Pretend to support Critical Thinking, but forbid it when directed toward the "leadership"

by doubtfull1799 24 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  doubtfull1799

  This from the latest Watchtower article on Propaganda:

  "Keep in mind that Satan does not want you to think clearly or reason things out well. Why? Because propaganda “is likely to be most effective,” says one source, “if peo- ple . . . are discouraged from thinking critically.” (Media and Society in the Twentieth Century) So never be content passively or blindly to accept what you hear. "

  And then this doublespeak:
  

  "Follow the advice given to the young man Timothy. Stick to the truth you learned, and remember where you learned it. (2 Tim. 3:14, 15) Surely there is ample evidence to show that you can trust the channel that Jehovah has used for nearly a hundred years now to lead us in the way of the truth. "

  So in other words, put away your critical thinking and just accept/trust what we tell you!

  And then this pearl:

  "Do not be “quickly shaken from your reason” when faced with what appear to be damaging attacks by apostates or other such deceivers of the mind—however plausible their charges may seem. "

  So even if what apostates say is damaging and plausible, which why are basically admitting it is, ignore it! Don't think critically about it.
• 

  doubtfull1799

  And this:

  "Surely there is ample evidence to show that you can trust the channel that Jehovah has used for nearly a hundred years now to lead us in the way of the truth:

  What they are actually saying is, "surely there is evidence, but we just can't find any right now to show you" or "we cannot be bothered to include any evidence in this article because we've run out of space" in our new 16 page long form journalism approach to the Watchtower.

  Another way of saying "evidently," their favourite word! For an interesting exercise do a search for that word in the Watchtower library and see how many times they use it - you will be amazed. Especially when you realise that each time they use it they are making an assertion for which they actually have no evidence...
• 

  Bungi Bill

  In other words "Think for Yourself - just make sure the conclusions you reach are the same as ours".
• 

  jwfacts

  Well spotted, doublespeak at its finest. What issue and page?
• 

  EdenOne

  What a pearl! Thanks
• 

  venus

  Matter is very simple:

  Exposing the clergy of Christendom is right

  Exposing those taking lead withing the org is wrong
• 

  John_Mann

  Another way of saying "evidently," their favourite word! For an interesting exercise do a search for that word in the Watchtower library and see how many times they use it - you will be amazed. Especially when you realise that each time they use it they are making an assertion for which they actually have no evidence...

  The second one is "really".

  The Scientism cult loves the "evidence" too. Evidence and "just", "only", "merely" (just neurochemicals, only natural laws, etc..).

  The gospel of Scientism is the "theory of everything". They say this theory of everything will be the unification of quantum mechanics (cults love the quantum) and the theory of relativity. This unification will explain things like why you prefer jazz instead of hip-hop and things like that.

  Evidently is a cult.
  
  
• 

  James Jack

  I just want to say, How much I enjoy reading your posts!!! You always have substance and make us think without getting all emotional about it. Thanks Again!

  P.S. Keep Posting!
• 

  never a jw

  John,
  

  Science and religion are entirely different animals. Science deal with the physical universe where evidence can be gathered, observed and analyzed by everyone (objectivity). Religion is a personal thing in the individual's brain and lacks any evidence, just emotional appeal (subjectivity). Comparison of religion and science is only adequate when you contrast them, not when trying to find similarities.

  If religious people such as yourself despise "scientism" so much and love "God" so much, why do they search for the best doctor when struck with cancer or any other chronic disease? Wouldn't it be better to go to your favorite pastor and get a quick cure in exchange for a small donation to the church?
  
• 

  KiddingMe

  Great catch. Thanks!