Rating: 
Summary: IF YOU LIKE READING "TRASH" READ THIS BOOK...
Review: Eventhough I myself am not one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I've learned alot from my relatives who ARE members of this world-wide ORGANIZATION. I emphasis "organization" because of the manner that Jehovah's Witnesses go about in any aspect of their day-today dealings in this world. They are quite simply, a people of HIGH standards. Instead of looking at other peoples faults, the witnesses look at the GOOD in people and by example help a person to cultivate such a quality in their own daily lives. I strongly beleive that this is the KEY to avoiding any form of prejudice in the world today. Has anyone ever noticed that you will never see one of Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's) respond to accusations given by many IGNORANT people whose main goal is to try and try and HUMILIATE these good people by any means possible? It seems that the witnesses let their own "actions" speak for themselves. They always seem to bring out the BEST in people whenever any one of us non-members have the opportunity to speak to them. That is if you give them the time. This book however, brings out the worst in the human race in general but ironicly reinforces what the bible clearly states about "GOD'S PEOPLE" being hated and ridiculed (or 'persecuted')in the time of the END of this system of things (or rather 'world'). I have found through my extensive research in the JW'S after reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that this organization (or as the book brings out: "the Governing Body") of JW'S had DISFELLOWSHIPPED the author of this book as even the Catholic Church continues to do (as well as many other religious orginizations do from time to time) DISCOMMUNICATED the author. The main reason being that the previous member of the orginization had been speaking in such a way to other members in the organization at "Bethel" (as the JW'S refer to their main office in Brooklyn, New York) so as to mislead them into leaving the JW'S. And upon being asked to resign his position from the "Governing Body" had attempted to become a leader in a local JW church and even went as far as to associate himself with a previous DISASSOCIATED member of a local "congregation" in his area (or rather 'church') with an attempt to form his own sect. In reality, the author was asked to discontinue his association with the DISASSOCIATED member immediately so as not to encourage others to do the same. The reason being that the former JW had continued doing wrong according to the beliefs as brought out in the holy scriptures (or rather 'bible'). This "wrong doing" continued to happen even after the member had been warned REPEATEDLY. But, of course the author neglects to bring this out in his aacount of the happenings in this book. In any case, if you're looking for a book that CLEARLY explains the practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, why not ask them yourself? If you're still anxiously looking for a GOOD book before taking this step, visit one of their gatherings at a local church (or as they refer to them a "kingdom hall"). You may even want to visit on of their "WATCHTOWER CONVENTION OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES". Only then can you form your own conclusions based on your un-altered opinion. By the way, I prefer to remain anonymous due to the fact in their being many ANTI-Jehovah's Witnesses who would like nothing better to do than try to find me and email me with 'petty' ridicule. Hope this review helped any honest-hearted individual.
Rating: 
Summary: Peace of Mind
Review: When you step away even briefly from the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses you feel worthless and guilty for not attending meetings and all else that is expected of all "spiritually-strong" Jehovah's Witnesses.
The words presented by Mr. Franz are sincere, loving and full of concern. He does not speak in negative terms. His words show how we can have peace of mind and true Christian freedom. I came to realize that God still loves me and I can have a relationship with Him outside the confines of this religion.
Thank you Raymond Franz for helping me on my road to the real truth!
Rating:
Summary: A Fallen Franz...
Review: In an inactive state, I read Mr. Franz' expose on the Watchtower Society while he was on the Governing Body. By the end of the book, you realize that Franz, who made himself an apostate, has "levelled his own ground" by taking a stand, however benign it might seem to the reader, against the truth. Ed Dunlap knew what he was doing when he partook of the emblems...even though he did not claim to be of the heavenly calling. So holy spirit, by means of the men that were used, dealt with ther actions.
Crisis against men? Yes. Crisis against God's Word and the freedom within to choose for oneself the teachings of the Christ
to suit one's desires? I think not.
Read 2 Peter 2:2,3 and 1 Timothy 4:1-in your own Bibles. Then listen to the apostle John's words at 1 John 4:1. Happy truth-seeking!
Rating:
Summary: The Truth Has Set Me Free
Review: Not much more can be added to the excellent reviews of this fine work except to say that I was impressed by the unassailable dignity of Franz, as well as his quiet, unsensationalistic style free from rancor and bitterness.Thanks, Mr. Franz.
Rating:
Summary: "For such a time as this..."
Review: Crisis of Conscience at first glance seems a little dense but it is just the proper catharsis that satisfies such a liberation from an overarching hierarchy. It is the stirring chronicle of Raymond Franz, a former member of the actual Watchtower governing board headquartered in Brooklyn, New York; a family relative to the organization's past president and tied historically to it's very beginnings. You get a rare glimpse from the inside to what even very few "witnesses" have the awareness of, explaining how dogmatic principles or their spiritual requirements are flip-flopped back and forth. The author gives much background information providing hitherto the only direct link at the controlling force of this major publishing operation who invariably will list their publications as "anonymous" regarding their authorship. This book well supports the understanding that this is none other than a latent reliance on a human established foundation defiant of what Paul taught to the Romans to "let God be true and every man a liar". (I would also recommend "I Was Raised a Jehovah's Witness" by Joe Hewitt as the best book for sharing with these affiliated as to the freedom and all sufficiency in Christ Jesus alone)
Rating:
Summary: Credible Testimony about the Watchtower
Review: About 12 years ago I considered myself the "cult-buster." In my young mind I could, armed with proof-texts, shoot down any cult member, especially Jehovah's Witnesses. Unfortunately I was just as rigid and legalistic as the Jehovah's Witnesses I would witness to. Actually most of them were less chained to their ideology than I was. Unfortunately, many books that reach out to Jehovah's witnesses are written by conservative JWs turned conservative Baptist, who take a different doctrinal stance, but still do not shed the notion that only "Only I and those Christians like me have the truth." Franz, on the contrary, offers a more balanced appraisal. Unlike other books written by former JWs, Franz seems more saddened than angry, and his tone reflects this. This style displays his personality, which was in constant conflict with the Watchtower's rigid leadership. Franz does not detail doctrinal problems with the Watchtower. Franz most likely holds to many of his old Watchtower doctrines. The Watchtower does have doctrinal problems when compared with the beliefs commonly held by the Church throughout Christian history. In fact the Watchtower is in my opinion just another apocalyptic group founded in the mid-late 1800s. However, Franz is not concerned with issues like the Trinity or Christ's divinity. He is more concerned with what makes a group truly a cult, which is control by the leaders over its members. Franz details this marvelously, and explains how the Watchtower even monitored its members bedroom activities. He speaks of disfellowshippings where families were encouraged to "shun" other members who had been kicked out of the Watchtower, effectively ruining the lives of thousands people. Franz also documents and explains failed prophecy, which caused many trusting members of the "truth" to sell homes, postpone college, and other goals in order to be ready for the end. The entire book is a calm and sober, yet highly personal, account of Franz's life deep within the Watchtower and his eventual exit. Franz's book is a breath of fresh air. I believe that many who write anti-cult books are themselves so concerned with minor issues, that they themselves sometimes come across as cultish. Their tone is often disrespectful, which I think turns off educated people. As someone who studys Christian history and embraces its doctrines and practices, I think the Watchtower is indeed incorrect in certain areas of its theology and its practice, but I think its "cult" status hinges on its leadership's control over members. Franz's book documents this fact in a fashion befitting of Christ's love and mercy.
Rating: 
Summary: Sincere measured story of journey out of JW's highest ranks
Review: Lord Acton said that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Raymond Franz describes the descent of the Jehovah's Witness organization from its origins as a group of earnest Bible students, disatisfied with the smug status quo of religion in their day, to an absolutely corrupt spiritual regime. Raymond Franz was in the ideal place to observe the inner workings of the highests levels of decision-making in Jehovah's Witnesses Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. His account is detailed, careful, and to non-members of the group, perhaps ultimately unsurprising. Governing Body members often made quick personnel decisions, without personal knowledge of who they were appointing. They made doctrinal decisions based on consensus, often with little discussion of Scriptural or historical precedents. Sometimes principles were applied unevenly. There were power-struggles--often justified by Scripture in a manner that suited the moment. Most religious adherents would admit that such unpleasantries happen in their religious organizations from time to time. "After all," they might say, "we are a broken people struggling to do spiritual work." However, Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be the only true messengers of God--and that message is composed from the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. Adherents place total trust in what is said to be "Jehovah's Organization." Therefore, for a Jehovah's Witness to read that the difficulties, compromises, and personality disorders that plague other religious groups are just as prevelant in their own comes as quite revelation. The failures are all the more troublesome, in that the religion is authoritarian and hierarchical. This is an important work that will keep open-minded, searching Jehovah's Witness captivated. Those less familiar with the group may find Franz's work at times dry and tedious. His tone is that of a very cautious witness baring testimony against those who he loves but is disappointed in. This is recommended reading for those specifically interested in Jehovah's Witnesses, or those curious about one who has reached the top levels of a religuous group, only to leave it after nearly four decades of service.
Rating:
Summary: THE ORGANIZATION BEHIND THE NAME
Review: Raymond Franz provides unprecedented access into the inner workings of one of the most totalitarian and ideological cults existent today: the "Jehovah's Witnesses." This group is most familiar as the cheery people knocking on your door at the most inconvenient time to offer literature. What you might not know is how that cheery person has his life and time micromanaged -from what to wear and who to talk to, to what medical treatment to receive- by the edicts of a Governing Body in New York, an infallible group of a dozen men that sees itself as speaking for God in Earth's last days. Raymond Franz is nephew of Frederick Franz, President of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society from the late 70s to early 90s, and was raised in this cult, advancing through its ranks, with inside access to the formation of policy and doctrine. Franz reveals the hideous psychological disorders in the most influential personalities, none of whom possess a college or seminary degree. In addition, these men toss about decisions capable of affecting the treatment and livelihood of followers in, say- Africa or Latin America- casually until reaching a two-thirds majority decision. Ultimately, Franz (after 60 years!!) realizes that a church should not be run on the personal whims and fancies of a few self-righteous men, but should seek a Bible-based perspective. This leads to his alienation and subsequent excommunication in 1981. Luckily he has kept copies of classified documents and other data showing the draconian measures of this cult, in maintaining its absolute control. It is no wonder that the cult's leaders fear no other book to this day (other than the Bible and Church History). Considering that Franz had inside access and a working conscience, I wonder why he did not leave "the one, true religion" forty or fifty years sooner! Particularly troubling is his discovery in the early 70s of archaeological research that debunks the cult's dispensational timetables for the End Times (which they say began in 1914), research that he kept under wraps for another decade. I cannot judge the man, given the fact that he already has the lives of millions as a sufficient worry on his soul. Nevertheless, this remains necessary reading for anyone with JW relatives, anyone seeking to join this group, or is already a member and wonders what really happens at headquarters. A MUST-READ.
Rating:
Summary: A Journey Out of The Jehovah's Witnesses
Review: Raymond Franz, former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses governing body, gives a detialed, if not soemtimes a little dry, account of his journey out of the Watch Tower cult. I can only imagine tryng to write such a personal accoundt of one's journey out of a denomination that one belonged to for so long. Franz was raised as a witness and moved up the ranks as a missionary, writer, reseracher, and then governing official. Franz is privy to a lot of detialed information and as such this book as many photostat copies of offical memo's and writings. I imagine that his decsion to leave the denomination must have been extremely painful, for he gave over 60 years of his life to this religion. At times one feels sympathy for all Witnesses, for the vast majority are very sincere people who give much of their time for their religion. The pressure put on them to "pioneer" (witnessing) and follow the doctrines of the church is more cohersive than anything else. Franz does a commendable job in this book and it is well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Ignore the irrational thoughts of Heinz Schmitz's review..
Review: If one followed reviewer Heinz Schmitz's reasoning out to a full conclusion then God should feel bad for authoring the Bible. As the Bible has been used by millions throughout history to promote hate, bigotry, and violence.
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