Persuation Techniques
Artigo : A
Study of the PersuationTechniques Used by Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower
Fonte : http://users.uniserve.com/~renford/persuade.htm
by Nathan
Charles Beel (beel@rocketmail.com)
at 1997
A Study of the Persuation Techniques Used by Jehovah's Witnesses
and the Watchtower.
A research report submitted to Tabor College, Adelaide, by NATHAN CHARLES
BEEL as the Directed Study Project component for the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in Christian Counseling - November, 1997.
Index
- Summary of Study
- Introduction
- Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform
- Milieu Control
- Mystical Manipulation
- Loading the Language
- Doctrine over Person
- The Sacred Science
- The Cult of Confession
- The Demand for Purity
- The Dispensing of Existence
- Hassan's Criteria for Mind Control
- Hassan lists four main categories of mind control
-- Behavior Control
-- Information Control
-- Thought Control
-- Emotional Control
-- Conclusion
- Propaganda
- Propaganda Techniques
-- The Use of Stereotypes
-- The Substitution of Names
-- Selection and Card-Stacking
-- Deception and Lying
-- Repetition
-- Glittering Generalities and Name-Calling
-- Pinpointing the Enemy
-- The Appeal to Authority and Testimonial
-- Transfer
-- Plain Folks
-- Bandwagon
- Cognitive Dissonance
- Dissonance and Behaviour
- Dissonance and Groups
- Hypnotism
- Expectation
- Pacing and Leading
- Common ground maintained
- The Positive Transference
- Indirect Suggestion
- The 'Yes Set' Technique, the confusion technique, and the use of Interspersal
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
-- Books
-- Periodical, articles etc.
-- Internet Articles
- Appendix 1
-- Dissonance and prophetic failure
Summary of Study
The Watchtower Society utilizes manipulative techniques and environment to
recruit and maintain their membership. According to Robert Lifton (1961),
a psychologist who examined American soldiers subjected to mind control techniques
by the Communist Chinese, there are eight criteria that are used evaluate
if the environment that people have been subject to has been a mind control
totalist environment. The Watchtower was found to utilize each of his criteria
to varying degrees in their indoctrination process. The cult identifying criteria
set out by exit-counselor Steven Hassan (1990) also proved conclusively that
the Watchtower (now abbreviated to 'WT') exerted behavior, information, thought
and emotional control to maintain their membership. The study then proceeded
to identify the persuasive techniques of the propagandists in selecting their
messages to have maximum effect on their audiences. Various pieces of WT literature
were analyzed and found to utilize similar techniques and thus could be appropriately
classed as propaganda. Leon Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory (Festinger,
1957) was then examined to help explain the psychological reasons why both
people become JW's and why people remain JW's even though there are more credible
alternatives. Clinical hypnotic processes were also examined and compared
with cultic applications. And again through their literature and social structures,
Jehovah's Witnesses were shown to employ these, especially in their recruitment
processes. The conclusion affirmed that the WT applies a variety of powerful
psycho-social techniques to recruit and maintain membership and summarized
some different evangelism pointers and approaches when dealing with JW's or
those interested in becoming Jehovah's Witnesses.
Introduction
Over the last four months a young Jehovah Witness has been visiting me in
the hope of converting me. He has shown me articles that have, at face value,
been very impressive, and given persuasive, complicated, factual and philosophical
arguments to justify his beliefs. After researching the material given more
thoroughly I found it not so persuasive but concluded it was propaganda produced
to mislead the uninformed. It was extraordinarily seductive and filled with
half-truths and loaded language.
I also found it interesting how he argued over Greek grammatical rules even
though he had never studied Greek outside of learned Watchtower arguments.
He kept producing arguments followed by arguments, but when asked to prove
them, could not, but nonetheless would use those same arguments again, almost
indoctrinating me through repetition.
The Jehovah's Witness (JW) went out of his way to criticize Church doctrine
but when asked if he had ever studied any doctrines of the Church through
sources other than Watchtower publications he admitted that he had not. He
discussed church history pointing out all the negative things of the Church
to prove it was not from God then proceeded to compare it with a specially
prepared history of the JW's to show their sincerity and faithfulness to God's
Word in direct contrast to the Christian Church. He spent most of his time
criticizing the Church and comparing it with a heavenly picture of the JEW
organization. I wondered if he could name any positive things the Church and
its members had achieved, or produce information revealing the JW organization's
own shortcomings. He talked on how much the JW's are persecuted in other countries
for their faith. The whole point of his talking seemed to discredit the Church
in the light of a wonderful picture of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
One of the things that baffled me was his persistence to see reality only
according to what had been defined by the WT. There seemed to be a magical
spell preventing him from viewing things any other way. After reading some
Christian literature designed to inform the reader about JW's, I realised
that there was a lot more than just arrogance and deceitfulness behind this
young enthusiastic door-knocker. He was one of many caught up under the manipulative
influence of the New World Society.
Some of the questions that arose in my mind (and in no doubt other's minds
as well) included 1. Why are the Jehovah's Witnesses so successful at converting
people and maintaining their membership? 2. Why are they so hard to win for
Christ? 3. Why do they convert even the intelligent and God-fearing people?
This study attempts to answer those questions by revealing their persuasion
techniques, their propaganda, their conditioning, their beliefs and their
fears; and by comparing it with other psycho-social research and conclusions.
This study will no doubt reflect both negative and positive biases in the
conclusions drawn. The report involves interpretation and categorisation of
large amounts of biased literature. Bearing this in mind, the reader will
need to form his/her own conclusions based on the data here and their own
research.
It is my desire that this study will promote understanding as to why people
become Jehovah's Witnesses and why they remain in the organization. I hope
this study may help the reader to work out strategic and sensitive preventative
approaches to be able to effectively hinder their friends or family members
from becoming involved within the Watchtower religion. Also for those currently
or planning on evangelising Jehovah's Witnesses, or helping those who want
to leave, that they may gain insight into what they are faced with, and thus
plan and pray accordingly. Last but not least, I hope that this study may
be used as a resource that is distributed to JW's so that they may see that
their religion is not everything it claims to be.
This directed study project aims to highlight the techniques and environment
used by the JW's to convert and maintain their membership. This will be done
by contrasting and comparing information relating to the Watchtower with evaluative
criteria taken from a range of relevant disciplines. This paper will seek
to show the psychological dangers of getting involved with Jehovah's Witnesses.
Criteria for Cult Manipulation
The majority of people would know Jehovah's Witnesses as nicely groomed people
who come knocking at their doors on unpredictable occasions offering religious
literature for sale or introducing their beliefs through carefully prepared
conversations on issues that may be of concern to the householder. Very few
people would understand the powerful manipulative techniques that their Organisation,
the Watchtower (WT), exerts unknown to the Jehovah's Witness or those they
are trying to convert. More and more testimonies and articles are being written
accusing the WT of being a mind control cult. The WT naturally denies this
(The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] 15/2/1994:3-7) but the ever-growing
evidence is stacking against the Society.
Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform
Robert Lifton's book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism (1961)
is still a standard text in identifying the marks of cult mind control (Hassan
& Das, n.d.). The book comes as a result of his studies of the techniques
of 'brainwashing' or 'thought reform' used by the Red Chinese during the Korean
war on American prisoners and now more and more researchers and psychologists
have noted similar patterns within cultic groups (Gordon, n.d.). In chapter
eight, Lifton lists eight criteria to judge whether mind control is being
used.
These criteria consist of eight psychological themes which are predominant
within the social field of the thought reform milieu. Each has a totalistic
quality; each depends upon an equally absolute philosophical assumption; each
mobilises certain individual emotional tendencies, mostly of a polarising
nature. Psychological theme, philosophical rationale, and polarised individual
tendencies are interdependent; they require, rather than directly cause, each
other. In combination they create an atmosphere which may temporarily energise
or exhilarate, but which at the same time poses the gravest of human threats.
(Lifton, 1961:420 quoted by Groenveld, n.d.)
Below is a synthesis of Lifton's ideas with general cultic application. Each
description is followed with an evaluation of the JW's in relation to the
statement. Although the following information stresses environmental factors,
manipulation of the environment is a technique used not only to implement
and facilitate mind control techniques, but is a form of mind control technique
in its own right. By manipulating the environment the cult group manipulates
those within it to greater and lesser degrees. It would be almost impossible
to identify the exact individual components of mind control within any given
environment so for the purposes of this study those already identified mind
control environments will be examined as a whole. Mind control is not achieved
as a result of one stand alone element but a series of elements working together.
Environmental manipulation is a technique used by those who attempt to exert
mind control on their members.
Milieu Control
The organisation seeks to control the environment and human communication
within the environment (Characteristics of a Destructive Cult, n.d.). The
control of communication includes inter-personal control, informational control,
and intra-personal thought control (Hassan & Das, n.d.). Reading critical
literature or thinking critical thoughts is banned. The thought reform environment
aims is to control "what the individual sees, hears, reads, writes, experiences
and expresses" (Groenveld, n.d.). Truth is the sole possession of the organisation
and reality is defined by its standards and interpretations (ibid). Independent
judgement must be thwarted to maintain obedience to and dependence on the
organisation.
The Watchtower Society exerts a comprehensive control over the information
encountered externally and internally in the Jehovah's Witnesses. The Watchtower
claims that it alone teaches truth and any other source should be viewed with
suspicion (including one's own thoughts that have not yet been officially
sanctioned by the WT - this is seen as going beyond the truth (Groenveld,
n.d.). JW's cannot determine truth from the Bible; truth must be interpreted
by the Governing Body . Members are not allowed to write apologetic material
themselves and pass it around among the congregation. Only contemporary Watchtower
publications are the truth, unless otherwise quoted by the WT. Kingdom Halls
must follow exactly the order of service outline provided by the Brooklyn
Headquarters. Congregations are forbidden to use musicians to play the assigned
hymns, rather for conformity sake, accompanying music is provided on tape
from Brooklyn. Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to hold any unauthorised
(by Brooklyn Headquarters) congregational meetings.
Members are encouraged to spend time away from secular (worldly) activities,
such as higher education and unnecessary extra employment, so as to spend
more time pursuing 'kingdom' activities (Groenveld, n.d.). The JW's are encouraged
to fellowship with other JWs and to abstain as much as possible from 'worldly'
relationships (Sherrill, n.d.; Pay Attention to Yourselves and the Flock [PAYF],
1991:22). Interaction with the world is only through business and witnessing.
In proselytising they are often verbally abused and further alienated from
outside contacts.
The Watchtower extends its control of the thoughts within the minds of their
people. People are not allowed to think thoughts that are independent of Watchtower
doctrine or policy. The Society writes: "To this day, it [independent thinking]
has been Satan's subtle design to infect God's people with this type of thinking.—2
Timothy 3:1, 13. 21 How is such independent thinking manifested? A common
way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."
(WT 15.1.1983:22)
Jehovah's Witnesses fill their lives and minds with Watchtower information,
WT activities and Witness friends and family. The WT, in effect, has managed
to isolate Jehovah's Witnesses from society without physically removing them.
They achieve this by emotionally, intellectually and relationally dislocating
them within the communities in which they live.
Mystical Manipulation
People are manipulated towards specific patterns of behaviour and emotions
in such a way that appears to have originated mystically (Characteristics
of a Destructive Cult (CDC), n.d.). The totalist leaders claim to be sole
agents of God (or another supernatural source), disclosing his requirements
and truth, so the person must rely solely on them for divine guidance and
salvation (CDC, n.d.). Stories of God's providence over group members are
relayed affirming that they are in the truth, while at the same time anything
negative that happens to those who have left the group is attributed to "God's
punishment' (Watters, n.d.[c]). Any criticisms encountered are 'persecution'
and are a sign that Satan is reacting against 'the truth'.
The WT claim that they are the only God-chosen organisation, having God as
its manager and editor of its publications (Fred W. Franz-For Defts.-Direct,
NY King's County Clerk's court record, 1940, Vol.II:795; WT 1/11/1956:666
quoted in Reed, 1995:93). People are told to respond to the Watchtower publications
as they would the voice of God, and disobedience to WT directions is equated
with disobedience to God (WT 15/6/1957:370; WT 15/2/1976:124). In their Yearbooks
the WT publishes vivid accounts of how angels guarded Witnesses in dangerous
situations and stories of how people remain loyal to 'Jehovah's organisation'
even under persecution for being God's chosen people.
Jehovah's Witnesses often warn their prospective convert that once they begin
regular Bible studies with the Witnesses demons may attack them. When any
negative event follows, such as a family member warning them to beware of
the JW's, this is seen as demonic attack and confirmation that this must then
be the truth (Francis, 1985:64) .
Positive feelings towards the group are manipulated in such a way that it
appears to have divine origin. By the use of clever questions designed for
preconceived answers, recruits give logical answers on topics only to discover
that the answers they gave align completely with the Jehovah's Witnesses understanding,
thus verifying the 'Truth' (Burrows, n.d.[d]). For people who visit the Kingdom
Hall, members are encouraged to try and make them feel warm, inviting them
to dinner or calling in on friendly visits. If the person has been visited
by Witnesses, she/he will know most people already because the Witness will
bring a different member of the congregation each visit to help orchestrate
planned spontaneity (Groenveld, n.d.). The purpose of all this attention is
to let "them see that genuine love exists among Jehovah's people" (PAYF, 1991:22)
and to help fill the "void created when they cut off former associations and
worldly entertainment" (ibid). The positive feelings orchestrated by the individual
and group serve to reinforce that they really are God's people.
The JW's repeatedly emphasise the spirit and biblical world and judge physical
reality from their metaphysical mind-set. They believe with all their heart
that God has truly chosen their organisation and that Satan is doing everything
possible to disrupt God's work through them. They are in the middle of a 'spiritual
battle' with ever present dangers therefore they need to stay close to their
mother organisation. New converts learn to view their everyday experiences
and emotions as resulting from spiritual struggles with the Devil or spiritual
blessings from Jehovah.
Loading the Language
By controlling language organisations can control thinking (Hassan & Das,
n.d.). By using 'conversation-stopping' clichés and words such as 'chauvinist'
or 'upright citizen', whole complicated ideas or movements can be compressed
into a positive or negative connotative statement (ibid). Words are often
given new meanings according to the organisation's ideology either to separate
the 'in-group' from the 'outsiders', or to make their message more acceptable
to those they are trying to converted (CDC, n.d.). In the Moonies, all human
relationships are described in two phrases. A 'Cain-Abel' relationship signified
a superior/inferior relationship while 'Chapter 2 problems' related to sexuality,
and any attraction felt between members (Hassan, 1990:176). Hassan comments
that such simplification of complicated life issues into "a single set of
principles that have an inner coherence" enables people to "claim the experience
of truth and feel it." (ibid.)
The WT literature is surprisingly appealing and psychologically powerful.
It utilises simple, cliché-ridden language to attract and impress the imaginative
and simple minded people (Gordon, n.d.). The WT uses totalistic value-laden
words to separate its doctrines and people from outsiders. To illustrate this
further, information from 'apostates' (ie. any of all former members of the
WT - no exceptions) is 'spiritual pornography' from the 'evil slave' which
dines at 'the table of demons' whereas official WT knowledge is from the 'faithful
and discreet slave' (the WT Governing Body) who eat 'true spiritual food'
(ie spiritual knowledge) at 'Jehovah's table' (WT, 1/7/1994:11; Let Your Name
Be Sanctified, 1961:302; WT 1/8/1980:20). To cope with the dissonance caused
by past WT 'truth' becoming out-dated with new contradictory 'truth' metaphors
are employed to subtly redefine the definition of truth. The light of truth
becomes progressively brighter, revealing new truths clearer than ever before
and supposedly adding to, but not contradicting, old truths (Zion's Watch
Tower, 2/1881:3). However the evidence at many points indicates doctrinal
contradiction, so more recently the WT added another metaphor for 'truth':
At times explanations given by Jehovah's organization have shown adjustments,
seemingly to previous pints of view. But this has not actually been the case.
This is compared to what is known in navigational circles as "tacking." By
manoeuvring the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left,
back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination
in spite of contrary winds. (WT, 1/12/1981:27)
The WT has subtly changed meanings of both contemporary terminology and biblical
terminology. The Watchtower does not deny its alteration in language but rather
proclaims that it uses 'pure language' taught by Jehovah (WT 15/8/1981:28-29).
In Genesis 1:2 in their New World Translation, they translate 'ruach' 'active
force' instead of 'spirit' to justify their doctrine that the Holy Spirit
is a force, not a person of the Godhead. WT literature is full of examples
of redefined terminology from biblical, Christian theology and modern day
examples . By loading the language the WT are able to exert control over how
their members think and manipulate the logic of unsuspecting householders,
both Christian and non-Christian alike, to more readily arrive at WT conclusions.
[Also see section titled The Substitution of Names on page 25].
Doctrine over Person
The belief of the group's ideology is all-important, whether it aligns with
reality and experience or not (Hassan & Das, n.d.). Anyone who questions the
organisation's beliefs is made to feel wrong for having done so, often having
their questions used to judge their motives, character or integrity (CDC,
n.d.). The person's value to the group is dependent on their conformity to
the group's ideals (Watters, n.d.[c]). The organisation's ultimate directive
is to clone the members of the group, rather than encourage individual expressiveness,
identity formation or independent thinking (ibid). The person's thoughts or
past and present experiences that do not align with doctrine must be reshaped,
rewritten or denied (ibid).
In the WT doctrine takes precedence over people. For over thirty years JW's
were not allowed, on the threat of expulsion from the organisation and rejection
of God, to receive vaccinations on the basis that it was "a direct violation
of the everlasting covenant God made with Noah after the flood" (The Golden
Age Magazine 4/2/1931:293). Furthermore until 1980 Jehovah's Witnesses considered
organ transplants as cannibalistic (WT 15/11/1967:702 cf. WT 15/3/1980:31).
After changing its policy on both these issues, without apology or compensation
to those whose lives are damaged as a result of loved ones dying, the WT still
demands its followers unconditionally to abstain from blood transfusions.
To this day the medical needs of thousands of their own members have been
neglected causing preventable, untimely deaths by doctrines that may be (or
have been) changed at the whim of the leaders. The following quote is a striking
example of not only how the WT is able to maintain a cloning effect within
its membership of members literally being 'one in mind', but how the WT blames
people's independent evaluations on less than desirable motive and implied
rebellious character: "From time to time, there have arisen from among the
ranks of Jehovah's people those who, like the original Satan, have adopted
an independent, faultfinding attitude....they present a "stubborn shoulder"
to Jehovah's words...They try to sow doubts and to separate unsuspecting ones
from the bounteous "table" of spiritual food spread at the Kingdom Halls of
Jehovah's Witnesses, where truly there is 'nothing lacking.' (Ps.23.1-6) They
say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in
small groups at home. But strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have
reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's
clergy were teaching 100 years ago..." (WT 15/8/1981:28-29)
The Sacred Science
Here the organisation or group proclaims it alone has absolute truth, scientifically,
psychologically and morally; and there are no valid alternatives (Hassan &
Das, n.d.; Watters, n.d.[c]; CDC, n.d.). An aura of sacredness is maintained
around its fundamental ideologies, originators of the doctrines and its present
leaders. Criticising or questioning any of these is prohibited (CDC, n.d.).
The WT proclaims boldly that it is the only organisation today proclaiming
the 'Truth', whether it be theological, psychological, medical and moral.
The Watchtower asserts: "If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize
not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother." (1/5/1957:274).
It is taught that God is the head of the corporation, the divine One who directs
the organisation (WT 1/6/1985:19). Russell, the sect's founder boldly proclaimed
"the truths I present as God's mouthpiece" (WT 15/7/1906:3821 as quoted in
Reed, 1995:77) continued similarly by the WT claiming that it is the sole
channel of communication God is using today . No questioning or criticism
of God's visible organisation is allowed . To step out on their own by independently
thinking, Jehovah's Witnesses are reminded, is to be engaged in a battle against
Satanic forces who will surely win without the support of the 'worldwide association
of brothers' (WT 15/1/1983). Psychologically, those who are Jehovah's Witnesses
are promised happiness and joy by obeying the organisation while those who
leave the organisation cannot possibly achieve happiness or success. The psychological
results reported from the WT regarding those who received a blood transfusion
are: "Moral insanity, sexual perversions, repression, inferiority complexes,
petty crimes - these often follow in the wake of blood transfusion." (WT 1/9/1961:564)
. In their brochure, How can blood save your life the WT builds a case for
blood transfusions, as if it is a medical authority on the matter, whether
they be correct or not. Further pressure is exerted on their members in that
by failing to fulfil the demands of the WT is an offence before the eyes of
God (WT 15/2/1976:402), hence obedience is ensured.
As an aside, it is interesting to note that the Watchtower denies inspiration
in its doctrines (to account for past prophetic mistakes and doctrinal changes)
yet it: · demands its people follow its directions as if spoken by God (WT
15/6/1957:370) · claims that it is God's channel of communication (WT 15/1/1969:51)
· claims to be an organisation that Jehovah is directing and making His will
known (WT 1/11/1956:666) · claims that Jehovah is providing guidance through
the columns of the WatchTower (WT 1/5/1964:277-278) · identifies itself as
prophets whom God is dispensing progressive revelations through and in its
Bible dictionary claims that both Old Testament prophets and Christian prophets
were inspired by God (WT 15/6/1964:365-366 cf Aid to Bible Understanding [WT
CDROM, 1995: IT-2:694]) · claims to make decisions under the influence of
the Holy Spirit (WT CDROM, 1995, pe 193 23).
The Watchtower, in its publications, gives more than an impression that it
is inspired, and demands total obedience and support from its members, as
if it were speaking the very words of God (thus infallible). Yet at the same
time it proclaims it is not inspired. This is a contradiction that Jehovah's
Witnesses are able to maintain in their thinking. The Jehovah's Witnesses
believe strongly that their beliefs and organisation are not man-made but
originated with God therefore all information deriving from the divine source
must be 'truth'.
The Cult of Confession
The organisation requires confession that goes beyond legal and therapeutic
boundaries (Gordon, n.d.). Members are encouraged to confess nonconforming
thoughts, feelings, and actions to the group as an act of self-surrender and
a display of loyalty to the group's ideals (Hassan & Das, n.d.). The confessions
are accompanied with criticism and self-criticism to lead to change (CDC,
n.d.).
As JW's, individuals are expected to confess their sins to the elders even
though through such confession they may be entitled to receive one of a number
of punishments (Groenveld, n.d.). If they do not, others who are aware of
the person's injunction, whether friends or family, are expected to report
them to the elders or live with the guilt (ibid.). It is the responsibility
for the elders to judge what steps should be taken. If an individual is called
up to the elders but "does not admit the wrong nature or see the need to repent,
they may have to present convincing evidence concerning his sin and concerning
his righteousness" (WT 1/9/1981:23). If it is a gross sin (ie. a sin that
could bring the congregation into ill-repute, or a serious private sin), a
judicial committee will be gathered (PAYAF, 1991:95).
Another way of confessing is that of putting in field reports. All publishers
(those who go door-to-door selling WT publications) are required to fill in
field reports of all kingdom activities for the month. This is to be assessed
by their superiors (Groenveld, n.d.). The report includes the hours spent
door-knocking, the amount of literature sold and the number of people doctrine
was discussed with (ibid.).
The Demand for Purity
The absolute goal is purification according to the group's criteria. The world
is sharply polarised between that which is 'pure' and that which is 'impure'
(CDC, n.d.). Only those thoughts and actions consistent with the group's dogma
and expectations are 'good' and morally right; everything else is stereotyped
as 'evil'. The individual conscience is unreliable and thus the individual
must put absolute trust in the 'true' teachings of the group (Watters, n.d.[c]).
The in-group propaganda, in comparing 'outside' ways to its own 'perfect'
teachings of purity, often vehemently oppose all of the other impure 'systems'
of immorality and injustice thus creating guilt and shame on members when
failing to achieve the group's perfectionist ideals (ibid). People who fail
to live up to the group's expectations are punished or taught to punish themselves.
Natural urges and emotional sensitivity towards guilt and shame are used as
levers for control (Gordon, n.d.).
The WT has divided the world into two groups: those who are part of God's
kingdom and those who are part of Satan's. Every worldly thing emanates from
Satan and is thus inherently evil and to be rejected (eg celebrating birthdays)
(Groenveld, n.d.). Those who are part of God's kingdom (i.e. the NWS) must
devote absolute loyalty and obedience to it and its requirements. The individual's
conscience is not a reliable guide - only the WT can distinguish between what
is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false, what is godly
and what is worldly (ibid.). Members are encouraged to feel repulsed at any
worldly thought or action. Those who do not obey the Society's demands are
made to feel guilty, or if found out and are not repentant are shunned, marked
or disfellowshipped by the congregation (including immediate family, and close
friends) .
The Dispensing of Existence
Within the group ideology, its members are part of the elect who are walking
in the truth, while all others are in the dark and therefore are not worthy
to exist (Gordon, n.d.; CDC, n.d.). In totalitarian states this may warrant
executions (Hassan & Das, n.d.). The group decides the criteria for who will
have eternal life and who will not (CDC, n.d.). By joining the group and submitting
to its requirements one is given the right of eternal existence whereas one
leaving the group forfeits this right (Dr. Robert J. Lifton's Criteria for
Thought Reform, n.d.).
The WT has sharply polarised its distinctiveness from all other people and
organisations today. In the JW publication Revelation: It's Grand Climax at
Hand! (referred to as now as Grand Climax) people are categorised as either
being revealed as Jehovah's seed and belonging to his "wifelike celestial
organization" (1988:11) or "Satan's human seed" (ibid., 12) belonging to his
"invisible organisation on earth." (ibid., 11) . Those identifying themselves
with the WT will be resurrected after death, to either live forever on earth
or in heaven, depending on what class according to WT doctrine they belong
(WT 15/2/1983:12; 15/11/1981:21; Grand Climax, 1988:12). "There is nowhere
else to go for divine favor and life eternal." (WT 15/11/1992:21). Those who
are outsiders have a destiny of annihilation (cf. The New World, 1942:249).
By becoming a member and following its prescribed beliefs and behaviours,
outsiders may be included in the in-group and have life eternal granted. By
voluntarily or involuntarily leaving the organisation one automatically forfeits
the right to eternal existence.
Hassan's Criteria for Mind Control
Steven Hassan is a leading American Exit Counsellor who authored Combatting
Cult Mind Control (1990); now a standard text for understanding the tactics
and influences of the cults (Hassan & Das, n.d.). He believes that cults try
to suppress people's distinct individual freedom by suppressing their free
will, talents, creativity and ability to think for themselves. The ultimate
goal of indoctrination and gradual disassociation is to make unique individuals
into 'clones' that fit the cult's mould or, theologically speaking, to re-mould
people bearing God's image to people reflecting the image of the cult leader/s
(ibid.).
Hassan lists four main categories of mind control:
Behaviour Control
Behaviour control is about directing the individual's behaviour and movements
within his/her physical reality (Groenveld, n.d.). The cult may exert control
over a person's accommodation, interpersonal association, physical appearance,
time of sleep, partner selection, speech, education, career, finance, leisure,
sexual activities and children (Hassan, 1990:60; Groenveld, n.d.; Four Aspects
of Mind Control (FAMC), n.d.). Each cult has its own specific schedules and
behaviours that the members are expected to conform to. Often there are rigid
rules and guidelines that members are expected to enact in accordance with
displaying loyalty to the group's philosophy. Absolute obedience and dependence
to both the group and its leadership is demanded (Hassan & Das, n.d.). Cults
often demand large time commitments for group related activities and indoctrination
(ibid). Behavioural modification techniques, including the use of positive
and negative reinforcements, and punishment, are actively used to encourage
and maintain 'correct' behaviour (FAMC, n.d.). People are encouraged to report
feelings, thoughts and activities to superiors for continual monitoring (Hassan
& Das, n.d.). The leaders know that they cannot directly control the thoughts
of people but if they can control people's behaviour, then their minds and
hearts will follow (Hassan, 1990:59; FAMC, n.d.; Groenveld, n.d.).
The WT exerts behavioural control over their members. Richard Francis, an
ex-JW after thirty years of membership, comments: "Already there are millions
of people who have given unqualified allegiance, at least in word, to this
organization. They follow its advice in matters as important as sex, birth
control, euthanasia, medical treatments, employment, education, career, business,
marriage, divorce, child-training, interpersonal activities, social relationships,
etc." (Francis, 1985:32).
Members are told how not to dress and groom, who they may or may not associate
with, to study WT literature rather than pursue higher education, to spend
their time in Kingdom activities (proselytising, attending multiple congregational
meetings each week, attending Bible study groups) rather than in unnecessary
extra employment or leisure, and what they should say in answer to objections
raised in door-to-door ministry (Groenveld, n.d.). Active witnesses are to
report activities according to rank - publisher field service reports, congregation
report cards, special pioneer reports, missionary home reports and circuit
and district overseers' reports monthly field service report, missionary home
reports (Branch Procedures, n.d.:16). Required behaviour is linked with Scripture
(and WT magazine articles) to ensure obedience.
Conformity is often misjudged by outsiders as either participants showing
strength of character or displaying loving unity (FAMC, n.d.). The opposite
is often true. Unless Witnesses behave according to WT 'recommendations' they
may be punished by having privileges withdrawn, be rebuked by elders or a
judicial meeting, being publicly shamed by having their name read out to the
congregation for committing an offence, be marked (quasi-shunned), shunned
or disfellowshipped (Burrows, n.d.[b]).
Information Control
By controlling information cults prevent people making informed judgements
and critical evaluation to guide their thinking and decisions independently
(Groenveld, n.d.). Cults often utilise deceptive techniques, such as distorting
information, withholding information or outright lying, to recruit and maintain
followers (Hassan & Das, n.d.; FAMC, n.d.). Accessing sources of information
from outside of the cult is discouraged (ie TV, radio, magazines, books),
and any media critical of the cult from any source but particularly if written
by former members is forbidden and to be rejected outright (Hassan & Das,
n.d.; Hassan, 1990:65).
In contrast to its censorship of outside information, the cult will generate
its own information about its doctrines, practices, history and commentaries
on contemporary and historical issues and organisations. These may take the
form of journals, sacred writings (e.g. The Book of Mormon), newsletters,
videos or any other useful media (Hassan & Das, n.d.). Misquotations and statements
from non-cult sources are often used to justify the cult's views (ibid.).
The people are encouraged to live on a learning diet consisting of a sole
intake of cultic propaganda to align their thinking with the cult's views.
Even the cult's own information is not always accessible (Hassan & Das, n.d.).
Often there is a hierarchical structure with levels of information for people
according to their rank . Those in the recruit stage often receive glamorous
tokens of information but only as they become more entrenched in the group
are they exposed to the more important and unpalatable doctrines (FAMC, n.d.).
Who needs to know what is decided among the leadership (Hassan & Das, n.d.).
The WT is a classic organisation to study regarding its use of information
control. Outside information, whether it contains religious or non-religious
content, is censored to members . The need to avoid information from ex-members
is particularly emphasised. The WT often uses graphic similes such as likening
'apostate' material to pornography or gangrene - resulting in spiritual death
(WT 15/3/1986:14-15) .
The Watchtower generates enormous amounts of literature to be distributed
all around the world, informing its people about it's history, it's beliefs
and practices, and giving advice on personal issues of all varieties. The
WT, in many ways stands as judge. It decides which history books are correct,
which medical practices are moral, how to interpret the Bible, what beliefs
and practices are God-honouring, when Christ has spiritually returned and
when the world will end.
The average Witness intellectual diet consists of studying WT literature and
discussing WT doctrine. Jehovah's Witnesses are expected to read each fortnightly
edition of the Watchtower magazine from cover to cover (approximately 30 pages)
as well as to come prepared to discuss the articles at the meetings held each
week (Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook, 1971:36). They are also expected
to be well read in all of the other contemporary WT literature. David Reed,
an ex-JW comments that "the books, magazines, lessons, and so on, added up
to over three thousand pages each year, compared with less than two hundred
pages of Bible reading assigned" (1986:121). The articles and the discussions
centre around a few pertinent WT doctrinal themes. The repetitiousness of
the material and the intensity with which it is studied has a total indoctrination
effect over the members.
WT literature is treated as sacred (but this would never be admitted). Although
its contents are based on biblical analysis, members are taught that if they
had a choice between reading the Bible or the WT, they should choose the WT
. Although reporting that it is not inspired, it claims that "God uses The
Watchtower to communicate to his people; it does not consist of men's opinions."
(WT 1/1/1942). Its people believe it as if it were infallible.
Information is limited according to who is requiring it. For the 'enemies
of God', the JW is allowed to lie . Accessibility of information is limited.
The higher the place one has in the organisation the more material will be
available for accessing. Those who write the WT articles often quote from
a wide variety of books including works written by Christians, spiritists,
and secular authors. These books are not allowed to be read by the average
JW. Books, such as Pay Attention to Yourselves and the Flock (1991) are not
to be viewed by anybody of lesser position than elder. The further up the
WT you go the more information available from other sources.
[See sections titled Selection on p.26 and Deception and Lying on p.29 for
related analysis]
Thought Control
Cults employ thought controlling and thought-stopping techniques to maintain
control of their people. Thought control is effected by conditioning members
to internalise the cult's ideology and world-view as 'Truth' (Hassan & Das,
n.d.). This acts as a filter for all incoming information and regulates how
information is processed (Groenveld, n.d.). The group adopts its own unique
language made up of words from every-day use and Scripture with word meanings
changed; from being subtly modified to grossly distorted. Changing the vocabulary
has a twofold purpose. Its reductionist language serves to reduce the complexities
of life and knowledge into simplistic, dualistic frameworks thus reducing
and limiting the understanding of cult members and verifying the group's rationale
that it alone has the answer to life (Hassan & Das, n.d.). The second purpose
of 'loading' the language is to create barriers between the insiders and outsiders
(Hassan, 1990:62). In evangelism it serves to confuse the outsiders about
their own religious beliefs contrasted with a more reasonable argument postulated
by the recruiter. Apologetically, it may prevent discernment of the group's
more undesirable and unacceptable doctrines to the antagonistic outsider or
interested parties. For the ingroup it serves to help members think only in
terms of the 'official' thought patterns (Stevens, 1996:33).
Members are not only indoctrinated by the group but are also encouraged to
indoctrinate themselves through thought-stopping techniques (Hassan, 1990:62).
Since the members are taught not to critically evaluate the leaders or doctrines,
they must stop discordant reasoning and encourage only 'good' and 'proper'
thoughts (Hassan & Das, n.d.). By employing techniques such as denial, rationalising,
justifying, wishful thinking, chanting, meditating, repetition of Bible-verses,
singing, and speaking in tongues the people can drown out any destabilising
cogitations (ibid, FAMC, n.d.).
The Jehovah's Witnesses have their own unique language. Their language is
simple, reductionist and many of their terms are borrowed from Scripture.
The subtle changes of meanings of words help the WT doctrines become logically
consistent while making any alternative interpretation untenable and dubious.
For example, the WT has redefined the biblical understanding of the 'soul'
from an 'immaterial part of man that lives beyond the grave' to another term
for 'person' (Reed, 1996:215). This makes their doctrine of annihilation after
death more tenable. Hence, a fundamental task a JW must employ in discussing
doctrine with a Christian is to explicitly redefine Scriptural words, or implicitly
redetermine their meanings within the arguments presented, according to WT
definitions. It also helps them disguise their doctrine. An example of this
is when Jehovah's Witnesses tell people they are preaching the 'good news',
they do not mean the news about Jesus imminent return as most people familiar
with biblical terminology would understand it to mean, but the news that Jesus
has returned (WT 1/10/1980:28-29; Reed, 1996:122).
The WT allows words no alternative shades of meaning (unless it supports WT
doctrine). This further limits JW thought to colourless literalism and distorts
the message of the original biblical languages with which the words often
have numerous and varying meanings.
The Witness will also repeatedly discuss phrases and topics that he or she
wants the recruit to become familiar with (eg emphasising the need to honour
God's name - Jehovah; emphasising the need to maintain correct knowledge and
to shun anything with pagan origins). The Jehovah's Witnesses continually
fill their minds with the language and thinking of the WT and are taught to
think and argue only according to WT training. They are not allowed to think
independently. If they do start thinking independently they must quickly stabilise
themselves by reading WT literature, speaking to their elders or spending
more time in WT activities, lest they be found out, accused and punished.
By redefining and controlling vocabulary and language both Jehovah's Witnesses
and their recruits are taught how to think. [For further details see sections
titled Loading the Language on page 10 and The Substitution of Names on page
25]
Emotional Control
Cultic groups seek to manipulate members' feelings to ensure control. Although
they do encourage positive feelings (ie. people should be ever joyful because
they live in the 'Truth'), their most destructive power lies in their ability
to initiate and manipulate people's own negative feelings, such as fear and
guilt, for the cult's own ends (Groenveld, n.d.; Hassan, 1990:63).
The group places all blame (other than the blame projected onto other 'enemy'
groups) for problems on their people. Their people learn to do likewise, blaming
themselves for anything that goes wrong rather than examining the group, its
teaching or its leadership (Hassan & Das, n.d.; FAMC, n.d.).
Manipulation of negative emotions comes in several forms. Guilt is used in
many ways. People are made to feel guilty for thinking discordant thoughts,
their past, family, affiliations and for failing to live up to the group's
expectations (Hassan & Das, n.d.). Fear is also a powerful motivator to maintain
obedience. People are taught to fear the outside world and enemies, independent
thinking, group punishment (humiliation, shunning, excommunication), and losing
salvation (ibid). By systematically programming in irrational fears, the cult
can indoctrinate phobias into their members. Examples of these are: there
is no happiness outside of the group, the world together with all of the Satanic
forces are out to persecute you, those who leave will have something disastrous
happen to them (perhaps being punished by God or attacked by demons), and
there is no justifiable way out of the group (to leave the group is evidence
of a negative personal attribute such as rebellious or unspiritual) (ibid).
To understand WT obedience it is essential to examine its use of emotional
manipulation. The WT manipulates both positive and negative emotions to maintain
control. Its most effective control however, comes in its ability to condition
and manipulate fear into its peoples minds. The Jehovah's Witnesses are taught
to fear. The examples mentioned in the previous paragraph equally appear in
Jehovah Witness psychology. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to fear God, Armageddon,
the Devil and his demons, apostates, the world, and WT and divine retributions
(most notably for being disfellowshipped or leaving the Organisation; also
for breaking any WT 'suggestions'). (Watters, n.d.[f]). The WT creates phobias
in the people's minds by exaggerating small harmless activities or behaviours
into major crimes. Those who celebrate Christmas and birthdays or salute a
national flag are participating in an act of evil worship (Watters, n.d.[e]).
Guilt likewise is also used as a lever for manipulation. An example of this
is shown in the May 15 edition of the 1990 WatchTower: Some who were at one
time progressing toward dedication later may seem to be holding back. If they
do not have enough love for God in their heart to make an unreserved dedication
to him, they ought to ask themselves whether they still have the wonderful
privilege of prayer. Apparently not, because those approaching God must be
earnestly seeking him and also righteousness and meekness. (Zephaniah 2:3)
Everyone who really fears Jehovah is a believer who makes a dedication to
God and symbolizes it by getting baptized. (Acts 8:13; 18:8) And only baptized
believers have an unrestricted privilege of approaching the King Eternal in
prayer." (12 quoted in Watters, n.d.[f]) .
Any problems that arise caused by the Organisation are promptly redirected
to the members. A classic example of this happened in the wake of the failed
1975 prophecy of Armageddon. Although the WT in many implicit and explicit
articles had pointed the people to the expectation of 1975 heralding Armageddon,
the WT published an article putting the brunt of responsibility for the people's
disappointment back on themselves: "15 But it is not advisable for us to set
our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily
care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need
. We may be forgetting that, when the "day" comes, it will not change the
principle that Christians must at all times take care of all their responsibilities.
If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought,
he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not
the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but
that his own understanding was based on wrong premises." (WT 15/7/1976:441
- emphasis added) .
Conclusion
Is the Watchtower a mind control cult according to the criteria set forth
by Robert Lifton and Steven Hassan? The evidence points conclusively to the
affirmative. In all areas the Jehovah's Witnesses have shown some degree of
mind control. Much more could have been added to each section to further justify
this conclusion but the evidence here is sufficient. To the cults, the end
justifies the means, and with the WT, this equally applies. The techniques
used to maintain "a controlled spiritual environment" (Francis, 1997:106)
do not lead to the liberty Christ spoke of in Luke 4:18 but rather lead to
unhealthy dependence, bordering on idolatry, of an authoritarian human institution
that utilises deceptive techniques that are designed to undercut individual
volitional autonomy. Testimonies of ex-members abound, describing liberty
and freedom they have encountered when they managed to break free of the WT
hold (Francis, 1997:106).
Propaganda
It would not be too presumptuous to presume that the bulk of what the average
JW knows about religion, about their organisation and its work; the interpretation
of world events, history and biblical passages, and their knowledge of 'true'
doctrines is primarily through their literature. What the Watchtower proclaims,
although it is admitted that the material is not inspired or infallible, is
received unquestionably as 'truth'. Thus the Watchtower is a primary source
of influencing the minds and behaviour of its people. Can it be classed as
propaganda and does it use propagandists' techniques to influence those who
read it?
Propaganda has been in existence ever since people have been seeking to influence
others towards their ideas and goals. The word originates from the Latin word
propagare which means the reproducing of new plants by planting freshly cut
shoots from an established plant (Brown, 1963:10). The first recorded use
of the word 'propaganda' was in 1633, where a renewed thrust in mission by
the Catholic Church was named the Congegatio de Propaganda Fide. Here the
central task was to convert the minds of foreign people to accept the Christian
doctrines of Catholicism (Brown, 1963:10-11). In both World Wars, propaganda
was extensively used with great effect by both sides to increase hatred for
the enemy and motivate nationalistic loyalty (Brown, 1963:11). It has been
used by the politicians, by advertisers, by health workers, and by religious
groups. At its grass roots level of definition, propaganda is "...an organised
dissemination of information and ideas...", using any media that can convey
ideas, "...to persuade the recipients of the truth of their propositions and
beliefs" (Dean, 1995:695).
The propagandist differs from the educator in that the propagandist encourages
people to reach his/her preconceived conclusions by offering no desirable
alternative, and criticising any others that may exist; whereas the teacher
helps the student make an informed decision based on an adequate understanding
of the alternatives. The teacher shows people how to think, the propagandist
tells people what to think (Brown, 1963:21). In practice no teaching is ever
propaganda free however profitable teaching encourages thinking whereas teaching
with heavy propaganda discourages thinking and independent value judgements.
The history of propaganda has shown that it has been abused by the propagandists.
Some of the more unethical tactics commonly attributed to the propagandist
are misleading people through the use of half-truths or lies presented as
'truth'. Half-truths and lies have been used very effectively, particularly
in the World Wars. Due to the many different uses and connotations of the
word propaganda, the definition covers a broad spectrum of everyday experience.
This report is not so concerned with whether the WT literature is propaganda
or not, but whether the WT literature uses some of the more explicit and persuasive
propagandists' techniques in recruiting and maintaining membership.
Propaganda Techniques:
The Use of Stereotypes
Propaganda utilises stereotyping to create fixed impressions about particular
'types' of people. These people are judged as a whole group rather than on
an individual basis, and their actions are interpreted according to the expectations
of the stereotyped image portrayed about them (Myers, 1996:510; Brown, 1963:26).
Propaganda encourages stereotyping (either with positive or negative connotations)
to establish loyalty to its message and hostility to other ideas. Examples
of groups of people that have been stereotyped are the Jews, the Japanese,
the Protestants, and the Communists.
The Watchtower's most powerful psychological weapon for increasing prejudice
is that of stereotyping itself and its rivals. Jehovah's Witnesses love presenting
the clergy, the Christian Church, and the worldly governments in the worst
possible light, according to their own selective biblical interpretation,
historical interpretation and reasoning. In creating stereotypes to downgrade
Christianity, they highlight selective negative aspects of certain Christian
groups throughout history (such as the conflict between Catholics and Protestants
in Ireland, or the Crusades) and generalise their conclusions to the whole
of the Christian Church - present and past. By stereotyping Christianity with
selected negative images it is not surprising that the JW will minimise any
good that individual Christians and Christian groups may be doing. To the
JW, each church or denomination is just as bad as the next and it is their
job to present the 'truth' to those few Christians within 'Babylon the Great'
(a name selected for the Christian Church cf Revelation 18:2 cited in Proclaimers,
1993:188-189 on WT CD-ROM, 1996) who love God. On the flip-side the WT has
stereotyped the NWS and its members as people who sincerely want to do the
will of God and are succeeding in this. The teaching and literature of the
WT is true 'spiritual food' and all other sources of information are 'philosophies
of man' and are to be treated accordingly. By stereotyping, the WT can implant
powerful world-views on their people which then become filters to assess 'truth'.
The stereotypes formed are based solely on biased WT prepared information
to justify their assumptions and conclusions. and give the impression that
the 'evidence' points to the Jehovah's Witnesses alone as the 'bearers of
the truth'.
The Substitution of Names
The substitution of names is a common practice of the propagandist. To get
the message across, the propagandist will substitute words that give one impression
for other words that either arouse or diminish emotions and enhance people's
acceptance of the message. For the pro-abortionist 'baby' becomes 'foetus',
for the Westerner 'Communist' becomes 'Red' and 'Capitalism' becomes 'Free
Enterprise' (Brown, 1963:27). The WT likewise litters its literature with
value-laden substituted names to increase its popularity among members and
recruits. The whole of the Christian Church is known as Christendom , while
'the faithful and discreet Slave' is a biblical phrase borrowed from Matthew
24:45 representing "the entire body of spirit-anointed Christians [an elite
class of Jehovah Witness] on earth" (WT 1/2/1995:13). Any non-Witness is classed
as a "worldling" and those who leave the Organisation wear the negative emotionally-charged
label "apostate" . These terms are defined with descriptive language to create
in-built emotional judgements every time the word or phrase is expressed.
Thus the ideology becomes more easily accepted.
Selection and Card-Stacking
The propagandist carefully selects information that points to the conclusions
that the readers are expected to reach. Information is carefully omitted that
is not helpful in influencing the final conclusion (Brown, 1963:27). The reader
is expected to make a judgement based on the narrow and biased data given.
The reader is often unaware that any other data exists that might contradict
the conclusion he/she is expected to make. Careful selection of evidence limits
the reader from questioning the propagandist's assertions and conclusions,
and is deliberately designed to decrease the person's independent thought
and evaluation (Brown, 1963:28). Similar to this is the technique of card-stacking.
Card-stacking is an argument where all the evidence (whether it be true or
false) is stacked in order so that the only conclusion possible is the conclusion
the propagandist wants to be accepted. This is often done through comparing
the propagandist's ideas with opposing ideas, but done in such a way that
the propagandist's point seems to be the correct idea. (Lee & Lee, 1971: as
adapted in Robertson, 1987:551).
Jehovah's Witness literature is highly selective in the material it presents
it readers. Following is an excerpt from the WT CD ROM and also their article
Transfusions_how_safe.htm downloaded on The WatchTower web site. Notice how
information is carefully prepared using both selection and card-stacking to
help the reader conclude that blood transfusions are not safe: "Before submitting
to any serious medical procedure, a thinking person will learn the possible
benefits and the risks. What about blood transfusions? They are now a prime
tool in medicine. Many physicians who are genuinely interested in their patients
may have little hesitation about giving blood. It has been called the gift
of life. Millions have donated blood or have accepted it. For 1986-87 Canada
had 1.3 million donors in a population of 25 million. "[In] the most recent
year for which figures are available, between 12 million and 14 million units
of blood were used in transfusions in the United States alone."—The New York
Times, February 18, 1990. "Blood has always enjoyed a 'magical' quality,"
notes Dr. Louise J. Keating. "For its first 46 years, the blood supply was
perceived as being safer than it actually was by both physicians and the public."
(Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, May 1989) What was the situation then,
and what is it now? Even 30 years ago, pathologists and blood-bank personnel
were advised: "Blood is dynamite! It can do a great deal of good or a great
deal of harm. The mortality from blood transfusion equals that from either
anesthesia or appendectomy. There is said to be approximately one death in
1,000 to 3,000 or possibly 5,000 transfusions. In the London area there has
been reported one death for every 13,000 bottles of blood transfused."—New
York State Journal of Medicine, January 15, 1960.
Have the dangers since been eliminated so that transfusions are now safe?
Frankly, each year hundreds of thousands have adverse reactions to blood,
and many die." (HB pages 7-8 from WT CD ROM, 1996) Disease Free Or Fraught
With Danger? Blood-borne disease worries conscientious physicians and many
patients. Which disease? Frankly, you cannot limit it just to one; there are
indeed many.
After discussing the more well-known diseases, Techniques of Blood Transfusion
(1982) addresses "other transfusion-associated infectious diseases," such
as syphilis, cytomegalovirus infection, and malaria. It then says: "Several
other diseases have also been reported to be transmitted by blood transfusion,
including herpes virus infections, infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr
virus), toxoplasmosis, trypanosomiasis [African sleeping sickness and Chagas'
disease], leishmaniasis, brucellosis [undulant fever], typhus, filariasis,
measles, salmonellosis, and Colorado tick fever."
The pope survived being shot. After leaving the hospital, he was taken back
for two months, "suffering a great deal." Why? A potentially fatal cytomegalovirus
infection from the blood he received. Actually, the list of such diseases
is growing. You may have read headlines such as "Lyme Disease From a Transfusion?
It's Unlikely, but Experts Are Wary." How safe is blood from someone testing
positive for Lyme disease? A panel of health officials were asked if they
would accept such blood. "All of them answered no, although no one recommended
discarding blood from such donors." How should the public feel about banked
blood that experts themselves would not accept?-The New York Times, July 18,1989.
A second reason for concern is that blood collected in one land where a certain
disease abounds may be used far away, where neither the public nor the physicians
are alert to the danger. With today's increase in travel, including refugees
and immigrants, the risk is growing that a strange disease may be in a blood
product. Moreover, a specialist in infectious diseases warned: "The blood
supply may have to be screened to prevent transmission of several disorders
that were not previously considered infectious, including leukemia, lymphoma,
and dementia [or Alzheimer's disease]."-Transfusion Medicine Reviews, January
1989. Chilling as these risks are, others have created much wider fear. Chagas'
disease illustrates how blood carries disease to distant people. "The Medical
Post" (January 16, 1990) reports that '10-12 million people in Latin America
are chronically infected.' It has been called "one of the most important transfusion
hazards in South America." An "assassin bug" bites a sleeping victim in the
face, sucks blood, and defecates in the wound. The victim may carry Chagas'
disease for years (meanwhile possibly donating blood) before developing fatal
heart complications.
Why should that concern people on distant continents? In "The New York Times"
(May 23, 1989), Dr. L. K. Altman reported on patients with posttransfusion
Chagas' disease, one of whom died. Altman wrote: "Additional cases may have
gone undetected because [doctors here] are not familiar with Chagas' disease,
nor do they realize that it could be spread by transfusions." Yes, blood can
be a vehicle by which diseases travel widely.
The uninformed person will most likely agree with the JW conclusion based
on the evidence presented. However, as with all JW propaganda, there is always
another side that is either absent, misrepresented or presented in such a
way that the WT conclusions seem the only viable solution . One needs to be
aware that the WT will use only the information (even if quoted out of context)
that will point towards their conclusions and ignore or misuse any information
that might lead to somewhat different conclusions.
Deception and Lying
Brown asserts that falsehood is a common method of the propagandist (1963:27).
Fabricating, twisting, stretching or omitting the evidence have all been utilised
in propaganda with effective results. False atrocity stories were used in
the Crusades and both World Wars to evoke public response, and this it did
with great efficacy.
The WT has a history of misquoting, misleading and deception. It's articles
often quote Scripture and other writings out of context to back up its doctrines.
Misrepresentation, outright lying and subtle twisting of information using
their loaded vocabulary are all techniques to maintain their credibility despite
facts to the contrary. Listed are some examples found within their literature
of WT deception.
"Pastor Russell held closely to the Scriptures. He believed that Christ had
been present since 1874. He also admitted in private to being that "Faithful
and Wise Servant" (WT 1/12/1916 as quoted in Reed, 1995:77) "the Lord's faithful
and wise steward, Pastor Russell" (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol 7, The Finished
Mystery 1917:418 as quoted in Reed, 1995:77) "Russell never claimed to be
the faithful and wise servant." (God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years has Approached,
1973:346 as quoted in Reed, 1995:79). And... "...the common thought of Trinitarians,
that the Son is the Father" (WT 1/2/1899 quoted in Reed, 1995:123). "The doctrine,
in brief, is that there are three gods in one..." (Let God Be True, 1952:100
quoted in Reed, 1995:123). "Three Gods in one person, or as some have put
it, one God in three persons." (WT 7/1882:369 quoted in Reed, 1995:123). These
are only two examples from many where the Watchtower has deceived or mislead.
Repetition
The propagandist uses repetition to etch his/her message into the minds of
the audience. If the word or phrase is used enough it will soon be accepted
whether it has meaning or not (Brown, 1963:27). The WT literature repeats
many phrases, words and ideas repeatedly throughout its writings. Twenty-four
times 'the faithful and discreet slave' was mentioned in the WT in 1995 (not
to mention its further repetition in the WT discussions held in Kingdom Halls
and home-groups). Through repetition JW's and converts become conditioned
to associate 'the faithful and discreet slave' with only positive and righteous
connotations. On the flip-side, the words Christendom, trinity and religionist
are repeated over and over and are associated with evil and ungodliness. When
the JW hears these words mentioned, the hairs on the back of his head stand
on end. The JW's are not only indoctrinated with repeated use of WT words
and doctrine, but are indoctrinated through the repeated stigma applied to
each.
Glittering Generalities and Name-Calling
Glittering generalities is the technique for surrounding a product or political
personality with favourable words or phrases (such as 'freedom', 'a better
future') to increase the likelihood that the audience will receive their message
(Lee, & Lee, 1971 adapted by Robertson, 1987:551). The JW's use glittering
generalities to explain their organisation, people and doctrine. Below is
one of many examples of their use of glittering generalities: "A Blessed Brotherhood
13 Being a part of the only God-approved international brotherhood is also
a source of great joy. Happily, we have the most desirable associates on earth.
Jehovah God himself pointed to our day and said: "I will rock all the nations,
and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill
this house with glory." (Haggai 2:7) True, all Christians are imperfect. However,
Jehovah has drawn such individuals to himself through Jesus Christ. (John
14:6) Since Jehovah has drawn to himself people he considers desirable, our
joy will abound if we show them brotherly love, esteem them highly, cooperate
with them in godly pursuits, uphold them in their trials, and pray in their
behalf." (WT 15/1/1995:13)
Name-calling is the opposite to the glittering generality technique. Here
the propagandist attempts to associate unfavourable words and phrases to whatever
/ whoever the propagandist opposes. The anti-abortionists would use the word
'murderer' to describe a mother who has aborted her foetus (Lee & Lee, 1971
adapted by Brown, 1987:551). When referring to groups of people or particular
beliefs that JW's must recognise as being dangerous or ungodly, the WT often
gives special terms (or may even use their common name), which are either
naturally associated with unfavourable connotations, or are defined and expounded
in such a way creates inimical associations. Below is an example of several
typical words the WT uses to create unfavourable impressions in recruits and
members minds. "Another lie made and told by Satan for the purpose of reproaching
God's name and turning men away from God is that of the 'trinity.' That doctrine
is taught by the religionists of 'Christendom' and is in substance this: 'that
there are three gods in one..." (Riches, 1936:185 quoted in Reed, 1995:124
[italics mine]).
Pinpointing the Enemy
The propagandist will always have an enemy. The message "is not only for something
but also against some real or imagined enemy who is supposedly frustrating
the will of his audience" (Brown, 1963:28). Two effects are noticed: 1. Aggression
is directed away from the propagandist's cause and 2. It helps consolidate
the loyalty of the 'in-group'. The propagandist portrays stereotyped diabolical
images of the perceived enemy. The stronger the perceived enemy, the stronger
the unification to the cause - a unification that is based on fear and hatred.
The Watchtower has been successful in creating fearful images of 'evil' enemies
to instil fear and suspicion into the members. Images of God protecting them
through maintaining obedient WT membership are the only way of assuring a
safe future in the after-life, but part of that loyalty includes being persecuted
for the Kingdom's sake with both the world, the Devil, earthly governments
and religions against them in so-called violent opposition . Outside antagonism
or criticism towards the WT and doctrines are exaggerated as persecution while
its own criticisms directed at other groups are viewed as 'exposing the evil'.
Other groups, especially the Christian church , are represented as being the
epitome of evil in comparison to a holy and stainless NWS. Here are some quotes
to demonstrate the WT pinpointing the enemy. "Haters of God and His people
are to be hated, but this does not mean that we will take any opportunity
of bringing physical hurt to them in the spirit of malice or spite, for both
malice and spite belong to the devil, whereas pure hatred does not.
"We must hate in the truest sense which is to regard with extreme and active
aversion, to consider as loathsome, odious, filthy, to detest. Surely any
haters of God are not fit to live on His beautiful earth.... "Jehovah's enemies
are recognized by their intense dislike for His people and the work these
are doing. For they would break it down and have all of Jehovah's Witnesses
sentenced to jail or concentration camps if they could. Not because they have
anything against the Witnesses personally but on account of their work. They
publish blasphemous lies and reproach the holy name of Jehovah. Do we not
hate those who hate God? We cannot love those hateful enemies for they are
fit only for destruction.... "We pray with intensity and cry out this prayer
for Jehovah to delay no longer and plead that His anger be made manifest,
oh Jehovah of hosts... be not merciful to any wicked transgressors... Consume
them in wrath, consume them so that they shall be no more (Psalm 59:4-6, 11-13)....
"When this happens what a tremendous change will take place, the tables will
be turned! Brought down will be the lofty from dwelling on high as great,
high influential ones of this world to the lowest possible place imaginable,
so low and degraded they can only be compared to being trampled under foot
by the poor like straw in a manure heap. Christendom's lofty looks, boastful
words, bragging tongue and superior attitude toward the holy Word of God,
her trust in idols, men and riches such as belong to this world will not provide
her with security or any safety from Jehovah's storm and blast..." (WT 1/12/1951:734
cited in Martin, 1985:31-32).
The Appeal to Authority and Testimonial
The propagandists will appeal to authority to authenticate their message.
The authority may be religious, scientific, a famous personality or any source
that will in some way legitimate the conclusion of the propagandist (Brown,
1963:28). Another related technique is the testimonial, whereby the propagandist
uses the testimony of people, usually well-known celebrities, to 'sell' their
product or criticise the opposition. (Lee & Lee, 1971 as adapted in Robertson,
1987:551). The WT will use anybody's authority who appears to give credence
to their argument. Their apologetic works are filled with references from
Scripture, from scholars and pseudo-scholars, from mainstream to fringe, from
religious to medical, to help credit their arguments. Publishers carry a book
entitled Reasoning which gives them ready quotes from various sources which
they can assert when the need arises to validate their conclusion. A scattering
of quotes from a wide variety of sources give people the general impression
that the sources agree with the JW conclusions, whether this is the case or
not.
Transfer
Transfer is used to gain a favourable impression by associating its message
with something that the audience views favourably. Advertisers use this technique
to sell their product by associating it with attractive models even though
there may not be any link whatsoever between the two (Lee & Lee, 1971 as adapted
in Robertson, 1987:551). WatchTower literature aims to create positive transference
regarding its religion. The articles continually boast how JW's are obedient
to God, are happily building his kingdom and are collectively the most loving
and virtuous people on earth. The picture the WT is trying to create is that
the evidence points towards the JW's being the sole group in the world to
be truly called God's people. "24 Let us enumerate some of the many fine works
of the faithful slave class. First, the slave class has been appointed over
all the Master's belongings—his Kingdom interests on earth—and these belongings
keep on increasing. Second, that class is feeding not only the anointed domestics
but an ever-expanding great crowd of other sheep with spiritual food. Third,
the slave class is taking the lead in spreading the Kingdom light. Fourth,
its greatest expansion of activities is in the gathering of the great crowd
of other sheep, bringing them to Jehovah's spiritual temple. Fifth, the slave
class, with the wholehearted support of sheeplike ones, is providing enlarged
facilities for branch organizations around the globe, as well as at the headquarters
in the United States. Such loving labors have made the slave class the happiest
people on earth today, and they have made millions of other people happy too.
All of these give thanks to Jehovah God and to Jesus Christ, who have directed
the expanded activities of the discreet slave! 25 The slave class is now working
harder than ever at its God-assigned duties. The time left before the outbreak
of the "great tribulation" is almost gone! (Matthew 24:21) How vital it is
that these who are God's sheep stay on the right side of favor of his Shepherd-King!
So, then, let all continue zealously to support the faithful and discreet
slave. It is only by doing this that someday very soon all sheeplike ones
will be able to hear those happy words: "Come, you who have been blessed by
my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world."
(WT 1/5/1993:20-21)
The pictures add to the appeal of the message. Righteous biblical characters
are given characteristics that portray sincerity, happiness and a trust in
God, and likewise the pictures of Jehovah's Witnesses are comparably given
similar qualities. The JW's are portrayed in multi-racial, family, work, friendship,
or evangelism environments. Jehovah's Witnesses are always drawn as modestly
and neatly dressed and well-groomed. The pictures emphasise unity, sincerity,
diligent Bible study and happiness. The literature is specially designed to
attract the audiences favourable attention. Below are some examples copied
from WT literature.
Plain Folks
Here the propagandist associates his/her ideas with the average person on
the street. The politician might be photographed with children in a nursery
in an attempt to create an image of being one with the people (Lee & Lee,
1971 as adapted in Robertson, 1987:551). The pictures in the WT literature
also feature pictures of average normal-looking folk being in familiar looking
surroundings or doing familiar activities (as portrayed on previous page).
The message is: They are normal people like us!
Bandwagon
This technique encourages people to believe that 'everybody's doing it' therefore
to remain in the 'in-group' the recipient must do likewise (Brown, 1963:28).
This method tries to create the impression in people's mind that 'everybody's
doing it'. People are often influenced most by the reactions of others. Those
who have not made a firm decision will tend to change their minds according
to what is popular. (Lee & Lee, 1971 as adapted in Robertson, 1987:551). The
WT utilises this by explicitly and implicitly stressing that all of God's
people are members of the NWS, are actively proselytising and are making it
a habit to study WT literature. This leaves the impression that everybody
in God's Organisation is doing it, therefore it is likely that people reading
the literature will also be more inclined to join in the activities. Millions
of Bible readers worldwide use the New World Translation because it is a modern-language
translation that renders Bible terms with accuracy...... it will help many
more to get a better understanding of "the word of life." (Philippians 2:16)
Because it has already helped millions to do so, it is truly worthy of recommendation.
(WT 1/3/1991:30)
Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance theory was first proposed by Leon Festinger in his book
entitled A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance (1957). His basic hypothesis is
that people who experience psychological contradiction resulting from conflict
between information, group opinion, beliefs, feelings, or behaviour, will
be caused discomfiture and consequently become motivated to correct it by
creating consonance (1957:3; Groenveld, n.d.). The higher the magnitude of
dissonance, the more pressure the person experiences to reduce or eliminate
it (Festinger, 1957:18).
Dissonance and Information. When people are exposed to information that causes
dissonance they are placed into a position of either making a decision to
accept the new information (thereby altering their perceptual reality and
behaviour) or reject it. Information that is easily verified scientifically
or experientially causes smaller dissonance than information with lesser verifiability
(ibid., 179). There are several responses a person may make after receiving
dissonance-increasing information. She/he may accept it or avoid it, misperceive
it, deny its validity, forget it, disbelieve it or seek out consonant information
(ibid.,138-176). Following the decision the person will then seek out information
to justify his/her conclusions - strengthening consonance (ibid.,83). Once
a decision has been made the person will be less likely to change to another
opinion.
When JW's present their information to the householder who maintains differing
views, cognitive dissonance is the result. The JW's will put forward facts,
arguments and questions that will challenge or disprove the unprepared householder's
own views. The householder may try arguing, only to find themselves coming
up against opponents with superior sounding arguments and counter-arguments,
or they may use evasive techniques such as misperceiving what the JW has said.
These reactions have probably been caused by the discomfiture caused by the
cognitive dissonance. If the potential convert is not able to find convincing
counter-arguments, and the Jehovah's Witnesses sustain their presentation
of information, to reduce dissidence, he/she will likely alter her/his thinking
to align with the Witnesses.
r Cognitive dissonance theory also explains why when presented with arguments
that are convincing and contradicting WT teaching, the JW will maintain his
WT convictions. There are several evasive techniques the Witness will use
when presented with cognitive dissonance creating information. They will most
likely try to seek out consonant information by searching their literature
or asking their elders. They may ignore it or play down its significance,
and they will probably go back to their social support network (JW friends
and families) for confirmation of the 'truth'. Festinger also said that if
one has made a decision, which has a cost involved, about what to believe,
they will fight all the more to maintain their decision. The Jehovah Witness
who has given up all of his/her former social networks, who has divorced unbelieving
partner, who has sacrificed wages to do field ministry - who has paid a significant
price for his/her beliefs, is not going to want to admit they are wrong due
to the cognitive dissonance aroused between new beliefs and past behaviours
(Gleitman, 1983).
Dissonance and Behaviour
It is difficult to persuade people on information alone but social psychologists
agree that if you can change a person's behaviour, often their thoughts will
follow (Myers, 1996:484). Festinger's theory proposes that behaviour, thoughts
and emotions are all interlinked components within the individual's identity
(Groenveld, n.d.). If one component is changed and sustained in a position
of conflict between the other components, the others will tend to follow to
effect consonance (ibid). If behaviour changes, then thoughts and feelings
will most likely follow. A priest, who for theological reasons disagrees with
baptising infants, yet baptises a baby for a friend will experience dissonance
and will probably alter his/her views and feelings about infant baptism to
conform with his/her behaviour.
Cognitive dissonance often begins in the initial meetings with the Jehovah's
Witnesses when the person purchases their publications and following soon
after, becomes engaged in a book study. The person may have serious doubts
at the back of their minds, or may have friends or family warning them about
the becoming involved, yet reasons that it seems harmless enough to engage
in a personally presented book study. The person will go through the book
and will give the 'correct' implied answers (even if the person may not totally
agree), to which the Witness will be continually praising the person's 'wise
judgements' and 'desire to discover the truth'. The inconsistencies between
the person's behaviour (buying the literature, engaging in a book study, giving
the WT answers) and his/her beliefs about the JW's will cause discomfort and
the person will find themselves needing to make a decision whether to continue
in the socially rewarding book study and align beliefs with the Witness, or
to stop the study (or begin to argue about one's own convictions) and face
the discomfiture that will likely cause. The course of action usually pursued
is "the one that offers the least resistance" (Boyden, 1987).
One of the WT policies is to try and get all of the congregation to prepare
and present speeches to the congregation about current WT articles. Even if
the article produces doubts in the presenting person's mind, the very fact
that he/she is supporting it by presenting it to the congregation would increase
the chance of the speaker altering or suppressing their thoughts to minimise
dissonance (cf Festinger, 1957:231). By encouraging people to enter into WT
prescribed behaviour that aligns with WT beliefs increases the chances dramatically
of the people accepting WT doctrine.
Dissonance and Groups
Cognitive dissonance theory explains that when people are involved with a
group holding unanimous ideas, they will often experience cognitive dissonance
if their ideas do not align with the group's. The larger the group, the more
pressure to conform. To reduce dissonance in a group the people can align
their thinking with those of the group, influence others to change their views,
or differentiate themselves from the group (Festinger, 1957:182).
For the JW's, group pressure to conform their beliefs and behaviour with WT
ideology and standards is great. Most will not argue with the group, but rather
avoid cognitive dissonance by just agreeing with the 'party line'. For the
recruit, less dissonance results if they just believe whatever the group teaches.
The WT endeavours to make its group seem large and authoritative and seeks
to show the appearance of like-mindedness within all members. The perceived
size of the group, made apparent by fellowshipping only with JW's, reading
only JW literature and attending major conventions with thousands of Witnesses,
makes it more likely that group opinion will over-ride dissonance creating
thoughts.
Hypnotism
Myers defines hypnosis as "a state of apparent heightened suggestibility that
enables a hypnotist's coaxings and directions to trigger specific behaviors
and perceptions" (1996:175). Miller (1986) comments that there are links between
hypnosis and cult conversion. Hypnosis has often been understood to occur
within the confines of clinical practice or research, and in the hypnotic
stage shows. Miller postulates that the definition of hypnosis must be broadened
so that hypnosis can be understood to occur in everyday life (1986:244). She
proceeds to comment on the techniques of hypnotism utilised by Milton Erickson
in his clinical research and then compares these with the techniques used
to recruit cult members.
Erickson believed hypnotism involved intercourse "between two people in which
1) the hypnotist must gain the subject's cooperation, 2) deal with the subject's
resistant behavior, and 3) receive some acknowledgment that something is happening"
(Haley, 1967 cited in Miller, 1986:244). Through the use of specialised techniques,
Erickson often did not induce trances to produce hypnotic behavior. It is
these techniques that Miller comments on regarding cult hypnosis (Miller,
1986:244).
Expectation
Expectation has a lot to do with the results of hypnotism. If a person volunteers
to be hypnotised on stage, she/he will already have some idea of the behaviour
that is expected, and therefore is more likely to obey the suggestions. Cults
use people's own expectations by tapping into universally held virtues of
the recipient (such as love, happiness, security). By promoting the person's
own goals accompanied by the answers of how to accomplish these, the recruit
is more receptive to the desired response. The results are not seen instantaneously
but often through a slow and carefully paced process. (Miller, 1986:245)
The Jehovah's Witnesses have utilised this concept effectively. In their Theocratic
Ministry School Guidebook (TMSG) they are encouraged to "Appeal to the person's
love of righteousness, to his reason and to his desire for better things"
(1971:70). Concepts that are continually focused on are people's desire for
happiness, for everlasting life, to please Jehovah, to know God's truth and
to live accordingly. These goals weave themselves continually throughout JW
literature and are answered using carefully constructed arguments that are
backed up with Scripture references, and religious and secular quotations,
in order to guide the person towards JW thinking and behaviour.
Pacing and Leading
In trance induction, the hypnotherapist reflects verifiable reality back to
the patient in much the same manner as a biofeedback machine does. The hypnotherapist
continues this to align him/herself with the patient's reality. As the gap
between the therapist's reality and the patient's reality become blurred,
the therapist gradually can subtly direct the reality of the patient. Miller
comments that cult recruiters are taught to find common ground with the beliefs
and attitudes of the beginner (1986:245). In finding common ground the cult
recruiter is able to move into sync with the recruit's beliefs and values.
By carefully pacing him/herself with the recruit, the recruiter will lead
the person to a deeper level of suggestibility. The recruiter will thus use
the recruit's own reality to gradually deviate him/her towards the desired
outcome.
In proselytising, the JW's are taught to align themselves with the householder's
reality so as to be able to speak into the situation. They are taught to understand
the person's circumstances, beliefs, actions and thinking in order to tactfully
channel these towards the Watchtower beliefs (TMSG, 1971:70-71).
Common ground maintained
What you say as well as how you say it is vital in establishing a common ground
at the outset of your talk. But this common ground must not be lost as the
talk progresses or else you will lose your audience as well. You must continue
to express your points in such a way that they will appeal to the mind of
those in your audience. This requires that you keep in mind their viewpoint
on the subject being discussed and use this knowledge to help them to see
the reasonableness of your arguments. (TMSG, 1995:156-157)
As you go from door to door during the month of January, look for a common
ground to establish discussions. We are faced with the same problems as the
householders. These include concern for the safety of our children and for
their future, the lack of real peace, increasing crime, and drug abuse. God's
Kingdom is the answer, so our Topic for Conversation highlights some of the
blessings of the Kingdom. (OKM = Our Kingdom Ministry, 1989:1)
Correct pacing is stressed for effective witnessing. The Witnesses are warned
not to cover too much material in a visit (OKM 2/94:2), but must convey enough
information to keep the potential householders interest. The information is
carefully selected according to what the householder expresses interest in.
The Positive Transference
The work of the hypnotherapist attempts to create positive transference by
creating an environment where positive attitudes and emotions will be directed
towards the group. In the context of cult involvement, the members may 'shower'
the person with love and attention, show pseudo-unconditional acceptance or
compliment the person on their desire for truth, thus appealing to their ego.
Positive experiences and feelings are thus associated with the group. This
continues carefully paced, with the group gradually using more "verbal and
nonverbal indirect suggestion... to further mold the recruit's attitudes so
that they conform to the group's norm" (Miller, 1986:246)
Positive transference is of all importance to the JW's proselytising and member
maintenance. Their physical attractiveness encourages positive transference
as well as the attractiveness of their literature and other media that show
pictures of smiling or sincere looking JW's with happy friends or family.
In their evangelistic presentations, they focus solely on the good in their
organisation and people often contrasting themselves with other religious
and secular organisations. The Watchtower comments that newcomers "need to
be welcomed warmly into our homes and hearts, thus making new friends and
new family relationships" (OKM 9/75:7). On return visits to householders,
they bring someone new each time so that when the person finally comes to
the Kingdom Hall there is already a familiarity present (Groenveld, n.d.).
Contained in their writings they attempt to show their group as possessing
universal virtues and superior knowledge more than any other group possesses.
The end result is that everything that the recruit or member considers regarding
the organisation is positive. This is one of the reasons why the JW is so
convinced his religion is right. They are not trained to see the flaws but
to see the affirmations that this is truly God's representative organisation
here on earth.
Indirect Suggestion
Erickson (1954 cited in Miller, 1986:246) used indirect suggestions which
were more effective in manipulating people's behaviour than were direct suggestions.
The suggested reason for this is that when people sense greater personal control
regarding their new behavioural choices they freely comply, whereas a direct
suggestion is more likely to result in increased resistance due to a sense
of coercion placed on the person's free will. Miller notes that most recruits
choose the cult's desired behaviours without ever being explicitly told to
do so (1986:246). One tactic of indirect non-verbal suggestions is by utilising
the phenomenon of group conformity to lead the recruit towards acceptable
behaviour. Another tactic using verbal indirect suggestions is by advising
that by believing or engaging in desired behaviors, people get closer to their
original desirable goals (eg. after-life, love). By utilising the foot-in-the-door
phenomenon the recruits are gradually paced to accept larger indirect suggestions
until the cult gains more and more control over their minds and behaviour
and the recruit knows only obedience to the leader. Miller comments that indirect
suggestions are not only used for potential recruits but for maintenance of
those already existing members (1986:247).
The JW's are particularly successful in gaining obedience using indirect suggestion.
Their meetings are specially designed to show that conformity to the party
line will be positively reinforced. Their literature is filled with indirect
suggestions. The language is simple and non-threatening, and is designed to
have the recruit come to their own conclusions. Here is an example of indirect
suggestion taken from their literature: "8 Meetings serve another vital purpose.
Paul wrote: "Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works,
not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:24, 25) The
Greek word translated "to incite" can also mean "to sharpen." A Bible proverb
states: "By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of
another." (Proverbs 27:17) All of us need continual 'sharpening.' Daily pressures
from the world can dull our faith. When we attend Christian meetings, there
is an interchange of encouragement. (Romans 1:11, 12) Members of the congregation
follow the apostle Paul's admonition to "keep comforting one another and building
one another up," and such things sharpen our faith. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Regular presence at Christian meetings also indicates that we love God and
affords us opportunities to praise him.—Psalm 35:18." (Knowledge That Leads
to Everlasting Life, 1995:163)
The 'Yes Set' Technique, the confusion technique, and the
use of Interspersal
An effective technique Erickson used to induce a trance was to pose a series
of statements and questions which will find agreement in the mind of the patient.
After a number of these 'yes' answered questions are posed, the patients critical
faculties will be lessoned and the hypnotist (or recruiter) will be able to
lead the patient to agreeing with statements or questions that she / he would
not have agreed to previously (Miller, 1986:248).
Once people are confused, they are more suggestible to beliefs that make sense.
Confusion is caused either by creating doubts in people's minds about their
own inadequate beliefs (that is beliefs that appear to be based on illogical
premises), or is a result of studying lengthy nonrational arguments (such
as the upcoming Watchtower paragraphs) (Miller, 1986:248). The effectiveness
of this technique, Erickson believed (1964 as cited in Miller, 1986:248),
is that people have a need to understand the world in a way that makes sense.
Other ways of indirect suggestion can be achieved is by interspersing messages
between messages (Miller, 1986:249). This is the technique that helps people
accept a true statement mixed with a half-truth. Cults are very good at introducing
half-truths in this way. The use of metaphors can produce indirect suggestions
that will be more likely accepted than if they were said forthright.
The JW's use these techniques with great efficiency. They aim to guide the
potential convert through a series of logical statements and questions, mixed
with interspersal messages, to eventually bring them to their own conclusion,
which is the conclusion the JW's were leading them to. The particular section
of text quoted here has been designed not so much to present the Watchtower
conclusions, but to get the reader to reach those conclusions themselves in
agreement with the Watchtower logic. Comments in the brackets are mine. This
text directly follows on from a discussion leading the person to conclude
that eternal happiness is God's desire for people.
"8 What the Bible says about the future of the earth and mankind might be
summed up in one word—Paradise! {yes} Jesus Christ spoke of it when he told
a dying man: "You will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) [Here there is
a link between mankind's future on earth with Paradise. This could create
confusion in a Christian's mind] The mention of Paradise no doubt brought
to that man's mind the happy state of our first parents, Adam and Eve. When
God created them, they were perfect and lived in a gardenlike park that the
Creator had designed and planted {yes}. It was fittingly called the garden
of Eden, which name denotes pleasure {yes}. 9 How delightful that garden was!
It was a real paradise {yes}. Among its beautiful trees were those bearing
delicious fruit {yes}. As Adam and Eve explored their domain, drank from its
sweet waters, and gathered fruit from its trees, they had no reason to be
anxious or fearful {yes}. Even animals posed no threat, for God had placed
the man and his wife in loving dominion over all of them {yes}. In addition,
the first human pair had vibrant health {yes}. As long as they remained obedient
to God, an eternal, happy future lay before them {yes}. They were given the
satisfying work of caring for their wonderful Paradise home {yes}. Further,
God gave Adam and Eve the mandate to "fill the earth and subdue it." {yes}
They and their offspring were to extend the borders of Paradise until our
entire planet became a place of beauty and delight.—Genesis 1:28 {yes}. 10
When Jesus mentioned Paradise, however, he was not asking a dying man to think
about the distant past {yes}. No, Jesus was speaking about the future! {yes}
He knew that our entire earthly home would become a paradise [Notice the shift.].
God would thus fulfill his original purpose for mankind and our earth [Dispersal].
(Isaiah 55:10, 11) Yes, Paradise will be restored! And what will it be like?
Let God's Word, the Holy Bible, answer." (Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting
Life, 1995:8-9) "8. What does the Bible say about the future of mankind? 9.
What was it like to live in the original Paradise? 10. When Jesus spoke of
Paradise, what did he have in mind?" (Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting
Life, 1995:9)
Each paragraph is numbered and has questions that are asked after the person
has read the paragraph. It is more than likely that the person will answer
with the material she / he has just read. The reason for this is that their
mind's focus of attention is narrowed to the text being read and has not had
a chance to think through a thoroughly formed response.
The use of metaphors in guiding the thoughts of members is common in Watchtower
persuasion. One classic example of this is displayed through the Watchtower's
attempt to justify itself in the light of its doctrinal errors and prophetic
failures. Observe how the metaphors of light and tacking are used in the following
quotes to justify itself that it was not wrong but had not quite arrived at
the 'full' truth: The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter When
one ruling over mankind is righteous, . . . then it is as the light of morning,
when the sun shines forth."—2 Sam. 23:3, 4. THE light on the pathway of Jehovah's
servants from earliest times to the present has kept on increasing. This has
been even more so since that notable year 1914 when, as developments here
on earth showed, "the kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord
[Jehovah] and of his Christ." (Rev. 11:15) Light from God's Word has flashed
forth, like the sunshine on "a morning without clouds" to illuminate ever
more clearly the pathway that Jehovah's servants must tread.—2 Sam. 23:3,
4. 2 However, it may have seemed to some as though that path has not always
gone straight forward. At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization
have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has
not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational
circles as "tacking." By manoeuvring the sails the sailors can cause a ship
to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress
toward their destination in spite of contrary winds. And that goal in view
for Jehovah's servants is the "new heavens and a new earth" of God's promise.—2
Pet. 3:13. (WT 1/12/1981:26)
As can be noticed, these pieces of writing are very persuasive utilising methods
similar to those specified hypnotic techniques to increase the suggestibility
of the person it is used on. The JW's literature, Bible-studies and meetings
are designed to have the person agree with Watchtower conclusions whether
they want to or not. Their Bible-studies do not encourage people to reach
their own conclusions regarding doctrine but rather they are gently coerced
towards JW doctrine from cleverly prepared 'Guided Tour of the Bible' packages
designed to bypass the person's own critical evaluation. Techniques similar
to those practiced in hypnosis are readily used by Jehovah's Witnesses in
an effort to convert the loyalties of the unsuspecting householder.
Conclusion
It has been demonstrated in this DSP, as well as in other publications, that
the WT utilises a variety of powerful psychological and sociological techniques
to maintain influence over its members, and to draw new members in. Whether
it be through their publications or via their specially trained members unsuspecting
people will mostly respond positively to the mind control tactics that are
used, and themselves will become perpetrators and train others to do likewise.
The Organisation is easy to become involved with, costly to remain in and
devastating to leave.
The purpose of this DSP has not been to judge the WT ethically but to expose
the reader to the methods and intensity to which its methods are applied to
influence recruits and members of the WT. Society, churches and family all
use varying degrees of influence to, rightly or wrongly, guide people's behaviour.
Psychologist Philip Zimbardo wrote: "Cult methods of recruiting, indoctrinating
and influencing their members are not exotic forms of mind control, but only
more intensely applied mundane tactics of social influence practiced daily
by all compliance professionals and societal agents of influence" (1997:1).
The ethical questions that inevitably arise have to do with the extent to
which people's free will and critical thinking have been suppressed or bypassed
by the manipulative techniques (ibid).
A natural issue that this essay prompts is how does one evangelise effectively
to the JW? Evangelism is not easy. As a close friend of mine warned me "JW's
are hard nuts to crack!". Cult experts, pastors, Christian apologists and
ex-members all suggest different techniques for evangelising the JW. The general
rule of thumb is that the longer the people are associated with the WT the
harder it is to be converted, or to leave. The message is prevention rather
than cure. But nevertheless long-term members do leave and one never knows
whether they are speaking to a member who is secretly having their doubts.
If members do decide to confide their doubts to a Christian they will need
plenty of emotional support and confidentiality .
When confronted with Witness doctrine most Christians immediately enter into
complicated theological arguments with them. This is commonly ineffective
for conversion. There are three reasons for this. Firstly, the JW's have had
extensive training in rhetoric and know their arguments, counter-arguments
and evasive techniques thoroughly. Secondly, the Christians are often unprepared,
either lacking firm knowledge of Christian doctrine, of JW doctrine and arguments,
or apologetic counter-arguments. Thirdly, even if they win the argument, the
JW is still not likely to change his mind. They may have won the battle but
lost the war. Some authors, such as David Reed (1996), suggest that the best
method for evangelising Jehovah's Witnesses is by showing them contradictions
throughout their literature. This can be time-consuming tracking down the
resources. This method is most effective with new JW's. Randall Watters (n.d.[d])
suggests that an effective approach for evangelism is by initiating 'chance'
conversations with the JW's about mind control techniques used by other cults,
such as the Moonies or Mormons, and letting the JW see for himself/herself
the similar cultic traits that the WT possesses . With whatever strategy one
may use it is particularly important to pray for the JW. The Spirit is the
One who ultimately converts. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts people's hearts,
enlightens people's minds and influences people's circumstances. Unfortunately,
many JW's will never come to Christ. However, unless Christians attempt to
reach out to Jehovah's Witnesses, many more will perish.
Bibliography
Books
01. Bowman, R.M. Jehovah's Witnesses (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing
House, 1995)
02. Brown, J.A.C. Techniques of Persuasion: From Propaganda to Brainwashing
(Middlesex, UK: Penguin Books, 1963)
03. Dean, T. Propaganda. In New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral
Theology. Edited by David J. Atkinson & David H. Field. (Leicester: IVP, 1995).
Ps. 965-966
04. Festinger, L. A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance (London: Tavistock Publications,
1957)
05. Francis, R. The Psychology of the Jehovah's Witnesses: Reflections of
Thirty-Five Years. Edited by T. Scharrer, 1997. (Worthwhile, KENTUCKY: Love
Agape Ministries Press, 1985)
06. Gleitman, H. Basic Psychology (Norton, 1983) cited in http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/cogdiss.htm
[Online, accessed 24 May 1997]
07. Hassan, S., Combatting Cult Mind Control (Rochester, VT: Park Street Press,
1988, 1990)
08. Jeeves, M.A. Brainwashing. In New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral
Theology. Edited by David J. Atkinson & David H. Field. (Leicester: IVP, 1995)
p. 200-201
09. Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible
and Tract Society of New York, Inc, 1995)
10. Lifton, R.J. Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism (New York and
London, 1961)
11. Martin, W. The Kingdom of the Cults (Minneapolis, MIN: Bethany House Publishers,
1985)
12. Myers, D.G. Exploring Psychology Third Edition (New York, NY: Worth Publishers,
1996)
13. Reed, D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Book House, 1995)
14. Reed, D.A. Answering Jehovah's Witnesses: Subject by Subject (Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Book House, 1996)
15. Reed, D.A. How to Rescue Your Loved One from the Watchtower (Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Book House, 1989) 16. Reed, D.A. Jehovah's Witnesses: Answered Verse
by Verse (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1986)
17. Revelation: Its Grand Climax at Hand! (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible
and Tract Society of New York, Inc. International Bible Students Association,
1988)
18. Robertson, I. Sociology (New York, NY: Worth Publishers, 1987)
19. Stevens, S. The Watchtower: Who are Jehovah's Witnesses (Sunnybank Hills,
QLD: Jubilee Publishers, 1996)
20. The New World (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New
York, Inc, 1942) cited in Sherrill, D. Quick Quotes from the Watchtower http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/quotes.htm
[Online, accessed 10 June 1997]
21. Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and
Tract Society of New York, Inc, 1971)
22. Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and
Tract Society of New York, Inc, 1995)
23. Watchtower Library 1995 version 2.0: English (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc, 1994, 1996) [CD ROM]
Periodical, articles etc.
24. Awake (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.,
22 November, 1993)
25. Baron, C.H. Blood, Sin, and Death: Jehovah's Witnesses and the American
Patients' Rights Movement (Presented at the Colloquium "Sang et Droit." at
the University of Paris X (Nanterre); 24 June, 1993) reproduced in 'Watchtower
Falsifies Blood Death Numbers'. Watchtower Falsifies Blood Death Numbers.
Available WWW: http://www.ultranet.com/%7Ecomments/blood/index.html [Online,
accessed 9 August, 1997]
26. Miller, J.S. The Utilization of Hypnotic Techniques in Religious Cult
Conversion. (The Cultic Studies Journal Vol. 3, No. 2, 1986.)
27. The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 September, 1910) cited in Reed,
D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book
House, 1995) p. 20
28. The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 December, 1916) cited in Reed,
D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book
House, 1995) p. 77
29. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 January, 1942)
30. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 December, 1951) cited in Martin,
W. The Kingdom of the Cults (Minneapolis, MIN: Bethany House Publishers, 1985)
p. 31-32
31. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 November, 1956) cited in Reed,
D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book
House, 1995) p. 93
32. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 June, 1956)
33. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 May, 1956)
34. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 May, 1957)
35. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 May, 1957) cited in Reed, D.A.
(Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House,
1995) p.75
36. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 June, 1957)
37. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 October, 1958)
38. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 June, 1960)
39. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 September, 1961)
40. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 May, 1964)
41. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 June, 1964)
42. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 November, 1967)
43. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 January, 1969)
44. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 August, 1972) cited in Reed,
D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book
House, 1995) p. 71
45. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 February, 1976)
46. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 July, 1976)
47. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 March, 1980)
48. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 August, 1980)
49. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 October, 1980)
50. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 February, 1981) cited in Reed,
D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book
House, 1995) p. 19
51. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 August, 1981)
52. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 September, 1981)
53. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 September, 1981)
54. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 November, 1981)
55. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 December, 1981)
56. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 January, 1983)
57. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 February, 1983) cited in Reed,
D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book
House, 1995) p. 71
58. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 May, 1984) cited in Reed, D.A.
(Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House,
1995) p. 58
59. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 June, 1985)
60. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 November, 1987) cited in Watters,
R. [d] 'Mind Control or Brainwashing? Understanding Mind Control Among Jehovah's
Witnesses'. Watchtower World. Available WWW: http://www.freeminds.org/psych/mindcont.htm
[Online, accessed 23 May 1997] {A reprint of the May/June 1989 Bethel Ministries
Newsletter.}
61. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 March, 1986)
62. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 March, 1991)
63. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 February, 1992)
64. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 November, 1992)
65. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 April, 1993)
66. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 May, 1993)
67. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 October, 1993)
68. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 February, 1994)
69. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 March, 1994)
70. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 July, 1994)
71. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 January, 1995)
72. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 February, 1995)
73. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 January, 1995)
74. Zimbardo, P. What messages are behind today's cults? (APA Monitor, May
1997 28, 5) p: 1-3
75. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence [WT] (Brooklyn, NY:
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., July, 1882) cited in
Reed, D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Book House, 1995) p. 123
76. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence [WT] (Brooklyn, NY:
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 1 February, 1899) cited
in Reed, D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Book House, 1995) p. 123
77. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence [WT] (Brooklyn, NY:
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 15 July, 1906) cited
in Reed, D.A. (Ed.) Index of Watchtower Errors 1879-1989 (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Book House, 1995) p. 77
Internet Articles
78. Boyden, J. 'The Watchtower Indoctrination Process A Psychological and
Sociological Examination (or How and Why Someone Becomes a Jehovah's Witness)'.
Watchtower World. Available WWW: http://www.freeminds.org/psych/howbecom.htm
[Online, accessed 23 May 1997] {A reprint of the Jul/Aug. 1987 Bethel Ministries
Newsletter.}
79. 'Brainwashing, Thought Control and the Cults'. Cult Awareness & Information
Centre - Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/brainwash.htm.
[Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
80. Branch Procedures. The Watchtower Observer. Available WWW: http//www.geocities.com/heartland/2919/branch.zip
[Online, accessed 31 May 1997]
81. Burrows, J.R. [d] 'Are the JW's brainwashed? If so, how?' WatchTower Observer.
Available WWW: http://home.sol.no/jansh/wteng/jwfaq5.htm. [Online, accessed
24 May 1997]
82. Burrows, J.R. [b] 'How is the Religion Organised?' WatchTower Observer.
Available WWW: http://home.sol.no/jansh/wteng/jwfaq1.htm. [Online, accessed
23 May 1997]
83. Burrows, J.R. [c] 'Watchtower & JW FAQ' (Part 4 of 8) WatchTower Observer.
Available WWW: http://home.sol.no/jansh/wteng/jwfaq4.htm. [Online, accessed
24 May 1997]
84. Burrows, J.R. [a] Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society. Watchtower
Observer. Available WWW: http://home.sol.no/jansh/wteng/jwfaq0.htm. First
edition 94. Revised edition 97. [Online, accessed 12 May 1997]
85. Callaghan, K.C. 'An Examination of Cult-Type Behaviours Exhibited by Jehovah's
Witnesses'. WatchTower Observer. Available WWW: http://home.sol.no/jansh/wteng/culticl1.htm
[Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
86. Campbell, T. [Ed] 'Notable Quotes'. Available WWW: http://www.aol.com/beyondjw/quotes.htm
[Online, accessed 23 May 1997]
87. 'Characteristics of a Destructive Cult'. Cult Awareness & Information
Centre - Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/charcult.htm
[Online, accessed 24 May 1997]
88. 'Cognitive Dissonance'. Cult Awareness & Information Centre - Australia.
Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/cogdiss.htm [Online,
accessed 24 May 1997]
89. Dr. Robert J. Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform. Available WWW: http://nwrain.net/~refocus/lifton.html.
[Online. Accessed 12 June, 1997]
90. Dwelling Together In Unity. (Brooklyn, N.Y. :WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT
SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC. 1974) The Watchtower Observer. Available WWW: http://www.nano.no/~telemark/secret/index.html.
[Online, accessed 12 May 1997)
91. 'Four Aspects of Mind Control'. Cult Awareness & Information Centre -
Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/mindcon2.htm.
[Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
92. Gordon, R. 'Defining Mind Control'. Available WWW: http//www.webzonecom.com/ccn/cults/control1.txt
[Written March 1996. Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
93. Groenveld, J. 'Social Psychology and Group Dynamics'. Cult Awareness &
Information Centre - Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/totalism.htm;
Mansfield, QLD. [Online, accessed 5 May, 1997)
94. Hassan, S. & Das, L.S. 'Spiritual Responsibility: Avoiding Abuses and
Pitfalls Along the Path'. Understanding Cult Mind Control. Available WWW:
http://www.shassan.com/avoiding.htm# [Online, accessed 23 May, 1997)
95. "PAY ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL THE FLOCK" ACTS 20:28 (Brooklyn,
NY: WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1991). The Watchtower
Observer. Available WWW: http://www.nano.no/~telemark/secret/index.html. [Online,
accessed 12 May 1997)
96. 'Propaganda'. New Light on Blood. Available WWW: http://www.visiworld.com/starter/newlight/propagan.htm.
[Online, accessed 9 August, 1997]
97. Revelle, M. 'Progress in Blood Supply Safety'. Consumer Information Centre
of the U.S. General Services Administration. Available WWW: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/blood2.txt
[Online, accessed 9 August, 1997]
98. Sherrill, D. 'Quick Quotes from the Watchtower'. Watchtower World. Available
WWW: http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/quotes.htm [Online. Accessed 10 June
1997]
99. 'Watchtower Falsifies Blood Death Numbers'. Watchtower Falsifies Blood
Death Numbers. Available WWW: http://www.ultranet.com/%7Ecomments/blood/index.html
[Online, accessed 9 August, 1997]
100. Watters, R. [a] 'When Prophecies Fail: A Sociological Perspective on
Failed Expectation in the Watchtower Society'. Watchtower World. Available
WWW: http://www.freeminds.org/psych/propfail.htm [Online, accessed 23 May
1997] {A reprint of the May/June 1990 Bethel Ministries Newsletter.}
101. Watters, R. [b] 'Do Cults Follow the Same Patterns?' Cult Awareness &
Information Centre - Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/cultptrn.htm.
[Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
102. Watters, R. [c] 'Eight Marks of a Mind-Control Cult'. Cult Awareness
& Information Centre - Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/lifton.htm.
[Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
103. Watters, R. [d] 'Mind Control or Brainwashing? Understanding Mind Control
Among Jehovah's Witnesses'. Watchtower World. Available WWW: http://www.freeminds.org/psych/mindcont.htm
[Online, accessed 23 May 1997] {A reprint of the May/June 1989 Bethel Ministries
Newsletter.}
104. Watters, R. [e] 'The Introduction of Phobias (Deep Rooted Fears) And
Other Development Traits In The Jehovah Witness Child'. Cult Awareness & Information
Centre - Australia. Available WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/phobia2.htm.
[Online. Accessed 24 May 1997]
105. Watters, R. [f] 'Understanding Watchtower Phobias: How and Why the Watchtower
Uses Fear to Control Its Members'. Cult Awareness & Information Centre - Australia.
Availble WWW: http://student.uq.edu.au/~py101663/general/ phobias.htm. [Online.
Accessed 24 May 1997]
Appendix 1
Dissonance and prophetic failure
The fact that Jehovah's Witnesses remain loyal to their Organisation even
though time and again history has proved their prophecies undeniably false,
has baffled many an outsider. Studying similar millenarian groups, Leon Festinger
attempted to answer the question of why people remain loyal to their religious
group's and beliefs even when they experience massive cognitive dissonance
due to prophetic failure. He notes that people with firm convictions are extremely
difficult to convert: "Show him facts of figures and he questions your sources.
Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point." (Festinger, Riecken and Schachter,
When Prophecies Fail, 1956 quoted by Watters, n.d. [a]) People often go to
extreme measures to protect their beliefs. There have often been large sacrifices
(ie financial commitment, time commitment, philosophical commitment etc.)
that have reinforced the validity of the people's beliefs; thus to abandon
the beliefs would cause further cognitive dissonance between the people's
past beliefs and their present scepticism (Gleitman, 1983 quoted in Cognitive
Dissonance, n.d.). The people become trapped with a life and mind-set shaped
around their 'unshakeable' beliefs and contradictory evidence. Festinger notes
that to reduce dissonance the members do two things: [1] they turn to each
other for support, [2] they increase proselytising (by converting others to
their beliefs they add consonance) (Festinger, 1957:200, 247). Prophetic groups
often do not deny the prophetic mistake but rationalise or reinterpret it
(ibid). Festinger's reasons help explain why the vast majority of Witnesses
remained loyal to the WT even though their predicted 1975 date for Armageddon
failed to eventuate (Bowman, 1995:12).