Questions from Readers:
Q: My sister suggested that I undergo cult deprogramming. What is it, and how does Jehovah the Watchtower Society view it?
A: In these last days that we?re living in, there are many religions, sects, and yes, cults. Many of these profess to have the ?Truth?. Some even go so far as to claim they are the only means by which God communicates with mankind today. Particularly astonishing is the fact that some even use Jehovah?s name, and claim to be his people! Of course, Jehovah?s Witnesses have unshakable ludicrous faith that they have the truth even in the face of opposition from detractors who would call them a cult.
First, what is a cult? A cult is an organization that follows a man or group of men in order to attain salvation. Some may argue that Jehovah?s Witnesses follow a group of men, but is this the case? Not at all! Jehovah?s Witnesses follow a theocratic arrangement, through which current spiritual truths are provided to the Governing Body by Holy Spirit decided upon by the Governing Body by means of a two-thirds majority vote. Just as the scriptures are inspired and beneficial because the bible says so, the organization is directed by Holy Spirit because we say so.
There are a number of methods used in cult deprogramming. An increasingly popular treatment is called cerebral expurgation. Here is a definition of the word expurgation:
Expurgation.
Expurgation \Ex`pur*ga"tion\, n. [L. expurgatio justification, excuse: cf. F. expurgation.] The act of expurgating, purging, or cleansing; purification from anything noxious, offensive, sinful, or erroneous. --Milton.
The origin of cerebral expurgation began with the advent of the Internet. The process has evolved with the increase of apostate Internet discussion boards. This process, which eliminates cult-induced air-headedness, causes an effect that has become known in some circles as ?Brain Farting.? Like foul intestinal gas, erroneous teachings are expelled from the mind at an alarming rate. Occasionally, a spiritually weak an intelligent publisher may stray on to these sites and engage in discussion with those who have left our spiritual paradise hell. What a faith shattering mind opening experience this can be! The process is not induced chemically or by other conventional means. It is brought about by frank, honest discussion, which can give birth to the sin of rebelliousness independent thinking.
What are the potential hazards of a worshiper of Jehovah following such a sinful course? There are many, but to name a few, some have become increasingly independent in their thinking. Some have even resisted the interference of loving elders in their personal lives. Some have taken up bad habits such as furthering their education, becoming less sexually repressed and even posting interesting threads about ?Loads.?
To answer the original question, cult deprogramming is NOT for Jehovah?s Witnesses. Such a practice alienates Christians from Jehovah the organization. It opens their minds to demonic positive influences that we cannot control. May all true Christians stay away from apostate discussion groups and avoid the sin of rebelliousness reasonableness.
Ed.