Are Jehovah's Witnesses A Cult? A WT Apologist Says No

by Bangalore 17 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Bangalore

  Are Jehovah's Witnesses A Cult?

  http://www.witnessoftruth.com/articles/questions/are-jehovahs-witnesses-a-cult.html

  Bangalore
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  cofty

  Sophomoric article, very lame reasoning.

  "If I am accused of being brain washed, then it's the best brainwashing I've received in years"
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  thetrueone

  Go through the list set here and compare that with the JW organization, one would conclude that yes it is cult

  surrounded by a religious publishing house and the proliferation of its published literature.

  By Rick Ross, Expert Consultant and Intervention Specialist

  Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.

  1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.

  2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

  3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.

  4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.

  5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.

  6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.

  7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.

  8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".

  9. The group/leader is always right.

  10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

  Ten warning signs regarding people involved in/with a potentially unsafe group/leader.

  1. Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.

  2. Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.

  3. Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".

  4. Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.

  5. Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.

  6. Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.

  7. A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.

  8. Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.

  9. Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.

  10. Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.
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  rocketman

  I find it interesting that this Witness of Truth site has no link of provision for Comments.
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  mindseye

  Countless strawman attacks against the "world" among other errors in reasoning. This comment especially struck me:

  What are they doing so free or "open minded" that everyone else is not? From an outside look, it would seem they live the same exact life everyone else in this system is living, following the same paths and "goals." They all follow the same advice, philosophies, teachings, sexual pleasures and appetites, and other traits that all these "free" and so-called "open-minded" people are following!

  Well, no. There are a multitude of philosophies and ways of living. To say that everyone is following the same path shows an extremely limited worldview.

  Also, the writer acts as if those who leave and pursue higher education just do so for the high paycheck, etc. Some also actually enjoy what they are learning and enriching their mind. Oh yeah, those critical thinking skills help out too.
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  breakfast of champions

  MINDSEYE - same passage stood out for me too. Worldview is the key: the JW worldview is Satan v JW. Period. That in itself is an indication of being a cult!

  The problem with recognizing JWs as a cult is that the word "cult" is just so loaded with meaning. The first time I came here and saw people throwing around the C word, I was incredulous. Who the hell wants to even admit they are/were a cult member? The clincher for me ( which he really doesn't address in the blog) is the control and manipulation of information to achieve and attain authority over the group. Sure, this happens in dictatorships/ totalitarian governments/other authoritarian groups. But when you control information over a group of people for the sake of religious "purity", IT'S A CULT!
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  VM44

  The writer of the article admits it is a cult, but that "it is the best cult" that he has joined.

  The Watchtower is definitely a cult, Jehovah's Witnesses just don't like hearing that.
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  jwfacts

  It is a poorly written article. The list comparing JWs with Christendom includes a lot of false generalisations.
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  breakfast of champions

  "Additionally, real cults commonly keep their teachings secret, avoid paying taxes, look to one "leader" that is human and often held up high, live secluded or in one area generally, and many more traits. Jehovah's Witnesses have noneof these traits: we live all over the world, share our teachings, pay taxes, have no "leader" but Jesus. On the other hand, this description fits many groups and institutions that exist which none include Jehovah's people."

  Just noticed this footnote. . . JWs don't avoid paying taxes? Don't keep teachings secret (where's my 1879-2012 cd rom?)? The Govening Body is not our leader? Nobody ooohs and ahhhs when a GB member gives a talk at a convention? "Can little Johnny Witness come over and play today?" , "No, he's not allowed-but we don't live in seclusion!"
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  popcorn_eater

  From the article in question:

  Word of advice, if you don't want to talk with us, say so plainly, there is no need to play hide and seek. We are commissioned to deliver a message, if you do not want to hear it, all that must be said is, "No Thank You" and close your door if you wish. When Mormons or other religious preachers knock on my door, I either talk with them or simply say "I'm a Jehovah's Witness, no thanks." I do not feel I have to hide or avoid people in my own home.

  Jesus, what an asshat. Thanks for advising me pompously on how to handle unwanted intruders at my front door. "We are commissioned to deliver a message." Ugh that makes me so angry.

  I guess I don't have any constructive comments but it's hard to say something constructive after reading that.