Combatting Cult Mind Control

[Critical Thinker]

I've just begun "Combatting Cult Mind Control" and identify with the author's feeling special by being told he was "chosen by God." I know I'll have more thoughts to share on this book as I read more, but in the meantime was wondering what parts of it have helped you in your recovery from JWs.

Scroll through this thread for a side by side comparison of the identifying marks of a cult compared to what JWs are taught.

Note: Steven Hassan, the author of this book does not mention Jehovah's Witnesses at all. However, the description of cults fits the description of the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, as you can see for yourself.

[Wayne Rogers]

I thought this book was amazing. The descriptions of what exactly 'mind-control' actually is and how it is used, was helpful to me. And the fact that it doesnt discuss JWs anywhere, but is so spot-on with the methods and mentality that all cults hold in common.

[Eyes Open]

And the fact that it doesnt discuss JWs anywhere...

That's good to know - thanks. His other book, Releasing The Bonds, does mention Jehovah's Witnesses a few times. Steven writes that he didn't at one time think JW's were a destructive mind control group, but that he later realised they were after having things explained to him by an ex-member. The WTS is pretty good at appearing legit.

[MissingLink]

I followed the instructions and underlined the parts that applied to my group, to see if it was a cult. At the end it was amazing to flick thru the book and see how much was underlined.

[Critical Thinker]

Of cult members, Hassan says, "Members are so conditioned to suppress their real selves that they aren’t even aware of their desire to leave. They think they are so happy in the group that they would never want to leave. Such people can't generate positive images of themselves after leaving the group...Members truly believe they will be destroyed if they leave the safety of the group. They think there are no other ways for them to grow - spiritually, intellectually, or emotionally. They are virtually enslaved by this mind control technique (pg. 46)."
Here are just a few things JWs are taught to believe:

*** w95 1/15 p. 12 par. 7 The Joy of Jehovah Is Our Stronghold ***
Our close relationship with Jehovah makes us the happiest people on earth. Before becoming Christians, we were part of unrighteous human society that is ‘in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God.’ (Ephesians 4:18) How glad we are that we are no longer alienated from Jehovah! Of course, it takes effort to remain in his favor. We must “continue in the faith, established on the foundation and steadfast and not being shifted away from the hope of that good news.” (Colossians 1:21-23) We can rejoice that Jehovah drew us to his Son in accord with Jesus’ own words: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him.” (John 6:44) If we truly appreciate our precious relationship with God through Christ, we will guard against anything that could ruin it.

*** w92 11/15 p. 21 Serve Jehovah Loyally ***
Nowhere Else to Go
12 We will be impelled to serve Jehovah loyally with his organization if we remember that there is nowhere else to go for life eternal. When Jesus’ statements caused ‘many disciples to go off to the things behind,’ he asked his apostles: “You do not want to go also, do you?” Peter replied: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life; and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”—John 6:66-69.
13 “Sayings of everlasting life” were not found in Judaism of the first century C.E. Its principal sin was the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. In none of its forms was Judaism based exclusively on the Hebrew Scriptures. The Sadducees denied the existence of angels and did not believe in the resurrection. Though the Pharisees disagreed with them in these respects, they sinfully made God’s Word invalid because of their unscriptural traditions. (Matthew 15:1-11; Acts 23:6-9) These traditions enslaved the Jews and made it difficult for many to accept Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:8) Zeal for ‘the traditions of his fathers’ caused Saul (Paul) in his ignorance to be a vicious persecutor of Christ’s followers.—Galatians 1:13, 14, 23.
14 Judaism lacked God’s favor, but Jehovah blessed the organization made up of his Son’s followers—‘a people zealous for fine works.’ (Titus 2:14) That organization still exists, and of it a longtime Witness of Jehovah said: “If one thing has been most important to me, it has been the matter of keeping close to Jehovah’s visible organization. My early experience taught me how unsound it is to rely on human reasoning. Once my mind had been resolved on that point, I determined to stay by the faithful organization. How else can one get Jehovah’s favor and blessing?” There is nowhere else to go for divine favor and life eternal.
15 Our hearts should impel us to cooperate with Jehovah’s organization because we know that it alone is directed by his spirit and is making known his name and purposes. Of course, those shouldering responsibility in it are imperfect. (Romans 5:12) But “Jehovah’s anger got to be hot” against Aaron and Miriam when they found fault with Moses and forgot that he, not they, was entrusted with God-given responsibility. (Numbers 12:7-9) Today, loyal Christians cooperate with “those who are taking the lead” because that is what Jehovah requires. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) Evidence of our loyalty includes attending Christian meetings regularly and making comments that ‘incite others to love and fine works.’—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

*** w00 9/1 pp. 9-10 Reflect the Mental Attitude of Christ ***
15 During the first century, some who listened to Jesus displayed an improper attitude. On one occasion, Jesus said something that was difficult to understand. In response, “many of his disciples, when they heard this, said: ‘This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?’” Those who spoke in this way clearly had a wrong attitude. And their wrong attitude led to their ceasing to listen to Jesus. The record says: “Owing to this many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him.” Did all have a wrong attitude? No. The record continues: “Therefore Jesus said to the twelve: ‘You do not want to go also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered him: ‘Lord, whom shall we go away to?’” In effect, Peter then answered his own question: “You have sayings of everlasting life.” (John 6:60, 66-68) What a fine attitude! When confronted with explanations or refinements in understanding of the Scriptures that we may at first find difficult to accept, would it not be good to display the attitude shown by Peter? How foolish it would be to stop serving Jehovah or to speak in a manner contrary to “the pattern of healthful words” simply because some things are initially difficult to understand!—2 Timothy 1:13.

*** w99 5/15 pp. 25-26 The Christian Congregation—A Source of Strengthening Aid ***
Support and Assistance
In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the word “congregation” is translated from the Greek term ek•kle•si´a, which means a group of people called together. Inherent in that word are the ideas of solidarity and mutual support.
The Christian congregation upholds the truth of God’s Word and declares the good news of his Kingdom. (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 2:9) However, the congregation also provides spiritual support and assistance for those associated with it. Therein, one can find a group of loving, concerned, and caring friends, who are ready and willing to help and comfort others in times of stress.—2 Corinthians 7:5-7.
Worshipers of Jehovah have always found safety and security in his congregation. The psalmist indicated that he experienced joy and a feeling of security among God’s congregated people. (Psalm 27:4, 5; 55:14; 122:1) Similarly today, the Christian congregation is an association of fellow believers who build up and encourage one another.—Proverbs 13:20; Romans 1:11, 12.
Members of the congregation are taught to “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to [them] in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10) The Bible-based education they receive moves them to manifest brotherly love and tender affection for one another. (Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 3:8) Spiritual brothers and sisters in the congregation are moved to be kind, peaceable, and tenderly compassionate. (Ephesians 4:3) Instead of being just formal worshipers, they show loving concern for others.—James 1:27.
In the congregation, therefore, crushed ones find the warm atmosphere of a familylike environment. (Mark 10:29, 30) The feeling of belonging to a close-knit and loving group strengthens them. (Psalm 133:1-3) Through the congregation, “the faithful and discreet slave” provides nourishing spiritual “food at the proper time.”—Matthew 24:45.

[GodlessHeathen]

How foolish it would be to stop serving Jehovah or to speak in a manner contrary to “the pattern of healthful words” simply because some things are initially difficult to understand!

I love this under-handed insult thrown towards those who question the doctrine. It's saying that if you disagree with something, you just don't understand it, yet. It almost makes me angry how condescending they are.

[Switch]

Thanks for that comparison of cult thinking to the WT articles. It's amusing to see them side by side. That's their thought-stopper, I think, Hassan called it. They can't imagine life outside in "the world". Many friends immediately say, "what else is there?" In a discussion with my mom, she expressed her gratitude that the end didn't come in 1975. She's actually grateful that she's gotten the opportunity to hear the troof and doesn't really think or care about all the people that believed the org. that the end was coming in 1975. Screw them, I guess. At least SHE got the message, so she feels special in that respect. God hung about just a little longer so she could become a JW. yeah, right! Does she honestly think they were foolish 30 years ago to put all their faith in the F&DS and yet she's doing the same thing today???? Go figure.

[Rifter]

Many friends immediately say, "what else is there?"

I used to say the same exact thing. I thought I could never even imagine a life outside the organization... We had to tell ourselves that such a life is a life without purpose. Oh how utterly wrong I was.

[Critical Thinker]

Well, it took me a month to finish this book. I could only stomach so much, so I had to read it a little at a time. For me, not raised by JWs, this book really hit hard. Not only do I have to face the fact that I gave up my best years (as far as health, energy, and hope for the future) to the JW cult, but I also have to deal with my anger towards my family and friends I had before becoming a JW that never bothered to ask me why I wanted to be a JW in the first place. I had a lot of silent treatment, cut-off, people thinking I was weird, and some even commending me on sticking to what I believed in – but not one of my friends or family ever tried to help me from making such a terrible decision. I’ve googled a few people I went to high school with and seeing where they are now– I’m sick to see how much I gave up by not pursuing a education/career that I really enjoyed and was able to support myself with.

I did the once through, and now will have to go back and read it again and journal not only my reactions to the book, but also my history – what led up to my becoming interested in JWs, the time spent in, and all the times I had questions/doubts but convinced myself that I was being loyal to Jehovah by not letting what I heard or saw deter me from “faithful service.” But right now I just feel like throwing up.

[Eyes Open]

With the openness and attention you're giving yourself, CT, I'm sure you'll subsequently be able to process what you need to and enjoy the rest of your life. It's a continual thing - all the best with yours.

I haven't read this first book by Hassan, only his second. People in general just aren't aware of how dangerous groups like Jehovah's Witnesses are. If they knew and understood it would be different, and educating people of the issues involved is given attention in the second book.