1st, I have to say that I have a lot of respect for JW's that I have met in person and in this forum.
2nd, this question or accusation comes up in many threads and I thought I'd flush it out and by using a poll. If it is not true, why do so many here, and former members call JW a cult?
3rd, according to the urban dictionary, the defining characteristic of a cult, compared to a religious group is control over its members.
5th, my daughter's in-laws have been devasted by the cult aspect of JW. My SIL suffers badly today from an inability to think independently and critically and my 1 year old granddaughter is at grave risk. More details to follow.
2nd, this question or accusation comes up in many threads and I thought I'd flush it out and by using a poll. If it is not true, why do so many here, and former members call JW a cult?
3rd, according to the urban dictionary, the defining characteristic of a cult, compared to a religious group is control over its members.
A cult (also referred to as a high control or high demand group) is any organization whose leadership uses mind control on its followers. This applies regardless of the organization's size, beliefs, practices, tax-exempt status, or where its members live and work. Cults can be religious or secular. Cult leadership can consist of one person, two people, or multiple people.
4th, opinions about the controlling nature of JW's is not meant as critique of their theology. This thread is NOT about debating the JW theology! JW have Freedom of Religion just like everyone else . The scope of this thread is only about the cult aspects of the organization and not its theological doctrines.
5th, my daughter's in-laws have been devasted by the cult aspect of JW. My SIL suffers badly today from an inability to think independently and critically and my 1 year old granddaughter is at grave risk. More details to follow.