And for the record, people can tell you what to do and not be controlling you or necessarily be a controlling person. What constitutes involuntary control, the type of control implied, is a means or mechanism of involuntary control.
Its this point that no one has ever been to answer or demonstrate in reality and show how it exists.
Though I have not read through this massive thread all the way yet, I did want to bring up a point to this comment. When and organization/people hold hostage your family, friends, sometimes place of work, your security, your self esteem, all in the name of never being allowed to disagree with the Organization or talk about anything not in total agreement with that same organization, plus not being alowed to read or hear anything negative about that organization,, that is high , dangerous, control. It IS the definition of the BITE method cults use.
Behavior control - what to ear, no beards, not associating with worldly people etc. You are convinced to confess anything remotely "against the rules", and also tell on others.
Information Control - again nothing to enter your mind through reading, listening watching that is NOT approved by the WT. Even to the point of sticking your fingers in your ears and humming while walking away, Even if what is being said is backed up, proven, reality. Self regulating what the organization wants to control is a method of a cult.
Thought control -You are not allowed to disagree with WT approved thinking unless you keep that secret, Even then if you follow the directions/rules, you are supposed to confess this to the elders, with a threat of reprimand.You are to believe ANYTHING negative is always wrong and apostate. The WT can not be wrong, they just change....yeah.
Emotional Control - This is a big part of the shunning. Emotional blackmail to keep people from talking, from leaving, from fading away. It is also in the every day lives in the "never doing enough" ways the organization relays to the rank and file. "So and So has it harder yet THEY can still find time to pioneer"....you know the drill I am sure. It also translates into low self esteem, which some try to make up for by becoming narcissistic. Some sink into a hold of depression, frighteningly. Some "turn off" their brain and emotions because it is easier, and merely exist on the directions they are given, thinking all the while this is not their "real" life. A dangerous path for a person to grow old believing. A dangerous way to raise children - no financial or educational goals for life, no forward thinking to family support and careers, no planning for retirement.
The BITE method IS a form of involuntary control. Much in the same way of Jim Jones or N Korea etc. It is not a paradigm a born in or some very indoctrinated converts can just "pop" out of and begin thinking in other ways. It takes events, tragedy, hurtful things, illness, or sometimes, a highly inquisitive mind to break out. But many just can't, even after knowing the truth about "the truth", they have so much invested in the organization that they can't imagine breaking free. They can't imagine life without the family they have. That is emotional blackmail, NOT about wanting to stay in for the faith as the organization claims it is.
