....like the one in Myanmar now, will we not see the Apocalyptic Religions just explode in growth, including Jw's?

Even during relatively calm times, these groups can stir the 'sheep' to believe that the Tribulation is just around the corner. If we continue to see major disasters, what effect do you see in these groups?

I must say, that if I was still a Jw, I would be watching the news and almost praying nightly that the 'end' would come soon. The WTS has positioned itself now [with the Kool-aid Watchtower, the reduced meetings, changing New Light] to give the appearance that they are getting more holy spirit than ever. Jdubs will likely begin to snuggle up closer to the organization than ever.

Opinions?

Jeff

When we get disasters, it makes people scared that the end is just ahead.  And the Washtowel Slaveholdery will do all it can to reinforce it all.  Just like what happened after 9/11/2001.

If we get gas at $10 or more a gallon (or more accurately, when), it will have a double effect.  The witlesses will not be able to afford to go out in field circus as much (and the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger will guilt them back, when "the end is just ahead").  But it will make them afraid that the end is just ahead, causing them to run their credit cards to the max to pay for it.  What it will do is spell major money problems for people that take heed.

LOL, Willy,

By the time gas gets to $10 an hour

We knew what you meant but it's still funny!!!

Cheers,

Alex

I agree with Willyloman.....We get news almost instantaneously and it makes it seem like one thing after another is happening.

Although hearing about that many people losing their lives in a disaster is heartbreaking, Willyloman is right.....it is Nature's way

of thinning the herd...survival of the fittest....natural selection. 

The Dark Ages had the Black Plague and constant wars.  The worst hurricane in recorded history happened over 100 years ago.

We will figure it out.  The constant focus on the horrific aspects of human existence drowns out all the good and I would say the

good far outweighs the bad in the world.  Remember:  There are two kinds of people in the world. ...the ones that see the glass

half empty and the ones that see the glass half full.  I know, I know...it's cliche.

I get your point AK - Jeff.  But, to me, these apocalyptic religions are a bit sicko.  To let your mouth water over the

death and destruction of most of the planet, means you are just not sane.  I believe these religions will die out eventually and

the few left will be considered the wackos on the fringe of society (which they are).   I can envision a hardcore group of

JWs continuing on a path of mental instability like Heaven's Gate or something once 2014 comes and goes unscathed by

catastrophe.  I just can't see holding on to such a negative outlook over a long period of time without losing some or most

of your mental health.  I already believe most long-timers still in the borg have mental issues, imo.  It's just not normal to

let your child die because he/she needs a blood transfusion, or let a religious organization tell you to disown your own

because they no longer believe the way you do, or let yourself become fanatical to the point you allow them to absorb

so much of your life going to meetings, studying, going in field service, etc. etc. etc.  Over so many years of this kind of

religious abuse, you are bound to encounter psychological problems.

Re: IF gas prices go to $10...

Then it'll be just like living in the UK!

Just one of the reasons why I left......

I think about other periods of time in history and realize that things aren't near as bad as they have been. Just look at what happened during the 70's with gas shortages and rationing, stagflation, high unemployment, 12% interest rates, etc. Things are bad now, but not even close to that. And what about the ultimate economic disaster - the depression, where unemployment rose as high as 25%. Whew, we're at about 5% now... not even close.

Even though it feels bad, remember that it's been a hell of a lot worse and civilization made it through.