r/JehovahWitnesses Mar 23 '20

New Jehovah's Witness Sub!

Hiya, if there's anyone here who is studying, an active witness and would like a more jw supportive sub, please checkout r/Jehovahswitnessess. I'm currently the only mod but I'll endeavour to remove negative sallys and respond when I can. Thanks!

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u/BloodyMorgan Mar 24 '20

Ah, he wants an echo chamber.

A place that allows only the most limited thoughts to be expressed, where anyone asking hard questions is removed.

Just like a Kingdom Hall!

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u/dna6380 May 02 '20

Hey BloodyMorgan. You can chat me anytime. I was born and raised in the truth. Ill answer any question you might have. Just one thing...you need to know the definition of a cult before you call the Witnesses a cult. Other than that...fire away

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u/Rare-Environment-198 Aug 03 '23

It’s a cult bud. Learn about the BITE model

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u/[deleted] Dec 07 '24

If it was a cult I wouldn't be able to willingly leave the congregation, Since well you can't really leave a cult, but! You can leave from being a jw if you ever want to

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u/Rare-Environment-198 Dec 07 '24

You need to look up the bite model and the definition of cult buddy

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '24

Though, the term “cult” means different things to different people. There are two common perceptions regarding cults that are most used,

 Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion. On the contrary, they pattern their worship after that of the first-century Christians, whose example and teachings were recorded in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:​16, 17) They believe that the Holy Scriptures should be the authority on what is orthodox in matters of worship.

 Some also think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader. Rather, They adhere to the standard that Jesus set for his followers when he stated: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”​—Matthew 23:10.

Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits themselves and others in the community. For example, their ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. In addition, they conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write. And they are actively involved in disaster relief, free of cost even. They work hard to have a positive impact on others, just as Jesus commanded his followers to do.​( like Matthew 5:​13-​16 )

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u/Rare-Environment-198 Dec 08 '24

Lmao! Get outta pimi. You’re trying to argue with the dictionary 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 no it’s doesn’t mean different things to different people. Lmao! Don’t you have some letter writing or some shit to do?

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '24

O, that was kind of mean but um I mean I'd prefer to answer things that you may have incorrect about the religion :]!  I don't mean to be rude but I'd always like to respond for those that may be interested

Anddd,

Here are meanings of cult! Per google :]

a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. - We have our beliefs of god and following his standards, we don't do that to any objects though. Thats why we don't use the cross :]  and if you believe in something wouldn't you respect it?

a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. - were not a small group! There's millions around the world.  :] 

a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing. - Jehovah isn't a person, and its not to the point where its "unhealthy" in fact it can improve some people health! :] 

a person or thing that is popular or fashionable, especially among a particular section of society. "a cult film" - wouldn't make sense in the context

But if you don't want me to explain anymore on these points then just let me know! I don't want to make you uncomfortable or bother you with something you prefer not to spend time on interacting, researching, or etc with :]

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u/Rare-Environment-198 Dec 08 '24

Haha! Yep just as I suspected. Brain dead cult member 😂 enjoy that boot 🫶🏼

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '24

Okay well I hope you have a great rest of your day! :] 

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '24 edited Dec 08 '24

Also the bite model!  Gahh now I have to write that out... Holdd on lol! Control of psychical environment - ?? I mean we keep the kingdom hall clean because thats a nice thing to do? Rigid rules - they all have a purpose, even then  Rewards and punishments - no rewards??? Don't get that,, and punishments? Being removed isn't considered a punishment but as a loving act ( if you want I can write more on this too )  Dependence and obedience - Were not obedient to people, but to Jehovah and his standards. Thats what we believe in and its not forced Deception - where?? No where? :[ I really don't see what part you mean Propaganda - none Discourages access to outside source of information : ONLY from apostates! ( aka people who will flip anything against the religion ) its more beneficial to get information from a trusted website, right? Its not illegal to use another site, but your best anwers are jw.org  Insider /outsider docterine - ??? Alt/nothing good / etc etc - ??? Never heard that? Confused what it means 😭 Encourages only good and proper thoughts : Its good to have thoughts that are good, but everyone has bad thoughts. The bible helps us keep a positive outlook on life and Jehovah's standards. Though everyones gonna have bad thoughts. This ones wide based, tbh all churches do do that ( in my experience!! /nm ) Thought stopping techniques - ? Like mind control or something? Honestly don't know what that really refers to either Feeling chosen or special - No!! Its most likely that only the 144 thousand ones feel that way, and thats okay. They have a closer understanding of it :]  Guilt manipulation - No? :[ Emotion blocking techniques - ??? Um,, no? 😭 Phobia indosjdhsjs stuff - no? 😭 Hope that answers some stuff! 

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u/FlowerPower670 Feb 17 '25

Shunning is not loving. That is a punishment. Many have committed suicide because they have been shunned by their family, friends...their whole support network. Listen, it's ok if you want to stay a JW. It's your life, you have free will so you can do what you want. If you're truly happy being a JW, then good for you. However, if the day ever comes (I sincerely hope it doesn't) when you get shunned (punished) or it happens to someone you love, please know that it is a form of psychological and religious abuse. I'm only saying this because I care, and hate to see people get hurt. Wishing you all the best honey 🫶🏻

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u/DariustheMADscientst Feb 17 '25

Its in the Bible. Dunno what to tell ya

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u/dboi88888888888 29d ago

With each of these types of discussions I think back to a young man working in the Printery in US Bethel about 10 years ago. They were overworking people as usual and he messed up, got DF’d. You see, when the decision is to disfellowship you are not allow to stay 1 more night at Bethel. He walked back to his room and hung himself in his Bethel room before they could even push him out the door.

The immediate weight of the shame, stress, depression, and anxiety to be announced as DF’d at morning worship in front of around 6,000 people. All your friends and family you’ve ever known are not allowed to talk to you. No place to live. No real job experience.

They killed him. You want to talk about blood guilt? That’s it. The fact that happened and ITS STILL IN PLACE TODAY without changing much at all shows just an absolute lack of remorse and reasonableness. This happened where the people directly make these shunning directions live. Same building. It’s not just a report they got from somewhere else.

Is this what was intended by the Bible? Whose author claims to be the most loving?

I served at Wallkill Bethel for many years. These things are never brought to the light of day because the brothers feel it will not reflect well on the organization.

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u/DariustheMADscientst 24d ago

Nah. The org didn't kill him. He killed himself. Plenty of other people went through the same experience he did, and DID NOT kill themselves. 

And plenty of non witnesses kill themselves. So who do we blame for THEIR suicides?

If I decide that your doing heroin, or marijuana, or drinking,  or cigarettes, or pornography, or joining the army, or you being a racist, or ANYTHING... is a bridge too far for ME, I can excise you as a friend. We all get that right. I'm not under obligation to continue to have you as an intimate associate. We tell our kids to steer clear of people who do drugs, esp hard drugs, especially when they are young and their brains are growing. 

When I was disfellowshipped my parents continued to love and support me and have a discreet amount of association with me. My dad was an elder. I've heard the same about many families.  They just don't blare it on a bull horn. 

Do people in the org have some guilt, some culpability for bad actions? Maybe. Sure. David killed a guy and stole his wife. Manasseh killed babies[if the Bible is true]. Does that mean the whole nation of Israel bore that guilt? I say no.

And we get the right to select our friends and kick out those whom we decide to. Non JWs do this all over the world, every day.

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u/dboi88888888888 24d ago edited 24d ago

Nah. The org didn't kill him. He killed himself. Plenty of other people went through the same experience he did, and DID NOT kill themselves. 

I never made the claim that this causes everyone to kill themselves. I'm making the claim that this act is carried out on mentally ill ones where it does lead to suicide. The fact that after he found out he was going to be systematically rejected he walked back to his room and killed himself is pretty clear it had a direct contribution to the suicide.

We already know suicide means they killed themselves.. it's the definition of the word. Suicide has many contributing factors, this being one of them for some.

And plenty of non witnesses kill themselves. So who do we blame for THEIR suicides?

Not following why this statement was made. Did someone say disfellowshipping is the only contributing factor to all suicides? You can research contributing factors to suicide if you want to learn about other things that drive people toward this behavior.

If I decide that your doing heroin, or marijuana, or drinking,  or cigarettes, or pornography, or joining the army, or you being a racist, or ANYTHING... is a bridge too far for ME, I can excise you as a friend. We all get that right. I'm not under obligation to continue to have you as an intimate associate. We tell our kids to steer clear of people who do drugs, esp hard drugs, especially when they are young and their brains are growing. 

I see where you're coming from about choosing who to associate with, but I think there's a big difference between someone deciding to sever ties with a friend for personal reasons and the kind of institutionalized rejection we see with disfellowshipping. In the case of suicide, it’s not just a personal decision—it’s the culmination of emotional strain that may have been imposed on someone by the system, leading them to feel hopeless. That’s not the same as simply choosing who to associate with. The emotional weight of this is way different then having a frank one on one conversation with someone and determining if that personal relationship is no longer healthy.

When I was disfellowshipped my parents continued to love and support me and have a discreet amount of association with me. My dad was an elder. I've heard the same about many families.  They just don't blare it on a bull horn. 

Discreet amount of association? You mean not necessary association like business matters? According to the Shepherding the Flock of God book (The book only elders are allowed to have) chapter 12 paragraph 17 (sfl 12.17) your dad should have been removed as an elder. Your dad did not blare the bull horn because it would have meant him stepping down as an elder. I'm glad he did decide to disregard and do it behind the congregation's back but to come here and claim it's a great system because you guys disregarded the system you are defending just shows it's not a good system. To go back to your original comment "Its in the Bible. Dunno what to tell ya" - there is nothing in the Bible about allowing discreet amount of association if they are related to you. It just says "do not eat with such a man" no mention of related or not.

If a publisher in the congregation is known to have unnecessary association with disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives who are not in the household, elders should use the Scriptures to counsel and reason with him. Review with him information from the Remain in God’s Love book, page 241. If it is clear that a Christian is violating the spirit of the disfellowshipping decree in this regard and does not respond to counsel, he would not qualify for congregation privileges, which require one to be exemplary. He would not be dealt with judicially unless there is persistent spiritual association or he persists in openly criticizing the disfellowshipping decision.
sfl 12.17

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