is it a cult, or isn't it? (page 4)

nvrgnbk

When we should have been prepared for life, we were being prepared to die.

May I use this in my book Robert222? It's brilliant in it's simplicity.

love11

Yes.

Because the organizations policy is above the bibles policy.

If you disagree with the organizations decisions in any way, you will be disfellowshipped.

The organization teaches that the only way to God is through them.

Sarah Smiles

Hmm! I use to think it was a cult! But after looking at the WTBTS strange pagan stuff I think it more like occult.

Cult use to mean not enough population for the religion to be a mainstream religion. I believe the SDA was a cult but now is consider a religion.

Occult means - Not revealed; SECRET, Abstruse, Mysterious, or relating to supernatual agencies, their effects or knowledge of them.

And really not to partake how many religion say do not partake?

How about measure a temple surrounded by false gods?

Just read the Revelation ITS Climax Is At Hand! That will explain some of the strange mystery parts of the organization.

What about the Sundisk on the original Finished Mystery book? Occult stuff! Know wonder they were put in jail! GOD was mad!

How many churches does not allow the freedom to go to another church?

How about using God's name in vain and preaching false teachings that are not in the bible?

Ok one more, How come Charles Taze Russells family belonged to the Skull and Bones?

And How come Charles T. Russell's wife dance at the illumantii dances with her mother?

And what about the Freemasons?

It simple Charles T. Russells was an illumanti and not a Freemason. Why because Illumanti belonged to the Freemason and did not have to sign names as part of the group. Until Freemason kicked the occults out! I guess they were too wierd even for them.

RollerDave

Oh, it's a cult all right.

You might THINK that the GB ony pulls the strings and the ultimate object of worship is their 'Jehovah' but you would be missing the point.

The lit pulls a bait and switch when it calls for loyalty to and obedience to Jah, then substitutes the GB for Jah in the next sentence.

The J Dubs functionally worship the GB, just try to insult the GB to them once and you'll see. It got me called the 'evil slave' by my own mom!

So there it is, it IS a cult, and let anyone who thinks it is not stand up at a meeting and say they are leaving the WTS and try to take their friends and family with em!

Roller (of the evil lugwrench sheep class)

eclipse

High Control Group Definitely -

Unhealthy For Your Sanity, Spirituality and Emotional Stability.

If you love yourself and your family, you will stay far away as possible from the snare of this religion.

Hobo

All of us here have 'intimacy' issues due to our experiences with this, whether childhood or not. We have ALL felt we don't 'belong' anywhere but within the WBTS- they cultivate this alienation in order to control us.

As much as we don't want to lose our families, we have to make a choice at some point (isn't that what god granted his children in Eden? freedom of choice?) We are allowed to make a choice, but are heavily punished if it's not the 'right' choice. Whatever happened to 'judge not, lest ye be judged?

For me, the numbers and philosophy just didn't add up way back in 1975- I've felt VERY lost and alone for a LONG time, but I realize that for all advances, something has to be left behind. People who don't respect my 'god given' right of choice deserve to be left behind.

undercover

While the Witnesses exhibit cult like behavior, after looking at other cults I would classify JW's as religious extremists or a high control group.

Witnesses do alot of suggesting, but they don't strive for 100% control of your life.

Cults demand conformity.

High Control Groups suggest it.

Witnesses strongly ask for donations. They do not demand financial statements or seize your assets in the name of the cause
Witnesses suggest you be well groomed. They do not provide a special uniform so everyone is dressed the same.
Witnesses schedule meetings. They do not set a schedule for you to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom etc.
Witnesses are everywhere. They do not ask members to relocate to a central area
Witnesses are eager to disfellowship. They don't try to keep members in or physically stop members from leaving.
Witnesses are guided by the Governing Body. They follow the lead of the GB, but still the object of their worship is Jehovah.

I'm just trying to be objective here. When you look at the average cult, the witnesses are a cakewalk in comparison.

In my interpretation, in a cult you can always find an individual or group that benefit from the actions of their members. I have yet to see that within the witnesses. Everyone has their own interpretation of a cult.

It might be interesting to discuss people's distinction between a cult and a high control group. Where does one end and the other begin?

I agree with this for the most part. The definition of "cult" is hard to define. What is a cult to one is not to another.

I rarely refer to the WTS as a cult outside of this board or any rare discussion with someone else who has also escaped the religion. I know that the word "cult" causes JWs to rise to arms in defense of the religion like no other insult will.

But the longer I'm away from it and the more I see how it affects people's daily lives, how it impacts life and death medical decisions, how it stumps the intellectual growth of its members, both young and old and how it doesn't allow dissension in the ranks, the JWs meet my definition of "cult".

Ex-members of a high control group, or cult, are the only ones who can understand the pressure, the guilt, the fear of being of that group. No outsider will understand completely what it is to be a JW. They can understand to a degree if having come from a similar background, but they won't completely know. An ex-Mormon can understand but he won't know, the same as we won't know what it is to be a TBM(true blue Mormon).

I agree that using the word "cult" to outsiders may give the wrong connotation. When discussing anything negative about the WTS to a current JW, the word "cult" is sure to cause problems. But on this board, to call the WTS/JWs a cult, we all know and understand exactly the connotation and the meaning.

theMartian

LOLOLO! "JWfacts" spouts such an attack when he/she doesn't even understand biblical ABC's.

alt

Robert222

Please credit garybuss for the statement. I was copying from his post because he said what I couldnt say or never thought of but it is very true.

Scully

theMartian

You're the one who does not wish to be ridiculed here. If that's really how you want things, you shouldn't be doing it to others. Golden rule and all that.

Your previous THREE accounts have been suspended on account of your ridicule. If it continues, this one will be suspended as well. In addition you will be banned from the site.

Govern yourself accordingly.

theMartian

Re: Re: Re: Re: Martain, I would like a Bible Study

06-Jun-07 14:34

Post 11 of 18
since 04-Jun-07

Thanks for the Tip, Alpha!

I'm just a long-time JW, who freely admits the faults of my Brotherhood. NOT a Watchtower Slave- just an associate who loves the Brotherhood, and what I feel is REALLY the Truth.

New Topic: Does God REALLY Exist?

Agape,

Mad

(We'll see if ridiculers don't mess it up!)

is it a cult, or isn't it?

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