I accept that this forum doesn't have a multi-quote function, I really do, but it's in a 'choose your battles carefully' sort of way.
Apart from having yet to watch the video and read the link, I read all replies carefully and it's seems there is a lot of stuff I don't know about the JW's. As far as cults go, I'm a veteren of the Psychic Wars from way back (all hail the amazing Blue Oyster Cult; the only and best cult worth listening to) ie Roman Catholics, Tibetan Buddhists (not Zen Buddhism by a long stretch), Scientology, Krishna (UN)Consciousness, Crowley's Thelema... Christians: Orthodox, Swedenborgians, and few others. I'm still all here and not a robot veggie.
I don't know if I'm going back but if I do, it will be with a heap of skepticism. I won't overtly show that nor will I fawn, grovel or pant like a lap dog. A lot of weight in your replies so thank you all.
Londo111
What do you think about their beliefs now?
Skeptical.
Wake Me Up Before You Jo-Ho
It's a bit disappointing and eerie to hear how programmed and switchboard-y these guys are when questioned about very important, yet basic, scriptures.
[snip to keep it simple(r)]
My thinking was similar during their Watchtower study. I couldn't tell if they were reciting from memory or reading. They seemed devoid of the spark if you know what I mean.
Wow, they say all that stuff? Must be like the reams of BS policy books in scientology.
Vanderhoven7
Well I would like to say that i disagree with every doctrine that is unique to Jehovah's Witnesses including:
1. that 99.9% of the worlds population will be destroyed at Armageddon (everyone who is not a JW)
[snip]
the list goes on and on.
I didn't know that stuff but I knew they wouldn't tell me if it's true or not LOL. I asked the two that came to my door why they sold their Jay St Brooklyn billboard building to Jared Kushner for $386 million knowing that Kushner also purchased 666 Fifth Ave for billions and they essentially said "it was a bad location and we needed the money." That is what they said.
Ding
Please think long and hard before you allow a group of men in New York have that kind of control over your life.
Well, that is what I am doing.
moreconfusedthanever
1. They consider themselves God's chosen people and only the JWs who attend the Kingdom Hall will survive Armageddon. 99.9% of the world's population are marked for destruction.
2. Easter and Christmas are out due to pagan links but wedding rings and shunning are acceptable even though pagan links exist.
3. Their Governing Body put themselves between you and God and Christ. No mention of a GB or faithful and discreet slave in John 14:6
4. Yes and they edit their Bible's to fit their control on the flock. See Micah 6:8 for example.
They pick and choose which bits are figurative or literal according to their current doctrine and how it best served to control the flock and keep them in the FOG (fear, obligation, guilt)
It is a prerequisite to think and act and look exactly as they say. Appearing before judges has nothing to do with it. Have you watched Judge Judy?
1. That goes a long ways in explaining why they don't believe the zionist
israeli view that Jews are 'God's chosen people.' How can there be two sets of chosen people?
2. Right on the money, moreconfused.
3. So right again. I believe no one needs middle men in their search. I quit the Catholics a long long time ago. John 14:6.
4. I just read them both and you are absolutely right. "Act / do justly " and "exercise justice" are two completely differnent meanings not to mention "cherish loyalty."
Sour Grapes
Runaway and don't look back. I wasted 40 years of my life in the cult.
Would you care to say why you decided to leave? I wasted a lot of time and money in other cults (the worst being scientology) and for me, it generally came down to hypocrisy and the idol worship of people.
Introvert 2
Bleak, this was me in 1999 : Single, lonely, fresh out of an unsatisfactory relationship, both parents dead no family, going through a career burnout of sorts with loss of self confidence and no support structure, co-dependent, idealistic, a little naive and gullible, uneducated and wanting to be part of a community that accepts me as I am.
Go ahead and 'study' if you want to learn the Bible real quick, but don't get baptised ever and please do your due diligence on the 'society' - watchtower corp. $$$
The LOVE Bombing stopped the day I was and saw their true nature which I knew - felt was always there to being with ( gut feeling ) but ignored because " I want to believe ! " By then I had over two years 'invested', the sunk cost fallacy and all that. Plus I was horny and looking for a 'Christian wife'.. what a disaster that would of been ! Came close a few times too.
I still believe in the Bible, am Christian but at my own pace out of any organisation. Some months I study daily, others not at all. So much out there other that what the wt people want you to believe.
Look up Werner Bible commentary, some good research there.
DD : Do your own due diligence.
Hope this helps.
That would be me almost to a T right now except my last relationship was 7.5 years ago. It was also unsatisfactory. I have some associates who like, respect and help me sometimes but no family and zero real friends. I also have enemies (and not by my doing or choosing) in the 'hood and at work. I try to be a responsible, helpful and friendly person to all but don't cross me (not directed at anyone here). Being alone is a two-edged sword; it limits the amount of BS but it sucks being alone all the time. It also forces one to be vigilent, introspective and inquisitive. And it sucks being alone all the time.
The "LOVE bombing" thing; I haven't heard that before BUT... I was LOVE Bombed by people in one of the churches I attended for awhile. I had differences with three out of the four(!!!) "pastors" there and stopped going. Do you think any of those people contacted me as a friend with no strings attached? NO. It was all "come to church come to church." I never went back.
jookbeard
they dont really know their bibles Bleak, they have a handful of proof texts that support their main doctrines namely the monotheistic belief they support and the claim that they alone are preaching the good news of the kingdom which they are completely in the wrong with anyway, after I left the WTS and believe me I thought I was a good student of the bible I found that I really wasn't, one can say the same of all cults.
That resonates with me somehow. I just finished reading the NT completely for the first time recently and took notes. I've read only samples of the OT (but almost all of Psalms; love those curses) began reading it and taking notes. I have some serious issues with most Christians views of the OT but I'll spare you except to say that the only view I believe in is the Gnostic one. Well, guess what? There aren't many Gnostic churches around these parts.
sparrowdown
Your first meeting and he tells you where you can buy a suit!?- if that doesn't raise a red flag nothing will.
When it comes to religion you should be more critical not less as you are relying on arbitrary interpretation of ancient writings, musings, allegories and stories.
Beware of love bombing. Do not check your brain at the door. Pay attention to what is really being said. Ask plenty of questions and do NOT be satisfied with answers that fob you off or do not make sense.
O heck yes it does LOL. Huge. And agree with you 100%.
Wakanda
Because it suits their cultiness. Look at this link. Search for Jehovah's Witnesses on the page; they are on there three times.
As is often said on this site: Let's review: It's a cult. Good luck in life bleak. I would suggest researching cults to make sure another doesn't try to recruit you, and get some therapy to see why you were vulnerable to the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Well, what do you think I'm doing? I'm not "vulnerable" to anyone including online. Do you know me? No, so don't presume to, K?
LongHairGal
The points you posted are inaccurate and there is SO much you don’t know!
Everybody is telling you the truth here. I would hate for you to join and then in time have the rude awakenings we all had...Well, do what you want but I’m afraid you are going to find out the hard way.
How are my points "inaccurate?" While it is true there is a lot regarding JW's that I don't know, I would say the same to you about Knowing everything that needs to be known for example the "holidays" detail.
steve2
They are big on double standards:
If they knew you asked questions about them on this forum, they'll sweetly say, "Why not ask us directly rather than asking others?" Then they will proceed to tell you all about "the churches of Christendom" and if you say, "Why can't I ask people in the churches my questions about them?, JWs will say, "that's different."
Right, because they will give me their biased view / dogma and that is not what I am looking for. Thanks.
