The following is a review of an article printed in the February 1994 issue of The Watchtower. Exactly one year earlier, the news reported on the tragedy in Waco Texas that left 86 dead at the end of a standoff between law enforcement and the religious movement founded by David Koresh called the Branch Dividians.
The cover of the magazine reveals why the Watchtower society felt it was important to address this issue in its first two articles.
As a result of the Waco Texas disaster much public interest was stirred regarding the danger of cults and how to identify them. Obviously this magazine sought to deflect the suspicions that Jehovah’s Witnesses might also be a cult that the public needed to be warned about. As a member of the religion for over 40 years, I can say for a certainty that the way Jehovah’s Witnesses are portrayed in this magazine for the public differs significantly from what is actually the case. The article was so carefully written that even the average Witness, including myself at the time, was convinced that it would be wrong to classify Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult. I would now like to present for you why my view has changed. Let’s have a look at what they say:
Clearly, cults are generally understood to be religious groups with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior. Usually they conduct their religious activities in secrecy. Many of these cultic groups actually isolate themselves in communes. Their devotion to a self-proclaimed human leader is likely to be unconditional and exclusive. Often these leaders boast of having been divinely chosen or even of being themselves divine in nature.
Occasionally, anticult organizations and the media have referred to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult. A number of recent newspaper articles lump the Witnesses with religious groups known for their questionable practices. But would it be accurate to refer to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a small fringe religious group? Cult members often isolate themselves from friends, family, and even society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are the Witnesses using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members?
Cult leaders are known to use manipulative methods to control the minds of their followers. Is there any evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses do this? Is their worship cloaked in secrecy? Are they following and venerating a human leader? Pointedly, are Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?
Before we go on to the second article where they directly address the question of Jehovah’s Witnesses being a cult, let’s isolate the main elements in their definition of what a cult is:
- Small fringe religious group
- Having radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior
- conducting religious activities in secret
- Isolating themselves from friends, family and society
- Unconditionally and exclusively devoting themselves to a self-proclaimed divinely chosen human leader
- Using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members
This list is quite close to how modern experts identify dangerous cults
Here is how the second article addresses these issues:
Small Fringe Religious Group?
On this point the article states:
“Is it fair to say that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a small fringe religious group? In a sense, Jehovah’s Witnesses are few in number compared to some religions. However, recall what Jesus said: “Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.”—Matthew 7:13, 14.
At any rate, the Witnesses are far from being a small fringe cult. In the spring of 1993, more than 11 million people attended the Witnesses’ Memorial of Christ’s death.”
This is interesting. They start off admitting that they are few in number compared to some religions and then quickly try to discount this by claiming Jesus said those saved would be few. In other words, just because a group is few in number doesn’t mean it is a cult. Ok. Of course, if you read the context of Matthew chapter 7 you would see that Jesus was speaking about individuals not about the number of adherents of a particular religious group claiming to be the sole channel of truth. But then they go on to report that 11 million persons attended the most recent Memorial of Christ’s death. The general public reading this article would not be aware that a campaign is held prior to this event to invite as many as possible to attend. Hence, not all attending this meeting once a year are Jehovah’s Witnesses. This inflates the number making them appear larger than they really are. The actual number of active witnesses in 1993 was 4.7 million. So, if being few in number does not necessarily identify a cult, why go through the trouble to make their numbers appear larger?
Radical Views and Practices?
The article states:
“Admittedly, the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are different from those provided by the churches. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the almighty God and that Jesus is his Son, not part of a triune deity. Their faith is anchored in the belief that God’s Kingdom alone can bring relief to suffering humanity. They warn people of the imminent destruction of this corrupt system of things. They preach about God’s promise of an earthly paradise for obedient mankind. They do not venerate the cross. They do not celebrate Christmas. They believe that the soul is mortal and that there is no hellfire. They will not eat blood, nor will they accept blood transfusions. They abstain from involvement in politics and participation in warfare. Have you ever asked yourself why the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are so different?
A Massachusetts newspaper, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, explains that Jehovah’s Witnesses’ “strict interpretation of the Bible forbids many activities others take for granted . . . , all in an effort to follow the example of first-century Christians and the word of the Bible.” The Encyclopedia of Religion agrees that “all that they believe is based on the Bible. They ‘proof text’ (that is, supply a biblical citation to support) almost every statement of faith, taking for granted the authority of the Bible, which entirely supplants tradition.” The book Religion in America states: “The group has never wavered from its focus on Bible study, and its teachings are supported by an elaborate system of references to scripture.”
The impression you would get from reading these references is that everything Jehovah’s Witnesses teach is from the Bible. The reason I no longer attend meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses is because I asked about the scriptural foundation for one of their major doctrines. I never received a response and was strongly encouraged not to speak about my concerns to anyone. Since, then I have taken a careful look at other doctrinal interpretations of the organization. This resulted in the creation of this website which examines how closely their teachings adhere to the Bible.
What I have discovered is, while quotations of the Bible are made, oftentimes the quote is lifted out of context and interpreted in such a way so as to conform to their doctrinal position. So it is accurate to say that the teachings are supported by an elaborate system of references to scripture. However, many of these doctrinal positions are the result of incorrect interpretations of scripture and pose a grave danger to the health and life of those adhering to them. Their prohibition of blood transfusions has led to the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of obedient witnesses. The extreme cutting off of association with anyone not abiding by the rules of the organization has torn families apart and even driven some to commit suicide.
For example, here are a couple of video clips that illustrate the point:
Isolate Themselves From Friends, Family and Society?
The article states:
“…they do not live in communes, isolating themselves from relatives and others. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that it is their Scriptural responsibility to love and care for their families. They live and work with people of all races and religions. When disasters strike, they are quick to respond with relief supplies and other humanitarian assistance.
More important, they are engaged in an educational program that has no comparison. How many religions have an organized system to pay personal visits to every individual in their community? Jehovah’s Witnesses do this in more than 200 lands and in more than 200 languages! Clearly, Jehovah’s Witnesses are “absorbed in humanity.”
While it is true that, outside of their Bethel facilities, they do not physically isolate themselves by living in communes, witnesses do encourage new converts to limit their association with non-witness family members, workmates and friends and form close bonds with fellow witnesses, even viewing these as their new family. They raise their children to avoid extracurricular school activities and association with non-witness schoolmates and to only form close bonds with those in the religion even if they are limited in choice to those much older. They strongly assert this is what is meant by the apostle Paul’s counsel to avoid bad association and Jesus words that his disciples are to be no part of the world. (1 Cor. 15:33; John 17:16)
To my knowledge, in times of disaster, Jehovah’s Witnesses are quick to respond with relief supplies for fellow witnesses. Rarely do they extend humanitarian aid to those outside of the religion and if done on occasion, it is only to promote their image. What they call an educational campaign is in reality their recruitment efforts. For example, they have set up literacy programs in various third world countries. But is this for the general improvement of the public? Or rather is it so that persons will be able to read their publications and progress to becoming a baptized witness? Most definitely the latter.
Devotion to a Human Leader?
The article states:
“It is precisely because of this close adherence to Bible teachings that the veneration and idolization of human leaders so characteristic of cults today is not to be found among Jehovah’s Witnesses. They reject the concept of a clergy-laity distinction. The Encyclopedia of Religion aptly states about Jehovah’s Witnesses: “A clergy class and distinctive titles are prohibited.”
They follow Jesus Christ as their Leader and as Head of the Christian congregation. It was Jesus who said: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.”—Matthew 23:8-12.
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not revere one central human figure as those in the Catholic religion revere the Pope. But the governing body of the organization, which currently has eight members, is responsible for all the final decisions on doctrinal understanding and organizational direction and are definitely revered by loyal witnesses. They are believed to be chosen by Jesus as his faithful and discreet slave, an incorrect interpretation of Jesus words. (Matt. 24:45-47)
Witnesses are encouraged to trust and obey them in all matters as if God and Jesus were speaking. Though the governing body admits it is not inspired (see par. 12) and can err, mysteriously they claim to receive special guidance directly from Jesus Christ beyond what the rank and file members receive.
While they claim to not have a clergy with titles such as rabbi, minister, father or deacon, they do have circuit overseers, elders and ministerial servants that are responsible for teaching and playing a leadership role in the congregations and all members are encouraged to obey them. So it is technically correct for them to say they follow Jesus Christ in not calling anyone rabbi, father or leader. They simply accomplish this by changing the titles. With the exception of being paid, the way these men function is exactly the same as those in the rest of Christendom.
Deceptive Recruitment Techniques?
The article states:
“Outstanding is a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. It declared that the Witnesses should enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and that they have the right to speak about their faith and teach it to others. This would hardly be the case if Jehovah’s Witnesses were known to use deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members or if they used manipulative methods to control the minds of their followers.
Multitudes around the world are well acquainted with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of the millions of non-Witnesses who are studying the Bible with the Witnesses or who have studied with them at one time or another, we ask, Were there any attempts to brainwash you? Did the Witnesses employ mind-control techniques on you? “No” would doubtless be your frank response. Obviously, if these methods had been used, there would be an overwhelming number of victims in contradiction to any argument in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (The Watchtower February 15, 1994 pgs. 4-7)
While I would agree that the Witness that initially studied with me did not knowingly employ mind-control techniques, something needs to be said about the study method that is employed. When studying with a prospective convert, witnesses do not teach by just using the Bible and reading it in context to answer questions. Their Bible study program is a very strict guided question and answer session that always involves the use of a publication produced by the Watchtower society.
Note how witnesses are instructed to conduct a Bible study:
“1 Once a Bible study is well established, it is usually best to consider Bible teachings in an orderly manner rather than jump from subject to subject. This helps the student to build a foundation of accurate knowledge and to progress spiritually. (Col. 1:9, 10) Often, though, students raise questions on various subjects during the study. How should these be handled?
2 Be Discerning: Questions related to the study material being considered can usually be answered on the spot. If a question will be addressed later in the study publication, it may be sufficient simply to point that out. However, if a question is unrelated to the study material or will require research to answer properly, it may be better to consider the matter after the study or at another time. Some find that writing the question down assures the student that his question is being taken seriously and helps prevent the study from becoming sidetracked.
3 Many Bible teachings are considered only briefly in our basic study publications. What if a student has difficulty accepting a certain teaching or holds strongly to a false belief? It may be beneficial to consider additional material that thoroughly discusses what the Bible says on that subject. If the student is still not convinced, leave the subject for another time and continue on with his regular study. (John 16:12) As he gains a broader knowledge of the Bible and progresses spiritually, he may come to understand that Bible teaching. (Our Kingdom Ministry February 2005 pg. 6 pars. 1-3 Conducting Progressive Bible Studies)
The study book is arranged according to topics. The chapters are divided into paragraphs. Each paragraph has questions that are designed to guide the student to arrive at the conclusion presented in the paragraph. Students may ask questions about things they may not quite understand but usually only a brief answer is given. Deeper questions are discouraged so as not to disturb the very orderly development of the material. The student is encouraged to attend meetings at the kingdom hall as soon as possible where the exact same method of study is used. Hence it is not the witness teacher that is employing mind-control techniques. The teacher is just as much a victim of having his thinking shaped by this method of study as his student.
Nonetheless, beginning students are encouraged to make sure that what they are being taught is coming from the Bible. But witnesses will only be successful with students that do not know enough about the Bible to do this adequately. When much later after baptism they become aware of teachings that are not supported Biblically they are told that to question what has been provided by the faithful and discreet slave, the source of everything they have learned so far, is disrespectful and shows an ungrateful attitude for what God has supplied. The harboring of lingering questions and doubts about the organizations teachings is discouraged. At this stage witnesses are told to “wait on Jehovah” to make changes if necessary. If persons persist in asking questions or do research outside of the literature provided by the organization they can be disfellowshipped for apostasy and causing divisions if they share their concerns with fellow witnesses. Disfellowshipped persons are shunned by all that remain in the organization. Not even so much as a hello will be offered to them. Since this consequence is never explained at the outset, the person ends up being trapped, faced with the decision of suppressing his conscience or being cut off from having contact with whatever family he has and friends he has made in the organization.
This results in a situation where multitudes of persons that no longer believe in the teachings of the organization have either been disfellowshipped or have disassociated themselves. Others, due to fear of losing their social connections have either faded, meaning they simply stopped attending meetings and being actively involved with the congregation, or just pretend to be loyal to the organization so as not to be detected and ostracized. In any case they are effectively silenced. So it is extremely disingenuous for the article to make the final statement:
“Of the millions of non-Witnesses who are studying the Bible with the Witnesses or who have studied with them at one time or another, we ask, Were there any attempts to brainwash you? Did the Witnesses employ mind-control techniques on you? “No” would doubtless be your frank response. Obviously, if these methods had been used, there would be an overwhelming number of victims in contradiction to any argument in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
With the rise in popular use of the internet and social media platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, along with hundreds of Ex-JW websites and blogs, it is no longer possible for them to make such a boast.
Steven Hassan in his book “Combating Cult Mind Control” states:
“The large cults know how to train their “salespeople” well. They indoctrinate members to show only the best sides of the organization. Members are taught to suppress any negative feelings they have about the group, and to always show a continually smiling, happy face. Recruiters are taught to size up each newcomer, and package and sell the cult in whatever way is most likely to succeed.” Pg 87
“Almost all of them were victims themselves at one point. They believe that what they are doing is truly beneficial for you. However, they want something more valuable than your money. They want your mind! Of course, they’ll take your money too, along the way. But they don’t run away like common criminals. They want you to move in with them. Not only that, they want you to go out and do the same thing to others.
Like it or not, everyone is vulnerable to mind control. Everyone wants to be happy. Everyone needs affection and attention. Everyone is looking for something better in life; more wisdom, more knowledge, more money. More status, more meaning, better relationships, or better health. These basic human qualities and needs are exactly what cult recruiters prey upon. It is important to remember that, for the most part, people don’t join cults. Cults recruit people.” Pg 100
Currently on their website, Jehovah’s Witnesses provide their answer as to why they feel the label cult should not be applied to them. But I used this 1984 Watchtower because it goes into much greater depth.
What I hope to have conveyed in this post is that the use of the word cult is not just name calling used by some to identify a group that they don’t understand or agree with. It is a legitimate term that more and more is used to describe a group that employs undue influence in order to recruit, retain and control its members.
For further information please consider “The BITE model and Jehovah’s Witnesses”