[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I had some up close experience with JWs in a small town where we used to live. The leader in their group is the richest person in their group. He often hires them and basically controls them through that. They shun family members who stray at all - there is no forgiveness in their sect - you either comply or you are shunned. Family is not allowed to break these rules or they are shunned.

I asked the "head guy" once about their beliefs and they sound good - they are basically decent people with strong values, but they also believe they are the ONLY people who are saved. And I know there are several groups who feel that way but I don't. I think God reaches people through many methods so I don't judge salvation by which church you attend, or if you even do, but I was very offended by his open pronouncement that I was just wasting my time even thinking that I was a Christian or a saved person.

[Texan5]

I had heard that from my cub, who has a friend who is a JW-awfully narrow view, and not one I can embrace. I also believe God reaches people any way He wants to, and it is a very personal thing-I don’t shun anyone unless they are preaching intolerance and violence as part of their religion/beliefs.