Lifton - WatchTower Cult

The Watchtower Society was examined to determine whether its forms of influence utilizes similar strategies to more dangerous mind-control cults. 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 [Society] was found to utilize each of his criteria to varying degrees in their indoctrination process. ...

The Watchtower is a religious body with a membership of over [8 million] Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, [and another 12 million persons occasionally attend WatchTower Society functions.] Jehovah's Witnesses are made up of people from diverse social, intellectual, religious, and cultural backgrounds who voluntarily submit their spirituality, their minds, their wills, andtheir lives to the directions and teachings of the organization. The leadership and writings influence their people's theological beliefs, moral values, Bible interpretation, communication, reasoning, learning, language, thoughts, decisions, and lifestyles.

Its members display such loyalty to its teachings that they would (and some do) sacrifice their own lives, even the lives of their children, in obedience with the Watchtower Society's instructions concerning abstinence from blood transfusions. Not only does it maintain an obedient and devoted membership, but is also one of the fasted growing religious groups in the world. The Watchtower [Society] reports that in 1996 its members spent a total 1,140,621,714 hours preaching its doctrines (1996 Report of the Jehovah's Witnesses Worldwide,1997). The number of people being baptised per year has risen from 300,000 in 1992 to 366,579 in 1996 - a rise of 22% in just four years (ibid; Stevens, 1996:5). Although Jehovah's Witness proselytising is extensive and persistent, this alone does not adequately explain why people are attracted and convert to the Watchtower [Society]'s unique beliefs and strict lifestyle. This study examines particular psychological and social factors explaining why people become and remain Jehovah's Witnesses. It does this by contrasting and comparing information relating to the Watchtower [Society] with evaluative criteria taken from a range of relevant disciplines.

The majority of people know Jehovah's Witnesses as nicely groomed people who come cold-calling at their homes and businesses at unpredictable [and often inconvenient times] promoting their literature and introducing their beliefs through carefully prepared conversations on issues that are of concern to the [general populace]. Some people view Jehovah's Witnesses as interesting to talk to, while other people avoid them, or even attack them. Many people view them as an odd -- yet innocent -- religious group, while other people class Jehovah's Witnesses in the more dangerous category -- a "cult". More and more testimonies and articles are being published which accuse the [WatchTower Society] of being a "mind control cult", while the Watchtower Society and its Jehovah's Witnesses members vehemently deny this charge (The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom [WT] 15/2/1994:3-7). Two of the more standard criterias used in determining group mind control will be examined in relation to the JWs.

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 mobilizes certain individual emotional tendencies, mostly of a polarizing nature. Psychological theme, philosophical rationale, and polarized 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 Jehovah's Witnesses 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.

The organization 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 organization, and reality is defined by its definitions, standards, and interpretations (ibid). Independent judgement must be thwarted to maintain obedience to and dependence on the organization.

The Watchtower claims that it alone teaches "the truth", [1] and any other source must be viewed with [distrust]. [2] Jehovah's Witnesses cannot determine "the truth" from the Bible for themselves. "Truth" must be interpreted by the Governing Body. [3] Members are not allowed to write apologetic material themselves and pass it around among the congregation. Contemporary Watchtower publications are the most reliable truth (or, contain "current light"), while older WatchTower publications (may contain "old light"), and are "the truth" only when in agreement with current WatchTower teachings.

[1] "Channel to understanding the Bible. ... All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the 'greatly diversified wisdom of God' can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave." (WT Oct 1 1994, p8)

[2] "Why not read other's literature? ... Witnesses do not go to people's doors searching for truth or enlightenment. Rather, they already have devoted countless hours learning the truth ... people who believe that 'there is good in all religions' mightconsider it narrow-minded to think otherwise. ... Jehovah's Witnesses are not ignorant of others' beliefs. They have gained considerable basic knowledge of the doctrinal beliefs of religions [from] 'What Has Religion Done for Mankind?' as well as numerous articles in The Watchtower and Awake! God's Word warns Christians that 'Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.' (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15) Satan so successfully appeared as 'an angel of light' that he was able to deceive even a perfect human, Eve. (1 Timothy 2:14) So it would be foolhardy, as well as a waste of valuable time, for Jehovah's Witnesses to accept and expose themselves to false religious literature that isdesigned to deceive. " (WT May 1 1984 31)

[3] "We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization." (WT 15/2/1981)

Local Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses must follow exactly the order of service outlined by the WatchTower Society's World Headquarters. Congregations do not use musicians to play the assigned hymns, rather for conformity sake, accompanying music is provided on CDs from Headquarters. Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to hold any unauthorized congregational meetings. Members have been 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", or "theocratic" activities (Groenveld, n.d.). [4] Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to fellowship [only] with other Jehovah's Witnesses, and to abstain as much as possible from "worldly" relationships [5] (Sherrill, n.d.; Pay Attention to Yourselves and the Flock, 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.

[4] "In view of the short time left, a decision to pursue a career in this system of things is not only unwise but extremely dangerous. ... Many young brothers and sisters were offered scholarship or employment that promised fine pay. However, they turned them down and put spiritual interests first." [KMIN Jun 1969 3]

[5] One area might be our manner of dealing with others. Proverbs 13:20 cautions: "He that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." Failing to apply this inspired counsel, some allow themselves to become overly familiar with worldly individuals at work and at school." (WT 15/7/1988:17) "For example, the apostle Paul told fellow Christians: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits." (1 Corinthians15:33) Do you agree with that? As Paul indicated, it is easy to be misled in the matter of association. A person may appear friendly and agreeable. But if he does not share your concern for Jehovah's service or even believe in the Bible's promises, he is a bad associate. Why? Because his life is based on different principles, and things that are very important to a Christian may be of little consequence to him." (WT 15/7/1991:23)

The Watchtower extends its control to the thoughts within the minds of their people. People are notallowed 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 withthis 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." (WT15.1.1983:22)

Jehovah's Witnesses fill their lives and minds with WatchTower information, WatchTower activities, and Jehovah's Witness friends and family. The WatchTower Society, in effect, has managed to isolate their members from general society -- intellectually and relationally -- without physically removing them.

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 God's 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 isattributed 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 WatchTower Society claims that they are the only God-chosen organization. At times, prominent officials, or the WATCHTOWER magazine, has claimed 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). [Jehovah's Witnesses] are [taught] to respond to the Watchtower publications as they would the voice of God, and disobedience to WatchTower directions is equated with disobedience to God (WT 15/6/1957:370; WT 15/2/1976:124). In their Yearbooks are published vivid accounts of how angels guarded Jehovah's Witnesses in dangerous situations, and stories of how Jehovah's Witnesses remained loyal to "Jehovah's organisation", even under persecution for being God's chosen people.

Jehovah's Witnesses may warn their prospective converts that once they begin regular Bible studies with the Jehovah's Witnesses that demons may attack them. Thus, when any negative event follows, such as a family member warning them to beware of the JW's, such is interpretted as demonic attack and confirmation of the validity of the warning given by the Jehovah's Witnesses (Francis, 1985:64). [6]

[6] "While it is true that Jehovah's Witnesses are hated and opposed in all the nations of the earth, this is in fulfillment of what was foretold to be an identifying mark of genuine worshipers of the one living and true God. (John 15:20, 21; 2 Timothy3:12) So instead of being discouraged and disheartened by this, proclaimers of the good news are reassured that they havedivine approval and belong to the approved organization of the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah." (WT 1/1/1990:10-15)

Positive feelings towards the group are manipulated in such a way that it appears to have divine origin. By the use of questions designed for preconceived answers, recruits give logical answers on topics only to discover that the answers they give align completely with the Jehovah's Witnesses understanding, thus verifying "the Truth" [7] (Burrows, n.d.[d]). For people who visit the Kingdom Hall, members are encouraged to make them feel valued, inviting them to dinner, or calling in on friendly visits. Planned spontaneity is arranged by bringing somebody new each visit, so that when the person finally visits the Kingdom Hall, he/she will already be familiar with many members of the congregation (Groenveld, n.d.). The purpose of all this attention ("love-bombing") is to let potential converts "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.

[7] For example, if a Jehovah's Witness wants to have a recruit answer that war is wrong, and that true Christians do not fight in war he/she might ask "When Jesus said 'You shall love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' (Matthew5:44) did he really mean that his loyal followers should mercilessly slaughter their enemies in war?" The natural answer would be 'no'. A following question might be "Do you think that people who belong to the Protestant or Catholic denominations, which has in the past and even in recent times, been involved with terrible slaughter, truly reflect Christ's peaceful desires?" Again the most likely answer would be 'no'.

The Jehovah's Witnesses repeatedly emphasise the spirit and biblical world and judge physical reality from their metaphysical mind-set. They believe 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.

Through controlling language, organizations can control thinking (Hassan & Das, n.d.). By using "conversation-stopping" cliches 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 given new meanings according to the organization's ideology either to separate the "in-group" from the "outsiders", or to make their message more acceptable to those they are trying to convert (CDC, n.d.). In the Moonies, all human relationships were 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 WatchTower Society's literature is surprisingly appealing and psychologically powerful. It utilizes simple, cliche-ridden language to attract and impress the imaginative and simple minded people (Gordon, n.d.). The WatchTower Society uses totalistic value-laden words to separate its doctrines and people from outsiders. To illustrate this further, information from "apostates' (i.e., any of all former members of the WatchTower Society -- no exceptions) is "spiritual pornography" from the "evil slave" which dines at "the table of demons", whereas official WatchTower knowledge is from the "faithful and discreet slave" (the WatchTower Society's "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 WatchTower "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 WatchTower Society added another metaphor for "truth":

At times explanations given by Jehovah's organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This is compared to what is known in navigational circles as "tacking." By maneuvering 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 WatchTower Society has subtly changed meanings of both contemporary terminology and biblical terminology. The Watchtower Society 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" as "active force", instead of "spirit", to justify WatchTower doctrine that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal "active force", and not a separate "Person". WatchTower literature has many examples of redefined terminology from biblical, Christian theology and modern day examples. [8] By "loading" the language, the WatchTower Society is 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 the conclusions desire by the WatchTower Society.

Footnote: [8] A modern day example is the alteration in meaning of the word 'publisher'. To the Jehovah's Witness, the word 'publisher'indicates somebody who is an active Jehovah's Witness door-knocker. The popular meaning of 'publisher' however, is aperson or company who publishes "periodicals, books, music etc.," (Sinclair, 1992:1254).

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 organization'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 organization'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 WatchTower Society, doctrine takes precedence over people. For over thirty years, Jehovah's Witnesses were forbidden, on the threat of expulsion from the organization and rejection of God, to receive vaccinations based on the reasoning that vaccinations were "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 of these issues, without apology or compensation to those whose lives were damaged as a result of their loved ones dying, the WatchTower Society still demands its followers to unconditionally abstain from blood transfusions -- even life-saving 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 (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 ..." (WT15/8/1981:28-29) [9]

Footnote: [9] "Apostates often appeal to the ego, claiming that we have been deprived of our freedoms, including the freedom to interpret the Bible for ourselves. (Compare Genesis 3:15.) In reality, these would-be defilers offer nothing more than a return to the nauseating teachings of "Babylon the Great." (Revelation 17:5; 2 Peter 2:19-22) Others appeal to the flesh, urging former associates to "take it easy" because the humble work of witnessing from house to house is "unnecessary" or "unscriptural" (Compare Matthew 16:22,23.) True, such smooth talkers may look outwardly clean in a physical and moral way. But inside they are spiritually unclean, having given in to prideful, independent thinking. They have forgotten all that they learned about Jehovah. ..." (WT 1/11/1987:19-20 quoted in Watters, Mindcont.htm) and: "Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride."(WT 15/1/1983)

Here, the organization 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. Criticizing or questioning any of these is prohibited (CDC, n.d.).

The WatchTower Society proclaims boldly that it is the only organization today proclaiming "the Truth", whether it be theological, psychological, medical, or moral. The Watchtower Society 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 organization (WT 1/6/1985:19). Charles 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 WatchTower Society claiming that it as an organization is the sole channel of communication God is using today. [10] No questioning or criticism of God's visible organization is allowed. [11] 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" (WT15/1/1983).

[10] "Jehovah caused the Bible to be written in such a way that you need his human channel to understand it." (WT15/2/1981:17 quoted in Reed, 1995:71 [emphasis added])

[11] "Do not criticize the organization. If Jehovah permits it, who are we to insist it should be different?" (WT 1/5/1957:284 asquoted in Reed, 1995:75)

Psychologically, those who are Jehovah's Witnesses are promised happiness and joy by obeying the organization, [12] while those who forsake the teaching of the organization will forfeit joy and moral purity. [13] The psychological results reported at one time by the WatchTower Society regarding those who disobey WatchTower Society policy by receiving 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) [14]

[12] cf. "Busy and happy servants of Jehovah 'allow no place for the Devil' or for apostate ideas" (WT 15/3/1986:19)

[13] "As to the effects of a course of apostasy, one immediate result is a loss of joy. The apostate becomes hardened in his rebellious ways. Another is he fails to take in the spiritual food provided by "the faithful and discreet slave" -- this leading to spiritual weakness and breakdown of spirit. Contrasting the happiness of his loyal servants with the sad condition of apostates. After having yielded to such works of the flesh as "enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects," apostates often fall victim to other fleshly works such as "drunken bouts," "loose conduct" and "fornication." (Gal. 5:19-21) -- (WT 1/8/1980:20)

[14] "Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows seeds of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccinations is a crime, an outrage, and a delusion". (Golden Age, 5/1/1929:502).

In their brochure, "How Can Blood Save Your Life?", the WatchTower Society builds a case for blood transfusions from a medical perspective; reiterating its conclusion, whether it be scientifically or medically accurate or not. Further pressure is exerted on its members, in that by failing to fulfil the demands of the WatchTower Society 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 [15], yet it:

-- demands its people follow its directions as if spoken by God (WT 15/6/1957:370),

-- claims to be an organization 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 (WT1/5/1964:277-278),

-- 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, pe193 23). [16]

[15] "The men in Jehovah's organization who prepare spiritual instruction for the Lord's "sheep" diligently study the Scriptures to learn what God has put there for the instruction and guidance of his people. They make no claim of inspiration-only that they are Bible students. Since their comments on the Scriptures are not inspired, they can at times make mistakes." (WT15/12/1962:762)

[16] "Follow the direction of his spirit-inspired Word, the Bible. Cooperate fully with God's spirit-led earthly organization." (WT15/9/1992:18). Note spirit-inspired and spirit-led terminology.

The Watchtower Society, 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 admits it is not inspired. This is a contradiction that Jehovah's Witnesses are able to maintain in their thinking. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that their beliefs and organization are not man-made, but originated with God; therefore, all information deriving from the WatchTower Society must be "the truth".

The organization 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 Jehovah's Witnesses, individuals are expected to confess certain sins to the elders even though through such confession they may 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 [that they now share in the sin of the one whose secret they are maintaing.] (ibid.). It is the responsibility of 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 [comprised of three elders] will be gathered [to investigate the sin/sinner, prosecute any sin/sinner discovered, and judge/sentence the sinner.] (PAYAF,1991:95).

Another way of confessing is that of putting in field reports. All "publishers" and "pioneers" (terms used alternatively for all Jehovah's Witnesses who are required to perform recruitment activities) also are required to hand in "field service reports" of all "kingdom activities" for the month. (Groenveld, n.d.). The report includes the number of hours spent door-knocking,etc., the amount of literature sold, and the number of potential converts with whom doctrine was "studied" (ibid.).

The absolute goal is purification according to the group's criteria. The world is sharply polarized 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 morally right and "good"; everything else is stereotyped as "evil". The individual conscience is unreliable, thus the individual must put absolute trust in the "truth" 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 they fail 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 WatchTower Society 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 (e.g., celebrating birthdays) (Groenveld, n.d.). Those who are part of God's kingdom (i.e. the NWS [New World Society]) must devote absolute loyalty and obedience to it and its requirements. [17] The individual's conscience is not a reliable guide -- only with the aid of the WatchTower Society can one 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 WatchTower Society's demands are made to feel guilty, and if found out, and are not repentant, are "marked" or "disfellowshipped" by the congregation (including being "shunned" by every other Jehovah's Witness, including immediate family and close friends). [18]

[17] "From the year 1945 especially, truths concerning blood began to be revealed and since then have served as a guide for all who have respect for God's law on the sanctity of blood. Obedience to these and many more such progressively revealedtruths has enabled God's servants to worship him properly and meet his requirements for life." (WT 15/6/1954:368). "Carried over into the Christian system of things likewise is the principle embodied in the fifth commandment, "honor your father and your mother." Of course, Christian children have natural fathers and mothers to obey. (Eph. 6:1-4) Besides that,all Christians have Jehovah God as "our Father," and his heavenly organization, Jerusalem, as "our mother." These, above all else, they are to honor and obey." (WT 1/5/1961:282)

[18] Punishments vary from a private rebuke to full shunning. Marking is a quasi-shunning where guilty members are implicitlypointed out in a speech to the congregation. The congregation is told to limit social contact with the guilty party. Shunning isissued to a person who has been disfellowshipped for committing a serious sin (eg questioning a doctrine) or disassociatedfor leaving the sect. When shunning, Witnesses are told not associate with the shunned person if they want to remain loyal to Jehovah (Pay Attention, 1991:103). The extent to which Jehovah's Witnesses were allowed to associate with shunned members has [decreased] through the years. In 1981, Jehovah's Witnesses were told to not even say a simple "hello" to shunned members/former members (WT15/9/1981). If Jehovah's Witnesses do not fulfill the shunning requirements, but socialize with shunned members, they too can be "marked" and shunned, and even "disfellowshipped".

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 WatchTower Society has sharply polarized its distinctiveness from all other people and organizations today. In the WatchTower Society's "Revelation: It's Grand Climax at Hand!", humans are categorized as either "Jehovah's seed", and belonging to his "wifelike celestial organization" (1988:11) or "Satan's human seed" (ibid., 12) belonging to his "invisible organization on earth." (ibid.,11) [19] Those identifying themselves with the WatchTower Society will be resurrected after death, to either live forever on earth or in heaven, depending on which class according to WatchTower Society doctrine they belong (WT15/2/1983:12; 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. TheNew 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 organization one automatically forfeits the right to eternal existence.

Footnote: [19] "On Satan's side will be all the rest of mankind, more than 99.9 percent, even as we read: "The whole world is lying in thepower of the wicked one." (WT 15/10/1958:614-615)