Deliverance at Hand: The Redemption of a Devout Jehovah's Witness

by James Zimmerman

Deliverance at Hand! is James Zimmerman\x27s enthralling account of growing up as a zealous Jehovah\x27s Witness, and of the all\-consuming nature of belonging to an insulated, apocalyptic community. James is held up as a shining example for other youths in the religion, is given unprecedented privileges, and spends his youth proselytizing. He may very well have knocked on your door. But as he matures, fissures begin to form in the bedrock of his fundamentalist Jehovah\x27s Witness belief system. And as James doubts grow, so does his Leaving a religious community that teaches its members to shun former members would have deep and painful ramifications. He must make the decision between intellectual honesty and his way of life.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR DELIVERANCE AT HAND!
James Zimmerman demonstrates how persistent inquisitiveness can liberate an individual from the repressive and anti\-intellectual religious group known as The Jehovah\x27s Witnesses. From his independent and intelligent research on the viability of Noah\x27s Ark to his realization that Armageddon\x27s date was based on faulty historical chronology, Zimmerman\x27s lucid and gripping narrative gives hope to those who may think that convincing Jehovah s Witnesses of the truth is always a lost cause. \-Dr. Hector Avalos, Professor of Religious Studies, Iowa State University

From reluctant paragon to resolute pariah, James Zimmerman takes us through a story that will be at once familiar and exotic to former believers. While Zimmerman focuses on the intellectual challenges to his faith, his emotional journey is every bit as important, both heartbreaking and heart\-warming. \-Stephanie Zvan, author of the Almost Diamonds blog

Deliverance at Hand! is a gripping account of the author\x27s epic struggle to escape from the clutches of the Jehovah\x27s Witnesses ... a compelling read. \-John Rawles, author of The Matter with A Materialistic Account of the Human Predicament

Both an earnest personal story and a scathing expose of an irrational group that thrives upon and benefits from the fear and indoctrination of children. \-Chris Edwards, author of Spiritual Snake Oil

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

340 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2013

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK. The author tells his story of deconversion from being a strong Jehovah's Witness, born into the faith and a true believer, to atheism. I found it a quick read, largely because it was so interesting that I stayed up super late reading! I don't know a lot about the Witness religion (except for the part where they knock on your door), so it was very interesting to get an insider's view of that faith.

[Mindy]

Disclosure: This is a memoir written by a friend of mine. I read an ARC to help proof the book.

If you have an interest in minority religions or de-conversion stories, this book is full of fascinating details about life as a Jehovah's Witness and what it means when you leave the organization.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intriguing "insider" perspective. This time from a former Jehovah's Witness turned atheist. His experiences mimic those of many whose family were deeply involved in any all-embracing religious background. However, the highly isolated & closed nature of the J.W. world makes his experience a bit more intense and focused story. Like many American pseudo-christian cults (including many "mainline" christian groups), J.W.'s thoroughly inculcate their followers with the fear that leaving "The Truth" can lead only to doom and destruction. This aura of trepidation and apprehension, enforced by the organized shunning that will follow, makes escape from the J.W. world unthinkable to most members of "Kingdom Halls." Some may find his memoir to contain much that is just too much to believe, but as a student of religious nonsense for decades, and personal experience of talking with many who have themselves escaped diverse theocratic systems (including experiencing some "shunning" myself), I can assure you his experiences are not atypical.

[Thomas Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and vulnerable storey of a man struggling to know what is true

I like James Zimmerman. I too came out of a group of people convinced they had all the answers. His clear discussion of how he wanted to do right, but had too much respect for the truth to ignore the flaws in the "Truth" that his cult demanded he accept. He documents the suffering he experienced and continues to experience from his friends and family who are still caught up in the cult. My heart goes out to him as he walks a new and difficult road with his wonderful wife and children.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. So many emotions while reading this book. Even as an atheist I've always been interested in learning about religions and people's experiences of religion.

Most of this book was both devastating and frustrating to read. It's incredibly sad and upsetting the amount of bigotry, sexism, coercion, and emotional abuse that stems from this high demand religion. Nearly everyone in the book is both a victim and perpetrator of this abuse at times. It was crazy to me the frequency with which elders in the church bully and gaslight the author in attempts to manipulate him for seemingly no reason. The only way it makes sense is if they get some sort of pleasure in making others feel small or shamed. It's disgusting. The mandated shunning seems especially egregious and harmful and heartbreaking.

I was shocked when the author, who had his own strong doubts and disbelief, shunned his good friends for the "crime" of being honest that they had lost faith due to evidence or mistreatment. That a religion that claims "God is good" and "God is loving" could persuade people to act in such a callous and cruel manner will never cease to amaze me. And then of course, the author and his wife go through that very same treatment years later.

The beginning felt a little insider baseball, in that I wasn't sure what all the terms meant or what the expectations/practices of the JW were. I think it could have used a little more introduction for those readers who know very little, but otherwise it was a great read if you want to know more about what it was like to grow up as Jehovah's Witness. Bravo to the author for sharing his story, even when it didn't reflect kindly on his own actions. I'm glad he and his wife are free to be their authentic selves.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.25 stars -- very good explanation of this religion's beliefs.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very eye-opening!

[Blts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative book. The author relates his experience authentically and rather than revealing his own emotions, allows the reader to come to her own conclusions. It does not demonize the Witnesses but shares his reasons for leaving the faith and his reflections thereafter. Well done.