Michael Joseph Jackson, “King of Pop” and rock music icon for nearly forty years, suffered cardiac arrest and died Thursday June 25, 2009, at the age of 50.
Michael Jackson died because his heart unexpectedly stopped working, and when it did his death took everyone around him by complete surprise. A few of his friends suspected he was ruining his health by overwork and over-medication with pain pills – but none expected that he would actually die from a damaged heart.
But maybe Michael Jackson’s heart was damaged in many ways, many years ago, back when he was still a very young child.
In 1965, Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, became a Jehovah’s Witness. Katherine had always been very religious and a Baptist, but on the suggestion of a friend began to study with the Witnesses and fully accepted the teachings of the Watchtower Society as her new faith. Her husband, Joseph, never became a Witness, but apparently allowed her to raise all of nine of their children in her new faith. Daughters Rebbie and LaToya, as well as her son Michael, became the most active Witnesses in the family. The rest of the siblings either became inactive or simply quit the religion when they became of age.
In an article written for BeliefNet.com in 2000, Michael described his childhood this way:
“More than anything, I wished to be a normal little boy. I wanted to build tree houses and go to roller-skating parties. But very early on, this became impossible. I had to accept that my childhood would be different than most others. But that’s what always made me wonder what an ordinary childhood would be like.”
Many of us who were also raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses can relate to what Michael was trying to say. It is almost impossible to have a “normal” childhood being raised within a very controlling religion. As a Witness child you’re discouraged from playing with the neighborhood kids, you can’t join the Little League, or engage in high school sports.
Going to school for a Jehovah’s Witness child presents constant choices, issues, and teasing because they won’t salute the flag, sing the National Anthem, celebrate the other kids’ birthdays, or engage in any activity that relates to a holiday. 
Singing in the school chorus or glee club, or playing in the orchestra, presents obvious problems around Christmas and other national holidays. After all, how can you be in the marching band and not play the National Anthem?
Plus, there is the fact that as a Jehovah’s Witness child, you are going to be discouraged from going to college or university. So why waste your time taking all those college-prep courses in science, languages, or mathematics? There’s no reason at all to try to earn a scholarship if you’re not going to try for a college level education.
Michael Jackson was faced with all of those issues, plus being forced into becoming a full-time entertainer at the very early age of ten. In his home, father Joseph was clearly the boss and tough disciplinarian. Joseph could be a very harsh taskmaster; Michael and his brothers were expected to practice their music at every opportunity – they had little or no time to play or just kick back and be normal children.
On Friday and Saturday nights, when all the other kids were home watching TV, going to movies, having dates, or spending time with their families, the Jackson boys were performing in local bars or making concert appearances in other towns.
For Michael, only Sundays offered some respite from the career being forced upon him by his father. His Sundays were dedicated to the other master in his household – his religion – Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Michael continues his description of his early life (again quoted from the BeliefNet.com article):
“But what I wanted more than anything was to be ordinary… [Sunday] was the day I was able to step away from my unique life and glimpse the everyday… Sundays were my day for ‘Pioneering,’ the term used for the missionary work that Jehovah’s Witnesses do. We would spend the day in the suburbs of Southern California, going door to door or making the rounds of a shopping mall, distributing our Watchtower magazine. I continued my pioneering work for years and years after my career had been launched… Up to 1991, the time of my Dangerous tour, I would don my disguise of fat suit, wig, beard, and glasses and head off to live in the land of everyday America, visiting shopping plazas and tract homes in the suburbs. I loved to set foot in all those houses and catch sight of the shag rugs and La-Z-Boy armchairs with kids playing Monopoly and grandmas baby-sitting and all those wonderfully ordinary and, to me, magical scenes of life. Many, I know, would argue that these things seem like no big deal. But to me they were positively fascinating.”
Later on in his life, Michael seemed to develop an almost eerie passion to be with young children. He had relatively close relationships with Emmanuel Lewis, the diminutive star of TV’s “Diff’rent Strokes,” and Macaulay Culkin, the child star of the “Home Alone” movie trilogy, both much younger than he. He described his connection and special attraction to young children this way:
“[When I witnessing]…the funny thing is, no adults ever suspected who this strange bearded man was. But the children, with their extra intuition, knew right away. Like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, I would find myself trailed by eight or nine children by my second round of the shopping mall. They would follow and whisper and giggle, but they wouldn’t reveal my secret to their parents. They were my little aides. Hey, maybe you bought a magazine from me. Now you’re wondering, right? Church was a treat in its own right. It was again a chance for me to be ‘normal.’ ”
We all have to grow up eventually and face the realities of life as adults. Unfortunately, Michael Jackson never really grew up, and it seems clear that he did not want to. His body continued to grow, but by restricting his body’s natural development (he was reportedly 6-feet tall with a body weight around 120 pounds – about 60-70 pounds under norm), removing all or most of his body hair, and always speaking in a low volume, high pitched voice, he tried to remain a pubescent teenager. One observer commented that Jackson, either by design or because of psychological damage, essentially stopped growing socially at age 14.
You may look younger than you really are, but society’s norms do not look kindly upon middle-aged men who are obsessed with associating with young, unrelated children. Forty-year old male babysitters are not in high demand, but this is exactly what Michael Jackson wanted and tried to be.
His creation of his Neverland Park on his estate in Santa Barbara County, California was designed specifically to draw young visitors to his home. It’s true that many of these children were suffering from diseases and some were from poor or disadvantaged neighborhoods – and it’s also true that many were accompanied by a parent or guardian. His young visitors and those who accompanied them described their time at Jackson’s Neverland as “happy, fun, unique, much like going to Disneyland.”
It was Jackson’s obsession to be close to young unrelated children that eventually got him into serious trouble in the early 1990s, and formally charged with felonies in 2003-2005. He eventually paid out millions of dollars in one case and barely managed to survive his criminal court case in 2005. It is true that Jackson was found “not guilty” of all charges by the jury in that case, but in the court of public opinion he would be found guilty and punished severely for his behavior and poor judgment over the last few years of his life. His reputation and wealth would never fully recover from the damage inflicted during that court case.
Jackson’s closest friends and family continued to support him in spite of the accusations plus several incidents of allegedly inappropriate behavior with other people’s children. Most of them still expressed their feelings that Jackson was treated unfairly and punished for his totally innocent and kindly acts toward children. Almost everyone that has been close to him personally remains adamant that Michael Jackson would never hurt a child – simply because he loved children and loved being with them.
My own opinion (which is of course is “Just One Opinion”) is that they are right. My opinion has changed somewhat since his court trial and I now doubt that Michael Jackson ever intended to molest or hurt a child in any way.
I do still hold the opinion that his social development was retarded by the excessive discipline he received from his father, Joseph, plus the lack of normal social development due to his Jehovah’s Witness upbringing by his mother. It should be obvious to anyone that is paying attention that the man did not have a “normal childhood.”
We all see our life through our own eyes. Inside, I am still 20-years old and 145 pounds – but what I see every day is a 200 pound, 65-year old man in the mirror. That’s not me! It can’t be!
Michael Jackson’s own song hit, “Man in the Mirror,” touched on this phenomenon to some degree. I think that when Jackson looked in the mirror he saw a boy in his mid-teens – thin, hairless, beardless, and youthful – and he tried very hard to keep himself that way in reality.
When he was with young teenage boys and girls, he acted out his own childish fantasies with them, playing their games, singing their songs, acting silly and being stupid. He was trying to remain ageless, unchanging, just as he would have been when he was still a teenager.
During the trial, Jackson was accused of having pornographic magazines hidden away in his house, and this evidence was suggested as being proof that he was a child molester. But for all of us who were teenage boys, especially in the 1950s and 60s – didn’t we all sneak Playboy and Penthouse magazines into our rooms to share with our friends? Weren’t we curious about naked women? Didn’t many of us growing up in the 1970s and 80s have posters of Farrah Fawcett (rest in peace, Farrah) in a wet bathing suit hanging on our walls or on the back of our bedroom doors? Didn’t we hide our “dirty magazines” between our mattresses or under our junk in the closet so our mother’s wouldn’t see them? Remember sitting around with our friends and sharing nasty, gross, or sexually charged jokes that we had heard?
I think that is what Michael was really doing. He was reliving the teenage years he never got to enjoy like the rest of us – he was too busy working, traveling, and making money for his family. No wonder he busted away from the Jackson singing group and went out on his own at 18.
I must say that I was a fan of Michael Jackson during the peak of his career. Not a devoted fan, but still a fan of his music, an admirer of his many talents, and a fan that was cognizant of his many good works and philanthropies.
I was also very disappointed in Michael Jackson. I disliked his self-indulgent spending, the way he managed to snatch the Beatles’ music catalog away from his friend Paul McCartney, and the self-destructive damage he did to his face and body with constant plastic surgery.
To look at that handsome young man on the cover of “Off the Wall,” or the attractive, and athletic performer in the videos of “Thriller” and “Billy Jean” – and then compare the disastrous cumulative results of all of his facial mutilations twenty-five years later – was truly sad and heartbreaking for me.
So who’s to blame? I can not judge all of the players in Michael Jackson’s life. His father, Joseph, certainly had much to do with what Michael became, both professionally and psychologically. Katherine, Michael’s mother, made choices for herself and her children that clearly resulted in their socially dysfunctional behavior and unhappy relationships. No one can grow up as a Jehovah’s Witness child and not be scarred socially and psychologically; many of us manage to get over it and go on with normal lives – but Michael Jackson? Probably not.
Of course, Michael must share the blame and take responsibility for his own actions. His friends often tried to steer him away from his obsession with being around young children – but he wouldn’t listen.
His friends and business associates tried to rein in his excessive overspending and poor investment choices – but he wouldn’t listen.
Many doctors and surgeons counseled him against undergoing further plastic surgeries because of the damage he was doing to his face and health – but he wouldn’t listen.
And now he’s dead. Michael Jackson, the talented singer, dancer, performer, song writer – “The King of Pop” – is dead.
And now he’s dead. Michael Jackson, the generous philanthropist and friend to so many people, no matter their race, religion, creed, background, color of their skin or their disease – friend and stranger alike – is dead.
And now he’s dead. Michael Jackson, the young child that was never allowed to be normal, severely disciplined by a sometimes cruel father, raised as a Jehovah’s Witness by a mother caught up in a cult, denied the normal teenaged relationships that we all cherished – the little boy that never really grew up to be a man – is dead.
So Michael, we’re all so sorry that your damaged heart stopped beating and that you have left this world forever. But whatever your eternal destiny might be, no matter where you may end up, may you rest in peace…
Click here to go to the original BeliefNet.com article by Michael Jackson
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Wow! I can feel your emotions-very strong emotions. For those of us who grew up as Jehovah’s Witnesses, your twist on this story really resonates. Unfortunately, the JW experience as a child has had a very damaging impact on many adults who could not shake the emotional baggage. My sister was one of them, and I miss her dearly.
I read with interest your comments, and would like to say being a jehovahs witness, is not what yoy say. Michael enjoyed the meetings and the work involved. Yes some things are not advised but they would have been reasoned with from the bible at the meetings and the parent so the children would understand. We have many doctors, lawyers, carpenters builders and many more proffesionals, who had to study and work hard to gain the qualifications.
Most of all we have to have love and one way to show it is to copy jesus and help others, hence our door to door work.Also to be forgiving when people judge us.
You mentioned jehovahs witnesses are a cult, but that is someone who does not believe in jesus.We know jesus gave his life for us and is a very important part of our teaching
Obviously MJ made a very large impact on your life, you have written so beautifully about him. I have to agree with Jean M Junes comments though.
Been raised a Jehovahs Witness I have had a very happy and fullfilling life with lots of presents, fun, laughter, friends, special occasions and love. We are never forced to become a JW, but we are taught to appreciate our god Jehovah and his son Jesus and all they have done for us. MJ also had the same choice. He continued to worship into his 20′s and enjoyed it but I think pressure of career commitments slowly eroded his time from what (as mentioned in the article) he enjoyed.
Gods word the bible also gave me purpose and direction. My life has been greatly enriched the more I learn with wonderful benefits…..for example my learning to respect people and the proper authorities from a young age has meant that I have never been in trouble with the law or associated with crime as I see happening sadly with alot of youth today. This is just one off the top of my head out of many examples. We are not a cult or brainwashed as we have a choice. What we decide to become or believe is up to all of us Personally in the end. I see many people through out the world who have never embraced being a JW or had the oppurtunity to be associated. Yet they appear to be no happier for all the apparent freedom from worship and “NORMAL” upbringing as mentioned. Many NON-JWs have sickness, live on Anti-depressants and have had a rough or tough upbringing for many reasons too. I am happy knowing that I will get to possibly meet Micheal Jackson himself as a no strings attached person when he is resurected in Paradise. What a beautiful moment to look forward to. Thank you for your consideration and understanding.
I find it interesting that 99.9% of reporters and commentators state or imply that Michael Jackson’s connection with the WatchTower Cult ended when he was disfellowshipped in the 1980s.
Katherine and Rebbie’s family are all active JWs. Anyone who knows anything about JWs knows how this would play on MJ, who was at onetime an extremely devout JW.
In fact, circa 2004-5, a southern California newspaper published photos and an article showing MJ and his children attending their local Kingdom Hall. Does anyone really believe that someone with MJ’s ego would not only attend a “meetings” at his Kingdom Hall, but also take his children with him, if he were being shunned as disfellowshipped persons are at a JW Kingdom Hall. I suspect that MJ had been “reinstated” as an active JW sometime prior to 2004. Let’s see some reporter dig into that one. Don’t expect the WatchTower Society or local JWs admit such without presentation of overwhelming evidence given present citcumstances.
The negative influence of the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses on Michael and his family have been either downplayed or totally ignored for as long as the Jackson Family has received public attention. For those readers who really want to know what life is like to be reared in the WatchTower Cult, nothing beats real world scenarios, and of real world scenarios, nothing beats actual civil and criminal court cases.
The following website summarizes 900 court cases and lawsuits involving children of Jehovah’s Witness Parents. The summaries demonstrate how JW Families rear their children and live life day-to-day. Also included are nearly 400 CRIMINAL cases — most involving MURDERS:
DIVORCE, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
http://jwdivorces.bravehost.com
Thank you, Jean M, for your comment. I can see that you are a sincere believer, but I wonder if you are a recent convert or someone who actually was raised as a child within a Jehovah’s Witness family? I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness from the age of 8 within a very happy family with loving parents. Like Michael Jackson, I was quite active in both door-to-door and Kingdom Hall activities. But most of the other young kids in our Kingdom Hall were not so fortunate and we soon realized that our family life was very much an exception to the rule. I was affected by JW policies, but not to the extent that so many others in the Kingdom Hall were because my father allowed us to play in organized sports and with neighborhood kids. My brother and I both left quite soon after we became of age in spite of our happy upbringing because of the stifling and controlling atmosphere within the religion and teachings that just did not make sense. Michael Jackson’s family life, if you read some of the biographies written by his siblings, was very disfunctional and abusive.
There is a reason that Jehovah’s Witnesses have the lowest retention rate of any religious organization. In a 2008 report by the Pew Center of all U.S. religions, it was reported that “…Only 37% of all those who say they were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses still identify themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Click here to read the full report.) I would have to say that even that report might be optimistic, because many more actually leave at some point, but because of the Jehovah’s Witness shunning policies, will return primarily so that they can have contact with their families again.
Your comment that “cults” relate to “someone who does not believe in jesus [sic]…” is not quite right. There are many cults that believe in Jesus and the JWs are among them. I would suggest that you take a moment and read Richard Kelly’s article about what attributes identify a cult that was published here just a few weeks ago. Click here to go directly to that article.
I hope that you will come back and visit JustOneOpinion again soon. We really do appreciate your comments.
What was really damaging to MJ’s life or childhood?? Was it anything to do with his being raised as a JW ( if he was raised as one) or the fact that he was unable to live according to the bible’s standards he learned, and have a normal childhood because he was already exposed to fame at a very early age? I am more than convinced that ‘the fear of Jehovah, that is what wisdom is.’ This is what Jehovah’s Witnesses parents, who follow bible’s principles, try to teach their children and when they are of age they make their own decisions – ‘each one will carry his own load’.
It seems very contradictory when u say that MJ’s upbringing as a JW was a hindrance to his social development while at age 5 he was already a public figure. Children of JW recieve the best kind of training in public speaking and social interraction both in their congregation meetings and in their door to door preaching activity and so social interraction is not a problem for them. MJ said that the times he spent in the house to house work were the best of his time meaning that for him they were positive influence contrary to the impresion u created. Personally, when I reflect on MJ’S life’s course, the scene of the world in general and what the world regard as wisdom, I am filled with gratitude to Jehovah that I was raised by Jehovah’s witness parents and I choose to accept the discipline and mental regulating of Jehovah given to me through them. It is the best posible way of life .
I consider your statement, ‘no one can be grow up as a Jehovah’s witness child and not be scarred socially and psycologically’ a complete fallacy. Jackson could have been happier if he was able to develop a closer relationship with God without being distracted by becoming a celebrity at such a tender age when he had not even known how to handle life and the pressures associated with fame. This you can solidly establish from his statements about his childhood.
At least, people who looks from a distance and wish they can become like someone else, may be a public figure, will learn that ‘not all that glitters is gold’
I have been raised a witness and it was and still is the best life one could ever have. I live knowing I have a hope for the future. And I live with a clean conscience knowing im morally and physically clean. You cant slave for two masters. Michael’s master was the showbiz which took over his life making him unable to have a real childhood.
Thank you for your comment, C James. Actually no, Michael Jackson did not make much of any personal impact on my life, but as a follower of current events and pop culture, I’ve seen most of his music, videos, and performances. I never bought one of his albums and nor did I attend any of his concerts. I would not have considered myself a fan, but I did enjoy and appreciate his talents as a musical artist. As a fellow human being, I empathized and sypathized with him and his family. He achieved a lot in his life – and yet end up being so unhappy and cursed in many ways. His was a sad story.
Having been raised myself as a Jehovah’s Witness in Southern California, and having children that were fairly close in age to MJ, I was very aware that he lived in the San Fernando Valley and went to the Encino Kingdom Hall. I had heard stories about him and his siblings going in field service and often wondered how really famous celebrities could function as active JWs.
You are absolutely right about JW children being raised to obey laws and to be respectful. I was. But so were my children and grandchildren who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. I also have to agree that finding an active JW in jail would be something of an anomaly, but I can assure you that there are very few atheists or ethical humanists in jail either.
While I agree with you that “many NON-JWs have sickness, [and] live on Anti-depressants,” it is also a fact that in a recent study it was found that on a per-capita basis, Jehovah’s Witness children, along with others who were raised in very controlling and authoritarian religions, suffered mental illnesses and symptoms of mental illness to a much higher degree than the average population.
There is one thing I do take issue with you: Based on the Jehovah’s Witness published and practiced teachings, Michael Jackson will never and could never be resurrected and make it into the “New World.” After all, Jackson “disassociated himself” from the JWs in the late 1980s (and may have been officially disfellowshipped sometime after that), associated with purveyors of false religion such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, various rabbis and imams, Louis Farrakan, and others. He and his brothers put out an album of “Christmas music.” He formally converted to Islam in November, 2008. So how, based on the teachings of the Watchtower Society and the Jehovah’s Witnesses, could you ever imagine meeting Michael Jackson in “paradise?” And – if he did – how could it be the same “paradise” that you hope to live to see?
In any case, I am very happy that you have found joy and peace in your beliefs and that being a Jehovah’s Witness has been a positive experience for you. May it always be that way for you. But please always keep an open mind, and be honest about what is going on around you. Try to understand why as many JWs are going out the door as are coming in.
Thank you C James for your beautiful words and to the person who has written this particular article. It warms my heart. C James, your feelings about Michael being brought back into Paradise is very touching. I have been a fellow Jehovah’s Witness since I was but a mere child around 3 and 4 years old. Michael had a deep impact on my life as well, his music was wholesome and his lyrics were positive. He was all about helping people, and making the world a better place. Why would Jehovah God not allow such a wonderful person into Paradise? Sure Michael has made mistakes, as we all have. Even worse than that of what he could have made. I am sure you yourself have committed sins, because I have. It is not certain if he was disfellowshipped, John Hoyle. So with the most respect I do not agree with you, for you do not know what Jehovah God has in store for any one. If you took notice in his video “Thriller” he states in the beginning, “Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult”. You act as if Michael had committed murder or even suicide, the unforgivable sin. You don’t know his relationship with God, you don’t know if God has forgiven him for any of the bad he may have done. Try listening to his song, “Heal the World”, then maybe you’ll understand the wholesome goodness of that was Michael Jackson. To hear that Michael was taking his children to the Encino Kindom Hall is wonderful news, it is proven in that statement that he was still continuing his studies. We do not know the ammends he made with Jehovah God. All of that nonsense about him becoming apart of the nation of islam is not true, it is just rumors. Which is what brought this man’s heartwrenching life to an end. He had a tragic life, there were ups but they could not surpass the downs. He was never at peace, everyday people would mock him. Jehovah God saw his suffering. No human is perfect and to speak about Michael not entering Paradise is cruel. Every righteous human being shall be given that chance to experience the good word of Jehovah. All in all, it is obvious that Michael had a good, giving heart. He was meek, and “the meek shall inherit the earth.” I too look forward to meeting him in Paradise.
Thank you for your reply John. You have made a few interesting points. Whilst all may be true…..(Keeping in mind the medias role in fabricating information and stories alot in MJ life, and alot was taken out of context) I mentioned MIGHT see him with regards to the resurection. Michael can only be judged by Jehovah as to where his heart lies. Jehovah reads hearts and takes into consideration many things inc any influences from his life of which he had no control. MJs life was stolen from him at a tender age been put in the spotlight as has happened to many teen sensations. They lack direction and purpose. Im in no way excusing anything he did or did not do, Im just saying It isnt up to us to judge.
With regards to “Jehovah’s Witness children, along with others who were raised in very controlling and authoritarian religions, suffered mental illnesses and symptoms of mental illness to a much higher degree than the average population”. I wonder what the ratio was for the Witnesses been catholoscism is the predominent religion world wide amongst hundreds of others. Whilst numbering 6 million worldwide Jehovahs Witnesses are still a minority group.
For all people world wide as this system nears its end it is harder to cope with daily pressures religious or not. We are not and do not claim to be perfect. Even Jehovahs Witnesses can make serious mistakes. We still live in the same world and are not cocooned in anyway. We have many trials to face but those searching for and having a strong relationship with Jehovah will receive his help and can endure till the end. I personally have suffered emotional devastion in my family. This was not due to the way I was brought up but rather the pressure of the world we live in. Life is not meant to be like this for anyone. Satan has control of this system hence why people get sick with incurable diesease and die, unthinkable crime, a declining climate, no natural affection for one another ect. Mankind searches for soloutions but to no avail and even try to to inhabit new planets when thier own one and fellow humans are in dire need of healing. Most people you would agree can see that the world is not progressing forward under mankinds rule. Yet many misguidedly blame God for thier suffering. We still after many years can not feed half the world despite an abundance of food. We were designed to live forever in a paradise but we die. Jehovah will put a stop to this once he has clearly proven that without him this world and future generations would slowly cease to exist. That period of time is coming to a close. He will very soon destroy Satan and everything wicked and evil in this world. He loves all of us and it pains him to see his people on earth suffering at the hands of Satan. With Jehovah we can look forward to a life without mental illness, sickness, poverty, diesease, torn families, child abuse, animal abuse, and unlike todays goverments Jehovah, as he has done in the past, will keep his promise to us. Something beautiful for us all to consider.
@Raquel R – @C James – Thank you Raquel R and C James, for your responses.
I am going to agree with both of you on this point: Michael Jackson had to live with his own conscience and serve God in his own way. If there is a life after death, then Michael Jackson will be rewarded or not based on his relationship with the Almighty, not by any rules set up by an organization of men, or the personal judgments of the members of any church. I really doubt that his achieving “paradise” – if such a place exists, or will ever come to pass on this planet – will be based on the rather strict rules and guidelines set down by the Watchtower Society.
We will all have to face eternity based on our own beliefs, deeds, and by how we treated our fellow man. By all accounts, Michael Jackson was a very generous, loving, and gentle person. He gave millions of his personal fortune to many existing charities and set up several new charitable foundations of his own. It was reported that he gave a lot of money to the Watchtower Society to support their organization.
Everyone who came in contact with Michael Jackson had nothing but good words to say about how he treated them, welcomed them into his home, and supported their own charitable works. He had close friends from every faith, ethnicity, national origin, and income level. His Neverland Ranch was set up to give joy to the many children who visited his super playground and living zoo. I think he truly loved children and children loved him. I also think we can all agree that he made some questionable choices in his life that fell outside the established norms, and along the way raised suspicions about his motives, generating a few questions like, “What was he thinking!?!”
You and I will never know what goes through another man’s heart and mind – only he knows his true thoughts and motivations. But we can generally judge a man by his deeds. Perhaps we shouldn’t judge anyone at all unless we are on a jury.
So yes, I would agree that if you cast aside the rather strict guidelines that Jehovah’s Witnesses teach for achieving heaven or resurrection into a “New World” – then you might very well meet Michael Jackson in “paradise.” Who knows, you might even see me there…
The saddest thing is that if his parents get his children all the birthday parties…all the parties PERIOD will cease. No sports, no celebrations, no Christmas, no trick-or-treat, no Easter bunny, no tooth fairy, no Valentines day and the list goes on, they will live the same bleak childhood that he did. As far as I know his parents are still practicing (or at least his mother) Jehovah Witnesses. So now they will go from being with Michael who loved to celebrate everything, to being with 2 elderly people who celebrate nothing….sad…..just sad.
Ouch! I can’t imagine having those beautiful, innocent children being raised with the same “father figure” and same religious upbringing as Michael?
Someone needs to step forward and make sure that these children are allowed to live a normal life and not be forced to commit to any religion until they are old enough to decide for themselves.
Thank you for your response John Hoyle. Honestly, Jehovah’s Witnesses do have many things they tend to restrict such as: certain movies, certain music, and holidays, etc. Although, the Jehovah’s Witnesses may not approve of some things their members may do, that does not mean God does not see that good heart within the person. Just as we said, only Jehovah God himself, can be the judge of what is going to happen to us, as an individual. He also sees if we were deprived of “The Truth”, people who are clueless about Jehovah’s Witnesses, like I said, will be given another chance to go in the right direction. You to me, do seem like a kind, understanding person, because of this article you have written. I’ve never seen an article like this about Michael before, because people tend to think negatively about him. No one wants to look deep inside any one to really find out the truth and the depth of their heart, and what it has been through. That is why this article truely warmed my heart. Michael died a misunderstood, confused man. Partly because of what his family dished out towards him. Personally, I think his father played a big role in the trials and turbulations of his life. Like you said, he never had a normal childhood. My Grandmother said the same thing, he was made to act as an adult when he was a child, and when he became an adult his mindstate reversed. Since Michael was an adult, his father or any one else had no right to tell him what to do. So he decided to live out his childhood as an adult. I too think that Michael did not harm any child, but those children’s parents saw dollar signs, they saw an opportunity to make money. Which is why that whole child molestation case came about. It is very sad that people turn something so kind and generous to something sexual and about money. I am not surprised because sex and money makes this world go round. Michael was mentally unhealthy. All the while the media was lashing out at him, spreading rumors. Which is why he got all of that plastic surgery, to make himself perfect for the media. No one deserves to die, but I think Michael is better off because he will not have to suffer any more with all these people talking down on him. No one will ever understand the pain he dealt with in his life. I admire him for being strong for so long, and I will continue to stand by my opinion that he will be come back in Paradise. Maybe all of us will be able to meet there as well. Thank you once again!@John Hoyle -
@John Hoyle – Thank you for your response, John Hoyle. Michael did have a traumatizing, heartbreaking life. I personally think that his father played a big role in the trials and turbulations of his life. He was beaten and forced to dance and sing. Thats all his life was about, which is why he got so good at it. Thats all he knew! He was made to act as an adult when he was a child, then when he became an adult he acted as a child; because Michael knew that he was an adult and no one could tell him how to live. So he decided to live out his childhood, something that he always wanted to do. I too believe that Michael did not harm any child, its just that since he was an adult it seemed a little disturbing that he was so fascinated with children. He just wanted to be like them. Jehovah God knows that Michael suffered during his life, aside from all the fame and fortune. It was the media, the people who took a big role in ruining his life. They are still talking down on him, even though he is not with us! That saddens me. This world is so cruel, no one wanted to look into Michael’s heart and see the depth of his pain. God sees how much he suffered. I will continue to stand by my opinion, Michael will come back in Paradise, and maybe all of us will be able to meet as well. =] Once again, thank you!
I can assure you being raised as a witness I have never wanted for anything. I was loved and praised all throught the year and received presents. I think celebrations like christmas and birthdays are sad. Family and friends only see you and buy presents for you on these “specialised days” because they well, have to in order to keep tradition. Not because they want to and were compeled to do so with overwhelming love and appreciation for you at any time of the year. Many people of ethnic and religious backrounds will agree Christmas has become commercial for most people.
Ive had many childrens parties my parents organized for me and siblings growing up, water bomb fights, searching out lollies, balloons, games, cakes and loads of my friends with me. The themes have changed slightly with age but I have still enjoyed wholesome fun, laughter and entertainment that is truly real. And yes Ive even had dress ups, just not for halloween
I as do many JW continue to do these things with my children. They have many toys, have been to many JWs children parties and family parties with loads of fun loving children thier own ages. I love seeing ther eyes light up when the come home from school to find a present on thier beds just because I felt like it and I love them.
Ive played many sports growing up, and many events and afternoons of soccer, cricket, volleyball ect. I was also exposed to sports in school. I also in my younger years (age 8-10) did modelling and deportment to help with my social and self image skills.
JW parents strive to always give thier children the best and make them happy even in the tighest finacial month.
Jehovah loves to see his people enjoying wholesome recreation and entertainment. He delights in our happiness.
Much entertainment lacks any practical or moral guidelines these days so as JW’s we chose wisely and still enjoy ourselves 100%
Im sure MJs parents wont just put his kids in some carboard box in the corner and leave them to fend for themselves. All grandparents love and dote on thier granchildren. I am sure they will want for nothing too. A grandmother or parents love is better than all the money, presents and celebrations in the world.
Good article John. I enjoyed reading the comments as much as the article itself. I wonder if Jean m knew MJ personally? How would Jean know for certain that MJ enjoyed being a JW and all the duties required of one who is a JW?
Being raised a JW from the day I was born and being active in all the meetings and service to the organization stunted not only my personal life and freedom to get an education beyond High School, it also hindered me from examining further other spiritual options to draw closer to God. Reading prepared books and magazines in which you have to give an answer from the text at the meetings was not what I would call a spiritual education or a way to understand anything other than the religions views printing the articles. MJ becoming a member of the Islam faith though was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. It seems he was searching for a peace he never found.
C James, what makes you think that people who celebrate the holidays only see their family and friends and only give gifts to them on those days? I agree with you that holidays such as Christmas have become over commercialized. To tell you the truth, I think parents today give their kids too much in the way of material things. I also believe that if parents don’t start teaching their kids from a young age some work ethics instead of hair brained garbage like global warming, we are going to have a nation of welfare recipients that don’t produce anything.
Okay I think because of me this topic has become seriously off track Ha Ha Ha Ha. I started about MJ and now……. Ha Ha Ha
Scorpion, thank you for your reply. Michael continued to be a witness in his early 20s. Had he not enjoyed it he could have have broken away much sooner than he did. As Jonh Hoyle brought out in his comments…apparently Jackson attended a few meetings where John hoyles children grew up. I dont think he was forced by any one to attend but did it of his own free will. Only Jehovah know in the end what was deep seated in his heart and if he still loved Jehovah..
Everyone has a choice to pursue extra curicular education and high ranking careers. Most Jehovahs Witness though chose to keep a low profile and rather make a name for themselves as Jehovahs people. They and I, chose to carry out a very important witnessing and lifesaving work which can at times equate in hours Per person to more than the most career minded person in the world. We are spiritualy well educated and know what other religions have to offer. We talk to people at the doors about thier own personal beliefs everyday world wide in our teaching work. We also have a publication available to us that details what many other religions involve individualy, believe and thier backround. Many of us have traveled far and wide and learnt more than can be written in a book. Also many people of varying faiths have Become Jehovahs Witnesses and we can talk to them about it should we want to know More. Many also leave being a JW to pursue these things and find no value in them so they return to Jehovah and become an active member. I admit this is not true for all though.
I have not pursued a career as such myself. I became a Jewellers Assistant which required no formal education and I enjoyed many years doing it. Im now a fulltime mum (a full-time lifelong job in itself) and carry with me many life experiences. The oppurtunity to be a Jehovahs witness and learn about god and the bible requires no medals, stars, ranks. It appeals to many who socialy would be outcast to pursue life long careers.
Working in retail I saw the massive influx at christmas time for presents. No other time of the year. Actually in the last few years of working Christmas in July also became a large deal and presents where purchased by the trolley load for these occasions. Many movies portray peoples aprehension to meet up with family after a long time but they do it because well its christmas and evreybody else does it. It is commonly known Oh and its tradition. I appreciate many associate with family throught out the year and that makes me happy. Family is more important than all the presents in the world.
Im sorry if I have stepped on anyones toes, I have really gone out on a limb these last few replies.I am very happy to love Jehovah and do all he requires. It just pains me to see his name brought down. In the end it is Jehovah promising to deliver us from this world into a better more fullfiling life were I hope to once again see my sister who has been peacefully resting in Jehovahs memory. No one on this earth can deliver me that promise. xoxo
Hi C James,
You have one of the toughest jobs on earth being a full time mom. I went through a divorce about 15 years ago and got full physical custody of my three kids, two daughters and a son who were around the ages of 8, 6, 4 while I ran my business. It was no picknick trying to keep the schedules I had. I remember getting a few hours of sleep a night for several nights which lasted what seemed forever. I did have some help by a few family members, but did 85% by myself until I got married again to an angel sent from heaven. Anyone who marries a guy with three young kids and treats them like her own after she already raised two daughters is an angel IMO.
You said “Michael continued to be a witness in his early 20s. Had he not enjoyed it he could have have broken away much sooner than he did.”
I am not understanding your reasoning here. Just because someone stays in something for a long period of time does not mean they are exactly enjoying it. Look at an abused wife who may stay in a bad marriage for 20 years out of a sense duty. Yes, there may be some good times, but a slap in the face and a kick in the stomach now and then with constant fear of getting worse is not worth the relationship.
I think MJ stayed as long as he did to please his mom more than Jehovah. If he really wanted to please Jehovah he would have not sang in the Jackson 5 and spend so much time on a wordly career which in the eyes of the JW at that time was a dangerous venture because the end is so near.
I am 51 and MJ dies at 50. I know what he was taught as a JW and I bet you I spent a lot more time in service and at the meeting than MJ did. I stayed in the organization not so much because I liked what I was doing, but out of fear that I was going to be toasted like a marshmellow in armageddon and also that if I refused my mom would toast my backside with the belt. The fear of death to a kid can be strong. The fear of God should be a healthy fear, not one where you feel like you have to perform duties that in some cases don’t have anything to do with worshipping God.
You said in your last paragraph “Im sorry if I have stepped on anyones toes, I have really gone out on a limb these last few replies.I am very happy to love Jehovah and do all he requires.”
Are you sure you are doing all that Jehovah requires or are you doing what a religion requires in order to saty in good standing?
Nice speaking with you.
Scorpion
C James, one thing that you stated in your comment that I would like to clear up:
My family did not attend the same Kingdom Hall as Michael and the other Jacksons. I believe that most of the active family members went to the Encino, CA Kingdom Hall that is located in the San Fernando Valley suburbs of Los Angeles.
I’m sure that if any of the Jackson family happened to read that comment, they would all be looking at each other and saying, “Who is that? We never met anyone by that name!”
My ex-wife and three daughters attended the West Hollywood Kingdom Hall, located several miles south of Encino in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills.
I was working for the telephone company at the time (late 1960s – early 1980s) out of their Hollywood exchange, and was often loaned or put on temporary assignment to the North Hollywood, Studio City, and Encino areas. As a result of those work assignments, I often came in contact with many movie actors and other Hollywood celebrities who lived and worked in the area. There were also a couple of active JWs who were actors who attended my wife’s Kingdom Hall at the time.
Between my wife’s connection to the Witnesses, and my own occasional brushes with celebrity in connection with my work assignments, we heard a lot of gossip and would often find out where certain celebrities were living in our area at the time.
That was the our only personal connection with the Jacksons at that time. Through both grapevines, we heard that they had purchased a large home on Hayvenhurst Avenue, and that many of the family members, including Michael, would be attending the Encino Kingdom Hall.
Over the years, I have driven past their home many times, but never had the opportunity to actually visit or work on the property.
I just wanted to correct any false impressions that might have been created that I, or any of my family, had any personal contact with any of the Jacksons.
Thank you for your comments and please know I respect your veiws. Thank you for clarifiying John. If you are correct though it is possible that MJ did attend meetings right????
Scorpion, MJ had most things against him being a JW. Pushed by his FATHER at an impressionable age into stardom. I assume It would have been easy for him to stop been a JW had he wanted to early in his life. His father was not pushing him to be a witness. On the contrary his father who apparently had alot of control of the family, was pushing for the career. Michael however still stayed a witness and may have even been going against his fathers wishes doing so. I think he enjoyed been an entertainer and also a JW having known nothing but the two completley different worlds since he was young. He reached an age though Im assuming where he realised he could not have both and he made a decision.
I felt a little well personally attacked sorry with your last comment Scorpion. As though being questioned about my faith and resolve. I will admit shamefuly I have not always been a witness. When I didnt keep Jehovah as my friend there was a massive void, I was lost and had no purpose for being alive. I was hurt in myself that I didnt stand up for Jehovah and show satan that I wasnt going to be part of the little world he was gleefuly creating for himself. Filled with hatred, and hurt. He has turned religion as a whole into a mockery and something to be laughed at. Worldwide, Religions many scandles and decline in moral value have become front page news just like he wants. He loves no one but himself and does not care who he hurts in this world to prove his point. So much needless war and terrorism in the name of religion. Satan has promoted and glorified this. He knows he is doomed to be destroyed soon and will take as many down with him as he can. I want no part of religion or satans world.
I am an adult and based on what Ive learnt and studied I have come to know Jehovah as a real person to me and I love him. Hence I do my best to follow his direction found in HIS word the bible. One commandment is to not forsake the gathering of ourselves together. Hence our meetings where we receive loving encouragement and cuddles when we need them most. Another prominent message in the bible from Jehovah is to keep teaching about the coming kingdom and the promises Jehovah has made to deliver us from Satan, just as his son Jesus taught. For me being part of Jehovahs Witness organization is the only place to be. We are not part of this worlds religions and all they have come to stand for. Jehovahs Witnesses as a whole are the only ones carrying out Jehovahs instruction placed in the bible to go from door to door (Every Door in every nation) and show all people that life is not in vain. There is a god thats loves us and he has a purpose for us. Mankinds purpose is not to live for a short while then die. Even scientists will agree we are marvelously programmed for something more. More than this dying world can offer. I do what Jehovah tells me to do. He does not talk to us directly so he has provided us with the bible and his commandments are clearly laid out. This is what I follow along with my brothers an sisters doing the same thing earthwide. Meetings are designed to help us better understand these commandments (just as you would study any other book in a university) and pre pare many of us who are shy or not good with words to talk to people so boldly wherever and whenever someone wants to listen.Yes Armageddon is coming but Im not worried. Another World War at the arms of man worries me more. The persecution the Witnesses endured at the hands of a man scares me. Human wars are not selective, even the innocent are targeted.
I try my best to love and do what Jehovah requires and thats all I can do and I feel fullfilled. I have a hope and a deep happiness no man or his words can take away from me. Losing my 19 year old sister tragically five years ago has only renewed my stregnth and resolve. I long for the world where this can no longer happen. I know Jehovah will read my heart and good or bad decide decide from there. All I know is that I have felt his help when I have needed it the most and I will always lean on him as long as he will have me. I no longer feel at the mercy of earthly governments bandaide soloutions to most problems. I know some of you having Previously accociated with JW will know these things but for other readers who have not been I felt it important to clarify what I stand for. I thank you for the oppurtunity to explain and I will leave it at that. I thank you for sharing thoughts with me.
Warm Regards
Chic
C JAMES– As your fellow sister. I enjoyed reading what you wrote and for standing up for jehovahs name. I 100% can relate to you. I look forward to meeting you in the future.
John. Thanks for presenting a side of MJ I didn’t know. I have never been a pop music fan, but I did enjoy the Jackson Five’s music. After that he lost me, and the later years craziness was nothing but pitiful.
As always, cogent and well written.
Thank you for your heartfelt comments C James. I was recently speaking with a couple Mormon missionaries at my home who both gave me a very similar testimony of why they stay within their faith except for a few changes within doctrine.
I agree with your words about the earthy governments as well as the worlds religions. Most religions today are as you sited “He has turned religion as a whole into a mockery and something to be laughed at.”
I believe every religion has ghosts in their closet. I find that most who adhere to such religions are either ignorant of such ghosts or chose to ignore them. It seems most people today are looking for some sort of relief from the hardships in life from either religion or some government idol and will let their heart and feelings take over good reasoning and judgement.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? NWT