I'm quite certain there are old writings in old books that says you have to follow them and that have been scanned on this forum in different places, that they speak as God's channel, and no one else does... as well as a new article stating the same. I think that is very clear, in writing and in teaching. But regardless, as Wasblind said... you only have to claim it once.
Also, please dont be under the misconception that JW's are alone in regards to pushing thier dogma through threats of eternal destruction.
That is a central tenent to Christian faith.
Oh, I'm not under that misconception at all... though I would say it is central to some denominations and not others. It isn't JW's vs. the rest of Christianity, as they like to claim. JW's are just another sect of Christianity, albeit an extremely high controlling sect - which is what gives them their feeling of a cult. There are rules for absolutely everything, many not even biblical, and if those rules are not followed, then df'ing and utter loss of family can and often does occur. Why? Because they are not following God's organization, and are "therefore", not following God.
But lets talk for a moment about df'ing. As far as I know, only cults cut their members out of their lives completely. JW's; Scientologists; Mormons (I think); Westboro Baptists; etc. So for many it isn't about Armageddon or hellfire... but rather about losing their families to an organization that claims to speak for God.
Catholics might sometimes ex-communicate from their faith, but not from contact and life (unless an individual chooses to go that route on their own, but it is not asked of them nor mandatory)
Lastly, how do you feel about all the ex-JW's and Christians saying one must agree with their particular dogma (which usually consists of getting out of JW's as fast as you can) to attain salvation?
I disagree with them 100%. Adherence to dogma does not save. Christ saves. And what special knowledge does one group of men have over another group of men?
How much time have non-JW's spent trying to convert JW's to the "real Jesus"....To partake of the emblems....To discuss the Trinity....
Not very much as far as I know, though I'm sure it happens. They more just want their families freed from the WTS... often to whatever path they choose.
Make no mistake about it, if the extremist ex-JW's had the organizational structure to push thier dogma, they would do it...
What dogma? I've been on this board for a year. I don't know of any dogma that ex-jws push. They're not organized because they all have different views of life and faith.
Tammy