SBF, Interesting list and great idea.
Why don't YOU write the book?
Oubliette
JoinedPosts by Oubliette
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49
Dissenters in Watchtower History: Differing Departures
by slimboyfat ini'm reading an excellent book about defectors from the mormon church called differing visions: dissenters in mormon history.
through a collection of essays from many academic authors it looks at the life stories of dissenters and reasons for departure, as well as analysing the impact of their dissent on the church itself.
fascinating stuff and makes me wish there was a similar volume looking at the key dissenters from jws/watchtower and the impact they had.
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137
Something interesting!
by John Aquila ini was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
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Oubliette
JA: The WT sometimes looks like Santa Claus compared to other mind-controlled organizations or individuals.
Yes, but the fact that there are worse examples of exploitation doesn't exonerate the WTBTS. In some ways they are especially culpable because of their claims of "having the truth" and being "the One True Religion."
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12
The Psychological Manipulation of the Watchtower.
by The Rebel inwhen someone interacts with you they can influence your thoughts and also manipulate your thinking.
i became aware that this is what i was doing with householders on the ministry.
we chipped away at householders with manipulation, and called it a return call.
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Oubliette
If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. - George S. Patton -
48
Your thoughts on Halloween , yes, no or maybe ?
by Finkelstein inwell its that time again when the ghouls come out to play.
i personally think halloween is a bit irresponsible and inappropriate from a sociological perspective.. there's something about the intent of frightening young impressionable children minds with frightening objests.
and feeding them candy which most likely cause tooth decay and stomachs is irresponsible activity conducted by adults.
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137
Something interesting!
by John Aquila ini was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
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Oubliette
John Aquila: You know, I have pointed this out to several jws but they don't seem to be able to put 2 + 2 together. I guess they are not ready for ttatt.
Agreed.
As much as I've read about the power of mind-control and propaganda and reflected on my own experience (30 years a JW), I'm still astounded how this stuff works!
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137
Something interesting!
by John Aquila ini was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
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Oubliette
JA: One of the talks dealt with King Ahab and his queen Jezebel who killed Jehovah's prophets. God's name was still with Israel but the individuals running the show had become corrupted.
Thanks for clarifying.
I've often wondered how every JW doesn't see this. The entire history of the Bible is about the leaders being corrupt. It's a foregone conclusion that all religious leaders will become the wicked Kings and/or the Pharisees.
The heroes of the Bible always pointed out the hypocrisy and corruption of the then current leadership, generally at great personal cost.
So it shouldn't be surprising that when a JW wakes up to TTATT they get disfellowshipped. It is simply repeating the Biblical narrative albeit in modern form.
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Special Pioneer Couple Living at a Kingdom Hall In Miami FL, get the dreaded Letter
by James Jack injust got a phone call from an older sister saying that a couple that got re-assigned from bethel 4 years ago to live at their kh apartment as special pioneers, just received a letter saying "as of january 2016, your special pioneer assignment will be discontinued".. they live in a south miami kh(snapper creek congregation).. this couple had only served in bethel for 15 years before they were sent out into the special pioneer work.
they are now in their mid 50's and the sister said that they have to find part time jobs to support themselves.. the older sister (does not have a pc or internet), says that the couple are just devastated!
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Oubliette
So much for: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 -
137
Something interesting!
by John Aquila ini was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
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Oubliette
Simon: the fact that there aren't [more splinter groups] demonstrates that the majority don't really have strongly held beliefs about much other than that the society is always right. That is their one and only core belief.
THAT is a very interesting observation!
- If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. - George Smith Patton
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137
Something interesting!
by John Aquila ini was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
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Oubliette
John Aquila: These guys are not apostates
Could you please explain what you mean?
If you mean they're not like Lloyd Evans (John Cedars) in being openly confrontational, I get that.But certainly the WT leadership would consider them apostates.
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137
Something interesting!
by John Aquila ini was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
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Oubliette
John, that is really interesting.
It looks like a schism of sorts is in the works.
I'm not surprised; actually I've wondered why this hasn't happened before. Well, apparently it has.
The problem with something like this is the lack of a central doctrine or belief to keep any splinter group going.
I'm reminded too of a statement by Ray Franz (I'm paraphrasing) that so often people that are disillusioned with the corruption and loss of direction by their own religion start a new one, unfortunately with "disturbing regularity" it generally turns into the very thing they tried to get away from.
Please keep us posted.
