Whatever classification you may wish to apply it is the mindset that inhibits, inhabits, dominates and destroys the individual. The physical integration of individuals in mainstream society is dysfunctional and illusory. You know they can be no part of the world. That is the mindset they carry around with them! As such they do not have the comfort of a pure cult in being completely immersed within a group that accepts and supports them wholesale. They live out a conflict with their day to day environment - trying to homogenize with society without ever becoming part of it. A psychological camouflage of not wanting to be singled out for being different whilst at the same time maintaining difference and disconnection to please an invisible constantly watching God. It is a juggling act in which there is no rest. And the group gatherings are tediously tiring bouts of never ending study and dealers of responsibility to save souls of the rest of humanity. It is indeed an unsurmountable task laid in the laps of sincere God fearing individuals who deserve much better and far more respect and autonomy than they are ever granted or encouraged to realize!
Jehovah's Witnesses are not a cult and here's why I think so
by B_Deserter 69 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Alwayshere
B-Deserter, you need to rethink. I was in it 33 years before I finially saw it. And it took my son who I raised as a JW to make me see it. Have another son and a daughter who will not get out. They will not have anything to do with my son because they labeled him an "Apostate" for not believing a lie. Everyone knows 607 is a lie as well as 1914. But you have to believe it or lose your family.
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jwfacts
It all depends on who defines the word cult. Steven Hassan defines a cult as:
- "any group of people who have a set of beliefs and rituals that are non-mainstream".
If non-mainstream is the definition, then JWs are a cult. However Hassan makes the distinction between a benign cult and a destructive cult, which is any religious, political or commercial group with
- "a person or group of people that have dictatorial control" using "mind control techniques to keep people dependent and obedient."
Under that definition JWs are also a cult. In his books Hassan states that it is not necessary to have physical isolation to be a cult. However, where there is physical isolation a lot more damage can be done. In my experience, being in Bethel was a form of isolation, and that period of my life was the most damaging of any of my experience as a JW.
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BrentR
Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.
- Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
- No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
- No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
- Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
- There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
- Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
- There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
- Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
- The group/leader is always right.
- The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.
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What-A-Coincidence
it all depends which definition you use to define 'cult' .. next!
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Hiddenwindow
Roddy said:
I don't believe the JWs are a cult anymore. They are too big to be a cult now. They are just another major denomination with their own set of strange and peculiar beliefs. Like the Mormons or the Church of Scientology.
However, the difference between the beliefs of those other sects or religious groups you have listed and the "peculiar beliefs" of the Witnesses is that the latter could literally kill you, vis a vis the blood policy.
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OnTheWayOut
I understand the debate here, but it might mostly stem from the desire to say,
"I was never in a mind-control cult" for some former members.Cults (in the modern sense) not only isolate their followers mentally, but also physically.
....no one is physically prevented from leaving the group.
...most of these rules are not (and cannot be) enforced in any physical sense.If the above are given to be true, then we might be talking about a dangerous mind-control cult.
Mind-control removes the need for physical chains, replacing them with fears and convictions.Cults (in the modern sense) not only isolate their followers mentally, but also physically.
A really successful mind-control cult might just demonize the world around it's members, telling
them to limit association with the world. It might try to influence members' decisions of how
much college is really necessary, or it might discourage sports and entertainment. It might
encourage (and sometimes enforce) staying away from former members, even if they are close
family members- that's isolation.In addition to extreme social pressure to conform, menial day-to-day tasks are strictly monitored and rules are enforced.
Isn't field service monitored? Don't overseers see who's not coming to the meetings? Isn't field service
a regular menial task, along with meeting attendance and reading all the WT literature?
Rules enforced- regular participation to stay active, NO SMOKING, NO GAMBLING, NO SEX WITHOUT
MARRIAGE, NO KINKY SEX WITHIN MARRIAGE, NO QUESTIONING THE AUTHORITY OF WTS.their followers live among normal society.
Limit that association with normal society. NO CHATROOMS, NO COLLEGE, STAY OUT OF CHURCHES,
DON'T VOTE, DON'T SUPPORT GOVERNMENT OR MILITARY OR ANY RELIGIOUS CAUSES.That is not "among" normal society.
no one is physically prevented from leaving the group.
So long as they don't mind losing their families and friends. Here is the dangerous mind-control at play.
Some kids actually ARE physically prevented from leaving.most of these rules are not (and cannot be) enforced in any physical sense.
Just in a mind-control sense are the rules enforced. "Obey or die forever."
"Obey or lose your family." "Obey or piss Jehovah off." -
Gill
The WT Society puts BARS AROUND THE MINDS of their members.
To be in a mental prison is as bad if not WORSE than a physical prison.
Their children are not permitted to leave the cult. They are FORCED to obey the organization by their parents.
Their parents are not permitted to leave the cult because they will lose all their family and friends.
Family and friends are expected to 'tell on eachother' and in essense betray eachother to the Elders.
They are not permitted to question the Organization.
They must all conform to a dress code.
This is enforced by marking and shunning!
They are expected to die for their beliefs!
I could go on and on,.....but I won't!
In the end, the Jehovah's Witnesses are a Cult and a dangerous one at that!
Obedience to the Death and a Mental Prison far more powerful than any physical prison could be!
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bobld
JW's are a cult,Why,because I said so and you better believe it.You better not even think that it is not a cult.Why,because I said so.If you do say anything I'll boot your ass.Now,repent and beg forgiveness.Say you are really,really ,really sorry for even thinking such evil thoughts.
Bob
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fresia
I think it is becoming cultish.