Thanks for posting this Phizzy and good on you
Lennyinbluemont.
Fink, I reckon that the key to all cultic
behaviour is to elevate the leadership presented through a powerful propaganda
machine. The claim made by cults is that the governance, though human is under
divine enlightenment and if you play your cards right; you too will get a piece
of the action.
A set of doctrines are built around this idea and every propaganda
utterance reinforces the leader’s vision which are given to the grateful
followers. Just analysing a paragraph or perhaps even a sentence in the Watchtower
magazine exemplifies this. Objectivity is thrown out of the window and the
reader settles down to absorb gobbledegook. A special language develops with
words having new and specific meanings for the insiders only, which strengthens
the identity of the cult. It makes for an esoteric “truth” which only the
initiates or baptised can know. An identity which the hapless follower
cherishes since it gives them an exclusive identity too, it helps them to see who they
are; a slave of their heavenly lord...though in practice this work is for the
aggrandisement of the leadership.. To work like this in the company of like minded
colleagues encourages a sense of purpose because if others are doing it, then
it must be ok mustn’t it?
What a trap for the poorly informed? What a disaster for
those investing their hopes in doomsday cults like the Watchtower org?