Then, seven years later, the Governing Body changed its mind and reversed the policy. After the edict was issued (The Watchtower December 1, 1972, pages 734-736) numerous marriages broke up as a result. One chapter details how the Governing Body decided that certain conduct between husband and wife in bed would be grounds for divorce and disfellowshipping (formal excommunication and shunning). As the Body's votes swung this way and that - and millions of Witnesses' family life or very lives swayed in the balance - Franz became more and more conscience-stricken at what he saw happening.

And the final word rests with the Governing Body.Īs a member of that elite group, Ray Franz had to share in making these decisions for Witnesses worldwide. Smith, and Jack are Jehovah's Witnesses, their answers come from Watchtower headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. Smith do as her husband wishes in bed, or must she say 'NO' to him? Can Jack accept hospital work as an alternative to military service, or must he refuse and go to jail? If little Johnnie's parents, Mrs. The inside information Franz now reveals in his book is sufficient to shake any Jehovah's Witness's faith - not in God, but in the organization claiming to be God's mouthpiece.Ĭan little Johnnie receive an organ transplant, or must his parents refuse? Can Mrs. Nephew of the organization's late president Fred Franz, Raymond spent nine years as a member of its top-secret Governing Body. Five million Jehovah's Witnesses are now forbidden to speak to Franz, read his book, or even say 'Hello' if they pass him on the street.Īnd the Watchtower does well to shield its followers from this man - if they are to remain followers. The author, Raymond Franz, had been under ban by the Watchtower Society since 1981, when he was excommunicated for eating a meal with a previously banned individual, his landlord. Jehovah's Witness Has Crisis of Conscience

Book crisis of conscience