LONGEVITY IS A HALLMARK OF STUPID RELIGIONS

by steve2 17 Replies latest jw friends

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  steve2

  We credit religious believers with far too much interest in and/or ability to engage in reasoning. We overlook two hugely compelling factors that drive and revive "faith": Emotional need for religious meaning, including to be consoled over awful events, and being born into the religion. Raised from day one to recite stupidity, it is then hard to assess stupidity for what it is.

  That is why there is no shortage of stupid religions who turn date-speculation into a near-art form. So, we learn that Chuck Russell, Watchtower founder, spun increasingly "reasonable" stories around dates of Biblical import. He clung to the year 1799 as the start of the time of the end that would have its farthest outreach 125 years later, in 1914. He expounded at length about 1799 - and boy did he sound convincing to the brainless faithful. Poor, poor sods.

  Did it ruin this man's white-bearded appeal that, his successor, da Judge , impatiently concluded that 1799 was not the start of the time of the end and ditched the date? Of course it didn't.

  Religions that peddle date-focused speculation thrive on members having the critical capacity of gnats. Ditch a date and dredge up a new one. Spin a compelling story. Cite Holy Scripture. Speak with authority. Mix confident assertions with a dash of pomposity. And once your believers fix themselves to your masthead, beef up their gullibility by intoning consequences for questioning - or worse, challenging - your stupidity. Shun those who dare call your stupidity what it is: Stupid.

  1799, 1874,1914, 1918, 1919, 1925, 1975 - oh, I'm sure I've left some dates out. It makes no difference. Yes, the Watchtower's heyday in the West is over - but there won't be a mass exodus. It requires brain power to smell out Biblical stupidity. Judging by the dazed and indifferent countenances of those sitting in Kingdom Halls, the risk of the rank and file realizing they are stupidly following stupid teachings is microscopically small. So small, a gnat would have a better chance of exclaiming, "God, what a load of complete and utter rubbish they're peddling".

  So, the GB massages expectations over 1914. They have no basis for worrying that it will backfire big time. No it won't. Just be glad you got out and - against the odds - are capable of smelling Stupidity when it fouls the air and calling it Stupid.
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  Bungi Bill

  Steve2,

  Sadly, I believe that you are right on the money there!

  Bill.
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  Faithful Witness

  Steve: When you become convinced that it is the TRUTH, you will be glad to submit and follow!

  I've never heard any other religion tell me that I could have a close relationship with God himself. The gospel message I've heard was always different than the JW promises of paradise earth and a friendship with God.

  It's all about "pleasing Jehovah" and "vindicating His name" (the name of their religion, not an accurate name) and "enduring to the end" and doing the "preaching work!" I have never seen such vigor in people, to try to please God, and prove their worthiness. (isn't that what Jesus told us to do?... oh, wait... he's just a tool to get to God...)

  I can't believe I almost fell for that... and that it took me 3 years to realize how many outright lies they were telling me!

  Thank GOD we never joined this strange organization.
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  punkofnice

  As far as end dates are concerned I find it hilarious and also sad that the end is always coming in the life time of the one proclaiming it.

  They lure gullible people into their cults by making the message urgent. I don't recall a cult that has said: 'Oh, well the end will be in a thousand years time so you don't need to join us and give us money!'
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  OneGenTwoGroups

  Isn't it curious punkofnice that the lastest "understanding" of the generation is that that second group is basically the Governing Body members themselves. Hey look this applies to .... ME! Completely infantile.
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  talesin

  Just a thought,,, Steve2 ,,,, you are so angry, and have a propensity for calling religious people stupid, and other similar things. And hey, this is the place to vent, for sure! however...........

  Are you really a therapist? If so, and this is your place to vent, perhaps a 'word to the wise'. If any active JWs read your words, they may be put off therapy forever because they would be afraid to talk to one. Perhaps you should reconsider mentioning that is your profession in your posts.

  tal
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  Apognophos

  Hey look this applies to .... ME! Completely infantile.

  This is the key, right here. It's not just about the GB... everyone wants to believe that the most important time in history is now. If we're living in the most important time, then it means we're kind of special too. Also, if the end is coming soon then it means we won't have to grow old(er) and die. That second factor is probably the main one, the desire to avoid death.
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  steve2

  tal, a point of view I had not considered and it invites a necessary discomfort in me. I need to listen.

  It interests me that you see me as "angry" - yet I would not say that is the main emotion that drove my OP but rather deeply sad reflection about the impact of the religion on my family. My maternal and paternal grandparents swallowed Rutherford's venom hook line and sinker. They fervently viewed the Watchtower Society as "the Truth" and they died decades ago expecting the end was just around the corner. Yet, to a last one they refused to consider it was anything but the Truth even as they routinely expected "church folk" to examine their "pagan" and "man made" religious views. I attribute their refusal to intellectual stupidity - a willful refusal to even think it could be wrong and, in the process, tolerating and engaging in behaviors that were and are frankly stupid. My maternal grandfather as Presiding Overseer established congregations throughout the lower North Island of New Zealand. He was responsible for disfellowshipping untold numbers of young ones who, in more than one instance, killed themselves. Yet my grandfather was touted as such a sterling example of an organization man. Forgive me if I talk about stupidity in the same breath.

  Yes, my use of the adjective "Stupid" is highly judgemental. But in some contexts it is an honest heartfelt emotional expression that "feels" appropriate as I survey the avoidable damage the Watchtower has wrought upon my family and others I knew as I grew up.

  Away from this forum, my JW relatives I remain in contact with would view me as a highly understanding, compassionate and respectful man. I have strong emotions but also know when and where to express them. I did not mention my profesion in this post. On the other hand, those who access my biosketch will know. I take on board your suggestion that I reconsider mentioning that is my profession in my posts - and generally don't.
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  Finkelstein

  Most devout long time JWs think that the WTS. has got a lot right over other Christian based faiths

  and so hang on as to accept they might have a little bit wrong, which still isn't going to break their faith completely.

  There's also an engaged amount of fear and belief that being a JWS truly makes them a better person .
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  LisaRose

  I agree with what you are saying. I have come to think that people believe because they want to believe. That is why logic doesn't work, they want and need to believe that they are in the right religion, they need to believe that their life has meaning, that they will have a life after death, that this is not all their is.

  The fact that there are so many religions tells you that people accept what they grow up with for the most part. If God existed, and there is only one right religion, then why is finding it so dependant on geography?

  I believe this life is all there is. I don't need empty promises of paradise or heaven, I am a realist. Rather than making me depressed, it makes me happy and determined to live my life in the best way possible. As long as I am on the right side of the turf I will enjoy each day, and live by my values.