In Search of Christian Freedom

by Raymond Franz

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0914675141
• ISBN13: 9780914675143
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Commentary Press
• Length: 732 Pages
• Weight: 2.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Reads like fiction - unbelievable!

You can't read this and not be in total shock. I was a 'JW' for 38 years - left about 6 years ago. I read his first book - 'Crisis of Conscience' and cried while reading it. Can't believe all the untruths - the way they manipulate things - force compliance to their ways. It saddens me to think how mislead they are. Most mean well - but will never no the real truth because they are not allowed to research their own doctrine. If you are a JW with questions - PLEASE read this book. It will change you forever.

"Must read" for anyone suffocating in an organized religion

This was an excellent book, although, at 700+ pages, a little long. In addition, the title of the book had me confused at first as to the content. But essentially, this book is basically about how organized religion in general, and more specifically about how the Watchtower Society (Jehovah's witnesses), can smother one's Christian freedom (and will) with man-made (couched as Bible teachings) teachings and dogmas. It is well written, well reasoned, well documented, and one of the best books I have read.There are basically two types of people who are going to read this book:Ex Jehovah's witnessesNon Jehovah's witnessesAn active Jehovah's witness would never read this book because if they did, they would be disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for reading what the Watchtower Society would label as "apostate" literature (a brain washing technique used by the Society to keep JWs from ever questioning their man-made teachings).For Ex Jehovah's witnesses - this book is a MUST READ for you. It will help you rid yourself of any guilt or conflict about whether the Society was really God's true organization - it isn't. But after reading this book, you will feel good about your decision to leave "the Organization." It will also help you to understand how you were manipulated and how you can now adjust to life "outside the Organization." For non Jehovah's witnesses - this book is not just about Jehovah's witnesses. Its moderate and balanced reasoning on the topic of man imposing his will upon his fellow man (i.e., organized religion in general) applies equally to most religions whether you be a Mormon, a Seventh Day Adevntist, a Baptist, or a Cathloic.And finally, there is little or no bitterness in the author's style of writing. I think that's what I like most about his style. Franz is very non-judgemental and moderate and reasonable and allows the reader to use their own reasoning skills instead of being dogmatic like writers of the Watchtower organization.This is a terrific book for anyone who is interested in understanding how organized religion can become tyranical and dogmatic in nature. I highly recommend it.

In Search of Christian Freedom

Although I was associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses for several years, I could never quite achieve the level of submission to their dogma that Raymond Franz argues actually becomes destructive to one's personality. I am unaccustomed to careful reading of such lengthy books (700+ pages), yet every time I tried to put it down, the author would make another powerful argument. Nonetheless, Raymond Franz's style is dispassionate and analytical. I found myself exasperated with his deference to authority during his long career. Yet without his lengthy submissiveness and dutifulness he would not have had such an extensive body of experience with which to make this important case. In my estimation this unemotiveness has the virtue of enhancing his credability on those points which depend largely on the reader's estimate of his objectivity. However, overall Raymond Franz's case is very carefully reasoned, justified, and presented. I can find nothing wrong with Raymond Franz's point of view based on my life experience, and more particularly, on my experience with the Jehovah's Witness organization.

So true

I was baptized a Jehovah's Witness in 1972 (three years before Armageddon came) and served as an Elder for five years. All I can say is put Franz book to the test for yourself. I did, and it was right on the money. After much praying on the matter, last week me and my wife "disassociated" from the Witnesses based, in part, on what we saw going on in our area which truly reflected the timely information presented in this and Franz second book, In Search Of Christian Freedom. If you feel you have the "truth," then you should not fear at all to read this great work. Thank you, Brother Franz!

EXCELLENT!

Franz gives an open and honest commentary of the issues which forced him out of the organization. He also exposes a lot of inconsistencies within it. I read Crisis of Conscience, and In Search Of . . . is just as stellar as the former. It is my hope that both Jehovah's Witnesses and those seeking to know about them will read Franz's book because it provides much needed insight and truth.Thank you Mr. Franz, your honesty and diligence are appreciated.