Regulating speech and conversation

by slimboyfat 31 Replies latest members private

  • slimboyfat
    slimboyfat

    Following from another thread, it occurs to me that Watchtower spends an incredible amount of time and energy telling JWs what they can talk about and who they can talk with. Everyday speech and conversations are micromanaged to an extraordinary degree. I'll list examples that spring to mind. Please add more you can come up with.

    1. Elders shouldn't discuss possible mergers of congregations with publishers.

    2. Publishers shouldn't tell other congregations about mergers before all congregations have their announcements.

    3. Don't express political opinions.

    4. Don't talk for longer than 1 minute when answering up in the meeting.

    5. Don't summarise the paragraph in your answer, make distinct points.

    6. Don't use old theocratic terms like "Circuit servant" use the new vocabulary.

    7. Don't use supersitious words like "luck".

    8. Don't use religious words like church or hymn but use theocratic words instead.

    9. Women shouldn't speak to the audience from the platform, but only to another person on the platform.

    10. Women cant say prayers in front of men.

    11. Speakers at assemblies shouldn't deviate from outline script.

    12. Publishers shouldn't tell others about new releases before their convention.

    13. Bethelites shouldn't tell their families new light or new policies ahead of time.

    14. Publishers shouldn't talk to disfellowshipped people.

    15. Disfellowshipped people shouldn't talk to one another.

    16. JWs shouldn't say anything to outsiders that puts the organisation in a bad light.

    17. JWs shouldn't associate socially with marked people in the congregation.

    18. JWs shouldn't have formal debates with people of other religions.

    19. JWs shouldn't have informal gatherings outside the meetings to discuss the Bible.

    20. JWs shouldn't discuss how new light on the generation doesn't make sense,

    21. JWs shouldn't speculate on the meaning of the Bible outside of official interpretations.

    22. Prayers must end with "in Jesus' name amen".

    23. JWs shouldn't say anything that could stumble another JW.

    24. JWs can learn another language to preach but learning Bible languages is not encouraged.

    25. JWs aren't allowed to make toasts.

    26. JWs are now allowed to swear an oath to tell the truth on the Bible.

    27. JWs shouldn't talk about business interests at the Kingdom Hall.

    28. JWs can talk about sexual and violent topics in the meeting in front of all ages.

    29. The reader shouldn't read out footnotes when reading paragraphs from the Watchtower.

    30. Conductors should get congregation to read all Scriptures indicated to be read.

    31. Elders shouldn't encourage young ones to get an education.

    32. Elders shouldn't discuss organisational instructions with non-elders.

    33. Publishers shouldn't discuss any "special" announcements they hear about ahead of time.

    34. JWs shouldn't socialise with non-JWs.

    35. JW families should spend one evening a week to discuss JW beliefs in their own home.

    36. JWs shouldn't say bless you.

    37. No sex talk over the phone for unmarried JWs.

    38. No saying prayers along with others of other faiths.

    39. JWs shouldn't speak badly of JW leaders or elders.

    40. JW should report any wrong doing of other members to elders.

    41. JWs should avoid expressing independent thoughts.

    42. In depth discussions about philosophy or theology are suspect.

    43. Don't try to run ahead of the organisation by talking about possible future changes.

    44. Don't talk to hypnotists.

    45. Don't talk to Jesus.

    46. Don't talk to the holly spirit.

    47. Don't speculate too much about what the new system will be like.

    48. Don't complain to anyone if you don't like decisions made by elders.

    49. Don't be too informal in your prayers to Jehovah.

    50. Make sure you don't fall asleep while praying.

    51. Don't discuss apostate information or websites with other JWs.

    I could go on and on. Is there any other church or organisation that micromanages public speech and private conversations to such an extraordinary degree?

  • 2+2=5
    2+2=5

    52. Don't refer to male genitals as "cock" or "balls", use more appropriate terms.

  • zeb
    zeb

    53. Another one is don't go to counsellors. beware of the mental health profession.

  • scratchme1010
    scratchme1010

    Thanks for sharing. It's a rather long list.

    Maybe that's why some people still react to when they read certain comments from people who are more away from that discipline.

  • jp1692
    jp1692

    Control freaks gotta control.

  • jp1692
    jp1692

    Don't question, don't disagree, don't criticise.

    Listen, obey and be blessed!

    In the meantime, STFU and send us your money 'cuz God needs it!

  • LoveUniHateExams
    LoveUniHateExams

    15. Disfellowshipped people shouldn't talk to one another - wow, didn't know about this.

    Let's review ...

  • ttdtt
    ttdtt

    But this is NOT A CULT!!

    Right? :)

  • millie210
    millie210

    Is number 15 a "thing"?

    I didnt realize disfellowshipped people are not supposed to talk to each other!

  • Phizzy
    Phizzy

    " I didn't realize disfellowshipped people are not supposed to talk to each other!"

    Neither did I ! If this is true, this is monstrous ! they throw you out of the Congregation, shun you totally, and yet still want to dictate who you speak to ?

    Control Control Control.

    Tell 'em to eff off !

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