Oompah, also known as Eric Reeder, was a regular contributor to the ex-Jehovah’s Witness community. After losing all contact with his family due to being declared an apostate, he committed suicide. He was 51 years old.
Post from Oompah at JWD just over a year ago about being disfellowshipped.
Comment at JWD about the news of his death:
***g7/09p.29 Is It Wrong to Change Your Religion?***
“No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family.”
Ironically, the religion and publisher of this statement is one of the biggest offenders with their shunning policy of its members who come to the conclusion that their form of worship is unacceptable.
For some, this severe shunning is too much to bear.
For anyone having problems leaving “the truth,” there are plenty of friends out there waiting to hear from you. Please consider reaching out to them. JWD is probably the biggest online forum for ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses out there. There’s also Ex-JW Secularists and JWR.
And in the long run, there’s no shame in talking to a secular therapist or a any kind of therapist, either.
Here’s an article about shunning for those who may have been told that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t shun former members, or that Witnesses only do it out of personal choice and not in compliance with Watchtower teaching.