Profile of a Sociopathic Organization(Adapted from the article by Jan Groenveld)
A number of cult leaders may exhibit many of the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath--an outstanding ability to charm and seduce followers. I thought it would be interesting to look at the WTS and see if these markers could be used to examine an organization.
Glibness/Superficial Charm
Language can be used without effort by them to confuse and convince their audience. Captivating storytellers that exude self-confidence, they can spin a web that intrigues others. Since they are persuasive, they have the capacity to destroy their critics verbally or emotionallyThe WT literature is filled with language used to evade the real issues and to avoid responsibility. The literature rarely speaks plainly but rather alludes ot, infirrs, suggests a certain course of action. A recent example is "any reasonable person would agree". While the literature may "suggest" a course of action they will also "suggest" that not following that course of action will result in unworthy of life.
Manipulative and ConningThey never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. He dominates and humiliates his victims.
The WTS has little respect for emotional or physical health of its folowers. Regardless of the difficulties a person has there is always the demand to do more and if the person does more then the difficulties will disappear. If difficulties persist then the fault always remains with the person and never with the constant demand to do more.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "his right." Craves adulation and attendance. Must be the center of attention with his own fantasies as the "spokesman for God," "enlightened," "leader of humankind," etc.Creates an us-versus-them mentality
The WTS has set itself up as God?s sole mediator between the 144,000 and God. Total obedience is demanded. Even when they have been proven wrong continued obedience is required. And deviance can result in expulsion. And since they are the only source of enlightenment leaving means certain death since there is no where else to go because everything else belongs to the Devil.
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. ExtremelyThw WTS has a compulsion to rewrite history. Few active members know or recall the history of the WTS or its constant doctrinal flip-flops. Their own literature is edited to hide past mistakes without the knowledge of their followers. And if someone does recall something they would be told they are incorrect and that the WTS never taught that. Also the belief that new light replaces old light makes any examination of the past useless to the followers.
convincing and able to pass lie detector tests
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at his core. Does not see others around him as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
The WTS expressed no remorse over the deaths of those who have given their lives to policies that later change. They make no alliances with "the world" unless they see an opportunity to use others for their own benefit. Members are tools to sell more literature and gain new recruits to sell more literature. Disposing people after their usefulness is over brings no sense of guilt butrather a condemnation of the person for what normally would be a reasonable expectation.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since he is not genuine, neither are his promises.
The WTS?s "care" for the followers extends as long as the followers meet the constant demands of the org. People are told they are happy and that they can ONLY be happy and if they are not happy there is something wrong with them. Followers are told that the WTS shows its "love" for the congregations by providing an unending mass of information. Few people really stop to realize this mass of information is simple a rehash of old literature ? sometimes with just a new name and a few word changes. The illnesses or death of followers means nothing except for its usefullness to manipulate the followers to continue their servitude.
Incapacity for Love
While he talks about "God's love" he is unable to give or receive it. Since he does not believe in the geniuses of his followers' love, he is very harsh in testing it from his devotees and expects them to feel guilt for their failings. Expects unconditional surrender.
While the WTS says a lot about being happy and showing love for their followers in reality they pile hardhips upon them and always expect more. Most recently I have been following how little the WTS cares for the physical needs of the flock as the conventions. They are told not to use outside restaurants and the WTS has given up providing food so people must bring their own. For a family who has come from out of town to the convention this can be difficult for obvious reasons. Followers are giving more and getting less and there seems to be no consideration for the difficulties this entails for the members. Add to this the requirement for absolute obedience.
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge, yet testing the beliefs of their followers with bizarre rules, punishments and behaviors. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal.
Rules from the WTS are constantly changing. It has become so difficult for some people to follow the newest teachings that elders are often consulted for even minor life problems or decisions ? going to a child?s wedding, health protocols, handling difficulties with others in the cong. The shunning policies are emotionally traumatic for anyone who is seen to not confrom to the rules. A recent list of the don?t of the WTS is quite lengthy and often changes.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to emphasize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. Their skills are used to exploit, abuse and exert power. Since the follower cannot believe their leader would callously hurt them, they rationalize his behavior as necessary for their (or the group's) own "good" and deny the abuse. When devotees become aware of the exploitation it feels like a "spiritual rape" to them.
Not too long ago the WTS published an article about the need to ask for forgiveness. They seem totally unaware that they need to ask forgiveness of their followers for the confusiuon of constant changes and demands to perform. There seems to be no comprehension of the stress they place on families when one person is reproved or disfellowshiped. People are told it is for their safety and a lesson for the one reproved. All sacrifice is for the person?s benefit where in reality it is only the WTS that benefits by keeping people in the dark.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believes he is all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for his impact on others. His followers only see him as near perfect.Members are constantly reminded that the org is God?s only tool for salvation. The are reminded that they are doomed to die unless they give total obedience to this organization. "Privilges" of servitude are the "rewards" given to those who conform and "reach out". Acceptance by the organization becomes equal to acceptance by God. But there is always the reminders that more is required for continued approval.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
I find it interesting that the early founders ofg the WTS has some serious accusations or problems against them. Sexual misconduct and alcoholism. Both issues have been hidden or white-washed so that the members do not know the real truth. When people are hurt by the actions of the org and its leaders they hurt person is blamed for their response and told they should "trust more".
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerning about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blame their followers or others outside their group. Blame reinforces passivity and obedience and produces guilt, shame, terror and conformity in the followers.
The WTS is oblivious to the damage done to the lives of people who believed what they were taught about the end coming in 1975. The seem oblivious about the pain caused to family members who have lost a child or parent due to the blood issue. The rank and file are blamed for not understanding properly or jumping ahead of the organization or reading into the magazines things that were never said.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Cult leaders frequently practice promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts. This is usually kept hidden from all but the inner circle. Stringent sexual control of their followers, such as forced breakups and divorces, removal of children from parents, rules for dating, etc.
We have heard stories of pedophilia, homosexuality, and wife swapping. Some of these accusations have been about the highest ranking leaders of the WTS. While all these things are severely condemned by the org it seems some can do whatever they wish. Granted some have been removed from their positions. Meanwhile the elders are expected to enforce rules of dating, marriage, divorce, separations and even expected to know what goes on in the bedrooms of couples who are wed.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future. Many groups claim as their goal world-domination or other utopian promises. Great contrast between the leader's opulent lifestyle and the followers' impoverishment. Support by gifts and donations from his followers who are pressured to give through fear and guilt. Highly sensitive to their own pain and health.
While members are encouraged to give more and do more few members realize the massive wealth the WTS has accumulated. Individuals who have devoted their entire lives and lived in poverty are not given any assistance when their health declines or they become too old to be useful. Few members know that some of the higest leaders in the organization life a very different lifestyle than the average JW.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image and that of the group as needed to avoid prosecution and to increase income and to recruit a range of members. Is able to adapt or relocate as needed to preserve the group. Can resurface later with a new name, a new front group and a new twist on the scam.
In courts and in the media the spin doctors (legal departemnt) are very busy playing with words to enhance their image to the world. Witnesses are coached to say things that are blatantly not true,. WTS officials have been caught in court lying under while under a sworn oath, the media are fed a diet of cathc phrases that make it seem as if the org is encouraging people to be honest. Most recently ads in the media have been used to place a kinder face on the organization as one that places great emphasis on family values. The reality is that the WTS protects molesters at the expense of their image or of the victims but repeatedly states to the media they find child sexuual abuse abhorrent and do their best to minimize the extent of the problem.
