A phrase used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to refer to the state of being a Jehovah’s Witness (JW). It is based on the assumption that the JW faith is the one true religion and is the only one that teaches “the truth.”
Synonyms: One of us, baptized, in good standing
Antonyms: Disfellowshipped, apostate, out of the truth (or simply “out”), worldly people
Example 1
JW 1: “How long have you been in the truth?”
JW 2: “My whole life, I was raised in the truth.”
Example 2
JW 1: “Is Roger still in the truth? I saw him hanging out with some worldly people.”
JW 2: “Oh no, he’s out. He got disfellowshipped for knocking up his girlfriend.”
When used by Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Short for “disfellowshipped” (see disfellowshipping).
Frequently used as a code word because the speaker does not want non-Jehovah’s Witnesses to understand what they are talking about. This reflects the fact that many JWs are ashamed of or embarasssed by the practice.
However, it is sometimes used purely out of laziness as the word “disfellowshipped” is very long.
Jeremy can’t come with us to Europe anymore because he got DF’ed.
Per Jehovah’s Witness doctrine:
Righteous people who will live on paradise earth after armageddon. From John 10:16.
This group is in contrast with the annointed class, whom will rule over the other sheep with Jesus from heaven.
I am one of the other sheep. I have no desire to go to heaven.
When used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, refers to anything published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (or, “The Society” for short).
Antonym: Apostate Literature
Wouldn’t you prefer to read some society literature instead of that worldly novel?
To be raised in the Jehovah’s Witness religion. (See definition for In the Truth).
Both my parents are Witnesses, I was raised in the Truth.
In the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) religion:
Any baptized JW who openly disagrees with or speaks out against either the JW religion or the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (WTBTS).
Apostates are considered dangerous “followers of Satan” and are therefore shunned.
JW1: I haven’t seen Kyle recently. Where has he been?
JW2: You haven’t heard?! He’s an apostate!
JW1: Too bad. I liked him.
To leave or to be ejected from the Jehovah’s Witness religion (see in The Truth).
Although the word “leave” implies purposeful action, the phrase “leave the truth” most commonly refers to people whom were disfellowshipped against their will (see disfellowshipping). This reflects the attitude that when a person is disfellowshipped, it is their own fault.
If you leave the Truth, we can’t be friends anymore.