Posts by Podobear

56

Is the Jehovahs Witnesses organization really a cult?

by Etude in

im sure the question has been brought up before on this board and i imagine that for many of us the answer is patent.

however, i recently saw a documentary on pbs regarding the mormons and it stated categorically that the church of jesus christ of latter day saints is not a cult.

given that it has its own set of strangeness and history of revision as has the wtbts, could it also (the jw) be considered a main stream, although minor religion?.

Podobear

Good summary mindmelda.. and honest retort Heaven. The word "cult" itself finds its roots in the French... "La Culte [Catholique]". Here in the UK, the word has become perhaps more derogatory than true to its origins.

It has been censored by the UK parliament and it is now illegal here to use it in anti-religious demonstrations. Specifically anti-Scientology in recent times. I stand by my previous comments. The JW movement has evolved beyond what I knew it. I no longer accept the religion in its current form and for me THEY have invalidated my vows of baptism.. not me. I did not get baptised into a CULT, by current definition. I did, however, accept that doctrine and way of life as it was then.. as Truth. As Heaven said, and as the original French infers.. I accepted the cult of Jesus.

Currently, I hold no affiliation... just a strong spirituality. Atheism is not my bag.. I see no sense of reason in it.

56

Is the Jehovahs Witnesses organization really a cult?

by Etude in

im sure the question has been brought up before on this board and i imagine that for many of us the answer is patent.

however, i recently saw a documentary on pbs regarding the mormons and it stated categorically that the church of jesus christ of latter day saints is not a cult.

given that it has its own set of strangeness and history of revision as has the wtbts, could it also (the jw) be considered a main stream, although minor religion?.

Podobear

That makes a Jesus a cult leader then Heaven, n'est ce pas?

When I underwent baptism in 1971 - the mindset was very much against a label - we were urged pointedly to say that we were "one of Jehovah's Witnesses" and not "I'm a Jehovah's Witness" - in an attempt to throw of religious "labels". I was proud to be part of a forward thinking, student organisation of people - delving for the truth, refining, sifting and advancing.

What I see today is almost a secularised religion that has been turned to "cult-like" ways at the hand of some of its members.

But, for the "old school" and at the heart, I believe there is despair at what has happened. That is why I left. I blame it on the Marketing guys who turned the Watchtower Society's efforts into mega sales of not just literature but cassettes, dvd's videos and other products because that is the chosen route of MAKING MONEY. There is no middle man to pay - that is what the "Publishers" are.. a 7million strong distribution force.

How do I know that? Because that is the answer I gave when I was approached by the Branch Committee before being given a job in the Office at Bethel. It haunts me to this day - that I gave the right answer.

The Witnesses of Jehovah are NOT a cult.. unless that is You classify the following of a man, Jesus (the Christ) as being a Cult-like trait.

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Zid.. all the best lady.. but I find it curious that none of us associate with this Organisation any more but some get tetchy when the good is pointed out in individuals WHATEVER THEIR FAITH OR CONVICTION. That's all.. and really, you Americans is general may be tight fisted (it's a big country with a wide socio-demographic range)... I suggest you start examining the JW's here in Europe.. ESPECIALLY FRANCE which supplies the equivalent of Medcins sans Frontiere.

If you want to slam the Organ Grinder that is individual choice.. personally I believe in Animal Sanctuaries (note that Zid!!) and believe in Monkey rehab. There are some extremely philanthropic JW's too. My poin is valid even if it is read in derision and disdain. All the best.

12

Happy St George's Day Everyone

by LittleSister in

jw
friends

today is st george's day the patron saint to england.

he is also the patron saint of a few other countries like germany plus a fair few cities so he does get around a bit.. have a happy st george's day everyone .

.

Podobear

The teddy bears picnic in my clinic window are all waving the flag... the locals love it... it's drawn quite a cloud. Come on England, bring a smile... it's Election time (woopey-do!!)

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Suck what, minimus? There are some mighty fine people amongst them... and other religious subsets.. get over the anxiety matey and start living your life and finding your own goals. Be happy to be free... and move on.. without tarnishing the good you left behind. It's the only way forward!

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Cheers ziddinia.. thanks for the thoughts.. but I did not ask that question. I know you are psychic but... LOL All the best, hope the mountain weather is treating you kindly. Regards, Podobear.

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Yup, precisely Room125... also read the article written on March 10, 2010 in the Dominican Today (www.dominicatoday.com) about the JW who shielded a student she was teaching and literally saved her life and forfeited her own.

The article outlines the active JW relief programme very well too. Just goes to show when adversity strikes, that good hearts and love transcend perceived religious protocols. Coffeevanchick (above) I believe is now a confirmed Atheist.

It is great to be able to express opinions here without censor.. thank you.

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Spoken like the gay drunken philanderer that you are JudgeRutherford... you fail to see people just an Organisation... which is why most of us left your Printing and Publishing corporation. I have no desire to go back to my local Kingdom Hall until I see change...THEN, I willingly go back and associate with the good people I loved.

Mock as much as you want... the VAST majority of JW's do what they are doing, did what they did... out of good motive. When they chuck out the marketing and sales pitches.. I will certainly reconsider.

Moshe, I am criticizing the broad strokes.. that is all. And, I agree, conscience matters should be just that. Would you lampoon every Jew because a few reject Porcine Insulin (formerly at their peril) for example.

Folks live and die by conviction.. even Ray Franz acknowledged that ALL of us will face such crises in our lives. All I have done on this thread is to build up the valliant and sincere personal efforts of many JW's. What the corporation wants to promote is another matter. All the best.

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Moshe.. if you truly believe that then, is it really necessary to be so terse about the humble efforts made by many to make the world a better place? Broad brush strokes lead to xenophobia and persecution as you should well know. Praise the good that many JW's do.. and minimus, again, I simply do not agree with your broad brush strokes either.

72

Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone

by minimus in

jw
friends

the reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.

they don't contribute to society.

they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..

Podobear

Oh Moshe.. I really wonder if you were in the same religion as most of us here? It is Jehovah who judges, not you, not me, as Truthlover has pointed out.

Frankly, if you want this tyrranical world to continue... then you have missed the whole point of the gospel itself. MOST of the JW's I knew were kind hearted and generous people... I can never fully repay that love. I hope I can, in some way, when and if I meet them again. [Though most of these golden oldies are awaiting the resurrection now].

Each will know where he/she stands on the great day, and the JW message I preached was one of Life not Death. I guess it is which side of the looking glass you want to look through. Having a terminal disease makes you think differently, Moshe. My hat off to all Nurses, Doctors and Medics..... and the many JW's I knew/know who are among them... reaching out to help in a sore and tired old world.

The Gospel is LIFE and the destruction of all death and its causes. Don't you want that any more Moshe??