“punkofnice”:
I just finished reading the entire three-page thread at http://www.exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com/topic/17537/Proof-that-JW-s-are-a-CULT#.Uf7MGRZBCME which you referenced above. Extremely good reading. Thank you for that concise summary of common definitions of a cult and the precepts by which they operate.
“jw04”: “ I would like to know about Jehovah's Witnesses, what they can cannot do. I am interested in the truth, although it seems a bit confusing. ”
If you check out the above Web link, you will know the real reasons why they can and cannot do what the can and cannot do.
For some specifics of what those rules are, here is a good list:
Belong to another organization or club for the purpose of socializing with nonbelievers
Have best friends and activity buddies who are not Jehovah's Witnesses
Associate with people outside their organization when it is not necessary
Attend social functions sponsored by their employer unless attendance is required
Associate with coworkers after business hours in a social settings
Disagree with their organization's rules and code of conduct
Disagree with their organization's doctrines
Contribute to the Presidential Campaign Fund on their tax return
Join the armed forces and defend their country
Say the Pledge of Allegiance
Salute the flag
Vote
Run for leadership in their organization
Run for leadership in any organization
Take a stand for any political issue inside their organization
Take a stand on any political or 'worldly' issue outside of their organization
Campaign for a political candidate
Hold political office
Discuss politics
Be a union steward or shop steward
Actively be involved in a union strike
Use a gun for protection against humans
Become a police officer if a gun is required
Wear military uniforms or clothing associated with war
Take yoga classes and practice the discipline of yoga. See Is Yoga For Christians?
Smoke tobacco and cigars
Work full time selling tobacco and cigars
Attend Alcoholics Anonymous
Donate blood
Accept blood transfusions. See Abstain From Blood
Read books, magazines, publications, and literature from other religions.
Buy anything from a church store
Buy something at a church garage sale
Donate items to a church run store
Shop at the Salvation Army
Work for the Salvation Army
Work for another church
Play competitive sports on a school team
Play competitive sports professionally
Run for class president
Become a cheerleader
Go to the school prom or school dance.
Attend class reunions
Be hypnotized
Accept Jesus as their mediator, 1 Timothy 2:5. See Mediator
Join the Boy Scouts
Join the Girl Guides
Join the YMCA.
Serve on jury duty
Study psychology, philosophy, sociology, and viewpoints that might shake their faith.
Attend other Christian churches
Attend nondenominational churches
Attend non Christian churches
Get married in another church
Dating non believers is discouraged
Casual dating is discouraged
Dating someone without the intent of getting married
Having sex before marriage
Breaking an engagement can result in disciplinary action
Marriage to non believers is not recommended
Be gay or lesbian. Homosexuality is not acceptable.
Throw rice at a wedding
Get divorced unless the reason is adultery
Can't remarry unless their ex commits fornication first
Toast drinks
Buy a raffle ticket
Play bingo
Gamble
Sing any holiday songs
Sing the National Anthem
Celebrate Christmas - Why?
Celebrate New Years Eve - Why?
Celebrate Easter - Why?
Celebrate Mother's Day - Why?
Celebrate Father's Day
Celebrate birthdays - Why?
Celebrate Thanksgiving
Celebrate Flag Day
Celebrate Veteran's Day
Celebrate Independence Day
Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day
Celebrate Valentine's Day
Celebrate Halloween - Why?
Celebrate Hanukkah
Accept holiday gifts - Why?
Celebrate any holiday except the death of Jesus - Why?
Partake in the bread and wine that represents Christ unless they are part of the 144,000
Make holiday artwork for school
Engage in holiday parties at school
Take on a leadership role in school
Porneia
Do suggestive and immodest dancing in a public place
Attend a class, workshop, or seminar, sponsored by another church
Attend social events or fund raisers sponsored by another church
Use of bad language (curse words) is discouraged
Wear blue jeans, shorts, and casual clothing at the Kingdom Hall
Wear pants at a Kingdom Hall if you're a woman
Wear revealing clothes or skirts that are too short (looked down upon)
99.Wear long hair or facial hair if you're a man (depends on the local customs of the country you live in)
The above list was copied from the following page:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/240506/1/what-are-the-JW-rules-once-baptised
Here is another thread on the subject of rules:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/171650/1/45-JW-Rules-Teachings-that-go-beyond-writings-of-the-Bible
Still wanna be a JW?