Notos 666

[Midareyukki]

My cartoonish depiction? I simply explained the facts why the faith itself cannot meet that the definition of a cult as set forth in secular sources (not my own). Anyone can leave the religion when they want and will not be bothered anymore about it. And I am not trying to drag anyone into anything. I just do not like misinformation spread. There is too much of it already and one of the reasons for the hate.

You are correct about the set criteria of a cult and then there are religions. I am sure that many see JWs as being strict. Living fully by Bible principles is not easy in this world today. But there are misunderstandings about health and such. No, JWs will not take any whole blood products, but will accept many non whole blood alternatives and things like cell salvage machines. JWs will also take vaccines. I just had my flu shot and am about to go get my COVID booster. Regarding blood and JWs, it is because of this that so many breakthroughs in non-blood surgeries for everyone have become so successful.

I apologize to anyone if I have offended them with my posts. I agree it has been a strange thread, but it began as a weird one. I started out explaining the number 666 as it is in the Biblical sense (which is what the topic began on), but then misinformation about JWs was posted and I just corrected it. I think anyone would defend something they cared about if incorrect information was being given out about it. Thanks for your responses.

Alright. And honestly, thank you for your information. My friend was not allowed to take a vaccine after a meningitis outbreak due to her religious upbringing, and my overall view of it after so long is that her parents were "special". Even within these religions, you obviously will have people who do understand the importance of personal health and safety. But some really don't, and when information is hazy about them, you start to see some stereotypes forming up because of people who either misinterpret things or take them too far.

And the people who "have come forward"? That's nuanced as well; you'll hear a lot of bad experiences... but that will go for any religion. Not every family is the same. Nor are every pastor, every parish nor every community. Religious trauma exists everywhere. My theory for why I see JH's being vocal about their negative experiences is because where I'm from, especially given I'm from a deeply catholic West European country, people here do take it too far. And I know for a fact JHs are rather isolated because of their "queer" customs. And in communities that are so uptight, yeah, they tend to form some uptight groups in turn. That's a sociological phenomenon, not something inherent to a singular religion.

As for what you said about cults, I can corroborate what you said. There ARE very strict guidelines for what classifies as a cult, and yes, a charismatic leader IS one of them. It definitely isn't a cartoonish depiction of things at all. Stuff like:
- Charismatic Leader with a cult and zeal centered around them
- Constant preocupation with amassing members
- Discouraging personal thoughts, criticism and doubts about the group
- Control over their personal lives (what to drink, what to eat, what to wear, who to marry, when to go out, what route to take, who they can interact with)
- Devotion placed into the group's core beliefs is unhealthy
on and on. The list is actually big.
Which Jehovah's Witnesses do not do. No, "spreading the word of God" by going door to door isn't a preoccupation with gaining numbers xD all religions have this, and it's why it's so fuzzy to identify a cult until they've stepped a certain slippery slope. Most religions want more members. But there's a specific motivation for it. Cults want members to gain power and control. Religions want members to gain money and status within a community. They sound similar, but guess who's more willing to jump off a slippery slope?
If you guys want more information on cults, I suggest looking up stuff by Janja Lalich and Michael D. Langone.

As for 666 xD it really is a Western superstition. Don't worry though, it's just a number, and when used you will not summon the Devil even if you happen to be religious about it. It's no different to us than the number 4 in East Asian cultures. Intention is the keyword here. Otherwise maths would need to be banned.

Also cool eyepatch bro.

Is mine good too? ; ;