Joe Smith
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 Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:13 am Post subject: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? |
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http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/11/163339/1.ashx
Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult?
I have found these 14 characteristics of a typical cult and below are
some questions regarding the behaviour of a cult.
My personal opinion is that the Watchtower Society fits into most of
these characteristics, with the exception of 1& 14. Possibly part of
number 10 fits, but not all. I feel that all of the questions posed
should be asked of JW's and all of the further symptoms apply too.
But i wondered what others think? In particular the newbies who i'm sure
come across many calling the society a cult. I have come across many
writings like this over the years, it's incredible to me how the
operation of the Society seems to befit a cult.
Marcia Rudin's 14 Common Characteristics of a Cult
1. Members swear total allegiance to an all-powerful leader who they
believe to be the Messiah.
2. Rational thought is discouraged or forbidden.
3. The cult's recruitment techniques are often deceptive.
4. The cult weakens the follower psychologically by making him or her
depend upon the group to solve his or her problems.
5. The cults manipulate guilt to their advantage.
6. The cult leader makes all the career and life decision of the
members.
7. Cults exist only for their own material survival and make false
promises to work to improve society.
8. Cult members often work fulltime for the group for little or no pay.
9. Cult members are isolated from the outside world and any reality
testing it could provide.
10. Cults are anti-woman, anti-child, and anti-family.
11. Cults are apocalyptic and believe themselves to be the remnant who
will survive the soon-approaching end of the world.
12. Many cults follow an "ends justify the means" philosophy.
13. Cults, particularly in regard to their finances, are shrouded in
secrecy.
14. There is frequently an aura of or potential for violence around
cults.
Commentary by Nori J. Muster
If you think you might be involved in a cult, ask yourself some serious
questions about the group.
Do you have to change who you are to fit in, please others?
Do they set up a duality of "us" and "them" and tell you that people
outside the group are bad, less important?
Do they treat "outsiders" badly or talk behind their backs?
Do they treat members badly?
Do they give a false impression to the public?
Do they predict that society is on the brink of destruction?
Further symptoms:
Cult leaders are often psychopathic and power hungry. They teach their
followers that the outside world is evil; that the cult offers the only
salvation. This creates an atmosphere of isolation, leading to
hopelessness.
Cult recruiters target people with low self-esteem, presenting the group
as a loving surrogate family. Members are taught to do whatever the
family asks. They must repress their individuality and work for the good
of the group.
New people may receive red carpet treatment, but once they are
established members, they may be exploited and abused. They may alter
their personalities to please authority figures and fit into the group.
Cult leaders preach that society is on the brink of destruction,
reinforced by isolating their members and controlling the flow of
information within the cult. They manipulate members with guilt and
fear.
Cults try to portray themselves as benign and may hide undesirable
aspects of their operation from the public and from members. Thus the
stereotype of "blind" followers.
IP: 4A5E49Dpc52xDWxs31-Jul-08 11:24
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 11:31
Yes, they're a cult.
IP: fcBP/zyRm4wTf1s0
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 11:45
real friendships are never encouraged in a cult....loyalties only go
upwards to the leader....once anyone "in the truth" speaks about the
governing body possibly being wrong they are instantly
marginalised...even if they are close friends or family....try it for
yourself lurkers and see
IP: 0U0EBh5oXKm7KOEg
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 15:02
I am breaking my response into two parts. The 14 points and then the
questions. I am fairly new here, and apologize if it all smooshes
together. I do not know how you get the breaks in your sentances and
paragraphs, and there is not a spot where I can edit. Sorry.
I actually think they fit all 14, and I will pull out my reasoning book
for this..
Marcia Rudin's 14 Common Characteristics of a Cult
1. Members swear total allegiance to an all-powerful leader who they
believe to be the Messiah.
While it is not a leader... it is Jehovah through the Governing body..
that witnesses swear allegiance to. Messiah means anointed one.
2. Rational thought is discouraged or forbidden.
everyone probably agrees with this one. If not, look at how many times
stances were changed, and the 'faithful' followed the new rules.
3. The cult's recruitment techniques are often deceptive.
The happy people? Do we need to say more?
4. The cult weakens the follower psychologically by making him or her
depend upon the group to solve his or her problems.
The mantra I remember is that if I was faithful, I would not have to
undergo tribulation. I knew of nothing really outside of the
witnesses... and since there was pretty much every type of service
through witnesses, I did not feel that I should go outside the faith-
even for a doctor, as we had one
5. The cults manipulate guilt to their advantage.
many of us are still fighting that.
6. The cult leader makes all the career and life decision of the
members.
no need for higher education. I was called in the back room when I
mentioned I wanted to be a nurse, and was warned of a possible private
reproof for that desire. Needless to say, the good witness girl did not
go to get the extra schooling
7. Cults exist only for their own material survival and make false
promises to work to improve society.
They take in about 1 billion a year, not bad for a 'non-profit'
organization. Not to mention the buildings that went up/being
refurbished into luxury condos in 2005. Wonder if the buy low sell high
worked there?
8. Cult members often work fulltime for the group for little or no pay.
Hi, My name is domina... and I worked for a cult full time for 2 years.
(crowd responds: hi domina)
9. Cult members are isolated from the outside world and any reality
testing it could provide.
This ties into point 10. But most of us are aware of how sheltered we
were when we came out, naive even.
10. Cults are anti-woman, anti-child, and anti-family.
This is a very apt point to me. Think of the meeting- children, very
small even, are supposed to sit still for 1-2 hours(not including
assemblies and conventions.) Women hold a place of subservience,
especially with her mate. Families are supposedly close, but if one of
them fall from the religion- the whole family is to cut them off like
they have died. How is that for unconditional love? I have more
examples, but this is getting to be a long reply, sorry lol.
11. Cults are apocalyptic and believe themselves to be the remnant who
will survive the soon-approaching end of the world.
What we went door to door to tell everyone about. Sigh... I envied those
people I woke up, they got to sleep in
12. Many cults follow an "ends justify the means" philosophy.
Shunning is a very good example of this. I even agreed that I should
have been shunned until just recently. Now it pisses me off.
13. Cults, particularly in regard to their finances, are shrouded in
secrecy.
I had to dig to see how much they brought home in 2007. Near as I could
tell, it was about 1 billion. That is just what I found, and most likely
not correct. It is probable that that figure is low.
14. There is frequently an aura of or potential for violence around
cults.
There is a lot of violence around the witnesses and in the witnesses.
Think about all the stories we used to hear about persecution of 'the
faithful brothers and sisters in(insert place)'. Also, sexual abuse,
spousal abuse, while not talked about is very prevalent. They even coach
the congregations what to expect when violence erupts with Armageddon,
almost desensitizing them to it.
IP: rdAZhVMXjgGDZ0x/31-Jul-08 15:03 by
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 15:08
I remember when they published a Watchtower magazine with the cover
article asking if JWs are a cult or not (can't remember the exact
title...something like, "JWs...cult or true ministers")
Even then when I was still in, I wondered about that magazilne. If
you have to publish an entire magainze of articles trying to convince
people you're not a cult, then maybe you really are one...
IP: loNQ6qSq8mOwB2SR
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 15:50
The Faithful and Discreet Slave says a cult is....
The Faithful and Discreet Slave says a cult is....
The Faithful and Discreet Slave says a cult is....
The Faithful and Discreet Slave says a cult is....
The Faithful and Discreet Slave says a cult is....
The Faithful and Discreet Slave says a cult is....
Therefore, JW's aren't a cult.
Are they?
IP: Zkgih0NjiLZZFpZB31-Jul-08 15:51 by
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 17:14
been thinking about this since cults are in the news a lot...including
Larry King tonight at 900......since they exist....there must be a good
description of what they are....very little about this in WT....cause it
is too hard to prove WT is not one!......which is easier....to prove
they are one....or not one??
not a lot of WT material about it....i bet they hope most will not
wonder what really makes a cult a cult..........
IP: fpEQlPi8K6ZBniIf
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 31-Jul-08 17:58
My personal opinion is that the Watchtower Society fits into most of
these characteristics, with the exception of 1 & 14. Possibly part of
number 10 fits, but not all.
1. Members swear total allegiance to an all-powerful leader who they
believe to be the Messiah.
How would you explain the total allegiance to the WTB&TS?
10. Cults are anti-woman, anti-child, and anti-family.
How would you explain the systematic cover ups of
domestic violence against women and sexual abuse of children and the
breaking up of families through da'ing and df'ing?
14. There is frequently an aura of or potential for violence around
cults.
No, there isn't violence, but there is a persistant
secrecy (theocratic warfare) which does just as much damage as physical
violence.
IP: xhZsrylSZNY/xXFg
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 01-Aug-08 08:10
This also has similar thoughts as the Combating Cult mind control, I
found it interesting that
most of cult leaders also belonged to a cult themselves previously. The
more points you pick up in
comparison with Jw's is kind of scary...but the tactics sure are there.
Also and interesting read this book you mention...
IP: e7MNhiYCx+6xu81n
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 01-Aug-08 11:14
Now in fade, and able to step outside the JW thinking, I realize if they
are nnot, they in fact exhibit strong cult-like actions. The way my
mother refers to non-jw's as "worldly" as if somehow speaking to such a
person will surely lead one off into a path of destruction and certain
death.
The way an old friend of mine, whom at one point I thought was no doubt
someone who'd be ripe for fading or leaving altogether, is quick to make
up EXCUSE after EXCUSE for the things and people, refusing to SEE things
for what they really are.
I've flipped-flopped between 03' and this year with this site,but this
past May really began to read the many threads hear and can say JW's are
a cult......or close to it.
I like many JW's I'm sure now, had no idea about child molestors,of
course no one talks of it. I'm in the midst of reading crisis of
conscience and wel.......had no idea the book was out there. I consider
myself an logical and independant thinker,yet I realize was just a
drone, ate up the WT garbage food like it was going out of style.
Unfortunatly, I feel like it takes something to happen to an JW on a
personal level ( df'd, slighted by someone, their eyes opend to certain
doctrines,be it on their own or indirect ) before a JW' will actually
wake up. It seems reasoning with one is to no avail.
Which is why i agree with with 1. Most swear total allegiance to the
WT. How else do you explain a sane and supposedly logical person willing
to cut TOTAL ties with their blood family for men whom they have just
come into association with ? Is that not cultic ?
How else do you explain being able to show an JW OBVIOUS faults lies
with the WT, and this person, again as you know them to be...smart,sane,
LOGICAL, yet....willing to lie to themselves,deny or simply deny a FACT.
As I brought to A JW brother I know, if he or I were to step outside the
present line of thought, would we not be told to "adjust our thinking "
? if that is not mind control....but again, when you're IN......REALLY
IN ( this brother is in the RBC, and methinks he has had a a nice taste
of power. ) and it's amaing how your eyes can be blinded to the
obvious. Thats why I feel it sometimes takes something on a personal
level before a person starts to THINK. Otherwise you're likely to wonder
how a peron could leave such blessing provided by the FDS.
How else do you explain people willing to forgo education, great
careers, time with family, vactions, in order to work a FULL/PART-TIME
JOB as a maazine sales rep ( no pay ) If you were like myself, that
meant working SEVEN DAYS week,because naturally the friends would
find a way to guilt encourage you into using those two day to JAH
It's like the elephant in the room that people speak of. Yet, so
frustrating !!!
This site has opened my eyes to so many things I had NO CLUE as to how
things really work in the organization corporation. It's scary,because
the WT is good.I hate to give them credit,but they are SLICK, and they
know how to carck that whip.
Sorry for the rant,but in the last three months I've poured over
numerous threads here, and wow..many hit the nail on the head of what i
know or suspected, others have pretty much widely opened my eyes.
IP: ypdFYwtEDn6BmWG001-Aug-08
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 01-Aug-08 12:29
***w942/15pp.3-4Cultsâ€"WhatAreThey?***
Cultsâ€"What Are They?FEBRUARY 28, 1993â€"more than a hundred
law-enforcement agents raided a compound of buildings housing dozens of
men, women, and children. The object was to search for illegal weapons
and to arrest a suspected criminal. The agents, however, were caught by
surprise when a hail of bullets came flying toward them from inside the
buildings. They returned the fire.
This confrontation left ten dead and several wounded. During the
following 50 days, hundreds of government agents laid siege to the
compound with enough guns to wage a small war. The standoff ended in a
showdown that left 86 dead, including at least 17 children.
But who was the enemy? An army of drug-dealing mobsters? A guerrilla
faction? No. As you may know, the "enemy" was a group of religious
devotees, members of a cult. Their tragedy made an inconspicuous
community on the plains of central Texas, U.S.A., the focus of
international attention. The news media flooded the airwaves and the
printed page with a barrage of reports, analyses, and comments on the
dangers of fanatical cults.
The public was reminded of previous instances in which cult members were
led to death by their leaders: the 1969 Manson murders in California;
the 1978 mass suicide of cult members in Jonestown, Guyana; the 1987
murder-suicide pact engineered by cult leader Park Soon-ja of Korea,
which resulted in the death of 32 members. Significantly, most of these
people claimed to be Christians and professed belief in the Bible.
Understandably, many who respect the Bible as the Word of God are
appalled at the brazen misuse of the Scriptures by these cults. As a
result, over the years hundreds of organizations have been established
for the purpose of monitoring cults and exposing their dangerous
practices. Experts on cult behavior predict that the coming of a new
millennium in a few years may trigger the proliferation of cults. One
news magazine noted that according to anticult groups, there are
thousands of cults "out there poised to snatch your body, control your
mind, corrupt your soul. . . . Few are armed but most are considered
dangerous. They’ll seduce you and fleece you, marry and bury
you."What Is a Cult?The term "cult" is used loosely by many who may not
be fully aware of its connotations. To prevent confusion, some
theologians actually avoid using the term.
The World Book Encyclopedia explains that "traditionally, the term cult
referred to any form of worship or ritual observance." By that
criterion, all religious organizations could be classified as cults.
However, in general usage today, the word "cult" has a different
meaning. The same encyclopedia notes that "since the mid-1900’s,
publicity about cults has altered the meaning of the term. Today, the
term is applied to groups that follow a living leader who promotes new
and unorthodox doctrines and practices."
Endorsing the popular usage of the term, Newsweek magazine explains that
cults "are normally small, fringe groups whose members derive their
identity and purpose from a single, charismatic individual." Similarly,
Asiaweek magazine notes that "the term [cult] itself is vague, but it
usually denotes a new religious creed built around a charismatic leader,
who often proclaims himself to be the personification of God."
The language used in a joint resolution of the 100th Congress of the
State of Maryland, U.S.A., also conveys the derogatory connotation of
the term cult. The resolution states that "a cult is a group or movement
exhibiting excessive devotion to a person or idea and employing
unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control to advance
the goals of its leaders."
Clearly, cults are generally understood to be religious groups with
radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as
normal social behavior. Usually they conduct their religious activities
in secrecy. Many of these cultic groups actually isolate themselves in
communes. Their devotion to a self-proclaimed human leader is likely to
be unconditional and exclusive. Often these leaders boast of having been
divinely chosen or even of being themselves divine in nature.
Occasionally, anticult organizations and the media have referred to
Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult. A number of recent newspaper
articles lump the Witnesses with religious groups known for their
questionable practices. But would it be accurate to refer to
Jehovah’s Witnesses as a small fringe religious group? Cult
members often isolate themselves from friends, family, and even society
in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are the
Witnesses using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members?
Cult leaders are known to use manipulative methods to control the minds
of their followers. Is there any evidence that Jehovah’s
Witnesses do this? Is their worship cloaked in secrecy? Are they
following and venerating a human leader? Pointedly, are
Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?[Picture Credit Line on page 3]Jerry
Hoefer/Fort Worth Star Telegram/Sipa Press
*** w94 2/15 pp. 5-7 Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Cult? ***
JESUS CHRIST was accused of being a drunkard, a glutton, a Sabbath
breaker, a false witness, a blasphemer of God, and a messenger of Satan.
He was also accused of being subversive.â€"Matthew 9:34; 11:19;
12:24; 26:65; John 8:13; 9:16; 19:12.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his disciples were likewise
the target of serious accusations. One group of first-century Christians
were dragged to the city rulers by people crying out: ‘These men
have overturned the inhabited earth.’ (Acts 17:6) On another
occasion the apostle Paul and his companion Silas were taken to the
authorities and charged with greatly disturbing the city of
Philippi.â€"Acts 16:20.
Paul was later accused of being a "pestilent fellow and stirring up
seditions among all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth" and of
trying "to profane the temple." (Acts 24:5, 6) The principal men of
the Jews in Rome accurately described the situation of Jesus’
followers when they acknowledged: "For truly as regards this sect it is
known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."â€"Acts 28:22.
Evidently, this new group established by Jesus Christ was considered by
some to be a religious group with radical views and practices that
clashed with what was accepted in those days as normal social behavior.
Undoubtedly, many today would have considered the Christians a
destructive cult. The accusers were often prominent and respected
members of the community, and this seems to have added weight to the
allegations. Many believed the accusations against Jesus and his
disciples. Yet, as you probably know, every one of these charges was
false! The fact that people said these things did not make them true.
What about today? Would it be accurate to refer to Jehovah’s
Witnesses as a religious group with radical views and practices that
clash with what is accepted as normal social behavior? Are
Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?
WhattheEvidenceShows
A government official of the city of St. Petersburg, Russia,
explained: "Jehovah’s Witnesses were presented to us as some
kind of underground sect sitting in the darkness and slaughtering
children and killing themselves." However, the people of Russia have
recently become better acquainted with the true nature of the Witnesses.
After working with Jehovah’s Witnesses in connection with an
international convention, the same official observed: "Now I see normal,
smiling people, even better than many people I know. They are peaceful
and calm, and they love one another very much." He added: "I really do
not understand why people tell such lies about them."
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not hold ritualistic meetings, nor is
their worship cloaked in secrecy. Non-Witness author Julia Mitchell
Corbett notes: "When they meet, usually more than once a week, in
Kingdom Halls (their meeting sites are not called churches), most of
their time is spent in Bible study and discussion." Their meeting places
are clearly marked with a sign. The meetings are open, and the general
public is invited to attend. Unannounced guests are more than welcome.
The "Witnesses have earned the reputation of being honest, courteous,
and industrious," adds Corbett in her book ReligioninAmerica. Many who
are not Witnesses readily acknowledge that there is nothing freakish or
bizarre about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their conduct does not clash
with what is accepted as normal social behavior.
TheNewEncyclopædiaBritannica accurately states that the Witnesses
"insist upon a high moral code in personal conduct."
The director of news and special projects for a television station in
the United States wrote to Jehovah’s Witnesses in response to a
biased report about the Witnesses on the TV news show 60Minutes. He
said: "If more people lived the way your faith does, this nation
wouldn’t be in the shape it is in. I am one newsman who knows
that your organization is founded on love and a strong faith in the
Creator. I want you to know that not all News people are as biased."
AWell-KnownReligion
Is it fair to say that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a small fringe
religious group? In a sense, Jehovah’s Witnesses are few in
number compared to some religions. However, recall what Jesus said:
"Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few
are the ones finding it."â€"Matthew 7:13, 14.
At any rate, the Witnesses are far from being a small fringe cult. In
the spring of 1993, more than 11 million people attended the
Witnesses’ Memorial of Christ’s death. But more
important than their number are their moral character and exemplary
behavior, which have brought them worldwide commendation. Undoubtedly
this has been a factor in countries that have given them official
recognition as a known, bona fide religion.
Outstanding is a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. It
declared that the Witnesses should enjoy freedom of thought, conscience,
and religion and that they have the right to speak about their faith and
teach it to others. This would hardly be the case if Jehovah’s
Witnesses were known to use deceptive and unethical techniques to
recruit members or if they used manipulative methods to control the
minds of their followers.
Multitudes around the world are well acquainted with Jehovah’s
Witnesses. Of the millions of non-Witnesses who are studying the Bible
with the Witnesses or who have studied with them at one time or another,
we ask, Were there any attempts to brainwash you? Did the Witnesses
employ mind-control techniques on you? "No" would doubtless be your
frank response. Obviously, if these methods had been used, there would
be an overwhelming number of victims in contradiction to any argument in
favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
"AbsorbedinHumanity"
Cult members often isolate themselves from family, friends, and even
society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
"I do not belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses," wrote a newsman in the
Czech Republic. Yet he added: "It is obvious that they
[Jehovah’s Witnesses] have tremendous moral strength. . . .
They recognize governmental authorities but believe that only
God’s Kingdom is capable of solving all human problems. But
watch itâ€"they are not fanatics. They are people who are absorbed
in humanity."
And they do not live in communes, isolating themselves from relatives
and others. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that it is their
Scriptural responsibility to love and care for their families. They live
and work with people of all races and religions. When disasters strike,
they are quick to respond with relief supplies and other humanitarian
assistance.
More important, they are engaged in an educational program that has no
comparison. How many religions have an organized system to pay personal
visits to every individual in their community? Jehovah’s
Witnesses do this in more than 200 lands and in more than 200 languages!
Clearly, Jehovah’s Witnesses are "absorbed in humanity."
StrictAdherencetotheBible
Admittedly, the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are different
from those provided by the churches. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe
that Jehovah is the almighty God and that Jesus is his Son, not part of
a triune deity. Their faith is anchored in the belief that God’s
Kingdom alone can bring relief to suffering humanity. They warn people
of the imminent destruction of this corrupt system of things. They
preach about God’s promise of an earthly paradise for obedient
mankind. They do not venerate the cross. They do not celebrate
Christmas. They believe that the soul is mortal and that there is no
hellfire. They will not eat blood, nor will they accept blood
transfusions. They abstain from involvement in politics and
participation in warfare. Have you ever asked yourself why the teachings
of Jehovah’s Witnesses are so different?
A Massachusetts newspaper, the DailyHampshireGazette, explains that
Jehovah’s Witnesses’ "strict interpretation of the Bible
forbids many activities others take for granted . . . , all in an
effort to follow the example of first-century Christians and the word of
the Bible." TheEncyclopediaofReligion agrees that "all that they believe
is based on the Bible. They ‘proof text’ (that is,
supply a biblical citation to support) almost every statement of faith,
taking for granted the authority of the Bible, which entirely supplants
tradition." The book ReligioninAmerica states: "The group has never
wavered from its focus on Bible study, and its teachings are supported
by an elaborate system of references to scripture."
WhoIsTheirLeader?
It is precisely because of this close adherence to Bible teachings that
the veneration and idolization of human leaders so characteristic of
cults today is not to be found among Jehovah’s Witnesses. They
reject the concept of a clergy-laity distinction.
TheEncyclopediaofReligion aptly states about Jehovah’s
Witnesses: "A clergy class and distinctive titles are prohibited."
They follow Jesus Christ as their Leader and as Head of the Christian
congregation. It was Jesus who said: "Do not you be called Rabbi, for
one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call
anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One.
Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the
Christ."â€"Matthew 23:8-12.
It is clear that Jehovah’s Witnesses are as far from being a
cult as Jesus was from being a glutton and a drunkard. Admittedly, not
everyone who was influenced by the false reports about Jesus and his
disciples fell into the trap of slandering him. Some may simply have
been misinformed. If you have questions about Jehovah’s
Witnesses and their beliefs, why not get to know them better? The doors
to their Kingdom Halls are wide open to all who seek truth.
You can also benefit from their careful search for accurate Bible
knowledge and learn how to worship God in harmony with Jesus’
words: "The hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will
worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is
looking for suchlike ones to worship him."â€"John 4:23.
IP: qmtgp5uFrYun945x
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 01-Aug-08 12:54
Thanks for posting those Watchtower quotes.
All I can say is that most of them are "half-truths" at best.
"Strict Adherence to the Bible"
Ha! What about all the speculation they have published that they called
"Bible Based"?
"Bible study and Discussion" at their meetings?
Ha! It's not the Bible they study, it is Watchtower publications....and
as for "Discussion", can they say there really is free and open
discussion at their meetings? No! Everything is under tight control.
The Watchtower is writing propaganda...as usual.
IP: I37cY2Cm0nqQqA5k
Re: Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? 01-Aug-08 13:11
I've pondered this question a few times in the 30 years I've been free
of WT slavery. Of course I remember how offended I felt when I was in
it, and other people would call it a cult. But if it wasn't a cult,
why did I feel so damn good inside when I left?
The problem is that "cult" is a very slippery word, once you sit down
and try to define it. Go to dictionary.com and look at the various
definitions. I think when we talk about religious groups today, we
mostly use "cult" to mean excessive and bizarre beliefs/practices, with
blind, unquestioning allegiance to the leader/s thereof, who are to some
degree dishonest and manipulative.
But what's excessive, what's bizarre? On the other side of the coin,
what's "normal," how would you define that? A little reflection will
reveal that all our ideas of what's normal and what's bizarre really
come down to majority vote at any place and point in history.
In America in 2008, we think face veils or burkahs for women are
bizarre; but lots of folks, men and women, in some countries think they
are not only just dandy but a Good Thing. Sikh men never cut their
hair, which seems pretty bizarre to us but not to them. So where
exactly do you draw the line and say okay this is too fucking weird but
this is just okay. This is a religion, and this is a cult. Not so
easy once you really think about it.
With the internet, it's relatively easy to look up and read what the
pagan Romans thought about the early Christians - I dont know the Latin
for "cult" but I think they all agreed, yep these folks are crazy as
shit! But eventually Constantine, who's mom was a theocratic JW
faithful Christian lady, got to be Emperor - and then guess what, the
Organization Christian hierarchy that had been saying how evil This Old
System the Roman Empire was, got handed political power and just ate
it up. In less than a hundred years, not only was all pagan worship
forbidden on pain of death, but so were all JW apostates "heretical"
sects that disagreed with the Governing Body Bishop of Rome, who after
all was God's personal direct representative on earth. The rest is
history, natch.
Back to the original question, are JW's a cult? It helps me to think
of it not as a Yes/No question, but to see it as a sliding scale, say 1
to 10 with 1 being minimal/agnostic belief in God/s (atheist being
0). On my scale then, "mainstream" churches would be somewhere around
5. Jim Jones, David Koresh, the Heaven's Gate crew (sure, take my
testicles, wasnt using them anyway) would all be 10's.
JW's? I'd rate them 8.8 or 9.0. Not quite at the drink-the-koolaid
point. But real damn close.
Because really, was there anything you wouldn't have done, if the WT
Borg said you had to?
At the height of the insanity, I'm afraid I just might have drunk the
koolaid. Wearing a 3-piece polyester suit and a conservative
tie with my shiny wingtip shoes, clutching a NWT to my chest (deluxe
edition, brown leather cover). God knows we wouldnt have wanted to
stumble anyone who found the bodies!
Much less bring reproach on Jehovah's organization. Right.
Is it a fucking cult? Hell yeah it is. Not the worst possible.
But definitely excessive and definitely dishonest and most definitely
dangerous, whatever you call it. The word you call it doesn't really
matter, it's the nasty beliefs and operation that counts.
Here's a quote I found on another exjw site that sums it up real well:
Some religions are merely corporations started by alpha males who
desire power. Such males are charismatic and have learned the art of
using fear, coercion and guilt to get you to do their bidding. Herding
people with such high-level weapons is obscene.
(http://dogpatchmb.blogspot.com/)
Russel and Rutherford were the charismatic alpha males who started this
whole slimy snake-oil shebang; their successors may not encourage the
personality worship they did, but they have kept it all firmly in the
same groove. And it's definitely a corporation, a business, NOT a
religion.
A religion is something you can question or doubt or even leave without
being shunned out of existence or guilt-tripped into suicidal despair,
is how i'd put it. Religion makes you feel that God loves you.
Which is exactly what Watchtowerism doesn't do.
Also, check out the National Geographic documentary on cults: They
are masters of manipulating the broken, the weak, gullible,
psychologically damaged and feeble-minded around them in their zeal for
what they purport as their rightful leadership as the anointed God-human
deity in the presence of their flocks.
(http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/reviews/article_1403383.php)
Nuff said.
IP: jqJ02OjDk6obEPBw01-Aug-08 13:36 |
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