The friends, the truth and loaded language

by detective 31 Replies latest jw friends

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  detective

  As many people already know, using the term "the truth" to describe an organization's teachings is a brilliant way to constantly reaffirm it's validity subconsciously. It's a great use of repetition to establish as fact that which is only opinion.

  I keep hearing the phrase "the friends". Aside from the fact that I really don't like the terminology, I couldn't help but wonder if this isn't just another use of repetition and loaded language to enforce the belief that all of the people who share the same religion actually are your friends.

  In some ways, I think it would be beneficial for some folks to drop "the truth" and "the friends" from their vocabulary so that they aren't continuing to immerse themselves in group-lingo that's intended to elicit certain emotional responses and associations.

  What other loaded language can you come up with that is quasi-specific to Jehovah's Witnesses?
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  Matty

  Many ex witnesses still use the term "Brother" and "Sister" when referring to JWs. "Is he a brother?", sort of thing. This propagates the solidarity and camaraderie of the witnesses. It's difficult to shed the language.
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  dungbeetle

  It's a cult. A disgusting, dirty, cult with most of the damage done to women and children, who are the main victims of every cult I am familiar with.

  Therefore, it acts like one.

  And it will die like one.

  BEFORE YOU TRY AND REMOVE THE STICK FROM MY ARSE, REMOVE THE TELEPHONE POLE FROM YOUR OWN ARSE.

  
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  Robdar

  Detective, you make a very good point.

  How about "this old system of things" or "the new order"? When I first left the borg, it helped me considerably to remove those phrases from my vocabulary.

  Robyn
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  detective

  You totally crack me up, dung.
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  StinkyPantz

  Anyone who's not a witness is "worldly". This help reenforces that we are seperate from them. <gag>

  StinkyP

  "Keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer"
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  mustang

  Was the term "the friends" used by the Quakers before the JW's
  got it??

  Mustang

  All that I write or utter is considered to be protected by religious freedom under the Constitution of the United States, as the "free exercise" and "freedom of speech" clauses.
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  blondie

  Recently, the WTS has "suggested" using non-witness instead of "worldly" and their publications have been reflecting that.
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  zenpunk

  How about the whole concept of "the world", with it's "worldly associations", "no part of the world" and "keep separate from the world". No wonder I had no friends as a JW.
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  Matty

  Yes, I heard that too. I’m looking forward to the time when I’ll be able to associate words and phrases without thinking of a Jehovah’s Witness context! “Pioneer” will just mean a Japanese electronics company, “Remnant” will just mean the last piece of carpet on the roll, “Fine shepherd” will just mean just a skilful sheep farmer and “Without spot” will mean that I’m just missing my dog!