To Lurking JWs

somebody

3/15/98 WT pages 10 and 11.

Dangers of Following Men
A "sect" has been defined as "a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader." Similarly, those belonging to a "cult" have "great devotion to a person, idea, or thing." Actually, the members of any religious group who strongly adhere to human leaders and their ideas are in danger of becoming slaves of men. A strong leader-oriented relationship can lead to an unhealthy emotional and spiritual dependency. ....
Those who have such concerns about a religion need reliable information. Some may have been told that the Witnesses belong to a religious organization that enslaves its members, exercises authoritarian control over them, unduly restricts their freedom, and throws them out of step with society as a whole.

Jehovah's Witnesses know that these concerns are unwarranted.

Heres is some more information from the SAME WATHCTOWER. So one should consider this "RELIABLE INFORMATION".

3/15/98 WT

page 21
Accountable to a Governing Body?

Presently, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is composed of ten anointed Christians,.....

Translation: The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is composed of 10 MEN.

page 22

17 Jehovah’s Witnesses are students of the Bible. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Acts 17:11) The program of Bible education provided by the Governing Body might be compared to a school curriculum outlined by a board of education. ...........

If anyone flagrantly refuses to live according to the requirements of the institution,.... he can be expelled.

page 21

Does the position of oversight that the Scriptures assign the Governing Body mean that each of Jehovah’s Witnesses must render to it an account of his works?

Not according to Paul’s words to Christians in Rome: "Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother?

13
Is it not true, however, that individual Witnesses are expected to report their preaching activity?

Yes , but the purpose of this is clearly explained in a Witness handbook....

One more time, I quote this from pages 10 and 11

"A "sect" has been defined as "a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader." Similarly, those belonging to a "cult" have "great devotion to a person, idea, or thing." Actually, the members of any religious group who strongly adhere to human leaders and their ideas are in danger of becoming slaves of men. A strong leader-oriented relationship can lead to an unhealthy emotional and spiritual dependency. ...."

Most all here have experienced the unhealthy emotional and spiritual dependency, having been members of the JW cult, strongly adhering to the rules of the human leaders ( the 10 men who make up the GB ). For we did not see the "Dangers Of Following Men." We lived according to the requirement of the Watchtower institution. We were slaves of the Watchtower Publishing Company Inc. The Watchtower publishing company even go so far as to baptize it's members in "association" with itself and call those members "baptized PUBLISHERS". We did not know that we were not helping in making disciples of Jesus all the hours we spent going door-to-door with Watchtower PUBLICATIONS. We were trying to make PUBLISHERS OF THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY.

Ahh...The Dangers Of Following Men !!!

If you are a JW and have an "expelled Bible Student" relative, whether it be your son, daughter, mom or dad, PLEASE to not continue to follow men anymore. Pick up the phone and call your family member and tell them that from NOW on, you are not going to hold back from loving them, nor hold back from SHOWING them that you love them. From now on, if you claim to follow the teachings of Jesus, then do that. Please don't be a slave to the Watchtower INC. institution, nor it's handbook any longer. Please discontinue judging and condeming your family members who are imperfect. Just like the 10 men who make of the Governing Body of the Watchtower are. Your children and parents are not in Satan's hands, just because your leaders tell you they are. For once, treat your disfellowshipped relatives like Jesus treated tax-collectors.

Read your Bible, not the Watchtower.

You never know how long your loved one will be here. Don't wait till they are gone. Because then it will be too late and you can't go back. Please.

peace,
somebody

Seven

Thank You Somebody-straight from the heart like so many of your posts. This one's a keeper.

Gopher

Gwen -- oh if only one JW takes your words to heart, it would be so wonderful. It's so reasonable. Is there anyone out there who might take hold of this? I hope so.

Oroborus21

The problem is that we cannot use the basic definition of cult or sect (using your definition outlined) to make any kind of real analysis.

Your definition of cult or sect could easily apply to any of the branches of the military fighting in Iraq today. By your definition these could be considered cults with George W. Bush as their leader.

Indeed almost every religion has some person or group in a leadership position.

-Eduardo

ARoarer

Somebody, Your plea to lurking JW's as from the heart and very moving and I do hope that your words reach the heart of some of those lurking here. It is so sad, but JW's remind me of the Iraqi people who were so ruled and brainwashed by Saddam's regime until they "saw" and "felt" reality of what freedom is. JW's within, like myself at one time, really have not idea how "improsoned" they are to lies until after they leave. Then everything falls into perspective. The GB has stolen the minds and hearts of those they have blinded with fear. When the fear disolves healing begins.

nowisee

excellent post. i just hope that those who need to see it do, and get the point.

somebody

Seven!

Thank you! And I haven't seen you around in a LONG time! it's nice hearing from you again!

I hope all is well with you and my best wishes are with you.

((((((((((Gopher))))))))))

I can only hope and pray that JWs think about what i said and open their eyes. It will lead to them opening their hearts again. Never give up hope, Gopher.

Give my best to Chelbie and may love and happines always be part of your lives together.

Eduardo,

The problem is that we cannot use the basic definition of cult or sect (using your definition outlined) to make any kind of real analysis.

The definaition of sect or cult I outlined was the definition the Watchtower printed. I quoted that from their own publication. I personaly would use their defintion of cult and I agree with it. I disagree that a sect is the same as a cult. A sect is "a group"..and that is not the same thing as cult. A "real analysis" CAN can be made using the WBTS's defination of a cult. An alaysis can be made about their "organizational structure". My final analysis ,as one having been involved with the JWs for 10 years and by the Watchtower's defination of what a cult is, is this:

The Jehovah's Witness sect is a cult.

I realize that not all sects are cults.

Indeed almost every religion has some person or group in a leadership position.

That is true. And I have no problem with that. Do you agree that is a differnece between a religion and a cult? ((((((((((((( ARoarer,))))))))))))

The GB has stolen the minds and hearts of those they have blinded with fear.

Ain't that the plain and simple TRUTH!

When the fear disolves healing begins.

And that's another comfortable thought and fact. And I've been through it as many others here have. Thank you, ARoarer Thank you all for your replys! peace, somebody/gwen

Loris

sombody - excellent post. I had read that magazine when it first came out. But of course I still had blinders on. It is indeed facinating that so much proof of cult behavior is included in that very same issue. WOW

Oroborus21 wrote;

The problem is that we cannot use the basic definition of cult or sect (using your definition outlined) to make any kind of real analysis.

Indeed almost every religion has some person or group in a leadership position.

Maybe it’s time for you to think outside your box.

Did Jesus come to start a new religion or did he come to help mankind develop a personal relationship with the Creator? Did he set up guidelines for setting up a church hierarchy? Or did he give instructions for going to your Father in prayer in your inner room?

Just a thought

Loris

Guest 77

You got my two thumbs up!

Guest 77

micheal

I much prefer following a sexy lady

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