Posts by UnshackleTheChains

35

In what decade was it clearly apparent that Watchtower was a high control religion?

by UnshackleTheChains in

i'm just curious to get people's views on this.. the bible students seem to start of as quite a liberal group under charles taze russell, albeit he had some whacky teachings going on.

obviously things began to change under rutherford.

but what decade did it become abundantly clear that the society was indeed high control religion or even labeled a cult?.

In what decade was it clearly apparent that Watchtower was a high control religion?

by UnshackleTheChains in

i'm just curious to get people's views on this.. the bible students seem to start of as quite a liberal group under charles taze russell, albeit he had some whacky teachings going on.

obviously things began to change under rutherford.

but what decade did it become abundantly clear that the society was indeed high control religion or even labeled a cult?.

UnshackleTheChains

I would say when they started disfellowshipping people, which I believe was the 1950's. I joined in 1969, they were a cult then, imo. Prior to that they may have had wacky beliefs, but people wouldn't necessarily loose their family if they chose to leave or simply choose not to buy into everything

Lisa rose

Yes, this was a big step towards tighter control when the disfellowshipping policy first came into effect....though I believe it was similiar to a degree with the Catholic excommunication policy whereby an individual might be frowned upon, but not shunned.

Perhaps the earliest signs that this was to become a high control autocratic organization occurred when Rutherford succeeded Russell. There was a huge falling away of Bible Students (as JWs we’re then known) who rejected Rutherford’s heavy handed attempts to control the brothers and sisters at the “company” level (as congregations were then known). And the lunacy of the 1920s hadn’t even fully materialised yet (e.g., the sloganeering and false predictions about “millions now living will never die” for starters).

All that happened after that miserably misleading decade were continuations and fine tuning of seizing control of brothers and sisters lives and minds until decades later it perfected that control, reframing it as a “loving” provision of Jehovah, the clean God. The Pharisees would be proud

Steve2

I think in a nut shell you put it really well. Things started to really change during the Rutherford era.

Also

No-zombie - makes a good point about the reviewed disfellowshipping policy of the early 80's. This I believe is the point when Watchtower firmly placed themselves in the spotlight as a high control religion, especially after the purge at Bethel that involved Ray Franz.

Thanks to everyone's input.

35

In what decade was it clearly apparent that Watchtower was a high control religion?

by UnshackleTheChains in

i'm just curious to get people's views on this.. the bible students seem to start of as quite a liberal group under charles taze russell, albeit he had some whacky teachings going on.

obviously things began to change under rutherford.

but what decade did it become abundantly clear that the society was indeed high control religion or even labeled a cult?.

UnshackleTheChains

I'm just curious to get people's views on this.

The bible students seem to start of as quite a liberal group under Charles Taze Russell, albeit he had some whacky teachings going on. Obviously things began to change under Rutherford.

But what decade did it become abundantly clear that the society was indeed high control religion or even labeled a cult?

I know that when I first heard of the JWs in the early 80's, I was told they were a cult by some friends, which seemed a common view.

110

Exjw activists protesting inside a Kingdom Hall today!

by Crazyguy in

spoonfed nomore, has uploaded a video on his youtube site, of exjw activists protesting inside a kingdom hall during this sunday meeting.

several people speak out.

if some one can put a link on here that would be awesome, i can’t figure out how to do it with an i phone.

UnshackleTheChains

Personally. Though I understand the frustration involved given the individual experiences, think the polish ex JW activism is quite effective and dignified. From what I've seen of Rick ferrons activism, he is quite similiar. Can learn something from this when organising protest for future.

https://youtu.be/vT3qDTYxGD8

110

Exjw activists protesting inside a Kingdom Hall today!

by Crazyguy in

spoonfed nomore, has uploaded a video on his youtube site, of exjw activists protesting inside a kingdom hall during this sunday meeting.

several people speak out.

if some one can put a link on here that would be awesome, i can’t figure out how to do it with an i phone.

UnshackleTheChains

Watchtower reminds me of the proverbial juggernaut. A very powerful force/organisation that tramples over people's lives.

Sheer frustration has moved these people to do something. They have been deeply affected by Watchtower in various ways.

Sheer frustration at the fact that Watchtower refuses to listen to the cries of those who have been hurt in some way because of their policies/teachings.

Sheer frustration that the leadership hide away in their ivory tower like kings, as if nothing is wrong; and/or stonewalling anyone who questions their policies/ teachings.

Sheer frustration that little is being done by Watchtower to remove their harmful policies, and they simply continue to carry on business as usual. That's what you call arrogance (Not Discretion).

Sometimes and yes sadly, you have got to shout to be heard. Right or wrong, these videos will reverberate around the world. Watchtower needs to start listening, otherwise such protests just 'might' become a regular thing, a thorn in the side.

So how do you make it all go away.

Simple.

All the leadership at Watchtower have to do is budge their finger! Luke 11:46

Listen to the pleas and cries of people.. Watchtower.

Humble yourselves and prove yourselves to be TRUE Christians. Rid yourself of that arrogant, lofty, 'masters over all' attitude!

110

Exjw activists protesting inside a Kingdom Hall today!

by Crazyguy in

spoonfed nomore, has uploaded a video on his youtube site, of exjw activists protesting inside a kingdom hall during this sunday meeting.

several people speak out.

if some one can put a link on here that would be awesome, i can’t figure out how to do it with an i phone.

UnshackleTheChains

I think protesting in a respectful quiet manner like the recent polish activism videos shown on this forum are more dignified. People are naturally curious and will want to know WHY individuals are going out of their way to protest.

20

Meetings are boring

by Akid48 in

meetings are boring for young kids and old but i'm going to focus on young kids 5 or 8.. i think is unfair that young kids get punished for falling asleep or zoning out.. as meetings are not as boring but i have to go to school the next day and staying up till 10pm isn't the best i can't get out of going.. but think of the young kids that dont even understand most of the teachings.. i know most on the site are adults but i heard of adults falling asleep..

UnshackleTheChains

https://youtu.be/dmUGoeJuEvc

59

What can the leadership at Watchtower do to turn things around?

by UnshackleTheChains in

let's play devils advocate here.. put yourself in the governing body's shoes.

they are well aware of all the issues they are facing.

they know their numbers (they 'do the math' as they say in the us).

UnshackleTheChains

Personally I think this religion is so ingrained in corruption and foul I don't think it can reverse its doctrines, too many people have died too many families destroyed

Mmmm...Has Watchtower gone too far beyond the pale to turn things around? Time will tell!

23

JW HLC....a mixed bunch...what has been your experience?

by Lee Elder in

i have had greatly varied experiences with hlc members over the years.

i was never one myself, but i knew several of them personally.

most struck me as being generally decent human beings.

UnshackleTheChains

Just wanted to say a bit more about the HLC guys - the promoters of noblood alternatives.

The HLC are special pioneers. That is the WT class they belong to. The special target of their special ministry is the medical profession. They are engaged in evangelism/promotion of the noblood industry. Their goal is to convert health care professionals, doctors, and health care systems to noblood philosophy.

The WTS has created a cult that operates in behind the religious cult that they present to the world - they operate and support a no blood cult and the HLC members' job is to look for noblood conversions within the medical world.

An HLC guy is a Special Pioneer. The JW "tax dollar" supports the lobbying of medical professionals

I think what Orphan Crow explains really well is that Watchtower has in a proverbial sense let the genie out of the bottle!! Very difficult to get back in.

23

JW HLC....a mixed bunch...what has been your experience?

by Lee Elder in

i have had greatly varied experiences with hlc members over the years.

i was never one myself, but i knew several of them personally.

most struck me as being generally decent human beings.

UnshackleTheChains

My daughter had to have a significant operation and was only a year old. Neither my wife or I had any idea of 'ward of court' as it is not exactly publicised by the organisation, and we were both young back then.

My wife was absolutely adamant that our daughter was not to have blood. I kept expressing my concerns to her about it in the weeks up to the operation. In the end she suggested I speak to an elder who was on the HLC. I couldn't believe that she didn't share the same concerns and seemed to have a blind devotion to the blood policy.

I explained what was happening and sought his advice. I was expecting him to encourage me to make a stand on blood etc. To my surprise, he gave me an answer from a common sense approach. He explained to me about ward of court and that the surgeons would be in a position lawfully to administer blood if they felt there was a significant risk.

I was really surprised at his answer and immediately felt a huge weight lifted of me. I told my wife and she 'immediately' accepted what was said...which says something in itself.

I was very grateful for the common sense approach this elder had and for easing my fears at the time.

I wish this same common sense approach could be used across the board regardless of age.