Pack your bags - we're going on a GUILT TRIP!

Over the last few days, I've seen several threads that hone in on the concept of how the WTS and JWs capitalize on feelings of guilt to compel the R&F to do things that go contrary to human nature.

"Come back to the Kingdom Hall, if not for yourself, then think of your children."

"How many people will die at Armageddon if you don't go in service today?"

"If Sister Legless can special pioneer with her wheelchair, what's holding YOU back?"

"Sister Supermom homeschools her five children, has a full-time job AND is a regular pioneer. Why can't you be more like her?"

My dad's personal favorite, used whenever he tried to get my brothers and I to do things he wanted us to do, but which we resisted: <indignation> "And you CALL yourself a Jehovah's Witness!" </indignation>

There's an interesting connection between guilt and depression too. Guilt imposes a mental and emotional burden on a person, and makes them feel inadequate in and of themselves. Guilt creates a "perception of obligation" - for example, the way the Canadian WTS PR dude commented regarding Vicki Boer "biting a helping hand", that whatever pittance they offered her, she "should" grovel at their feet for their assistance, that she "ought" to show gratitude for what little she received, that she "should" be ashamed of bringing reproach on Jehovah by exposing what happened to her (when the REAL reproach was the disgusting abuse that she endured), that her attitude "should" reflect being part of The Happiest People on Earth(tm). Is it any wonder with all the guilt that's heaped on your average dub that they become depressed? From my professional point of view, it's surprising that more JWs aren't depressed.

Do tell: what were some of the guilt-inducing statements that the JWs you knew used??

Love, Scully

ApagaLaLuz

You should ashamed of yourself scully..... what kind of post is this?

Do you think Jesus would start such a thread?

(being a smartass)

<chevy>

Mum

When I went back to college (in 1977), an elder (who was brought up a JW but joined the US Army and married a "worldly" woman and had six children) said to me, sarcastically: "You can teach English in the New Order." I kept taking classes.

xenawarrior

Oh and Scully-

Don't forget your helmet for the trip so you'll be protected from all the inevitable crashes along the way!!!!

XW

orangefatcat

You should be grateful we have air conditioning at our large conventions, we have brothers and sisters meeting in the jungles under the hot sun with no protection and you complain, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

how can you be out in the service for the whole day and come home and tell your father and I you only got two hours in the service, what were you doing all day. you ought to be ashamed of yourself you could have come home and taken your mother shopping or helped her with the housework or cut the grass, yadda yadda yadda

you complain about a headache and your mother is in terrible pain most of the time, you get yourself up and get ready for the meeting.

you will so support saturday morning service, your a pioneer aren't you then set a good example.

blah blah, blah blah.

Satanus

<indignation> "And you CALL yourself a Jehovah's Witness!" </indignation>

Geez, that takes me back. Guilt and shame are two of the most powerful tools parents can use to get obedience/conformity. No wonder religion uses them.

When i tried and came up short, one elder used to say, 'the road to hell is paved w good intentions'.

Missed a month of service? 'Techincaly you baptism became invalid'.

SS

Swan

"Jehovah sees everything you children do."

"Jehovah knows what is in your heart."

"Jehovah can tell what you are thinking about."

"Think of the poor brothers in prison in China who don't have the Watchtower."

Pack your bags - we're going on a GUILT TRIP!

Scully

ApagaLaLuz

Mum

xenawarrior

orangefatcat

Satanus

Swan

out4good3

myself

Swan

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