A Religion That Destroys Families

The Jehovah's Witness faith is one that can have a devastating effect on families. It divides and separates loved ones on the alter of a theological ideal that is far from ideal because it destroys family ties.

If you become a baptized J.W. and family members follow suit, you face a potential crisis if someone decides they no longer want to participate in the works program delineated by the Society that, in essence, has members conditioned to earn their salvation.

If any would claim that this is false, that they don't have to earn their salvation, I ask that those same people think over how Witnesses are supposed to treat family members who have decided to fade from the organization.

Members will shun other family members who have left, viewing them as bad association. They will place organizational teachings over family relationships because they believe their salvation rests in loyalty to Jehovah--which, in their minds, is the same as loyalty to the organization. And the organization determines how family members are to be treated, plain and simple. A Kingdom Ministry made this point recently, stating that while family ties might be strong loyalty to Jehovah required shunning loved ones.

The sad thing is that the Society always likens following their teachings as the same thing as being loyal to God. Therefore, anyone who disobeys Society directives is viewed as being disloyal to God; which, in turn, members are convinced, will result in loss of everlasting life.

There's something seriously flawed with teachings that encourage familial estrangement. What's even more alarming is that, in the Witness mind, this course is acceptable and justified.

What a sad reflection of teachings that are so far off the mark.

When a Prophecy Fails

Today we will examine another example of cognitive dissonance.

Jesus Would come in 1914
For many years, it was taught that Jesus would come in 1914. Bible students were looking forward eagerly to that fortold event. Obviously, when the prophecy failed, members would feel dissonance because the new cognition they were experiencing (Jesus did not come) was dissonant with the previous truth (Jesus would come in 1914. These two conflicting thoughts or cognitions would create stress.

What happened in the aftermath? How did the Bible students regroup and retain their faith? It has been observed that peoples' faith often grows even stronger after a prophecy fails.

This is exactly what happened in this case. Bible students were told that, Jesus, in fact, had come. It was simply that he had come invisibly. This new cognition was readily adopted.

Thought control techniques are effective and perhaps nowhere near so as when they are combined with religious zeal. Behaviour modification and thought reform become easier to implement when you also have another tool in the arsenal: "just have faith." This asks members to suspend disbelief and puts that suspension into an acceptable fraimework. When you ask people to believe in your teachings and you make it akin to faith in God, you have a powerful hold over others, becaue they come to accept and believe that any questioning is dangerous.

In modern times, in the Watchtower movement, this "just have faith" has an added layer. Because members are repeatedly indoctrinated with the thought that the Governing Body is publishing God's truths and that "any questioning reveals a wrong motive," Witnesses come to believe that to question what they are taught is disloyalty (or that their own faith is weak. They will rarely ever reach the conclusion that maybe the teachings are on shaky ground).

Is this a reality? I did an experiment, of sorts, with Witness family members. I raised some questions to see how they would react. Now, never did any of them even consider that anything I said had merit; instead, my motives were questioned. I heard: "You sound like an apostate"; "Why are you questioning?"; "What's your motive for questioning?"; "Why worry about these things?" And I got a strongly-laced talking to about loyalty. "Who are you loyal to?" I was asked, the implication being, of course, that I was somehow lacking and my motives suspect.

Do you see how powerful this is?
* Any teaching can be published and a faithful Witness readily accepts it as truth
* When a new teaching is published, it is accepted as truth.
* New truths (cognitions) do away with any dissonance created by false teachings.
* Any dissonance that is created when someone questions is done away with by blaming the messenger (you sound like an apostate) and never the message (the Governing Body's current teachings).

You may have wondered why the Governing Body passes their teachings off as coming from Jehovah. I guess it all comes down to control. Control is used to gain unswerving loyalty to the Organization. Without membership, the Brooklyn publishing empire would crumble.

Cognitive Dissonance and Thought Control

What is cognitive dissonance? In 1957 Leon Festinger published his theory regarding cognitive dissonance and how it affects individuals. The theory changed the way psychologists view behavior and decision-making.

In simple terms, cognitions are knowledge.

Consonant cognitions could be something like: I love music; I play the piano. These two are related; one logically follows the other.

Cognitive dissonance, on the other hand, arises when two thoughts do not align: I must lose weight; I love fattening food.

People who are subjected to thought control face a hard climb because the dissonance in conflicting thoughts produces tension.

People do not adapt well and, as a result, will attempt to do away with the dissonance.

An example of cognitive dissonance in action would be two conflicting teachings the Watchtower Society indoctrinates members with:

1.) The Governing Body says it is God's sole channel of truth, publishing Jehovah's reminders "light" and revealing new light or teachings from God. (This is a convenient method of control. Members are encouraged to adopt the belief that to question their teachings is akin to questioning God. This is reinforced with statements such as "any questioning reveals a wrong motive").

2.) When a prophecy fails the Society will side-step neatly, by stating, "We are not inspired."

Now, logically, dissonance arises in that if the Governing Body were truly privy to God's truths and are His provided instrument to give "food" in due season, then the information they are receiving is from an inpired source: God--outside of imperfect human origin. The Society states that it is the only true channel, commissioned by God to reveal his will, yet, when a prophecy fails, they turn it around and say they were just keeping on the watch, that they aren't inspired.

You cannot have it two ways. Either the teachings are from a divine source or they are not.

These two teachings do not align and so members who have been subjected to this type of dissonance-producing thought control will react in characteristic ways.

1.) Ignoring the dissonance. This allows for an individual to entertain two contradictory thoughts without seeing the contradiction.

2.) Altering the importance of certain cognitions. If one of the dissonance conditions outweighs the other, the person can be convinced that all is well. Most Witnesses will accept any teaching from the Society as coming from Jehovah, while shoving into the background the conclusion that if the Governing Body isn't inspired, the information cannot be coming from God.

3.) Creating a new cognition. A good example of this would be: "present truth" or "progressive knowledge" this sets up the model that truths can be changed and altered. These terms condition members to accept that what they are told changes and that this is perfectly acceptable. And it would be--if the information were presented as current or present human understanding instead of being passed off as divine truth.

Instead, the Society calls it "present truth," which leaves a loophole when the information later proves false. Let's face it: Truth is truth. Why would it need to change? Something that is incorrect would need adjustments, but not the truth.

4.) Avoidance of any conflicting information. Jehovah's Witnesses have also been conditioned to immediately reject any literature that conflicts with the Society's teachings. Conflicting or critical literature is not viewed as something to evaluate and prove the validity of Watchtower teachings; instead, members are told that any views that do not coincide with the Society's teachings are from "Babylon the Great" (the worldwide empire of false religion) or inspired by Satan. Contrary views have been likened to pornographic material. This information control technique is effective because it vilifies and invalidates any other line of reasoning.

Evaluating Whether a Group is a Cult

Many cults, when called to account, will state publicly that the scenario is just the opposite--they will claim they are a loving group with policies that are simply misunderstood.

The Watchtower Society makes this same claim, stating publicly that members are free to make their own choices according to their Bible trained consciences.

Freedom of Choice and Bible Trained Consciences
However, the reality is that these "Bible trained consciences" arise from whatever interpretation is in vogue and published from Brooklyn. And freedom is relative, contingent upon one's thinking being in line with Watchtower Society policies.

What happens when someone's conscience leads him or her to a different conclusion?
Members are told to exercise patience with any problem areas, waiting on the Society. They are told that true Christians are meek and teachable. The inference is that if you are truly meek, you are willing to go along, willing to have your thinking molded, and that this is a sign of humility; better still you are teachable, willing to accept what the Society tells you, not questioning, just having faith that the Society as God's sole channel is the one source for spiritual truth.

When your thinking is taken over in this fashion, your choices become limited, confined within a framework set by others. In actuality, this is not freedom of choice.

If your choices, based on your Bible trained conscience, don't happen to square with current Watchtower policies, and you act on them, the fall-out can be considerable: loss of friends, loss of family, loss of congregational standing, marking or shunning--or even worse, disfellowshipping.

So, you are not actually free to make any choices contrary to the established line of thought and conduct. While at the grass-roots level you can make the choices and act on them, you will pay a heavy price.

This brand of so-called freedom is seen in cults, high control groups that exert tremendous pressure on members to conform and who exact a heavy price from any who would go against the established norm.

In evaluating whether a group is a cult, it is helpful to examine the boundaries, the checks and balances that are placed on critical thinking.

Watchtower's Abusive Policies

Nearly weekly, I hear from some poor soul who is in anguish because he or she wants to leave the Jehovah's Witness faith--but who knows that to do so will mean the loss of family relationships with Witness family members.

You can't just leave Jehovah's Witnesses. Leaving brings punitive action in the form of disfellowshipping (if you dare to voice doubt over any of the teachings) or shunning if you try to fade away quietly.

While not all persons who fade will experience shunning, in most cases this is the reality. This emotionally abusive practice should be stopped. While religions have a right to expect a certain amount of support for their tenets, where is an appropriate and morally responsible line drawn?

Freedom of religion should not include teachings that result in physical or emotional harm to members or former members. Certainly, any teaching that destroys family ties should be examined in the light of reason.

It is no stretch to see why governments will step in when they feel an individual's safety is on the line because of beliefs encouraged by a particular religion. When it comes to emotional and mental well-being the line becomes blurred, which gives cults and high control groups the leeway they need to implement harmful practices.

I wonder how many victims it will take before a concerted and collective voice is raised calling for change? If legislation were passed whereby groups were prohibited from interfering in family relationships, those same groups would lose much of their power over members.

The same groups that are the first to cry "freedom of religion" are the very same groups that often would take away that very freedom from individuals, stripping them of their right to choose their own way.

It would be interesting to see if the Watchtower Society would change its policies if a public information campaign were launched informing and warning potential converts that destruction of family relationships would be a probability if in future they tried to leave. If light were shed on the reality of the exit process for members, one wonders if the bad publicity would force Watchtower to modify its policies.

I have experienced this personally. I tried to fade quietly and the result has been the complete destruction of the family relationship I shared with those I loved the most. I have a grown son who refuses any relationship with me and this has resulted in my not ever seeing my grandson. My sister and her husband are shunning me, as well. All other Witness family members have taken this same stance. My crime? No longer buying that a group of men in Brooklyn has sole authority to interpret the Bible.

What's so frightening about this scenario is that my family members feel their course is morally justified. This is alarming because it demonstrates the power of thought control to override common sense and reason, to override compassion and sentiment.

What surprises me is the number of people who suffer in silence. Without a voice raised, change will never happen.

* This post is dedicated to all those who have lost family relationships on the alter of emotionally abusive Watchtower teachings and policies.

Did the Society Learn to Quit Fixing Dates?

The faithful learned to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a certain date. (Vindication, p. 338-339, 1931)

After the failed expectations for 1914, 1915, 1918, the 1920s and 1925, the men at the helm of the Watchtower boldly stated that they had learned their lesson in regard to date-setting. Was that really the case, though?

It's an interesting fact that human memory is so short. Something can be published and in a few short years, it can be forgotten as quickly as it once was fervently adopted.

1935
The witness work is now almost done . . . during the few remaining months until the breaking out of that universal cataclysm . . . (1935, p. 3, 26-27 Vindication)

The scriptural evidence and the physical facts strongly indicate that such witness work is now almost done; and when it is done the universal war will begin. Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it. . . . during the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm the powers that rule the nations of the earth . . . (Universal War Near 1935, p. 3, 26-27)

When Armageddon didn’t come in the few remaining months of 1935, then 1941 replaced it, and it was taught again that it was only months away.

This is a neat tactic. Did you catch it? While not actually setting a date, a year was pointed to again.

1941
The year 1940 is certain to be the most important year yet because Armageddon is very near. (Informant, April p. 1, 1940)

Armageddon is just ahead. (The Messenger, Sept. p. 6, 1940)

And, in case, readers didn't "get it," the following statement removes any doubt:

Receiving the gift, (Rutherford’s book, Children) the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord’s provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon. (W Sept. 15, 1941 p.288)

But, once again, all the speculation came to naught . . .

Late 1942

Now, with Armageddon immediately before us, it is a matter of life or destruction. (W April 1, p. 139, 1942)

The disaster of Armageddon is at the door. (Let God Be Found True, p. 194, 1946)

And, the final insult: The Society is great at rewriting history to effectively change the facts and help current members accept that they aren't a false prophet.

During W.W. I, God’s people expected it to lead directly into Armageddon. We didn’t succumb to such expectation during W.W II. (K.M. 1968 p.5)

Actually, they did:
The witness work appears to be about done . . . when they quit fighting among themselves, all the totalitarian rulers will turn their attention to the complete suppression of everything pertaining to the theocratic government. What does it mean that the theocratic government is now suppressed in many nations? It means the hour is rapidly approaching when the sign of Armageddon will be clearly revealed. (Watchtower Sept. 1, 1940 p. 265) Note the publication date and compare this to the years W.W. II encompassed.

Cults: Are You A Part Of One? by Michael Tummillo

CULTS, NOT THE OCCULT

What's the difference? I've heard many people attempt to use these two words interchangeably and, often, inappropriately.

Quite simply, the word "occult" is derived from a Latin word (occultus) that means, basically, "that which is hidden." The word "cult," on the other hand, comes from a word which means "to cultivate." In other words, to break down and train up in accordance with the prescribed method. That's what this article is all about.

DEFINING THE CULTS

Many years ago, as I was devouring every spiritual thing I could get my hands on (good and bad), I wound up involved with a group that 20/20's Barbara Walters later referred to as "the fastest growing cult in America." The group referred to themselves as the Boston Church of Christ and/or the Cornerstone Church of Christ. They now refer to themselves as the International Churches of Christ, not to be confused with the traditional Church of Christ. I'll spare you the many gory details but, essentially, this group was known for their unique "discipleship" technique - nothing short of blackmail - which has resulted in quite a few lawsuits. In fact, I was one of those who ultimately wound up getting a lawyer who wrote them a letter to get them to leave us alone.

Afterward, one man, referred by the group as my "discipler," called my home one evening, trying to make sense of my legal action. I naively informed him that he was involved in a cult (something cultist actually expect to hear, seeing it as persecution which only underscores their purposes) that had received numerous law suits and that he should leave the group at once. He laughed at the absurdity of the notion as my warning only confirmed his convictions that he was on the right team. At the end of the conversation, I said, "Well, I guess I'll see ya in Heaven, huh?" He snapped back, "That's the point, Michael...one of us isn't going!" Since then, I have been invited to several of that group's Bible "Studies" and wound up being more than a little disruptive by way of the questions I was asking that threw off the speaker's sales pitch. No converts were made on those nights, that's for sure.

Please bear in mind that these were well-meaning, kind, VERY sincere individuals. But they were deceived. Remember, they are NOT the enemy...we already know who that is!

A man who was considered by many to be the greatest authority on the cults, the late Dr. Walter Martin, described a cult simply as "A group of people gathered around a specific person's misinterpretation of the Bible." Cults are groups that claim to be in harmony with Christianity but deny foundational Christian doctrines such as the Trinity or the unique deity of Jesus Christ. The group I had joined agreed with most everything the traditional Church of Christ teaches except that it took James 5:16 too far ("Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed"). They actually had used people's confidential confessions as a means of blackmailing and were sued for slander and defamation of character. One of the signs of a cult, according to James Walker of Watchman Expositor, is that they will multiply, divide, add or subtract from basic Christian doctrine.

Jesus warned us about the cults. In Matthew 7:15-17, he warned, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." Here, what Jesus was warning us was that cultists will look, act, and sound very much like genuine Christians. However, they are wolves in sheep's clothing. One can masquerade as a true believer for a time, but eventually one's words, actions, and especially one's beliefs will betray them. That's why relationship is SO critical to us as we enter into spiritual involvement with others. Galatians 5:22 tells us what the fruits of the Spirit - the evidence that the Holy Spirit resides within us - are. Just because one calls themselves Christian doesn't mean they ARE, no more than standing in a coffee bar makes one a Cappuccino.

Why is the cult I was involved with - or any other cult - growing so fast? Their growth can be attributed to several key factors:

1) We were warned by Jesus and the apostles that there would be days like this. In Matthew 24:23-26, Jesus warned that, as His return draws near, there will be an increase in false prophets who will ensnare many with false teachings. It's true. It's happening. I see it all the time. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter warns us that false teachers will arise from WITHIN the church. Yes, that's happening, too. Bad, unbiblical teaching abounds!

2) The growth of the cults contributes to the breakdown of the family, including Christian families AND the universal family of God, all those who consider themselves born-again children of God. Also, the breakdown of the family unit has served to fill the ranks of cults as people go looking for acceptance. As families go, so goes the Church. As the Church goes, so goes the nation. Like urban gangs, cults provide the acceptance and family atmosphere longed for by many who stem from broken homes. The cult leader often winds up taking the place of a father figure.

3) Finally, we can attribute the alarming rise of cults to the failure of the Church to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ. It has been said, "The cults are the unpaid bills of the church." Cults thrive because Christians are lacking in biblical and theological understanding, therefore, we have very little impact on the spiritual climate of our nation. Dr. Martin stated, "The rise of the cults is directly proportional to the fluctuating emphasis which the church has placed on the teachings of biblical doctrine to Christian laymen. To be sure, few pastors, teachers, and evangelists defend adequately their beliefs, but most of them -- and most of the average Christian laymen -- are hard put to confront and refute a well-trained cultist of almost any variety." If the church engaged in solid and in-depth Bible teaching, the Body would become better equipped and, when we came in contact with those in bondage to a cult, we might actually help them. If this were the case, the cults would not flourish as they do. Bible illiteracy is key.

In 2 Corinthians 11:4, Paul warned about false teachers teaching of another Jesus. A modern-day example of false teaching is Christian Science which teaches that Jesus was not God incarnate but merely a man who displayed the "Christ" idea; He neither died for sins, nor was He resurrected. I heard of a group that called itself the Church of the Scared Mushroom that claimed, based on Roman 10:9-10, that because they named this particular mushroom "Jesus" and believed in "him," they were saved. It's important to learn exactly WHO the Jesus is that any particular group is referring to. He is NOT Lucifer's brother as Mormonism teaches nor is he the archangel Michael as Jehovah's Witnesses claim. He is God in the flesh, 2nd person in the Trinity, born of the Virgin Mary, etc.

Oddly enough (and I've had this experience often), when we interact with people caught up in cultic teaching, we'll often hear them say their group's message is consistent with Scripture. But when we point out where their teachings deviate from the Bible, they eventually claim the Bible is filled with discrepancies and has been corrupted by the church. When asked to show a discrepancy or two, they generally are stumped as they were merely "parroting" and regurgitating what they were taught to say.

THE 3 KINDS OF DOCTRINE

There are 3 types of doctrine mentioned in Scripture: Those of man, of demons and of Christ/God. Whatever any of us is being taught by our leaders, we MUST ask the question, was it derived from manmade traditions, was it a doctrine sown into the group by Hell itself...or was it something taught by Jesus? DARE to ask these questions, my friends! Not only do cults deviate doctrinally from biblical Christianity, but they have several distinct sociological characteristics:

AUTHORITARIANISM.

Is the leader or organization trying to exercise complete control over the follower's lives? Are the teachings of leadership considered the last word or even divinely inspired? Is going against the leadership equivalent to going against the commands of God Himself? Are you ostracized or shunned if you buck the system?

ELITISM.

Most cults believe they are the true "church" and the only ones who are actually saved. This is because the group believes they have new revelation or understanding that gives them superior standing. I've been associated with no less than THREE mainline denominations and one cult in the past quarter century and they ALL claimed to be "the one true church." Remember, the Church is NOT a building or a denomination...it's the people of God; the Body of Christ. Not every part of the Body functions the same way, said the nose to the index finger.

ISOLATIONISM.

With their elitist mentality, cults are convinced that those who disagree with them are deceived or even under the influence of the devil. Therefore, many attempt to shelter their followers from the outside world. Physical and even psychological barriers are often established. The faithful are advised or prohibited from communicating with outsiders who do not agree with their methods.

I was involved with a popular church of more than 2,000 members where, in an emergency meeting, the elders gathered the staff (including me, a janitor at the time) to "warn" them about a certain minister's perceived attempt to start his own church (he held a house party; I was there). In that meeting, one elder warned that "our people should be careful about who they fellowship with." Another elder jumped in, "I think we should take it a step further and COMMAND them not to fellowship with other groups!" I couldn't sit still and chimed in, "You guys are starting to sound like a cult. If we were all being honest, this is all motivated by fear of losing tithers...." Needless to say, nobody said another word to me after that.

CLOSED-MINDEDNESS.

Closed-mindedness and discouragement from individual thinking are other cultic characteristics. Because of their authoritarian nature, it is believed that only those at the helm are qualified to properly interpret God's Word. All members are taught to consult the organization for biblical interpretation and advice on life decisions. Should I marry so-n-so? Should I quit my job? We must ask ourselves if individual thinking and questioning are discouraged. Is there an unwillingness to dialogue and consider other viewpoints? Perhaps you've heard (herd?) of the shepherding movement, most popular in the 1980's. It's still around. Frankly, in this movement, the flock gives the leaders all their power by asking them about every move they make.

I once approached a minister asking for his input on financial matters, he did so with a disclaimer, saying that he was here for spiritual direction, not financial advice. Though he offered his opinion, he advised me to seek an expert. That was a healthy response.

LEGALISM.

Are they teaching salvation based upon God's grace, or based upon your own good deeds? Is the group making disciples along the lines of Jesus and His teaching, or are they producing church-workers? A cult will teach a works-oriented "gospel," giving its members many hoops to jump through. This leads to a lifestyle of legalism and ushers in the Spirit of the Pharisees. Followers must live up to the group's standards in order to attain or maintain their membership and hope for eternal life. There is an obligation to faithfully serve, attend meetings, studies, and services. As a result, there is tremendous, though often subtle, pressure to live up to the requirements of the organization. An ungodly caste system is the created between those who are "more spiritual" than others. The Spirit of Pride is the next demonic presence that waltzes in, as does the Spirits of Guilt, Shame and Unworthiness as Christians compare themselves with one another.

A DIFFICULT EXIT PROCESS.

When salvation is found by way of the organization, to LEAVE the organization can only be considered the equivalent of turning one's back on God. All former members who leave cults are shunned by members which often includes members of their own family. Many are warned that, if they leave, they're going straight to Hell. Many ex-members are harassed by the organization even after they leave. As I said, in my own case, we had to employ the services of an attorney to get our friendly neighborhood cult to back off. Those who are shunned, or hurt, by this negative spiritual experience, often end up distrusting any religious organization and end up feeling isolated, alone...shipwrecked.

Life in the cults is marked by fear of judgment, pressure, and legalism. This is a far cry from what Jesus taught us. Jesus and the apostles said that the new life in Christ is one of grace, love, and freedom from the Law. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." The peace and rest promised by Christ is seldom experienced by those enslaved by the cults.

First Peter 3:15 states that we must always be "prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." How can we prepare? By knowing the Word of God through diligent study. We must not forget that, once we've overcome our fears, we must reach out to cult members, exercising the fruits of patience and gentleness as we share the truth in love.

DANGER!

The rise of the cults pose a serious challenge to the Church because they present several dangers to the Church and families involved. Here are some of the types of danger associated with cultic religions...

SPIRITUAL DANGER.

First Timothy 4:1 states "...that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." Ultimately the spirit behind all lies and deception is the devil, so the ultimate force behind the cults is Satan.

Galatians 1:8 states, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other that than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned." The false gospel of the cults cannot lead anyone to salvation. There are eternal consequences for false beliefs. For this reason Jesus and the apostles are very harsh on false teachers.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DANGER.

The mind-controlling techniques used by the cults can cause immense damage mentally and emotionally. Living under the pressure, guilt, and dependence on the organization has proven to have tremendous negative effects on people.

DOMESTIC DANGER.

Individuals are taught that loyalty to the organization is equivalent to allegiance with God. Therefore, loyalty to the organization supercedes loyalty to family. Thus, if a family member begins conducting himself in a way the organization does not approve of, the cult will often separate the family from the individual member. Isolation can be emotional or physical. Numerous families have been separated as a result.

PHYSICAL DANGER.

The teachings of David Koresh cost the Branch Davidians their lives. Vernon Howell, his real name, was an aspiring rock guitarist who became the charismatic leader of the Branch Davidian sect, an offshoot of the Seventh Day Adventists. The Branch Davidians were an apocalyptic sect founded by Ben and Lois Roden in the 1930s. Howell joined the Branch Davidians in 1981 and was quickly in good graces with Lois, the head of the church. She died in 1986 and Howell was left in control. By 1990 he had changed his name to David Koresh and had settled with more than a hundred followers in a compound called Mount Carmel, ten miles outside of Waco, Texas. Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tried to execute a warrant for Koresh on February 28, 1993, part of an investigation into allegations of illegal weapons and child abuse. A shoot-out ensued that left ten dead: four BATF agents and six Branch Davidians. Koresh and his followers holed up in their compound and a confused state of negotiations went on for 51 days, ending on April 19, 1993 when the compound burned to the ground, killing Koresh and 74 followers, including 21 children. Although a special investigation by the U.S. Justice Department exonerated the government, the debate over who started the fire goes on.

Hobart Freeman taught that believers did not need medicine for illnesses, and told his followers to throw all theirs away. As a result, he and fifty-two of his members died from curable conditions. He taught that after healing is claimed, symptoms of illness or injury that remain are viewed as deception from the devil. When death occurs despite a positive confession, it is interpreted as discipline from God or a lack of faith. The saddest part is that it did not stop with Freeman. There have been over 100 people (members) of Freeman's Church who have died as a result of his teachings. Numerous lawsuits have been filed and parents convicted of child abuse.

This type of thinking is the same as other cult leaders like Victor Paul Wierwille of The Way International who died of an illness. Apparently something was wrong with his faith, and also for Hobart Freeman, who too, died of an illness that may have been medically treatable.

Jim Jones, founder and leader of Jonestown, Guyana, a community of over 900 members of The People's Temple Full Gospel Church, an offshoot of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), moved his congregation to Guyana to avoid government scrutiny. In November of 1978, U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown to investigate allegations of human rights abuses. Ryan and his group were murdered at Jonestown, and on November 18, 1978 Jim Jones and 911 of his followers committed suicide or were murdered. Initial reports said the members drank Kool-Aid laced with cyanide, but a report from the Guyanese coroner said that hundreds of the bodies showed needle marks, indicating foul play. The U.S. government has not released all the documents pertinent to their investigation of the incident, further complicating the long-held conspiracy theory that Jonestown was a mind-control experiment conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency. Who knows?

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN TO DO?

In light of the cultic threat, what are Christians called to do?

1. We are called to study and know the Word of God. Paul writes to Timothy and all saints saying, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the world of truth." Christians should master the Bible so that they will not be deceived by any false teaching.

2. Titus commands us to be able to confront and refute false teachers.

3. In Acts 20, Paul exhorts the leaders of the church to protect their flock from the false teachers that will prey upon the sheep. Every Christian is called to know the truth so well they can confront false teaching, and protect others from it.

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 Jn 10-11

The cult member has been told the same lies so many times that he believes they are true. He's been told that his group is the only one that has the truth. He has been told that the world considers his group a cult. He has been told that disciples of Jesus had to undergo the same persecution he does. You are talking to a person that thinks they are right.

Are you considering joining a particular religious group? In light of today's spiritual smorgasbord, if you're not sure if an organization is a cult, do these three things:

1. Take a look at their founder. Is that founder Jesus? Is Jesus STILL considered to be that founder - the Head - moreso than any man or organization? If He's NOT, run, don't walk in the other direction. Does current leadership claim to be the founders of all things Christian and snub or condemn all others? Good doesn't come out of evil. Jesus said an evil tree cannot bear good fruit and this is true for cults.

2. Who does the group claim Jesus is? An ascended Master? Lucifer's bother? A mushroom? Something else?

3. What do they say one must do to "be saved"? If it's anything more than Romans 10:9-10, beware.

Write me and request the CULTIC CHECKLIST!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael's mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Since 1999, he has broadcast over 300 hundred inspirational articles and a dozen booklets on subjects that will interest the thinking Christian, all designed to accelerate the process of spiritual development in God's people.

He is the founder of t.e.a.m. ministries (team1min@aol.com). An Author, Pastoral Counselor and Teacher, his eMail broadcasts, known as "Your Town for Jesus" are reaching millions around the globe WEEKLY. Write team1min@aol.com if you'd like to SUBSCRIBE.

A licensed/ordained minister, a Certified Workplace Chaplain, and a Professional Member of NIBIC, he has ministered in Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, College and Cowboy churches. He is also a Speaker on the Christian Speaker Network and may be available to speak to your church or Christian group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Tummillo

Former Jehovah's Witnesses Seem Lost When They Leave The Organisation

You have decided that you no longer want to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

You have decided to leave the organisation and people that you have known, maybe all your life, breaking connections with family and friends. You are now regarded as an XJW.

You have given up a life. So what now? How do you go about starting a new life? For many ex-witnesses this has proven to be extremely difficult. Even after making what seems to be the correct decision, many find themselves isolated and lonely.

Why is that so?

Surely all an ex brother or ex sister has to do is take up a hobby and make new friends. Ahh! If only it were that easy!

Just because you no longer attend a Kingdom Hall or preach from door-to door does not mean that you have been released from the Watchtower mentality, this way of thinking can cause many issues for those trying to forge friendships and relationships with those outside of the organisation. “You may leave the organisation, but the organisation may never leave you” seems all too real for many for many former Jehovah’s witnesses.

It may take many years to flush out certain ideas from one’s thinking that prevents them from fully integrating with society at large, and it is for this reason that those who were members of Jehovah’s Witnesses have problems moving on with their lives.

A by product of this is spending too much time in forums criticizing Watchtower leaders and/or Witness family members and associates.

Another difficult issue for many XJW’s is the subject of dating.

Many have found nothing but frustration in this area of life.

Why?

Simply because their belief system remains the same as if they were attending the Kingdom Hall. Their attitude puts them in potential conflict with their perspective partner and consequently leads to an unfulfilled relationship. In fact many ex witnesses even go to the lengths of hiding the fact that they were members out of fear or embarrassment, only to find themselves exposed later on.

To assist in this area there are some websites dedicated to ex Jehovah’s Witnesses "meet ups". This is where arrangements are made to meet up at a given time and those who attend can get to know each other. These "meetups" may not always be well attended thereby rendering them insufficient for fellowship and encouragement.

Interestingly, there seems to be very few websites catering specifically for ex witnesses wishing to meet or date. In stark contract, even active Jehovah’s Witnesses have access to their own dating sites which allow them to correspond with other witnesses across the globe!

Many ex witnesses have expressed the fact that there is a need for a forum that allows former Jehovah’s witnesses from around the world to be able to communicate and/or date each other.

An interesting comment that struck me as I was visiting the forums was this one. “…. Honestly, I have recently thought that if a relationship is going to work for me, it will have to be one with a fellow EX JW, because only someone else who has been through what I have will be able to relate to me. “

Isn’t that statement so true!

Imagine having access to people just like you from around the world.

Jeffery Johnson was a Jehovah's witness for 15 years. He left the organisation 5 years ago. He has a deep appreciation of the trials that many former members face when readjusting to life outside of Jehovah's witnesses. To that end, his website http://www.xjwlinkup.com seeks to address the issue of fellowship and dating for ex witnesses who seek out likeminded individuals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_Johnson

Date Setting: 1920, 1925, and Jehovah's Witnesses

When 1918 came and passed and all the things prophesied did not come to pass, a new date was embraced.

1920
Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. (The Finished Mystery p. 258)

. . . worldwide all-embracing anarchy in the fall of 1920 (The Finished Mystery p.
542)

1920 did not see the disappearance of the republics, nor worldwide anarchy. So, another date was set. At first caution was used.

1925
There is evidence that the establishment of the Kingdom in Palestine will probably be in 1925, ten years later than we once calculated (The Finished Mystery p. 128, Studies in the Scriptures Vol. 7) 1915+10=1925

There will be no slip-up . . . Abraham should enter upon the actual possession of his promised inheritance in the year 1925 A.D. (W 10/15 1917, p. 6157)

But, failing to learn from past mistakes, once again, the speculation took a dogmatic turn.

1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old (Millions Now Living Will Never Die 1920 p. 97) See also p. 89-90

This chronology (1925) is not of man, but of God. Being of divine origin and divinely corroborated, present-truth chronology stands in a class by itself, absolutely and unqualifiedly correct (W7/15 1922 p.217)

So, the reasoning was that the chronology was of divine origin, therefore, it couldn’t fail—it would have to be absolutely and unqualifiedly correct.

Therefore, 1925 is definitely fixed in the scriptures. Every thinking person can see that a great climax is at hand. The scriptures clearly indicate that climax is the fall of Satan’s empire and the full establishment of Kingdom, this climax being reached by 1925, marking the fulfillment of the long promised blessings of life to people, millions now living on earth will be living then (1925) . . . and will live forever (Golden Age Jan., 4? 1922 p. 217)

Millions now living on earth (1922) will be living then (1925) and will live forever.

The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel. Viewing the present situation in Europe, one wonders how it will be possible to hold back the explosion much longer; and that even before 1925 the great crisis will be reached and probably passed (W 1922 9/1 p. 262)

We have no doubt whatever in regard to the chronology relating to the dates of 1874,1914, 1918, and 1925. The Lord has placed the stamp of his seal upon 1914 and 1918 beyond any possibility of erasure . . . using this same measuring line it is an easy matter to locate 1925 . . . there can be no more question about 1925 than there was about 1914 (W May 15, 1922)

This is an incredible statement, since the expectation for 1874 as the time of Christ's presence was completely off the mark, the expectations for 1914 (Armageddon would end in 1914, Christ would come back visibly) were completely wrong, and the ideas surrounding what would happen in 1918 were ludicrous.

The End Predicted in 1914 . . . 1915 . . . 1917. . . What was Said About 1918

When 1914 came and passed and Armageddon didn't come as expected, then 1915 passed, and again, the end didn't come as predicted, a new year was taught for Armageddon:

1917
The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures (Rev 19:16-20). It will eventuate in the complete overthrow of all the systems of error which have so long oppressed the people of God and deluded the world {PRSS 676}

Unfortunately, once again the predictions missed the target and a new year was embraced.

1918
(Day of Vengeance starting in 1918)

Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by the millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell (The Finished Mystery 1917 ed. p. 485)

In the year 1918, when Christendom shall go down as a system to oblivion (Finished Mystery p. 513)

The trouble is due to the dawning Day of Christ, the Millennium. It is the Day of Vengeance which began in the world War of 1914 and which will break like a furious morning storm in 1918 (The Finished Mystery p. 404)

It seems conclusive that the hour of Nominal Zion’s travail is fixed for the Passover of 1918. That will be 7 yrs. Prior to 1925. At that time there is every reason to believe that the fallen angels will invade the minds of many of the Nominal church people, driving them to exceedingly unwise conduct and leading to their destruction at the hands of the enraged masses, who will later be dragged to the same fate (The finished Mystery p. 128)

The people who are the strength of Christendom shall be cut off in the brief but terribly eventful period beginning in 1918 A.D. After 1918 the people supporting churchianity will cease to be its supporters, be destroyed as adherents (The Finished Mystery p. 398, 399)

Let's examine what was prophesied for 1918:
* Churches destroyed wholesale
* Millions of church members killed
* Christendom obliviated
* Day of vengeance, furious morning storm
* Zion's trevail
* Fallen angels will invade church goer's minds, who will be destroyed by enraged masses

The Society has said that it is neither dogmatic nor engages in wild speculation and holds that it isn't a false prophet. The statements above would prove the contrary.

When the churches weren’t destroyed wholesale, church members weren’t killed by the millions, when Christendom didn’t go down into oblivion and when the Day of Christ didn’t break like a furious morning storm, predictably,a later year was embraced.

Reader Feedback: Men Of Sodom

I was recently contacted by one of my readers regarding my blog post about the Society's reversals in teaching, re: the men of Sodom.

This reader claimed that I had attempted to trick readers by not giving an accurate report of what the Society had written. He claimed that the Society had always said that the men of Sodom would receive a resurrection.

I accessed the Men of Sodom quotes and contacted him with them.

His response was interesting to say the very least. He ignored the quotes I had provided showing that the Society had, at times, indeed claimed that the men of Sodom would not be resurrected. He instead, questioned my behavior and made the claim that I must have done something wrong.

This is such a good example of cognitive dissonance in action. When he was presented with proof that the Society had reversed tracks, rather than examining that, and the obvious implications posed, he launched an attack on my character.

This process happens because thought control condition's someone to believe that "The Truth" is the truth. That said, any questioning of it cannot possibly be valid. The person who questions must either have done something wrong or is an agent of Satan.

It will be interesting to see if he responds.

Here are the quotes that prove the Society has reversed themselves:

"it is apparent, then that those whom God executed in those past judgments
experience IRREVERSIBLE DESTRUCTION " (W June 1, 1988, p. 31, last paragraph).

"Yes, for their excessive immorality the people of Sodom and the surrounding cities suffered a destruction from which they will apparently NEVER BE RESURRECTED" (Live Forever book, p. 179, new edition).

Those Sodomites underwent the judicial punishment of everlasting fire meaning ETERNAL DESTRUCTION" ( Revelation Climax book p. 273).

A Watchtower Lie

The date of the close of that battle is definitely marked in scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874 (W 1/15 1892 p. 1355).

. . . the battle of the great day of God the Almighty which will end in AD 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2; TTIAH 1889 ed. p. 101; 1915 edition changed to AD 1915).

When you examine what was printed regarding the year 1914, it becomes clear that it was taught that Armageddon would come in 1914. The actual year was given, as well as the month.

So sure were those who embraced this line of thought that they presented the information as being "definitely marked in scripture" and a battle that had already commenced. These dates were touted as "God's dates, not ours" (W 7/15 1894 p. 1677).

What happened when Armageddon didn't come in 1914? Did leaders admit that a highly significant prophecy about the world's end had failed? Did they admit that they were mistaken? Did they apologize to those they had mislead?

No, they lied.. They denied that they had named 1914 as the year.

1914 "Studying God's Word, we have measured the 2520 years, the seven symbolic times, from that year 606 B.C. and have found that it reached down to October, 1914, as nearly as we were able to reckon. We did not say positively that this would be the year." {WT Nov 1 1914 325} (W 1/1 1914 p.5565)

How they could make a statement like this is baffling. They did say . . . positively . . . that 1914 would be the year.