Interesting site
by Stan Conroy 1 Replies latest watchtower bible
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bikerchic
Interesting many of these things listed describe JW's:
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON MARKS OF THE CULTS?
One of the most devastating experiences someone could face is to have a loved one involved in a cult. What are some ways we can know that a certain group is, in fact, a cult?
The devil always hides behind a mask; and he seldom carries an ID card. If this statement is true, it is of utmost importance for us to discern a cult when we see one.
The first mark of a cult is its manipulation of Scripture. The Bible is twisted to fit the leader or group's interpretation. Private interpretations are forbidden because the leader of the cult is the only one, of course, who is able to understand God's voice properly. Their teachings distort the historic, orthodox claims of Christianity.
Second, many times cults manipulate people's minds. There is little concern for individual thought and development. Education is usually discouraged while the convert is bombarded with the cult's doctrine and literature. Members are called to leave or neglect their old family and life-style for a brand new one.
A third mark is the manipulation of time. Since salvation come exclusively from the teachings of the group, in many cults members spend much of their time working for their organization. Family, school, leisure, sleep, and even food are most often neglected.
Finally, cults typically manipulate reality. They tend to have an exclusive "us" - "them" mentality in which society and old associates are all out to get them. Anyone outside of the group is suspect.
If a religious group exhibits one or more of the marks mentioned above, that group may well be considered a cult. Jesus Christ said that in the last days many false prophets would arise and deceive many (Matt. 24:11, 24). To avoid the deception of the cults, we should be rooted in the teachings of the historic Christian faith, and receive Jesus Christ, God the Son, second Person of the Trinity, as Lord of our lives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CRI carries a variety of materials designed to help you understand and witness to cultists. Please see the resources at the following link. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (949) 858-6111 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000.
I think it's the JW undercurrent of being a cult that is so subtle you don't even realize you are in one until you try to leave it, then the repercussions hit you like a ton of bricks.
Katie