How Cults Use Fear To Control You
One man’s freedom fighter...
Recently, I posted a kind of coming out story, this was a big moment for me; my official launch into advocacy. For me, this announcement marked a milestone on my journey, as I endeavour to educate the public on the dangers of high control groups. For those in the cult I was born into however, this would be described very differently. For them, this was my launch into apostasy, (the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person) - a term they will inevitably spit to spread poison against me.
The Lasting Fear
As the LinkedIn notifications pinged, my attention was drawn to a public comment from someone I had known long ago in another life. She mentioned she knew exactly what it was like to have been raised in that cult. A brave act, I had known her family very well when I was in the cult and, as she would have well known, speaking out would not have been without internal and external consequence.
So deep was our indoctrination, that when our paths crossed when I was working in the Riverland, she found it necessary to tell me that she was once a Jehovah’s Witness but was now disfellowshipped. She was unsure whether I would want anything to do with her.
The Power Of Perspective
I didn’t think much of it at the time. Now however, it sheds a blinding light on the sheer amount of trauma that this cult inflicts on people. The guilt, shame and worthlessness that it engenders in current and former members is harrowing and is a stark reminder of how even many years post-cult, indoctrination and programming lingers.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. I worked in an intensely people-focussed role for the state government as regional manager. Often this involved speaking to groups of people explaining government programs related to economic development, training and employment. I would be approached by countless people, particularly if they knew we would need to work together, who let me know that they were a former Jehovah’s Witness. The lasting indoctrination, shame, guilt and fear compelling them to tell me. I understood the internalised narrative, it haunted me for a time too.
The Damage Of False Boundaries
My own disfellowshipping (exclusion or ex-communication) occurred while still working for the government in a different region. At the time, I worked closely with regional development boards. Within one of the boards was an Elder, ( Elders take responsibility for congregational governance, pastoral work, setting meeting times, selecting speakers, conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and forming judicial committees) with whom I had become close with him and his family.
I would sometimes be invited to dinner with his family when I needed to stay overnight in the region. Once I was disfellowshipped, I too felt I needed to tell him, so I emailed him to let him know. He was very polite, very civil and sent a reply thanking me for letting him know and saying he would still work with me in a professional capacity. He made it clear however, that there was no possibility for our friendship to continue.
“You’re Dead To Me”
This had some illuminating consequences. Often the work we were involved in together included public meetings, followed by a lunch and networking opportunity. On one such occasion he was worried that his attendance at a particular function would cause a problem.
We had both agreed to attend the event and he called me to discuss the matter. I offered to decline the invitation as the event was of more benefit to him. This conversation illustrates the lengths to which the JW organization stresses the need to stay away from disfellowshipped people. The religion teaches that they are to be viewed as already dead in the eyes of God.
Is Nothing Sacred?
Apostasy, however, is an even deeper level. The generally accepted definition of apostasy is embracing a position contrary to one’s previous religious belief. The Jehovah’s Witnesses take this so much further. Disagreement, even thinking things contrary to official doctrine is strictly forbidden. You might ask how they would have this information. The best way to explain is to think of it like this.
Imagine a close friend that you share everything with. Your feelings, thoughts and doubts. In this cult, which practices member based reporting to the authority structure or local elders, your personal thoughts and opinions can and will be used against you. Your friend, even your spouse, will feel compelled to report to elders your “criminal” thoughts or actions that are contrary to official doctrine.
Judgement Day
So tight is the level of control within the Jehovah’s Witness cult, the appellation “High Control Group'' is particularly applicable. Once an individual’s divergence of thought or belief is reported to the elders, a meeting will be arranged with the person, sometimes a judicial committee (composed of three elders) to determine if the person truly has thoughts, or holds beliefs, contrary to official doctrine.
At this point the meeting can go only one of two ways. If the person admits to holding the belief, but is sorry for her divergence of thought, they may be deemed repentant. This could result in sanctions such as a public announcement of reproof, or private reproof and the loss of privileges in the group. If however they are judged to be unrepentant, the “wrongdoer'' would be disfellowshipped. Totally expunged from the congregation and labelled an apostate.
You don’t Matter, You No Longer Exist
The Jehovah’s witness organization views apostates not just in the ordinary sense of the word. Their published literature on both disfellowshipped people and apostates outlines their thoughts. As you read, remember that they are speaking about a person whose only crime is no longer believing the group's teachings.
From their elders manual -
“Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates.” Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock p.94
Showing the truly cult like nature of the Jehovah’s Witness organization this quote claims that apostates have rebelled against their organization:
“Apostasy is abandoning or deserting the worship and service of God, actually a rebellion against Jehovah God. Some apostates profess to know and serve God but reject teachings or requirements set out in his Word. Others claim to believe the Bible but reject Jehovah's organization.” Reasoning From the Scriptures p.34
The JW organization goes further in undermining any who leave, stating they are to be loathed and hated:
"Apostates often seek to make others their followers. (Ac 20:30; 2Pe 2:1, 3) Such ones willfully abandoning the Christian congregation thereby become part of the “antichrist.” (1Jo 2:18, 19) As with the apostate Israelites, destruction is likewise foretold for apostates from the Christian congregation." Apostasy - Insight, Volume 1
The JW organization goes further to simultaneously instil a fear of leaving their organization with a fear of anyone who has left, illustrated in the following quotes.
"With apostates earth wide being destroyed, what reason can one have for the confidence of life in paradise to follow?" Kingdom Ministry September 1973 p.6
"The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: "Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you " Watchtower 1992 July 15 pp.12-13 Christ Hated Lawlessness-Do You?
Finally, the words of Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses member Anthony Morris III leave little doubt as to how the organization vies those who were once members:
"However, the apostates and the enemies of Jehovah would say, "well that's gruesome, that's despicable, you teach your people these things." No, God teaches his people these things. This is what he's foretelling, and frankly for friends of Jehovah God, how reassuring. They are finally going to be gone, all these despicable enemies that have just reproached Jehovah's name, destroyed never ever to live again. Now it's not that we rejoice in someone's death, but when it comes to God's enemies, finally, they are out of the way, especially these despicable apostates who at one point had dedicated their life to God and then they joined forces with Satan the Devil, the chief apostate of all time." Morning Worship Recording Sep 2020 Anthony Morris III: Jehovah Will "Carry It Out" (Isa. 46:11) jwb.202009-11.v Morning worship address dated September 2020
Support, Love and Feeling Seen
Regardless of your current belief system or worship practices, it’s clear to see that the tactics the JW cult employ are manipulative, cruel, and intended to instil hate and fear into their followers.
The organization leaves no room for personal opinions, no room for disagreement and no room for the bonds of friendship/family with those who leave or disagree with their teachings and practices.
Ultimately, it is practices like this one that have inspired me to help others affected by cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am dedicated to raising awareness of the harmful practices of cults and high-control groups in an effort to bring public attention to how damaging these teachings and beliefs are. I am determined to help people on their journey out of such groups and to find their freedom and path in life.
If you have questions, would like to connect or are interested in finding out more, Please visit my website to learn more about my activism work or book me as a keynote speaker or workshop presenter.