Appendix I Surveys and AOL Profile Examination Survey #1 Hello, I am in the process of researching my senior year thesis. My topic is childhood within the Jehovah’s Witness sect. I am particularly interested in the views of women and children who have broken away either by themselves or through disfellowshipping. If you would like to participate in a small, totally confidential study, please address the following topics as briefly or extensively as you like and send them to me via e-mail at: Door to door activities Affection in the home Education Discipline Experience as a woman or child within JW’s Breaking away - why, how, at what age? How did this affect relationships with family, friends, etc.? Your current religious or spiritual affiliations How does this experience affect you on a day to day basis? Thank you! Your response will be greatly appreciated and hopefully the information addressed in my study will someday be helpful to others in need of understanding their own situation. Marie Black ___________________ Survey #2
Between the ages of five to twelve, how would you describe your personality at JW functions compared with your personality at school? Were there differences? How about during adolescence? Were you an extrovert or an introvert during your school years? I'm interested in your pre-pubescent period, and then adolescence. Were there any changes at all? Were you rebellious, obedient or see-sawing between the extremes? Would you describe your childhood years as happy or unhappy? If you were converted into the sect with one or both parents, please specify how you observed the changes, how you felt about them, etc. If you were born into it, how do you perceive that now? Let me know if you don't want your name used--I will only be using first names, if I use any at all. Thanks, Marie
___________________ SAMPLE OF ACTUAL AOL PROFILES
Screen Name: MXXX Member Name: IXXX Location: New Jersey, USA Birthdate: stopped celebrating Sex: Female Marital Status: happily married with 4 kids, Hobbies: studying the Bible, service, meetings, phone, family, biking, going to beach, reading, old movies, computer Computers: Aptiva ibm or something like that. Occupation: Jehovah's Witness first and always, full time mom, part time secretary, future pioneer Personal Quote: Isaiah 41: 10 and 13, Proverbs 2: 21 & 22 _______________________________________
Screen Name: BuniXXX Member Name: AXXX Location: Decatur, AL USA Birthdate: Nov 86 Sex: Female Marital Status: What do you think? Hobbies: Telling people about Jehovah, reading, skating, listening to good music and shopping! Computers: Dad's Occupation: Student, baptized publisher I love being one of Jehovah's Witnesses my goal is to be a pioneer and go to bethel. Personal Quote: Laughing makes everything better.Rev.21:4 and he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more nether morning or out cry will be no for the former things have passed away. _______________________________________
Screen Name: MVXXX Member Name: MXXX Location: Miami , Fl. Birthdate: Feb.1983 Sex: Female Marital Status: Single and Cuban American Hobbies: Preaching ,Playing all Sports , Collecting B-Ball cards , Preaching,talking on phone , going to mall , Listening to Music , Watching T. V , going out with friends ; and much more ... Computers: I only speak to Jehovah's Witnesses , sorry : 5ft. 6in tall , Golden Brown hair, light brown eyes , tan skin Occupation: A full time Baptized Jehovah's Witness Forever, Homeschool Student , Pioneering Personal Quote: "That People May know that you whose name is Jehovah You alone are the most high over all the earth " Psalms 83 :18
What defines a cult?
Religion: One can leave without punishment Not condemned for exploring other beliefs Not condemned for reading anti-literature Enhances one’s feelings of esteem and worth Enhances spiritual connection w/higher power Will not seek to control every facet of life Tolerance for other religions Encourage personal growth Freedom to debate doctrines Honesty concerning what is expected upon joining Cult: One true religion/all others are part of an evil empire Eventually control every aspect of life Punishment for reading “apostate” literature Discourages education Us vs them mentality - “bad associations spoil useful habits” Cannot leave without shunning: entrapped by fear Self-appointed leader Controlled by fear (reported JW’s - high mental illness) Cannot debate doctrines Exclusionary groups of extreme authoritarian nature Many have apocalyptic aspect (millenarian-1000 year reign of Christ) Indoctrinated to preach and recruit Deceptive concerning expectations of members Encourages extreme physical (Waco) and/or psychological (JW) isolation of members
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