Typical go-to question dropped by the Elderberries which they apparently think is a real "gotcha!":
"Do you believe the governing body[i.e. mere men] are god's channel of communication on earth today?"
http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-a-cult/
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Cult?
No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings.
What is a cult?
The term “cult” means different things to different people. However, consider two common perceptions regarding cults and why those perceptions don’t apply to us.
• Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion. On the contrary, we pattern our worship after that of the first-century Christians, whose example and teachings were recorded in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) We believe that the Holy Scriptures should be the authority on what is orthodox in matters of worship.
•Some think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader[s]. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader. Rather, we adhere to the standard that Jesus set for his followers when he stated: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”—Matthew 23:10.
Far from being a dangerous cult, Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits its members and others in the community. For example, our ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. In addition, we conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write. And we are actively involved in disaster relief. We work hard to have a positive impact on others, just as Jesus commanded his followers to do.—Matthew 5:13-16.
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The watchtower leadership lies, lies and lies. They lie from the top down. Everyone in the chain of command is expected to obfuscate, "give milk, not meat", deceive, and all around get a person do what they (the enforcers... because that's what they are) want them to do. The religion clearly has two faces. One is for the incoming recruits and "weaker" ones. One is the hardass rules and absolute life-control that the cult exerts over everything. Use your "bible trained conscience"? My eye. (another example of lies and obfuscation at work: http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/do-jehovahs-witnesses-ban-certain-entertainment/)
• If they tell you it's "not about you" (what they told my husband when they dragged him in front of a JC after i sent my DA letter)? That's a lie.
• If they tell you you won't get DF'd because you're "special" or "unique"? That's a lie. "Brazen" conduct is the new "loose" and is a blanket reason. Meaning, they can DF anyone for just about anything.
Do not meet with them. Make it clear your children are NOT to be spoken to without you present. Tell em you will get a lawyer if the harrassment continues. Threaten that you will get the media involved, too. You have power.
Women are NOT respected by most of the males in the leadership positions. Nothing like having a sheep-herding visit and have some dipwit asking my husband's permission to come to the hospital for MY surgery. Makes a person want to shout, "I'M SITTING RIGHT HERE!"
