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When the former Prime Minister of Japan was assassinated in 2022, the investigation uncovered deep ties between the attacker and a high-control religious group known as the Moonies. That tragedy set off a chain reaction in Japan—one that now has the spotlight turning toward Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In this video, JT breaks down:

Why the Governing Body suddenly shifted on higher education

How Japan’s new laws are classifying forced religious acts as child abuse

The “second generation” issue and why it hits home for ex-JWs

The role of money, lawsuits, and government scrutiny in Watchtower’s recent changes

We’ll also unpack Watchtower’s so-called “independent study” in Japan—and why it may not be as independent as they claim.

👇🏼 Download the Japan study here:

https://culteducation.com/group/1277-unification-church/38412-second-gen-of-unification-church-members-in-japan-sue-for-320-million-yen-in-damages.html

https://jwj-qs.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/JWJ-QS-Study-Report-sec1-2-v1.0.pdf

https://jw-japan.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses-in-japan-a-quantitative-study

Blue Envelope https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35ok3hNgNLk

https://apnews.com/article/japan-unification-church-dissolution-d5e1fdf3cb671d6ffeb45d75620ef8b2

👉 Watch our livestream on JW education here: https://youtube.com/live/ZAnTAEw-9ig?feature=share

As always, we encourage critical thinking, honest discussion, and remembering that you’re not alone if you’re rebuilding after leaving a high-control group.

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What happens when a religion tells millions of people that higher education is “dangerous”?

For decades, Jehovah’s Witnesses were discouraged from going to college. It wasn’t a written ban, but elders, conventions, and Watchtower publications reinforced the message until it became a cultural rule. Careers, scholarships, and futures were lost.

In this panel discussion, JT and Lady Cee sit down with fellow former Jehovah’s Witnesses to share how this teaching shaped their lives. Together we’ll cover:

• The talks, articles, and letters used to discourage education.
• How elders enforced it in local congregations.
• Real stories from EXJWs who lost opportunities, scholarships, or careers.
• The sudden shift: why the Watchtower now calls it a “matter of conscience.”
• The lasting impact on finances, self-worth, and family life.
🎓 Whether you grew up as a Witness, left recently, or are just curious how doctrine controls life choices, this panel pulls back the curtain on how one religion controlled education for generations.

👉 Subscribe and join the conversation in the comments — your story matters too.

Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4781897218785280

00:00 Introduction
03:35 Wes' Story
10:58 Ra'Shuna & Terrance
19:13 Fran & Joe
32:48 Daria
45:44 Collin
57:57 Efrain
01:15:02 Jack
01:29:31 Koco & Totally Awake
01:36:51 Closing Comments

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Laura X Timber
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lauraxtimber
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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauraxtimber/

In this heartfelt conversation, Lady Cee and JT sit down with Laura X Timber, a powerful content creator who offers her platform as a soft place to land for those unpacking life after high-control religion.

This isn't just an interview — it's a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing. Sometimes, it starts with a safe space and an honest conversation.

🎙️ Featuring: Lady Cee & JT | EXJW Critical Thinker
🎥 Guest Host: Laura X Timber

Topics we explore:
• Sharing your truth without fear
• Creating safe space after spiritual harm
• Why stories like ours still matter

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Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this powerful episode, we revisit the story of Tony — a former elder and third-generation Jehovah’s Witness — as he opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in the organization.
Tony shares how guilt, fear, and pressure to “perform spiritually” affected his mental health over time — and why so many others may be suffering in silence today.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or like your struggles were dismissed as “spiritual weakness,” this conversation is for you.
👇 If you're struggling or know someone who is:
📞 Call or text 988 (U.S.)
🌐 Global resources:
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and resources for those leaving high-control religions.
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — your story matters.

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🔁 Throwback Thursday – Back by RequestA viewer recently commented:“I’m not sure why I’m just now seeing this video in 2025. I really enjoyed it.” ❤️
That reminded us why this conversation with Gary Alt is still one of the most powerful interviews we’ve shared.

In this episode, Gary — a former elder, Bethelite, and now a life coach — opens up about his journey of leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses, what he discovered about “the brotherhood,” and how he found healing on the other side.

👉 If this resonates, share your thoughts in the comments. We’re listening.


How to reach Gary Alt Resources:

Coaching

YouTube

Spotify

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Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses

https://youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4
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Episode uploaded from April 18, 2025

This week, millions of Christians reflect on Jesus — especially during the Easter season. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses, that relationship is framed in a very different way.

In this episode of The Critical Thought, we illustrate how that belief system actually works — through a unique skit, a real-life experience from a former elder, and some critical questions every Jehovah’s Witness should be asking.

🎭 Featuring our skit: "1-800-HEAVENN™ — Where Some Calls Get Through™

📌 Want to go deeper?
Watch our earlier videos on this topic:
► Jesus Is Not Your Mediator – Part 1
► Jesus Is Not Your Mediator – Part 2

❓ 8 Questions to Ask Any Jehovah’s Witness:
1) If Jesus isn’t your mediator… who is?

2) Why do you pray in his name?

3) How are your sins forgiven if his sacrifice doesn’t apply to you?

4) Why does the Bible say he intercedes for all who come to God through him?

5) Are you in the new covenant — or just observing it from the outside?

6) Why does the Insight book define a mediator as a go-between, yet deny you that access?

7) How did you miss this doctrine if you’ve studied the Bible for years?

8) What else haven’t they told you?

Join us behind the scenes on Patreon

Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses

https://youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4
https://youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE

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How to Contact Us
We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:

✰✰ EMAIL:
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This week, millions of Christians reflect on Jesus — especially during the Easter season. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses, that relationship is framed in a very different way.

In this episode of The Critical Thought, we illustrate how that belief system actually works — through a unique skit, a real-life experience from a former elder, and some critical questions every Jehovah’s Witness should be asking.

🎭 Featuring our skit: "1-800-HEAVENN™ — Where Some Calls Get Through™

📌 Want to go deeper?
Watch our earlier videos on this topic:
► Jesus Is Not Your Mediator – Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svX3onqO2ls
► Jesus Is Not Your Mediator – Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpymBCrvAiE

❓ 8 Questions to Ask Any Jehovah’s Witness:
1) If Jesus isn’t your mediator… who is?

2) Why do you pray in his name?

3) How are your sins forgiven if his sacrifice doesn’t apply to you?

4) Why does the Bible say he intercedes for all who come to God through him?

5) Are you in the new covenant — or just observing it from the outside?

6) Why does the Insight book define a mediator as a go-between, yet deny you that access?

7) How did you miss this doctrine if you’ve studied the Bible for years?

8) What else haven’t they told you?

Join us behind the scenes on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/exjwcriticalthinker

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The vibe was definitely off at this year’s Jehovah’s Witness Memorial — and people are talking.

In this powerful breakdown from EXJW Critical Thinker, JT walks you through the subtle — and not-so-subtle — shifts that made the 2025 Memorial unlike any we’ve seen before. From the sudden flood of phone calls to disfellowshipped members, to awkward in-person moments and emotionally charged invitations, it’s clear something has changed.

What we cover:

Watchtower's response to legal pressure over shunning

New freedom to contact “removed” members… but at what cost?

PIMOs showing up just to avoid family drama

The strange shift from reverent to performative

And yes… people using the emblems like photo booth props

This isn’t just another Memorial recap — it’s a real look at how control, image, and numbers still run the show.
👇 Share your thoughts below. Did you feel the shift?

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