Blondie, thank you for doing this…. I know you used to do it consistently for a very long time (amazing!) and I always appreciated your comments and insights.
To see you do this again is a rare and wonderful treat -- though I'm sure it is hard-going at times!!
I thought I'd inject a little of my own "commentary" as I read these WT paragraphs… And I almost had an anxiety attack just reading it!!
It's incredible how I can now see the snippets of mind-control directives... But I also can see how an indoctrinated JW would "hear" or understand these directives or instructions…. It's subtle stuff at times!!!
Anyway, here goes! Into the rabbit hole!!
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Title Scripture: "Throw all your anxiety on [Jehovah], because he cares for you" -- just reading this caused me to feel a spark of anxiety.
When I saw the bracketed [Jehovah]… one realizes that the original must have said "the Lord" or something similar and much friendlier sounding.
Right away, we have the authoritative, temperamental "Jehovah" presence looming above us, but then are immediately assured that he cares for us.
The questions, Can you Explain? - direct us to the only places (read: only one place!) where we can ever really feel "free" from anxiety, or in a reduced anxious state. And that is with THEM! of course.
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Paragraph 1: Right off the bat -- "We live in very stressful times." -- gloom and doom and stress. Not just ordinary stress. VERY stressful. And they right away launch into our big, bad, scary enemy, SATAN! -- walking about like a lion who wants to devour us.
But it is always the same scriptures. Same repetition. Same old stuff they say, over and over again.
I instantly notice the weird way they talk and word things in the paragraph, attempting to draw you in (like an expert salesman) -- to get you to agree with them, or to share a common state or frame of mind: "Therefore, it is not surprising that at times, even we, God's servants, experience some feelings of anxiety…"
(The "therefore" is supposed to be a comforting word, drawing a person to a reasonable conclusion, namely, theirs.)
They list a few examples of faithful servants whom they call "God-fearing servants of Jehovah" -- but lookee the loaded language in that phrase alone: God-fearing! Servants!
This phrase alone and its meanings and contexts and details have been studied to the 9th degree in other WT studies and books over the years and years and years…
For example, the phrase, "godly-fear"…. and their correct definition, as only they can define it and truly understand it (unless it changes with new light!! bahahahahaha!!) - means to have "reverential awe", "godly respect", a "healthy fear of displeasing Jehovah", and a studious JW might want to look these WT articles up and refer to in their comments to win extra spiritual Brownie points.
And their use of the word "servant" -- again studied to the 9th degree and all the ways to be that way: meek, submissive, obedient, respectful, humble, blah blah blah… !
Notice the rather condescending & assuming question at the end of Paragraph 1: "But what can we do when we are overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety?"
Oh my god. Not only may we be anxious, but we may be *overwhelmed* by anxiety!!! Heavens to betsy! Oh my goodness!! Oh no!! What oh what to do???? Quick, let us read on because the answer must be forthcoming!!
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Paragraph 2: Oh whew!! Our "loving heavenly Father" comes to the rescue! And again, they use the word "servants" and yet another Bible verse we've heard over and over and over again…
But what are we to do wih this bible verse?? How do we meek, humble, obedient, submissive SERVANTS *apply* this verse?? oh, how oh how oh how? oh, what oh what to do?
No fears, never worry! INSTANTLY come their answers, packaged up in a nice, neat, note-taking package -- there are 4 WAYS WE CAN DO SO!
And any time a JW hears a number, they know that they need to "pay close attention" Because here will come a list of things we need to remember, do, look up, strive for, etc., to know how to apply this spiritual counsel. This becomes "behaviour control." What are the 4 steps…?
The first three are fairly innocuous: pray, read God's word (rarely does any JW actually do this, they are too busy reading all the JW publications!), "tapping into Jehovah's holy spirit," (whatever the hell that means!) and AH HA! - HERE IT COMES: "….sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant."
Did you get that?? It is only the 2nd paragraph, and by the end of it, the "direction from the Society", the "wisdom and teaching from the Governing Body", the people to whom we should SHARE OUR ANXIETY WITH --are who?? -- a trusted confident! In a JWs mind, this usually, or often, means the ELDERS. Maybe a spouse or friend or family member. But usually the direction this "confessional" goes is toward an elder.
Anyway, wow, I'm only at the end of paragraph 2 and feel exhausted, lol.
This stuff is INFURIATING to read now!!
I shall continue a little later, if I can stand it, haha.
My hat is off to you, Blondie, for having the where-with-all to stand this! :)
