Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1, 1991, Page 54
Book Reviews
Behind the Watchtower Curtain: The Secret Society of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. David A. Reed. Crowne Publications, Inc., 1989, 152 pages.
The unmistakable flavor of dearly-paid-for experience runs through the pages of Reed‟s
book, Behind the Watchtower Curtain. According to the author the purpose of this work is
to open the eyes of the potential convert and also of the general public as to what the
Watchtower actually is. The book is the third volume in a series dealing with the same
subject. This should be kept in mind, otherwise the reader might wonder why some aspects
of the issue, for example, doctrines, are not discussed.
After apologizing for dealing with an unpleasant subject in a “negative” manner (a cardinal
sin in our times), the author, a former Witness himself, proceeds to expose a number of
facts. Not only does he explain the implications of the “theocratic” dictatorial form of
government and the threat to democracy but he also describes the process of amassing an
enormous fortune. He talks about the “pacifism,” the “struggle for freedom,” and the latent
racism. He reveals how the Watchtower eschatology is employed as a power device and
exposes the amazingly effective brainwashing process step by step. The grave
consequences of membership are also listed --mind control, restriction of freedom, danger
of health and of death, unhappiness, broken family ties.
The book contains a glossary of the jargon used by Jehovah‟s Witnesses together with an
explanation of its functions. There is a chapter devoted to the Watchtower “Underground”
and the Postscript offers practical suggestions for action and the addresses of certain groups
active in exposing the Witnesses.
Readability and conciseness of account combine with accuracy of facts, at least as
corroborated by experience in this reviewer‟s country, where there is a difference in the
voting practice that only serves to prove the author‟s point. In the last decade the
Witnesses are known to have received instructions to participate in electoral voting
however, they are to vote only for a certain political party.
The real cause of most people‟s involvement with the Witnesses is explicitly although
somewhat briefly mentioned, and sound preventive advice is offered.
The writer‟s fears about the prospect of new legislation, though not misplaced, seem rather
exaggerated. When legislators made the laws protecting religious freedom they were
unaware of the problem of destructive cults. Nevertheless, with today‟s experience, the
necessary fine distinctions between freedom and various abuses can be made. The 1984
Resolution of the European Parliament can serve as a starting point.
Reading Behind the Watchtower Curtain is a positive experience for the general reader and
may prove very valuable in the case of potential converts.
Mrs. Hero M. Lucas, B.A.
University of Athens, Greece
The Discipling Dilemma. Flavil R. Yeakley, Jr., Editor with articles by Howard W.
Norton, Don E. Vinzant, and Gene Vinzant. Gospel Advocate Co., Nashville, TN,
1988, 205 pages.
This is a good book. It can be recommended, with only a few cautions, to anyone who has a
need to know about the shepherding/discipleship movement. It incorporates a good history
Book Reviews
Behind the Watchtower Curtain: The Secret Society of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. David A. Reed. Crowne Publications, Inc., 1989, 152 pages.
The unmistakable flavor of dearly-paid-for experience runs through the pages of Reed‟s
book, Behind the Watchtower Curtain. According to the author the purpose of this work is
to open the eyes of the potential convert and also of the general public as to what the
Watchtower actually is. The book is the third volume in a series dealing with the same
subject. This should be kept in mind, otherwise the reader might wonder why some aspects
of the issue, for example, doctrines, are not discussed.
After apologizing for dealing with an unpleasant subject in a “negative” manner (a cardinal
sin in our times), the author, a former Witness himself, proceeds to expose a number of
facts. Not only does he explain the implications of the “theocratic” dictatorial form of
government and the threat to democracy but he also describes the process of amassing an
enormous fortune. He talks about the “pacifism,” the “struggle for freedom,” and the latent
racism. He reveals how the Watchtower eschatology is employed as a power device and
exposes the amazingly effective brainwashing process step by step. The grave
consequences of membership are also listed --mind control, restriction of freedom, danger
of health and of death, unhappiness, broken family ties.
The book contains a glossary of the jargon used by Jehovah‟s Witnesses together with an
explanation of its functions. There is a chapter devoted to the Watchtower “Underground”
and the Postscript offers practical suggestions for action and the addresses of certain groups
active in exposing the Witnesses.
Readability and conciseness of account combine with accuracy of facts, at least as
corroborated by experience in this reviewer‟s country, where there is a difference in the
voting practice that only serves to prove the author‟s point. In the last decade the
Witnesses are known to have received instructions to participate in electoral voting
however, they are to vote only for a certain political party.
The real cause of most people‟s involvement with the Witnesses is explicitly although
somewhat briefly mentioned, and sound preventive advice is offered.
The writer‟s fears about the prospect of new legislation, though not misplaced, seem rather
exaggerated. When legislators made the laws protecting religious freedom they were
unaware of the problem of destructive cults. Nevertheless, with today‟s experience, the
necessary fine distinctions between freedom and various abuses can be made. The 1984
Resolution of the European Parliament can serve as a starting point.
Reading Behind the Watchtower Curtain is a positive experience for the general reader and
may prove very valuable in the case of potential converts.
Mrs. Hero M. Lucas, B.A.
University of Athens, Greece
The Discipling Dilemma. Flavil R. Yeakley, Jr., Editor with articles by Howard W.
Norton, Don E. Vinzant, and Gene Vinzant. Gospel Advocate Co., Nashville, TN,
1988, 205 pages.
This is a good book. It can be recommended, with only a few cautions, to anyone who has a
need to know about the shepherding/discipleship movement. It incorporates a good history
