If you are looking for a theological treatise on the doctrines of the Jehovah's Witnesses, this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for an eyewitness account of what it was like to be part of the Jehovah's Witnesses, you will enjoy this book. William Schnell got into the organization because he was seeking Christian fellowship and teaching. And for a while, the Berlin Bible Student Ecclesia, offered him just that. Then, the Watchtower Society, which was over the Bible Students, began to impose their goals and literature, beginning what Schnell now sees as the enslavement of millions. Schnell traces the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses (Watchtower Society), and the changes instituted by Judge Rutherford when he succeeded founder Charles Taze Russell. He looks at the organization in the United States and around the world. He exposes some of the doctrinal changes made to make the organization seem more palatable, and looks at how success in the courts empowered the Witnesses. Schnell follows the attempt of the Witnesses to create a worldwide theocracy, as it was imposed on him and countless other Witnesses. He offers a warning, and advice for what to do when Witnesses come to your door. But the most interesting aspects of the book are those personal details of Schnell's journey from slave to free. He entered the Witnesses voluntarily, because they offered the love and fellowship he sought. But changes made by the leadership slowly enslaved him. But by the grace of God, Schnell was able to get free, and he vowed to tell his story once he did. It's a fascinating and uplifting story that will offer hope to all those seeking freedom from the oppressive hand of the leaders of the Witnesses. Its also a dire warning to Christians about the actual plans of the Watchtower Society. You will be glad you read this book.
