JustThinking

With their declining numbers, should it be: The Way AlmostNational?

WW, Sorry, I misunderstood. Did they change this officially or was like so many other bad decisions that just sort of change without notice?

WW Quote: "They don't openly discourage people from "speaking the word" to lower class people with no teeth, education, cars or money, but it is very clear that they do not want these people in their homes and in their ministry." I disagree. We were told in the 90s to ONLY go to the middle class. There were teachings by LCM himself on this. He compared it to Paul's revelation to go to to Macedonia in Acts 16:9. Afterwards, us TCs were given instructions on going door-to-door witnessing ONLY in areas that appeared to be "middle class." JT

If you think referring to your group's local state as part of a tree (limb) is normal... If you know the birthday of a dead religion leader but not your immediate family... If you know the family history of a dead religion leader but not your own... If you think the only reason to have a social event is to talk to others about your religion... ...you might be in a cult.

Does anyone have information on old lawsuits and their outcome? With all the deprogramming issues, etc. there must have been cases in the past. JT

Ckeer, Some posts leave me at a loss for words. I'm glad you found your way here. JT

Tom, Who is Alice Walker? JT

OM, Forgot the "wink" symbol. I was just teasing. Sorry for the omission. JT

PJ, Who is the author? JT

Actually Johniam... No one told me until after I finished PFAL that the guy was dead. It was like they didn't want to say it. Kind of creepy. I only went to twig a couple of times before I dropped my butt in session 1 so I could see where it might not come up. Still kind of weird though. JT

OM quote: "I don't think I'd have a problem going to a local fellowship if there were one by me. But I think the closest one to me is around 1 1/2 hours away. Too far." Where's your believing man? It's all in the "Synchronized Life." Stay focused and get there. JT

If you use the word "opportunity" for "problem"... If you think a minister screaming and spitting during a teaching is normal... If you ever bought wooden spoons as "spares"... If you've ever corrected the terminology used by someone on television or in a movie while watching... If your groups sells tapes of teachings you won't listen to but buy them anyway... If your group sells a magazine you won't read but you subscribe anyway... If your group sells [insert entire bookstore catalog list] that you won't use but buy it anyway... ...you might be in a cult.

Imbus, If this was helpful, I'm VERY glad! From the book you mentioned: "Two passages from Dr. Schreber's advice to parents. writ-ten in 1858 will illustrate the method of raising children prevalent at the time: "The little ones' displays of temper as indicated by screaming or crying without cause should be regarded as the first test of your spiritual and pedagogical principles . . . Once you have established that nothing is really wrong, that the child is not ill, distressed, or in pain, then you can rest assured that the screaming is nothing more than an outburst of temper, a whim, the first appearance of willfulness. Now you should no longer simply wait for it to pass as you did in the beginning but should proceed in a somewhat more positive way: by quickly diverting its attention, by stern words, threatening gestures, rapping on the bed or if none of this helps. by appropriately mild corporal admonitions repeated persistently at brief intervals until the child quiets down or falls asleep." "This procedure will be necessary only once or at most, twice, and then you will be master of the child forever. From now on, a glance, a word, a single threatening gesture will be sufficient to control the child. Remember that this will be of the greatest benefit to your child since it will spare him many hours of agitation inimical to his successful growth, freeing him from all those inner torments that can, moreover, very easily lead to a proliferation of pernicious character traits that will become increasingly difficult to conquer. IQuoted in Morton Schatznian, Soul Murder]" This sounds more like canine obedience school. JT

If you pay $200 for a little bronze statue of the dead, former head of your group... If you don't take marriage/medical/childrearing/mental health/legal advice from a professional but instead go to a mechanic/window washer/truck driver/former football player... ...you might be in a cult.

Juan, Are you on the case? JT

Wonder1, What just happened on this thread is why I'm here. You were free to ask your question. The responses ranged from brief to longer, more thorough answers. They included different feelings about your post in the first place. But no one disconnected your account for asking. No one is filling out a 3x5 card on you for use against you in the future. Sift through all the posts you get including what is said and not said. In my experience, you get a pretty good answer and the end of the day (thread). JT

If you feel the need to smile 24 hours a day... If you make your kids smile for total strangers... If you know what type of mint your minister likes but not your wife's favorite color... If you buy a suit every for growing children IN CASE there is an event... If you keep a pencil and pad of paper in your pocket in case you "get a contact..." If you stand and applaud someone on a VIDEO...! ...you might be in a cult.

Ok, Karmic, that last one is too weird. I HATE to ask but is that based in reality?! Yikes, just when you thought you'd heard all of the bizarro teachings...

Mr M, My wife eventually saw the need to leave. Maybe yours will too? Either way, God has always taken great care of me and I'm sure he can do the same for you. Welcome to the Cafe'. JT

If you buy a book you already own because there is a new cover... If the number of verses you can quote is higher than the number of school events you've attended... If your retirement plan consists primarily of "believing God..." If you buy and listen to music you don't even like because it's the Word... If you are over 40 and feel the need to get permission to move/change jobs/marry/go to school/etc... ... you might be in a cult!

My time was all TWI II. Was there much or any M&A in TWI I? Just curious. JT

To answer the question in the name of the post: No Freakin' Way! (Could be a pun or tag line) Wonder, I'll add my welcome. I doubt one could make an argument that any group is perfect or even close. Maybe you could say one is perfect for you? That's about it. Otherwise, I'll just say that I agree with Raf and Outandabout. No real reason to stay as there wasn't much there. Just a little, keep to themselves Bible-worshippers with delusions of grandeur. JT

JT

Oh, heck, let's combine them: You might be a redneck AND in a cult if: 1. You pronounce the word "hover" so that it rhymes with "over." 2. Your suit is worth more than your education. 3. Your shoes are worth more than your education. 4. You've ever M&A someone without leaving your golf cart. JT

I think that if done out of love and a genuine desire to protect people from truly harmful types such as pedophiles, absolutely. Did TWI do anything like that? Not that I saw. A LOT done on emotion. Not much with thinking or love. Bad combination.