Miriam Beattie on Jehovah's Witnesses (Zoom Only)

We are very pleased to once again have Miriam Beattie speak at Atlanta Freethought about her experiences growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness. She last spoke here in 2015.

Miriam Beattie was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, baptized at 13, and deeply immersed in the faith. Her father served as an elder and her mother as a full-time pioneer while she was growing up, and Miriam and her two younger sisters were expected to set a Godly example in the congregation. However as Miriam grew older, she began questioning many of the things she had been taught. She was brought before a judicial panel of elders and reproved at 16 and left home shortly before her 17th birthday. She briefly returned in early adulthood before being disfellowshipped by the organization and leaving for good at 22.

Now, Miriam identifies as a skeptic and an atheist. Her experience growing up in a high-control group instilled in her a deep respect for critical thinking and individual autonomy. Miriam will share her journey from devout believer to freethinker, and offer insights on how to support those recovering from coercive belief systems.

Note: due to the air conditioning being out, this month’s meeting will be held over Zoom only.