Update, March 16, 2016 at 11 a.m.:  A previous version of the headline incorrectly spelled the word Jehovah’s as Jehova’s. It has been updated to correct the change.

Dear Editor:

Our campus has a history of religious denominations coming to our college to share their faith with the hope of winning converts. And, without a doubt, our Constitution permits them to engage in such activity.

One group that makes use of our campus is Jehovah’s Witnesses; anyone of course has the freedom to join. But as a former Jehovah’s Witness, I wish to invoke my First Amendment right to forewarn my fellow students exactly what joining them means and what they’d be asked to give up.

As a JW, you must abide by a negative world of constant “do nots.” Many restrictions are forced upon you and your family:

• Higher education is discouraged.
• No Christmas celebrations or other holidays.
• No getting involved in politics, you’re not allowed to take part in elections, plus you’re not allowed to join the military (I wonder if they ever thank a soldier when they see one for defending their freedom not to salute the flag.)
• No blood transfusions. This cult is a virtual death trap. Millions of JW babies were sacrificed at the Watchtower altar. Refusing a child, a blood transfusion, I understand is against the law!
• You’re not allowed to attend other churches
• JW children are forbidden to join non-JW children in little league sports, after-school extra-curricular activities and clubs, field trips and parties.

The list of false prophecies regarding Armageddon out of their history is phenomenal. Here are some main dates: 1871, 1879, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1929, 1941, and 1975. Whenever a prophecy does not come to pass, the Watchtower Society, cleverly with sleight of hand, washes its hands and subsequently denies everything they’ve ever predicted. Think of it: today’s truths become tomorrow’s errors! They always use that time-worn “new light” excuse! One only has to reflect on Deuteronomy 18: 21-22: “If you say to yourselves, ‘How can we recognize an oracle which the Lord has spoken?’ know that, even though a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if his oracle is not fulfilled or verified, it is an oracle which the Lord did not speak. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously.” Ergo, a true prophet cannot lie! In the 1920’s, the second Watchtower president, Joseph Rutherford, wrote an article “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” That generation is dead! Armageddon didn’t come. In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s marriage and children had to be postponed. Young JW’s could not attend college. After all, the end was so close. Many JW’s also sold their properties and assets. And yet, a 1972 “Awake” article pointed to the Watchtower as a true prophet! Again. A true prophet cannot make such abysmal mistake!

Lastly, family life suffers tremendously. Family members may not associate with those who’ve been disfellowshipped. This has caused a lot of depression and suicides. Many marriages have been wrecked.

Students, be on your guard: don’t fall for the whims of this sect! Unless you choose to live a life of slavery! Been there, done it!

Paul Stefanski