All Comments (43)

So is this fool headed for conversion to Mormonism? Will he be the Mormon Beckwith?

Thank GOD, You found out something, that this world realy need. http://mike18movies.ifrance.com/

Urgent Note : Internet vigilantes have been engaged in an organized and illegal campaign to slander my name. They have been hard at work putting words in my mouth (sometimes posting in my name on anonymous boards), slandering me, and quoting me out of context. My supporters will be pleased to know that I am working hard (and will never stop working hard) to lower the age of sexual consent to puberty to increase the safety and lawfulness of sex.

I will also continue to promote safer sex alternatives so that less youth contract HIV / AIDS.

In addition, I will also continue to expose organizations that promote the true abuse of children. Unlike those that defame me I am not an internet vigilante that pretends to be a savior of the children but really accomplishes nothing but slander and defamation of true heroes like myself.

Urgent Note: Internet vigilantes have been engaged in an organized and illegal campaign to slander my name.

They have been hard at work putting words in my mouth (sometimes posting in my name on anonymous boards), slandering me, and quoting me out of context. My supporters will be pleased to know that I am working hard (and will never stop working hard) to lower the age of sexual consent to puberty to increase the safety and lawfulness of sex.

I will also continue to promote safer sex alternatives so that less youth contract HIV / AIDS.

In addition, I will also continue to expose organizations that promote the true abuse of children.

Unlike those that defame me I am not an internet vigilante that pretends to be a savior of the children but really accomplishes nothing but slander and defamation of true heroes like myself.

I have great respect for Dr. Mouw, but disagree with him on this one. Mormonism is properly described as a "cult" in the sense of an aberrant religious group that deviates from the core norms or teachings of the parent religion, in this case, Christian orthodoxy. For an example of this use of "cult" in the context of Islam, see the August 30, 2003 Washington Post article, "Separate Meetings Reflect Division of U.S. Muslims." The article explains that the Islamic Society of North America, an immigrant Muslim group, considers the Nation of Islam (Black Muslims) a "cult," on the basis of it departure from core doctrinal norms of orthodox Islam (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A2566-2003Aug29?language=printer). Here is the relevant paragraph: "Most came to the religion through black nationalist movements and the Nation of Islam, which had taught that its founder, Wallace D. Fard, had divine status and that his successor, Elijah Muhammad, was a prophet. Mainstream Islam teaches that there is only one God and that no prophets came after Muhammad. For that and other reasons, many immigrant Muslims consider the Nation of Islam a cult."
Use of “cult” in the Washington Post article above suggests the term is appropriate designation for groups like Mormonism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses, if the basis of doctrinal aberration from orthodox norms is clearly spelled out.

You have your opinions but you probably should read you bible more.

Any "religion" that teaches a false gospel message would have been considered a cult by the Apostle Paul's standards in 2 Corinthians 11: 3, 4. Cults promote a system of works as the way to God rather than the gospel of grace preached by the Apostles.

A cult is also a group that forms itself around the teachings of one founder/leader (ie. Charles Russell, Joseph Smith, etc.) This leader will generally promote extra-Biblical dogmas or anti-Biblical theology, and may even have other printed material that is placed on par or even above the Bible.

As such, both the JWs and the Mormons qualify, as do the Christian Scientists, the Scientologists, and all the rest.

I got involved with JW's in 1971 and became one a year later- just in time to avoid the coming destruction of everyone who was not a JW in 1975 by Jehovah at Armageddon.- "stay alive 'till 1975"- that was in a WT talk and everyone believed it. I finally got out about 20 years ago. Where are all those 100's of millions of little 25-cent blue Truth books now, that JW's sold and gave away? In the rubbish heap, along with most of the WT literature I placed. If the JW religion at least had some public charities they could be of some redeeming value to Society, but they shun charitable work- except maybe doing roofs after a hurricane for the insurance check that is donated back to the WT headquarters, I am told. The JW religion is a social parasite, sucking the good out of society and the community, while putting nothing back into it. Nobody would miss that 3/10% religion, if they closed up their KH's tomorrow.

I have noticed that when JWs are challenged on their beliefs , they pull out the apostate and accuse them of immoral behavior.

KUDRA is correct. If you disagree with scriptural interpretation, you are an apostate and painted with the same brush as if you had committed some immorality. The congregation spreads rumors to justify it even more.

Simply put, the Watchtower Society is a publishing company that uses it's status as a religion to get free labor and dodge paying taxes.

I find it appalling that they give slide shows to beg for money to build more Kingdom Halls in Africa while they install million dollar chandeliers in their Patterson facility.
If they truly believe they are doing life saving work, then every dollar should be allocated to that work. This is a very wealthy religion built on the backs of the poor.

Simply put, the Watchtower Society is a publishing company that uses it's status as a religion to get free labor and dodge paying taxes.

I find it appalling that they give slide shows to beg for money to build more Kingdom Halls in Africa while they install million dollar chandeliers in their Patterson facility.
If they truly believe they are doing life saving work, then every dollar should be allocated to that work. This is a very wealthy religion built on the backs of the poor.

What I find astounding of all of the Former JW's testimonies is how similar they are. Every single one left for the same reason. It's like reading Consumer Reports. When almost every Mercedes benz owner experiences electrical problems within the 1st 3years of ownership, guess what? That means Mercedes Benz's are prone to electrical problems. I've met ex-Catholics who complained about its cold and empty, rites-oriented religion. I've met Ex-Pentecostals who were tired of the Speaking in Tongues and running up and down the isles. It's astounding how many former ex-JW's have left that movement over it's revolving-door doctrines and KGB-style control. In response, a few current JW's have posted the "party line" but none have presented anything that remotely comes close to nullifying the life experiences (and specific examples) of so many former JW's. (Especially Vernon Williams. Wow 40 years as a Former JW??? That's a knowledgable source if I've ever seen one.) Jehovah's Witnesses: If you could do something besides quote your mistranslated Bibles & Watchtower propaganda, you might actually come across as a credible counter to those of us that aren't that familiar with your teachings.

Bertrand Russell

Fear,the Foundation of Religion

Religion is based,I think,primarily and mainly upon fear. It is partly the terror of the unknown and partly the wish to feel that you have a kind of elder brother who will stand by you in all your troubles and disputes.
Fear is the basis of the whole thing-fear of the mysterious,fear of defeat,fear of death. Fear is the parent of cruelty,
and therefore it is no wonder if religion and cruelty have gone hand in hand.It is because fear is at the basis of those two things. In this world we can now begin a little to understand things,and a little to master them by help of science,
which has forced its way step by step against the Christian religion,against the churches,and against the opposition of all the old precepts. Science can help us to get over this craven fear in which mankind has lived for so many generations. Science can teach us,and I think our own hearts can teach us,no longer to look around for imaginary supports,no longer to invent allies in the sky,but rather to look to our own efforts here below to make this world a fit place to live in,instead of the sort of place that the churches in all these centuries have made it.
Bertrand Russell."Why I Am Not A Christian",pp22

Bertrand Russell

Fear,the Foundation of Religion

Religion is based,I think,primarily and mainly upon fear. It is partly the terror of the unknown and partly the wish to feel that you have a kind of elder brother who will stand by you in all your troubles and disputes.
Fear is the basis of the whole thing-fear of the mysterious,fear of defeat,fear of death. Fear is the parent of cruelty,
and therefore it is no wonder if religion and cruelty have gone hand in hand.It is because fear is at the basis of those two things. In this world we can now begin a little to understand things,and a little to master them by help of science,
which has forced its way step by step against the Christian religion,against the churches,and against the opposition of all the old precepts. Science can help us to get over this craven fear in which mankind has lived for so many generations. Science can teach us,and I think our own hearts can teach us,no longer to look around for imaginary supports,no longer to invent allies in the sky,but rather to look to our own efforts here below to make this world a fit place to live in,instead of the sort of place that the churches in all these centuries have made it.
"Why I Am Not A Christian" pp22

Beliefs and Attitudes of Christendom
God’s personal name is unimportant: “The use of any proper name for the one and only God . . . is entirely inappropriate for the universal faith of the Christian Church.” (Preface to the Revised Standard
Version)

What the Bible Really Says
Jesus prayed that God’s name be sanctified. Peter said: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32; Matthew 6:9; Exodus 6:3; Revelation 4:11; 15:3; 19:6)

Beliefs and Attitudes What the Bible
of Christendom Really Says

God’s personal name is Jesus prayed that God’s name
unimportant: “The use of any be sanctified. Peter said:
proper name for the one and “Everyone who calls on the name
only God . . . is entirely of Jehovah will be saved.”
inappropriate for the universal (Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32;
faith of the Christian Church.” Matthew 6:9; Exodus 6:3;
(Preface to the Revised Standard Revelation 4:11; 15:3; 19:6)
Version)

God is a Trinity: “The Father The Bible says that Jehovah is
is God, the Son is God, greater than Jesus and is the
and the Holy Spirit is God, God and head of Christ.
and yet there are not three Gods (John 14:28; 20:17;
but one God.” (The Catholic 1 Corinthians 11:3)
Encyclopedia, 1912 edition) The holy spirit is God’s
active force. (Matthew 3:11;
Luke 1:41; Acts 2:4)

The human soul is immortal: Man is a soul. At death
“When man dies his soul and body the soul ceases to think or
are disunited. His body . . . feel and returns to the dust
decays . . . The human soul, from which it was made.
however, does not die.” (What (Genesis 2:7; 3:19;
Happens After Death, a Roman Psalm 146:3, 4;
Catholic publication) Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20; 9:5, 10;
Ezekiel 18:4, 20)

The wicked are punished after The wages of sin is death, not
death in hell: “According to life in torment. (Romans 6:23)
traditional Christian belief, The dead rest unconscious in
hell is a place of unending hell (Hades, Sheol), awaiting
anguish and pain.” a resurrection. (Psalm 89:48;
(The World Book Encyclopedia, John 5:28, 29; 11:24, 25;
1987 edition) Revelation 20:13, 14)

“The title Mediatrix The only mediator between God
[female mediator] is applied to and men is Jesus. (John 14:6;
Our Lady.” (New Catholic 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15;
Encyclopedia, 1967 edition) 12:24)

Infants should be baptized: Baptism is for those who have
“From the very beginning the been made disciples and taught
Church has administered the to obey Jesus’ commandments.
Sacrament of Baptism to infants. To qualify for baptism,
Not only was this practice a person must understand God’s
considered lawful, but it was Word and exercise faith.
also taught to be absolutely (Matthew 28:19, 20;
necessary for salvation.” (New Luke 3:21-23; Acts 8:35, 36)
Catholic Encyclopedia, 1967
edition)

Most churches are divided into All first-century Christians
a laity class and a clergy class, were ministers and shared in
which ministers to the laity. preaching the good news.
The clergy are usually given (Acts 2:17, 18;
a salary in exchange for their Romans 10:10-13; 16:1)
ministry and are exalted over the A Christian should “give free,”
laity by titles such as not for a salary.
“Reverend,” “Father,” or “His (Matthew 10:7, 8)
Eminence.” Jesus strictly forbade the use
of religious titles.
(Matthew 6:2; 23:2-12;
1 Peter 5:1-3)

Images, icons, and crosses are Christians must flee from
used in worship: “The images every sort of idolatry,
. . . of Christ, of the Virgin including so-called relative
Mother of God, and of the other worship. (Exodus 20:4, 5;
saints, are to be . . . 1 Corinthians 10:14;
kept in churches and due 1 John 5:21) They worship God
reverence and honor be paid to not by sight but with spirit
them.” (Declaration of the and truth. (John 4:23, 24;
Council of Trent [1545-63]) 2 Corinthians 5:7)

Church members are taught Jesus preached God’s Kingdom,
that God’s purposes will not some political system,
be accomplished through politics. as the hope for mankind.
The late Cardinal Spellman (Matthew 4:23; 6:9, 10)
stated: “There is only one road He refused to get involved in
to peace . . . , the highroad of politics. (John 6:14, 15)
democracy.” News items report His Kingdom was no part of
religion’s involvement in the this world; hence, his
world’s politics (even in followers were to be no part of
insurrections) and her support the world. (John 18:36; 17:16)
of the UN as “the last hope James warned against friendship
of concord and peace.” with the world. (James 4:4)

I thought this letter written by someone who is not one of Jehovah's Witnesses makes a very good point to those who would try to smear them with the word 'cult'.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Jehovah's Witnesses less dangerous than a hand grenade
Friday, June 9, 2006
Dear Sir:
From what I understand, the writer of the comments ("Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs and who are they?") was one of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 39 years before he figured out he had been duped, if he were correct about his new-found revelations, how many people did he maim over 39 years?

If in fact he is correct in his assessment of the Witnesses, he should be on his knees begging for forgiveness, not out giving advice he is ill-equipped to provide. Perhaps he will figure that out in another 39 years!

Another thought, if in fact the Witnesses are in fact some cult, we Christians ought to be concerned. As is often pointed to by the members of Islam and other non-Christian faiths, we Christians have been slaughtering each other for over two thousand years, making deals with any leader willing to sign on, including Hitler and Stalin, and we stand ready to make even more deals with the Devil as need arises. Those who are members of these so called Christian religions are covered in the blood of innocent men, women and children.

Jesus Christ never gave permission to kill anyone, saying that we should love our enemy.

If we think his statement is not practical for our times, so be it, but we should leave him out of these affairs. And we should not think we are Christians if we remain in those organizations that are involved in these conflicts; we share in the sin if we do.

Not so with the so-called cult Jehovah's Witnesses, they are known around the world for doing just as the early Christians did, we can rest assured, our sons and daughters may be killed by or Christian brothers, but not by the Witnesses, oh we may have to duck when they come by the house our when they try to engage us in the street, that however is much less dangerous and difficult than dodging a hand grenade!

Monte C. Willis

Jehovah's Witnesses are christians. In doing this they follow Jesus' example. He went to the Jews. The Jews had their own religion, but in many ways it had turned away from the Word of God. (Matthew 15:1-9) All nations have religions of some kind, whether so-called Christian or non-Christian. It is vitally important for people to hold beliefs that conform to God's own Word, and the efforts of the Witnesses to assist them in doing this constitute a showing of neighbor love.

Anyone who is serious about his religion should think that it is the right one. Otherwise, why would he or she be involved in it? Christians are admonished: "Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) A person should make sure that his beliefs can be supported by the Scriptures, for there is only one true faith. Ephesians 4:5 confirms this, mentioning "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Jesus did not agree with the modern, relaxed view that there are many roads, many religions, all leading to salvation. Instead, he said: "Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they have found it. Otherwise, they would look for another religion.—Matthew 7:14.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictonay religion is: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. I do feel Bro Mouw assertion of movements being catagorized as minor or major vs cult is a fine idea, and opens us all to open Christian communication without immediate hostilities. By singling out the Witnesses Bro. Mouw has I see brought many views of the Watchtower Society. I will say this while there are those who are "put-out" because of the unrepentant attitutes, there are far more that were/ are stumbled by men. Such assertion from Bro.Markle shows an immaturity in association with the Witnesses. The more angrier the x-Witness usually means one of two things, they were treated extremely harsh or cruel or two they have like Bro Watters seen the tiny man behind the curtain. Yes the Witnesses have many failings to deal with when the Governing Body speaks beyond what the Bible says. It is a shame that they have not learn from the past. Power and money corrupts and no one is above Satan's lurings, no even Christ himself. The only authority that has been constant throughout time is the Word itself. Please regardless of religion or movement read and search your scriptures to see if all things are true. And remember the Apostle Pauls admonishment that "YOU were bought with a price; stop becoming slaves of men."

Having grown up as a JW I now see it as a cult. I wasn't kicked out of the organization for an unrepentant attitude, I left after alot of study and logical thinking forced me to face that fact that I had been duped, that this was not God's Organization on earth, as they proclaim, but a cult. They won't tell you when they are at your door they think you're dead meat unless you become one of them, BUT, that is exactly what they believe.
It's interesting to note that most JW's themselves don't know the history of their own organization, of Charles Taze Russell's involvement and fasination of pyramidology, masons, etc. Why not? They are highly discouraged to seek out the truth because the ugly past might cause them to actually use their brains for critical thinking. Something highly frowned upon by the governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses. They are so terrified of people having knowledge, they have recently declared that those faithful to the organization should not use any other websites but their own, for research purposes, etc. Now if that's not a high control group, what is?? Steer clear of the big bad "apostates" (anyone who critiques the Organization is labelled an apostate) and the internet, for fear you might actually THINK!

The bible says to question your faith, to flee from false prophets, for they are accursed by God. Anyone who is a true christian should be aware that Jehovah's Witnesses have made many false prophesies regarding Armageddon, the great Tribulation etc, etc. Yet they will explain it away, saying its "new light", funny, what did the bible say about Satan transforming himself into an angel of light and misleading many?

I became a Christian in 1972. I became a Jehovah's Witness in 1973. Note the distinction.

In 1988 my wife and I recognized that JW's do not teach what is in the Bible, and wishing to continue a relationship with God we left. We now attend an independent evangelical church.

I think that terms like "cult" are loaded and can distract from the conversation, as can quibbling over the meaning of "religion." Here is "what is so:" if you want a bunch of men telling you what to think and do, JW's are an excellent place for you. If you value freedom of thought and independence, keep looking.

Food for thought: did you know that JW's attempt to control sexual behavior within marriage? It is a good example of the level of control they think is appropriate.

>Listening to "ex" witnesses expecting to hear honest remarks is a fools errand. Anyone that has been put out of the christian congregation, was put out because of an un-repentant attitude.

=====
Please provide an example of a lie told by an ex-Jehovahs Witness.

I spent forty years of my life, from the age of five to forty seven, fully supporting the activities of the Watch Tower Society. In 2002, certain specific teachings involving the "144,000" came to my attention. I, through a study of Society publication, reached the conclusion that the teaching was an opinion and based on very shakey Scriptural reasoning. This was, also, true of three more concerns. I did not read or consult so called "apostates." Two Elders from the Monett, Missouri congregation informed me that in order to be a JW, one had to support and distribute the ideas formulated by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnessess even if one knew the teaching was provable false.

Basically, one must lie as a pledge of loyalty.

After leaving the Organization, further research added greatly to the historical rewrites, the "lifting" of Scripture out of context, outright manipulation, unloving actions....the list goes on and on. The "defense" of the WT by those in association with it is based on a lack of knowing "the full story." It is impossible for a JW to defend the WT in an open discussion as the Society is proved, so easily, the deceptive, manipulative creature it is.

My site, under developement:

http://www.jwmidwest.com/

Respectfully,

Vernon Williams
Monett, Mo. (SW of Springfield)

Jehovah's Witnesses and similiar destructive cults are a cross between the Moonies and the Mafia they are like La costa nostra Bible thumpers.

Know this,there is so much outrage over the Watchtower sect because they have caused so much family wrecking destruction,they are not being "persecuted for their righteousness".

If the JWs are not a religion, what exactly constitutes a "religion"?

what defines a "cult" and a "religion"? Is religion just a very big "cult"?

Bill Greene say's--"JW's aren't evil people just bad misguided ones"

You are entiltled to your opinion and you said a mouthful,Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT the truth.

There,now that's all we need to get across.

All this petty bickering about the evils of JW's is amusing. JW's aren't evil people just bad misguided ones. Christians have a history of doing bad things to unbelievers- just look at the Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. The poor Jews were the whipping boys for them ever since time of Constantine.

JW are defined by the fact that they all preach from door to door unlike most christian religions.

The Latter Day Saints have from a christian viewpoint a strange concept of the trinity.

Some scholars have argued that the opostle Paul did not believe that Jesus was God and that he differed with the brother of Jesus i.e. James.

What ever the critics say - one thing is over looked about JW, they preach from door to door because of the command of Jesus in Mat 24:14.

Hence, Jesus is an important part of their religion, as their last major asssembly theme suggest, which theme was:

'Follow the Chist'

Trinitarians have always had contempt for those who believe otherwise. Yet it is the Trinity teaching which prevents the Jews and the Moslems from showing interest in christianity - it is a stumbling block.

JW believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but not in the way most christians do. However their view is more logical than the Mormons view of God and Christ.

Give then a break, to say they do not constitute a religion is totally wrong and biased to say the least.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are an obnoxious DESTRUCTIVE CULT OF FANATICS you demand your "rights" to cold-call trespass on our private door steps with your watchtower gospel.YET,revile anyone who post facts about you on the public forum.

HYPOCRITES

It is so sad that all some one has to do is mention Jehovah’s Witnesses and all the X’s crawl out of the woodwork to air there petty pet peeves. I believe Mr. Mouw was discussing what it takes to be considered “a religion”. If we go by what people think, well then I guess just about anything goes. The question is, what does Jehovah God find acceptable in His worship. If we recall while Moses was receiving The Ten commandments the Israelites were making a golden calf to worship and said “There is a festival to Jehovah tomorrow.” Was that worship or religion acceptable simply because they slapped Jehovah’s name on it? (Ex. 32:1-10) 1 Peter 1:20, 21 states “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (NKJ) The true religion lines up with what is taught in The Bible

SUMMARIES OF NEARLY 600 JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES LAWSUITS & COURT CASES

The following website summarizes 310 U.S. court cases and lawsuits affecting children of Jehovah's Witness Parents, including 100+ cases where the JW Parents refused to consent to life-saving blood transfusions for their dying children:

DIVORCE, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

http://jwdivorces.bravehost.com

The following website summarizes over 275 lawsuits filed by Jehovah's Witnesses against their Employers, and/or incidents involving problem JW Employees:

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES UNIQUE TO JEHOVAH'S WITNESS EMPLOYEES

http://jwemployees.bravehost.com

Those speaking out against the Watchtower Org. know what they are talking about. They have "been there and done it". Most leave when learning the truth about the organization's faulty teachings, only a very few are "put out" as a previous poster claims. And it is true that family and friends will no longer have anything to do with them and consider them as dead.

The ones that are not "put out" are usually the pedophiles that are hidden so as not to "bring reproach on Jehovah's name" when their deeds are made known. The victims and their families are counseled not to tell the authorities nor to warn anyone in the congregation of the pedophile. They say they will deal with it themselves and "allow Jehovah to work it out in his time".

The test of a cult? Try the B.I.T.E. model: B=control of members' Behavior, I=control of members' Information, T=control of members' Thoughts, E=control of members' Emotions. The Watchtower Org. fits the bill.

Check out www.freeminds.org

From one who knows.....

It is true that some religions are given the label “cult” because of prejudices. I have found that the best way to determine if a religion is indeed a cult is through the simple “freedom” test.

Religions like the Jehovah Witness Watchtower, Scientology, and the Moonies would fail the freedom test because the members of these “religions” are slaves to the central authority of the group. I have seen many members of the Jehovah Witness Watchtower experience problems with sexual dysfunction because the organization has such strict anti-sex guidelines.

I have also seen Scientologists and Moonies that are afraid to think for themselves and use “thought stopping” mind games to prevent themselves from questioning the authority of the organization.

This quote from Galatians 5:1 (KJV) illustrates the true freedom found in true religions: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” It is truly a shame many “religions” preach slavery.

It is true that some religions are given the label “cult” because of prejudices. I have found that the best way to determine if a religion is indeed a cult is through the simple “freedom” test.

Religions like the Jehovah Witness Watchtower, Scientology, and the Moonies would fail the freedom test because the members of these “religions” are slaves to the central authority of the group. I have seen many members of the Jehovah Witness Watchtower experience problems with sexual dysfunction because the organization has such strict anti-sex guidelines.

I have also seen Scientologists and Moonies that are afraid to think for themselves and use “thought stopping” mind games to prevent themselves from questioning the authority of the organization.

This quote from Galatians 5:1 (KJV) illustrates the true freedom found in true religions: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” It is truly a shame many “religions” preach slavery.

I am currently considered a baptized Jehovah's Witness.

I have learned that many of their teachings are false and they consistently misquote secular sources to keep their followers ignorant.

I cannot voice the fact that I do not believe what the Witnesses believe because if I do, my friends and mother will not be allowed to associate with me or even have a friendly conversation with me.

I have not committed any "sin"; I only have decided that I cannot in honest conscience believe what the Governing Body (the group of 12 elderly men that decide all JW beliefs -constantly changing beliefs) tell me to believe.

For this ALL of the friends who I have grown up with and my own mother will have to shun me. This is true. Ask any JW.

There are many "active" baptized JWs who believe exactly the same way I do. They cannot leave as their whole friendship network and family support system will dissolve around them.

That the JWs are forced to such a life is truly despicable on the part of the Governing Body and Watchtower Society.

As a Jehovah's witness, I could write and write pages in answer to the Doctor and the bloggers. That would be a complete waste of time and energy. Jehovah's Witnesses are following a command from Jesus Christ quoted in Matt. 28:19, 20. We endeavor to find people looking for the truth from the scriptures. Listening to "ex" witnesses expecting to hear honest remarks is a fools errand. Anyone that has been put out of the christian congregation, was put out because of an un-repentant attitude. That is truly sad, because our God,Jehovah, does not desire for anyone to fall way. But it happens. It happened to many of Christ' followers and also many 1st century christians. Labeling us as a cult is the doctors perogative. It doesn't mean that he is correct, only that he has an opinion of us. He is not correct but none the less. Jesus was also mislabeled and rediculed while on earth. He went about his business of preaching. As his true disciples, we shall continue to do the same. We invite all honest hearted people who want to learn about the wonderful future for our planet and all righteous people, please search out a local Kingdom Hall and talk to the witnesses. We are nothing like our haters have described. Go to www.watchtower.org for accurate information about Jehovah's Witnesses.

I wonder how a learned seminary professor can speak of any Christian religion as being more correct than another one. He most certainly knows of the true origins of the NT Gospels which are based on earlier sayings gospels and letters, parchments, etc. It took about 300 years to sanitize and eliminate the earlier writings that undermined the Christian church, but enough evidence survives to lead us to this conclusion: Jesus is dead, he isn't coming back- so get over it. The story of Noah and the flood has been proven to be a myth by science and since Jesus believed in a global flood, too, then that makes him a liar and false messiah, not an all knowing son of god.
In regards to JW's and Mormons, they are a sorry bunch. Mormons for giving away 10-15% of their wealth to a false cause and 2 years of their young adulthood as missionaries. JW's for giving up thousands and maybe 10's of thousands of hours of their time to a religious publishing corporation that pretneds to be a religion. If the JW is lucky they don't end up cleaning carpets for a living as a result of shunning a college degree. The unlucky ones are dead- victims of the WT sanctions on blood transfusions and formerly their ban on organ transplants and vaccinations.
In the end organized religion is really about business- that is, protecting the rich and their property. Without religion to keep the common man in his place he just might decide to kill the rich man and and take his property just to even the score for a lifetime of opression. The republicans and their rich corporate handlers have really pulled one over on the religious right.

Is Dr. Richard Mouw Bearing False Witness?
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/9561

Is Dr. Richard Mouw Bearing False Witness?

Your Gifts are given by the Spirit

As Sampson held the Philistines under control by the Holy Spirit, Delilah came into his presence and tampered with his gifts. The Lord says, church today do not let the Delilah's in the land tamper with your gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit. For I will not allow the church to fall under the influence of the Delilah's because the Delilah's only want to know the secrets of your gifts and then take them away. But the Lord said, what I have given you I shall not take away from you. For the Spirit of God says, these gifts our preeminent. But listen, if you fall away, says the Lord, a falling of your gifts shall not come from the Spirit but from but from your own sources.

And God said today, hallelujah to the Lamb of God who is listening to the voices of His servants as they have said, unusual manifestations will manifest in the month of October. And this Thanksgiving God says, you will rejoice people of God, because of the resurrection of those who you though were lost. The hearts of the mothers shall return to the fathers and the hearts of the parents back to the children. For this Thanksgiving shall be a uniting of the family for I will mend broken hearts, I will take away the animosity and there shall be forgiveness at this great feast.

For God said today, as I looked upon America I saw a man who was sitting in the White House and as he sits there he is watching as a leader who is an enemy to your nation comes to defile you by spreading lies when he goes back to his own country he will say something entirely different for his own mouth shall be the cause of his own death. This double edged sword in this man is nothing. For I am raising you up with many who you never thought would help you for a season.

For My people are strong and courageous and the enemy knows that the flesh is not the ways of the spirit. I say fill yourselves with the Word of God.

The seeds that your forefathers left you I will resurrect! I will have this nation united again, for there will be nothing of the sort in the weather that that take you out this season for I will not allow the weather to destroy you or wipe you out to where you are hopeless, for the weather shall be in your favor.

And as Osama Bin Laden wants to publish a message during your holiday season I will not allow you to go under, there shall be rumors going forth that his messages are saying that he is desperate and weak and I will allow you to see the death of this man in time because his own people are tired of what this man is doing to his own brothers, says the Spirit.

www.jcudell.blogspot.com

I ignored my mother's advice and took the Witnesses up on their study in 1972. I ended up getting my whole family in it except my dad, who was too smart to join. I left in 1980 after seeing years of lying from the Bethel headquarters in New York, always new prophecies never fulfilled and changing doctrines. This organization is not what it seems.

The Jehovah's Witnesses more closely resemble Scientology in their aggressive authoritarian tactics.

Who are Jehovah's Witnesses?
Dissident Jehovah's Witness speaks out.

No tolerance,the Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because they try to cut you off from others who do not have the same beliefs, including family.

The central core dogma of the Watchtower is Jesus second coming (invisibly) in 1914 and is a lie.Jehovah's Witnesses are a spin-off of the man made Millerite movement of 1840.

A destructive cult of false teachings, that frequently result in spiritual and psychological abuse, as well as needless deaths (bogus blood transfusion ban).

Yes,you can 'check out anytime you want but you can never leave',because they can and will hold your family hostage.

The Watchtower is a truly Orwellian world.
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Danny Haszard Jehovah's Witness X 33 years and 3rd generation
http://www.freeminds.org