@stuffwif, I think what im trying to say is many have misinterpreted the religion which has caused them harm. Because they are meant to be educated by the bible and that conflicts with a cultlike mind control. No one here could say jesus was a charismatic cult leader if they studied his life. That is the contradiction
Richard C B
JoinedPosts by Richard C B
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225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@oneeyedjoe about the wife beater example i used, it would be someone that is not looking for help just on learning the bible, say like a spiritual awakening, that would be his only motive. This would be a positive outcome for him and his family. so what im saying is that not everyone feels its detrimental to them. yes its not all black and white thats why i used that example and im sure that is a senario that has benefited many families. Im trying to be balanced joe, its easy to jump on the band wagon and look at everything from a biased negative point of view im expressing independent thought. I THOUGHT THATS WHAT YOU GUYS WHERE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE HERE but i feel like im being slammed for this.
@stuffwhatifink I dont think you have read my earlier posts, ive explained wht i meant by that
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225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@one the wayout,, Thanks for your post very well summarized. I get what your saying as many who follow the Watchtower put themselves under immense pressure and try to be perfect 24-7. This is impossible to achieve and can cause depression and other forms of anguish. And really that brings me to my initial findings and theories regarding it being considered or applied to cult or cultlike qualities. But I am still of the opinion that a person would actually bring this on themselves down to false interpretation of the religion they follow. Because it clearly states in one of Jesus teachings that one is not under pressure to achieve the impossible as the example of the widow who contributed 2 small coins as a temple gift. Yes i understand why some are stating the dangers but do you not think these are sometimes self inflicted? -
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Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@cofty your out of line there calling me a waste of time ive just accepted joe had a strong argument he put forward. ive said in an earlier post your posts where valued to me and you had some good arguments also.
@bonsai,, yes its ok we may have had our wires crossed i am trying to process the different point of view and you input is valued to me also.
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225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
yes just seen your new post,, point taken about the charismatic leader arguement. You have a strong arguement there Joe. -
225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@one eyed joe thank you for that info i will consider your reasonings, need a little time to think about that, you have some valid pionts.
The only flaw i can see right now is its all negative. one could argue that for example someone could have been a wife beater and a drunkard and the wife because of cultural or other reasons put up with that situation. Then the husband studies the bible and turns his life around and becomes a great husband. His interpretation has a very positive outcome so in his particular case the said religion or cult has not been DANGEROUS but has been greatly beneficial to him and his family.
P.S having said that i definitly see your line of thought so at this point im not disagreeing with you
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225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@ bonsai why are you being defensive? please post your resonings and i will consider them. im open to debate iis not about getting one over on each other. Ive never viewed those you mentioned as charismatic leaders or figures. -
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Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@ cofty sorry i dont feel as though i have your input has been most valued to me. which questions did you have in mind? -
225
Cult or Religion
by Richard C B inwhat is a cult and what is a religion?
its open to debate.
who has the authority to say for certain what is a cult and what is a religion?
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Richard C B
@ bonsai,, you have conveniently missed out that the actual dictionary word full meaning of cult,, the cult or movement is led by a charismatic leader. You could apply that for instance to Scientoligy,, im not saying scientoligy is a cult by the way, but they had one leader who you could describe as charismatic.
i think your just getting frustrated because im not being dogmatic and agreeing with you.
I do know what my point is its very clear. And ive done a lot of reserch and also that is what im doing right now there has been some excellent input from others.
What i have learned is, and what I already had in mind, that its very much down to individual experience that one ultimately concludes that Jw s are a cult because they have changed and they brand it a cult because it suits there new or different way of thinking.
Im really looking other evidence to prove its cult status and they dosnt seem to be any.
I would pretty much guarantee most who say its a cult have been disfellowshipped and have regrets.
E.G. someone may have passed over a career opportunity because they wanted,, at the time,, to prioritize preaching. And years later leave the cong. then regret and become bitter.
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Richard C B
Hi stephanie, ive seen a few posts you have started about the JW beliefs. Why dont you go to there officail site you will get a straight answer on there. All their basic beliefs will be listed and clear for you to understand. Its like asking about a certain brand of car maker e.g if you want to know about vw cars you would go to there website you wouldnt go to fords website would you?