What should people know about JW? (page 2)

changeling

That independant and critical thinking are condemed. I think that says it all!

Discouraging young JWs from going to university even the ones that are intelligent and capable of it. They are given instead the false promise of a soon to be paradise earth and most end up in low paid jobs by obeying a worthless organisation.

BizzyBee

All great answers! And your list is spot on. I like that you put JW history first - it really is the most important piece. If the average person really understood the history of JWs in context, no one would every again study, much less get baptized.

jwfacts

I think it is worth adding why people are attracted to it in the first place.

When first being taught about being a JW the focus of the doctrine is;

Followers will never die
Followers will live forever in Paradise
Jehovah's Witnesses belong to a spiritual paradise with the happiest, most loving, most honest people on earth.
Jehovah requires his followers to adher to strict standards, such as not fornicating, worshipping idols or smoking or taking blood

Once a person is baptised they learn more:

The full repercussions of disfellowshipping
That the GB can not be questioned

What they may never learn are many of the things in the list that you have created.

OnTheWayOut

I like the 15 minute guide at www.jwfacts.com. It is like a mini-version of CAPTIVES OF A CONCEPT.

You could use some of the intro and conclusion. The middle substance might get too deep.

We would all do it different. I would focus on these from your list:

2) Mind control - how they inforce their doctrine

3) Fase prophecies

Mrs Smith

think it is worth adding why people are attracted to it in the first place

I like that, thanks jwfacts.

Thank you everyone for your great replies. Now just send me all your good vibes so that my voice doesn't wobble too much!

whyizit

I think it would be helpful for people to understand a little about how to EFFECTIVELY speak to JWs.

How to ask, rather than tell. Not to atack them, but learn some good questions they could ask that might break through the mind control.

A list of what we do that hurts, and what we can do that helps. Attacking them and saying they are a cult will only hurt. Asking them about the history of the WTS may help. Especially when they bring out the 5th Chapter of the Proclaimer's book, and you can point out: "Wow! Your founder taught that Jesus returned in 1874? He taught that as "the Lord's truth"? Is that what you teach now? If it was the Lord's truth then, shouldn't it STILL be the Lord's truth?" Stuff like that.

If more people knew how to ask civil, non-confrontational questions that would make JWs do some research and think for themselves, I think that would help more than anything.

flipper

#4 Child abuse, sexual & Physical. BIG issue right now. Should be kept there. Peace, Mr. Flipper

What should people know about JW?