by UNCONDITIONAL LOVE 9 Replies latest jw friends
The JW cult systematically teaches doctrines, which in turn become beliefs, that hinders a persons mental, emotional and spiritual growth. Here are some great pointers on how to overcome deeply ingrained false beliefs.
1 timothy 4:2
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
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I was interested in this until I read: "Bentinho Massaro's teachings ... contain the essence of all major spiritual paths ..."
We, as ex-cult members, definitely need to learn to recognize the false and dysfunctional beliefs we have acquired about ourselves and the world, particularly the ones that can cause us great emotional distress: depression, anxiety and even mental disorders. It is a fact that many of these beliefs came to us as a result of being in the Jehovah's Witness religion.
Core beliefs typically center around themes of:
In unlearning these beliefs, we need to find positive, healthy beliefs to replace them. But these need to be OUR beliefs, not anyone else's beliefs, and particularly not those of some self-appointed guru. Be your own guru.
Cult survivors are particularly vulnerable to leaving one codependent relationship and ending up in another. It's a lot of work and can be emotionally painful, but it's worth it. There are no short cuts. No quick fixes. No easy answers.
A healthy skepticism is your best friend!
Aye, "Discernment" after JwBorg indoctrination is virtually a non-existent skill. The numerous fears that have been driven deeply into one's skull can become a huge distraction and if not overcome can cause one to crave "belonging" to another organization which employs similar tactics. Fear is tool number one of the JwBorg and those who seek to control.
Well said jp1692. I hate it when you see an interesting video then it turns out they're another religious movement or crack-pot spiritual movement.
A healthy skepticism is your best friend!
Totally!
If you are a lover of Truth it is quite simple to get rid of false beliefs, simply put them under the spotlight, prove them false to yourself, and whoooooshhhh !!! they are gone.
The problem is with most JW's, they simply do not care about Truth.
Having got rid of wacky beliefs though, it is more difficult to get rid of the irrational fears we were infected with, fear of Demons, of things Pagan, of Blood Transfusion etc etc.
The most insidious of the fears we were deliberately infected with is a fear of "Worldly" people. Get rid of that one first and foremost !
All these fears can be overcome too, but joining another set of beliefs imposed by men, that have no foundation in Truth, is simply the stupidest thing anyone could do.
It seems somebody actually watched the Lost Dutchman. Lol
Jp1692 I understand your reasoning, but some people need some sort of beacon to find their way out of a dark spot in their lives. This short video can be a great aid for many.
I see you have your biased views on the information and that is fine, your opinion is just one of many, as is mine.
The JW cult systematically teaches doctrines, which in turn become beliefs, that hinders a persons mental, emotional and spiritual growth.
Actually, for some reason people continue to perpetuate that learning something (or about something) is what causes harm. They keep addressing doctrine without pointing at the reasons why people join or stay, which have nothing to do with doctrine or teachings. As jp1692 mentioned, Lovability, Adequacy, Helplessness are feelings, not doctrines.
I'd add to that list Ego. Some ex-JWs feel ashamed of talking about being fooled to believe the WT crap based on what they thought it was offered to them. Some people joined because they are made feel important, or they will have opportunities to lead, etc.
You can perfectly understand how ridiculous is to believe all the teachings of the WT, but without addressing the reasons why one joined or stays, which have to do with what one feels, the influence continues. That's why so many ex-JWs continue talking and acting as if they are JWs even decades after they have left. They keep discussing doctrine and teachings, never address what the WT made them feel that made them joined or stay.
Sm1010 excellent point, and many are trapped in such a socioeconomic grip within the cult that their very lively hood depends on them sticking with the program, no matter if they believe it or not, they just have to suck it up which is so disheartening.
One of the most difficult beliefs XJws contend with is that the WTOrg really is God's chosen people and His exclusive channel of communication with True Worshipers. Once that false belief gives way to TTATT then the fear of facing annihilation and destruction in God's wrath begins to unravel. Then is when the healing is able to proceed. Thankfully, not all XJws were infected with morbid fears such as these, but for those who have been, the depth of depression may bring on suicidal thoughts. It is truly a very dark place from which there seems no escape. A True Friend who is able to perceive the cries for help and successfully intervene may be the only way out. Any idea how many Jws have resorted to suicide?
