Art, Worship and the JWs

Sirona

Hi All,

I was reading the thread about "Worldy Churches" and it made me think about how the JWs have a hatred of certain types of worship.

They hate anything "Traditional" and state that it is corrupted (Pagan). They hate going into churches because they see religious symbolism like Crosses, Altars, Candles and Chalices. Big ornate churches are not beautiful to them, they are a symbol of Satan. For them, neo-pagans meeting up in groves has no beauty, just Satanic overtones.

When I think about how they view things I can't help but feel really saddened. How do JWs worship? I think that the way they worship is different from some other faiths because there is nothing to appeal to the heart. Where is the art? The art in their literature is "lifelike" - non-symbolic. Compare that to the scope of meaningful art found in other faiths. There is symbolism which is deeply meaningful and transcends the rational mind, it touches us, it moves us, it resonates with something inside. Have you ever had that feeling, standing in a beautiful church, or at a mountain peak (for me - a similar feeling in both locations) of serenity? not just serenity but something else that you can't quite put your finger on? A JW kingdom hall is bland, cold - of the mind in my opinion and not of the heart.

On Good Friday there was a programme on TV about the Cross and its meaning. I am not Christian, but I was deeply moved to listen to individuals express what the cross means to them, how it isn't purely a torture instrument on which Jesus died, it means and symbolises so much more to them. Jehovahs Witnesses are so ignorant to such things, they label the cross as Satanic or Pagan and have no clue, no remote comprehension, of the beauty that such a symbol can hold for people.

I take part in ritualistic type worship. I do this because I enjoy the symbolism, the beauty and the way I'm "part of" worship, rather than sitting and listening to a sermon in silence. Body, mind, spirit, heart - I get involved. The symbols whether it be cross, pentagram, ankh, yin/yang, all have something to say to us.

Interesting to consider, isn't it, that the only symbol the JWs seem to use or recognise is the "watchtower" symbol, which represents a publishing company (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society).

The more I compare other faiths with the JWs, the more I consider that the JWs are uncommonly shallow (that is, for a religion which professes to know God). They are ignorant, bigoted and phenomenally unspiritual. There is no hope for change, because the GB tell their followers (that is what they are, followers) that "Worldly wisdom" is worth nothing. They are so wrong.

Sirona

Big Dog

To me the JW's are just another offshoot of the dour, if its fun, or beautiful, or compelling it must be bad Puritan goofballs that were kicked out of every decent country in Europe so they came here to the states to set up shop. Read the scarlet letter, could be a congregation of JW's, with poor Hester and the Rev. Dimsdale soon to be hauled before a Judicial Committe. People talk about how it is no wonder catholic priests have the problems they do because they deny their basic sexuality, well I say its no wonder the JW's have the problems they do because they try to deny their basic humanity.

Sirona

Good point, big dog. They're an offshoot, for sure. Russell was 7th Day Adventist wasn't he?

Most of us learned that puritanism wasn't healthy...

Sirona

Gretchen956

Very true, if you think back, they always preached that the heart is treacherous and not to listen to it. Perhaps because it would be telling you to run like hell! Very austere and non emotional logic-based (albeit warped logic) form of worship. --And thats if you leave off all the other 496 reasons their religion is a load of crap! No wonder it didn't/doesn't appeal to me.

Sherry

Englishman

Aha, Sirona, you've touched on her Ladyship's main criticism of the WT. The lack of symbolism, the lack of personal influence where one's mind and heart can be touched in that special way. She once went to a Memorial at the behest of my Mother and returned speechless at the cold clinicism of the whole thing.

She came home exclaiming: "Lights! Bloody fluorescent lights! In a place of worship!"

Good post BTW.

Englishman.

Satanus

of the mind in my opinion and not of the heart.
phenomenally unspiritual.

Exactly. They are trained to sense even a hint of spirituality, and reject it as demonic.

S

Honesty

Interesting to consider, isn't it, that the only symbol the JWs seem to use or recognise is the "watchtower" symbol, which represents a publishing company (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society).

Some of those devout JW worshippers would have a hissy fit if they knew the truth where that WT symbol came from and the demented mind that decided to use it as the universally accepted WTBTS logo.

jula71

Interesting topic. I think that the use of objects in worship has been replaced by the organization. It?s not something physical to hold but the organization is worshiped and followed more than the Bible. And places, how many of thought that a Bethel trip was like a pilgrimage to Mecca?

JAVA

I take part in ritualistic type worship. I do this because I enjoy the symbolism, the beauty and the way I'm "part of" worship, rather than sitting and listening to a sermon in silence.

A few years after de-Towering I attended a Unitarian Church. Many of their members came from a Catholic background, and this issue came up from time to time. Unitarian services lack ritualistic to a large part except for lighting a chalice at the beginning of the service. The former Catholics missed that part of the service, but don?t miss the dogma that goes with it.

I enjoy some ritualistic bells and smoke, but it's difficult finding that without church dogma.

Sunspot

How do JWs worship? I think that the way they worship is different from some other faiths because there is nothing to appeal to the heart.

Sirona!

It was difficult trying to pull out a sentence or two to comment on----your post was excellent all the way through. But talking about "worship and the WTS", I truly don't feel that they "do" worship.

I really believe that the cold and impersonal (despite an occasional basket of flowers) decor in the KHs leads you to get the "message" that the KH is a place of "learning" and NOT a place to feel warmth, peace and a spiritual comfort. In fact the WTS has often taught that JWs aren't attracted to the "emotional" but the "accurate knowledge" that is learned at the KH. I missed the emotional! Apparently I'm not alone in this.

The feeling that is promoted is "WE are the best and God will bless ONLY us and hear OUR prayers only" and every meeting is geared towards this thought. When "other churches" are mentioned, it is with sneering, disdain and condescension. Is THAT a Christian attitude?

All depictions of the Christ are nonexistant because constantly being visually reminded of him would detract from their "Jehovah is our only Savior" chorus, so they make sure that "Jesus IS our Savior" is downplayed. Even the memorial is focused on the 144,000 rather than why Jesus dies for everyone!

The beauty of the types of churches you mentioned just evokes a reverent feeling from the moment you walk in and you feel much more centered and open FOR the worship that you went there for.

In a KH, you're basically there to listen to the WTS view of what they believe, and how to place their literature. You are TOLD what to "appreciate" what the Watchtowergod has done and will do for you----as long as you do all that they TELL you God wants you to do. No reverence. It's sad.

No wonder we felt so empty.

Annie

Art, Worship and the JWs

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