"People Don't Join Religions for the Doctrine"

by leavingwt 7 Replies latest jw friends

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  leavingwt

  "People don't join religions for the doctrine. . . "

  This and other interesting observations by Randy Watters, in a new post at Free Minds. A sample is below.

  How Free Minds is Different than Other Websites Dealing with Cult Issues

  . . .

  Most Christians in the past have thought that if they show the Witnesses what the Bible really says and can prove it to them, they will get out. Unfortunately this does not occur in most cases, because most people don't join religions for the doctrine. People join religions for what they can get out of them. Something primal, whether it be a new family, friends, power over other people, "checking" the power of others (like an abusive mate), and so on. For instance, you might have a wife married to an alcoholic man, and her joining the Jehovah's Witnesses gives her a certain measure of power to check his influence in the family.

  There are many many reasons why people join cults and of course, some are unfortunate to be born into them, which is another issue altogether. My new approach just adds another useful dimension to the pot, so to speak. I have found the most effective techniques to be very simple. Simple things, like showing them love, kindness and forgiveness. Understanding body language and posturing provide extremely important clues. The reader will benefit from my knowledge of interventions with other cult members and how similar and simple the issues can be in the end. So although some or perhaps many of my personal blog articles may be spiritually related, others will deal with very simple techniques that work regardless of your religion or ethereal ideas. You can not only help a person out of a cult, but you can help them to gain what they were looking for in the first place that moved them to the cult in the first place. Why did they get into the cult? You will find out that reason... and you can provide a safer substitute for them.

  . . .

  http://www.freeminds.org/blogs/from-the-desk-of-randy/how-free-minds-is-different-than-other-websites-dealing-with-cult-issues.html
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  flipper

  LEAVING WT- This is similar to what Steve Hassan says in his books as well. I believe Steve mentioned that people don't join religions for doctrinal reasons also. And that showing love, kindness, and authentic human caring is what cult members need also. I'm glad to se I know Randy has worked with Steve on numerous occasions in cult exit counseling. It's good to see him get involved more so in helping people with that . We need more and more cult exit counselors. The more the better, people need help
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  wobble

  BTT
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  AK - Jeff

  I have come to believe this is very true. Many Jw's are in that cult because they have what I call 'dependent personality' style. They intrinsically love the herd mentality and to be given rules and leads to follow for every moment in life. This sort, which I believe is a dominant part of the jw cult, is very hard to address IMO. They are so comfortable with the programmed environment that it is almost impossible for them to break the bonds in their minds.

  Well, that's my theory, as long we are throwing theories out there.

  Namaste

  Jeff
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  inbetween

  ak jeff, I agree completely, observe the same here, some just are happy with rules and if the society is uncertain, they endeavor to put certainty in themselves.

  they need somebody to tell them what to do. Mayn of them would really fail in life, and have failed before joining.

  For others (especially born in, or those caught off guard so to speak) it becomes a burden, they deal with either through living it only on the surface, or through depression, alcohol, other issues...
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  BurnTheShips

  Randy is right. The change comes from within and below/above the level that the intellectual appeal of doctrine operates at. Deeds do more than words and "love conquers" most of all.

  When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

  Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

  ------------------------

  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

  BTS
• 

  designs

  Is it all about who makes the best Casserole for the Sunday pot-luck dinner.

  Most Christian Denominations have some form of Catechism and you will be asked to join and agree to their perceived 'inspired' views. Amazing how they all claim to be guided by a single Holy Spirit and yet come to such divergent views. It couldn't be because they are just winging it
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  garyneal

  I agree that most people do not join religions for doctrines and sadly most don't even care about what the Bible really says and instead just rely on preachers and teachers for all of their beliefs.

  To most people who go to church it is about meeting people, socializing, singing songs, or just the connection of family. I'd be lying if I were to say that I do not go to church for these things too. However, my wife and I had a conversation about my going to church as we were discussing John 20:28. She asked me if I trusted what my pastor said and if so why I don't go to him for Bible guidance. I said that sometimes I do seek his input, but I also pray, read the Bible, meditate on what I read, seek others opinions if I am still struggling, and trust that God will reveal the answers I seek. After being exposed to errorneous teachings in an Independent Fundamental Baptist church I find that I don't go to people first to help me understand the Bible, people help but I seek wisdom from God.

  I guess she was expecting me to treat the church the way she treats the Watchtower Society.