False impression

Saturday, June 30, 2007


Re: "Jehovah's Witnesses hope to debunk myths about their faith" (C-P, June 9).

My family trusts the Courier-Post's normally excellent reporting, so the article troubled us. This completely one-sided story gives the false impression that this "religion" is somehow benevolent but misunderstood.

Unfortunately, the reporter didn't talk to a single former member who escaped from the Watchtower or interview any families who lost members to this cult. And there was no mention of the Witness's many controversial practices or their own child sexual abuse scandal.

Like the wolf in sheep's clothing, the Witnesses disguise themselves as a Christian group in order to seem legitimate. In reality, they're an authoritarian cult. The Watchtower employs unethical and coercive tactics to recruit new members and maintain control of those who think independently or try to leave.

It's heartbreaking to slowly lose a loved one as the Watchtower manipulates him or her into shunning you. So it's no surprise the International Cultic Studies Association identifies the Witnesses as a cult.

A Google search reveals many more organizations devoted to exposing the Watchtower or providing support for former members and families of current ones. There are hardly any pro-Witness sites besides the two "authorized" ones operated by the Watchtower itself.

The Courier-Post covers most stories thoroughly, but dropped the ball this time. The public needed to know the whole truth about Jehovah's Witnesses and see how they really affect families. Hopefully, readers will not be deceived by the Watchtower's well-polished propaganda.

DAVID SPEENEY

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070630/OPINION/706300317/1047