Why isn't the WTS more direct in regards to "apostate" web sites?????????

by integ 22 Replies latest jw friends

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  integ

  I wonder why the WTS does not specifically tell its hapless adherents to NOT go to apostate websites? References as to what to beware of on the internet seem to be painted with broad strokes. Always first is pornography, then chat rooms. Chat rooms because "you never know who you are really talking to". They have also cautioned against people starting their own JW sites, and that one would do well to avoid any JW site outside of the WTS main one, but I wonder why they just don't come out and say "DO NOT GET ON APOSTATE WEBSITES". It would seem to be in their best interests to more fervently warn the flock about probably the single most potentially destructive vehicle to their religion. We know that "TRUTH" is their real enemy, but I'm a little surprised they don't push the "STAY OFF APOSTATE WEB SITES" thing, more. It was web sites such as this..specifically....that precipitated my eyes being opened. Just curious.....Any thoughts???

  Thanks,

  Integ.
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  Bas

  Don't get on Simon's board or you WILL be dis-assimilated. the force is with the aposta-knights, Resistence is FUTILE.
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  AlmostAtheist

  It'd be great if they specifically forbade URLs!

  "Brothers, do not under any circumstances visit the following sites: http://jehovahs-witness.com, http://quotes.watchtower.ca, http://freeminds.org, ..."

  (I can dream, can't I?)

  Dave
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  tetrapod.sapien

  absolutely. the internet poses the single largest challenge to them as an org since its inception. i think they do not specifically say not to go to an apostate web site for the same reason you don't tell a teenage boy not to have sex with a pretty girl, or try smoking a joint (not that i am saying there is anything wrong with either or even both at the same time). because chances are, they will go right out and try it. they will be curious as to what scares you so much. same with the borg, remember, she's our "mother".

  i always thought: why is it so imparative not to look at or refute apostate lit if we really have the "truth"? a real truth would be able to stand up to whater skepticism was leveled against it.
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  frankiespeakin

  Why isn't the WTS more direct in regards to "apostate" web sites?????????

  Because the WT thrives on abiguity and half truths. They also don't come out and say directly what reasons cause many to leave the organization,,because it would be very dangerous if did. Instead they say things like they didn't want to serve Jehovah anymore or they were looking for an excuse to stop preaching, or they became slugish in thier zeal. Always inuendos but never stating clearly,,that way they won't be putting any ideas in the heads of the rank and file, that will cause them to investigate further.
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  prophecor

  Remember the prohibition on alcohol ? If you ban something specifically, you'll find that theres a bums rush to hurry and seek out what it is they do not want you to see. To mention with absolute clarity will cause a flood of people to hurry over to see what all the hubbub is about. Reverse Psychology!!!
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  Narkissos

  WT 2000, 5/1:

  Enemies

  of the Truth

  8

  Apostates can present yet another threat to our spirituality. The apostle Paul foretold that apostasy would arise among professed Christians. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:3) In fulfillment of his words, after the death of the apostles, a great apostasy led to the development of Christendom. Today, there is no great apostasy taking place among God?s people. Still, a few individuals have left our ranks, and some among them are bent on defaming Jehovah?s Witnesses by spreading lies and misinformation. A few work with other groups in organized resistance to pure worship. In doing so, they side with the very first apostate, Satan.

  9

  Some apostates are increasingly using various forms of mass communication, including the Internet, to spread false information about Jehovah?s Witnesses. As a result, when sincere individuals do research on our beliefs, they may stumble across apostate propaganda. Even some Witnesses have unwittingly exposed themselves to this harmful material. In addition, apostates occasionally take part in television or radio programs. What is the wise course to follow in view of this?

  10

  The apostle John directed Christians not to accept apostates into their homes. He wrote: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works." (2 John 10, 11) Avoiding all contact with these opponents will protect us from their corrupt thinking. Exposing ourselves to apostate teachings through the various means of modern communication is just as harmful as receiving the apostate himself into our homes. Never should we allow curiosity to lure us into such a calamitous course!?Proverbs 22:3.
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  stillajwexelder

  HUMANS ARE inquisitive creatures - if you say do not visit apostate websites and specificall JWD or Freeminds, then you can be sure that more witnesses will actually visit them - the WTBTS KNOWS THIS AND HENCE DOES NOT
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  integ

  Thank you all for the responses.

  Narkissos: I had never seen that article. Thanks for bringing it out and posting it.

  Integ.
• 

  Lady Lee

  I wonder why the WTS does not specifically tell its hapless adherents to NOT go to apostate websites? References as to what to beware of on the internet seem to be painted with broad strokes.

  It is more effective to instill fear and demonize in general ways than it is to be specific. When working with kids most parents easiy recognize that if you tell a child "Don't go there." and give a specific place it arouses the curiosity and the child will go there. They want to know what it is they aren't supposed to do or see. Being a bit more vague broadens the scope and notr giving specific places makes it harder (hopefully) to find where they aren't supposed to go

  Always first is pornography, then chat rooms. Chat rooms because "you never know who you are really talking to".

  They demonize the internet by firstly introducing a topic that is a negative and then tie other sites to it as if to say these places are also dangerous. Notice they start with the porn and then mention chat rooms (a common places for pedophiles to lurk to gain access to innocent children. The mind is now set for danger. Then they tie in the general warning as if to say that other sites are just as dangerous for the same reasons.

  They have also cautioned against people starting their own JW sites, and that one would do well to avoid any JW site outside of the WTS main one, but I wonder why they just don't come out and say "DO NOT GET ON APOSTATE WEBSITES".

  They know that if JWs start their own sites they can't control who is visiting. They also can't control where else the JW goes. By demonizing the whole internet they hope that people will not accidentally stumble into a disapproved site