How I Left the Jehovah’s Witnesses to Pursue Filmmaking
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- Опубліковано 10 січ 2021
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Interview with Korey Coleman: • Video
I've wanted to make this video for years. Here I discuss my religious past, and how members of the religion I was raised in attempted to keep me from pursuing my goals. I hope that this video can prove inspirational for other people who have felt trapped in life. Thank you for watching.
#JehovahsWitness #JehovahsWitnesses #EXJW - Розваги
Thank you all so much. The outreach since the interview went up has been overwhelming and has helped me heal. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’ve understood. I was anxious about discussing these things, but I’m so happy to learn that many ex-JWs watch the channel, and I truly hope this video reminds you that you’re not alone. Anyone out there afraid to come out about something, I see you. I support you. Thanks so much everyone.
Brave man. Here's to you man. 🍻
Thx Chris
thanks for putting yourself out there, i hope your family remains ok after this. best wishes chris, your community is here for you, be safe.
So proud of you that you could talk about it, keep up the good work
Sending virtual hugs
Im one!
Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear pop culture crossover t-shirts.
This should honestly be the top comment ;)
What are the crossovers in the shirt?
❤️
Cowboy Bebop
Because he's the hero UA-cam deserves, but not the one it needs right now
Chris - I’m 80 and got out of Jehovah’s witnesses when I was 40. I’m still scarred and scared actually. Thank you for sharing your story!
i'm so glad you're here and that you made it out
Ex-Pentecostal Christian here. Left the church around 25. Now 45. Still scarred, ashamed, and furious.
Hugs Nancy
@@tatianahawaii13 Ask first.
I don't think I've seen anything sadder than that poor teenage boy announcing that he can't do movie reviews anymore because of reasons he can't discuss. It's sincerely heartbreaking. I'm so glad that Chris is as brave and dedicated to his dreams as he is.
" .....So I give Jehovah’s Witnesses a D- "
F*
Yes, F...
😂😂😂😂
Thanks man! You finally broke my crying with that comment!
lol
I F you mean
It takes a lot of balls to do this and I’m sorry to here this man.
Serious fucking balls
I’m definitely hear for it
4 to be precise, plus a phantom one often referred to as "Rigby."
@@harveymulvihill haha I see your joke bro.. if I here of any more I'll make sure you're hear to read it..
I just wanted to say that a relationship with Christ is the way. Religion is man made and jehovah witnesses are cult members. God bless everyone!
I was a child victim. I was also married into the religion. My ex assaulted me. I went to the elders asking for "help". They literally told me "boys will be boys" and not to report it to the police (2 witness rule). The worst things to do are to divorce w/out adultery or become an apostate or being gay/bi. But I couldn't handle the abuse and I finally filed for divorce. The Watchtower and Awake constantly advised that women just take whatever abuse they get because "God hated divorce" My ex tried to poison me as a response. I got so many other crazy stories that they get away with. I ran away from the relationship and religion and never looked back. I wear the "Apostate" label with pride. Telling them you are an apostate is the quickest way to get on a "do not contact" list.
I have a relative who married a JW of a different race , we not racial so we accepted , but she was always sick & poor thing thought if he took good care of her she will get better ; its was a great struggle for him 13yrs now , he caught her during Covid lockdown texting a man she used to study with previouly before they got married ; he called & spoke to the man , said he only talks to her because he knows she not well & they became good friends over the yrs ; she began to behave like she had Schitzophenia halluzinating the house filled with people ; he took her for treatment , after she got better last yr , she did courses & got a job in the city far from home , now she wants an apartment to move closer to her job ; she admitted to him she dont love him , but she stayed to build her fiances to get half of everything he owns over that 13yrs they are married ; she went to pioneer school & used to regular pioneer before covid ; but she dont like to cook & clean the house as she used to be home since she got married , she is 13yrs older than him & he had to sleep on a sofa in their masters bedroom as she didnt want him on the bed with her , but the dog can sleep on the bed with her ; that young man is crushed if not for his mother he might commit suicide as he used to cry like a baby behind his house when stress took him over & dont know what to do ; he was very sick last yr too ; a hard big kidney stone went down his Utrea & cut it causing the urine to be blocked ; after laser crushing it ; he still had to go back to do major surgery to repair it because it was healing closed & no urine flowing ; all his money was done together with his parents money as it cost a lot to get done private ,( no help through the hospital ) ; he spent 1yr home then eventually he got better & went back out to work in January , he went to the elders & they told her its not right to be living like that , because she only using him , she got a job & decided time to move out , but praise & thank God , seems his mother prayers got answered for her to leave the matrimonial home & she want a divorce with 50% of everything he has , his parent were the ones who helped him fiancially & physical labour to build that house plus , he bought a new 6burner stove cash , a new whirpool machine as the ones they had was giving trouble & she still not changing her mind about leaving him ; he is on depression meds too as he does get a chest pain & its not his heart or kidney they were ruled out by test done ;;; we all are praying for him to get back his life by God's grace !
@@olivesoondar1165 I think what you described was a gold digger not a JW. They're all pieces of sh*t, just look at Amber Heard.
2.7 million times someone has heard your story. Thankfully today, I was one of those 2.7M.
Thank you Chris
me too
Actually 3 million
Right after I turned 17, my best friend turned me in and told my parents that I didn’t really want to be a JW. I was disfellowshipped, kicked out and homeless, hadn’t even graduated high school, had never been allowed to have a job, no drivers license or car, and not even old enough to rent my own place anywhere. I’m 21 now and doing so much better, but this video is everything I needed back when I was 17. I’m so proud of you for making this decision and sharing your story with your audience. The best thing for the ex-JW community is exposure so that people can see who JWs really are. You’re the best fuckin dude, man. This video made me cry.
What the fuck... JW needs to lose all priviliges in terms of tax exemption and hopefully the internet will make it easier for more and more people to find the truth. Happy you are doing better and hope you are alright
Amazing that you had the strength of will. I guess not all are so fortunate :/
That’s your parents fault not the jws. I’m not a JW but my parents are and they know I have no interest in becoming one and they still give me a roof to live under, put food on the table, and don’t charge me any rent. They love me and my sisters who aren’t JW’s. What happened to you was your parents fault for taking it too far and being weirdos about it.
I hope the snitch who made your life miserable got his just desserts! That's horrible what he did to you.
your parents must be crazy for betraying their own flesh and blood over religious beliefs
To this date, after 30 years of leaving, I still feel weird when I have birthday cake. Thanks for this.
Lol I don't feel comfortable accepting gifts or giving them ....oh and Xmas is the worst anxiety...elementary school and Jr. High was embarrassing. Being left out and all of that. Ugh it sucked.
@hello mr fancypants You are one of the coolest trolls I've seen on a UA-cam thread. Not bad.
One suggestion tho, change that profile picture, it's hard to look at.
@@FataLenora I had my first birthday cake when I was 24, had my first birthday party when I was 32 and bought my first Halloween costume three years ago. All of it felt weird.
@hello mr fancypants No they aren't, holidays are great, they made us think and feel like we don't need them.
Can relate bro
I left the organization at 17 years old and it was a relief. I see myself a lot in your story.
Me too.
same
Do you believe in God still?
I’m proud of you all… god still may exist… it just won’t be in the pathetically narrow perspective of these small minded and egotistically driven, evil individuals…. But, what do I know… 🧐
@@Perez_studios Do you believe in the Biblical God?
I'm coming back 2 years later, just to say thank you, this video was the last thing I needed to fully wake up from this destructive cult, I was mentally in physically out for years with so many doubts but never dared to look anything then your video came out and I allowed myself to watch it, thank you for being an amazing human being! We're free now!
Me too.
That is absolutely amazing to hear for both of you. You deserve so much more then lies and abuse.
I was also a Jehovah's Witness and they gave me an ultimatum, either leave my then girlfriend (as she wasn't a Jehovah's Witness) or leave the congregation, so fast forward 30 years, me and the wife have three beautiful children and recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and don't look back.
That's wholesome af
I’m so glad to hear
Oops 😬 lol 😆.
I think they must do this everywhere......I have also heard that birthday parties are forbidden.....
Damn,they´re truly monsters. Good for you sir,great decision,you won the whole thing.
My mother was disfellowshiped for receiving a life saving blood transfusion while in a coma. ...and that is only the tip of the iceberg of my experience growing up JW.
Omg that’s awful!
Are you out?
That's crazy, especially since she couldn't even make that decision while in a coma. How horrible!
@@qqqfuzion2582 i remember my last assembly, it was wild, i know how sticky that honeybun was in my hand and on my face. I was all dressed up to, clip-on tie and all.
@@qqqfuzion2582 13-15 yep. never said the fucking pledge of alle...for the republic like one nation under god, blur blur.. oh thats the kid? next week you are knocking on his parents door.
I got out at the age of 14 and I took my father with me. He was a witness for 30 years. I have never seen him happier.
I am 43 years old, born and raised 5th generation JW and trying to break free. I have never felt so alone and empty. I have lost everything including my 15 year old son who now is refusing to stay with me because his grandparents have infiltrated his mind that I am evil. This religion literally kills people with manipulative gas lighting.
Sending a hug, I see you ❤
I left about 20 years ago. I hope your situation has improved since you posted this!
Yes exactly what Dan said, I hope you and your son are better, praying for you
I grew up Jehova Witness. When I was sexually assaulted by an older boy at the Kingdom Hall in the bathroom all they did was tell him to apologize. I had clearly looked like I had been sexually assaulted walking out of the bathroom. I was only 9 years old and I didn’t understand why nobody cared what he did to me. I didn’t have the words or the knowledge of what happened to me. I didn’t know about sex, yet alone a sexual assault. I just remember hating seeing that boy 2 times a week for years. It was like I was being taunted. I developed extreme anxiety. Years later I realized what had happened to me and how it was wrong. When I was 16 I told my parents I would never go back to the Kingdom Hall again and I hated anything religious for years. I pass that Kingdom Hall a few times a week and I still feel like the same traumatized 9 year old girl. I’ve never really talked about this with anybody. Watching this video was therapeutic. Thank you for sharing ❤️
The worst thing Witnesses enable might just be sexual assault.
That's seriously awful. I can't fathom how terrible that must have been. They're sick monsters for barely acknowledging the trauma he inflicted upon you.
I hope things are mending. I have several close friends who have been sexually assaulted. I know the pain doesn't fully go away, but it can make you stronger. You definitely have courage and strength by sharing this experience.
Don't be afraid to share your experiences. People need be aware of how terrible and serious this is and to stand up against these assholes who think they have a right to your body. You ARE better than them. That's a damn fact.
Stay strong. I promise the best is yet to come. Wishing you the best.
You should see the stuff coming out about the organisation now and how they handle child abuse cases. You can start with googling the Australian Royal Commission and Jehovah's Witnesses. This has caused many JWs to wake up and leave
@@Peasham you should look at the numbers for public schools
I'm happy you left. Sorry for all you've been through
This man literally sacrificed everything for film. A true fan of cinema.
Except his marriage.
@@HOTD108_ :)!
I respect him more than any JW
Than he sacrifice cinema to become tuber lmao
@@02349926 he is still doing film.
Hearing Chris come out honestly helped me come out and I can’t be any more grateful
I recently left Mormonism. I know it’s not the same but it was healing for me to like you said “not feel alone” in aspects of my experience. I can’t imagine just how more intense your experience was just based off what your shared.
Luckily my wife is with me in our decision and we get the chance to raise our kids free from what we were raised in.
Leaving Mormonismo is easy
@@king_of_diamonds2447Why do you say this? Did you leave Mormonism?
What? Why? I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a WONDERFUL Religion! You see, I too was raised in that religion, and I'm still in that religion, and it's the only one I know. And just like Chris, I too love movies, and I too review movies. However, unlike Chris, despite knowing that people in my congregation will go online and see what movies I watch, I've NEVER felt like I've walked amongst aliens. I still go to church every Sunday, and it's probably still welcoming.
I am in the process of leaving Mormonism myself. It’s no where near the difficulty that I see in JWs leaving. The shunning isn’t really part of Mormonism, although friends and family will likely treat you a little different and wish for you to come back to the fold.
Bottom line on why I am leaving/left the LDS church is that many of the truth claims simply aren’t true. I still follow Jesus and to me following him and his teachings is all that matters.
The whole "Chris grew up with..." suddenly got very real.
No shit.
🤯
This meme got whole new meaning to it it's scary
Kinda makes sense now why he would say that so often. It probably really was shows and movies that got him to 'grow up'.
I give the movie 'Chris Stuckmann Origins' an A+
I'm not sure about the pacing and special effects, but the story is intense.
Second.
Now I grew up on Stuckmann videos and this prequel/backstory really does the series justice
On a serious note though, I've never seen this type of experience with this cult-like religion portrayed in a movie.
@@kevinmcnally8076 I recommend midsommar
Hey buddy - Ex JW here. Really glad you chased your dream instead of being bullied into giving up on it by the elders. Well done for being brave and know that you have thousands of us here online right there with you that you can reach out to whenever you need to. One love, brother.
Thanks for posting this. I’m an ex-JW since 15. I’m 36 now. Life has got worse before it got better. I’m thriving now but the mental trauma still affects me today. Your video has truly helped me not feel alone. It’s inspiring and gives me hope. Thank you. ❤
I left at 15/16 and im 39 now. I feel your pain!
I’m 33, was disfellowshipped at 18 and have been alone ever since. I don’t know what my mom or dad even look like anymore. Much like the Tiger in Red Dragon, I assume the look like donkeys. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The LONELINESS is so immense.
I don’t know what to do, but I want to let you know that you’re not alone in this. I’ve been through something similar even though I’m younger, I was also raised like a JW. Like I said I don’t really know what to do or how I can help you but I do wish I could at least give you a hug because I understand that feeling.
I cant believe something like this still exists today.. how can a family disown their own kids... reading all the comments here and so many have been through this . thanks for sharing and i wish you all the success.
After my dad cheated on my mom - she forgave him at the time, but he started a serious relationship with the woman he cheated her with, whilst pretending he was trying to fix the marriage - she finally had enough and filled for a divorce. Because of that she was disfellowshipped and one of her childhood friend of more than 30 years never spoke to her again. People she was friends with her whole life - not just a few - would cross to the other side of the street when they saw her. It was absolutely heartbreaking to witness her going through a very tough divorce and having lost most of her friends all of a sudden. Because I and my brothers were children and not baptized they would still talk to us or approach us, but, even as a kid, I was disgusted.
What you've been through seemed to have been even worse that that or what Chris described, so I praised you for being here commenting on this and I say with all my heart that I would have loved to have being your friend and being by your side during all of this. Hope you keep strong cause I can't imagine what you feel.
sending you so much love 💓
We are here for you
A boy I went to elementary school with back in Germany was a Jehovah's Witness. He never celebrated anything, was quiet and just always sad.
Met again 3 years ago. He left, is an incredible creative and happy person now. I admire his strength and yours
Youre gonna date and get married and have a family with that man
@@revengeofthesynth5430 😂
I have a similar school friend story.
So JW is the most accurate branch? Nowhere in bible does it say to celebrate jesus' birthday, it's a stolen pagan holiday, in fact almost every holiday in christianity is pagan including all the stuffs that came with it
@@Therizinosaurus the ENTIRE jehovah witnesse "religion" is false and made up as well....your point?
Completely understand how a lot of you that left feel, I’ve been there. Was sick of feeling guilty for every breathing moment as a human. I left and half my family no longer talk to me now. But I can honestly say I’ve never been better. Stay strong people.
Thinking of you. So glad I'm out as well.💐❤️
It is so evident that you did not want to quit your channel. That was heartwrenching ngl.
This is why I've followed this guy for years, he just is genuine.
I don't think I'm gonna be able to sleep after seeing your pfp. It *scares me deeply*
He really is , breathe of fresh air
This takes guts to do
You’re entirely right
It's why him and Jeremy Jahns are some of the most popular critics on UA-cam. Other people like YMS or IHE have droney, uninterested or snobbish voices with unclear personalities, and other critics are just plain too professional to be entertaining. The people like hearing opinions from the everyman.
Takes a lot of courage to be this open and honest. Thank you and keep being an inspiration.
I love your content
you're such an inspiration as well man, love your content!
You're breath taking
Mate, keep up the work as well, love your content. If you have time, check out MauLer’s EFAP on your Wonder Woman video essay. People on the stream are not very bright imo, and make some poor criticisms on you. Thought to pass it along
Yo hitop films
I just left. My actual brother just sent this to me. This is so hard to watch 😭 but thank you for reminding me that I am not alone.
Me too.
Wow just waking up brand new and im so lost. Not sure about anything now. I also do not wanna be alone. i haven't broke away yet.
I wish you the best in your healing process.
@@HurricaneHayne How are you doing since you posted this?
@@dannyduggan4324 So Good!!! 😆 I'm free! Finally happy. My wife and 2 kids as well!!! We are all leveling up in so many ways. Thank you for asking!
Chris, you are definitely not alone. My father was an elder. At the age of 5, I read bible passages to 100+ congregation members. Thankfully, I never got baptized, so in later years, I was allowed to keep contact with family after I stopped attending meetings. Similar to how you wanted to make films, I was interested in science, computers, and some sports, even setting high school records in both academics and athletics. But it was gut-wrenching to sit and listen to them to criticize every activity other than spreading the so-called "Truth."
I have two nieces that were sexually abused by a member of the JW's, and this probably won't come as a surprise... The offender was never reported or called out, but those girls were disfellowshipped in one case and ostracized in the other. Their mother (my sister) won't speak to them. That cult shattered relationships with my siblings that literally took decades to regain in the case of my brother, but still unresolved with my older sister. I don't even know where she lives.
I applaud you for sharing as much as you could.
Big hugs to you, these stories are all so heartbreaking. I'm sorry you had to experience these things and my heart breaks for your nieces
If u no he did it, why did u not report it?? So manyof u throwing accusationsout, but no one willingto admit theycould havbe taken responsibility.
@@DW-yh2xg When I say it wasn't reported, I mean it wasn't reported to police. It was reported to the JW elders, etc. but because of their 2 witness rule, nothing was done.
Hey John. Same here, but I was baptized. It’s been very difficult because I grew up and was raised as a JW. I came out to my mom after 30 years of being “closeted”. My aunts knew about it, too, and they’re active members. They accepted me and been very supportive although the fact that I was baptized made things initially difficult. Nevertheless, it depends with the family. Other families are less tolerant because of being disfellowed.
Oh no, this statement may also happen to me because I am very much into space explorations, science, archeology, physics, and psychology. I am not yet baptized but I am reconsidering it. However, my doubts are bigger than my conclusions. Lots of the teachings of JWs are against my morals and psyche of how the way things are. They even changed the Bible's texts. The Bible isn't even a complete book yet they use it to brainwash people. But still, I am struggling to tell my friend who's giving me Bible studies from their Bible, to stop visiting me anymore.
Stuckmann: “ I’m gonna give being a jovah witness a F”
But in all seriousness you the man Chris and we all love ya 🥰
Slow clap...
Badabum tsss
F Minus
"Its by far the worst religion I've been apart of and is a blight on humanity and I'm giving it a 6/10." - Adum probably
@@FluffyBunniesOnFire what is ?
My father was arrested by the FBI in early 2020 on charges of CP and crimes against a child. He is a JW and he is still accepted in the church and other JW family members still defend him. I’ve been screamed at and disowned for speaking out against him and them.
I'm glad you spoke up despite knowing the consequences. Your family members may never be able to fully face the facts but just know that deep down inside some suppressed part of their brain they may still have heard and known the weight of those words.
Wow! You're a brave soul to go to the CP and testifying against your father 👨. And the elders in your Kindom Hall were to much into drinking 🍸 the kool-aid of ignorance and stupidity 😑. Any child who's being abuse should be protected from harm . And the people who are abusing any child should go to prison.
Consider yourself lucky to not have to be around it.
@@romecottrell4558 I think they should be use as human lab rats. Honestly
I think it's a requirement to be a CP hoarder if you want a high position in a church
Thank you, Chris, for correctly calling them the cult that they are. I used to find it annoying to be approached by JWs but now I just feel empathy towards them, knowing how lost or trapped they might be. I hope your dad still found it in his heart to stay in touch with you.
“Many religions now come before us with ingratiating smirks and outspread hands, like an unctuous merchant in a bazaar. They offer consolation and solidarity and uplift, competing as they do in a marketplace. But we have a right to remember how barbarically they behaved when they were strong and were making an offer that people could not refuse.”
-Christopher Hitchens
Near the end when you said “I referred to myself as straight... I’m not” I started legit tearing up 😭😭😭 I’m so happy for you making the choice to be yourself. This was an amazing video, thank you!
Why cry lmao
Why? He literally gave up a real identity for a fake one so he can make shitty movies.
JWs aren’t my thing but at least it wasn’t invented 4 years ago.
@@martyfromnebraska1045 i surely hope you aren’t talking about gay people being invented four years ago. They’ve been around since the beginning of humanity and will be here until we are as a species are all gone.
@@martyfromnebraska1045 Ummm are you saying homosexuality was invented 4 years ago? I know you can't be that dumb.
@@martyfromnebraska1045least homophobic Nebraskan
I went to elementary school with a JW. He was the sweetest little kid, kind to everyone, and he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was really shy and he could perfectly mimic the sound of a cricket which we all thought was amazing. The only time he talked about his religion was when we would ask him questions. He didn’t stand for the pledge or do crafts for holidays with us. I felt so bad for him when he said he didn’t celebrate his birthday.
I didn't even know HOW to celebrate something as a JW
I went to school with a JW girl. We all felt bad that she couldn’t celebrate anything.
One of my closest friends was raised a Jehovah's Witness and was disfellowshipped when she was just 19. Her parents kicked her out, her best friend shunned her and she lost everything, she had to start all over. I showed her this video and she started to cry because she's never known anyone else that went through what she did. So I just want to say thank you so much for making this video because I've seen first hand the good it has done to others hurt by this religion, helping her to feel that she is not alone and start to heal ❤
Hi please tell her there is a whole community at ex jw Reddit and many ex jw UA-cam channel she can get some support Lloyd Evans, ex jw critical thinkers and many others.
look up Telltale. he's also ex-jw.
my friend completely broke contact with every non-jw he knew. It‘s like he just disappeared forever...
That's what JWs want you to think, that you are all alone in this World.
But this is one of many flase teachings.
Hug your friend, she is not alone, there are thousands out there that deal with a similar situation and even more people who love her regardless of her faith.
It's stories like the ones Chris and your friend has that make me so glad I resisted the pressure to get baptized growing up. As a result, I've never had to fear being shunned by my family or being labelled an "apostate". My heart goes out to everyone who lives under that terrible sword of Damocles for the rest of their lives.
Even though I was raised by Witnesses and attended meetings three times a week until well into my 20s, I could never swear to dedicate my life to the service of the church and let myself get dunked at a Convention. That made "falling away" much lass painful for me than many people, and I'm glad I was able to resist baptism.
To anyone out there wavering, you DO have the choice to wait to get baptized until YOU are ready. Just like the Watchtower says to resist peer pressure from The World, you need to resist it from INSIDE "the Truth" as well.
Oh yes, the grossly inappropriate questions are quite common. I’m a woman and you can’t even imagine the questions I was asked. All by myself in a room of three grown men.
Yep, I hear you.. after I experienced the disciplinary and how it was handled from before I even walked into that discussion.... I made up my mind very quickly, I'll never go back after that, they play God with peoples morality, when they themselves are imperfect.
If you in any possible way see this, I need you to know how comforting this is. I’m currently one of Jehovah’s witnesses and I’m 17, years old. The pressure I face everyday is so unreal and I feel so alone, I just want to get out because everyday gets worse. My parents act like I’m a burden because I won’t get baptized, and they could care less for my happiness they just want me to be in this religion. It’s all so messed up and I feel like this video was meant just for me if that makes sense. Every second of everyday I’m thinking about how I would tell them that I can’t take it anymore, but no matter what, without a doubt, they’d still shun me for making that decision. Also, I’m pretty much in the exact situation as you because my dream is to be a film director and my parents would never support me in that. Again I just want to say thank you for this, I know you questioned posting this but now I finally feel like I’m not alone
GTFO and don't look back. Your parents are brainwashed and you should do whatever you can to get away and start your life.
Just bide your time and wait it out, when you're ready to move out then just move out.
No matter what you do DO NOT get baptized. That's the only way they're gonna sink their hooks into you and wield disfelowshiping like a weapon.
Your intuition - your internal compass of what feels "right" or "wrong" - is currently still correct. The powers that exist in your life - your parents, the religious elders of your group etc - will do *everything* in their power to change this. They want to screw your compass up so you can no longer trust your gut to tell "right" from "wrong." This is psychological & emotional manipulation. In most cases, it is abusive and I mean that in the strictest definition of the word. They want to 'gaslight' you. Look up the term gaslighting. Read through these comments. This is not some conspiracy theory or counter-culture down here (in this video), this is real people telling you on the biggest film review channel on the biggest video platform in the world that the organization you currently belong to, against your will, is a villain. Not a hero. You, however, are the hero. Stay worldly, stay aware, stay informed, stay connected to other people & the outside world. Then, stay strong when they try to clamp down on you. It will be terribly difficult, I feel for you and wish you the best.
@@goldmidwest thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I can only hope that I make it out soon.
It's brave of you to say this! You've got a lot of support here and trust me, your happiness is what's vital in your life.
I’m 42 years old, left 20 years ago. Watching your video was like having a mirror to my experiences growing up. You’ve given millions of us without a platform a voice. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
OMG! Almost the same for me. I’m 47 and was disfellowshipped at 16. That’s when I left. I had no idea there are so many of us out there. You’re awesome! Stay strong!
So we’re the 20 years alumni?
@@StrumVogel Yay us! Instead of a diploma we received freedom!
Good for you mate!
My dad was raised JW and left the church a few years before I was born. It's really damaged him for life.
He's not an easy man to deal with, but videos like this help me understand and appreciate what he went through
So fucking proud of Chris for this video. He's one of the reason I got into watching movies. I've stuck with him for a long time and I will continue to do so
The Halloween Specials mean so much more to me now.
Yes they do! It's Chris living his truth :)
Christmas, too!
That's a damn good comment!
Yes! The knowledge makes it 100x better because you know more of why he loves them so much.
Chris Stuckmann, I'm giving you an A+.
(Choir music plays)
Y'all are the best! Truly!
I’m gonna give the Jehovah’s Witnesses an F-
A+++++++++++
I'm giving Chris the s rank
I grew up as a Jehovah's Witnesses, growing up was extremely hard and difficult. I was told to tell everyone my faith, and i did not know any better. I felt trapped growing up, and as i got older i begin to question and got told no by everyone, the watchtower and awake seeing the pictures scared me as a kid. Growing up the way i did, growing up a into the church not knowing any better. i got made fun of and had difficult times making friends. I still get scared and have anxiety going past the church building. or them coming to my house. I will never go back.
Me too.
I never realized how bad it was until I left and it’s comforting to know that many people has left as well
Man! I'm so sorry you've gone through this! I woke up with I was 21, so I feel your pain! My mother won't acknowledge my presence when I'm in a room. Most hurtful thing ever! Love to you brother!
Same.
“Looked that Elder right in the eye and asked him What’s your opinion on that movie”
That shit is so badass
And the coward said, "Doesn't matter what I think". Obviously does to hold a meeting
I was outed as homosexual when I was a elder for the Mormon church on my mission. It was pretty much the worst thing in the world. I was kept away from the other elders and not spoken too. Sent home in disgrace where I was promptly brought in front of the board and ex communicated. From there I was escorted home to collect my things and left at a hotel. I've not spoken to my family since despite many efforts. They scraped my stick figure off the family car and took down my photos and I've been told my siblings aren't even allowed to speak my name. Its like the world is ending. Then eventually time passed and I realized one day that I had laughed, made friends, gone on dates. Eventually I went an entire day without thinking about my family. Life goes on and you find things to live for. I promise to anyone going threw this it's not the end.
So glad you're in a better place now, it breaks my heart to know what people go through because of excommunication and bigotry.
Nice picture. 😘
So called forgiving "Christians" treating you like that. Says it all really. Best Wishes.
@@lllIIIlllIIIIllll A thorn under a different name. They still believe in the old and new testament . Christians are just a similar term for people who believe in "christ"
He’s is JW not mormon
As someone who was brought up secular world this blows my mind that an organization like this exists in the modern world. I appreciate your honesty.
I see so much of myself in your experience. I was born and raised a jw ,my father was an elder , I was abused by family member when I was young, suffered from anxiety and depression almost my entire life. Was so ashamed from my experience, I kept silent for roughly 20 years before I went and got help . It's been 10 years since I left and lost everyone I ever cared about .To this day I still struggle with my experiences . Not having your mom , dad , bother , family , friends , it certainly leaves a void in your life that can't be replaced . I wish you all the love and happiness .Thank you for making this video.
"I realized that I was using movies, games, anime, books whatever ... to distract myself from how depressed I was." Shit... got me thinking about myself...
Me too!!
That’s what I do all the time!!!
Absolutely. I still can't spend any time with just my thoughts.
Same here man
Same here I do it all the time because it gives me some hope to keep going
I am an ex-JW, I have been "disfellowedshiped" for 9 years now. It has been so hard to be cut off from a major part of my family. To go from thinking that the people close to you, those that help bring joy to your life will cut you off like a old scab. It took my mom 8 years and three kids to finally talk to me. And still our conversation can only be about the kids, everything else will make her shut down. Thank you for making this, it means a lot to know that my life didn't end when I left. My life really just begun!
Dude, you did something pretty hard. Respect to you
what did you do wrong?
So are the Jehovah's Witnesses basically a cult? Because that's the impression I'm getting here.
@@AimForMyHead81 They are.
Happy birthday times How many years you didn't get it.
You're living now, for real!
I’m sorry that I’m just now watching this. It takes a great deal of courage to make a video like this. I hope you feel supported after deciding to post this. It’s an important message to deliver. UA-cam has a tremendous propensity for ugliness in the comments section, but it can also show immense love.
I am an exjw as well, grew up in the cult for 17 years, I came out with lost identity and a plethera of mental illnesses. Thanks for sharing your expirience.
Bingo!!!!
I was disfellowshipped 2 years ago and it’s been incredibly tough. Everything he says in this video is so true. How you feel, how people treat you, how your brainwashed. Everything. If anyone else reading this has been disfellowshipped and is struggling too or left the organization let me know. You’re not alone :)
@DiscoFalcon I believe the scripture that you're looking for is 1 Cor. 5:11
That's brave to speak about. Religion and quasi religion are controversial.
JW isn't a religion. It's a cult as they're functioning with groupthink. They don't allow people part of their organization to get medical treatments. Any subversive, deviant, criminal group function that way. Us v. Them, dangerous mindset by organized crime groups. There are differences between religions and quasi religions though. Not all religious people are bad apples of extremes. Fundamentalists and radicals/extremists, cults are bad while civil, peaceful believers of religions not quasi religions are okay.
And I also don’t want anyone to think that I’m saying all Jehovah’s witnesses are all inherently bad people. There are good people everywhere, and I don’t blame anyone for choosing to do what makes them happy. If I did I’d be no better than them. But yeah there’s just a lot of things that are hard to look past.
@@bigz3483 correct
Hi. I feel you. ❣️
I am a disfellowshipped Jehovah Witness. I left and it was like I had no past. My family does not speak to me. Only my mother. It was the most isolating feeling. Imagine growing up in a family where you have about 35 cousins and 9 aunts and uncles and being super tight. Then all of them including my brother stop speaking to me. What made it worse is that I lost a pregnancy because they were harassing me. I had 5 men coming to my house while I was going every week to the ER because of complications. After that, I cannot contemplate returning. I had a wonderful father who was not a Jehovah Witness but he died when I was 12. I was a pioneer and even went to South America on a missionary visa, but I could not condemn people. I just thought the word worldly was horrible. I hated when they said my dad would not be resurrected and he was an had been opposer. Thank God I met someone wonderful and I have a beautiful family...a kind husband and child. I went to college and traveled so much. Don't feel alone. There are many of us out there that understand you. I am been watching your reviews for a couple of years and they really bring joy.
I wish I could hug you. I'm glad you have your own beautiful family now!
As a Christian growing i had always wonder why jehovah witness wasn’t respected as a religion but as i got older heard some of the things going i understand why now
This religion is so toxic to humanity.
@Harrison Joe Thank you. I have a wonderful husband and son. And have accomplished most of everything I wanted in life. I feel very proud that I was able to leave a cult. :-) We are all well and off to new adventures!
Wow, just wow. I apparently knew nothing about this shocking religion. Your bravery in telling your story, even with inevitable estrangement…I get that. Mine occurred due to chronic parental abuse, not religion. Regardless, it still hurts. It’s been 1.5 yrs since you published this, and my hope is that your family did not cut you out (but I fear they probably did, and I grieve for you). Anyway, thank you for sharing your truth with us. It does matter. I wish only the best for you and your wife. Cheers.
Ugh........ I lived this too.... Watching this is all too familiar. I don't think people quite understand unless you've lived through it. I walked away too, and lost everyone. Much appreciation to you for making this video.
The fact that Chris as we know him, with his sens of humor, his nerdiness, his hysterical laugh when reviewing bad scenes, may have never existed because of people trying to suppress any individuality in him is soul crushing. It makes me wonder how many people's greatness was suppress because of a cult and how many masterpieces and wonderful humans the world has been deprived of
This is a really good take.
My thoughts exactly. Such a great film reviewer who has reached a lot of people in different ways. What a lost it could be.
@@mitchconner1132 fr
Yep. Bigotry is one of the biggest disgraces that happened to humankind.
Spot on man
Holy shit, that lawyer is a badass. You can tell that he wants to absolutely go off on that elder but his restraint and clinical questioning is so impressive.
I don’t think I would have been able to control myself when speaking to such an idiot and evil person like that man did. Props to him for real for getting that “man” to admit he didn’t give a shit about other children and probably doesn’t give a shit about the kids he knew of who were molested within his faith.
@@HeatherHolt to me it looked like that “man” was realizing for the first time in his life that his inaction also has repercussions. He too was raised in a archaic society knowing only what had been taught to him. Very few actual people are evil, but anyone given the right circumstances can be convinced to DO evil. The distinction is very important to understand. It does not circumvent the need to punish people who commit evil acts, but it is important for ones own sanity.
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE CHRIS. I was baptized at age 11, I did not get officially disfellowshipped and it’s the only reason I can speak to my family. I hate that I’m still registered as a JW I left when I was 16!
You are such a courageous and honest man. More than choosing to be a filmaker, you chose LIBERTY and INTEGRETY over fear. Bravo!
My father is an elder. All his children have left. When JWs came to our door, my husband said his FIL “name” is a JW. Their response: “We didn’t know he had kids”. He has many grandkids he doesn’t know. Heartbreaking.
@White Lives Matter I'm gonna need you to log off for me (or don't. I just found your statement paired with your username humourous.)
- turns out you're just a spammer spamming comments. Kinda inflammatory. Not at all original to the internet so I'm not surprised but do you. Hope the majority of people who read them just skip over em. Such is the law of this web.
@@yadsewnde8699 His name kinda says it all.
@David Michael Too late!
@@yadsewnde8699 yeah it checks out, he is just a social parasite instilling hate on the internet. What a cliché
My parents thankfully didnt disown us when we left the JW's.. Lost friends tho..
Re-watching this today after 8 months. I’m out of the organization now and I have this video to thank for putting me on track. Thanks, Chris.
@@Kooldood. I trust that most JWs are great people and would never willingly, knowingly do bad things, but I’m now aware that they can be good and genuinely misled, and wrong. It cannot be argued that they shun, they control, they take peoples lives away, they let themselves and their children die rather than taking blood, they lie about and/or cover up their history so that people don’t know the truth about the lies they’re built on, etc. I know that you mean well, and I appreciate it, but some of the things I’ve researched have been irrefutable. 607 and 1914 aren’t true. They’ve made false prophecies, they have a rampant sex abuse problem perpetuated by the 2 witness rule, abuse that they consistently fail to report. I wasn’t ever happy as a witness, truly. I always thought that it was Satan’s fault. That I was miserable trying to put on the, “new personality,” be someone I’m not, and it meant I was doing well. But I realize that it was because I wasn’t being me, I was suppressing myself. Everything about who I was. And for a religion that could never stand up to any scrutiny. Thank you for your words. But I suggest that you do your own, deep research into the organization. There are enough good people who’s lives are being wasted and ruined in the organization. Be well.
@@Kooldood. why are you even here? you shouldn't be watching this.
@@bK2pa All Religions do that what your talking about!!!
@@anonymouswhiterabbit All Religions are guilty.
@@garylowery6216 In my opinion, there is a big difference from the religion and the people in charge of the religious organization. People are people and they can do terrible things even if they have the best of intentions.
Chris, this is still one of the most powerful videos exposing the cruelties of the Jehovahs Witnesses’ shunning practices. I watched it a while ago and really benefited from watching it again. I hope you are doing well and still doing what you love! Even tho I wasn’t baptized and left as a teenager, I totally relate to feeling behind in life and still struggle with knowing myself and what I want in life and also feeling that it’s OK-and necessary for my well-being-to pursue what I want deep down. Even having hobbies is still hard for me because I was so shamed for wanting to play or enjoy myself as a kid. So many JW kids have their childhoods robbed by the cult, with lasting scars. Thank you & Take care, Xo
Mad respect for your honesty, courage and compassion. Understanding for the loss and void you must have suffered for your choice. This video has given you your final freedom. The demons were theirs not yours and acceptance of yourself is the building block for your future happiness. Especially for anyone in the LGBTQ community who has struggled with their identity, the intolerance and rigidity can lead to confusion depression guilt and loneliness. I believe you have helped some of your viewers who are struggling with self and religion. If your forced to choose then you have no choice.
If you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. Be happy. See you at the movies
Hi Chris, I’m in the middle of leaving the Witnesses as a 27-year old, and i have never felt so alone as i do in this periode.. It’s crazy to so see you, someone I’ve followed for years and years open up about your journey!
It really helps.. it really do!
You’re a huge inspiration for following your passion! Can’t wait to follow my very own.
It's tough but battle through its worth it .
Hope all works out for you sincerely!!
Go for it. I came out after 46 years and survived. It's a wrench. Good luck.
I’m in the same boat. Just be yourself , we love you UNCONDITIONALLY! You can do this. We can do this.
Don't worry, this moment your going through right now. Not gonna LIE. Terrible, Hardest thing, right now in This moment. BUT, it will pass. It Will Get Better. Don't give up, Don't give in! You're going to be happier being Honest! You know? Being, Truthful. Living in the Truth of your life. It's hard, no doubt. But, walk away. It will be just fine. Much love to you.
The fact that your risking losing contact with your parents to make this video is beyond strength and dedication.
this is the most important video he will make
@@zurzakne-etra7069 probably
Welcome to religion for dummies. 'if you do not do as you are told your life is forfeit'. God loves you, we just don't! seems to be the message.
So sad, if these parents just showed their kids Jesus's love, and warned them about hedonism (no tuff love, be the prodical's fauther) they would never leave the faith.
Lol if my parents were jahovas witnesses I would be the one dropping them... I barely put up with my mom being so into God and the Bible.
How did I not see this till now
Been a subscriber for a long time
Much respect to you for speaking your story.
Keep doing the thing you love to do!!
I totally get it. I got out at age 15. I had my first surprise birthday party... birthday party in general really at 18. I opened presents, thanked everyone, then ran to the bathroom and locked myself in for a full blown panic attack.
i just left the Jehovah’s Witness community in august after 18 years of emotional abuse and control. i’m so happy. thank you for sharing this story.
Good luck
Good on ya love you deseve to leave that cult.
I did the same thing, I wish you all the best in the world, you are brave and strong.
You're really gorgeous tho just wanted to say that
@@vitoria2706 I’m still in and I’m baptized. I’m having second thoughts but I don’t wanna leave my friends and family
Your story was almost about me. That’s how deeply I felt your pain. I am 47 and disfellowshipped. I haven’t had a real relationship with my family since I was 15. I was coerced by the elders and forced by my parents to get baptized at that age. Shortly before I turned 16, I lost my virginity and as you know, out of wedlock, it’s almost unforgivable. So I was shunned and humiliated in front of the entire congregation because they publicly announced it to everyone while I was sitting with my parents at Kingdom Hall. I was not allowed to have any socializing with my brothers and sisters and my parents barely talked to me. So I packed a bag and left. I was homeless on the streets for a good 2 years, but still graduated high school. I had no family to support or congratulate me. Later in my late 20’s and early 30’s I made 2 suicide attempts. Hospitalized both times. Even though it depresses and sickens me still to this day, I now have a beautiful wife and 2 beautiful children who are on their way to great success. The are pretty much all I have, all I want and all I need. I have started speaking to my parents with limits because they only wanna try to get me to go back and I’m so afraid to lose what little association only over the phone with them that I still lie to them and say I might come back because I don’t have the courage to tell them I really won’t. But you have inspired me so much, that I think I may finally do it. Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I wish you all the best and much love to you for reaching out to people like me. Sorry this is so long.
This comment was an inspiration in itself! So glad to hear your story, and I hope you continue to prosper.
Thank you for sharing your experience. So weird how you can still feel the effects of this cult years later. But at least we have the real truth now.
So you lost your virginity and it was unacceptable for your parents who had to fuck to have you? I see some kind of double standards there - somebody is allowed to watch Thor somebody is not. It seems like you feel guilty for what happened to your family, but you are victim here and shouldn't blame everybody but you. I am always amazed how people are stupid and how evil they can be to protect something which doesn't exist.
Sorry you had to go through. I wish there was more I could say. Reading that makes my heart ache
Dear Damon Randall,
there are some YT channels you may be interested to watch, like "holy coolaid".
They are apostates talking about their life, their experience and sometimes about how their contact with their Family now is (or isn't).
Best wishes from Germany :-)
Grew up as a witness too.
I strongly feel connected to this video and am so happy to see you do it, even knowing how scary and difficult it is. ❤
Wow… powerful share, sir! Honesty is key, always. So happy to see you thriving and making many folks happy. I love your energy and outlook.
Seriously, what a share. This can also apply to many other folks dealing with other issues.
Love you man, can’t believe I only just saw this one .
To think that CHRIS STUCKMANN at one point in his life had decided NOT to review movies anymore made me tear up. CHRIS STUCKMANN is the reason why I love movies, his UA-cam channel helped me become a better human being, he taught me how to watch movies and be a true cinema lover. You are brave to have done this Chris. UA-cam would have been a much duller place without your movie reviews. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR MOVIE REVIEWS. Movies are my life, and you have played the biggest role in inspiring me to explore the nuances of cinema and to love cinema without any preconceived notions or biases. Stay strong Chris, you rock.
Same. His reviews are so good that, I wanted to start making my own film review channel. But I was raised within the witness teachings. So it feels normal to hear him do those things, like giving up reviewing movies.
Same I fucking HATED movies ! I’m glad there are others that worship chris !
Hes a good man doing the true work of God
Tear up???
@@michaelgreene4816 I mean tearing up or crying. Sorry English isn't my native tongue.
When he said his father may stop talking to him after this really made me sad :(
You are very brave. I think that each one of us has to free ourselves from the past. And speaking about it is the best way. A thousand blessings to you and your family. I hope you are well. Life is wonderful.
Thank you for this video. I enjoy all your movie reviews. You're the first perspective I go to whenever I have just seen a movie. You are most definitely not alone.
Its about time you put this video out there, now let the fire rise.
Oh hey john
Thank you for supporting your friend man, stay awesome and continue being a freaking awesome person
Tell Chris he is fucking awesome! I went through something very similar
“Have we started the fire?”
“Yes brother, the fire rises”
Burn BABY Burn!! More power to you bro 💪🏽
Love your content John, keep it up!
When I see the words "directed by Chris Stuckmann" I'm going to stand in the theatre I'm in and clap
Well now you can lol
Yea I can't wait
@@levibrace1515 - did you......did you have insider knowledge???? Explain yourself, witch 🧹🧹🧹!!!!!
Fasho !
Not too long until you actually can
Wow….I’ve been following your channel for a while now and I can’t say that I always enjoy the same movies but what I can say is that holy shit this video took a lot of courage to upload….I absolutely had no idea that this is something you endured and experienced…I have a new sense of respect for you after watching this and I really hope that you someday publish a memoir
I agree, publish a memoir
Wow. It is February of 2023, just found this after listening to your movie reviews for a year, and am overwhelmed with love and support for you. Thank you for helping so many of us, from different backgrounds but very similar experiences, find peace within the storm, and to move forward to let our individual and combined lights shine.
You’re amazing Chris! Keep being vulnerable and following your dreams. Can’t wait to see your movies
Courage usually doesn't feel like courage...... Courage feels like fear.
"The only time a man can be brave is when he is afraid."
I might steal that for my graphic novel ;)
So all this time I have been feeling _courage_ when I see a huge spider.
@@zahrans Nah, that's fear. Courage is acting against something that causes fear
Courage isn't having no fear, it's acting on it even though you're afraid.
When he said he felt sinful for getting a Christmas present I wanted to give him a hug.
That's so so so sad oh my gosh... 💔
Awwww 😕😕😂😂🤗🤗
I have divorced parents one was a Jehovah's witness and the other wasn't I never was able to celebrate anything.. one year my grandma got me a nurf gun for Christmas and my mother took it away because I wasn't allowed Christmas presents... Sucked real bad
This comment makes you feel like crying and laughing at the same time.
I've just watched this all the way through.. I'm a ExJw and can't thank u enough for being brave & sharing your story.. hope Ur life is keeping happy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Woah. This channel even comes with IRL depth...I am thoroughly fan girling and appreciate that this content creator does what they do. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🧙🏾♀️
I feel fucking weird saying things like this to strangers so this is the best way I can manage to phrase it: right now, thousands of miles away in some random stranger's living room, you are appreciated, you are loved, people you've never even met are crying and they're super fucking proud of you.
^truth
Yesssss
Get a load of this sap
Now you made me cry too...
Thank you man.
My mother was studying with Jehovah's Witnesses while pregnant with me. My father never converted, he was a war veteran who had seen how blood transfusions saved lives, and he just couldn't get past that one issue of "no blood." My mother was baptized shortly after I was born, dragging us kids to meetings alone.
There were not many kids in our congregation, none at all around my age, so it wasn't like I had school friends in the same boat as me. My mother repeatedly told me, I couldn't have "friends" who were worldly (i.e. not Jehovah's Witnesses) I could only have "acquaintances." If I mentioned something my school friends did that day, I would be stopped and made to call them something else. Not "friends"! (Gollum: "You don't have any FRIENDS.")
So getting bullied in school for not celebrating Christmas, having to awkwardly explain why I could not go to anyone's birthday party, getting beaten up after school for not saluting the flag, and the jeers every time I had to leave to the nurse's office whenever the class had patriotic assignments, or colored holiday pictures, or sex ed later on... I had no fellow Witnesses to stand up for me.
At age 9, I began to have neurological issues, including convulsions. I know now, I have epilepsy, but from age 9 to 14, my mother said I was demon possessed. This led to intense self-hatred. At 13, I attempted suicide, figuring to myself "Even if there is a Hell, I'm possessed so I'd be going there anyway." My parents were forced to take me to a therapist, but even then my mother very casually threatened on every car ride that I had "better not be telling her about being demon possessed." I lied my way through therapy.
In high school, I completely broke JW rules by dating a Mormon boy. If even having friends who were not JWs was forbidden, you can imagine how desperately my mother tried to hide from the congregation that I was dating non-JWs! When he beat me and attempted to rape me, I was too scared to tell anyone because I just KNEW my mother would say it was all MY fault for dating a boy who wasn't a Witness.
This fear was later justified in college. I still lived at home, and my older sister, her husband who was a JW ministerial servant (like a deacon) and their kids moved back in, after he lost his job due to a co-worker saying he sexually harassed her. He laughed it off as "femme-nazis who don't even let you shake their hand without saying you harassed them." Well, without co-workers to bother... he molested me. He was caught in the act, by my mother.
I told her in tears, I was moving out, I was too scared to be under the same roof as him. She said if I moved out, I would be disowned, and it was obviously MY fault, I must have enticed him. After all, he "pestered" my little sister, and she was firm in telling him to back off, so obviously I must have made him think it was okay. For the record, my little sister is disabled, in a wheelchair, and depending on when he did that, she could have still been 17 at the time.
I still have never forgiven my mother for that day, and that was when I lost any "faith" I had left. I told her, I was going to get a restraining order on him and move in with my boyfriend (he's a non-practicing Jew). She flat out forbade that idea and said I would be disowned. The last thing I wanted was to lose my family! So I stayed under that roof, with the man who molested me, for far too long than was mentally healthy.
And yes, my mother ALLOWED my brother-in-law to stay there, living with her two daughters whom he had already molested, because if she kicked him out it would "make the family look bad."
My boyfriend realized, I was going to hold to the idea of not moving in with him out of wedlock to keep from being disowned, so he proposed a solution: to propose! We got married just after I graduated, and promptly, my sister disowned me for marrying a Jew, refused to attend my wedding, and blocked me from emailing or texting her kids. In the end, after hiding painful things from the family and putting up with living with a pervert all to keep our family together, she broke the family apart.
My mom was pressured by my sister to disown me as an apostate. When Mom refused, my brother-in-law basically forced my parents out of their own home, which he was still living in years after he went bankrupt. He told my mom, "What are you going to do? Tell your grandkids they have to be homeless?" My parents moved across the country, since they could not afford an apartment in that area.
My sister did not speak to me again for 5 years. When she did, and I saw her number on my phone, I was excited that MAYBE she was ready to go back to being a family. Instead, she told me "Dad had a stroke, Mom told me to contact the family, I called YOU last," and hung up.
It's sad that I still hold onto the hope that she will one day lose the hate in her heart, but I'm the one seen as "worldly" and "influenced by Satan."
That's not even HALF of what I originally typed in here, all the crap of my childhood, but UA-cam said my comment was too long. It's good enough for my weekly therapy session. If you actually read all that, thank you, you must REALLY be bored, and I hope you never face family drama like I did.
Really sorry you had to go thru all that :( that’s fucking horrible
@@TheShadowhog759 thanks. It was awful, it messed me up bad, but I think it gave me an appreciation for little freedoms in life: the freedom to seek education, choose a profession, how I can dress, how to style my hair, what I can watch and listen to, what I can read, having friends of many religions and orientations, even whom I can love. Those are not freedoms in the cult. And yes, I used to get enraged when people called Jehovah's Witnesses a cult, I would vehemently argue against it, until I was out and could look back in. It's a cult. They control every aspect of your life, and if you stray, they cut you off. They pressure your family to cut all ties with you. My sister did the "right thing." My mother actually rebelled, keeping in touch with me and allowing me to come over to the house. That's not the action of a normal religion or sect. It's the action of a cult, afraid that questioning authority will undo all the brainwashing.
jesus christ thats fucking horrible these cult leaders deserve to rot in hell for brainwashing people to be this paranoid and insane
Im so sorry that you had to went through such awful things... you are incredebly brave for sharing your stories like this.
I hope that you are living a happier life now, and even if we're strangers on the internet, i wish for you nothing but happiness and freedom!
@@rhov-anion well hey at least you escaped 🙏🏼 I’m glad you can still find positives after all that you’re a very strong person and I genuinely wish nothing but the best for you as you move forward with your life ❤️
Thank you for sharing, I've seen your work and I couldn't have seen this coming. But I appreciate the you being and I couldn't even come close to that without hurting everyone in my life.
Chris, your story, and vulnerability, are incredibly inspiring.
Thanks for sharing.
You know what would make me very happy? Walking in a theater one day and reading the words "Written and Directed by Chris Stuckmann" on the screen.
^^
Chris: as a Dad, this was heartbreaking, heartwarming, and I'm proud of you. Not that you need my approval. Lol. Anyway... As a supportive Dad, if you need a hug, I have one for you.
Comments like this make me think that the internet is ok sometimes
This was strange yet humble
That’s so sweet Sean, your kids are lucky to have you.
Huggy
I need a hug lol
Hi Chris, can really relate to your story and your background, interests and trauma. Thank you for you service and bravery.
Thank you for this!! This is EXACTLY the reason why I left this religion as soon as I turned 18…. I’m 44 now and my mother STILL refuses to speak to me and my children because she was or is a regular pioneer and she has an image to live up to. You basically said my story to say the least.
"So... fuck it" once you say these words you know you are in a good place.
Love you, man.
Actually, that's what made me subscribe.
fuck it!
*Subscribed*
When I was 17 my father (a Jehovah’s Witness) once told me that if I don’t change my ways, god will kill me, and him and my mother can always have another son. At that point I was done with the religion as a whole. How could you say such an evil thing to your son?
I have so many horror stories from growing up as a witness. One time I was at a convention and the brother on the stage giving his talk literally said “Independent thinking is dangerous.” Which is insane.
Chris, I know exactly what you’ve been going through. I’m only 22 and I’ve been dealing with it for 5 years. I had no idea you were once a witness and I’m glad you and I have something in common. It’s insane to think that the alienation and psychological manipulation the witnesses use is preached as “normal” for them. I really have no idea what else to say, like I said I have many many horrible stories and I’d gladly share them.
Hyper Tendencies I'm so sorry
Sending love 🦋
Would you mind sharing one? I’ve been going through these comments for a while and some of the shit being said in defense of ‘Jehovah’ is some of the funniest shit I’ve seen but it’s also put me in a sour fucking mood so I want more reason to hate on them lol
Man I’m really sorry that you had to hear such horrible words from your father, don’t wait for them being proud of you, because they want a mindless sheep not a human being, start Living for yourself and don’t look back. Big Love.
@George Ashton Stfu
Just came across your video and I just want to say thanks for sharing your story. As a now 50 year old person, I can relate to the feeling of being "behind" in so many ways, in social situations, career, education, everything. It's so hard to have confidence in any experience in daily life. I hope that at some point I will catch up lol. Thanks again for sharing your experience 😊
Oh Chris. I so feel for you. I was in a very very strict Pentecostal church for a while,literally a cult. I’d found someone special and was baptised for him. But…it got overwhelming and I left. It was different because it wasn’t literally my whole world, like it was yours.
But once I left, of course l never saw this guy again, and only recently l found out he’d taken his own life, after many years struggling with bi polar disorder.
I left with a lot of scars and self doubt and fear. I can’t imagine what you went through. Be proud of all you’ve accomplished, it takes enormous courage and guts to leave such a toxic web. I’m in Australia and we are seeing so much come out now. It’s terrifying and so much is about power. There’s a lot of wielding faith, fear and love as weapons.
Nowadays, I’m a Pagan, following my own path. I love Jesus but in what context, who he actually was and what he means to the world, well I’m not sure. I can’t accept so many of the things held up as irrefutable and set in stone. I try to be open minded, which the church l was in absolutely knows nothing about.
This is a really important video and you should be so proud of it.🤗
Almost 3 million views. It is a powerful testimony. All fundamentalist "churches" are toxic to our psyche, it's like a delayed poison.