@greatcompanypodcast: Luke Evan’s on leaving his Jehovah’s Witness life behind after being disfellowshipped when he came out as gay. Search ‘Luke Evans Great Company’ on Spotify, Apple or YouTube for the full conversation. @jamie @Luke Evans #jamielaing #lukeevans #jehovahswitness #religion #sexuality

Syrenxia :

“They follow the Bible strictly” uh isn’t that what you’re supposed to do? 🤦🏻‍♀️

CrystalD :

Meanwhile, the elders can commit sins and as long as nobody finds out, they get away with it, no punishment. It’s in the Elder handbook. Make that make sense.

Paul Castillon :

Biggest mistake was leaving the JW organization!!! Jehovah always wants you to return

rookatusnow :

In the religion, being disfellowshipped or removed doesn’t just mean you leave, it means no one, even your own mother, can have any communication with you, and if she does unapologetically (no demonstration of “repentance” for the sin of communicating with disapproved family) she will also be disfellowshipped. That’s why Luke was so incredibly brave for his decision at such a young age. Following his honest authentic self instead of living a lie out of fear.

Sara :

I’m so happy for Luke. Everything he says here is spot on. It’s an incredibly lonely and isolating existence being raised as a witness. I also was lucky enough to “fade” and start a new life without having to lose too much. I could have lost my mum, who is my closest relative, but is also unfortunately a dedicated witness. I had to start life from scratch after leaving. Being raised as a witness does not prepare you for real life and I left on my own with no support initially. I’m lucky to have the friends and partner I have, as I have a life now. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I’d stayed. Not still here probably.

thebasicbrandon :

So all of us who were closeted ALWAYS had a plan. Love that for us.

Judeward83 :

Speaking from experience, it is a cult!

Heza :

Luke Evens in an inspiration for many young witnesses that we can get out

GeekExtraordinaire :

As an exjw myself, I would love to one day just have a chat with him to discuss our shared experiences

Linn Quinn :

That whole aha moment of "I have to make a plan" is a universal experience for teens in the organization who don't align with the beliefs. -An exjw who left at 20 years old.

Wendy :

No one understands the damage growing up as one unless they have been through it!

RUGRATMIKE :

I grew Jehovah witness. Recently I found out that the religion was created in the 18th century, so that’s what I knew. This was not the true religion.

PalmerBreezLLC :

As a JW this surprised me and broke my heart because he is actually one of my favorite actors ( I don't care that he's gay, I been knew that part)

Anna K :

Haha I also became the best Jehovah’s Witness ever until it was time to execute the plan of escape. I had a similar revelation as a child and also decided to bide my time until I was able to leave. I was finally able to run at 20 and never looked back. I’m so proud of him for escaping! I’m proud of everyone who can escape.

Faber Ærarius :

It’s encouraging to hear him having a kind heart and sympathy for those who have also left. He could sit on his success and just plain pretend his past and identity didn’t matter. He sounds like a good man, a man of good principles.

loveneednoreligion :

I’m so glad he left

Night :

the situation I'm under is... a "rapunzel" situation. I was homeschooled my whole life except for only a few years. preschool, kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, half of 6th... and around a month or two of 7th and 8th. then... unfortunately homeschooled in the middle of nowhere in the California desert. So......😞 Then, mother is in debt, and "anointed..." in her religion. (I'm unfortunately baptized too. did it at 18 to try and make it feel like my choice, though I threw up in the changing room's bathroom after and cried...) Anyway... im 26... my mother's 66... so she's stuck in her ways.. also currently making me read the bible with her everyday. 😒 then... I'm also disabled with a few bone issues. though I can walk for now... (then another added thing... she looks like "Gothel" with short hair...) I'm quite... stuck. and haven't had the foundation to get the opportunity ever to save, or even leave.. Sorry for the long message. and here's a hug and a bear for anyone who reads this. 🫂🧸 Please have a good day, and stay safe out there. Don't forget to have some water.

🐞 :

Growing JW and Queer is the most isolating feeling in the world. Im the happiest I’ve been in my whole life and so incredibly lucky to have escaped even if it is with loads a trauma and low self esteem (which was hammered by JW teachings)

Jenjersnaps :

I'm so grateful for this content being more available on the Internet. If this was available when I was a child, it would have saved a lot of heart wrenching years. Thank you for posting! It helps heal us all.

Masshole :

I never bought any of the teachings, even though I was born into the religion. As soon as I grew up I left and never looked back.

Yelsel :

Luke!!! I always admired your acting, voice and obviously looks…. This vid made me adore you so much more… you are a brave man ♥️

Disfellowdipped :

He had a plan at 12? Wow. I knew at 7 that I liked men, but I still liked girls and the rhetoric for bisexuals is the same for gay people within the religion, and part of that rhetoric is that these “desires” would fade after aging out of the “bloom of youth.” Spoiler, they didn’t. My attraction to men was actually stronger than women because of how demonized and prohibited sexuality towards women was, but you could wrestle around with other dudes and nobody would bat an eye lol. I didn’t leave until I couldn’t take it anymore and I knew I couldn’t fight myself for anyone. I never even planned to leave. I really believed in it until I didn’t, after really looking at the Bible with an adult mind. If you haven’t read his book or listened to it, I highly recommend it. It’s so good, especially hearing his sexy voice retell it lol.

L. Spark :

🦋NoShellShel🦋 :

I didn’t know he grew up JW!!!

user5629907894190 :

Wow! I have nothing but respect and love for you! So glad I am out