WinsomeX:

Now is that not what we are saying?

No! That's what you are saying.

The man was old, his heart was failing, he had had a couple of surgeries prior to his death; medical information that are conveniently hidden from his followers who had been sold the dummy of perfect health forever?

Pleeeeese kindly post his medical information here for we the guuuullible members to see, Doctor Winsomex/Drummaboy.

For every 100 Jehovah's Witnesses more than 1 is disfellowshipped each year; over 70,000.(1) Two out of every three are never reinstated.(2) Being disfellowshipped can result in serious emotional side affects because:

those that continue to believe Watchtower doctrine are told that whilst disfellowshipped they are condemned to everlasting destruction.(3)
those who become unbelievers, with no intention of returning to the Watchtower Society, realise they are unlikely to freely associate with Witness family and friends for the remainder of their lives.
The Watchtower explains:


Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.23
"Thus "disfellowshiping" is what Jehovah's Witnesses appropriately call the expelling and subsequent shunning of such an unrepentant wrongdoer." Watchtower 1981 Sep 15 p.22
"… a simple "Hello" to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?" Watchtower 1981 Sep 15 p.25
It was not until 1952 that the Watchtower introduced disfellowshipping as now practiced and the following review of the Scriptural principles involved shows that there is no Biblical justification for the extent to which the Watchtower practices this unchristian form of manipulation. Though there is Scriptural precedence to limit association with brothers practicing wrongdoing, the Watchtower application of disfellowshipping seriously deviates from Bible guidelines in a number of ways;

The word "disfellowship" does not appear in the Bible
2 John 10 says not to greet the Antichrist. The Watchtower uses this single scripture to support not saying hello to a disfellowshipped person.

At Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 5, Paul outlined limiting association with Christians that practice wrongdoing, not strict shunning.

The Watchtower disfellowships for practices never discussed in the Bible such as smoking, gambling and having a blood transfusion.

Disfellowshipping is extended to prevent immediate family members associating with their disfellowshipped relatives.

The punishment applies forever, or until the Watchtower Society formally reinstates the person. It is considered irrelevant whether the person no longer practices the wrongdoing they were disfellowshipped for.
This extensive article is arranged under the following headings:

Watchtower Treatment of Disfellowshipped People

Reasons for which a Witness can be Disfellowshipped

Bible Guidelines for Treating Wrongdoers - Jesus, 1 Cor 5:10 & 2 Joh 10

Historical Development of this Watchtower Practice

Unscriptural Areas of Disfellowshipping Process


Watchtower Rules on Treating those Disfellowshipped

The Watchtower divides punishment of wrongdoers into two categories, those deserving of marking(4) and those deserving of disfellowshipping (or "disassociation"(5)). Marking is applied to mild wrongdoing, (not yet gross sin for which they might be disfellowshipped w82 2/1 p.31), and the person is not named. On the other hand, a disfellowshipped person is publicly named and must be avoided by all Witnesses in almost all circumstances. It is important to note that the Bible never uses the term disfellowship and makes no such distinction from marking.

The Watchtower Society is very clear on how a disfellowshipped person is to be treated. A disfellowshipped person is not to be associated with under any social circumstances; in fact the word "Hello" should not even be uttered to these ones, even in the kingdom hall. This treatment is far harsher than how a Witness would treat a person of the world. Yet, as discussed later in this article, the Bible only said that it is the Antichrist that one should not say a greeting to. This type of treatment was not to extend to other wrongdoers such as fornicators. The Society is bundling all forms of wrongdoing as the same, and treatment is to be of the same harsh standard for all disfellowshipped people regardless of the wrongdoing that was done. Hence, a disfellowshipped Witness must not be greeted regardless of whether their "sin" was murder, changing beliefs or simply smoking cigarettes.

Total avoidance of the member is extended beyond members of the congregation and to ones immediate family. Few people could consider it acceptable that a religion demand parents shun their own child, and it is incomprehensible that the following quote was written in the twenty first century.

"What if we have a relative or a close friend who is disfellowshipped? Now our loyalty is on the line, not to that person, but to God. Jehovah is watching us to see whether we will abide by his command not to have contact with anyone who is disfellowshipped.—Read 1 Corinthians 5:11-13.

Consider just one example of the good that can come when a family loyally upholds Jehovah’s decree not to associate with disfellowshipped relatives. A young man had been disfellowshipped for over ten years, during which time his father, mother, and four brothers “quit mixing in company” with him. At times, he tried to involve himself in their activities, but to their credit, each member of the family was steadfast in not having any contact with him. After he was reinstated, he said that he always missed the association with his family, especially at night when he was alone. But, he admitted, had the family associated with him even a little, that small dose would have satisfied him. However, because he did not receive even the slightest communication from any of his family, the burning desire to be with them became one motivating factor in his restoring his relationship with Jehovah." Watchtower 2012 Apr 15 p.12
In reading the supporting Scripture, 1 Corinthians 5, one cannot help notice that it does not mention the word disfellowship, does not indicate strict shunning, nor imply application to family members. Further, the concept that a son should be bribed back into the religion is a thinly veiled attempt at increasing membership numbers and hardly seems of spiritual value.

The same experience appears again in the Watchtower 2013 Jun 15 p.28. Here the person states, "Had my family associated with me even a little, say to check up on me, that small dose of association would have satisfied me and likely not allowed my desire for association to be a motivating factor to return to God." This shows how absolute the shunning of family is expected to be.

The Watchtower 2013 Jan 1 p.16 even denies family communication by email, stating; "Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail." Interestingly, whilst the translation into most languages is the same, the Spanish edition extends this to "email, phone or text messaging."

    
The following quotes span a number of decades regarding the treatment of disfellowshipped members and how they are to be viewed. Due to these articles, there are former Jehovah's Witnesses that have been shunned by Witness family members for decades.

The current standard on how to treat the disfellowshipped was set in the Watchtower 1981 Sep 15. The rules in this article have been quoted in the Kingdom Ministry 2002 Aug and the 2008 book Keep Yourself in God's Love. The discussion on disfellowshipping in Keep Yourself in God's Love shows that there has been no softening in recent times.

    

Further quotes outlining how the Watchtower Society expects Jehovah's Witnesses to treat disfellowshipped members are as follows.


"Really, what your beloved family member needs to see is your resolute stance to put Jehovah above everything else - including the family bond. … Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail." Watchtower 2013 Jan 15 p.16
"And all members of the congregation need to be determined to avoid the company of disfellowshipped individuals." Watchtower 2011 Nov 15 p.5
"Suppose, for example, that the only son of an exemplary Christian couple leaves the truth. Preferring "the temporary enjoyment of sin" to a personal relationship with Jehovah and with his godly parents, the young man is disfellowshipped. … the Bible says "to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator. … They also realise that the word "anyone" in this verse includes family members not living under their roof. … Our hearts go out to those parents. After all, their son had a choice, and he chose to pursue his unchristian lifestyle rather than to continue to enjoy close association with his parents and other fellow believers. The parents, on the other hand, had no say in the matter. … But what will those dear parents do? Will they obey Jehovah's clear direction? Or will they rationalize that they can have regular association with the disfellowshipped son and call it, "necessary family business"? In making their decision, they must not fail to consider how Jehovah feels about what they are doing. … Today, Jehovah does not immediately execute those who violate his laws. He lovingly gives them an opportunity to repent from their unrighteous works. How would Jehovah feel, though, if the parents of an unrepentant wrongdoer kept putting Him to the test by having unnecessary association with their disfellowshipped son or daughter?" Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.31, p.32
"By cutting off contact with the disfellowshipped or disassociated one, you are showing that you hate the attitudes and actions that led to that outcome. However, you are also showing that you love the wrongdoer enough to do what is best for him or her. Your loyalty to Jehovah may increase the likelihood that the disciplined one will repent and return to Jehovah." Watchtower 2011 Feb 15 p.32
"Is strict avoidance really necessary? Yes for several reasons. ... In other cases, the disfellowshipped relative may be living outside the immediate family circle and home. Although there might be a need for limited contact on some rare occasion to care for a necessary family matter, any such contact should be kept to a minimum." Keep Yourself in God's Love (2008) pp.207,208
"If your child is unrepentant and is a baptized Christian, he may receive the strongest form of disciplinebeing disfellowshipped from the congregation. The extent of contact that you will then have with him depends on his age and other circumstances.
If the child is a minor and is living at home, you will naturally continue to take care of his physical needs. He also requires moral training and discipline, and you have the responsibility to provide these. (Proverbs 1:8-18; 6:20-22; 29:17) You may want to conduct a Bible study with him, involving his direct participation. You can draw his attention to various scriptures and to the publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave. (Matthew 24:45) You can also take the child with you to Christian meetings and have him sit with you. All of this can be done in hopes that he will take Scriptural counsel to heart.
The situation is different if the disfellowshipped one is not a minor and is living away from home. The apostle Paul admonished Christians in ancient Corinth: Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. (1Corinthians 5:11) While caring for necessary family matters may require some contact with the disfellowshipped person, a Christian parent should strive to avoid needless association.
When an erring child is disciplined by Christian shepherds, it would be unwise if you were to reject or minimize their Bible-based action. Siding with your rebellious child would not be providing any real protection from the Devil. Actually, you would be endangering your own spiritual health. On the other hand, by supporting the efforts of the shepherds, you will remain solid in the faith and will provide the best help for your child." Watchtower 2007 Jan 15 p.20 Remaining Steadfast When a Child Rebels
"What about speaking with a disfellowshipped person? While the Bible does not cover every possible situation, 2 John 10 helps us to get Jehovah's view of matters: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." Commenting on this, The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 25, says: "A simple 'Hello' to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshipped person?" Indeed, it is just as page 31 of the same issue of The Watchtower states: "The fact is that when a Christian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshipped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God; . . . sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives." Cooperating with the Scriptural arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial. It preserves the cleanness of the congregation and distinguishes us as upholders of the Bible's high moral standards. (1 Pet. 1:14-16) It protects us from corrupting influences. (Gal. 5:7-9) It also affords the wrongdoer an opportunity to benefit fully from the discipline received, which can help him to produce "peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness."-Heb. 12:11. After hearing a talk at a circuit assembly, a brother and his fleshly sister realized that they needed to make adjustments in the way they treated their mother, who lived elsewhere and who had been disfellowshipped for six years. Immediately after the assembly, the man called his mother, and after assuring her of their love, he explained that they could no longer talk to her unless there were important family matters requiring contact." Kingdom Ministry Aug 2002 p.3
"Cutting off from the Christian congregation does not involve immediate death, so family ties continue. Thus, a man who is disfellowshipped or who disassociates himself may still live at home with his Christian wife and faithful children The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home. It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum, in line with the divine principle: "Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person [or guilty of another gross sin], . . . not even eating with such a man."-1 Corinthians 5:11. Understandably, this may be difficult because of emotions and family ties, such as grandparents' love for their grandchildren. Yet, this is a test of loyalty to God, as stated by the sister quoted on page 26." Watchtower 1988 Apr 15 p.27
"It is the disfellowshipped person who has made problems for himself and for his relatives." Watchtower 1981 Sep 15 p.27
"Yet, there might be some absolutely necessary family matters requiring communication, such as legalities over a will or property. But the disfellowshiped relative should be made to appreciate that his status has changed, that he is no longer welcome in the home nor is he a preferred companion." Watchtower 1970 Jun 1 pp.351-352
"The wrongdoer has to realize that his status is completely changed, that his faithful Christian relatives thoroughly disapprove of his wicked course and show this disapproval by limiting contacts to only those which are unavoidable" Watchtower 1963 Jul 15 p.444
"Jesus encouraged his followers to love their enemies, but God's Word also says to "hate what is bad." When a person persists in a way of badness after knowing what is right, when the bad becomes so ingrained that it is an inseparable part of his make-up, then in order to hate what is bad a Christian must hate the person with whom the badness is inseparably linked." Watchtower 1961 Jul 15 p.420
"Being limited by the laws of the worldly nation in which we live and also by the laws of God through Jesus Christ, we can take action against apostates only to a certain extent, that is, consistent with both sets of laws. The law of the land and God's law through Christ forbid us to kill apostates, even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood family relationship. However, God's law requires us to recognize their being disfellowshiped from his congregation, and this despite the fact that the law of the land in which we live requires us under some natural obligation to live with and have dealings with such apostates under the same roof. Satan's influence through the disfellowshiped member of the family will be to cause the other member or members of the family who are in the truth to join the disfellowshiped member in his course or in his position toward God's organization. To do this would be disastrous, and so the faithful family member must recognize and conform to the disfellowship order. How would or could this be done while living under the same roof or in personal, physical contact daily with the disfellowshiped? In this way: By refusing to have religious relationship with the disfellowshiped." Watchtower 1952 Nov 15 p.703
If a person dies in a disfellowshipped state they still are not to be associated with, so Witnesses are persuaded from attending their funeral.

"In "Questions from Readers" (The Watchtower, 1961, p. 544) the position was taken that a funeral for a disfellowshiped person was improper. The comment was made: "We never want to give the impression to outsiders that a disfellowshiped person was acceptable in the congregation when in truth and in fact he was not acceptable but had been disfellowshiped from it." A Christian congregation would not want its good name besmirched by having it associated with any to whom 2 John 9, 10 applied, even in their death." Watchtower 1977 Jun 1 p.347
It is quite shocking that under certain circumstances even a parent can be disfellowshipped for associating with their own disfellowshipped children.

"Normally, a close relative would not be disfellowshipped for associating with a disfellowshipped person unless there is spiritual association or an effort made to justify or excuse the wrongful course." Pay Attention to Yourselves and all the Flock p.103
The latest elder's book, Shepherd the Flock of God (2010) reconfirms this, explaining that association with a relative can result in losing congregation privileges and even being disfellowshipped.

Assist those having undue association with disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives. ... If members of the congregation are known to have undue association with disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives who are not in the household, elders should counsel and reason with those members of the congregation from the Scriptures. ... If it is clear that a Christian is violating the spirit of the disfellowshipping decree in this regard and does not respond to counsel, it may be that he would not qualify for congregation privileges, which require one to be exemplary. He would not be dealt with judicially unless there is persistent spiritual association or he openly criticizes the disfellowshipping decision. pp.114-116
It should be noted that not all Witnesses strictly follow the Watchtower guidelines, but those that continue contact with disfellowshipped family or friends conceal such association for fear of being disfellowshipped themselves.

mbaemeka: Hahahahahahaha Kenneth Hagin died from complications arising from a bad heart? Hahahahahahahahahaha.

Just like when someone told me that Paul may have gotten infected from the wounds sustained from some of the beatings he received. Then I had to ask him "if a snake bite (with venom) could not infect him why should a mere wound now infect him?"

These guys are funny and yet they want to have you believe that they believe God's words more than you. Hahahahahaha.

I thought was the only one who noticed that lie, hagin died at 86 cause of death was old age.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_E._Hagin

Gbam you said it all! God bless you!

frosbel: ^^

absolutely.

Anyone who keeps following these crooks has to be a Mugu par excellence.

Criticize the message, and not the messenger. Do you have anything better to say?

I know this pastor gabriel who gave the prophecy, he is a student pastor in UNIBEN. Medical student to be precise, started his church in 100level. His campus fellowship can't even boast of 50 members. I will advise him to go and read for his MBBS, instead of coming here to paste rubbish.

.

Following.....

Gnld people, by their post ye shall know them.

Following...

.

Ubenedictus:

i thought I alone saw that.


The bible calls God "the father of all" this make all human brothers and sisters, in an interesting way some catholics like fracis of assisi regards the brotherhood as extending to all of creation. Put simply, by creating us, God made us brothers. That isn't heresy, it is fact.


Whether you notice it or not, Islam believes in one God, in the God of abraham, whether they call him olorun or allah(that is what arabic christians call God too) is inconsequensial. They do not have the full revelation of God and neither does the jews.... Neither Judaism or Islam believes the revelation of Jesus Christ but they do believe in one God, almighty, benevolent, compassionate, personal and knowable, all dialogues with muslims must start by admitting that we share these beliefs in common, only then can we address our disagrement.

The catholic church doesn't teach or believe in a one world religion, we belive that it is the duty of christians to engage all other religions in a respectful dialogue. If you teach the truth then it is necessary you do so with respect. That is ecumenism rightly understood.


Lastly the teaching of the catholic church are unchanged and unchangeable. That which was once and for all delivered to the saints, has alway been jealously guarded and well transmitted by the church and all those teaching remain intact to this day.


The op is heavily flawed.

You said it all!

ebenice: By
Pst Robert Clancy
The Pope wants to be greeted as the"Holy Father"by all Muslims and Catholics. To be able to achieve this, the gospel must be deleted.

He greeted Muslims around the world during his Sunday blessing of pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square in Rome.
He said that"our brothers''the Muslims had just concluded their holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to fasting, prayer and alms-giving.

The One World religion is emerging, and the Pope is the leader of the flock.

The Vatican has for a long time embraced the Koran"as holy", and"allah"as the god of love, unity,"god"of all. This"god"will unite all who worship and adore a false Messiah, a copy cat of Jesus of the Bible.

The"Jesus"accruing to"Rome"can tolerate and accept the version of"Jesus"that is taught in Mecca.

The Pope call Muslims for"brothers". The Pontiff feel Catholics and Muslims are worshipers of the same"god. In fact they are. But this"god"is not God of the Bible.

The Pope invites Muslims to"educate new generations of believers."Surely the gospel shall no longer be preached.

No longer shall anyone teach that all men are lost, and can only be rescued and saved by the blood of Jesus.

No longer hall anyone proclaim the Messiah being the atoning sacrifice for sins, and the only way to Heaven.

No longer shall any one say that God has a Son equal to Him self, who died on the cross at Calvary Hill in Jerusalem, and resurrected from the grave.

No longer shall anyone be permitted to say that without making Jesus the Messiah Lord and God, every man will have to spend eternity in Hell.

No longer shall anyone be permitted to say that the Koran is not a revelation from God, but inspired by demons.

No longer shall anyone be permitted to say that Muhammad a false prophet.

If you do not understand that the Pope is an anti-Christ, you basically do not understand mush about the nature of evil, done in the name of"Jesus".

Matthew 7: 21-23

‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

The OP just intentionaly mis-interpreted the concept of ecumenism as put forth by Pope Francis.

^^^^ if it was makeup that took her to hell, that the europeans who brought christianity to us, would be Roasting in hell by now.

WinsomeX:

My sentiments exactly.

Unfortunately the way God has so designed this scandal or revelation, Oyahkilome is going to really do himself in. If Anita had divorced him in Nigeria, the matter could easily be swept under carpet. But in the UK, its going to be messy.

If Oyakhilome will stick with the position in the OP, his wife will then be forced to provide evidence to support her claim for a divorce, adultery. Then it will all surface. Gombs will then find the evidence he is so scared of.

Oyakhilome best bet now, is simply to accept the accusation and split from Anita quietly. But that won't happens.

*grabs a popcorn and sits watching the Oyakhilome season film play out*

So God dey design scandal?
LWKMD

Encourage Positive Thoughts

If the Christian detects that the Witness is one of these two types2, they can do several things to encourage the Witness' thinking process. Even if the Witness is bad-mouthing the organization or the people therein, it would not be well to encourage this. The goal is to get them thinking more positive thoughts, and to gain confidence in their own thinking abilities. Additionally, they will appreciate a broader view of God's grace and the freedom He gives. People are usually drawn towards a more positive outlook on things, and if you have nothing better to offer than criticism of the Watchtower, they won't see any point in leaving because what you have to offer is no more attractive than what they have.

Many Christians will say that they want to offer them "Jesus," and then proceed to argue the Bible with the Witness. This almost never has any good effect, as they need to SEE and FEEL something better. They need to see your humility, your willingness to understand them, and your desire to be their friend regardless of what they believe. In other words, they need to SEE the love of Christ, not just hear about it.

[b]Here are some tried and tested tips for reaching the JW with success:

DON'T argue the Bible with them. Stay away from doctrine initially. If they ask doctrinal questions, have a brief answer ready that will take them off guard (such as found in our book, Refuting Jehovah's Witnesses) and then direct the conversation back to more critical questions, such as those found in the tract, "Opening The Closed Mind." The goal is to get them thinking and resolving difficult questions on their own, apart from the Watchtower mindset. To do this you need to ask questions that they are not "programmed" to answer. Such questions encourage them to think and reconsider why they joined the Watchtower.

DON'T tell them you will pray for them or that you feel sorry for them, or tell them they are brainwashed or stupid. Witnesses usually have a strong ego, and quickly take offense to a condescending attitude. Rather, say that you are interested in the Watchtower organization and why they have come to believe in it, and do they mind if you ask some questions about the Watchtower? (Again, use questions from "Opening The Closed Mind". A curious or questioning stance is not usually threatening to the Witness, but a negative, judgmental stance will drive them away from you.

DON'T show them all your literature regarding the Witnesses and their faults. This will only scare them away and they will categorize you as one who is prejudiced against the Watchtower. Read the books, but keep the points in your head, not under their noses. It will all come in handy eventually.

DO show an interest in them, what attracted them to the Watchtower, and what they like the most about it. This will give you a clue as to their primary motivating factors, and what they are REALLY looking for in life. Speak to that need! Offer them something more fulfilling or superior to what they have.
DO read up on the mind control aspects of how cults work. An excellent tool is the book, Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan. Also, we have several past issues of the Bethel Ministries Newsletter that discuss the mind control methods employed by the Watchtower. Experts usually address the mind control issues before they even bring out the Bible or the photocopies of their false prophecies.

DO pray for them! Pray specifically that God would show them their true needs are not being met in the Watchtower, and that He would create a new hunger in them for something better. Pray for a shakeup in their lives that will initiate a more honest investigation of the Watchtower organization.

Remember to be patient. It may take months or even years to bring the Witness to openly question the Watchtower. Yet love for our friends and relatives drives us to persevere and show them the love and freedom that lies just beyond the Watchtower curtain[/b].

When you hear of stories of those who have spent many years of their lives in the Watchtower organization you will observe that For some of them, it took a long time to finally leave. The reasons were fear, guilt and insecurity; fear that God would punish them for rejecting Him (since leaving the organization is equated with leaving God), guilt over entertaining thoughts of leaving, and the insecurity of making it through life apart from the "mother" organization. Jehovah's Witnesses are isolated from the start, being told that the Watchtower is the only true religion and that the devil is out to mislead them away from it. They are not permitted to read other religious literature or viewpoints on the Bible, nor are they allowed to read anything critical of the Watchtower in any way. This form of isolation effectively inoculates them from ever possessing a clear sense of reality. Theirs is an "us versus them" world, in which they offer the only safe haven of thought, and all other persons are regarded as potentially dangerous. Is it any wonder why JWs aren't rushing to leave the organization?

Family members in the Watchtower are also a powerful factor. For most Witnesses, their family and their friends at the Kingdom Hall are their only associates. If one leaves the religion, the family usually shuns them as well. For those of us who love our parents and brothers and sisters and their children, the thought of never being able to see them again or talk with them is extremely painful. But this is precisely what faces the JW who leaves the Watchtower.

What You Can Do To Help

DON'T force doctrine on them, by insisting they believe in the Trinity, hell, etc. They are better off dealing with these issues when it is not too frightening for them.

DON'T force church attendance on them, as they have been taught to believe churches are the haven of demons and false doctrine. Give them a little space and they will eventually come around.

DON'T underestimate their trauma. To a Witness leaving the Watchtower, it may seem that their entire world is crashing down around them due to fear and insecurity. If you are insensitive to this, they may not confide in you.

DO encourage them to do normal, "fun" things such as taking a vacation, or going to see a movie. The more exposure they have to non-cultists, the better off they are.

DO show them videos of former members of other cults who went through the same trials they are facing. This is immensely helpful. Call Bethel Ministries for more information on such tapes. Or, have them meet former members of other cults for dialogue.

DO make them feel loved and accepted regardless of their performance. Show the love of Christ by your attitude and actions.

What You Are Up Against

Many of you may be under the impression that Jehovah's Witnesses joined the WT due to the attractive doctrines they present. While this is a factor in most cases, more powerful motivations are at work in the conversion and indoctrination process of the Watchtower.

Studies involving persons who are ex-members of various cultic religions reveal a common factor in their indoctrination. The common factor is not low intelligence, genetic predisposition, or even gullibility. Many who join cults are very intelligent, idealistic and even skeptical at first. The common factor is vulnerability, caused by a change of circumstances in a person's life, such as a new job, a recent divorce or broken relationship, or a time of pain or insecurity in one's life. Such a change of circumstances can shake one's foundation, allowing him/her to question beliefs previously settled or not open to discussion.

All of us like to think of ourselves as being objective, able to make wise decisions and to think clearly, considering all the options. But strong emotional factors often cloud our thinking or drive us to a conclusion before all the facts are considered. Let's use the example of a friend who goes to buy a used car from a car agency.

John is looking for a good transportation car, with 50,000 miles or less. He prefers a four-door for the wife and kids, even though he will be using the car most of the time (she has her own). He is willing to spend up to $6000 if necessary. While on the lot, he notices a snappy red sports car that he has often admired on the streets. He tells himself, "No, don't be crazy, you don't want to spend all that money on car and insurance, not to speak of the likelihood of getting tickets!"

The salesman notices his interest in the car immediately, and begins to talk the car up. He has John take it for a drive. ("What the heck! Why not?" The salesman touts the car's horsepower, the leather interior, the stereo, and even works up payments to lessen the impact of its $7,500 price tag. Because John is emotionally predisposed towards the car, he ignores the shoddy paint job, the telltale signs of a previous wreck in the body panels, and transmission troubles when shifting. The salesman, of course, will not point these things out, as he wants to sell the car. Before he knows it, John is driving the car home.

John's wife, Linda, sees him driving up and goes out to greet him. "John, what have you done! You didn't buy this, did you?" Immediately his defenses go up, for two reasons. One, he has always loved these particular cars and secretly wanted one for the last two years. Who is she to keep him from what he knows will make him happy? She just doesn't understand! Secondly, he already feels a little guilty for making such a quick decision without checking everything out, and he doesn't want to face the possibility of being wrong or foolish. So he must become defensive and defend his purchase. John gets angry with his wife.

Note several things here:

John did not buy the sports car because it was the most practical or intelligent thing to do. He did no research on the car by reading Consumer Reports or asking other car owners. He took the word of a biased party, the salesman. He did not take a mechanical-minded friend with him to check the car out. In other words, John did not make an objective decision, but bought it from other, more powerful motivations. Yet, if you ask him, John will tell you that he made the right decision.

This is much like the person who becomes a Jehovah's Witness. Whether it is a housewife who is lonely and needs friends or a young man who is insecure and needs to see the meaning of life, the emotional and psychological motivating factors will prevent the person from weighing all the facts if the Watchtower offers something that they really want. Often it is the sense of community and caring atmosphere in the Witnesses that is so attractive. The prospect of having instant friends to a lonely person is a very powerful drug in itself! Furthermore, the ability to see the world in clear, black and white distinctions and to have all the answers of life at one's fingertips quickly dispels any feelings of insecurity and insignificance. The following changes often occur in the person studying with Jehovah's Witnesses:

A sudden feeling of euphoria due to embracing powerful new "truths."
A sense of confidence in one's life, that one is moving in the right direction and getting one's life "straightened out."
Ego gratification in seeing that others are unable to refute one's position, and instead they act out of anger or other emotions.
Inability to entertain thoughts critical to the Watchtower's way of thinking or to dialogue with those critical of the Watchtower.
Christians often don't know what to say when they ask a Witness if they really checked out the Watchtower before they got involved, and the Witness answers, "Why yes! I read many books about the history of the Watchtower, and I even read one by an ex-witness." What this usually means is that they read the Watchtower's version of their own history, and that though they read a book by an ex-witness, they saw it simply as some kind of "hate" book and were not open to any objective points being made. The potential Witness wants the Watchtower to be true so badly that he/she is driven to quickly dismiss any facts that may cause "dissonance," or internal struggle, over what is the truth. BERNIMORE/truthislight/loveroftruth/BARRISTERS hope you are seeing this? This is the equivalent of Linda trying to tell John that he made a bad decision in buying the sports car. He simply does not want to hear it, and will not listen without getting emotional and storming out of the house.

In the scene involving Linda and John, it would have been great if John had brought a friend with him to the car dealership who could ask some pointed questions and pressure John to be more practical in making this decision. But is it really too late to ask questions? Maybe in the case of buying the sports car, but not with the person who has already become the Jehovah's Witness. It is never too late to seek the truth and to be willing to reshape one's life in accordance with it. The hard part is in getting the Witness to think clearly and objectively.

I have discovered that the JW is only willing to entertain the possibility of the Watchtower being wrong for two reasons: (1) they have become disillusioned with the organization or the people therein (for whatever reason), and (2) they have become more confident and secure, and are no longer afraid to question the Watchtower. They realize their world would not fall apart if it was wrong. Sometimes people even grow beyond the need for such a rigid, controlling structure and are seeking the freedom to think for themselves and not to just trust someone else's judgment.1

Most of those who leave the Watchtower do so for the first reason (having become disillusioned). "God's organization" becomes a human organization. The human failings, mind control and manipulation become more obvious as the years go by. Bad experiences with others in the organization temper one's idealism regarding living for eternity on a Watchtower-controlled earth. Once the idealism is lost, it is replaced with either cynicism or a searching for better things. The Witness may start voicing their disillusionment to others, though this is dangerous, as they could be turned in for "apostasy." Often their criticism is limited to a few individuals, perhaps even to those outside of the Watchtower organization. Sadly, however, many of these will continue in the Watchtower even when they know much of it is in error, simply because they are to afraid to start over or face the insecurity of searching once more.

There are quite a few Witnesses who fit into the second category, though (being no longer afraid to question), and the Watchtower no longer holds the same attraction for them. Because they are not primarily influenced by fear or guilt for entertaining doubts, but feel more secure with themselves, they are driven by the hope of something better than the Watchtower has to offer, and by faith in a God who may be bigger than the Jehovah of the Watchtower. Often they come to this conclusion simply by looking intensely at Christ and seeing something more than what the Watchtower has said about Him. One of the most influential passages to me when I was leaving the Watchtower was Col. 2:8,9:

"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form."

@Gombs, don't let Drummaboy see this thread, else he'll just have a heart attackm

Paradise163: You actually want me to quote you but I won't
you can believe whatever you want
I don't care

Then what are you doing in my thread? Kindly unfollow it, and keep believing whatever it is you want to believe.

iyabodeh: Oh! Why is that?

Cos its not always true.

Gnld in action

iyabodeh: Well, that was one h of a read. But I'm indifferent, whatever rock their boats. Everyone need something/someone to believe in. If it's Baba, why not?

Hi, I love your pix, except that I don't agree with what you wrote on it.

pro2010:

You are acting like a BABATARD, or why should a well written amusing article on what is happening in Nigerian churches today upset you?
Ok since you are a REDEEMED as you usually say, here is something to laugh about.

https://www.nairaland.com/1884627/nigerian-churches-individual-madness-part

Do not be carried away by the authors sense of humor, he is absolutely on point!

Am not a Redeem member, but one thing I know for sure is that people tend to criticize and misinterpret what they know nothing. But be rest assured that no matter the criticisms, his results will always give evidence of the truth of the vision.

pro2010:

I am a Christian.

I don't think so, a christian won't be infuriated if the gospel is spreading its tentacles across the country.you are not/never a member of that ministry, you don't understand why they do what they do. So your criticism is based on ignorance.

theplanmaker: so now that you know that the victims are allowed to report, why are you still pained? why do you still spread lies?

Am not pained just feel pity for you folks who can't see through the deception and lies in the name of jehovah.

we are on the rise yearly, Jehovah is rocking the nations and the desirable things are coming in.
your hating doesn't affect us

so you can go on hating if that's what you can do best!

It seems you've not critically previewed the year book of successive years. The turnover rate is very high. Number of people leaving your cult is sky rocketing by the second. Thanks to the internet, the watchtower can no long mislead people with false information.

Paradise163:


what imposters are you talking about?


Go get a life Mr

The governing bunch of hypocrites and decietful liars at brooklyn

@pro2010, are you a member of Redeem?

Tundeiab: It's better you remain mute if you really don't understand the rules guiding christiandom.

People don't have to share the same believe or ethics as you. Thank you!

As in you took the words out of my mouth.

It was not until 2002, that it was finally accepted that police could be contacted directly. A Letter To All Bodies of Elders in the United States, February 15, 2002 stated that elders were not to prevent Witnesses reporting child abuse to the police, which has been added to the 2010 Elders manual.

"Child abuse is a crime. Never suggest to anyone that they should not report an allegation of child abuse to the police or other authorities. If you are asked, make it clear that whether to report the matter to the authorities or not is a personal decision for each individual to make and that there are no congregation sanctions for either decision. Elders will not criticize anyone who reports such an allegation to the authorities. If the victim wishes to make a report, it is his or her absolute right to do so. - Gal. 6:5." Shepherd the Flock of God pp.131,132.

In this particular letter the elders were instructed on how to evade legal action, in states where legal action is imperative.

@theplanmaker, here is a 1989 letter to elders stating that child abuse cases should not be reported to the police, but instead to watchtower legal department.

theplanmaker: op.....u av something personal against witnesses. were u disfellowshiped?

No

anyone who goes through all ur threads will know that u r on a defamatory mission. I'm an elder in d congregation. and I can authoritativly say dat all what u av up there r lies! wicked lies!.

Jehovah's witnesses do not settle dispute between members in a law court, that is a scriptural requirement. However, in the case of a criminal offense, such as rape, child abuse, fraud, theft etc. the individual offended is FREE to take legal action to any extent possible! he is not restricted at all.

Isn't it ironic that you never mentioned pedophilia?

As regards child abuse, our procedures for handling such is set out to meet the existing laws of the state. such issues are first refered to the branch office because they can provide legal advice to the local congregation. and note this: a person who has been convicted of child abuse, is marked in the congregation, even after completing his sentence! we ll still be weary of handing certain privileges to him

Victims of child molestation were never allowed to report to the police, not until after the negative publicity of the Candance Conti case that they now amended their 2 witness rule to accomodate that.

believe it or not, congregation elders receive training in a wide variety of areas, and are well equipped to handle marital issues, molest, or whatever is giving you sleepless nights. recently, there is a school for congregation elders.

From the Sherpherd the flock of God manual abi? I'll shortly paste quotes from your lecture notes

we have wrongdoers in our midst no doubt, or even criminals. WE DO NOT SHIELD THEM! if a wrong doing is extablished, u r kicked out of the congregation simple

That's true, but I don't understand why they are so obessed with protecting their reputation at the expense of little childrens welfare.