Have you read Hassan's first book?
I don't agree with that evidence, so I'll just ignore it. . .
by Flat_Accent 41 Replies latest jw experiences
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sizemik
The problem originates from cognitive dissonance. In order to mitigate it, the counter-arguments must be dismissed with "facts" . . . or ignored.
Those are the only two choices because a change in belief is not usually an available option. Because the counter-arguments can't be dismissed with facts . . . to ignore is the only option.
Understanding CD and how it works makes you realise the futility of arguing with facts that challenge their doctrine or belief. You can only subtly get them to operate outside of the cult personality. Challenging doctrine or beliefs only stimulates the cult personality . . . the exact opposite of what you're trying to achieve.
Steve hassans books will help with how it works for cult members. Another good read is Mistakes Were Made - But Not By Me, by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson.
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cyberjesus
The problem is that people believe what they want to believe..... regardless of the evidence....
But that is not limited to the JW.... That goes for everyone.
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sizemik
Everyone CJ? . . . where's your evidence?
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ziddina
sigh......
So typical of so many Witlesses - er, "Witnesses"....
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Disillusioned Lost-Lamb
Yes! Fear mongering is the perfect description. The GB and on down the line will say anything to keep rank and filers in line/fear, the best part is JWs gobble it up; as 50cent said it, "like a fat kid love cake."
Why?
Besides the previous points on this thread, they've been told that anything from wash-towel, the goobering body-snatcher, district and circuit oversneers, elderberries and menstrual servants is directly from Jehovah himself. It doesn't matter that, to make this true, they're cutting out the middle man, er mediator, JESUS; but wait isn't the goobering body-snatcher the mediator, well I guess that's more evidence on their pile of rubbish they'll ignore.
Sadly, until any JW wants to “see the light” they will choose to stay in darkness. Brainwashing and mind control is a lot like addiction; you can show an addict all the science, proof and love but they won’t get clean until they want to, and unfortunately some never do.
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sizemik
As soon as you here the words "Yes, but ..." . . . or "Despite the fact ..." it's game over.
Think of it as the sound of a mind shutting down.
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cyberjesus
my evidence?...... me. i was a jw..... and u too
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harleybear
Flat- Your experience is typical. As a 5th generation born-in I have heard this all my life. My Grandmother who was baptized in 1914 was sure she would see the fulfillment of the last days in her lifetime. She died in 1983. The GB is so desperate to hang on to that scare tactic to keep the "flock" in check. Your research was wonderful and I appreciate your hard work. What I find also interesting is that while the GB hangs onto the last days as a "soon" conceptapplicable in our day, it completely ignores the words in Rev 1: 1-3. Vs 1 refers to "things that must shortly take place. Vs 3 refers to "the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it, for the appointed time is near " NWT Now that amazes me. ..... but then not really. To put any kind of validity that the prophecy in Revelation could have ...dare I say it??? been fulfilled in 70, would really upset the apple cart. Again the fear factor that the GB uses. By proclaiming that the Revelation account is applicable in our day again keeps the "flock" in check. But does this surprise anyone? HB
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outsmartthesystem
'dubs aren't taught critical thinking skills so they never develop an ability to do some fact checking on their own.' This is so true.....yet for the few that actually DO fact checking on their own......they will manage to overlook all the statistics that cannot be backed up. If a brother claims that earthquakes are on the rise and it is a sign of the end.....and you can prove him wrong with statistical data.....he will change his tune and say that it "feels" like earthquakes are on the rise. Data or no data....what matters is that it "feels" like earthquakes are on the rise. THAT is what Jesus was referring to. And just like that he has maintained his belief while at the same time voluntarily ignoring the fact that the society fed him incorrect information. They don't realize they are doing it, but witnesses will do whatever it takes to defend their organization......including rationalizing the irrational
