| Ray Franz Tribute |
| Friday, 04 June 2010 09:53 |
“There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” ~French Proverb Raymond Victor Franz passed away on June 2, 2010 in Winston, Georgia from a severe brain hemorrhage caused by head trauma. Born into a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1922 Ray was baptized in 1939 and served as Circuit Overseer, Missionary and ultimately as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses from 1971 to 1980. At a moment when decisive action was required, Ray resigned his leadership position in May 1980, due to actions of the Governing Body that disturbed his conscience. He later wrote about his experiences, along with scriptural passages that highlighted major issues with Jehovah’s Witnesses dogma in two books, Crisis of Conscience, and In Search of Christian Freedom. These books helped many Jehovah’s Witnesses to honestly examine their beliefs as well as the actions and decisions of the leadership. After leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses, Ray continued to answer questions from the curious. He helped many to discover their own path in serving God through his humility and scholarly knowledge. Ray was never interested in starting or leading a group of people. His only care was that others be able to worship God with a clean conscience, free of the fear of man, and free of intervention from the agendas of men.Ray was universally known as a gentle man, full of knowledge and love for the bible and Jesus Christ. He devoted his entire life to helping others get to know Jesus through his actions and the Scriptures. Along with his love and humility was a desire to be honest and truthful with all, and it was this courageous honesty that defined him in his later years. It will be his lasting legacy. Not desiring adulation in life nor death and in accordance with his Will, Ray chose not to have a funeral or memorial service. Married in 1958 Ray is survived by his devoted wife Cynthia. Hits: 1279 Trackback(0)
Comments (34)
  written by wasblind , June 04, 2010 Ray Franz wrote and spoke the truth, His words will live on, even in death he will not be silenced. The light of his words that were spoken in truth will shine on and will continue to release people from the bondage of a man made organization. The watchtower society may be breathing a sigh of relief now, but it will be short lived, because the works of many great writers, artist and poets became well known after their passing. report abuse
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 written by PTT7000 , June 05, 2010 Good-bye Raymond, We are going to miss you. Raymond's writing probably freed more people than the Underground Railroad. A Great Drum Master has marched on.Condolence to Cynthia. We thank you for supporting your husband as he helped so many. report abuse
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 written by Ron Reed , June 06, 2010 Ray was a man to be admired for his integrity and honesty. I am glad I got to know him. Ron Reed report abuse
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 written by Lilly Myers , June 09, 2010 I am so saddened to learn of Ray Franz' death. It was his book "Crisis of Conscience" that helped me to break free of the Watchtower's mental and emotional chains. His contribution to freedom from the Watchtowner cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed. report abuse
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 written by Daniel , June 09, 2010 I will always remember Ray for his stand for truth the power of his writings that freed the mind, soul, and hearts. God used him mightly as Christ Jesus; rejected by many, but powerful in Spirit and Truth. Daniel a Slave of Christ Jesus, nu-truth.com report abuse
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 written by Andre , June 09, 2010 I was shocked reading about him passing away a few days ago. A very brave man he was - we can all learn from his fine example. report abuse
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 written by Jo White , June 10, 2010 I was saddened to hear this news... what's interesting, I felt more sad for his loss than his uncle, when I was a devout JW! That says a lot! Thank you Ray for your courage to speak about your insights into this "cult"! (I was always taught that this religion is not a cult, but boy, is it ever!) report abuse
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 written by Al , June 10, 2010 May Yahweh god bless him and keep him in his memory SEE YOU AT THE RESURRECTION BROTHER FRANZ my condolenses to his friends and family report abuse
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 written by Daniel Ciconte , June 10, 2010 Truely a brave man who will be dearly missed. He took a very courageous stand for someone who had been in this organization for so long. I will always admire him. report abuse
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 written by TBAM , June 13, 2010 Although I was never a Jehovah's Witness, I married into a Jehovah's Witness family. The things I witnessed and experienced from my in-laws was a far leap from professing the "Christian faith" as "Jehovah Christian Witnesses" according to how they show this "Christian Love" to my wife and I. Through Ray's book, I learned why they are who they are, why they think the way they think and most of all why they do what they do. His book has helped me start a ministry here in Brooklyn NY, (a few miles from WT Headquarters) to bring many Jehovah's Witnesses to Christ as I see them out “street witnessing”. Ray gave me a clear understanding with his stories, examples and explanations of what actually goes on behind closed doors of high control religious cults making my job as an ambassador for Christ just a little easier. I only wish I had the chance to write him a letter and say thank you for educating me about the dangers of this sect as I continually pray and try to bring my in-laws out of the bonds of the Watchtower and into the arms of Jesus. Thank you, Raymond. You've helped me more than you would ever know. Your brother in Christ, TBAM thebibleanswerman@hotmail.com) report abuse
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 written by elaine sabatine , June 14, 2010 It is impossible to quantify the impact Ray Franz had on my life, and others like me, who just knew that something was wrong but couldn't quite figure it out. Until Ray explained it. He may not have desired followers, but he had plenty of us, in the best sense of the word. When he chose to boldly but humbly walk away from the Watchtower that day, he sent a loud and clear message to the rest of us, that we could do the same. And we need not be afraid, he was OK and we would be too. Rest in peace, dear soul. report abuse
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 written by Mercedes , June 14, 2010 I just want to state that I also was helped by Ray's books in my disentanglement of the Watchtower's brainwashing web. God bless him. report abuse
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 written by Ruth , June 15, 2010 Ray Franz was a dear man. I talked to him several times over the phone when I was having my doubts. I expressed so many things to him about my doubts and the teachings of Jehovah's Withness's. When he wrote his book he spoke of me. I was the one who was disfellowshipped for apostasy for not believing Jesus came back in 1914 from which I understand has now changed. I told them Jesus said "no one knows the day or the hour, so if they don't believe what he said to take it up with him and not with me. I cried through the whole entire time of badgering. Finally, I stood up and said it's over. One elder actually fell asleep during the whole thing. They asked me to go outside of the room so they could make their decision. I actually prayed to be disfellowshipped as I could see this was not God's doing. This was the works of man, the works of the flesh. Ray Franz helped me get through it all and to this I thank him more than he will ever know. He was a friend that I never met in person but would always take every call I made to him. Rest in peace my dear friend. report abuse
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 written by neweyes , June 15, 2010 I was hurt and angry. I couldn't understand why my husband and his family treated me the way they did. So many times I wrote in my journal, there's something wrong with their way of thinking. Having never been a Jehovah's Witness I had no clue what I had married into. Then I happened upon Crisis of Conscience and reading it changed my heart. From it I gained understanding. There's a scripture that says, above all else get an understanding. I began to love my husband without condition. My heart has enlarged with compassion for the innocent followers of the WTS. My research now is not only for the hope of freeing my husband but for any Jehovah's Witness' whose path I cross.That is what Ray Frantz did just in my life. I'm only one. One of how many? The legacy he leaves is monumental, The people whose lives he touched and will continue to touch even in death...I never met him but I love him so. report abuse
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 written by Alfonso Orellana , June 16, 2010 Ray Franz and his failed reform efforts. I never met Ray Franz, but met perhaps 90% of the protagonists of his demise. I lived in NY from 1976 to 1978 and visited Bethel at the height of the controversy, only to find out that some dear friends had been axed. Later, in the mid eighties, spent a year in Bethel. After serving as Presiding Overseer for 6 years of 16 I served as an elder, I reached the climax of my own crisis of conscience and mustered enough courage to investigate secretly what really happened in Brooklyn in 1981. This led me to Ray’s books. Through them I discovered that I was not crazy for feeling that something was definitely wrong at the core of the organization. Rays’ books were instrumental but at the same time disappointing. Although many praised Ray for “leaving” the organization I concluded that he did not leave on his own. From his own writings I learned that he did all he could, without compromising his beliefs, to stay and avoid being expelled. What Ray was looking for was a reform. He believed, I deduced from his writings, that the core doctrinal ideas of the Watchtower as presented by C.T. Russell were correct. Ray never embraced mainstream Christianity and isolated himself into a hybrid religion where he kept the basic theology of the WT and at the same time enjoyed the freedom of not being controlled by the organization. This philosophy is prevalent in his second book and to the person who was in the organization seeking to please and serve God, it was an anticlimax and led them nowhere spiritually speaking. Many, after reading his books, left the organization. However, a great number also left the faith for good. This, to me, is tragic. I am not saying that Ray was called to form a new religion or that he was responsible for what others did, but had he been less pragmatic with regards to Christianity some may have sought healing amongst many healthy Christian groups existing throughout the world. True, no person u organization has a monopoly on the “truth,” but the same is true with respect to error. Ray had the enviable position of someone who was able to impact thousands of individuals in the delicate and tender area of their faith. I guess I expected more from someone who had been given a lot. Thirty years after the Brooklyn “big bang” Ray dies…no reform in sight. There are things that simply can’t be reformed. The WT is one of them. Alfonso Orellana report abuse
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 written by Victor Gunsalus , June 16, 2010 Having read "Crisis of Conscience" a little over two months ago, it was with great sadness that I read of the passing of Mr. Raymond Franz. Although I read this book because of my interest in understanding the Witness religion, upon finishing the book, I realized that I had just read one of the most amazing stories of bravery, courage and humility I've ever had the pleasure of reading. My warmest thoughts are with his wife Cynthia at this time and to all of those who are affected by his passing. May his words continue to provide solace and courage to those who are faced with having to struggle with differing and conflicted loyalties. Respectfully, Victor Gunsalus vgunsalus@aol.com report abuse
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written by wasblind , June 16, 2010 Alfonso, it is not what you expected from ray, but what he expected from himself, it was his conscience he had to live with not anyone elses and his conscience led him to tell people the truth. It is up to each individual to use that truth for themselves as they see fit. He was not looking for a following nor was he looking for power, just a clear conscience, sorry if that's not enough for you. report abuse
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written by wasblind , June 16, 2010 Alfonso, you also state "However, a great number also left the faith for good. This, to me, is tragic." You sound like a person not satisfied in where you are at right now, you sound like you would welcome reform in the organization, but your looking for others to take the risk so you won't have to. If your not satisfied or appeased in Ray Franz not doing enough, then it's time for you to try and satisfy yourself, because Ray did, he cleared his conscience. report abuse
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written by wasblind , June 16, 2010 Alfonso says: "After serving as Presiding Overseer for 6 years of 16 I served as an elder, I reached the climax of my own crisis of conscience and mustered enough courage to investigate secretly what really happened in Brooklyn in 1981. This led me to Ray’s books." Muster up some more courage and do what you need to do for you personal well being. to find the peace Ray did. report abuse
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 written by Alfonso Orellana , June 17, 2010 In case I was not clear enough, when I wrote "However, a great number also left the faith for good. This, to me, is tragic." The "faith" I am speaking of is not the JW religion; it is the faith in Christ and all this faith represents. And , yes, by the grace of God, I was empowered by the Holy Spirit to move on, on the road to a greater vertical connection with He, whom I had been seeking from the start. My peace comes from above and my greatest joy from telling others what I have found. report abuse
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written by wasblind , June 17, 2010 That's the same the thing Ray Franz did, he told others what he knew. and where you found disappointment in his writings,he empowered others with the courage to break away from this detrimental religion. report abuse
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written by wasblind , June 17, 2010 Alfonso,if it is faith in Christ that you have found, i am truly happy for you and i hope that others still trapped in the JW religion can find what we have found, be it through Rays books or any other helpful means. report abuse
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 written by James , June 20, 2010 There have been many organizations who have covered over their errors. Even failed to admit their errors. In time truth prevails for the conscience can not be suppressed. Ray Franz exercised his conscience and exposed error in his book Crisis of Conscience. It has caused many to look into the publications of the Watchtower Society printed from 1879 onwards. Many dates have been preached worldwide. And failed to live up to expectations. When this happens not once but many times, then ones conscience is disturbed. Because what was preached as truth in the passing of time has been seen to be not true. Ray Franz with dignity and a reasonable pen wrote his book Crisis of Conscience. With any crisis of conscience, change is about to happen. The truth of a matter is seen and matters are set straight in a reasonable way. Many have read his book and many have commented," he handled his crisis of conscience with dignity." report abuse
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 written by Mike , June 21, 2010 Condolences to Mrs. Franz: Personally I never met your husband save through correspondence and of course through his two momentous publications. Raymond Franz had and has my deepest respect and admiration for his outstanding courage, humility and honesty. He was a pillar of spiritual strength to many and to me as well an inspiration to continue on in my resolve to walk the path in search of Christian freedom and maintain an honest conscience in spiritual matters. Mrs. Franz you have had a wonderful husband and a Christian to be proud of and comforted by even now. Yours, Mike report abuse
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 written by Caligula , June 23, 2010 I am truly sadden to hear that Br. Franz has past. His book "Crisis" was instrumental in my progress. Rest in Peace report abuse
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Good bye...and good riddens!, Low-rated comment [Show]
 written by puddin-tane , July 17, 2010 and I suppose the same goes for Ted Jaracz in your mind? LOL report abuse
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 written by joe , July 25, 2010 I look in to Franz work and what he try to do, but first where did he come from from where that he learn all things i spoke with him an two different times he told me of a struggle he has and by my surprise he newer said get away from WT he newer said live Jehovah in o posit told me to wait give a time things will come around and so on he said" Wait on Jehovah change ". he newer left he new that this was the truth just there was some things he could no longer bare some thing bothered him he become puff t up .the bottom line where that this take him ? no where. with his books he give many J.W. who where not happy or have doubts a reason to stumble and live i know some {lost unhappy joining other religions that more like there life stile looking for something always justifying looking back and compering ] back to Ray he when a head and in his imperfection cost him big time. he was a gentle man Gods mercy is BIG he knows we are dust all that we do is just for a moment we examine His word in state of our imperfection and so did Ray Franz good point Mr Orellana ..JB report abuse
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 written by Viorel Chis , July 27, 2010 Doresc si pe aceasta cale sa aduc sincere condolenate familiei indoliate si celor care au fost alaturea de el pina in ultimile clipe ale vietii!Pentru foarte multi a fost ,este si va ramine o persoana importanta fiinca a fost si este un urmas al lui Hristos!Pentru "Adevar" a luptat mai mult dechit pentru pozitie si astfel a deschis orizontul cunostintelor multor persoane care au avut si au o dorinta de inchinare!Este trist ca mesajul lui s-a dorit mereu sa fie blocat si sa nu apara la cunostinta persoanelor sincere ,insa este o mare bucurie ca a reushit sa expuna prin grai viu si pe hirtie 'ADEVARUL".Este o mare bucurie ca a putut sa misioneze pentru "ADEVBAR" si in multe tari sa ajunga sa i-l expuna!El in aceasta viata scurta si plina de necazurimincercari si bucurii,ne a parasit ,insa scrierile sale ne au ramas !!Si pentru multi sint un mare ajutor ce ii scot pe multi din lantul robiei si inducerii in eroare! Condolences to Franz fam.Brother Raymond Franz had and has my deepest respect and admiration for his outstanding courage, humility and honesty! Brother Ray Franz wrote and spoke the truth, His words will live on, even in death he will not be silenced. The light of his words that were spoken in truth will shine on and will continue to release people from the bondage of a man made organization.Cencerely Viorel Chis! God gives hope. May he make you very happy. May he give you peace because you believe. Then the power of the Holy Spirit will give you much hope report abuse
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 written by Daryl Clay , July 28, 2010 Just heard about Ray's passing.....the Ted Jaracz passing preoccupied my interest. Ray's book Crisis of Conscience (SP?) was an eye opener and revealed much. He will be missed! "Suffer the child that an organization shall prosper, be it either the torturing hand of a sexual predator, or by the tormenting hand of a Birthday Nazi parent" Daryl Clay report abuse
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 written by nofee , August 03, 2010 judah died too report abuse
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 written by Dennis Harvey , August 11, 2010 I was very saddened to hear of Raymond Franz passing. It was his books that finally provided the missing parts of the jigsaw puzzle,to see the whole picture, and made my mind up never to return to the WT Organization I was brought up in and associated with for 30 years. I always meant to write & thank Bro Franz for this insight & information, but sadly never did. His books made me realize that Jehovah's Witnesses are just "followers of followers", totally enwrapped in a man made organisation that has "positioned" itself between mankind & Christ, professing to be the only way to Christ & God. The average Jehovah's Witness has lost the ability to think freely, to have a questioning mind, and freedom of worship, thought and expression. Thank you Raymond for freeing so many from slavery to a man made organization through the honesty and integrity in your books. I hope many more, including the remaining few of my own family, read your books and see the real light, and stop breathing the polluted air of the Watchtower Society that masquerades as truth. My condolences to Cynthia & family. Thanks for a great life and inspiration to thousands to break free and really start to live. Dennis Harvey dhrquiney@yahoo.co.uk report abuse
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 written by master x kaiser , August 12, 2010 the day of happiness is here. the dragon is dead and the evil is gone. why do the people call r franz a man of truth, when he was a person that wanted power for himself.like satan wanted the power of jehovah, he wanted total control and they didnt let him get his way. the day will come when all the jw haters will die and the real people will live in peace. "the power of one is the onlly power report abuse
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 written by Bradley A. Mathews , September 01, 2010 I don't really think you know what your talking about. When are people going to stop basing their "facts" on rumors, half truths and gossip. In reality, Ray Franz was imperfect like the rest of us(Romans. 3:23 & 5:12). He attempted to address blatant inconsistencies and double standards that the rank and file members were not readily familiar with. Jesus told Us to "Love Our Enemies." Would He tell you to do something, He was unwilling to do. Also please don't ignorantly equate " The Power of Jehovah" with the power of the watchtower, it is not synonomous. Satan did not want the power of Jehovah, are you kidding me. Have never read Job chapter one, Satan had to ask permission to bring suffering unto Job and could only do so under God's terms. report abuse
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