I must admit I never really thought of Religion as an addiction until I was reading a story about a girl that was a strict "pentacoastal" and followed all of the rules of the church until she became fed up with it all and left. And then she went to an even "stricter" church until her therapist told her that going from church to church is like a new "high". And when you think of some of the lingo that JW's and Born Agains use it might just as well be considered an addiction. I have heard born-agains say "drunk with the lord" or "give up everything and go where the need is great" this is a famous JW's comment about a zealous JW. Now I am confinced that the girl that I was reading about was right on the money. Religion is an addiction. What do you poster think about this topic?
Do you "think" that JW's and Born-Agains are "addicted" to religion?
by booker-t 11 Replies latest jw friends
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Jeremy C
Religion is what you make it. Some people devote themselves to religious adherence in with the intention of bettering their neighbors. I once saw a sermon given by the founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles - a Christian outreach project to the people of Skid Row. I was deeply impressed not only by his caring and compassion; but by the stories of people he had met who were making amazing turn-arounds in their lives.
Then, there are those who devote themselves to dogma for nefarious reasons - subjugation, coercive proselytizing, and the zealotry of killing infidels.
Ultimately, I believe that it all lies in the motives and intentions of the individual doing the seeking. I believe that a glance at the contrast between the Dalai Lama and Osama Bin Laden makes that obvious.
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no more kool aid
A true addiction causes physical symptoms when the substance is withdrawn. But I know exactly what you are saying, maybe more like an obsession that is only relieved by the compulsion to attend meetings, go out in service, study the watchtower etc. I was raised on the idea(threat) that if you don't do this then this bad thing will happen, which is a good definition of OCD. I have a good friend and colleague (not a JW) that told once told me she thought I was religiously preoccupied. She said that JW dictated my every move and monopolized every minute of my life. At the time I viewed it as a compliment even though it wasn't meant as one. We've had a good laugh about it now and I had to admit she was right.
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myelaine
dear booker-t...
while I can see why you may say "religion" is the addiction that isn't really the case...there is and can be an addiction to the kind of euphoria that one may experience with an encounter with the God of the entire universe and some will seek to "find" this kind of euphoria by wandering to other churches thinking that they will re-encounter "it" and when that doesn't happen they may seek "it" in another "religion"...
the task, imo, is not to seek this euphoria in another "place" because euphoria is not what you need...so...remain and wait...Isaiah 40:31 speaks of a walk with God this way...we go from flying "high" to running "fast" to walking and NOT "fainting"...
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.love michelle
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mouthy
You asked I am answering. I am Born again 1989.... Sat night at 9.p.m. Yes a bit late at that age to have a new birth...... But I am & make no excuses. Religion is in my opinion is the devider of most people. As I have said many times before on here, I have a relationship with the creator Jesus Christ ,I was preaching a false gospel for 25 years, Now I dont have to preach at all. I have to try to walk the walk of a follower of Jesus. I upset many by my advoidence of Churches, But I have gone for years to Baptist, Pentecostal, United, Salvation Army & I will continue to go to ANY I feel like listening to what they are saying.... I do have to say that MANY of them do things JWs never do, like feeding the poor, helping those who needs rides to Hospital, Dr etc. But the Gospel is SO simple. HE said "COME AS YOU ARE" So I did, fed up, hurt, old, angry, But since then I have asked the TEACHER (HOLY SPIRIT)to guide ,lead, direct me ...I feel I have made so many steps in the right direction, I leave folks to their own opinion, Yes I pray for all of them, I have quit judging as I did as a JW,So I am sorry you veiw me as a "pain in the butt "( not your words but mine. )But I have Peace knowing that I have a good friend.....He helps me get through the day..
Mouthy
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lovelylil
Amen Mouthy!
Peace be with you, Lilly
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jaguarbass
Religion is an addiction. What do you poster think about this topic?
I think so Bob Dylan said we all have to serve somebody.
Some folks might now who they are serving because they are walking around in a trance.
But they are serving somebody.
I'd say if you serve something your addicted to it.
Coffe, cigarettes, sex, cable tv, internet, religion, drugs.
Some people have multiple addictions.
I think we were programed made that way.
Thats why some of the masters call us consumers.
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Tired of the Hypocrisy
I think there are a few in both groups. Quite a few. If not addicted, then OBSESSED with it.
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Country_Woman
it can be an addiction.
Like the Romans (or the early communists not so long ago) said thousand of years ago: religion is opium for the people - you cab get hooked.
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blondie
I think jws are addicted to the WTS promise that they will live through the GT and live forever on a paradise earth. I also think some people are addicted to any group or organization that promises an easy answer to their problems.