Independent Thinking: Is it Wrong?

by cameo-d 11 Replies latest jw friends

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  cameo-d

  Just for a moment imagine that we had visitors from outer space and they said they were here representing god.

  Suppose they gave a good expalantion, saying that they are showing themselves because we are on the verge of annhiliation with wars, genocide, and toxic poisoning.

  Suppose their remedy for the situation was a new teaching which was basically some metaphysical-type platitudes.

  And the first thing that has to go is individuality. But of course, they wouldn't say it like that. They would use more esoterical language.

  Like, "we are all connected to the same Source of All That Is." Nonsense phrases like "We are all part of the ONE great consciousness."

  Then, they might emphasize that if we are not all of the same mindset, all on the same page, worldwide, then we cannot be in Harmony with the Creative Order of the Universe.

  Wouldn't this basically be like saying "If you're not with us, you're against us"?

  Even if they said "you have freewill to choose our way"....wouldn't it still be coersion because if you didn't choose their way you would be labeled "against Harmony of the Universe"?

  Suppose they said those who choose not to join in and be focused on achieving order and perfection of the self are merely exploiters and plunderers of other humans?

  Would you ever go for any teaching that required "unity of thought"?

  Do you really think that independent thinking and individuality is what's causing all the problems in the world?
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  caliber

  what is opposite to independent thinking ? ... dependent think and thats what is wrong for you and me ! ~ Caliber
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  wobble

  It was the Washtowels harping on about independant thinking being bad that first got me actually angry at them,(and I am mildness personified----- and modest!) I thought then NOBODY is going to tell me what to think!

  It is noteworthy that many of the survivvors of 9/11 were independant thinkers,and all beneficial innovations for the human race seem to come from independant thinkers.

  So lets get our thinking caps on and save the planet by ourselves!

  Love

  Wobble
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  WTWizard

  It is not independent thinking that got us in this mess. It was a form of altruism, more like communalism. When people think of their own lives as disposable, they will view others' lives likewise and create problems. Such aliens would likely be trying to claim this planet as their own and forcing us to either become their slaves or get destroyed.

  Instead, science should prevail. The free market will provide incentive enough to put out good products, because those that consistently put out crap will go belly up. And that is incentive for scientists working for those companies to be honest (if they are not, they destroy value for the company and will soon find themselves out of work).
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  Anti-Christ

  "Resistance is futile prepare to be assimilated". When a group with power condemns independent thought you know they are corrupt and they want power. Reason and knowledge is the ultimate liberator.
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  JosephMalik

  Cameo-d,

  Your entire premise is wrong. Independent thinking is natural and practiced by everyone. What is meant by the term in religious circles is independent interpretation of scripture. This is not wrong since we are not independent but dependent upon them. That is why we are told to: 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We do this as individuals using the word of truth not the publications of some organization especially one like the Watchtower that does not know the truth..

  Joseph
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  LongHairGal

  Wobble,

  I also started to wonder what was wrong when they kept railing against independent thinking.

  Joseph,

  While you may be correct in saying that the term independent thinking has to do with independent interpretation of the scriptures in religious circles in general, the situation in the JW religion has evolved along other lines. In their eyes, independent thinking has to do with just about everthing they have an opinion on. And since the religion is assumptions based on assumptions it gets to be a real mess.

  Wizard,

  You are right about how if people view their own lives as disposable, they will view others as well. The problem in the JW religion is that not ALL view their own lives as disposable. I have always felt that there were those who felt they were better than others and hoped the 'other guy' should give up his life. They always talked about how if it were time of persecution how you should share your 'crust of bread'. But, would they share theirs with you?

  LHG
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  jaguarbass

  What makes you think they arent here now and that everyone is not conforming?

  Do you know any free thinkers?
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  OUTLAW

  .....Yes it is!...........Oh my God!..I`m sorry I even thought about that!..Without permission!!....................................OUTLAW
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  hamilcarr

  Value judgments are hard to make.

  A more appropriate question could be: Independent thinking - Does it really exist?