but isnt it based on the psychologists opinion? I dont mean to restart this debate, its just something i thought about.

No its not based on their opinion. They are a facilitator.

can u xplain that more to me plz

Is it such a big deal for a JW to be seen as "Christian of sort" instead of "cult of sort" ? The whole debate between DrewM and Jwjames started, seems to me, because DrewM thinks disowning child = cult and Jwjames attempted to explain reasons that compel JW to do so. However, if Drew sees the action itself as making the religion a cult, then it does not matter how the action justifies itself in JW teachings.

In addition, JW is obviously clearly different from some mainstream Christianity branches. Is there any motivation to want to be seen as a valid Chritianity branch?

Originally posted by Dio Seijuro
Is it such a big deal for a JW to be seen as "Christian of sort" instead of "cult of sort" ? The whole debate between DrewM and Jwjames started, seems to me, because DrewM thinks disowning child = cult and Jwjames attempted to explain reasons that compel JW to do so. However, if Drew sees the action itself as making the religion a cult, then it does not matter how the action justifies itself in JW teachings.

I don't think disowning a child = cult. I think

disowning a child = totally wrong.

My point is that the "teaching" behind the justification for such an act is a blatant mind control tactic. For one, it just plainly is, but even if that is not the intent and the intent is genuine - then I think the logic is steeped in cruelty - and nothing to do with the acceptance taught in most religions (which I can respect)

If I happened to be a JW - then of course I would be rejected by them fairly quickly - they wouldn't want anybody who might question hanging around to ruin the crop, when in fact how can anybody find truth without going through the dark forest first?

In the JW way - if you go into the forest then you never come out.

thats not true Drew ;) Seriously though, u seem the daring type. Why don't u sit down with one and ask them some of the same questions you ask me. remember im just 17. Talk to one whose been involved for a while in your area. Maybe even go to some meetings. Since u believe that JWs are all about mind control, u shouldnt be affected by it right? Go and try to see the world from JWs shoes, then mayb you will see some of my points

jw: I have talked to a former JW, and he says that he wasl ured in as a teenager, and that he feels they use mind control tactics. of course, this si noly one person, but he actusally left fater becoming very high up in the chin of command around here.

well Whammy, it seems uve covered all ur bases. But this is what i think: If it makes u happy and u believe that its the truth, then "go for it". My religion makes me happy and im content in the fact that its right. Until someone proves to me that it isnt, im stayin with it. Nuff said.

Originally posted by Jwjames111
thats not true Drew ;) Seriously though, u seem the daring type. Why don't u sit down with one and ask them some of the same questions you ask me. remember im just 17. Talk to one whose been involved for a while in your area. Maybe even go to some meetings. Since u believe that JWs are all about mind control, u shouldnt be affected by it right? Go and try to see the world from JWs shoes, then mayb you will see some of my points

I don't need to do that. There is nothing for me in the JW's

You are only 17 - that is young. I bet you have lots of friends there and maybe family also. I'm sure you enjoy being a JW because of the community. Also - you know that if you drop out of the JW's you will be shunned by all those people you like.

Thats a tough situation to be in. Hopefully when you are older you will look back and realise the grip they had on you. I know you don't want to see that now and you reject what I am saying.

Just remember - that you are 17, there is a lot in the world that you haven't seen nor experienced and although every 17 year old thinks they have it all figured out - in 20 years you'll realise just how little you had figured out at 17. 17 is a great age to be at - you have all kinds of opportunities ahead.

There's nothing bad with community - enjoy that, but keep an open mind.

Remember faith without doubt leads to moral arrogance.

Doubt is healthy - any group that cuts off doubt is stealing your future

Good luck :)