Why Some People are Better Off in Cults

by Dogpatch 36 Replies latest jw friends

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  flipper

  DOGPATCH- Very interesting thoughts , thanks for posting it. I agree that some people may FEEL better in a cult because it's more of a comfort zone to be satisfied with the status quo which they benefit from somehow - however they are TRAINED to feel that they are better off. Many in mind control cults have never known anything else ! Like Jehovah's Witnesses who were raised in the cult ( as I was for 44 years until exiting 6 years ago ) - people like us never knew there was a possibility to have freedom of mind or to think critically because our minds were turned off and controlled by the WT society. We never KNEW the difference ! I agree with Steve Hassan that deep down - the human spirit wants to be free.

  I do agree that people should not be forced into leaving a cult. They have to see a need to leave of their own power. That's why I too am very careful of how I come across to many of my JW relatives. But for those JW relatives who are sitting on the fence and showing signs of wanting to think free of JW mind control- I will and do drop off hints to them in subtle ways to try to open their minds up.

  The example you posted of a family with an abusive father, " A family of six that seems to be getting along fine does not want to hear the " fact " that dad was a sexual abuser in the past. " Very true statement as I've seen Jehovah's Witness spouses accept back a child abusing husband and stay married to him just to save face or be in a " family " situation that they are familiar with. Of course in time that decision may backfire if the molester offends again abusing more children in the congregation - but I see the point - the immediate family, wife, or children are just concerned how the network works for them only- not the repercussions on other families. Actually pretty twisted - but you are right it's their decision.

  I feel that change is very difficult for people - especially those influenced by mind control. If they want to stay controlled, fine - but I'll continue beating the drum for the exiting witnesses who want freedom of mind as long as my body is breathing
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  willyloman

  Randy: Exactly what I've discovered, and very well written.
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  AllTimeJeff

  I really appreciated this article. Thanks.
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  Gayle

  I, too, am hoping for more JWs, to get more information with the "information age" on the Internet. Some do seek "truth" and maybe that will only be limited or in degrees. Many will always insist on their cult "crutches" (thinking they are better off in their dependency) but some will suspect they don't really need the JW "crutches" and with time and reading, they'll exercise their individualism and independency.

  Some will learn they don't need the 9 Governing Body members and they don't need the 7 million JW "brothers and sisters" and don't need even 100 or so of the local JW "brothers and sisters". Having a handful of true friends, supportive and understanding and good reading materials will become more sufficient and fulfilling than all the "junk" literature of the WT and abundant conditional JW friends.

  At least I hope and am seeing people, not JWs yet, going online to find out about Jehovah's Witnesses. People are more 'investigative' in many ways nowadays. This will impact the WTS' future.
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  jaguarbass

  all religions are cults.

  People are happier if they delude and lie to themselves than face the harsh reality

  of the truth of our exhistence.

  Religion takes the edge off reality.

  Ignorance is bliss.

  People are better off not taking the red pill.
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  whereami

  So true.

  Thanks Randy.
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  boyzone

  Mr Flipper I'm with you on this one.
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  BabaYaga

  Randy said:

  I personally find that almost all of those who I have exit-counseled turned out in the end to be VERY interested in the Bible and God, whereas many who leave and who do not have any kind of professional counseling seem to be very bitter on the subject of God, or still live in fear of him. There are many “land-mines” that have to be extracted from one that has been abused by cult mind control. The fear, the anger, the guilt, and the negativity must be addressed and dissipated.

  This is particularly interesting to me. You are so right, we do have a lot of "land-mines" to deal with before we can be truly healthy and happy after our experience. But why do you think your counseling produces less atheists? Isn't that odd? If you don't mind me asking, Randy, what are your personal beliefs regarding a higher power?
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  quietlyleaving

  excellent article Randy
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  wobble

  Thanks so much Randy for this article and your work on Free Minds. You have made many things clear to me,and as Mr Flipper said "if they want to stay controlled -fine "

  I know of one Guy who knows many of the problems with the W.T but stays in coz it keeps him off the drink and drugs ! So I guess it works for him,he never did all the cult stuff, and he stopped going to the group Study years before it was dropped . I would not say his mind is controlled, just his habits. The pity of it is, other groups could help in those areas and he could be free.

  Thanks again and keep up your good work, I am sure you help to free many many people from a number of cults and control situations,well done !

  Love

  Wobble