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Captives of a Concept (Anatomy of an Illusion)

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Bear with me on my personal background - I will get to the point about Don Cameron's book and how influential it was for me.

I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness from infancy, and walked away in disgust in my mid 20's. As a result of that action, I was in such a state of turmoil and therefore was unable to verbalize my feelings, nor my reasons why I had to leave. That is - I could not even verbalize them to myself, other than to say to myself "I have got to get out of this. Something is really wrong. I can't live this way. I can't take it any more. If I stay, I will die". Staying in the Watchtower Society, while it afforded me with "instant friends and family", was an option I could no longer tolerate, because I realized that if I stayed one second longer, I would die - not a physical death - but most assuredly an emotional death, a psychological death, an intellectual death, a spiritual death. Everything that I was and am - would perish, and I would turn into a robot like everybody else around me.

Of course I was ostracized and shunned by all my former witness associates, whose love and acceptance for me, was after all, completely conditional - conditional upon my staying in the Watchtower Society. So much for brotherly love.

As I branched out in to my new life, and if the subject of religious beliefs or Jehovah's Witnesses would arise, occasionally I would find the courage to mention to people that I used to be a Jehovah's Witness. When they asked me why I left and what it was about the religion that made me leave, I found myself unable to clearly articulate exactly what it was that made me leave and change my life so abruptly, and going through the trauma of being abandoned and shunned by everyone I knew, and starting life over again - alone.

I could not pinpoint it to any one exact thing, I could not put my finger on exactly what "it" was. I thought the "it" (or the problem) was "me", because I could not accept the way things were done within the organization. But what was it about the "way things were done" that were so anathema to me?

I resented being dragged to boring meetings three times a week. The assemblies were even worse. It bothered me that I could not ask questions that were not in the Watchtower magazine. Nobody cared about what I thought, my schooling or my education, nobody cared about ME, who I was, what my hobbies were, what I enjoyed doing, what made me tick. The only thing that mattered was that I show up to all the meetings, go out on field service every week, answer at the Watchtower study, and be like all the other young sisters whose life goal was to be a pioneer and then marry. Be a good sister, do what I was told, don't ask questions, don't stay in school longer than you need to (because of course sisters should aim to be pioneers, so that brothers will want to marry them because they are so SPIRITUAL), don't fall into "independent thinking". But how do I articulate all of these concerns to people who are not familiar with Jehovah's Witnesses?

Don Cameron's book for me, was life changing. Finally, I understood, I understood what was wrong with the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses - exactly what was wrong, that I had been unable to pinpoint or articulate.

The problem wasn't me at all. The number one problem with Jehovah's Witnesses? What is that makes them so dangerous? Yes, dangerous.

Here it is - summed up in Don Cameron's book. The Watchtower Society leadership has convinced their members, Jehovah's Witnesses, that they (this select group of men in Brooklyn, New York) are indeed the "faithful and discreet slave" of Matthew 24:45-47, and that therefore, they are God's only true organization, that they represent God and speak for him. This means that to question their authority is to question God himself. Everything else is superfluous and beside the point.

Once I understood this, an enormous burden was lifted from my shoulders. More importantly, I am now finally able to clearly articulate to others what is the number one "problem" with the religion known as Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the iron-like, Inquisition-like authority they wield over their members, controlling and manipulating them through guilt, fear, threats of ostracism/disfellowshipping, and the intimidation of group dynamics (ie do what everybody else does, do not be an individual). Everything boils down to one scripture that has been taken out of context, and arrogantly applied to themselves by the leadership at the Watchtower Society - Matthew 24:45-47. Over six million gullible, innocent, well-meaning people have been brainwashed to believe that a small select group of men do indeed speak for God, and that to go against them, to question them, to think for oneself, is "apostasy".

I am free, thank god I am free from evil, cultish mind control, manipulation and brainwashing. Thank you Don Cameron, for helping me verbalize what I was previously unable to do. I will continue to speak out and warn others about the dangers of this destructive, hateful, negative cult.

One side note: The only negative thing about this book was that I was disappointed over the number of typographical and grammatical errors in this book, which suggest careless and sloppy proof reading. I would like to see these corrected and the book reprinted.

Many who have encountered the Watchtower organization can become bogged down in confounding doctrinal issues that could take years to unravel. There are many "ex-jw" sources of information out there, but they can be just as complicated as anything you will get from the Watchtower, and sadly, to their discredit, they are often very bitter.

But really that is all unecessary, because there is only one fundamental question that needs to be answered; "Is this God's one true religion?". If it is, then all the questions about all the other doctrine is just a matter of you needing to learn it. If they are not, well that might be to painful for many to contemplate. And at that point all their other doctrine is reduced to mere commentary.

This book attempts to deal with this fundamental teaching, and it does so quite effectively. It only uses the Watchtower's own material, so it is in no way "apostate", and free to be discussed with witnesses. There are even tips for bringing this info to a witness' attention.

The basic line of reasoning is that for the Watchtower to have been chosen by Jesus in 1919 as they claim, Christ would have looked at what they were teaching THEN. There are many things that were taught then, that are not taught now. So by the Watchtower's own admission, it is implied that these 1919 teachings were false. He goes through a list of some particularly relevant teachings, that do make it hard to believe that Christ could have chosen them as they claim. After reading this book you will likely conclude that, at a minimum, the Watchtower needs to revise this particular doctrine. At the most, you might even conclude that they truly aren't the "one true" religion. I will leave it to you to decide what then they are, and "where then should we go?"

Don Cameron, as a former member of a Body of Elders of Jehovah's Witnesses has much experience with the Watchtower Society. According to Cameron, "The concept that still holds millions of Jehovah's Witnesses captive is their belief that the Watchtower Society is God's chosen organization to teach them what he wants them to believe; that all of God's directions to mankind comes through this one 'channel of communication.'" Don Cameron writes in a very authoritative style, with references listed for all important assertions. As such, Captives of a Concept is quite a scholarly work. Cameron begins to unravel the Watchtower Society by showing that their own interpretation of Matthew 24:45-47 (which is supposed to authorize the Watchtower Society as God's organization) does not correspond with the organization's history.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus' Second Coming occurred invisibly in 1914, and then in 1918 began to make an examination of all religions, finding that only the Jehovah's Witnesses were being faithful to the true teachings of the Bible. Therefore according to their theology, He appointed the Watchtower Society as God's organization. Cameron then goes on to show that numerous teachings of the Watchtower have changed since 1919, therefore making the basis upon which they were chosen as God's organization (their "correct" teaching) to no longer be valid.

For example, the organization had proclaimed that Jesus had returned invisibly in 1874 up until 1943, when the date changed to 1914. Even their own publications refer to this change of dates. The book continues by describing 48 teachings that have changed since "Jesus appointed the Watchtower Society as God's organization." If Jesus really had selected the Watchtower on the basis of their teaching down till 1919, then He would be very upset that they have subsequently changed all those 48 teachings.

A large section deals with many of the false teachings and prophecies that the Society has promulgated. Although admitting they were not true, the Watchtower never refers to them as "false" but simply as "errors", "mistakes", "misunderstandings", "inaccurate concepts", etc. Besides pointing out these "mistakes," Cameron provides specific examples where the Witnesses' religious leaders have been less than honest in order to cover up their "errors."

Of course, even with overwhelming evidence that the Watchtower is not God's organization, members are unwilling to even examine this evidence for fear of being disfellowshipped. However, Cameron suggests a way to get around their unwillingness to examine the evidence. Since Jehovah's Witnesses take pride in teaching, one way to get them to examine the evidence that the Watchtower Society is not God's organization is to ask them to teach you about the history of the organization. Since they have little or no information in this regard, they will have to do some research to "help you out". The primary source of information about the Society's history is contained in their current 750-page book, Jehovah's Witnesses -Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Surprisingly, this book contains all the information needed to allow a Jehovah's Witness to teach themselves the truth about the Watchtower Society, if only they knew what to look for and where to find it. Their 'student'' who does know what to look for and where to find it may be able to help the Witness teacher discover what that book is willing to teach them about their religion.

This witnessing approach is probably the best I have seen, since it is probably the only one that will allow Witnesses to examine the evidence without prejudice. A highly recommended resource for Christians who want to lead Witnesses out of their bondage to the Watchtower Society.

As an ex-jw,I can only congratulate Don Cameron on a well researched book that really focuses on what matters - why it is so difficult to reason with JWs and why they still remain in the faith despite being shown seemingly indisputable evidence that their belief system is based on a lie.

On a personal note, I spent most of my life as a JW and have only left about 5 years ago. Despite my best efforts to keep my JW family on 'good terms', I have finally been disowned (not officially disfellowshipped) by my mother and brother for my views. As many others have done before me, I tried to reason with them, provide evidence as to the JW history, false prophecies, flip-flops in belief etc. Even pointing out the factual errors, with supporting evidence, in their beliefs that are so central to their whole authority structure....e.g. that Jeruslaem was NOT detroyed in 607BC (actually 586/587BC) making 1914CE totally wrong......had no effect.

Don Camerons book has helped me come to grips with the reasons why this approach has not worked and why throwing lots of facts at JWs and expecting them to listen will never work.

Well done and thanks!

However, although admittedly a personal judgement call, I was somewhat disappointed that close to the end, Don brings God into the process of helping JWs to leave. This seems a rather presumptuous idea when there is no evidence provided to support God's thoughts on the matter (that is assuming there is a God that has an opinion!)

Indeed, he makes the following observation, "It takes no less courage today for Jehovah's Witnesses to withdraw from their 'church'. It is so difficult in fact that according to 2 Tmothy 2:25, it will take divine intervention."

Certainly I agree it takes courage...but 'divine intervention'? I have left the JWs and claim no divine help. Indeed, by using the same standard of logic and types of thought processes employed to great effect by the author regarding the JWs, I have come to realise that the Bible also makes unsubstantiated claims and therefore God's hand in the matter needs to be examined a little more objectively.

My only other constructive critism is that there was too much use of charts/boxes that were on occasions confusing and gave some pages a rather cluttered feel. Also it wasn't always clear without referring backwards as to whether a boxed quote was from the author, a contributor or taken from another publication.

As another reviewer also commented, there are some typos and difficult phrasing/grammar that break the flow.

Still, highly recommended especially for practising JWs (to be fair unlikely to read it) or ex-JWs who need to come to terms with their decision to leave and to aid their families to also leave.

I am also a former Witness, and an author of a book about the Witnesses. Mr. Cameron's book is a thorough examination of one very important doctrine central to the Witness mind-set. With impeccable logic he dismantles the foundation of the idea that the Watchtower is "God's Organization". I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any connection to or contact with the Watchtower organization.

If you do enjoy this book, you may also enjoy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1411667921">Falling in Truth: The Education of a Jehovah's Witness</a>.

This book is essential to anyone having doubts about the witnesses, or who have left. It basically shows how it is impossible for the Watchtower organization to have been chosen by God in 1914, which they claim, because the beliefs at that time were all lies. Most of what they taught at that time they no longer believe, and are actually embarrassed when people find out what was taught. And back then they insistantly claimed that it was God speaking through them. So either God was a liar, or they were false prophets. The truth is always the truth, yet they claim it can change because the light gets brighter. Truth doesn't change! This book makes this point using the watchtower's own literature.

Simply put, this book shows any Jehovah's Witness (from their own literature) that their leaders in NY are not, and were not, ever chosen as the 'Faithful & Discreet Slave' period. It's so simple it blows you away!

Don't judge this book without reading it.

This book is an easy read, and would be good for the person who knows nothing of JWs, but needs a good book as a start. The author uses lists and some illustrations to better understand his position. His logic is like a good lawyer, and he makes his case very plainly without going overboard. He utilizes good reference material, including the Watchtower Society's own publications. As he states in his book, "The Watchtower Society's own publications are their worst enemy, and the internet is their worst nightmare."

Being involved in over 10 years of outreach ministry to Jehovah's Witnesses, I can honestly tell you that Captives of a Concept is a groundbreaking work. Don Cameron cuts right to the foundation of the control the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society has over its members and methodically and logically dismantles it in a way few (if any) authors have. His style is refreshing, his technique is clear and his tone is laden with the love of Christ.

If you are looking for a casual read to educate yourself on Jehovah's Witnesses, this (and many other books) will suffice. If you're looking for a tool to help you reach one of God's lost children bound up in this cult, YOU NEED THIS BOOK.

"Don I read your book. It is probably one of the BEST books on the JW's that I have read. Brilliant work Don. Believe me I have read quite a few books and all have had their own merits yours added some things not covered by other books. 'Captive of a Concept' says it all." J.R.
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"IN SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM is a huge book with deep concepts. Great book. CAPTIVES OF A CONCEPT gets right to the point about the mistake that every single JW has made, and how to see that mistake. Easier book to free the mind and perhaps start helping other family members or friends that would listen. Get this book, it will be great reading. Garybuss' recommendation was good enough for me. I am thrilled with this book. (JWD Forum)
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Review by Marcia Rudin, M.A.

"Don Cameron, a former member of a Body of Elders of Jehovah's Witnesses, has written a clear and tightly argued book based on the premise that members of Jehovah's Witnesses are kept captive by dint of a false assumption that is constantly reinforced by its leaders.

"The concept that keeps members bound to the group and unable to question its teachings is "the belief that the Watchtower Society is God's organization," chosen by God and Jesus as the only vessel of Truth. This false concept (Cameron provides much evidence debunking it) provides the rationale for accepting its doctrine and even its self-admitted errors. As Cameron puts it:

'Belief in this concept has given the men of the Governing Body tremendous control over the thinking of the rest of Jehovah's Witnesses. To question them, to doubt them, to disagree with them becomes the same as questioning, doubting and disagreeing with God himself! (p. 14)'

"Cameron continues in his summary at the end of the book: 'They believe that all of God's direction to mankind comes only through this one "channel." This organizational concept is the dominant controlling force in their lives without them realizing it. (p. 140)

"Cameron exhibits vast, detailed knowledge of the group's history and theology, based on his experience as a 20-year, high-ranking member. In his final year in the Watchtower Society, he began to doubt the group's teachings and authority. He was surprised to find that none of the other Elders were willing to listen to his arguments. He has spent the past 22 years trying to help others out of the group.

"Cameron's book has an easy-to-follow 'workbook'-type layout. He provides helpful, concise summaries of his points in the margins and in boxes. A first chapter that defines important terms, a helpful summary that reviews his major points, and an interesting closing appendix that contains historical Watchtower documents also help the reader.

"I would have liked more discussion of the abuses common in this group. 'Captives of a Concept' is perhaps too highly detailed for the general reader, but it will be helpful to those trying to convince others to abandon the group. Because I come from the perspective that defines groups as harmful based on their actions and abuses, not their faulty ideas or theologies, I objected to Cameron basing his criticism of the Watchtower Society on logically faulty and theologically mistaken premises. Sometimes he even states that Jesus (or God) would reject certain of the group's arguments, and at the end he argues that members need God's help to free themselves.

"However, since committed members of this particular group are bonded to it by its theological arguments, perhaps Cameron's approach is the best one for getting through to present members. And his premise that they are bound to the group's 'mistaken' teachings because of the supposedly God-given authority is in line with the thinking of many in the community of cultic studies researchers. It's really only another way of saying that cult members are kept in line by not being given relevant facts, not being able to question the group leaders' authority, and by being made to feel they are doomed if they question or leave the group.

"The main appeal of this book is that it addresses what is, after all, the main point that keeps so many in thrall to set of corporations in Brooklyn -that is, the idea that the governing body is God's "faithful slave" and thus the authority and voice of God. Once you show that is not the case, the whole thing tumbles." (Viru)
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"I like your standpoint:

* 'When dealing with those who are ready to face the truth, one word may make all the difference. But if they are not ready to face the truth, then ten thousand words won't make any difference.'

* 'Of all things that can be known about the Watchtower religion, there is only one thing that needs to be known: Is the Watchtower Society God's organization?'

* 'Jehovah's Witnesses usually need to come to realize that what they believe about the Watchtower Society may not be true before they can allow themselves to consider that what they believe about the Bible may not be true.'

"You are really writing from the standpoint of someone who knows what life is like in Watchtower Society. Thank you very much for it. I believe the Lord's Spirit will use it to open the eyes of many 'Captives of a Concept'. (Hector from Chile)
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"There is only one thing that needs to be known about the Watchtower Society and there is only one way to know it." Don Cameron, former member of a Body of Elders of Jehovah's Witnesses.

"I would agree with Don, His book, "Captives of a Concept" understanding the illusionary concept that holds Jehovah's Witnesses captive easily refutes their claim of being the only true religion. Remove the 1919 appointment and all the rest of it's foundation falls. I found this book to be the simplest way to get to the core about the appointment of the Faithful and Discreet Slave in 1919.

"If only more would read your book. Yes, some would close their eyes out of fear of not knowing where to go from here. It is shocking to the senses for some and these we have to help. You are doing a great work and have helped so many people. Thank you Don for all you have done." (Blueblades on JWD Form)

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"Don, I read your book about a year ago. I would recommend it to everyone. It proves, by devastatingly simple logic...that the Watch Tower Society cannot be the true religion.... because they would never have been chosen in the first place. I liked the way the book was set out. so easy to read and retain the salient points. Thanks Don." (Ex-Jehovah's Witness Forum and Recovery Site)
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