Cults, and mind control

[placebofactor]

2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, “They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe (the) lie:

What is the definition of a cult? A cult is a religious or semi-religious sect whose members are controlled almost entirely by a single individual or by an organization. They are manipulative, demanding total commitment and loyalty from their followers. Converts are usually cut off from all former associations, including their families. The Hare Krishnas, the Family of Love led by Moses David Berg, and Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church are examples. They deviate from the orthodox teachings of the historic Christian faith derived from the Bible and confirmed through ancient comprehensive, unifying doctrines.

Techniques of the cults are:
1. Repetitive instructions through streaming, books, magazines, and meetings. They hammer home the same basic information repeatedly. Example: Jesus is not God, and there is no Holy Spirit, no hell, no soul or spirit, etc.
2. All new members are told to break their relations with outside friends and to limit fellowship with non-members'.
3. They’re told not to read critical work outside of their publications, especially material from former members.
4. They threaten to shun if rules are broken
5. All ex-members are to be shunned.
6. They verbally attack and undermine the authority of outside institutions, such as religious, educational, medical, and governmental.
7. Their mindset is a coordinated superiority/ inferiority-guilt complex.

They will not stand for their authority to be challenged by any member. They set guidelines to prevent followers from circulating or possessing unauthorized literature. The following examples are from the Watchtower because of my familiarity with their literature.

In the May 1, 1984, Watchtower, under the heading “Questions from Readers” on page 31, the question was asked, “Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses decline to exchange their Bible study aids for the religious literature of people they meet?” Their answer,

“It would be foolhardy, as well as a waste of valuable time, for Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept and expose themselves to false religious literature that is designed to deceive. Hence, it is out of wisdom and respect for God’s counsel that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not make a practice of exchanging valuable Bible study aids containing Scriptural truth for religious literature that disseminates error or apostate views.” I call that, religious totalitarianism.

In their March 15, 1986, issue of the Watchtower featured a photo of a woman tossing mail into the trash before the postman left. The caption, page 12, “Why is reading apostate publications similar to reading pornographic literature?”

In a November 1, 1987, Watchtower, page 19 they “claim that some Witnesses have exposed themselves to possible spiritual contamination by tuning in to religious radio and television broadcasts.”

Your thoughts:

[onewithhim]

No I'm not denying them. I indicated in my last post that I agreed with what they were saying.

It appears to me that you consider, all T.V. preachers to be corrupt, they're not! Zola Levitt, Less Feldick, Dr. Sproul, John McArthur, and many others. I don't agree on certain small issues with each one, but their basics are correct.

I also believe there is one thing that certain people on this forum are overlooking. I can go around the country and speak to people from many denominations, Baptist, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodist, Independents, etc., people I have never met, yet we agree on the fundamentals. but the Jehovah's Witnesses doctrines are only agreeable to other Witnesses, and no one else. This tells me there is one Spirit, one teacher worldwide that teaches individuals who give serious thought to Bible studies, not an organization that has an agenda, and that is based on a foundation of sand or miry clay.

You seem to dismiss what Jesus said at Matthew 7: 14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it." The majority seems to be wrong, in Jesus' view.

Christianity was considered to a small apostate religion back in Jesus' day, and everyone else clung to the idea that the Messiah had not come. The majority was wrong. The same today--a relatively small organization of Christ and his brothers is considered to be wrong because it is so different. Don't you think that the true religion would be different?

Okay, 7 billion people worldwide,

1 billion 500 million Muslims.

One billion Hindus.

One billion 500 million Catholics, probably 3/4 of them pray to the dead, Mary, Joseph, St. Christopher, etc., and they call the Pope their Father who claims to be the Vicar of Christ, he who sits in for Christ until he returns.

One billion 500 million Agnostics, atheists, and those who worship the creation and not the Creator.

One billion other religions.

Less than a billion who believe and practice the Christian faith. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord, and Saviour, Redeemer, and Judge. They learn through the Holy Spirit, believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, etc.

Before the church came into existence, the Lord was speaking to the Jews, he said in,

Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged," Jesus was speaking to the Jews who were still under the law when he said, "Enter you in at the (narrow) gate: for wide in the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" --- "Narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that find it." BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING, BUT INWARDLY THEY ARE RAVENOUS WOLVES."
Matthew 7:

Yes, I agree. What have you to say about Matthew 7:13,14,21?)

We don't judge. We just observe which religious affiliates are doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus did in his day. The majority was wrong.

You say you don't judge. Hmmm, Jehovah's Witnesses are told not to marry outside their organization: Don't read material from other Christian churches, don't associate with those who are not witnesses etc. etc. I would say that's a form of judgment, wouldn't you?

The Bible says to "marry only in the Lord." Is that being judgmental? Even Jesus would agree with that, as he would the following.
Why would anyone read something that they knew would contradict their own beliefs? Knowing what they are going to say and avoiding that is saving a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted. JWs are convinced of their own beliefs and know it is the Truth. We are not looking for another avenue to everlasting life. We offer our literature to people who ARE looking for Truth and don't know what the Bible says about that.
JWs are not forbidden to associate with people who are not Witnesses. I have many non-Witnesses in my family and I associate regularly with them. It stands to reason, though, that a person would not spend a lot of time with non-JWs only because of the Bible's admonition to not mix darkness with light. Someone who does not think highly of Jehovah would not be on our same path. I don't have much in common with someone who does not love Jehovah and/or is not familiar with Him. So what is the point in regularly associating with "the world"? (I Corinthians 7:39; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I John 2:15,16)

Does your church mostly or just some go along with the statements in post #1?
It seems placebofactor is so familiar with your beliefs.

Placebofactor clearly does not have familiarity with my beliefs. He makes rash statements that have no basis in fact. His imagination gets the better of him.

Whoever you are, let me tell you this fact. I forgot more about the Jehovah's Witnesses they you will ever know. I would say you joined for one of several reasons. You like them as people, and so do I. You were born into the organization because your Parents are Witnesses. Lastly, when you first went to a Kingdom Hall, you knew nothing about the Scriptures, and what you heard you thought was right, so now you're a member.

I was not born into the organization. I frequented Methodists, Baptists, and non-denominational churches, as well as checking out Mormons, Episcopalians, Lutherans, tongue-speaking groups, Presbyterians, B'Hai (sorry for the miss-spelling), and particularly Southern Baptists. I was studying all of these groups and comparing them with the Bible, which I had been studying since I could read, being baptized into the Methodist Church as a child. I found all of these churches lacking, and came to not respect any of them. In my 20s I heard a Witness say there was no hell-fire, and I immediately gave JWs credence because I didn't believe in it either, after studying the Bible for so long. From there I studied the Bible further, and I could see where most people go astray because of the spurious teaching of their pastors and priests.

[Capbook]

It appears to me that you consider, all T.V. preachers to be corrupt, they're not! Zola Levitt, Less Feldick, Dr. Sproul, John McArthur, and many others. I don't agree on certain small issues with each one, but their basics are correct.

I also believe there is one thing that certain people on this forum are overlooking. I can go around the country and speak to people from many denominations, Baptist, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodist, Independents, etc., people I have never met, yet we agree on the fundamentals. but the Jehovah's Witnesses doctrines are only agreeable to other Witnesses, and no one else. This tells me there is one Spirit, one teacher worldwide that teaches individuals who give serious thought to Bible studies, not an organization that has an agenda, and that is based on a foundation of sand or miry clay.

You seem to dismiss what Jesus said at Matthew 7: 14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it." The majority seems to be wrong, in Jesus' view.

Christianity was considered to a small apostate religion back in Jesus' day, and everyone else clung to the idea that the Messiah had not come. The majority was wrong. The same today--a relatively small organization of Christ and his brothers is considered to be wrong because it is so different. Don't you think that the true religion would be different?

Okay, 7 billion people worldwide,

1 billion 500 million Muslims.

One billion Hindus.

One billion 500 million Catholics, probably 3/4 of them pray to the dead, Mary, Joseph, St. Christopher, etc., and they call the Pope their Father who claims to be the Vicar of Christ, he who sits in for Christ until he returns.

One billion 500 million Agnostics, atheists, and those who worship the creation and not the Creator.

One billion other religions.

Less than a billion who believe and practice the Christian faith. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord, and Saviour, Redeemer, and Judge. They learn through the Holy Spirit, believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, etc.

Before the church came into existence, the Lord was speaking to the Jews, he said in,

Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged," Jesus was speaking to the Jews who were still under the law when he said, "Enter you in at the (narrow) gate: for wide in the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" --- "Narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that find it." BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING, BUT INWARDLY THEY ARE RAVENOUS WOLVES."
Matthew 7:

Yes, I agree. What have you to say about Matthew 7:13,14,21?)

We don't judge. We just observe which religious affiliates are doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus did in his day. The majority was wrong.

You say you don't judge. Hmmm, Jehovah's Witnesses are told not to marry outside their organization: Don't read material from other Christian churches, don't associate with those who are not witnesses etc. etc. I would say that's a form of judgment, wouldn't you?

The Bible says to "marry only in the Lord." Is that being judgmental? Even Jesus would agree with that, as he would the following.
Why would anyone read something that they knew would contradict their own beliefs? Knowing what they are going to say and avoiding that is saving a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted. JWs are convinced of their own beliefs and know it is the Truth. We are not looking for another avenue to everlasting life. We offer our literature to people who ARE looking for Truth and don't know what the Bible says about that.
JWs are not forbidden to associate with people who are not Witnesses. I have many non-Witnesses in my family and I associate regularly with them. It stands to reason, though, that a person would not spend a lot of time with non-JWs only because of the Bible's admonition to not mix darkness with light. Someone who does not think highly of Jehovah would not be on our same path. I don't have much in common with someone who does not love Jehovah and/or is not familiar with Him. So what is the point in regularly associating with "the world"? (I Corinthians 7:39; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I John 2:15,16)

Does your church mostly or just some go along with the statements in post #1?
It seems placebofactor is so familiar with your beliefs.

Placebofactor clearly does not have familiarity with my beliefs. He makes rash statements that have no basis in fact. His imagination gets the better of him.

Whoever you are, let me tell you this fact. I forgot more about the Jehovah's Witnesses they you will ever know. I would say you joined for one of several reasons. You like them as people, and so do I. You were born into the organization because your Parents are Witnesses. Lastly, when you first went to a Kingdom Hall, you knew nothing about the Scriptures, and what you heard you thought was right, so now you're a member.

I was not born into the organization. I frequented Methodists, Baptists, and non-denominational churches, as well as checking out Mormons, Episcopalians, Lutherans, tongue-speaking groups, Presbyterians, B'Hai (sorry for the miss-spelling), and particularly Southern Baptists. I was studying all of these groups and comparing them with the Bible, which I had been studying since I could read, being baptized into the Methodist Church as a child. I found all of these churches lacking, and came to not respect any of them. In my 20s I heard a Witness say there was no hell-fire, and I immediately gave JWs credence because I didn't believe in it either, after studying the Bible for so long. From there I studied the Bible further, and I could see where most people go astray because of the spurious teaching of their pastors and priests.

So, you are converted to be a Witness because of the belief that there is no hell-fire and not of how being saved?

[onewithhim]

You seem to dismiss what Jesus said at Matthew 7: 14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it." The majority seems to be wrong, in Jesus' view.

Christianity was considered to a small apostate religion back in Jesus' day, and everyone else clung to the idea that the Messiah had not come. The majority was wrong. The same today--a relatively small organization of Christ and his brothers is considered to be wrong because it is so different. Don't you think that the true religion would be different?

Okay, 7 billion people worldwide,

1 billion 500 million Muslims.

One billion Hindus.

One billion 500 million Catholics, probably 3/4 of them pray to the dead, Mary, Joseph, St. Christopher, etc., and they call the Pope their Father who claims to be the Vicar of Christ, he who sits in for Christ until he returns.

One billion 500 million Agnostics, atheists, and those who worship the creation and not the Creator.

One billion other religions.

Less than a billion who believe and practice the Christian faith. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord, and Saviour, Redeemer, and Judge. They learn through the Holy Spirit, believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, etc.

Before the church came into existence, the Lord was speaking to the Jews, he said in,

Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged," Jesus was speaking to the Jews who were still under the law when he said, "Enter you in at the (narrow) gate: for wide in the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" --- "Narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that find it." BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING, BUT INWARDLY THEY ARE RAVENOUS WOLVES."
Matthew 7:

Yes, I agree. What have you to say about Matthew 7:13,14,21?)

We don't judge. We just observe which religious affiliates are doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus did in his day. The majority was wrong.

You say you don't judge. Hmmm, Jehovah's Witnesses are told not to marry outside their organization: Don't read material from other Christian churches, don't associate with those who are not witnesses etc. etc. I would say that's a form of judgment, wouldn't you?

The Bible says to "marry only in the Lord." Is that being judgmental? Even Jesus would agree with that, as he would the following.
Why would anyone read something that they knew would contradict their own beliefs? Knowing what they are going to say and avoiding that is saving a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted. JWs are convinced of their own beliefs and know it is the Truth. We are not looking for another avenue to everlasting life. We offer our literature to people who ARE looking for Truth and don't know what the Bible says about that.
JWs are not forbidden to associate with people who are not Witnesses. I have many non-Witnesses in my family and I associate regularly with them. It stands to reason, though, that a person would not spend a lot of time with non-JWs only because of the Bible's admonition to not mix darkness with light. Someone who does not think highly of Jehovah would not be on our same path. I don't have much in common with someone who does not love Jehovah and/or is not familiar with Him. So what is the point in regularly associating with "the world"? (I Corinthians 7:39; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I John 2:15,16)

Does your church mostly or just some go along with the statements in post #1?
It seems placebofactor is so familiar with your beliefs.

Placebofactor clearly does not have familiarity with my beliefs. He makes rash statements that have no basis in fact. His imagination gets the better of him.

Whoever you are, let me tell you this fact. I forgot more about the Jehovah's Witnesses they you will ever know. I would say you joined for one of several reasons. You like them as people, and so do I. You were born into the organization because your Parents are Witnesses. Lastly, when you first went to a Kingdom Hall, you knew nothing about the Scriptures, and what you heard you thought was right, so now you're a member.

I was not born into the organization. I frequented Methodists, Baptists, and non-denominational churches, as well as checking out Mormons, Episcopalians, Lutherans, tongue-speaking groups, Presbyterians, B'Hai (sorry for the miss-spelling), and particularly Southern Baptists. I was studying all of these groups and comparing them with the Bible, which I had been studying since I could read, being baptized into the Methodist Church as a child. I found all of these churches lacking, and came to not respect any of them. In my 20s I heard a Witness say there was no hell-fire, and I immediately gave JWs credence because I didn't believe in it either, after studying the Bible for so long. From there I studied the Bible further, and I could see where most people go astray because of the spurious teaching of their pastors and priests.

So, you are converted to be a Witness because of the belief that there is no hell-fire and not of how being saved?

I already believed John 3:16. I never could believe in hell-fire. The Witnesses believed what I found sensible all along. including the salvation work of Jesus Christ.

[Capbook]

Okay, 7 billion people worldwide,

1 billion 500 million Muslims.

One billion Hindus.

One billion 500 million Catholics, probably 3/4 of them pray to the dead, Mary, Joseph, St. Christopher, etc., and they call the Pope their Father who claims to be the Vicar of Christ, he who sits in for Christ until he returns.

One billion 500 million Agnostics, atheists, and those who worship the creation and not the Creator.

One billion other religions.

Less than a billion who believe and practice the Christian faith. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord, and Saviour, Redeemer, and Judge. They learn through the Holy Spirit, believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, etc.

Before the church came into existence, the Lord was speaking to the Jews, he said in,

Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged," Jesus was speaking to the Jews who were still under the law when he said, "Enter you in at the (narrow) gate: for wide in the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" --- "Narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that find it." BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING, BUT INWARDLY THEY ARE RAVENOUS WOLVES."
Matthew 7:

Yes, I agree. What have you to say about Matthew 7:13,14,21?)

We don't judge. We just observe which religious affiliates are doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus did in his day. The majority was wrong.

You say you don't judge. Hmmm, Jehovah's Witnesses are told not to marry outside their organization: Don't read material from other Christian churches, don't associate with those who are not witnesses etc. etc. I would say that's a form of judgment, wouldn't you?

The Bible says to "marry only in the Lord." Is that being judgmental? Even Jesus would agree with that, as he would the following.
Why would anyone read something that they knew would contradict their own beliefs? Knowing what they are going to say and avoiding that is saving a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted. JWs are convinced of their own beliefs and know it is the Truth. We are not looking for another avenue to everlasting life. We offer our literature to people who ARE looking for Truth and don't know what the Bible says about that.
JWs are not forbidden to associate with people who are not Witnesses. I have many non-Witnesses in my family and I associate regularly with them. It stands to reason, though, that a person would not spend a lot of time with non-JWs only because of the Bible's admonition to not mix darkness with light. Someone who does not think highly of Jehovah would not be on our same path. I don't have much in common with someone who does not love Jehovah and/or is not familiar with Him. So what is the point in regularly associating with "the world"? (I Corinthians 7:39; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I John 2:15,16)

Does your church mostly or just some go along with the statements in post #1?
It seems placebofactor is so familiar with your beliefs.

Placebofactor clearly does not have familiarity with my beliefs. He makes rash statements that have no basis in fact. His imagination gets the better of him.

Whoever you are, let me tell you this fact. I forgot more about the Jehovah's Witnesses they you will ever know. I would say you joined for one of several reasons. You like them as people, and so do I. You were born into the organization because your Parents are Witnesses. Lastly, when you first went to a Kingdom Hall, you knew nothing about the Scriptures, and what you heard you thought was right, so now you're a member.

I was not born into the organization. I frequented Methodists, Baptists, and non-denominational churches, as well as checking out Mormons, Episcopalians, Lutherans, tongue-speaking groups, Presbyterians, B'Hai (sorry for the miss-spelling), and particularly Southern Baptists. I was studying all of these groups and comparing them with the Bible, which I had been studying since I could read, being baptized into the Methodist Church as a child. I found all of these churches lacking, and came to not respect any of them. In my 20s I heard a Witness say there was no hell-fire, and I immediately gave JWs credence because I didn't believe in it either, after studying the Bible for so long. From there I studied the Bible further, and I could see where most people go astray because of the spurious teaching of their pastors and priests.

So, you are converted to be a Witness because of the belief that there is no hell-fire and not of how being saved?

I already believed John 3:16. I never could believe in hell-fire. The Witnesses believed what I found sensible all along. including the salvation work of Jesus Christ.

What do you mean to what I colored blue above, "no hell-fire" word in the Bible?

[placebofactor]

Yes, I agree. What have you to say about Matthew 7:13,14,21?)

We don't judge. We just observe which religious affiliates are doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus did in his day. The majority was wrong.

You say you don't judge. Hmmm, Jehovah's Witnesses are told not to marry outside their organization: Don't read material from other Christian churches, don't associate with those who are not witnesses etc. etc. I would say that's a form of judgment, wouldn't you?

The Bible says to "marry only in the Lord." Is that being judgmental? Even Jesus would agree with that, as he would the following.
Why would anyone read something that they knew would contradict their own beliefs? Knowing what they are going to say and avoiding that is saving a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted. JWs are convinced of their own beliefs and know it is the Truth. We are not looking for another avenue to everlasting life. We offer our literature to people who ARE looking for Truth and don't know what the Bible says about that.
JWs are not forbidden to associate with people who are not Witnesses. I have many non-Witnesses in my family and I associate regularly with them. It stands to reason, though, that a person would not spend a lot of time with non-JWs only because of the Bible's admonition to not mix darkness with light. Someone who does not think highly of Jehovah would not be on our same path. I don't have much in common with someone who does not love Jehovah and/or is not familiar with Him. So what is the point in regularly associating with "the world"? (I Corinthians 7:39; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I John 2:15,16)

Does your church mostly or just some go along with the statements in post #1?
It seems placebofactor is so familiar with your beliefs.

Placebofactor clearly does not have familiarity with my beliefs. He makes rash statements that have no basis in fact. His imagination gets the better of him.

Whoever you are, let me tell you this fact. I forgot more about the Jehovah's Witnesses they you will ever know. I would say you joined for one of several reasons. You like them as people, and so do I. You were born into the organization because your Parents are Witnesses. Lastly, when you first went to a Kingdom Hall, you knew nothing about the Scriptures, and what you heard you thought was right, so now you're a member.

I was not born into the organization. I frequented Methodists, Baptists, and non-denominational churches, as well as checking out Mormons, Episcopalians, Lutherans, tongue-speaking groups, Presbyterians, B'Hai (sorry for the miss-spelling), and particularly Southern Baptists. I was studying all of these groups and comparing them with the Bible, which I had been studying since I could read, being baptized into the Methodist Church as a child. I found all of these churches lacking, and came to not respect any of them. In my 20s I heard a Witness say there was no hell-fire, and I immediately gave JWs credence because I didn't believe in it either, after studying the Bible for so long. From there I studied the Bible further, and I could see where most people go astray because of the spurious teaching of their pastors and priests.

So, you are converted to be a Witness because of the belief that there is no hell-fire and not of how being saved?

I already believed John 3:16. I never could believe in hell-fire. The Witnesses believed what I found sensible all along. including the salvation work of Jesus Christ.

What do you mean to what I colored blue above, "no hell-fire" word in the Bible?

It appears you haven't read Revelation 20:15, or are you putting a private interpretation on the verse? I hope you're not calling Jehovah a liar. Also, Revelation 19:20, "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that (worked signs) before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both (the antichrist and his false prophet) were cast ALIVE into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."

That is what we call capital punishment. Revelation 20:15, "And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Daniel wrote in 7:11, "I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame." Written so everyone can understand the final end of sin.