Logic Lures Them in, Emotions Keep them In

jgnat

The WTBTS was able to get a foothold years ago because they offered a radical departure from traditional Christianity. They offered up an alternative view of God and the afterlife, some prophetic math, and a good kick in the pants to mainline churches. The Catholic (universal) church deserved that kick, caught asleep on the job. Converts continue to be lured by the apparent certainty of the WTBTS, where every prophecy and law and scripture has been pre-analyzed and interpreted “correctly”.

Fast forward 150 years. The WTBTS is no longer the new kid on the block. If you don't believe me, check out the next Promise Keepers or Youth for Christ convention. WT math has morphed from “time, and times, and half a time“ to “soon”. The old men in charge have become complacent. There are problems, but it is easier to sweep them under the carpet than to deal with them. The WTBTS is vulnerable to attack, because like Christendom before them, they in turn have become fat and lazy. This religion deserves a good kick in the pants, to wake them up to the genuine needs of their flock.

...so how do apologists defend the obvious flaws in WT logic and interpretation of the perfect Word of God? Tradition! We love our bookbags and highlighters! We enjoy suiting up and sweltering together at the convention. The organization may have troubles, but it is still the best way to live. Members set aside doubts for the sake of tradition and familiarity. ...and perhaps a healthy dose of fear. What if the fall of the Twin Towers was the final Sign of the End? So in the end, those who remain in the organization stay for the same reasons that the WT condemns Christendom for.

The WTBTS would be so much tolerable if they would admit that they were no better than any other religion. Loopy perhaps, but no better than other churches. JW relatives would be so much more tolerable if they admitted that they are no better than the rest of us. Loopy perhaps, but loveable just the same.

I will not allow JW apologists to use emotional reasons to stay in the organization as an acceptable excuse. If they want to use emotion and tradition, then they must embrace the rest of the world’s religions too.

zugzfree

"And in case you should say in your heart: 'How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?' when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him." -Deuteronomy 18:21, 22 The WTS, which has proven itself to be a false prophet, uses fear to keep people in. I know, it worked on me for quite a while. But the above scripture says: "You must not get frightened at him." We were warned ahead of time that false prophets would use fear to keep people under their control, so it is no surprise that the WTS has been so effective in using this tactic.

zugz

jgnat

Thanks for responding, zugs. I needed dump these thoughts swirling around in my grey matter taking up space. It is so much easier to respond to a question than to a heavy like this one. Thank you again.

Yeah, who needs hellfire? The WTS has practically cornered the market on fear. Concerned Mama reminded me how paranoid I was when I first came to JWD. I fully expected elder paratroopers to burst through my livingroom window at any moment.

...and I never was a JW, their impact on me more like a hit-and-run in the middle of the night.

garybuss

Members set aside doubts for the sake of tradition and familiarity.

Good line! Great post. Keep em comin'. GaryB

jgnat

Garybuss, you make me blush.

DannyBear

jgnat,

****This religion deserves a good kick in the pants, to wake them up to the genuine needs of their flock.****

They are paying a very high price for their laxity. The jw youth of today are turning toward education vs pioneering, living dual lives, often bolstered with prozac.

Genuine needs of the flock are all covered in the District Convention programs.....don't ya know. Haranging reminder's of the evilness of the internet, avoiding independent thinking, really really helps the 'flock' to overcome depression, anxiety, guilt, and raises them up to be stalwart pillars of strength! HuhHuh

****The WTBTS would be so much tolerable if they would admit that they were no better than any other religion. Loopy perhaps, but no better than other churches. JW relatives would be so much more tolerable if they admitted that they are no better than the rest of us. Loopy perhaps, but loveable just the same.****

Here, here.

An excellent summation of the sad legacy this once very passionate religion, is now facing.

Enjoyed your comments.

Danny

jgnat

Dannybear, I like this phrase,

sad legacy this once very passionate religion

Reading the accounts of some old-timers, who literally risked their lives for a cause they firmly believed in, brings me to tears. Such loyal and passionate people, only to be put out to pasture in their later years.

'seems to me that the warnings studied in the recent article on the "seven stars" could very well apply to the WTBTS.

I know thy works and thy labour, and thine endurance, and that thou canst not bear evil men ; and thou hast tried them who say that themselves are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars; and endurest, and hast borne for my name's sake, and hast not wearied: but I have against thee, that thou hast left thy first love. Rev 2:2-4 Darby

DannyBear

jgnat,

****only to be put out to pasture in their later years.****

Along with your above sentiments, how about folks like my own father who endured mob action in Ohio in the early 40's....his head was punched so often that in later life he developed Parkinson's disease......and died from it.

The tens of hundreds who have sacrificed life and fortune for the 'visions' of Russell, Rutherford, Franz et al.......someday, and I tend to think it coming quicker than we think, a rude awakening is facing all those still throwing their lives away on the alter of the Watchtower.

Some of my fondest memories growing up, were listening to the experiences of those passionate faithful witnesses, who put their lives on the line. Yet all for nothing.....sad is not the word. It is just plain misery to contemplate the extent of damage this religious dogma has caused.

Danny

yxl1

if they would admit that they were no better than any other religion

Never going to happen. To make such a U turn would go against the core teachings of the Watchtower. Their theology is grounded on the "fact" that they are better than other religions, whereas it is obvious from their behaviour that they are no different. They have become the very thing that Pastor Russell publicly abhorred...and then later adopted (Compare WT April 1882 pg 71,72 with current doctrines)

jgnat

dannybear, how does it make you feel when current articles remind the members to not forget the "older ones"? More projected guilt from the WTS?

yxl1, the WTBTS has really painted themselves in a corner, haven't they? I imagine it is going to be increasingly difficult to maintain the doubleminded JW mindset (I must stay with the Organization because only they are approved by Jehovah. I must remain clean to remain in Jehovah's Organization. Jehovah's Organization may be a little unclean, but that is OK. They are only human. I, however, cannot be excused for my human failings. Jehovah demands cleanliness!)

Logic Lures Them in, Emotions Keep them In

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