"we are, as a rule, considerably diminished when disengaged from others. Isolation may very often be the “sum total of wretchedness”, as the writer Thomas Carlyle put it."
"Though note what he had to say about the two years he spent in isolation: “It’s an awful thing, solitary. It crushes your spirit and weakens your resistance more effectively than any other form of mistreatment… The onset of despair is immediate, and it is a formidable foe.”
"..we derive meaning from our emotional states largely through contact with others. Biologists believe that human emotions evolved because they aided co-operation among our early ancestors who benefited from living in groups. Their primary function is social. With no one to mediate our feelings of fear, anger, anxiety and sadness and help us determine their appropriateness, before long they deliver us a distorted sense of self, a perceptual fracturing or a profound irrationality. It seems that left too much to ourselves, the very system that regulates our social living can overwhelm us."
"We’ve known for a while that isolation is physically bad for us. Chronically lonely people have higher blood pressure, are more vulnerable to infection, and are also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Loneliness also interferes with a whole range of everyday functioning, such as sleep patterns, attention and logical and verbal reasoning."
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140514-how-extreme-isolation-warps-minds
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"A young man had been disfellowshipped for over ten years, during which time his father, mother, and four brothers “quit mixing in company” with him. At times, he tried to involve himself in their activities, but to their credit, each member of the family was steadfast in not having any contact with him.
After he was reinstated, he said that he always missed the association with his family, especially at night when he was alone.
But, he admitted, had the family associated with him even a little, that small dose would have satisfied him. However, because he did not receive even the slightest communication from any of his family, the burning desire to be with them became one motivating factor in his restoring his relationship with Jehovah.
Think of that if you are ever tempted to violate God’s command not to associate with your disfellowshipped relatives."
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012282
Loneliness can have crippling effects , and the Watchtower knows how to use it..
by defender of truth 11 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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defender of truth
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Phizzy
That last quote from the W.T is both disingenuous and quite disgusting.
The "young man" did not restore his relationship with "Jehovah", he restored his relationship with his family the only way he could when they are all in a High Control , Mind Control Cult.
How many other young people have had their lives ruined, and have even ended their own lives, because of the loneliness and despair brought on by the heartless and unscriptural practice of shunning ?
Cold-hearted control freaks like the WT/JW.Org leadership should be held to account NOW, if there truly were a god.
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Dis-Member
The loneliest and most socially isolated years of my life were those spent in the organization, never out of it.
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defender of truth
"My children stay in touch with me. I know they are very busy, but wherever they serve, they make time to keep me posted, sharing the experiences they have had in the field ministry. I read their letters over and over. It is as if they have talked with me every week, and I am so thankful for that. Also the Christian elders in my congregation give appropriate attention to us elderly and infirm ones, following up to make sure we have transportation to the congregation meetings and providing other needs. I consider my spiritual brothers and sisters a blessing from Jehovah.”
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004402
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"Actually, all of us at one time or another have felt the need for companionship— for someone to lend us an ear, to offer us reassurance or possibly to echo our deep feelings or inner thoughts, and to understand us as a person. We have a need for someone who is sensitive to our emotions."
"Loneliness is a powerful feeling, and it can be very painful. It is a feeling of emptiness.
There is a sensation of isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other humans.
We can become vulnerable and frightened.
Have you ever felt this way?"
"Perhaps you feel rejected by your peers because of your physical appearance , race, or religion."
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004401 -
defender of truth
All the quotes in the above post are meant as irony, by the way.
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DesirousOfChange
And the new emphasis on young children (examples of as young as SIX years old) has NOTHING to do with building a relationship with God. It only has to do with putting these young persons in a vise that allows the WTS to control them for the rest of their lives. Failure to submit to the control will result in much pain and agony from isolation and loneliness.
That is evil.
Such conspiracy is NOT the manifestation of Christianity.
Doc
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Heartofaboy
Very true Phizzy, the young man went back to the WT organisation for the wrong reason.
He went back in order to be with his family rather than restore his relationship with the WT God.
Strange how they find this something to boast about.
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defender of truth
Some reasons you might feel lonely or isolated
"*Losing a loved one or friend
*Lack of close family ties
*Fear of rejection from others or feelings of being “different” or stigmatised by society
*..reduced connection with your culture of origin"
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How does loneliness and isolation affect your mental health?
"Everyone feels lonely from time to time, but long periods of loneliness or social isolation can have a negative impact on your physical, mental and social health. Some signs include:
*Physical symptoms– aches and pains, headaches, illness or worsening of medical conditions
*Mental health conditions– increased risk of depression, anxiety, paranoia or panic attacks
*Low energy– tiredness or lack of motivation
*Sleep problems– difficulty getting to sleep, waking frequently or sleeping too much
*Diet problems– loss of appetite, sudden weight gain or loss
*Substance use– Increased consumption of alcohol, smoking, medications, drugs
*Negative feelings– feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or thoughts about suicide"
https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Facts---Information/Loneliness/Loneliness-and-Isolation -
DATA-DOG
YEP. I have had them all. Fortunately, I am an introvert. That helps somewhat. If I am really feeling alone, I can go out and just see other people living. It makes me feel better. Also, I have just accepted the fact that I will likely lonely for most of my life. I always have been, I see no reason that it would change in the foreseeable future. It will probably become worse. So I had better find constructive ways to cope.
DD
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Finkelstein
Is the WTS.'s procedural conduct backed by Bible Scripture where publicly announcing that a certain person is to shunned ?.
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Answer = no the bible doses state to avoid associating with evil ones though, so if a person stops their evil
inappropriate behavior, associating should resume, this can be initiated on a individual basis, the way its described in the bible.