SHORT CHRISTIAN READINGS SELECTED FOR FORMER JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES




The Watchtower Indoctrination Process
A Psychological and Sociological Examination

"How and Why Someone Becomes a Jehovah's Witness"

By Jamie Boyden
(edited)

Taking the mystery out of why one chooses to become a Jehovah's Witness is important. Much can be gained from the fields of social psychology and sociology as to how this occurs. It should be noted then that unique, individual motivating factors predicting and accompanying a person to favorably select the JW position will not herein be considered, rather factors at large and how people respond to the factors will be the author's spotlight. It should also be stated that the focus of this article is on "converts" --persons not "born" into the Watchtower Society organization.

Would You Like to Study the Bible?

Suffice it to say that most all prospective converts, after first meeting the Jehovah's Witnesses through a doorstep encounter, begin their indoctrination through a "home Bible study". The weekly home Bible study is where the well-rehearsed Jehovah's Witness study conductor and the potential new recruit study through a Watchtower publication together. 

The various WatchTower books published over the decades specifically for "home Bible studies" typically consist of around 20 chapters of about 8-10 pages each, so that the weekly "home Bible study" theoretically can be completed in about one hour. (Although the householder is promised "only one hour" during the "sales pitch", the JW "salesman" knows that few "home Bible studies" ever end within an hour. In fact, if and when the householder begins to complain about the study running longer than one hour, such is a sure sign that the householder is not that interested, and will soon terminate the study. For interested householders, it is not unusual for each weekly visit to last 2-4 hours, depending on the curiousity and interest of the householder. This editor has accompanied other JWs where the study lasted 5-6 hours. The JW study conductor is pleased with both the interest and the racking up of field service "hours".) The home Bible study is "sold" as lasting for "only six months", which allows for the completion of the 192 page study book, and an extra month for "whatever".

The householder is expected to have thoroughly read and studied the assigned chapter ahead of time, including the multitude of "scriptures" cited but not quoted in the text. You may think that the reasons are obvious, which are most, but there also is an ulterior motive.

The "home Bible study" commences with the reading of a paragraph (typically the conductor and householder take turns), which is followed with the asking of the WatchTower pre-prepared question(s), which are intended to make sure that the householder understood the point(s) in that paragraph. Initially, the householder is permitted to assume that putting the 

The Jehovah's Witness teacher asks the potential convert questions related to his reading assignments. He can read the questions written at the bottom of his study book and easily respond with the corresponding printed answers. He is continually praised for stating the appropriate Watchtower responses during his hour long book study. How important is this praise?

Social psychologists view praise as an extremely potent social reward, not only predicting actions but also capable of altering an individual's underlying attitudes and beliefs (Insko, 1965). Research has demonstrated that people come to like those who view them positively (Byrne & Rhamey, 1965). During initial visits, it is common to hear reassuring comfort from the Witness teacher that the potential convert is wise and intelligent to be showing interest in the knowledge which his very life depends on. However, as the initiate enjoys the attention and praise of his weekly visitor, he may begin to acquire what social psychologists call attitude-discrepant behavior.

Attitude-Discrepant Behavior

A famous theory in social psychology is Leon Festinger's cognitive dissonance1 theory (Festinger, 1957; Wichlund & Brehm, 1976). It is based on the premise that people can't live with inconsistencies. It works like this: On the one hand, the prospective convert usually has serious questions and doubts in the back of his mind about Jehovah's Witnesses and their teachings. It may be the blood transfusion issue, their view of the governments, their exclusive claims to Christianity, etc. Or, he may imagine the embarrassment of going door to door selling magazines. Yet, he is allowing the Witness teacher into his home and is participating in a socially rewarding book study. Since his behavior is not yet in line with his negative attitudes towards the JWs, he manifests attitude-discrepant behavior.2 He may also face harsh warnings from his family and friends who tell him not to study with the JWs because they are a cult. Yet he has an honest curiosity about what the Witnesses teach and believe. He may go as far as verbally giving answers to typical Witness book study questions but not actually believing what he is saying. These are inconsistencies between his attitudes and result in a very unpleasant feeling (Higgins, Rhodewalt, & Zanna, 1979). If the potential convert does not initially have conflicting attitudes towards studying with the JWs, it is very likely to appear in a short time. Perhaps he will come upon some critical literature exposing the JW teachings, or talk to a former JW or another educated person. Even if someone does not present him with a critical viewpoint, he will often pose questions which will force him into a dissonance-creating situation.

I Wouldn't Do It If I Didn't Believe It!

With regard to inconsistencies between attitudes, it should be noted that no one enjoys this unpleasant state to last long, so when faced with a decision, a choice between two alternatives must be made. After all, one can't possess two diametrically opposed religious views! Interestingly, cognitive dissonance theory predicts that the alternative (once chosen) becomes enhanced (Brehm, 1956; Knox & Inkster, 1968; Younger, Walker, & Arrowood, 1977; Converse & Cooper, 1979). Indeed, accepting one side ("I enjoy studying and what if the Witnesses are right?") without devaluing the other would allow inner turmoil (dissonance) to still prevail.3

To cite a more familiar example, perhaps the reader has had a decisional conflict involving the advantages and disadvantages of a large purchase. And once the decision is made and the purchase is taken home, you evaluate more positive the purchase you chose and lower your perception of the alternative you discarded. Likewise, the prospective convert, in effect, does the same thing. His questions about the JWs are no longer seen as important or serious.

I Suffered For It, It Must Be Right!

Lastly, dissonance theory suggests that we are more likely to positively evaluate our choices that we have come to suffer for (Aronson & Mills, 1959; Gerard & Mathewson, 1966). When the convert has to deal with the negative consequences (profound embarrassment, persecution, friends viewing him as different, shedding worldly ties, etc.) of his decision to become a JW, he may justify himself by reasoning, "I suffered for it, it must be worth it."

In review, the convert is receiving much praise and enjoying his attentive Witness teacher. He is impressed with the knowledge of Scripture his teacher possesses and the sincerity of the Witnesses in general. But simultaneously he must settle the guilt feelings of knowing he should at least investigate the Watchtower organization in light of the negative feelings he already has and the compounded warnings from friends and relatives. We learned that he must deal with the stress of dissonance by making an either/or choice and following that action. We also learned that he may choose relatively quickly (compared to the gravity of the decision) and may stick with the choice because cognitive dissonance theory predicts his decision, once made, is greatly enhanced. But now we will turn to why the prospective convert does not choose to obtain more information to weigh before he decides to believe the Witnesses.

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them!

When dissonance occurs, the course of action taken is usually the one that offers the least resistance. Indeed, the potential convert can ignore the pleas of his friends and family and isolate himself from all Watchtower opposers, fleeing to his new Witness friends. In reality, many choose to continue studying with the Witnesses because it is the path they have already begun, that they are continually being reinforced to take, and the path with the advantages flashed in front of them each week in their intensive book studies. This is why during the wrestling with dissonance and choosing an alternative, many forfeit the opportunity of investigating counter-cult information. There are a number of tactics the Witnesses use to insure that the newcomer will not search out or listen to the anti-Witness alternative. This leaves the potential convert with the counter-cult alternative as the one easiest to discard, in contrast to the overabundant pro-Witness information and guidance available from the JWs themselves.

Where Are My Friends at a Time Like This?

One method the Witnesses use to prevent the prospective convert from investigating the Watchtower organization is to recommend that one only associates with Witnesses. During the book study the initiate's attitude towards outside ("worldly") ties is frowned upon. Hence, if one doesn't make contact with anyone other than a JW, it is highly unlikely that a counter argument will reach the convert's ears, or that warnings from friends will be a problem. Incidently, wouldn't it also make sense that the one willing to give up friendships and acquaintances probably lacks substantial and rewarding involvement with others in the first place?

Sociologist James A. Beckford revealed evidence of predisposing conditions4 in a study of JWs conducted in Britain (1975). He found the second condition in rank of importance that allows for a positive view of the JWs (before the book study even takes place) was a secular occupation in volving little contact or interaction with the public or co-workers. The initiate would thus be missing important contacts with friends and workers for information and comparison. Another predisposing condition found was social isolation from others outside the family and work place. Truly, this lack of ties facilitates the absence of anti-Witness arguments, ideas, and data during the decisional conflict period. Beckford (p.183) writes: "Lack of enduring ties with social groups outside the family and work place implies that prospective converts have very little social support for their own ideas or for any resistance that they may wish to present to the arguments and blandishments of evangelists [JWs]. Social isolation may also have the direct consequence of heightening the pleasure to be derived from the opportunity of having regular home visits from Publishers [JWs] who appear to be genuinely concerned for one's personal welfare."

They Are Right, It Must Be Satan!

A second method the Witnesses use in the decisional conflict stage which eventually blinds the initiate from an investigation, is that the book study material directly discourages examination. "Apostate" literature is anything written which is critical of the Watchtower Society or their teachings. This is clearly demonstrated in the March 15, 1986 Watchtower magazine. Under the heading, "Have No Dealings With Apostates," it reads:

. . . For example, what will you do if you receive a letter or some literature, open it, and see right away that it is from an apostate? Will curiosity cause you to read it, just to see what he has to say? You may even reason: `It won't affect me; I'm too strong in the truth. And besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.' In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt." (p. 12)
As a result of this mentality being instilled in the initiate, he often declines seeking any information other than Watchtower publications (whereas the statement just quoted ought to be a cue to the wary reader who recognizes that avoiding information and contact with outsiders is a common trait of cults--Zimbardo, Ebbesen, Malach, 1977; Lifton, 1963). Hence, the potential JW convert becomes isolated to JW publications exclusively.

Even more incredible is the Watchtower's emphasis on "avoiding independent thinking." Although the prospective convert may not come upon such statements in his initial readings, it will be the thinking patterns his Witness teacher is subtly persuading if not explicitly directing. In the January 15, 1983 Watchtower (p. 27) a whole section of an article is entitled, "Fight Against Independent Thinking." This serious crackdown on free thinking and behavior is enforced today when the Society must deal with JWs who are more than ever questioning and doubting the movement. This ultimate command of loyalty is a necessary last resort to maintain control over the Witnesses' lives.

Their final and often most persuasive teaching is that Satan will persecute the initiate through friends and family who don't want him to find the truth. The Witnesses imply that persecution and doubt is the very sign that you must have found the right religion, so they warn not to succumb to it and fall prey to false teachings. This may be their most effective tool in terms of getting the convert to believe that he shouldn't investigate or question the Watchtower Society.

How Can You Find It If You Don't Look?

A third condition limiting an examination of the Watchtower cult during the decisional conflict stage is the very lack of information available to investigate. There is a lot of literature, books, tapes, and tracts exposing the teachings and history of the JWs, but it is often not as easy to find it at the exact time the initiate needs it. Even the libraries sometime lack any books on JWs. And if the prospective convert seeks clergy help (as is not often the case), he may be disillusioned that even they don't have an answer to every doctrine and issue in life like the Witnesses pretend to have. Hence, when the inner turmoil (dissonance) becomes overbearing, the case against the JWs is often waning at the very time the intense book study catered to his home is persisting. No wonder the path of least resistance is often to continue studying with the Witnesses!

You Made Your Decision, Now You Are Stuck With It!

Much can be gained from the behavioral sciences as to how to most effectively deter one from joining the Watchtower cult. The importance of acting fast in providing objective counter-cult materials during the informational weighing, decisional conflict period cannot be overstated. Personal contact as well as material intervention is most important. As was pointed out, a decision must be made by the initiate to avoid dissonance. Once formed, it quickly becomes elevated and highly resistant to change.

What happens if later (after the initiate has fully become a Witness) he is presented with countercult materials or arguments? Most likely the Witness will be motivated to blindly disregard them, for to honestly consider them would bring back an occurrence of that extremely unpleasant feeling of dissonance--the guilt of not making a fully-informed decision. After his personal investment and suffering and hours of acting like a Witness, it becomes increasingly difficult to reason that he was wrong as the months go on. He may be tempted to reason: "I'm afraid to look, what if I find out I am wrong?" In fact, dissonance theory predicts that when a JW finds a true discrepancy in his belief system, rather than facing the truth, he may blatantly ignore it by suppressing or at most redefining his beliefs. Although he has the choice of abandoning his faith, this would be too much of a strain to contemplate. This can be illustrated with regard to failed Watchtower prophecy.

Bryan Wilson (1978) utilized Leo Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory to examine the failed 1975 prophecy. The JWs expected the end of the world to occur in 1975. Instead of abandonment of belief after the long awaited date passed, reinterpretation was necessary. The point is that despite the obvious failed prophecy, annual growth did actually continue in 1976 in all of the principal countries but six. Whether growth was caused by all new members or the addition of some new members on top of existing JW adherents is yet to be known. But there was renewed growth. The Witnesses could only redefine and rededicate themselves to the cause they gave their lives to. Wilson writes: "Reinterpretation does not demand that mistakes or disappointments should be denied: indeed, error can be frankly admitted and disappointment acknowledged as part of the reaffirmation of faith. The expiation of error, and perhaps fleeting doubt, may indeed demand vigorous rededication to the cause, and, if the sect is at all given to proselytizing, to renewed commitment to field activities." (pp. 183-184) Bryan Wilson is noted among sociologists studying religion. He mentions that similar to the 1975 miscalculation was the 1914 failed end-of-the-world prophecy. Again, reinterpretation was necessary followed by rededication. Very much related to this cognitive dissonance phenomenon is that after a Christian has enabled a JW to see gross flaws in the Watchtower facade, the JW often becomes more adamant about his waning beliefs. It is very common to confront a JW with overwhelming arguments against their organization, only to have the JW come back a week later and say, "I'm glad I talked to you, as it gave me an opportunity to bolster my faith. Now I am more convinced than ever I am right."

What Do You Call It?

So, do potential JW converts go through a brainwashing process? It must be realized that brainwashing does not have to be mysterious, involve coercive mind control tactics, nor require drugs or hypnosis. Whether brainwashing techniques are so radical has been questioned by researchers (Schein, Schneier, & Barker, 196l; Szasz, 1976). Indeed, a model of brainwashing based on a traditional social-psychological study of intentional social influence and sociological conditions (as discussed throughout this paper) has been aptly described (Lifton, 1963; Zimbardo, Ebbesen, & Maslach, 1977). What do you call it?

Questions About Understanding The JW Mind
Why are Jehovah's Witnesses afraid to examine the record of their organization once they have become convinced it is "God's organization"?

There are many reasons why people become Witnesses, and there is no one personality type or situation in a person's life that drives him to become a JW. Yet, there is a common thread. It is related to a basic human need that must be filled, and that is security. In our fallen state, all of us are pitifully insecure, and live in a hostile, unpredictable world. We look to others for stability and trustworthiness; and if we fail to find that in people, we will seek to find it in things or in power or in some other cause. Once we find a form of security that we think will meet our needs, we are faced with what social psychologists call cognitive dissonance (knowing we are not in harmony with our beliefs). We often instinctively know that a friend, a lover, a car or house, a job, or even a religious organization never seems to give personal security to others, yet when desperate and faced with the chance, we may choose to say, "Why not?" The temptation becomes great, and we must choose a course of action. And as is pointed out in the accompanying article, we embark down a road of close-mindedness towards reconsidering the choice we made. We may find the price of changing midstream is too costly. It will leave us with an even greater sense of insecurity.

This is why JWs react the way they do when the Christian or ex-JW challenges them to check out what the organization has done over the last 107 years. It is not just pride in having all the answers, and the threat of losing face to someone else.1 It is more likely that they are actually afraid to investigate the evidence against the Watchtower, which they had so quickly brushed aside in the beginning.

How does the Watchtower indoctrinate its members?
Charges are often brought against the Watchtower of brainwashing its members. If brainwashing is understood to include the repetition of their doctrines over and over so as to immunize them against any other viewpoint, then this is certainly true. However, there are two techniques the Watchtower uses that are even more effective in establishing a cultic mindset: (1) a highly controlled social atmosphere, and (2)

teaching the Witness to brainwash himself. In actuality, these two methods are usually employed together. It works like this:

(1) The Watchtower isolates the JW from his family and from society by keeping him totally occupied with meetings, study, door-to-door and proselytizing activity, and by warning them not to associate with "worldly" people, which often excludes one's own non-Witness family. As a result, a narrow, pessimistic and apprehensive mentality is produced. No one outside of the organization is to be trusted. One withdraws into the standard JW mindset, wherein he mimics the attitudes of the local elders as well as the Governing Body to a large extent. The JW learns how to "read between the lines" so to speak, when the Watchtower promotes its doctrines. Their doctrines may not actually look so unusual in print, but the JW interprets them differently than the person off the street who just picks up and reads the latest Watchtower. The JW has the key to understand the WT because he embraces the standard JW mindset and attitude.

(2) By the use of leading questions, the Watchtower study conductors can use their publications and even the Bible to direct the JW to certain conclusions, yet allow the Witness himself to give the answer. This technique of presenting certain one-sided facts and then using leading questions to get them to reason on these facts is the same as used in courts of law, where a lawyer may trap the defendant by reviewing certain selected facts (which may or may not be true), then asking the defendant "catch" questions, until the defendant admits he is wrong or his testimony appears inconsistent. While a new person studying with the JWs may suspect this technique, the committed JW responds out of habit, without even questioning the method or the doctrine. Because he is familiar with the attitude or the spirit of the organization, he generally knows the right answer to give, and automatically parrots it. For instance: A JW may read an article about dress and grooming, and how the way we dress influences others. Then the article may give a couple of experiences where someone with a beard was either dishonest or was perceived as such. Finally, the article may conclude with the leading question, "Would it be wise as Witnesses of the happy God Jehovah to display a form of dress or grooming that might cast doubts on our honesty or sincerity?"

The JW thinks to himself, "I don't know anyone in the organization who has a beard except a rebellious brother in another congregation, and so it must be a sign of rebellion to wear a beard. I don't want to be looked upon as `untheocratic'. Beards are obviously untheocratic." What we find is that the JW has brainwashed himself into believing that a Christian shouldn't wear a beard, and can even find Scriptures (provided by the Watchtower) to support his case. All this, while most all faithful men in the Bible had beards!

What happens when a Christian "does battle" with a JW using the Bible?

Several things may happen, depending on the personality type of the Witness. If the JW is the active, aggressive type, he may enjoy debating with the Christian, as it helps to sharpen his answers. If the Christian has an edge on the JW, it may still be seen as an opportunity to go home and brush up on how to refute the "new" points brought up by the Christian. Seldom is this type of Witness touched by the Christian's presentation (at least in a "debate" setting).

If the Witness is more reserved and less likely to aggressively pursue the debate, he will retreat to the elders and Watchtower publications in order to strengthen his security base in the organization (which has just been threatened). Often the Witness will come back later and tell the Christian, "I'm glad that I met you, and took the opportunity to check out what you brought up. Now I am more convinced than ever that I have the truth!" The JW appears to be more brainwashed than ever, much to the consternation of the Christian who thought he was doing so well in the debate! But the Christian is simply not aware of what just happened: (1) the JW's security base was threatened--the possibility that he made a wrong decision in becoming a JW surfaced and it was extremely disturbing (post-decisional dissonance). (2) to resolve the anxiety, the JW blocks out all outside reading material or disturbing thoughts and immediately goes to the elders or the Watchtower publications and reinforces his view of the Scripture or subject (by means of intense and very selective meditation on WT thinking). (3) Once the JW feels settled again, he is confident that that particular point will never bother him again! In the mind of the JW, once he has an answer to a particular difficulty (whether it is a valid answer or not), he no longer has to struggle with it. By outward appearances, the JW is more confident than ever. On the inside, he has taken one more step in selecting what facts he wants to believe and rejecting those facts which contradict what he believes; he has brainwashed himself. The Watchtower doesn't so much brainwash people as it actually teaches them to brainwash themselves! This is much more permanent than our more common concept of brainwashing.

What is more effective than playing the game of "Scripture Checkers"? (informal debates using selected Scriptures)

Sometimes the Christian who employs this technique has a problem with insecurity himself. At some point in the past, a JW may have challenged his faith in his doctrines enough so that he is living in a state of cognitive dissonance. He wants to be sure that he has the truth! Since the Watchtower doctrines challenged his security base, he can only gain peace of mind by learning to refute every Watchtower argument that there is. This type of person will always resort to Scripture checkers or argumentation. So we then have two persons arguing, both of which have placed their securities in the wrong thing!

The Christian seeking to reach the JW needs to understand that the real problem of the JW is misplaced security.2 Rather than walking in a personal relationship with a personal Being, and basking in the real answers to life's problems, his belief system as well as the organization is his security. As long as there are no holes in this doctrinal structure, and he is convinced the Watchtower is "God's organization," he feels secure. A breach of confidence in this structure must be quickly patched up to avoid the torment of doubt.

It is better for the Christian to listen to what the JW is saying, and to quickly and concisely refute the individual points being made, keeping it brief (for additional information, see the May-June Newsletter). This requires study of their belief system, but it pays off by taking them off guard. The next and most important step is to offer them a greater security; a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as is spoken of in John chapter 14 (which it is good to read to them, commenting as you go). In summary, the arms of the one receiving them must be stronger than of the one whom they are letting go!

Can't it also be said of Christians that they need a "crutch" or security blanket to lean on?

This is certainly true of many who go to church and possess the outward show of being a Christian, but it is not true of a born-again Christian who walks by the Spirit of God in his day-to-day affairs. Many people join a church or attend a church because they have a conscience, and their conscience tells them that there is a God, and that He has moral standards, and they therefore feel guilt for their sins. By going to church and associating with Christians, their conscience doesn't bother them as much. Fellowship is a form of security, as is the promise of escaping judgment. While none of these things are wrong in themselves, they may be all that is there. All such a one has are visible, outward forms of security. The atheist is right in accusing this type of Christian of seeking a crutch.

What the atheist cannot see and does not understand is that a Christian is supposed to have a working relationship with an invisible Person; a Person whom the Christian cannot hear or see in the natural realm. A Christian is to learn to stake all on this invisible relationship; even when he can't see two steps in front of him. This form of security is not security at all in the eyes of the world; it is insanity! Indeed, to risk all on such a relationship, it better be real!

For the JW, the organization takes the place of a personal relationship with God. How does a Witness know he is "right" with Jehovah? By his standing in the organization, and how much he is doing for the "kingdom." The real Christian, on the other hand, knows how he is doing by the witness of the Holy Spirit in his heart; a very personal and real manifestation. He can be right with God, even though his world around him (church, job, family, etc.) is falling apart. He is not making such things his base of security, but has faith in the One who is invisible (Heb. 11:27).

In helping the JW out of the Watchtower organization, what is it important not to do?

Do not allow their security in the WT organization to be replaced simply by security in a particular church or denomination, or even a particular circle of friends. These things are all good in themselves, but not as a substitute for what the person really needs to initiate--a working relationship with Christ. Since it is a new step, it may be strange or foreign to them. It is easier just to get comfortable with the same set of misplaced securities one once had in the Watchtower!

Do not load them down with books or advocate a diet of Christian television (but don't discourage such things, either). They should be studying the Bible with a scholarly frame of mind, which will help end their confusion over doctrine and give them a firm foundation in true doctrine. Allow them to see that there are areas of doctrine (beyond the fundamentals) that are points of division in the body of Christ, but that this is characteristic of human nature. Teach them that they will someday learn all the answers, but that they need to pray and meditate on the Word of God and get established in God's wisdom first, and they need to develop a "track record" of relationship with him. This will give them true security. Teach them to love others without expecting it in return; for the Lord will repay them out of his own love (Matt. 5:43-48; 6:4). Teach them to allow the Lord to fill them up when they are empty, and not to always expect that from other people. * * *

Footnotes:

1. although this is a significant factor. The JW is continually told that they are the only ones who have the truth; indeed, they are "the truth". They are well-trained in talking to people at the door, and do pride themselves in having all the answers, since they believe that the true Christians must have all the answers.

2. This can be demonstrated by bringing forth photocopies of older WT articles that gave false prophecies or said something that they no longer consider as truth. The hostile reaction of the JW usually tells the story.

Could This Happen To You?
By Jamie Boyden

A Jehovah's Witness family comes to your door, and having always been impressed with the courage, commitment, and downright sincerity of these individuals, you refrain from closing your door this time. You sympathetically turn your attention to them. To your surprise, the well dressed family is very articulate and validates their "doorstep sermon" by showing passages from the Bible. The spokesman taking the lead comfortably executes answers to complex questions.

You might recall, as the JW spokesman continues to relate one point to another, how you used to go to church and never felt like you belonged and, moreover, felt confused about the hypocrites, lack of unity, and overwhelming problems facing the church. And you will never forget John Doe, the church appointed elder. Your thoughts focus back to the now assertive presentation the JW gentleman is giving you, but before they do, you catch a glimpse of the adult-like children, well postured and dressed so clean. You are very impressed with the spokesman's Bible knowledge and appreciate the concern of this nice family at your doorstep. Besides, a challenge to study the Bible seems fresh and interesting. After a weekly home "Bible study" (book study) with the Jehovah's Witnesses, you decide to heed to your new Witness friends' advice to try attending one of their local Kingdom Hall services. You attend, and never before in all your life have you ever been greeted with so much warmth, friendliness, and concern. Truly this must be God's organization, you conclude.

Why Do Many Churchgoers Become JWs?

It is a sad fact that many persons (including churchgoers) have heard of the Jehovah's Witnesses but few know what the Witnesses really teach and sincerely believe. The author has often heard positive connotations such as honest, friendly, dependable, well-behaved and orderly surface from community members when the topic of Jehovah's Witnesses is discussed. If your pastor asked your congregation for a show of hands as to how many members believed that the Watchtower Society is a cult, what would occur? Do you think you would see hands very slowly go up as fellow members looked about for informational cues as to the appropriate answer to the pastor's question? Yes, that scenario hits home.

Many unsuspecting persons (many of whom are regular church members) have no tools or information to even think about how to refute a non-stop bombardment of Scriptures and patterned "doorstep sermons." Drawing people away from Christian churches is the basic thought and drive behind a JW's attempt at new converts. Even regular churchgoers who do not feel secure in their beliefs fall prey--not to mention those who are temporarily or permanently inactive. Professor Edmund Gruss, referring to the causes of the rapid JW growth, writes in his book, Apostles of Denial: "The average Christian does not have a firm grasp on what he believes, and if he does, it is likely that he cannot defend his belief scripturally."1

In a major but not well-known sociological study of JWs in Great Britain, James A. Beckford (1975) uprooted the possible predisposing conditions leading someone to favorably accept the Watchtower Society's message. Ironically, "conventional Christian upbringing" ranked number one. Referring to the JWs surveyed, Beckford concluded, "for the most they had earlier expressed their God-centered religious views in regular attendance at Sunday School or church." The rationale, according to Beckford, is that a background of being a regular churchgoer facilitates a common ground--a belief that God does exist and that religion is important. "From the convert's point of view the early stages of contact with Watchtower doctrines involve the reaffirmation of some basic Christian beliefs, the countering of persistent objections and the setting of new beliefs in a systematized framework," writes Beckford. "The amount of really new material to be digested is initially quite small, because Publishers [JW doorstep preachers] consciously adopt the tactic of emphasizing continuity with previous outlooks."2

One could reason that this transition from a churchgoer to a JW would be accomplished even more efficiently if the church member was dissatisfied with his or her church association. It is the author's opinion that the JWs' verbal and written hatred of established Christendom would insure a lurid interest from dissatisfied church members who look for a network of similar minded people to obtain sympathy and maintain their disgruntled outlooks.

Doorstep Encounter: The Most Effective Attack?

A survey of 100 church members throughout ten states in the U.S. has shown that 87% of the church members had come in contact with a JW. Also, 25% let a JW into their house and 23% took their literature.3

Lets face it, it is worth knowing something about JWs; printing more religious material than all the Christian churches combined and with an aggressive door to door ministry, they are statistically bound to stumble within screen door distance of you at least once a year with their literature.

Just as Christian upbringing ranked most important as predisposing someone to listen to the Watchtower propaganda, Beckford concluded that the "doorstep sermon" was the most important critical event responsible for conversion into the Watchtower organization.4 In his study of the Watchtower movement in Britain, Beckford discovered that 46% of the Witness respondents surveyed made first contact with the JWs through a "doorstep sermon." This becomes important in light of the fact that only 3% of the respondents sought out to join the Watchtower organization on their own initiative.5 In his study, Beckford concluded that even the traditional hypothesis for joining a religious group, affiliation for social gratification, was for the most part non-evident among the persons who later became JWs; "rather, their initial concern had been typically to indulge their curiosity, to please a friend or to accept a challenge issued by an evangelist [JW]."6

Inoculation From Becoming A JW

Can one become inoculated from falling victim to the Watchtower movement? In practice, inoculation differs dramatically from most methods of stopping rapid growth of JWs. In applying inoculation theory, the focus would be on church members, community members, friends, relatives, and children who have not yet become JWs. Through a systematic, enveloping form of social influence the JW convert quickly becomes "brainwashed" into thinking he or she really has found the truth. Anyone who has had experience dealing with JWs knows that witnessing to JWs at times can be futile and other times self-defeating. With the view that witnessing to JWs is difficult but certainly not a dead end, a broad avenue opens--witnessing to those who are likely to become JWs. As we have seen, those who have actually heard about God in conventional churches are likely candidates. It is an interesting thought that indeed it does take some special skills and preparation to help a Witness find the real truth, and one might be more efficiently doing just as much good in reducing the JW growth rate by inoculating non-Witnesses.

The fact is, the JWs beliefs directly oppose almost every established Christian doctrine, as if to make a point by completely differing from our traditional Christian heritage. They deny: the Deity of Jesus Christ, the Holy Trinity, Hell, man's eternal soul, Jesus' bodily resurrection and his visible second coming. In 1935, the Watchtower's president J.F. Rutherford even eliminated the heavenly hope from most (currently 99.7%) of the JWs! Today, although there in no biblical evidence, they still stick with this belief. Hence, almost all Witnesses belong to the "great crowd" class with the possibility of eternal life on earth (if their works are deemed worthy). They are deprived of: heaven, being "born again," having Christ as their mediator, and belonging to the Body of Christ. Nor are they allowed to partake of the elements in communion. Also, as most people are aware of, all JWs are instructed not to participate in holidays such as Christmas, birthday celebrations, blood transfusions, government functions and saluting the flag, as well as much more.

Because of the Watchtower's drastically different beliefs from established Christianity, one could conclude that if the churchgoer could just come to know true Bible doctrine, then he or she would become well inoculated from Watchtower heresy. And if the churchgoer knew the mere basics as to why he or she believes the core truths set forth in the infallible Word of God, then one would be strengthened with a "booster shot" to combat any "doorstep sermon. It is the author's opinion that this would go a long, long way in truly leading individuals to the path of righteousness and inoculating them from all Watchtower propaganda and dramatically reducing the growing membership of the Watchtower organization. All too often the JW convert has heard of Christ, has a Bible, and has even attended church; yet the new convert does not fully believe in Christ, has not completely read or even studied the Bible, nor does he or she technically belong to the Body of Christ (according to their own admission!).

"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:13,14.7.



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Jehovah's Witnesses and Mind Control
Author Unknown
(edited)

If you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses your mind is being controlled by someone else without your knowledge. Do you think that is a ridiculous suggestion? Read on and examine the evidence!

Mind Control -- what is it?

What is "mind-control"? If Jehovah's Witnesses are under mind-control, are they all hypnotised? Do Jehovah's Witnesses operate like automatons? Not at all. In fact, mind-control is most effective when people think they are exercising free will. When a controller forbids something outright, it may provoke rebellion, but if the person is programmed to act as a self-regulator, then the control is really successful. Who would want to control your mind, and why? How is it done? And what are the consequences for you?

Most Jehovah's Witnesses will argue that they exercise free choice, but if I offer you a choice from a selection strictly limited by me, is that really a choice? Well, even "Hobson's choice" is a choice! But restriction is one method of control. It is an illusion of free choice, and it is effective, because you are led to believe that you are still a free agent making your own decisions. As we shall see, Jehovah's Witnesses have their choices limited in many areas of their lives.

Jehovah's Witnesses might be offended by the suggestion that they are controled, but can you deny that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses has control of millions of people? Notice this: 

"... opposers ... may also question the need for an organization to direct the minds of God's people. Their view is, God's spirit can direct individuals without some central, organized body of men giving direction" (w83 3/1 25) 

Does the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses govern or not? If they say "Jump", the loyal Jehovah's Witness asks, "How high?" And why? Because Jehovah's Witnesses trust them, believing they are God's spokesmen.

The Rest of Us.

Techniques of mind-control are applied by advertisers, armies and parents. Important differences between these and the Jehovah's Witness religion is gradation of amount, consent, and purpose of control.

Most of us are aware of the influence of advertising (or think we are), but do you find yourself occasionally making a shopping "choice" which defies reason? To what extent has advertising strongly infuenced your mind? However, most of the time, you control your choice of purchase. When the salesman asks, "Would you like this one or that one?", you can say "Neither, thanks".

Armies control people. Basic training reprograms the soldier's mind to do the will of the Army under special conditions, but in civilian life, the recruit is allowed freedom of expression and choice. Also, the soldier is fully aware of the terms and conditions of Army service before joining.

Children are controlled by parents (or they used to be), but again, this is temporary and the child breaks free in adolescence to stand alone. Most parents are happy to see their children grow to maturity and become independent of their necessary control.

In the case of Jehovah's Witnesses though, we are talking about, not a temporary or limited control, but an infiltration of the individual's whole life -- your decisions and actions now and for all the foreseeable future.

Not a lot of people know this. Let us suppose that your mind is controlled. Would you know? How could you? Surely, the whole point of mind-control is that the person being controlled is unaware? If, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, you have difficulty agreeing with this, you must be aware that one of your major teachings is that Satan the Devil is the ruler of this world. Everything and everyone on this planet, except Jehovah's Witnesses, is under his control. Do people know this? No!

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelievers (non-JWs), and that they are oblivious to his mind-control. In Watchtower illustrations, the Devil has been depicted as a manipulator of strings attached to governments and people of this world, his world. Does the puppet know it is manipulated?

If Jehovah's Witnesses are indeed under mind-control, how is this accomplished? Dr Robert Lifton, a psychologist who studied subjects who had been brainwashed by the Chinese during the Korean War, offered eight criteria to determine that subjects had been exposed to mind-control. These are:

          Milieu Control
          Mystical Manipulation
          Demand for Purity
          The Cult of Confession
          Sacred Science
          Loading the Language
          Doctrine Over Persons
          Dispensing of Existence

Let's examine each of these as they relate to Jehovah's Witnesses. Notice that, according to Lifton, only six of these psychological themes are necessary for the lives of any group to be controlled (it is noted that in any group or study, there will always be a few individuals who are exceptions) As is mentioned later, not everyone is susceptible to all aspects of mind-control -- its effectiveness depends on many things -- and the person.

Milieu Control

What are the social surroundings of Jehovah's Witnesses? True, many of them go to work in the local community and have business dealings with "the world", but for the good Jehovah's Witness, social contact with "worldly people", including non-Witness relatives, is kept to a minimum. (Many Jehovah's Witnesses prefer self-employment in office/house cleaning work which allows them to futher reduce their "worldly" contacts, giving them extra time for "increased opportunities of service".)

Typically, employed Jehovah's Witnesses do not attend, or give only token support, to parties, dinners, or work-outings because these are usually connected with "worldly holidays". They are "in the world, but no part of it". As time goes on, the Jehovah's Witness has fewer and fewer "worldly friends", until eventually, all social and business contacts are in the local congregation. Is that the case with you? If you left the Jehovah's Witness religion tomorrow, would you have any friends?

Stop reading for a few moments and make a list of all the social calls you have made in the last month. Check your telephone bill to see how many non-Witnesses you have phoned for social reasons in the last six months.

You, the Jehovah's Witness, made this separation from general society, and you are led to believe that you made the choice yourself, to avoid "bad associates" or influence of "the world". The fact that this is not a physical separation behind a wall, but psychological, is unimportant to the effect it has. In fact, psychological separation is more effective than shutting someone in a prison, for by mental control a person is completely isolated from everyone in a crowd -- or a country.

Have you visited a country whose language you do not understand? What effect did it have on your relations with the people? Do Jehovah's Witnesses have a special "pure language" which separates them from the "world"?

Does the leadership influence the thinking of the group? Well, if one considers the schedule for Jehovah's Witnesses each week, it would be very surprising if they didn't! Jehovah's Witnesses attend two-hour long meetings two times each week, plus perhaps 20-30 minutes of socialising before and after each gathering. Additionally, Jehovah's Witnesses attend 15-20 minutes long Meetings For Field Service, before then spending multiple hours together knocking doors. During that time, the ideas and language of Jehovah's Witnesses are continually reinforced.

If you watched a television commerical for the same product for that many hours, would that have an effect on you? Advertisers think so, and are prepared to spend millions of pounds/dollars to back up their belief in the power of repetition for emphasis.

Do WatchTower Society leaders control the information in the Jehovah's Witness's environment? Yes. It does not take long for the new Jehovah's Witness to learn where s/he should look for information on the Watchtower Society's history and doctrines, and for Bible study -- the publications of the Watchtower Society. Few, if any, Jehovah's Witnesses research sources which are written by "worldy scholars".

Jehovah's Witnesses rely upon the Writing Committee of the "faithful slave" to research for them. This is encouraged by the leadership. Regarding personal study, The Watchtower magazine said, "... do some spiritual digging in order to begin getting the very knowledge of Jehovah's heavenly organisation." (w15/6 98) Where is this "digging" to be done? In the Bible? No. But through the predigested knowledge from their publications using the Watchtower Index.

And the quality of this "spiritual food"? The best available! How do you know? Because Mother told you so! "... we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother" (w57 5/1 274) "The finest spiritual food is supplied through Jehovah's organisation" (w98 1/9) What Jehovah's Witness would dare question that statement? Not only is it written, but during the congregation study, it will be reinforced publicly by answers from the congregation and heard by all present.

How long does it take, do you think, for statements to become deeply ingrained as truth in the minds of any group, when it is exposed regularly to the same sentiments, in the same. familiar surroundings, among friends, week after week, without any opposition? And when one considers that many of those attending are impressionable children, doesn't that sound like the ideal environment for mind-control of the next generation?

Closely linked to the repetition of teaching and phrases is the use of songs in Jehovah's Witness worship. If you ever want to memorise something, sing it. It is a very effective way to learn and remember written material. One note or phrase can help you recall a whole song that you have not sung for years. ("Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool")

All of the 225 songs used in Jehovah's Witness meetings are written by Jehovah's Witnesses to avoid the influence of "false religion" in the hymns of the Christian church (this does not prevent Jehovah's Witness songwriters from "borrowing" musical phrases and themes). Each week at Jehovah's Witness meetings, six songs in total are sung, and Jehovah's Witnesses are "encouraged" to sing these as part of their worship, plus listen to the "upbuilding" music of "Kingdom Melodies" at other times. When listening to these CDs, the words of the songs inevitably come to mind. Music is a very powerful influence as the WatchTower Society itself is aware, since it discourages listening to popular "worldly" music.

Does WatchTower Society leadership control other information? Yes, most effectively. It never actually forbids the reading of any material, but "advises", "encourages", "reasons with", the faithful Jehovah's Witness to avoid material which, they say, would be harmful to you.

But are not you, the reader, now exercising freedom of choice, to read what you wish despite the discouragement of the WatchTower Society to look at the internet? Perhaps.Your eyes are certainly here, but where is your mind? Where is your reasoning power? Did you come to look, but not to believe? Have you actually agreed with anything you have read so far? Has it changed any of your opinions and beliefs about the Governing Body? Will you forget it as soon as you switch off - or have you "switched off" already?

If you are still of the same opinion as you had, you may be under control, for an aspect of milieu control is that your judgement of material is affected regardless of its content. If, in research on the internet, you find facts at odds with what you have been taught, will you explain these away by saying that they are lies created to mislead you?

Do you see information or discussions which are critical of your religion as "bad", "untrue", "lies", even before they are put on the scales of reason to be weighed? Right now, if you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses, you probably think you are seeing this information objectively. But are you prejudiced?

The bias of environment affects "worldly" people too. An accurate report is discounted because it is in a tabloid newspaper -- while the same information in a "serious" broadsheet (from the same newspaper group) is accepted without question because of its environment.

Similarly, British people abroad may prefer BBC news reports, believing them to be more accurate and impartial than others. People trust familiar voices and settings -- and that is the greatest danger for Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Watchtower Society environment also influences the way Jehovah's Witnesses view people outside the organisation. Already you have seen the use of "worldly" as a pejorative adjective; that is the way Jehovah's Witnesses use it. Later, you will see other examples of the way in which Jehovah's Witnesses' minds are preconditioned by words. It is very easy -- advertisers and successful salesmen do it all the time!

How do Jehovah's Witnesses view people who are not Jehovah's Witnesses? Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe "worldly people" are immoral and dishonest? "Well, not all of them, of course", say Jehovah's Witnesses. Are there any really good people who are not Jehovah's Witnesses? If there are, why does the WatchTower Society forbid -- or strongly discourage -- marriages with non-Witnesses? (w15/10 98)

Jehovah's Witnesses disbelieve stories about Jehovah's Witnesses who have committed fraud, child abuse, rape and other crimes. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that such criminals were never "real" Jehovah's Witnesses? Jehovah's Witnesses try to convince themselves that such criminals were "never really in the truth"? The facts show that some active Jehovah's Witnesses are dishonest. I was a victim of dishonest Jehovah's Witnesses and my professional colleagues were also.

How often have there been negative articles in WatchTower Society publications telling about the dishonesty of "worldly" employees compared to the outstanding honesty of Jehovah's Witness employees who, they say, are preferred by "worldly" employers?

Another way in which milieu control is upheld in the Jehovah's Witness environment is by forbidding criticism or comment against the group. If you only ever hear positive comments about a subject, does that color your judgement, or not? If you hear only positive comments about something for hours every week, is that likely to give you a balanced view of it? If in addition to meeting attendance, you say grace to Jehovah three times daily over meals, and talk with friends and family, referring to the Jehovah's Witnesses and their teachings as "the truth" and spend your time reading and preparing Watchtower Society publications for meetings, do you not think that you are constantly reinforcing that Jehovah's Witnesses are true -- whether inadvertently or not? Surely!

Suppose that you dare to criticise something connected with "Jehovah's organisation" - what will happen? Won't other Jehovah's Witnesses quickly withdraw from you because "you are discouraging"? Certainly!

Undoubtedly your whole environment as a Jehovah's Witness is one which is controlled toward positive thinking about the WatchTower Society, and negative thinking about the "world" beyond as directly in opposition, inherently evil, ruled by Satan -- the god of "them" not "us".

Jehovah's Witness may say that the Governing Body does not tell them what to do, and often emphasises the need for individual thinking and a "Bible-trained conscience"(w1/9 98 p7) Do they really want you to develop your conscience? What do they mean exactly?

"Always let your conscience be your guide."

By the time we are adults, most of us have developed a conscience -- but sometimes we don't follow it because it is inconvenient to our desires. That doesn't mean it isn't there -- the prompting of a friend (or a policeman) may be enough to bring it back into play despite its lack of use.

Even people with scarred consciences know deep down that taking someone's property or marriage mate or doing someone a bad turn, is not quite right. If they were to ponder on it, their pangs of conscience might turn them away from a course of action which would harm others.

Cultivating a "Bible-trained" conscience sounds very noble: what could be better than a conscience trained by the very thoughts of God found in his written Word? But on closer examination, we find that what the "faithful slave" says is not what it means.

The Society has a slogan: "Read God's Word the Holy Bible Daily". Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to study the Bible, but they are told that they cannot understand it unless it is explained to them. And by whom? By the "faithful and discreet slave" composed of about 8,000 "spirit-anointed" men and women world-wide, but represented by only a dozen men in Brooklyn. The Society said, "... how can faith overcome doubt? Two key ways are intense personal study of God's Word and regular attendance at and involvement in Christian meetings." (w15/6 98)

When a Jehovah's Witness reads the Bible, there is no allowance for direction by Holy Spirit and forming a public opinion which is outside the teaching of the leadership. Thus, it is not by reading the Bible itself that Jehovah's Witnesses conclude that Acts 15:29 ("abstain from blood") means that blood transfusions are forbidden (in fact the Society does not uphold its own teaching) and the use of Hebrews 10:25 ("do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together") as a proof text is intended to make Jehovah's Witnesses feel very guilty when they miss any of the five Kingdom Hall meetings each week.

As they say, Paul urged us "not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together". (Heb.10:24,25) In spite of this counsel, some take a casual view of Christian meetings. They may feel that missing some of them or even omitting certan meetings entirely is inconsequential. [w15/7 98 p13]

So, when the Governing Body talks about the importance of a "Bible-trained" conscience they mean in reality, "a conscience following our interpretation of the Bible and not your reading or understanding of it".

Too often, Jehovah's Witness parents have been faced with the unpleasant dilemma of holding to the group conscience rather than listen to their own consciences telling them, "This isn't right! Save the life of your child!", dying for lack of a blood transfusion or other forbidden medical treatments.

So far, are any of the comments about Jehovah's Witnesses and their environment true? If so, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses may be exercising milieu control over people -- your brothers and sisters -- or even you!

A Few Questions for You:

-- Do you limit your contact with "worldly" people because of their bad influence?
-- Would you have made that choice if you were not a Jehovah's Witness?
-- When did you last see your (non-Witness) father?
-- Why don't you visit or call your ex-Witness parents more often?
-- Why don't you let your children meet your disfellowshipped relatives?

Mystical Manipulation
Contriving events

There's nothng like the odd miracle or three to impress the masses. Do Jehovah's Witnesses show miracles as evidence of God's approval? No, although many things are attributed to "the blessing of Jehovah."

At the end of every assembly, a speaker from the national headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses usually gives an inspiring talk relating how "Jehovah has blessed his people in xyz country" -- usually involving numerical increases and experiences from various lands. These talks, and others on assembly programmes, are often punctuated by enthusiastic "spontanous applause" from a claque, cued by expressions such as "Isn't that something we are all very happy about Brothers?" (Applause!!!)

Sometimes the acquisition of a new printing press, or prime property to be used in their publishing empire, has been attributed to God's intervention. This makes the Jehovah's Witnesses feel that nothing can beat them, that nothing can prevent the accomplishment of God's will by and through them alone, "for if God is with us, who can stand against us?" It does not occur to "Joe Witness" that such transactions are simply the result of competent business practice -- with a lot of his money behind it.
Have you been told that theWatchTower Society's "New World Translation" is the best of all Bible translations? Do you believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses, as a special group of people, were chosen by God, to "preach the good news before the end comes"?

Who told you these things? Who needs to tell you? Doesn't the name itself, Jehovah's Witnesses, remind you that you were selected by God -- his chosen people? (In fact, the name was selected by Rutherford in 1931. Whether God approved, or was consulted, is another question).

At assemblies and in their literature, stories and experiences are often told about the honesty of Jehovah's Witnesses, returning lost cash-filled wallets, and how it worked out well for them to give a "fine witness" (they are not shy about telling the recipient of the good deed that "we are Jehovah's Witnesses, by the way") Has it been suggested to you that Jehovah's Witnesses, as a group, are the most honest of people on this planet?

"Jehovah's Witnesses out preaching knock on a door, just in time to prevent a suicide." Coincidence? Has anyone else ever prevented a suicide, or an accident, or done a good turn, when calling at a home?

A Jehovah's Witness woman listening to "Kingdom Melodies" is told, "I'm a music teacher, and I'm really impressed by that lovely music you're playing," and another "fine witness" is given. Or did she say, "Do you like the music?" to start a conversation?

The Mayor says, "I've never seen such clean and friendly people as Jehovah's Witnesses. You can have an assembly in our town any time". Or did he politely answer, "Yes", to "Do you think Jehovah's Witnesses are clean and friendly?"

A recent "The Watchtower" magazine article (w1/9 98) -- one of many such -- tells of a priest on a Greek island who has nothing but praise for Jehovah's Witnesses and their literature. Why? Does he believe they are Christians without any prejudice against others? Does he know what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught about the Roman and Greek Orthodox churches? Does he know what thousands of former Jehovah's Witnesses know about the Watchtower Society, and its opinion of Christians?

Are all of the experiences true? Maybe. Did the people actually say all the things with which they are attributed, or is there some "artistic license" in the writing? How do you know? Have you ever checked them? Could you? How many word-of-mouth experiencies are embroidered? How many actually give names and dates and places? [w15/8 98 p32]

Do you believe that the Watchtower Society always wins its court cases? Or, that they never lose on Appeal to a Higher Court? Several Jehovah's Witnesses I know actually said this, but the WatchTower Society had not told them about their support of the Jimmy Swaggart case or the recent failures in France -- serious losses which will cost them (or you!) millions of dollars/pounds.

The fact is that the Watchtower Society can write almost anything in its publications (and withhold information) and millions of faithful loyal Jehovah's Witnesses will swallow such hook, line, and sinker, regardless of content, and distribute such literature without checking or publicly challenging the truthfulness of the articles they are promoting.

Have you found any true comments about your religion in this section? Will you check the things written here and in "The Watchtower" magazine? Is the "faithful slave" controlling you and your brothers and sisters by mystical manipulation?

Demand for Purity
Persil washes whiter

The purity of "Jehovah's organisation" is very important to Jehovah's Witnesses. How can it be kept clean? "Only Jehovah can read hearts" and "we cannot judge by the appearance of a man" Or can we?
Although the Bible warns Christians not to judge others since we are all sinners, Jehovah's Witnesses do this all the time. It is reasoned that, although we cannot judge the inner man, we can know his "heart condition" (spirituality) by his words and actions - "out of the heart's abundance the mouth speaks". That is enough for Jehovah's Witnesses.

A householder might ask a visiting Jehovah's Witness probing but sincere questions, and be considered "argumentative" or "not sheep-like" (humble, biddable), but if an uninterested person, wishing to close the conversation quickly, politely takes their literature and gives a donation, usually they will be viewed favorably.

Jehovah's Witnesses judge others who are not Jehovah's Witnesses all the time -- they are pigeon-holed, categorized, labeled by language. This affects the way that Jehovah's Witnesses view the world and the "worldly" people in it. Even where the Jehovah's Witness does not actually voice prejudices, how can they avoid being affected, surrounded as they are by the influences? If bad language affects us, surely what we hear from other Jehovah's Witnesses will influence our judgement also?

Jehovah's Witnesses judge each other too. It may not be obvious to the outsider, but a process of judgement is on-going for Jehovah's Witnesses' meeting attendance, preaching activity, dress, and conduct, both inside and outside the Kingdom Hall.

Those who do not attend all meetings are "weak", or uncommitted, unless they have exceptional reasons. Even in the case of severe disability, every effort is made to attend meetings and assemblies -- in wheelchairs or on beds and stretchers if necessary.

If a man works shifts, he will be encouraged to find other employment, and if he wishes to gain a position as an "Elder", he really must attend the Kingdom Hall regularly. Tales are told of Jehovah's Witnesses traversing crocodile-infested rivers or terrain frequented by dangerous animals to attend meetings, while "The Watchtower" magazine encourages swapping of unpopular shifts with fellow-employees so that Jehovah's Witnesses do not miss meetings. A female Jehovah's Witness even "paid a fellow-worker to cover her shift so that she could be free to attend these important meetings" (w1/9 98)

Dress and grooming are constantly monitored under WatchTower Society guidelines. It is easy to see what is acceptable by an examination of illustrations in the publications. Control of clothing and grooming has long been recognised as control of an individual's freedom of expression, but if you want approval of your peers, you conform.

An examination of Watchtower Society literature shows that the leadership is willing to give its opinion on diverse subjects -- which Jehovah's Witnesses follow as rules thereafter -- like the latest fashion, except this is control over their life decisions. Often, a Jehovah's Witness will ask, "What is the Society's view on ...?" before they will undertake a project. Reference is usually made, not to the Bible, but to the Society's literature where they can find information on secular matters which is always based on the Governing Body's interpretation of scripture. Notice:

"Jehovah's organization as directed by his "faithful and discreet slave" class should influence our every decision also. How may we avail ourselves of this good influence? By doing personal research in the Bible publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society on whatever subject our decision concerns. This always proves to be a real aid in making clear to us the Bible principles involved and their application to our lives. (w69 3/15 172)

These include matters such as: appropriate dress/clothing; use of narcotics; suitable movies; declaring bankruptcy; birthdays; conduct in courts; oral sex in marriage; lotteries; dating after divorce; drinking toasts; growing a beard; joining a club for nudists; breaking engagements; drinking tea/coffee; cosmetics and jewellery; hunting and fishing; suitable TV viewing; contraception methods; national anthems; masturbation; inter-racial marriage and jury service, to name just a few. Be assured that, if the Society makes a ruling on a matter, Jehovah's Witnesses will immediately follow, with an emphasis on "now".

Since the introduction of simultaneous translation of "The Watchtower" magazine, identical instruction can be circulated in major languages to almost all Jehovah's Witnesses within days and the congregations obediently conform, otherwise individuals will be "counseled" on the matter by local elders. If it is seen as serious enough and the person is considered "rebellious" (i.e.vehemently disagrees) "marking" or even disfellowshipping may result.

How do elders discover if a person is breaking rules which can lead to disfellowshipping? If the conduct is not obvious or public, (e.g. a pregnancy or court case) then usually through informers who are encouraged to tell the elders of "wrong conduct" (or even suspected conduct) to "keep the congregation clean". This happens!

To my shame, I reported three people to elders: one had admitted taking a blood transfusion and the other two had smoked cigarettes together. I believed that I was doing my duty in obedience to the Society's direction, (just following orders) to make the Elders aware of what was going on in the congregation. Although no disfellowshipping action was taken against the offenders, I look back on those incidents with acute embarrassment. Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to apologise to the recipients of my enthusiasm for their purity.

As a result of this demand for purity, Jehovah's Witnesses sometimes resort to dishonest practices to maintain their status as Jehovah's Witnesses: each month, every Jehovah's Witness submits a Field Service Report which is used by the Elders to assess the "publisher's" progress or spirituality. The number of hours spent preaching as well as the Return Visits, Bible Studies, and placements (sales) of magazines, books, and booklets are recorded.

Any Jehovah's Witness who fails to report, is "irregular" (although sometimes reports can be turned in late to save face) and after 6 months of failing to report, is labeled "inactive". Every Jehovah's Witness is encouraged to report some "time" every month, even if it is only one hour.

Did you know that because of the pressure to report regularly, many Jehovah's Witnesses oftentimes falsify reports? This applies especially to pioneers, elders, and ministerial servants, who may add to their "scores" because their reports must be "above average". They may submit extra hours with the intention of "repaying" them in the next month.

Does this shock you? Or have you done this "embezzling" yourself? Unfortunately, it is a necessary part of the system which determines a person's worth by a score-sheet. (I was obviously slow to realise this and had my "privilege" of holding the roving microphones taken away when my monthly report went down during some difficult months).

The WatchTower Society often boasts of its accomplishments in preaching, but how many of the 1.3 billion hours counted each year is reported like this? It makes nonsense of a report which already includes many hours spent traveling between calls (the "long way round" to "count time") and for calling at "not-at-homes". Some days go by when a Jehovah's Witness speaks to only one or two uninterested people. Jehovah's Witnesses working in pairs doubles this wasted effort which is still recorded as "time spent preaching".

In the foregoing various ways, Jehovah's Witnesses purify themselves and purge their organisation, "keeping it clean".

Jehovah's Witness elders even maintain the purity by pursuing former Jehovah's Witnesses who may have left the religion years earlier, but who are seen as a threat to the local congregation. 

The Cult of Confession

Although there is no formal "public confessing", as in some abusive ministries, Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to go to the Elders to confess sins. To confide a sin to another Jehovah's Witness might be a short-cut to a "Judicial Committee" (WatchTower court). There are very few trustworthy relationships in Jehovah's Witnesses. Denouncing members for sins done in the privacy of the home is not unusual.

Even deeply personal matters should be confessed to unqualified, unprofessional, and uneducated Elders, according to the Watchtower Society. This may include smoking tobacco, or secret alcoholism. Or if a youngster "has a problem with masturbation", s/he is expected to confess this to an elder. (In the case of a female, a mature female Jehovah's Witness may be asked to help, but always monitored by a male Elder).

Usually, to tell one Elder anything is to tell all the Elders. Most are incapable of making decisions independently and taking responsibility without a "committee". Indeed, they are not encouraged to do so.

Some Elders break the rules and tell their wives confidential matters. When I confided something -- not "congregation business" -- and emphasised the need for confidentiality, the elder went straight home and told his wife, as she revealed later. On another occasion, I was told the name of a young man who was being "helped" after confessing to masturbation.

Apart from real or defined sins detailed by the Governing Body, there are the imaginary variety. In any congregation, there may be Jehovah's Witnesses who regularly confess, or express anxiety about, "bad thoughts", or fears, about demons or demon harassment. Some are paranoid about introducing demons into their homes through a piece of second-hand furniture (or any object) and, quite superstitiously, will attribute any unfortunate occurrences to "demon-possession" of objects they have bought, or inherited from a "worldly" relative who may be a very unlikely friend of Satan.

In general, Jehovah's Witnesses are in a constant state of uncertainty and unworthiness before God. There is always the fear that they are not doing enough and this is fed by the Governing Body in its literature and meeting programmes -- "Could we do more study?" "Could you pioneer (report 60 or more hours preaching) in April?" "Could we prepare better for meetings?"; "Could we place (sell) more magazines?", and so on.

Have you yourself ever questioned your worthiness and felt that you should be doing more? Do you feel that the congregation's needs outweigh your own? Do you neglect your family in favor of the congregation? Many Elders do.

There is also the omnipresent threat of "Sin Lurking at the Entrance". Some Jehovah's Witnesses walk around as if they were out on patrol behind enemy lines, expecting an attack at any moment from Satan, who is "walking about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone." (a JW of course - who else?)

Jehovah's Witnesses are especially vigilant against the sin of Fornication -- regardless of their physical attractiveness e.g. when a young man was falsely accused of "committing fornication" with a female Jehovah's Witness, she was mortally offended to discover her name was even associated with this "least appealing" male.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that people outside the group conspire to ensnare them under Satan's direction. Surely, the worst Jehovah's Witness nightmare must be "falling into a sin" the day before Armageddon starts, on the assumption that God would be so unmerciful. They imagine that Jehovah has a personal and obsessive interest in them, for they continually worry that their conduct or some fairly innocent and unintentional action "might displease Jehovah".

As well as the possibility of an act of sin, Jehovah's Witnesses worry about appearances. I knew a 70 year old man who would not share a car with a 40 year-old widow for appearances' sake -- for whose appearance, I am not certain.

I had a similar experience with a female senior citizen thirty years older than me. Meanwhile, I was taking a non-practising, homosexual Jehovah's Witness to meetings, alone in my car, but no-one seemed to realise the potential moral dilemma or contradiction in that.

A Few Questions

-- Have you ever confessed anything to elders?
-- Have you ever waited outside a house rather than be alone with a single person?
-- Do you know any Jehovah's Witnesses who have?
-- Does the fear of committing a sin preoccupy you?
-- Have I tried to trap you?
-- Is anything I have said true?

Sacred Science (and Sacred Cows)

Jehovah's Witnesses are closely modeled on the congregations of first-century Christians. How do we know? The Watchtower Society tells us so!

This idea came to the forefront about twenty years ago as the modern organisation sought provenance for itself by claiming that "'Jehovah's Witnesses' can be traced back to Abel", while quoting Hebrews 11. Then, like Topsie, the myth "just grow'd". It doesn't take long for myths to become well-established in "Witness-world" -- a few repetitions and suddenly, "Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia".

As these myths are left unchallenged, next-generation Jehovah's Witnesses start building onto the castles in the air. If as a Jehovah's Witness, you doubt this, I can only suggest that, during the next Watchtower study meeting, you raise your hand and ask, "Wait a minute! How did we know this?"

Or you might look at the WatchTower Society's corporation in UK. The "International Bible Students Association" is a registered charity, but is that the case in USA? How do you know? Have you ever checked? Would you know where to start an investigation? Would you confine your search to the official history, the "Proclaimers" book? And if the Watchtower Society is really "non-profit", why did the French government penalise it over donations? Why not write to Brooklyn and ask them? Would they reply? Perhaps, but typically, their replies cleverly evade the questions raised.

If you examine "The Watchtower" magazine, you will see bold and broad statements made, which assume the reader's acceptance of them, without question. The more this has been allowed, the more it has occurred. Now, the Governing Body can say almost anything in "The Watchtower", and remain unchallenged by the majority. Only an "apostate" would dare question their teaching.

"Some have questioned whether it is fair that authority in the congregation is exercised only by qualified men or that some have a heavenly hope while others have an earthly hope (Psalm 37:29; Phil:3:20) Dedicated Christians however, appreciate that these arrangements are outlined in the Word of God. They are theocratic. If they are questioned, it is usually by those who do not recognise Bible principles."

Who have questioned? Why? Are the men really "qualified"? Who gives them their authority? Do those giving them authority have the right? "Dedicated" i.e."real"; "proper" -- a weighted word. "Outlined" perhaps, but interpreted and defined by whom? And a warning to other Jehovah's Witnesses to mark those who question - they "do not recognise Bible principles" -- as interpreted by the leadership.

"During this century, Jehovah's Witnesses have suffered greatly at the hands of despotic rulers -- just as Jesus foretold. (Matthew 24:9,13) In some lands, lies and misrepresentations are circulated by those trying to pressure the authorities to act against these sincere Christians." (w1/9 98 pp15-16)

Did Jesus foretell that Jehovah's Witnesses would suffer? In which lands? What lies and misrepresentations exactly? Circulated by whom? Why would they wish "to pressure the authorities" against "sincere Christians"? Are Jehovah's Witnesses Christians?

The above are just two extracts taken, for covenience, from a recent issue, to illustrate the kind of questions that you should be asking as you read WatchTower Society literature.

The "faithful slave", represented by the Governing Body, nurtures this believing attitude in itself, telling Jehovah's Witnesses repeatedly that they should "gratefully accept" counsel from the "faithful slave" on "our choice of music and entertainment" (w98 15/7 p13) and "we are grateful that the "faithful and discreet slave" continues to help us," (p14) or "'That 'slave' made up of anointed Christians, provides the very best of spiritually good things -- accurate, Bible-based knowledge that can lead to eternal life." (w1/9 98 p11)

Has the "slave" been "faithful and discreet"? Why do they keep telling you how wonderful they are? Is it "the very best" that they offer? Is it "accurate"? How do you know? Should we be grateful when they keep giving us incorrect information and changing it later?

Loading the Language

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." -- Wittgenstein.

Why don't you play a little solitaire?

John Frankenheimer's 1962 film, "The Manchurian Candidate", tells the story of captured U.S. Servicemen brainwashed by Chinese communists during the Korean war. While the techniques are less effective on some of the soldiers, Sergeant Shaw proves susceptible, and is programmed to act on hearing a key phrase, after which he becomes responsive to suggestion. On his return to America as a decorated hero, he is controlled with this 'trigger" phrase with humorous, but eventually tragic, consequences.

Are Jehovah's Witnesses "brainwashed"? Perhaps, but not as is commonly understood. Are Jehovah's Witnesses, as a group, controlled by words and phrases? Yes, definitely -- to deny this, is to deny human nature. We are all conditioned by words and their meaning to us e.g. what effect do the words "child-molester" or "rape" have upon you? They are words with unpleasant connotations for most of us. To meditate on what they really mean could stir up feelings of revulsion, fear, anger and hatred in us. Similarly, fifty years on, some people are still upset by "Auschwitz", "Nazi", "Hiroshima", and "Dresden". Intense feelings can be provoked by words alone.

Are there any "trigger words" which control or affect Jehovah's Witnesses? Yes -- not only do certain words start "alarm bells" in their minds and put them on guard, but also the way words are used repeatedly in meetings and Watchtower Society literature, conditions the way that Jehovah's Witnesses view people and institutions in this world.

Word Games

Look at the following two lists and read the words slowly. Try to picture those things in your mind's eye where possible. The non-Witness reader may see no significance in some words, but a Jehovah's Witness may feel uncomfortable with them. Which list contains the negative words and phrases? Where did they come from? How are they used?

lack of faith; wrong mental attitudes; lack of confidence; Catholic sign of the cross; sect; counterfeit Christians; uncleanness; mainstream religions; religious rulers; human concepts; clergy; complainer; Babylon the Great; doubt; apostate; run ahead of Jehovah; lies; internet; evil slave; worldly; independent thinking; critic; uncertainty; philosophy; lands dominated by the Catholic Church; hat; doubts; evolution; hard-hearted; world empire of false religion; political rulers; narrow minded; persecutors; self-righteousness; United Nations; church; false prophet; overweening pride; improper conduct; cult; true Christians; Christendom; enemies of the truth; mat; lack of appreciation; Trinity; religious cowards; biased critic; polygamist; fanatical opponent; corrupt system of things; partial obedience; wicked heart; ridiculer; Catholic military squad; university; Christmas; ignoring of counsel; wrong thinking

close relationship with Jehovah; dedicated Christians; congregation; loving provision; apostles; oversight; approved associate; elders; holy angels; other sheep; personal study; wonderful privilege; remnant; cross; the truth; apostle; preaching work; angelic support; refuge; bat; faithful ones; sovereignty; exclusive devotion; Jehovah's organisation; humbly conforming; spirit-anointed; scriptures; spirit-appointed; meetings; cat; qualified men; wait on Jehovah; eager expectation; legally married; whole-souled; lovers of Jehovah; well-motivated; Armageddon; Kingdom interests

The Meaning of a Word is its Use

To make you think, and in case you fell asleep, or didn't bother to read the lists properly, there are a couple of short "nonsense words" in each list, and one word which does not belong to each list -- mentioning "the cross" rings alarm bells for a Jehovah's Witness and cannot belong in the second list beside "the truth" because Jehovah's Witnesses say, "the cross" is pagan. Jehovah's Witnesses insist that Jesus Christ died on a "torture stake" and will not admit to anything else. People who say "Christ died for us on the cross" are not Jehovah's Witnesses.

"True Christians" belongs in the "positive" list and cannot stand beside "Christendom". Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they alone are Christians, hence the addition of positive adjectives for the benefit of readers of WatchTower Society literature. In reference to all other people, "Christian", standing without a qualifying adjective, ("counterfeit-"; "false-") is meaningless. Similarly, the adjective, "Christian" can only apply to things pertaining to Jehovah's Witnesses - e.g. "Christian meetings".

The word "internet" is correctly placed in the "negative" list despite the fact that some Jehovah's Witnesses are here, contrary to the advice of the Society, published in "Awake!" and elsewhere. Jehovah's Witnesses who are unfamiliar with the internet have a very negative, even fearful, opinion of it, influenced by the warnings in Watchtower Society literature.

I will now discuss a few of the words from the above lists, which are by no means exhaustive. In the first list (negatives), most of the phrases were published in "The Watchtower" magazine (1998).

"Spirit-appointed": It is no accident that this word sounds like "spirit-anointed" which refers to the 144,000 who expect to go to heaven. "Spirit-appointed" has crept into Jehovah's Witness vocabulary quite recently. Usually, it is used with reference to Elders, reinforcing the false belief that local Elders are selected by "holy spirit" -- not, notice, "The Holy Spirit".

"Sect": Jehovah's Witnesses do not like to be called a "sect", or a "cult", and have gone to considerable lengths to argue their case. They are not a sect [they say], because they have not broken away from something else. The word "cult" is over-used against unpopular religions although it is tempting to use it when speaking to Jehovah's Witnesses, just to annoy them. (just kidding)

"Evolution": A very bad word for Jehovah's Witnesses (and other fundamentalists). As with other technical words, it causes much confusion to Jehovah's Witnesses. Their lack of understanding of the nuances of the theory is apparent, and is not helped by their belief that a theory is slightly above a guess.

In "Witness-world", there can be no grey area to allow for any form of evolution. In general, if the WatchTower Society agrees with a scientist and needs support for an argument, s/he is "a noted scientist"; "an expert", but those who present disagreeable views of the world (as seen through Watchtower Society spectacles) will be labeled "God-dishonoring scientists promoting human concepts", or "worldly scientists", even if they are the most devout Christians. Philosophy or university (with the epithets "worldly") and anything which leads to "independent thinking", are also disapproved.

"Catholic": And now for something completely controversial -- Jehovah's Witnesses, as a group, hate all things Catholic. You will disagree -- and no unkindness is intended to the many decent Witnesses who respect other people -- but I have rarely heard such bigoted intolerance and disrespect for Catholicism anywhere else. Although I was never a Catholic, it was the insistent "pope-bashing", and quiet intolerance of that particular religion, repeated at meetings and in "The Watchtower", that contributed to my leaving Jehovah's Witnesses.

Of the Christian denominations, Catholicism is the major component of "Christendom", which in turn, is part of "Babylon the Great", the "world empire of false religion" (i.e., not JWs). Jehovah's Witnesses are quite ignorant of the finer points of Catholic doctrine. Their knowledge is usually based on Watchtower Society literature and meetings. In any case, to add the word "Catholic" to anything, is to sound its death-knell for Witness approval. If I introduced a "Catholic friend", s/he would be in a pigeon-hole with hell-fire and the Inquisitors faster than "eternal souls" could fly there.

"wrong thinking": To "avoid wrong thinking" is really another way of saying "not thinking", or a form of "thought-stopping", as in Orwell's 1984. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to react instantly to situations with an approved response, rather than thinking about the question.

For every situation, there is a "scriptural principle" (actually a rule) based on the leadership's interpretation of the Bible. Spontaneity is discouraged. When the Jehovah's Witness is put in a new situation, not covered by Watchtower Society teaching, s/he may flounder unless an Elder is nearby to give a ruling. If you doubt this, consider the diversity of "Questions from Readers" over the years. The Governing Body does not expect you to think for yourself despite what it may say.

Eventually, as with anything, if you don't use your ability to think critically, you lose it, and start to say, "What is the Society's view on this?" before you make a "decision".

"Independent thinking": Jehovah's Witnesses are not expected to "run ahead of Jehovah" or, "Jehovah's organisation", represented on earth by about 8,000 men and women of the "faithful and discreet slave class". About a dozen of these (all men) make up the Governing Body. Notice:

"Not only must we study God's Word, have the right mental attitude and pray for God's spirit, but we must recognize God's visible organization. God does not impart his holy spirit and an understanding and appreciation of his Word apart from his visible organization". (w65 7/1 39)

In theory, thinking Jehovah's Witnesses may write to WatchTower HQ to present ideas after their own Bible research, but if this does not fit current Watchtower Society policy or worse, if it is embarrassing to the Governing Body, the information will not be accepted. Carl Jonsson discovered this when he presented extensive proof of the inaccuracies in the Watchtower Society's chronology, privately inviting them to change it. He was disfellowshipped.

Twenty years later, when the WatchTowerSociety was running into problems with their "generation of 1914" teachings because of this same erroneous chronology, they "borrowed" a theory published one year earlier in "Crisis of Conscience" -- a well-known "apostate" book.

Jehovah's Witnesses who disagree with Watchtower Society teachings, or who keep asking awkward questions, are labeled as "proud", "complainers", "uncertain"; 'unsubmissive", or "doubters". If they continue, they may become "hardhearted" because of their "partial obedience", "ignoring of counsel", and "lack of appreciation" for the "bounteous spiritual food" prepared by the "faithful and discreet slave" and provided at "Christian meetings".

How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization. Yet certain ones have professed to know better. They have rebelled against such counsel and have done what is right in their own eyes. (w83 1/15 22)

Jehovah's Witness dissidents who leave the religion after realising the truth about it and who dare to comment upon, or question the WatchTower Society's teachings in the media, will find themselves under the following categories in WatchTower Society literature: "apostate" (an all-time favorite); having "overweening pride"; "fanatical opponent"; "enemies of the truth"; "ridiculers" having a "wicked heart"; "persecutors"; "liars"; "biased critics", and so on.

Notice this: "Jehovah's organisation does not discourage sincere, timely questions, as some opposers mistakenly claim. (1Pet.1:10-12) However, the Bible counsels that we avoid foolish, speculative questions. (Titus 3:9) Asking reasonable questions and searching God's Word and Christian publications to find Scriptural answers can increase our accurate knowledge and can thus strengthen our knowledge in Jehovah." (w98 15/8 p20)

What Joe Witness doesn't know, is that the Society reserves the right to answer only those questions it considers "sincere" or "timely". Some of the questions written to WatchTower HQ when people were Jehovah's Witnesses were very pertinent, and anything but "speculative", or "foolish".

In Watchtower-speak, "foolish" means "a question that would be embarrassing for us to answer". The Governing Body often declined to reply and failed to properly correct previous errors, which would mean admitting that they are hiding behind a cloak of self-appointed, Godly authority.

In fact, in "The Watchtower" quoted above, they side-stepped the apology which was due to thousands of young men worldwide who, for many years, had gone to prison after following the "faithful slave's" indiscreet counsel to refuse legitimate, alternative service to military training [see discussion below]

"Trinity": Another red rag to Jehovah's Witnesses. Christians who realise that we cannot hope to explain God completely may not accept the doctrine vebatim, but this does not stop Jehovah's Witnesses from launching enthusiastic attacks, using diverse single proof-texts, at the mere mention of a particular denomination which they believe is "trinitarian". Unfortunately, their knowledge usually comes from (you guessed) Society literature e.g. the infamous "Trinity brochure" (more misquotations), leading them to imagine that all Christians who accept the Trinity believe in a three-headed God and other such nonsense.

As a doctrine of most denominations, the Trinity may be a major obstacle for you, the exiting former 
Jehovah's Witness, seeking to worship God. However, Jehovah's Witnesses do not realise that, unlike their own restrictive conformity, Christians do not insist that you accept every aspect of every doctrine. Essential Christian teachings are very simple and based on the Bible -- however surprising that may seem.

"Worldly": Satan is the ruler of the world. Everything and everybody -- Jew, Christian, atheist, Muslim, Buddhist -- all people ouside Jehovah's Witnesses are "in the world" (Jehovah's Witnesses are "in the world, but not part of it"). The adjective is applied by "The Watchtower" magazine to anything that a Jehovah's Witness should dislike or disapprove.

"Political rulers": True, some politicians are corrupt and don't make the best decisions, but at least they are doing something and trying to manage the planet. According to Jehovah's Witnesses, the United Nations is a type of all evil in world politics, and along with Big Business and Babylon the Great, is in line for destruction at Armageddon.

"Armageddon": This word is correctly placed in the positive list. To Jehovah's Witnesses, it is a magical solution, a panacea for all ills, the gateway to the New World. Unfortunately for 8 billion people, the solution involves the destruction of everyone outside "Jehovah's organisation". If you are a Jehovah's Witness, have you actually considered the consequences of such a slaughter? Think about it!

Since the first issue of "The Watchtower" magazine in 1879, Armageddon is always coming "very shortly", "soon", or is "very near", teasing Jehovah's Witnesses like a carrot in front a donkey. "Time is very short for this wicked system of things", says the WatchTower Society. But Jesus said, "Look out that you are not misled; for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, "'The due time has approached.' Do not go after them." - Luke 21:8

"The Truth": Recently, a Jehovah's Witness asked me, "Is your sister in 'the truth?'" With a smile, I replied, "No, she's one of Jehovah's Witnesses." I was being mischievous, but I was also refusing to play her word-game.

To be one of Jehovah's Witnesses is to be in "the truth". An early question after meeting another Jehovah's Witness is usually, "And how long have you been in 'the truth?"" Jehovah's Witnesses use the expression often. Can you think of a better reinforcement for a belief? It is like saying, "How long have you been right about everything?" (which Witnesses think they are)

Alternatives are frowned upon. If you say, "in the faith", you will be looked upon with suspicion and might even be asked, with some degree of uncertainty, "You do believe it's "the truth", don't you?"

As you may have come to realise, by reading elsewhere, "Jehovah's Witnesses" (the religion) and "truth" are mutually exclusive. If unintentionally, I use the term "the truth" to a Jehovah's Witness, I always correct myself. Some former Jehovah's Witnesses go further, using expressions such as "the Lie", or "when I was in the Untruth", or the "Borg". Which brings us to:

"Jehovah's organisation": In a recent rewriting of its history, the Watchtower Society referred, not to the Bible, but to two Watchtower magazine issues in 1922, linking the phrase "the Lord does everything in an orderly manner", with a verse in Corinthians referring to the human body and arriving at the conclusion, "That is an excellent illustration of an organisation!"

Although they refer to the issues of 1922 (implying, "we have always believed in an organisation") it is only in recent years that emphasis has been put on the organisation in Watchtower Society publications and since 1985, converts have declared a measure of allegiance to the organisation in their second baptism vow: "The second is: Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?" (w85 1/6 30)

The expression "Jehovah's organisation" can be applied conveniently to any aspect of the religion and is interchangeable with expressions such as "being in the truth"; "Jehovah's people"; "the congregation"; "Jehovah's Witnesses"; "the Watchtower Society", although the last expression is rarely used by Jehovah's Witnesses because strictly, it is a business corporation which they say, is for "legal reasons".

This continual repetition and appropriation of God's name and connecting it with their international publishing corporation is an ingenious marketing ploy. Quite intentionally, God and the Governing Body are blurred and it becomes more difficult to criticise the leadership who become God. "It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the 'slave' as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision". (w57 6/15 p370) Note the following reference to those who obediently refused alternative service:

"Was it unrighteous on Jehovah's part to allow him to suffer for rejecting what he might now do without consequences? What reason could anyone have to regret having followed his conscience in taking a firm stand for Jehovah? By loyally upholding Christian principles as they understood them or by reponding to the proddings of conscience, they proved worthy of Jehovah's friendship." (w98 15/8) 

Who told Jehovah's Witnesses to refuse alternative service? Who told them much later that it was acceptable? Was it God? Definitely not! It was the Governing Body representing the "faithful slave". Unless we agree that the Governing Body is God, we have to admit that it was men who instructed Witnesses to follow the leadership's conscience, but notice how the "Governing Body" is deftly replaced by "Jehovah" in the above quotation.

Yes, we can criticise men, but what Jehovah's Witness would criticise God for this gross error? As a result of their instructions, thousands of young men suffered years of unnecessary imprisonment. The fact is, Jehovah had nothing to do with the instruction.

Your own Words

Jehovah's Witness converts soon learn that they should answer "question and answer" meeting parts "in their own words". This means that they should not read answers verbatim from the paragraphs of "The Watchtower" or study book being used. Instead they should rephrase their answers. This does not mean that they will answer in their own words, because they will still conform to the well-understood jargon phrases of Jehovah's Witnesses e.g. "Babylon the Great", which is the "world empire of false religion", instead of "all religion in this world which does not worship Jehovah through his organisation and, according to the WatchTower Society, has pagan origins from ancient Babylon".

As far as loading the language is concerned, the Writing Committee of the Governing Body in Brooklyn cannot deny that it uses this controlling technique to substitute itself for God and to control the very thoughts of eight million Jehovah's Witnesses, including you.

Doctrine over Persons

Jehovah's Witnesses who dare complain may not be taken seriously. Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint what is actually wrong -- it may be a feeling of depression that Christ's love is not in the congregation, but the complaint seems petty, based as it is on feelings rather than rock-hard evidence. (These feelings may be well-founded, for Jehovah's Witnesses will cold-shoulder any "brothers and sisters" of whom they disapprove, i.e., they may be seen as "worldly", or a single person may not fit into a couple's clique).

Criticism of the organisation or local congregation is not appreciated, and the blame for anything may be turned upon the complainers, making their problems worse, no matter how true their concerns. A complainer may be accused of lacking faith, and be reminded that s/he should be grateful for "Jehovah's organisation", or that s/he should do more, keeping busy by spending more time preaching, attending meetings and studying "Christian publications". And telling a person to "wait on Jehovah" (i.e. do nothing) is hardly an answer, is it?

Sometimes, a person who criticises is suspected of secret sin. There can never be anything wrong with the organisation. Therefore, the fault can only lie in you, the complainer, no matter how justified your criticism.

To complain about matters of policy can be fraught with danger for the innocent who believes in truth and justice. A confidential letter to the national Branch Office, sincerely questioning doctrine or policy, will usually be forwarded to the local Elders.

If a serious problem exists in a congregation, and someone brings it to the attention of the elders, but is not satisfied with their way of handling it (or more often, not handling it, while they "wait on Jehovah" to do what -- something miraculous?) they may be accused of "rebellion", or "apostasy", to shut them up. If they do not take heed, disfellowshipping will prevent their voices being heard by others.

Criticism against "Jehovah's organisation" is not tolerated. At all costs, doctrine must be upheld over people. And you, as one of those people, are expendable.

This is seen in the behavior of Jehovah's Witnesses toward those who leave informally (i.e. without being disfellowshipped or disassociating) They are soon forgotten. Previous friendship counts for nothing. Rarely, the who left may be contacted to tell them about a funeral, or to be invited to a special meeting, but social visits to someone who has "left Jehovah" (not a corrupt WatchTower Society, of course!) even when the person is an exemplary Christian, are unlikely.

Waste of resources

Within the organisation, human resources are squandered and talent wasted if a person "does not qualify" according to Watchtower Society policy and doctrine. Women never "qualify". The highest step a female can achieve is that of a door-knocking, foot-slogging missionary, or as the wife of a prominent Jehovah's Witness male. In this way alone, more than half the population is controlled.

The talents of men are wasted too. Unless he conforms to the standards of a "spiritual man", according to the local Body of Elders' interpretation of WatchTower Society policy, a male will have little respect in the congregation, regardless of his Jehovah's Witness experience. Meanwhile, he is expected to take counsel humbly from young Elders who are still wet from their baptism. In the hierarchy of Witnessworld , such a man is one step above women, who suffer in silence, and their children.

Some men are talented, but if they fall foul of grudge-holding Elders, who are less than impartial, they will never progress to contribute to the benefit of a congregation. (Two elders held old grudges against me as I discovered - twenty years later!)

As a result of this control, some of the most boring and uninspiring public speakers are inflicted on Sunday morning audiences only because they are Elders. Similarly, some Elders could not organise a "booze-up in a brewery" and the congregation, with its hands tied, has to "wait on Jehovah" to do something, since to act would be presumptuous.

"Is your ball coming out to play?"

Although a man may be given little respect and no position, if he is a talented tradesman, or if he owns a car, or minibus, he will often be invited to help in Kingdom Hall maintenance or construction, or to act as a free taxi-service for older and infirm Jehovah's Witnesses. The WatchTower Society, through its local congregations, rarely pays for any service. Tradesmen and laborers are taught that is a "privilege" to use their talents to "serve Jehovah" by giving their time and labor -- free of charge, of course.
 
Dispensing of Existence
Cogito, ergo sum - right?

Does God care about us? I believe so. Does "Jehovah's organisation" care about you? Before you were one of Jehovah's Witnesses, what were you? Nothing -- persona non grata. When you leave, what will you be? Even less than nothing -- a non-person.

Outside the organisation you did not exist. You were "spiritually dead". You were not one of "Jehovah's people". And if, in the future, you dare to leave, you are as good as damned. Too harsh? But true.

Modern business corporations are learning to care about their employees. They are a valuable resource. A company with a high turnover of employees would be concerned if their best people were moving out, but now, some of the best educated, most resourceful, and conscientious Jehovah's Witnesses are leaving the organisation as fast as new converts are coming in -- or faster perhaps, since many baptised "converts" are actually the children of Jehovah's Witnesses who would "never grow old in this system of things".

In the past, Jehovah's Witnesses would call for years on former colleagues who had "fallen away", giving them Watchtower Society literature and a friendly word. Now, when someone leaves s/he is viewed with suspicion, as having abandoned, not a religion, but God himself. There may be some efforts to restore the person to the congregation, but those who don't respond by attending "Christian meetings" are soon seen as "a waste of time". "A person who is free to attend such meetings, but neglects to do so, lacks appreciation for his place in God's organisation." (w98 1/9)

Jehovah's Witnesses have less compassion for their "brothers and sisters" now. Illness is no excuse for missing meetings -- it is a sign of spiritual weakness, especially when the person appears hale and hearty -- as may be the case for those who suffer ME (chronic fatigue syndrome), allergy or depression. I have heard many stories of Jehovah's Witnesses who missed meetings during illness, even heart surgery, and who were not visited for weeks -- or never. "I fell sick and you looked after me"? Whatever happened to Christian love and compassion? (This was another contributing factor to my leaving Jehovah's Witnesses)

Make no mistake -- as a human resource in the Watchtower Society, you are expendable. If you do not keep running forward with "Jehovah's chariot-like organisation", you will be left behind.

Periodically, Jehovah's Witnesses are reminded that noone can stand against them -- or as children would say, "I'll set my Big Brother on you!" "The Watchtower" magazine reminded Jehovah's Witnesses, "there are more who are with us than those who are with them." (w98 15/6) However, this does not prevent Jehovah's Witnesses from being hypersensitive to criticism, which they say, is "persecution". Any disagreeable comment is "persecution". If they fear words, how will they respond to sticks and stones?

Although they preach to "worldly" people -- and Jehovah's Witnesses consider this a better act than charity -- they will have no further contact unless the person responds to their message. As for former-Witnesses, they are avoided and labeled, but this does not prevent Elders interfering in the lives of former-Witnessses who have left the religion (Elders investigated me three years after leaving the religion).

It does not take long for slander to circulate in congregations. In September 1998, a Spanish Witness, Juan Lledo, was disfellowshipped when he questioned the Society's teachings. Within a week, rumors were circulating that he had been expelled for immorality. This suits the leadership very well, both locally and nationally. It puts fear into others and reinforces the prejudice that all who leave are wicked and unworthy of remaining in "Jehovah's organisation".

If you are not one of Jehovah's Witnesses, by now you should have an answer to the question "Do I exist?". If you are leaving the religion, you know what to expect from your present colleagues and why. Ah, but ...

At this point, you, the Jehovah's Witness may be saying, "I recognise some problems, but we're all imperfect and the organisation does so much good," or "None of those things has ever happened to me". Then you are lucky.

Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses have been on the wrong end of bad -- even criminal -- experiences caused by the over-riding influence of false Watchtower Society doctrine -- for it is that doctrine combined with elitist views -- that makes Jehovah's Witnesses act as badly as they do.

Conclusion

Are Jehovah's Witnesses the subjects of mind-control? I believe so. It is the inevitable result of hearing and exposing oneself to only one point of view -- with a mind closed to all others -- for many years.
I hope that this information has brought you to that conclusion too, and shown you how every aspect of your life is influenced by the human leaders in New York -- no matter where you live on this planet.

If you leave the WatchTower Society religion, you will benefit immediately. Your life will be your own again. If you are young enough, you can live a normal life -- pursue a career and fulfil various ambitions with the enthusiasm and vigour of youth driving you. But you should give attention to your spitiual life.

This essay exposed some of the duplicity and controlling methods of the so-called "faithful slave". Although it repeatedly discusses WatchTower society doctrine -- and it is false doctrine that gives the Governing Body its authority and hold over eight million people -- little has been said about true Christian doctrine and truth.

The "faithful steward" presumes to take praise and authority to itself while directing people to Jehovah. Meanwhile, it assumes the position of the "Mediator" by promoting itself as the "one true channel of communication" to God -- a false Christ. So, it is important that you replace the lies you have learned with the truth about Jesus - "the way and the truth and the life". "No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

Despite the lies you have been told to the contrary about the Bible - "to be able to understand it we need the help of God's holy spirit, [true] for which we are told to pray. However, for God to answer our prayers for his spirit we must meet his conditions, among which is that we recognize the visible channel he is using [false] for that very purpose. (w65 7/1 391) -- you can understand it and learn the truth -- if you read it!

You have two options:

If you stay in the WatchTower Society organisation, at least you are informed now. That is a protection against mind-control. However, it will also lead you to frustration as you forever-after perceive the double-talk of the "faithful slave", the false Christ. Will you be able to tolerate it? Will it make you angry? Or depressed perhaps? I believe that remaining in the organisation, while suppressing your true feelings in a continual state of denial cannot be healthy for your mind.

The longer you vacilllate, the more difficult it is to leave. If you do not act soon, you will slip back into inertia and, before long, you will be passively swallowing all the spiritual junk "food" again, as fast as the "faithful steward" can shovel it.

Another option is to leave the organisation, and find a new life with Christianity -- which does exist outside "Jehovah's organisation". If like me, you have been a Jehovah's Witness for a long time, it will not be easy, but it is possible. With the Helplines and groups which are available now, it can be done with less upset than many former-Witnesses have experienced before you.

Meanwhile, I encourage you to start reading the New Testament [Greek Scriptures] today. May the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!