Cults require their people to give over their lives, money, or time to the cult's goals. Religions give people hope and courage in which to fulfill (not thwart) their talents.
I remember hearing a preacher speak once. So different from the Watchtower. His gist was that God made each of us as INDIVIDUALS, having different talents and abilities. It is a slap in God's face to not use one's talents and abilities to glorify God. Some people are good at science or math. To serve God, going to college, becoming an engineer, doctor, scientist, professor, IS serving God. Even a plumber who goes to trade school is glorifying God. A mother who stays at home to raise her kids is glorifying God; as is the career woman who shows her kids that women are valued in the marketplace.
This is just like the bird that flies, glorifies God. The whale that migrates the oceans, glorifies God. And, the man who achieves his talents glorifies God. That man, is a happier person and produces a happy, loving world.
But, to the Watchtower Society, the only way to glorify God is to forego one's owns talents to sell magazines & books. Well, nowadays, it's to get a new convert who will buy up all those magazines and books. Oh wait, it's a publishing comany. Now, it makes sense! They need foot salesman, not scientists or engineers!
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