As individuals, they strike me as being, for the most part, perfectly decent and humble people. They try to serve God in the way they have been told he wants them to serve him. They sincerely believe Armageddon is right around the corner, and when God has eradicated unbelieving humanity, there will be a wondrous paradise where “the righteous” (i.e. the Witnesses themselves) can live forever. The Watchtower Society is the organization God uses. Just follow the directions of “God’s organization”, and everything will be well.

Now let’s interrupt this program to talk about something seemingly different: An ant mill.

Ants follow pheromone tracks left by other ants. They progress through the world in the direction pheromones on the ground tell them they should take. Just follow the directions of the pheromones, and everything will be well.

Except when it won’t.

Sometimes a disaster happens in ant society: Several pheromone tracks may happen to overlap. Then countless ants, mechanically and blindly following the track like their instincs tell them to, will end up going in a circle. They will just be going around and around until they die of exhaustation.


Global human society provides billions of brains that can conceive, receive and process all sorts of memes and mental viruses. Evolutionary selection favors the mental viruses that successfully prey on human desires, for instance the deep-seated desire for a peaceful and righteous world, or eternal life. Various mental viruses have evolved that pretend to humans that we can have all this, if we only open our brains completely to the virus and even try very hard to infect others with it. Maybe even by going from door to door.

These special mental viruses we normally refer to as religions.

They don’t have to actually deliver on the great promises of, say, eternal life. That is to be enjoyed at some conveniently unknown point in the future (so according to Watchtowerism) or in the invisible world beyond the grave (so according to many other forms of Christianity). Just dangle the carrot in front of believers, and they will do the bidding of the mental virus almost as mechanically as the ants following the pheromone track. Hey, it just seems like the thing to do, whether you are an ant or a religious human.

Even the most high-ranking Watchtower defector ever, Raymond Franz who had served on the very Governing Body and later wrote several books about the religion, never suggested that the top-ranking leaders don’t basically believe in the message of their organization. Their brains are as infected as any. And so the big ant mill of “God’s organization” will continue to go around and around, as millions of members pursue the ever-retreating mirage of Armageddon and the wonderful paradise that is supposed to follow it.

People who are sucked into this human vortex aren’t bad in any way. No worse than the rest of us, at least. And of course, there are plenty of other religious organizations that are essentially similar in their workings.

I guess a proper education is the best defense against mental viruses. The Watchtower meme, for instance, is in its current form plainly dependent on ignorance to really thrive. To take just a single example: An absolutely crucial part of the doctrine is an elaborate calculation supposedly proving that the world entered the “endtimes” in 1914. I’ll mercifully skip the details, but based on what has to be the most tortured Bible interpretation ever, the Watchtower teaches that the endtimes would begin 2,520 years after the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem. The outbreak of World War I in 1914 is seen as proof that this was the crucial year the long wait ended. Since 1914 we live in the shadow of soon-to-come Armageddon.

But for 1914 to be the end year, Jerusalem had to fall in the year 607 BCE. The correct year is actually twenty years later, 587 or possibly 586. This is the date you will find in every reference work and history book not written or influenced by the Watchtower. Not a single non-Witness scholar will entertain the idea that the established chronology is off by two decades, yet this is absolutely necessary to make Watchtowerism work. It has rightly been observed that if you take away the “prophetic year” 1914, most of the message of the Jehovah’s Witnesses becomes meaningless. Seriously, the whole doctrine is built around it!

You couldn’t have a viable religion that depended on the Allies capturing Berlin in “1925“ rather than 1945, or the American revolution taking place in “1756“ rather than 1776. Those dates are simply too well known for a meme or mental virus to distort the facts. There is, so to speak, too little ignorance available.

But can you have a religion that absolutely depends on the Babylonians capturing Jerusalem in “607” BCE rather than 587 BCE?

Yes, apparently you can. Behold the role of ignorance in the transmission of religious faith.

The Witnesses don’t want to be enlightened, of course. Their 1914 doctrine is simply “too big to fail”. With long intervals, you will see a bold and desperate attempt in their literature to refute the universal scholarly consensus. Other religions have their own areas of willful ignorance that must be protected at all cost, as when Young Earth Creationists are quite willing to garble and/or ignore just about every piece of scientific evidence we have in order to maintain the notion that the universe is six thousand years old. (The Witnesses are at the very least Old Earth Creationists and can accomodate a past amounting to millions of years.)

In all religions, there are some who enjoy the fringe benefits of human delusions, at least enjoying positions of great respect and adulation (whether we are discussing the Pope, various televangelists or the Watchtower Governing Body). Yet I tend to assume that they are, more often than not, actual believers themselves. And as for the rank-and-file, whether they are Jehovah’s Witnesses or members of other high-control religions, I can rarely think very badly about them.

After all, my inner mental image of religious organizations is that of well-meaning ants going round and round in a circle.

Interesting read!

That is why they thrive on INDOCTRINATION.

The more you repeat a lie, the more it looks like the truth.

oteneaaron:
That is why they thrive on INDOCTRINATION.

The more you repeat a lie, the more it looks like the truth.

They are usually well meaning, generally honest but misguided, misinformed and fearful people who genuinely do believe that the world (or “this system”) is about to be destroyed. And so – out of fear – do whatever their leaders tell them to do in order to survive it.

These poor people forgo enjoying their lives right here right now believing that they can enjoy it “in the new system” instead. Looking forward to their leaders promise of a vegetarian socialist utopia where they’ll all own a pet lion, their dead relatives will be resurrected and they can all live together forever in tree houses (I’m not making this up!).

Some of the examples we have on nairaland is MaxInDHouse and cornelboy.

In my opinion, I totally disagree with Raymond Franz who said that the Governing body are Sincere Believers of what they teach. I strongly believe Raymond Franz didn't reveal everything that was required to be revealed in his book. He only touched on the surface. More research on this organisation reveals a completely different picture of how their minds work. They know exactly what they are doing. They know they are running a SCAM!!!

Will a sincere believer cover up Child Sexual Abuse? Will a sincere believer delve into the Occult? Will a sincere believer successfully drag over 8 million people with ever changing False doctrines? Will a sincere believer proclaim False Prophecies and when they didn't come to pass, the rank and file are blamed for believing /expecting these prophecies? Will a sincere believer Whitewash his/her organisation's history? Will a sincere believer punish people who leave the Cult or disagree with their teachings? Will a sincere believer demonise EXJWs? Will a sincere believer monitor social media, EXJW forums, and try to cover up their nefarious activities? Will a sincere believer destroy families? Will a sincere believer Control information, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions of people!? Will a sincere believer prevent people from questioning the leadership? Will a sincere believer use religion to run a Scam to part away with people's time, emotions and MONEY? Will a sincere believer engage in PR Campaigns in TV stations to give a False image of himself/herself to the Public? Will a sincere believer run a Cult? Will a sincere believer concoct doctrines from twisted interpretations of scriptures? Will a sincere believer deceive people to take the organisation as a religion when it is in fact a BUSINESS CORPORATION?

Their intentions are always obvious in their actions outside the realms of the JWs!! THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING. To pull off this sort of Scam, you have to be like SATAN himself: Great ability to transform yourself as an Angel of Light, Deceitful, Narcissistic, Greedy, Obsessed with Power and Adoration. This is the part where Raymond Franz is completely wrong. And I know why he didn't mention everything. He only needed to expose what was necessary at the time to protect himself.

Courz:
In my opinion, I totally disagree with Raymond Franz who said that the Governing body are Sincere Believers of what they teach. I strongly believe Raymond Franz didn't reveal everything that was required to be revealed in his book. He only touched on the surface. More research on this organisation reveals a completely different picture of how their minds work. They know exactly what they are doing. They know they are running a SCAM!!!

Will a sincere believer cover up Child Sexual Abuse? Will a sincere believer delve into the Occult? Will a sincere believer successfully drag over 8 million people with ever changing False doctrines? Will a sincere believer proclaim False Prophecies and when they didn't come to pass, the rank and file are blamed for believing /expecting these prophecies? Will a sincere believer Whitewash his/her organisation's history? Will a sincere believer punish people who leave the Cult or disagree with their teachings? Will a sincere believer demonise EXJWs? Will a sincere believer monitor social media, EXJW forums, and try to cover up their nefarious activities? Will a sincere believer destroy families? Will a sincere believer Control information, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions of people!? Will a sincere believer prevent people from questioning the leadership? Will a sincere believer use religion to run a Scam to part away with people's time, emotions and MONEY? Will a sincere believer engage in PR Campaigns in TV stations to give a False image of himself/herself to the Public? Will a sincere believer run a Cult? Will a sincere believer concoct doctrines from twisted interpretations of scriptures? Will a sincere believer deceive people to take the organisation as a religion when it is in fact a BUSINESS CORPORATION?

while I agree with you on this, but in my opinon I think there's nothing like "sincere believer" in terms of running a religious sect. The above statements you made can equally be applied to every televangelist, pastor GO or spiritual leaders in every sphere.

Their intentions are always obvious in their actions outside the realms of the JWs!! THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING. To pull off this sort of Scam, you have to be like SATAN himself: Great ability to transform yourself as an Angel of Light, Deceitful, Narcissistic, Greedy, Obsessed with Power and Adoration. This is the part where Raymond Franz is completely wrong. And I know why he didn't mention everything. He only needed to expose what was necessary at the time to protect himself.

all religion is scam. The religious leaders always know what they are doing. Whether JW or any other sect

FatherOfJesus:
while I agree with you on this, but in my opinon I think there's nothing like "sincere believer" in terms of running a religious sect. The above statements you made can equally be applied to every televangelist, pastor GO or spiritual leaders in every sphere.

all religion is scam. The religious leaders always know what they are doing. Whether JW or any other sect

Gbam.

Thank you JEHOVAH!
Jesus' words are coming to fulfilment!

An atheist started a thread and others who also claim they believe in the existence of God joined in. Well let's wait for Muslims and Churchgoers to support them against God's organization!

FatherOfJesus:
They are usually well meaning, generally honest but misguided, misinformed and fearful people who genuinely do believe that the world (or “this system”) is about to be destroyed. And so – out of fear – do whatever their leaders tell them to do in order to survive it.
These poor people forgo enjoying their lives right here right now believing that they can enjoy it “in the new system” instead. Looking forward to their leaders promise of a vegetarian socialist utopia where they’ll all own a pet lion, their dead relatives will be resurrected and they can all live together forever in tree houses (I’m not making this up!).
Some of the examples we have on nairaland is MaxInDHouse and cornelboy.

I thought you said you were a God not an athiest?

cornelboy:

I thought you said you were a God not an athiest?

I don't bother about their claims, i concentrate on their reasoning to ascertain where they truly belong!

cornelboy:


I thought you said you were a God not an athiest?

I work in mysterious ways

FatherOfJesus:
I work in mysterious ways

Your just an empty athiest.

cornelboy:

Your just an empty athiest.

After reading some books from atheists they'll conclude everything has been figured out so they'll start trailing religionists to engage in arguments.
I only answer their questions so after finding out that MaxInDHouse always beat their intelligence they start avoiding me!

cornelboy:

Your just an empty athiest.

why do you think so?
I'm Jehovah, the father of Jesus

FatherOfJesus:
why do you think so?
I'm Jehovah, the father of Jesus

Mtcheew

cornelboy:

Mtcheew

May I bless you

FatherOfJesus:
May I bless you

Bless yourself guy

cornelboy:


Bless yourself guy

I can also do that simultaneously. I bless you brother.
Praise me

Felimax:
Interesting read!

That so called fatherofJesus doesn't believe in your gods of men & your 3 deities delusion.

Anywhere Belle face.

FatherOfJesus:
I can also do that simultaneously. I bless you brother.
Praise me

Make I drop aza?

Courz:


Gbam.

Oteneaaron atheist.

Janosky:

Oteneaaron atheist.

Why is Watchtower involved in Politics? Why did Watchtower fund a Senator's election? Why did Watchtower hire Lobbyists to influence Political decisions? Why is Watchtower free to participate in Politics but You a mindless JW drone is not free to do so? Why is your founder against Jesus in his book below? Why are you an APOSTATE by following a BUSINESS CORPORATION disguised as a religion? Why is Watchtower practising broad day light Human Sacrifice to Lucifer in the name of No Blood transfusion? Why is Watchtower going against the command of Jesus by baptising people in the name of Jehovah, Jesus and the Organisation?

Courz:


Why is Watchtower involved in Politics? Why did Watchtower fund a Senator's election? Why did Watchtower hire Lobbyists to influence Political decisions? Why is Watchtower free to participate in Politics but You a mindless JW drone is not free to do so? Why is your founder against Jesus in his book below? Why are you an APOSTATE by following a BUSINESS CORPORATION disguised as a religion? Why is Watchtower practising broad day light Human Sacrifice to Lucifer in the name of No Blood transfusion? Why is Watchtower going against the command of Jesus by baptising people in the name of Jehovah, Jesus and the Organisation?

Courz na curse
Kiddo, cure your delusion.

Janosky:

Courz na curse
Kiddo, cure your delusion.

Why did Watchtower say that you JWs are practising Modern day Idolatry? Why did Watchtower make you JWs worship a Freemason Diety found in books of Magic and Spells? Why didn't Watchtower inform you JWs that Jehovah is a Male and Female Diety? Why does Watchtower own a corporation that are openly Masonic and meet in Masonic Lodges? Why is Watchtower a Freemason organisation? Why is Watchtower in bed with the Wild Beast and the kings of the earth? Why is Watchtower supporting the core values of the UN by advertising the NEW WORLD ORDER? Why did Watchtower not inform you Mindless drones what the NEW WORLD ORDER TRULY IS?

Jehovah witnesses aka fallen watchers of yaldaboath, Run! Run! Run!

cornelboy:

Make I drop aza?

where have you seen God sending money into people account? I will send someone to bless you mysteriously.

Janosky:

That so called fatherofJesus doesn't believe in your gods of men & your 3 deities delusion.

Anywhere Belle face.

Look at this pathetic mad man! Wetin concern me and you, and since when did you become the Oracle of the Father?

Stop taking Tramadol, No!
Now see how you just fooled yourself.

Felimax:


Look at this pathetic mad man! Wetin concern me and you, and since when did you become the Oracle of the Father?

Stop taking Tramadol, No!
Now see how you just fooled yourself.


11:52am On May 12
FatherOfJesus:
while I agree with you on this, but in my opinon I think there's nothing like "sincere believer" in terms of running a religious sect. The above statements you made can equally be applied to every televangelist, pastor GO or spiritual leaders in every sphere"

Felimax in sifia pains

That so called fatherofJesus doesn't believe in your gods of men & your 3 deities delusion.

Anywhere Belle face.

Maynman:
Jehovah witnesses aka fallen watchers of yaldaboath, Run! Run! Run!

You are far more deluded than I thought.

Janosky:

You are far more deluded than I thought.

You are far deeper in the mess that what I thought, fallen watcher.. how did you get yourself into that mess?

Courz:


[s]Why did Watchtower say that you JWs are practising Modern day Idolatry? Why did Watchtower make you JWs worship a Freemason Diety found in books of Magic and Spells? Why didn't Watchtower inform you JWs that Jehovah is a Male and Female Diety? Why does Watchtower own a corporation that are openly Masonic and meet in Masonic Lodges? Why is Watchtower a Freemason organisation? Why is Watchtower in bed with the Wild Beast and the kings of the earth? Why is Watchtower supporting the core values of the UN by advertising the NEW WORLD ORDER? Why did Watchtower not inform you Mindless drones what the NEW WORLD ORDER T[b]RULY IS? [/s]

GIBBERISH for sewage tank.
You done dey kolo Tay tayyy !!!!!!! ;[/b]D

[s]

Janosky:

GIBBERISH for sewage tank.
You done dey kolo Tay tayyy !!!!!!! ;[/b]D

[/s]

Why have you rejected Jesus as your Mediator? Why do you JWs Reject the sacrifice of Jesus every year just as Satanists do? Why do you JWs share the same terminologies with Freemasons? Why did Watchtower describe Jehovah in your JW App Bible As a Grand Master in Freemasonry?