HOW THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY OF JEHOVAH WITNESSES FIT THE CLASSIC CULT STRUCTURE Free Reprint Article

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HOW THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY OF JEHOVAH WITNESSES FIT THE CLASSIC CULT STRUCTURE

by Ruth Baker
9/19/2008 / Education

Many people have used the term "cult" for the last couple of decades. The
term conjures up all kinds of mental perceptions from the far-out and
bizarre to the mundane, depending on who is talking about it. However,there are classic profiles and structures for cults that most Christian theologians and bible experts accept: it usually centers around what a
belief system's doctrine is about Jesus. Many of these cults consider themselves Christian organizations, as well as being the only true Christians.

Hopefully, I will be able to clarify what the major elements of a cult are and how the Watchtower Bible and Tract society fits this profile.

CLASSIC CULT STRUCTURE

1. IT IS FOUNDED BY A CHARISMATIC LEADER
The original founder of the belief system later known as The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society was Charles Taze Russell in the 1870's.

2. BELIEF THAT GOD HAS ESTABLISHED THE LEADER BY SPECIAL REVELATION

Russell and his followers believed that he had received special knowledge concerning prophecies on the end of the gentile times, the invisible second coming of Christ, and the invisible establishment of God's Kingdom.

3. DOCTRINES AND BELIEFS DIFFER FROM ESTABLISHED DOCTRINES OF CHRISTIANITY

Although all of today's J.W. doctrines are completely different from Christianity's, the most important one focuses on their Jesus doctrine: Jesus, in their belief, was the first created being that Jehovah ever made,
the Archangel Michael. Hence, they believe that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, God's Son. Michael existed for perhaps billions of years before the earth's creation. However, at the proper time, Jehovah transplanted the life force of Michael into the virgin Mary's womb. When Jesus was
born, he was born a mere human man (not God, no part God). He lived, preached, taught, and died just as a man. It was necessary in their view that he died just as a perfect human man so he could be the exact
counterpart to what Adam lost, perfection in human body. Thus, little or no emphasis is put on blood atonement.

They also teach that Jesus was put to death, but not on the traditional cross because it is a pagan religious symbol that God would never use. Rather, they say he was put to death on a tree, which they refer to as a "torture stake." This torture stake was supposedly one upright wood beam. They never use the
words crucify, crucifixion, or cross--they use impale, impaled, and impalement. The instrument of death is the torture stake.

They believe that Jesus did die and was in the grave for parts of three days. Then he was resurrected with a spiritual body (his body evaporated or some such thing) that he could materialize into different human forms
whenever he felt like it.

The bottom line: their doctrine states that Jesus never was, is, or ever will be any part God. He never was, is, or will be all-knowing, all-powerful, or ever-present everywhere.

4. EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP

The WTS does not let just anyone become a J.W., i.e., you can't just wake up one morning and say, "Today I'm going to become a J.W." There are three requirements that an individual must meet first: study with a J.W. so
you can get "accurate knowledge" of the now restored truth as "revealed" to
the WTS; going into service (the door-to-door ministry); and baptism. You can associate yourself with their organization or members, but a person must first fulfill all three requirements. Baptism is the step that "seals the deal." Then they consider you a J.W. for life as long as you remain in the Society and adhere to all rules and doctrines.

5. USUALLY A WORK-BASED ORGANIZATION

A J.W. must engage in the house to house ministry and evangelism wherever and whenever possible. It proves to them and Jehovah that you are truly His servant and it helps you on your way to salvation of
everlasting life.

6. AUTHORITARIAN

This, in my opinion is the second most important aspect of the WTS because authoritarianism equals control. If you control the mind, you control the person. The WTS does this by strongly governing or
mandating a person's thoughts: no independent thinking or decision
making on what to believe or how to interpret biblical passages, etc. They also govern a person's emotions: no deep grieving over the loss of a loved one, for instance. If it occurs, one will be counseled and sometimes
strongly ostracized. One cannot be angry over an injustice that an elder or
other leading official commits against a person. That one will be considered in
rebellion and having a lack of forgiveness. It is customary for one to assume the responsibility of having these questions or doubts. Therefore, one believes that there is something wrong with himself while the leaders are just human and make mistakes. Usually no apologies are forthcoming
for these mistakes.

They also control or strongly influence how one behaves and the choices one makes: they have dress codes of how one should dress when coming to the Kingdom Hall or going out in the street ministry. They
strongly suggest who one should associate with and the types of music, tv, and movies to watch.

Last, but not in the least, is that the WTS controls the information that one receives. They tell one what to believe and how to believe it. They advocate reading the Bible and say everything concerning the Society is
Bible based. However, rarely does anyone have the time for independent Bible study or reading. One is too busy reading their other publications, e.g., books and magazines, in which they promote their teachings and authority.

The bottom line is that the WTS's control results in a J.W.'s complete submission to the governing authorities--The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society in NYC.

Overall, the classic structure of a cult fits perfectly with the Watchtower Society. One can see how the "shoe" fits beginning with from the Society's inception with a "special chosen one" as the founding father. All of a cults profile consequently follows through to the complete power and authority the WTS exerts over each individual. Ultimately and
collectively, each J.W. "clone" makes the majority base of the Watchtower Society's membership.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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