesDon't consider becoming a Jehovah's Witness if you're passionate about your right to vote, because you'll no longer have that right once you convert. Similar to reasons they don't join the military, Jehovah's witnesses oppose secular governance, hence the reason they don't vote at all for them.

24. There's a lack of privacy

Image source/WeLiveSecurityThis one comes from a former Jehovah's Witness, who goes on to explain that life for them previously was like forever being under a microscope. The best way to visualise living like one would be comparing it to a Surveillance State like China. Whilst this may be harsh on some Jehovah's witnesses, the overall impression generated seems to support it.

25. They are being persecuted in Russia

Image source/ABC NewsRussia have only recently taken action against Jehovah's Witnesses, brandishing them as "extremist". The communities have been subject to hundreds of raids and arrests by Russian forces. After being banned under the Soviet Union, Jehovah's Witnesses only became authorised following its collapse.

26. Their views change frequently

Image source/Radio Free EuropeJehovah's Witnesses believe that society constantly undergoes what is known to them as "New Light" from God. This means that their rules and doctrines must change accordingly. Although there are various regulations that remain constant, this way of viewing God means that they're way of living will frequently change.

27. They're not allowed to smoke

Image source/The GuardianMany Jehovah's Witnesses will not smoke due to personal preference and health reasons. Regardless or personal preference, Jehovah's Witnesses are directly prohibited from smoking any tobacco and cannabis product. Not only is it bad for their health, they also claim the addictive nature can distract you from your focus on God.

28. They consider saluting the American flag to be idol worship

Image source/American Flagpoles and FlagsOne of the multiple traditional American customs that Jehovah's witnesses refrain from is saluting the American flag. Whether it's saluting, bowing or pledging to it, they see it as idol worship, something that is strictly prohibited by the cult and is not tolerated.

29. Some famous people are Jehovah's Witnesses

Image source/Encyclopedia BritannicaYou may be shocked you to find out that there is actually a lot of hyper successful men and women raised as Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the most notable and influential being Michael Jackson. He was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. A few other celebrities include Serena and Venus Williams, Donald Glover and Prince.

30. They are widely disliked

Image source/The Columbus DispatchAfter discovering some of the Jehovah's witnesses dark secrets and the restrictive lifestyle, it doesn't to come as a shock to most people that they are vastly unpopular. They're keep themselves to themselves attitudes can portray them as ignorant, and they're consistent preaching, whether that's knocking on your door or preaching in the streets can give them an invasive stigma.

31. At least 8 months preaching per month

Image source/BBCBeing a Jehovah's witness is a full time commitment - a way of life or a calling. And, you have to be fully committed in every way. This includes preaching the beliefs to the rest of the world. And so, you have to do around at least 8 hours every month to be considered to be fulfilling your role.

32. Child abuse a sin not a crime

Image source/WNYC stories One former Jehovah's witness has claimed that there was a big problem with child abuse in the community. Child abuse within the congregation is considered a sin but not a crime and so if it occurs elders will hide it rather than report it.

33. No awkward questions

Image source/The New York TimesYou are not allowed to ask hard questions if you are a part of the Jehovah's witness group. Any awkward questions will be recieved very badly and you will be punished within the congregation for it, rather than recieving any actual answers.

34. No Birthday Celebrations

Image source/NPRJehovahs Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays. This is because they believe that celebrations such as this displease God. They have come to this reasoning through ideas in the bible, although the bible does not specifically reject birthday clebrations.

35. No gender tranistions

Image source/JW.orgIf you want a gender transition or reassignment as a Jehovah's witness - you can think again. This is just not permitted by the community and so they would not allow you to stay in the congregation if you went ahead with this decision. You would either have to stay as you are or you would have to leave.

36. Women can't teach

Image source/The Underground BunkerThe important preachings and teachings have to be done by a man considering their view on women being a subordinate being. and so, even if a woman wanted to deliver a teaching she would not be able to do so because within the JW community this is considered wrong.

37. They have a do not call list

Image source/VeritabibleSome people are very against Jehovah's witnesses  coming to call upon their door. And so it is actually possible to ask to be a part of the 'do not call list'. They have a specific list of all of the people that they should not visit who will not be very accomodating. Or people who have given verbal abuse in the past.

38. No drugs

Image source/RevealThis is not an uncommon belief within many religions. Jehovah's witnesses believe that the bible instructs them against taking drugs and against anything that harms the body or corrupts the spirit. And so, you would be punished within the community as a Jehovah's witness.

39. They are one of the wealthiest charities

Image source/RedditThe Jehovah's witness organisation is a registered charity - which means that they do not have to pay any income tax. In Canada, they are one of the most wealthy organisations. In 2016 they received more than 80 million dollars in donations.

40. They are not transparent

Image source/CTV newsAside from being one of the wealthiest charities they are also one of the least transparent. There is an agency that monitors charites and rates the charity without giving details, the Jehovah's witness charity receives a one-star rating which is a little alarming.

41. Prying Into Personal Life

Image source/AP newsWhen you become a Jehovah's witness, your life is no longer private. Even if it doesn't seem like an aspect of life which would be considered anyone else's business, the elders will probably get involved regardless. They are encouraged to pry into your personal life.

42. Personal Secrets

Image source/American Psychological AssociationNot only will the elders become involved with almost every aspect of your life when you become a Jehovah's witness, they will also try and delve into your personal secrets. Whatever topic this may be about, whether it is personal, family, friendship based...they will try and get your personal secrets from you.

43. People outside the religion are considered bad

Image source/WikipediaIt's not only that Jehovah's witnesses believe that they are the only ones who know the truth. But, they actually believe that the 'worldly' people outside of the religion are inferior while they are superior. They are considered people we should not interact with too much.

44. Your first experience to a Kingdom Hall will be very loving

Image source/Religion News ServiceWhat people claim is that because the main aim of the religion is to convert people to being a Jehovah's witness, the first time you enter a Kingdom Hall is akin to 'love bombing'. So, according to some people's experience when you first go people will be extremely loving and smiley to lure you in, and then afterward to experience shifts again.

45. Higher education is discouraged

Image source/ForbesIt is a strange idea that higher education would be discouraged, considering educating yourself to a better extent is usually something that is celebrated. But, they discourage it because they prefer you to dedicate your time and effort to the religion. And, they prefer you not to be associating so much with those outside of the religion.

46. Strict rules on how to dress

Image source/ABC newsOf course, being a Jehovah's witness governs every aspect of your life. So of course, there are strict dress codes which if you do not oblige there will be severe disapproval and probably punishments from the community. The dress code has to be a very conservative dress sense.

47. ...And behave

Image source/BBCand of course, this goes without saying that every aspect of your behaviour has to be in line with their beliefs. This does not just mean preachings etc...but even in their own personal lives their behaviour is controlled by the doctrines and guidelines set out by the Jehovah's witness community.

49. They ignore the royal commision

Image source/The ConversationThe royal commission in certain areas has tried to set rules for the organisation due to many, many complaints. They asked the organisation to involve women in its judicial committees, abandon the two-witness rule in terms of abuse cases and also stop shunning those who leave the community. They refused.

50. The Federal Government had to step in

Image source/Gallup.comThe organisation had resisted joining a redress scheme (which is a scheme designed to help compensate victims of abuse) for as long as they possibly could. But the federal government gave them no choice when they threatened to strip the organisation of its charity status and withold their funding if they did not comply.