http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/8/1/article_02.htm
and : http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1999/9/1/article_01.htm
I came across this article by the WT: "Do Superstitions Control Your Life?
It is quite funny to read their description of superstitious cultures when their doctrine is filled with it.
Take a look at their article and its contradictions:
Many superstitions basically stem from a fear of spirits of the dead or of spirits of any sort. Events are interpreted as attempts by these spirits to contact the living with a threat, a warning, or a blessing. [...] Superstitious traditions hold that illness and accidents are, not simply chance happenings, but events instigated by forces in the spirit world.
And just below it reads:
Even though we cannot see them, evil spirit creatures do exist. [...] Satan would like to lull us into believing that he can offer us a better way of life. Hence, some temporary benefits may seem to come through the intervention of wicked spirits. But they can offer no lasting solutions. They cannot possibly bestow eternal life on anyone, and they are soon to be destroyed. Our Creator is the only source of eternal life and true happiness and the best possible protection against wicked spirit forces.
By using their own defining parameters, doesn't this statement make the WT a religion operating on superstition?
Of course! And the reason is obvious: The WT implants phobias and FEARS into its unsuspecting followers only to have them seek shelter under the Mother Organization and thus, tightening their control over the JWs. As evidence, read their next paragraph on that same article:
Divine help gives faithful worshipers of God protection from direct attack by wicked spirits. However, Satan may try to get individuals to compromise their faith.
"Divine help" is dished out -of course- only by the WT; And only its "faithful worshipers" are entitled to such protection.
Regarding unnecessary death under superstition:
Most people do not believe in the spirits. When they get sick, they go to a doctor?if they can afford it. Of course, a sick person can go to a doctor and still not get healed. Doctors cannot perform miracles. But many superstitious individuals who could be healed go to a medical doctor only when it is too late. They try spiritistic healing methods first, and when these fail they go to a doctor as a last resort. Many die unnecessarily.
Much here is to say of denial of blood transfusions on the basis of the superstition (e.g. implanted fear) of unclean blood, offence to Jehovah, etc.
Even when informed people understand the biological nature of sickness, they may still fear supernatural influences. Sorcerers and traditional healers use this fear to exploit people.
...And also cults such as the Watchtower.
But what is your view? Cheers,
Gerry