i see this phrase a lot: "the indication of a cult is what happens when you leave.
" i'm not sure where that originated, but it is a faulty categorization.
"cult" is almost always used in a derogatory way.
Steve Jones was responsible for the death by suicide of over 900 people. No one would dispute that his church was the definition of a cult. How many have committed suicide by refusal of blood over the decades? I have two from my own family. Considering that fact, it's hard not to define JW Corp as a cult.
As regards the BITE model. I think the ORG tries to exercise high control but in practice most people pay lip service but act as they will.
So, cult or high control? The jury is out.
i see this phrase a lot: "the indication of a cult is what happens when you leave.
" i'm not sure where that originated, but it is a faulty categorization.
"cult" is almost always used in a derogatory way.
High control group certainly I could stomach that definition it it wasn't for two factors.
1./ The enforced expectation of suicidal behaviour rather than the breaking of arbitrary rules. This involves the ban on blood or some blood products according to a schedule cooked up by a committee in America. This, policed by the HLC who try to put themselves between medical staff and patient.
2./ The practice of shunning those who don't conform or question doctrine. This is extreme and threatens survival in vulnerable people.
These factors push the case over to something sinister however it is defined.
the watchtower—study edition | july 2023. study article 31.
“be steadfast, immovable”.
he tells his doctors that he's a jehovah's witness, and refuses a blood transfusion if needed during surgery.
R.I.P. Bob.
read some reply's about jaracz being a child abuser.. is there any evidence about it?.
g..
So, NO then.
so, folks, 60 years ago, starting on september 1st, i believe, we, local witnesses in southern california, had the "privilege" of attending the "around the world assembly", at, of all places, the rose bowl, in pasadena.
(i think that it was an 8-day assembly) i was 9 years old then, almost ready to start 4th grade.
so, was anyone else, on this site, at that assembly?
they released a thick edition of the New World Translation
You have just reminded me of life before the complete NWT was published in jumbo form or in the original green edition.We each had 6 or 7 bits of the bible that had been issued as they were translated and bound. This meant if you wanted to look up Habakuk 2:3 for instance you had first to select the correct volume and look it up before the speaker had moved on. Imagine the oneupmanship of deftly being able to manipulate these volumes quicker than his anal fellow worshiper. What a waste.
so, folks, 60 years ago, starting on september 1st, i believe, we, local witnesses in southern california, had the "privilege" of attending the "around the world assembly", at, of all places, the rose bowl, in pasadena.
(i think that it was an 8-day assembly) i was 9 years old then, almost ready to start 4th grade.
so, was anyone else, on this site, at that assembly?
Yes, I was at Twickenham, England and the Velodromo Vigoralle in Milan, Italy. I was 15 and it was an amazing immersive experience. Looking back it was cult conditioning central and it worked. I remember thinking that the world outside was just a faded reality and the life amongst all these people was the real thing. I remember thinkingt "this is wonderful" but had nagging doubts "but is it true?" I decided to swallow the doubt, aaaggggh.
The infamous "Babylon" book was released, a source of torment for years after.
Personally, I was 15 and there were more girls around than I had ever seen so I was in a hormone bubble of youthful temptation and repression not helped by a journey across Europe staying with at least one family with a lovely daughter before being whisked onwards.
The experiences to a young mind were rich and forming. The people, especially in Italy were amazing. The emotional impact vey real without apparent hypocrisy.
Little wonder that it set me back years in allowing the unanswered questions to reemerge. All that glitters is not gold.
has anyone got any good 'jws and alcohol' stories?
i always found it amazing that so many jws got blind drunk at parties and got away with it!
i suppose alcohol was the only fun thing we were allowed to partake in....
At a time when I was a pretty conflicted elder I went out with work-mates for a lunch time drink with work mates. Ahem, it happened to be late December at the time. That evening there was am elder's refresher/school type meeting as was common at that time. I turned up reeking of mints and alcohol trying to blend in. I could hardly speak at the "bun fight" half way through.
The conductor, a senior CO then asked me to read a long scripture. I could hardly see it let alone read properly. I sat and slurred my way through it. I've no idea how I got away with that one.
What a hypocrite I was, I put it down to cognitive dissonance.
.
I remember it well. Notice the targets in red. They were requirements for pioneers and special pioneers 100 and 150 hours per month respectively. There was no allowance for vacations etc so you would have to do say 10% more to enjoy a few days off.
elder friend of mine texted me asking what my rc attendance was 2 weeks ago (family and i streamed it since wife is not well).
he told me that his rc in the jersey city assembly hall last weekend was low.
co told them that around 2600 were the total from 16+ congs that were assigned.
Just attended ours.
A few observations
Peak attendance, 7000 approx. Meaningless number unless you know how many were assigned.
Baptism 17 or 0.002%, not impressive.
The talks: 15 to 20 minutes with 2 videos each. The one with the cancelled shunning dramatisations was conspicuous in breaking that pattern.
The so called bible character based videos were notable in just having the actors ruminate on imaginary scenarios cooked up in Warwick to strengthen their argument.
Similar pathetic half assed argumentation based on pretty nature segments. There was no depth or interest in any of the offerings, just the same point plugged over and over. We are supposed to be eager because these are the last of the last days but patient because it may be just a little longer. Huh?
The main feature length drama was strange. Apparently salvation means walking for days under threat of gunfire with the weak dying on the way. Finally the long awaited solution appears." Oh joy we are here",Jehovah's hand is in the UN refugee camp in which you can play football with your kids and contribute in the lovingly provided contribution boxes. Make sure you have your go bag.
So, to summarise. Attendance figures are meaningless unless you know how many were assigned. The baptism ratio is a good indicator.
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Oh good. Nice to know.
