Posts by Vanderhoven7

22

Religion or Cult - How to Tell The Difference

by cofty in

i don't believe the question is binary.

all religions are cults its just a matter of degree.. .

.

Vanderhoven7

<<with the possible exception of #7 you have perfectly described Roman Catholicism. The authority of scripture is a classic example of group think.>>

Excellent point Cofty. I am not prepared to argue against it. However it seems to me that there are significant differences among Christian groups that go beyond simply degree of manifestation of the cult characteristics listed.

For example, take the first one:

1. Claim Exclusive Divine Approbation

All Cult groups are elitist, claiming special exalted status for themselves, their leadership and members. Cults are organizational exclusivists. One is excluded from possible relationship with God if one is not associated with the group. The group alone represents true Christianity and all other groups are demonic or inspired by satan. The group is the exclusive community of the saved and those who leave the group, leave God.

Unlike cults, most Christian churches do not claim such status. Most Christian groups clearly tend not to be organizational exclusivists, but relational exclusivists; one must have a relationship with Jesus Christ to be a Christian. Which church you belong to or visit or celebrate communion at, is essentially inconsequential.

22

Religion or Cult - How to Tell The Difference

by cofty in

i don't believe the question is binary.

all religions are cults its just a matter of degree.. .

.

Vanderhoven7

Distinguishing Marks/Practices of Cults of Christianity:

1. Claim Exclusive Divine Approbation

2. Reduce the Authority of Scripture

3. Ignore Accepted Principles of Hermeneutics

4. Distinguish Themselves Through Extra-biblical Doctrines,

5. Preach a gospel other than Paul's gospel

6. Establish Unbiblical Control Over Members.

7. Demonstrate Doctrinal Instability and Irresponsibility

147

So my JW wife cheated on me. Need some help or at least a sympathetic ear.

by JonathanH in

jw
friends

i have neither friends nor family to turn to.

the result of being born in a cult.

but i need to talk about this.

Vanderhoven7

Your wife has confessed her transgression and demonstrated humility (taking all the blame) and willingness to make things work. You are already miles ahead of many others. Pressing for details will only prompt and prolong aggravation and anger. Instead, show her what God is like. Forgive her unconditionally and arrange for private professional counselling for the both of you.

10

Clear Cases of WTBTS Hypocrisy

by Vanderhoven7 in

what facts would you use to demonstrate to a member of jehovah's witnesses that their organization is guilty of hypocrisy?.

one that comes to mind is that jws will give their church literature but are not permitted to accept yours..

Vanderhoven7

OODad,

Thanks for that and the textual support as well. I'll use that.

10

Clear Cases of WTBTS Hypocrisy

by Vanderhoven7 in

what facts would you use to demonstrate to a member of jehovah's witnesses that their organization is guilty of hypocrisy?.

one that comes to mind is that jws will give their church literature but are not permitted to accept yours..

Vanderhoven7

Lost Gen,

Thanks, yes I forgot about that bit of hypocritical practice. You can sustain your life from blood donations of others, but you should not donate blood to save the life of others.

Do you know if JWs ever get their blood tested btw?

10

Clear Cases of WTBTS Hypocrisy

by Vanderhoven7 in

what facts would you use to demonstrate to a member of jehovah's witnesses that their organization is guilty of hypocrisy?.

one that comes to mind is that jws will give their church literature but are not permitted to accept yours..

Vanderhoven7

Excellent Sir82. Now I'll have to look for quotes to back that up.

10

Clear Cases of WTBTS Hypocrisy

by Vanderhoven7 in

what facts would you use to demonstrate to a member of jehovah's witnesses that their organization is guilty of hypocrisy?.

one that comes to mind is that jws will give their church literature but are not permitted to accept yours..

Vanderhoven7

PTN,

I found that JWs will accept things you have written personally, but nothing from your "organization".

Tim,

True. The Pharisees actually created manmade teachings to avoid obeying weightier things in the law...such as honouring parents.

Another thing that comes to mind is their NGO status with the UN.

10

Clear Cases of WTBTS Hypocrisy

by Vanderhoven7 in

what facts would you use to demonstrate to a member of jehovah's witnesses that their organization is guilty of hypocrisy?.

one that comes to mind is that jws will give their church literature but are not permitted to accept yours..

Vanderhoven7

What facts would you use to demonstrate to a member of Jehovah's Witnesses that their organization is guilty of hypocrisy?

One that comes to mind is that JWs will give their church literature but are not permitted to accept yours.

155

MAT 24:14 HAS BEEN FULLFILLED MP3 FROM BETHEL HEAVY

by What-A-Coincidence in

jw
friends

warning: the wtbts is becoming more cultish as evidenced in this mp3.

listener take heed.

turn on all your cult warning alarms on.. .

Vanderhoven7

The Truth is that Matthew 24:14 was fulfilled before the end of the first century. The end came with the destruction of the temple in 70 AD.

19

I just noticed, with the 6/15 WT last year, they 'apostasised" themselves

by EndofMysteries in

up to the 10/95 awake it had on the fine print about the generation of 1914, it was erased from then on.

the 11/95 watchtower then said this on page 17, "eager to see the end of this evil system, jehovah's people have at times speculated about the time when the "great tribulation" would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. however, we "bring a heart of wisdom in," not by speculating about how many years or days make up a generation..... .

so they pretty much blame the membership for believing that those alive since 1914 or what makes the generation on them for believing, even though they themselves had taught it.

Vanderhoven7

marked