@Vaporize, (regarding the post by Confession )
My family has been involved for four generations and more than sixty years. I myself served as a JW elder. I've only come to recognize that the organization is not what it purports to be for approximately the last seven months.
As mentioned by another contributor, key to the entire JW belief system is that there exists a "channel of communication" from God to the entire planet. They use the scripture at Matthew 24:45-47 to support the concept. I won't quote a lot of scriptures here, but I will do so with this one--since it's integral to understanding JWs...
"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings."
At one time they recognized the founder of the WT Society, Charles Taze Russell, as the Faithful & Discreet Slave. But in time came to believe that it was actually a "class" of Christians. This coincided with their developing belief that only 144,000 from the earth would actually go to heaven, where they would rule as Kings and Priests during Christ's "Thousand Year Reign." They found a scripture that mentioned a "little flock" and "other sheep," and concluded that the little flock was the same as the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation. The upshot? Only a very exclusive (and usually quite elderly) few still living today believe they will go to heaven when they die. The rest have an "earthly hope." And so those who profess to be of that 144,000--and are still presently alive are recognized as part of the Faithful & Discreet Slave class. Supposedly these ones, scattered throughout the earth are those who are dutifully looking after Christ's interests here--but in point of fact, it was always the Society's President--and more recently it's "Governing Body" of men in Brooklyn, New York, who have created and expressed its policies--and have compelled adherents to follow them.
Also important to understanding JWs is their belief that Armageddon is imminent. While other religious may also believe this, the JWs in particular have set definite dates for this event many times in the past. Originally it was believed to be coming in in the 1870s, but after that time came and went, the year 1914 was settled upon. It too passed by. 1915, 1918, 1925...I may be missing a couple of them, but one-by-one the prophsied years came and went--all, of course, without Armageddon occuring. After such an extraordinary series of failed prophecies, it is almost unbelievable that they AGAIN predicted a date beginning in the mid-60s. 1975 would be it. And that was thirty years ago. Even more unbelievably is how so many JWs continue to hang in there with the organization after such buffoonery. I was one of them. Today, JWs simply believe that Armageddon is "right around the corner." They come up with "new light from Jehovah" whenever they are in a position to re-explain a prophecy that was not realized.
They do not recognize Christ as Almighty God, but as God's son, who had a pre-human existence, being the first creation of God.
They do not subscribe to "immortality of the soul," believing instead that when you die, well, you actually die. They do however believe there will be a resurrection of the dead (for those who are not put to death during Armageddon.) Those of the "little flock" of 144,000 "anointed ones" will go to heaven. The "great crowd" of "other sheep" will have the opportunity of everlasting life in a paradise on earth.
They do not believe in literal torment in hellfire, but that those who refuse to conform to Jehovah's ways after they are resurrected--or those who live right up to the time of Armageddon who are not JWs--will experience the Second Death. This means that they will never receive a resurrection. Dead forever.
Regarding "modern day society," they have no problem with advancing technology, actually taking advantage of such organizationally, but instead constantly stress the need to have no unnecessary association with those who are not JWs. If they are unbaptized or are not regular meeting attenders, they are "worldly" and "bad association." They also emphasize not getting caught up in "the things of the world." They are warned not to spend time with their computers or television--or any form of recreation--if it might detract with having a "full share" in the door-to-door ministry.
Regarding "lesbians and gays," they recognize the Bible's comments on homosexuality as evidence that those practicing it will not "inherit God's Kingdom."
Regarding "various jobs," they have had much to say over the years. A Witness cannot be a Police Officer or be involved in the military. They cannot farm tobacco. As I write this, I find it pointless to keep listing them. The truth is, that the potential for the organization's finding fault with your career or job is limitless.
Regarding 'strength of belief.' Strong. Very strong. Someone else mentioned "cognitive dissonance." I agree. Many people want to believe in something, and the WT Society does a magnificent job of giving this to people. One of their most impressive feats (in my opinion) is how they've managed to "self-santize." They've done this through disfellowshiping those who do not remain loyal to the organization and begin to speak of it to others--and through demonizing such ones as evil "apotates," not even worthy of being prayed for. To the degree that an organization can keep its flock from finding where the bodies are buried--to the degree that they can keep presenting them with positive images, with purposeful work--to that degree they may be successful in receiving strong loyalty and belief.
Everlasting life in a paradise on earth... The world is passing away... Don't listen to opposers; they are only trying to mislead you... We love you; listen to us as God's spokesman... If you listen to opposers, you are opening your mind to Satan's "evil slave" and apparently have a weak or wicked heart condition... Oh, and if you DO listen to opposers, we may disfellowship you and brand you an apostate, effectively cutting you off from your entire family and community of friends you've known your whole life... Want to listen to opposers now??? I'm suggesting that the fantastic hope held out--combined with the gruesome penalties for even listening to opposers--does a pretty remarkable job of inspiring loyalty and strong belief.
You cannot pick and choose what you want to believe, but must accept the whole range of teaching as taught by the WT Society. You may not secretly entertain belief in a doctrine not sanctioned by the organization. Would you drink a glass of water with even a drop of poison in it?
Yes, a lot of what you've read is very negative. But it's not because of their basic Biblical teachings. It's because of legalism and authoritarianism. It's because they have placed themselves in the position of "conscience" for all their adherents, effectively usurping a person's own Christian conscience. It's because, in their fervor to keep the organization central in the lives of the flock, they are willing to ruin the lives of such ones.
I really enjoyed reading that post you did a while back on JW beliefs! That's pretty accurate! ...Actually it's all true!
Vaporize, I can testify that what he is saying is all truth! You can't go wrong with that! Get a good read of this, print it out if you want! It's in "book quality" form. :)
