I bet youve spent the last 10 hours trying to think of something witty to post
You could have spent the last 10 hours reflecting on the evidence in this thread and doing some research
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B 225 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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cofty
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sparrowdown
You ask "who has the authority to say what is a cult and what a religion"
Those who have qualifications and study cults would have the authority.
This is not a mystery subject, there are criteria for "what is a cult."
Better question: Who would NOT have the authority?
The bloody WT that's who.
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umbertoecho
@ bonsai why are you being defensive? please post your resonings and i will consider them. im open to debate iis not about getting one over on each other. Ive never viewed those you mentioned as charismatic leaders or figures.
Richard C.
Charles Taze and Rutherford etc were absolutely charismatic leaders who insisted on being believed. If you didn't believe then you're out.
Being asked in so many differing ways, cunning ways if you believe the GB to be the ones who are dishing up dinner at the right time. Is another way to test loyalty to men and is cultish.
To be told off for choosing Christ as the actual mediator over any GB is going to get you disfellowshipped. Being told you can't go out preaching because you don't look quite up to WT standards, is very controlling. Having every part of your life surveyed and noted is cultish. Being told you may "Not share your meeting notes with anyone outside of the congregation:" Is cultish. Being told you must not be unevenly yoked and have them tell you this means you must marry in the faith is cultish.
Come on Richard. Do some research. For the sake of argument, let us not include other religions or whatever they are. I recall when young that WTBTS shied away from the "religion title" as they thought they were better than everyone. Until they saw the value in a tax exemption. All of us are hurt to some degree, but that does not mean many are bitter. We may be bitterly disappointed though.
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umbertoecho
... weight of oppression they have put on themslves is gradually removed and they become more balanced in there life on later reflection they then start to resent there time in the religion and believe they where mentally conditioned which caused them harm thus they believe it to be a cult.
Richard C. "Now look what you made me do!" Said the father beating his son, wife, daughter or visa Versa.....Thus. the abuser is able to convince the victim of his tyranny that it was always their fault, that they were hurt. Translate that into doctrines that beat genuine people into the bloody ground of deep suffering...
Richard. You say (loosely quoting you) "....they" start to resent in hindsight". Well good on them, but you have blundered into making very broad statements, in assuming that these people were always baptised and you hint very cleverly that there is some fault on the part of those who have left. Thus, they became bitter and suddenly labelled it a cult...Is this.apologetic speaking on behalf of WT or are you ill informed about the entire thing. It is your' responsibility to know your' topic very well if you wish to debate it.
You are not doing well so far. I can't debate with someone who isn't aware of the history of this religion, sect, cult or whatever unless that person is well equipped to give substantial evidence, articles, supporting why they take a certain stand.
You may well be trying to waste time and laughing up your sleeve, or you think we are bloody stupid on this forum.
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umbertoecho
The point when applied to an organised religion is ppl misinterpret what they are taught and put themselves under inmence pressure which could lead one to become depressed etc. which I agree is dangerous. hence the misinterpretation of the religion upon leaving
Richard: So you are saying that children are deliberately misunderstanding what they are learning? Because many JWs are born in and never experience the right of developing their spiritual views in a moderate, gentle, questioning manner. They are literally coerced by many parents who have a stake in this Apocolyptic religion. They are raised with the dilemma of having to grow up, love their neighbours, love God, obey..........And all the while they are also being taught to avoid their neighbour, avoid living fully in the moment of each day and consider this religion's version of God to be kind and holy and even joyful........But! At the same time, they have to expect their friend at school to die at Armageddon, to isolate from the worldly people....How confusing is this? Some grow up, having been baptized and realise they want to experience life and it's many facets. The price for such god given curiosity?
SHUNNING. FAMILY EXPULSION AND ISOLATION LEADING TO MENTAL BREAKDOWN AND EVEN SUICIDE.
This is cultish, clannish, sectarian and unloving. It is a cult.
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freemindfade
Richard do some research on brainwashing. Some of the strongest psychological studies into the area weren't even with religions. It just so happens that some such as scientology, jw, etc employ the same systematic models for undue influence.