A secular site promoting use of evidence-based prevention methods to reduce cult victimization
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Rapist evaded justice for years due to clergy coverup
A RAPIST evaded justice for 25 years because Jehovah’s Witnesses did nothing when told about his child sex abuse, a court heard.
Anthony Burns, aged 54, was confronted with his crimes against a young child in the 1980s but no action was taken by the religious organisation.
Burns repeatedly abused a girl as young as nine years old, from 1977 until 1984 when she revealed what had been happening.
Burns, of Back Road, Wisbech, in Cambridgeshire, denied four charges of indecent assault, attempted rape and rape but was convicted after a trial. The abuse took place in the 1970s and early 1980s in Eastbourne and Northamptonshire. He was jailed for 11 years and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Judge Charles Wide QC said: “It is very unfortunate the Jehovah’s Witnesses community dealt with a complaint in 1984 in a wholly inappropriate way, seemingly more concerned with their own reputation than doing justice, but I acknowledge they were very different times.
“I sincerely hope their processes have been changed radically since then. It is because of their involvement that these matters were not reported. You were challenged at the time by two witnesses and could have made a clean breast of it but you did not and during the trial, you had the gall to accuse them of lying about it.”
Click here to read the full article and see the photo at the Northampton Chronicle & Echo.Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Jehovah's Witnesses take on Biblical incest - JREF Forum
Click on the title to read this thread on a discussion forum.
"So a pair of Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door to preach their silliness a few days ago, and as usual, I welcomed the discussion. They talked about how Islam was all about violence and then pointed to a passage in the Bible that talked about how God's Kingdom would crush all other kingdoms. I pointed out the hypocracy in that, which caused them to switch gears to the whole "money is the root of all evil" passage in the book of Timothy. So I mentioned how I thought that was odd because all churches pass the collection plate. That's when they cut the pleasant visit short and handed me their literature, which I hungrily read in preparation for next time.
The little pamphlet-book had an article entitled "Where did Cain find his wife?" that caught my eye immediately. From studying the Book of Genesis, they admit that Cain's wife was a descendant of Eve. Then things got weird:
Originally Posted by Jehovah's Witness literature
That Cain married his sister or a later female descendant of Adam through the marriage of any of Adam's sons or daughters is viewed by some societies today as unthinkable. This is usually because of societal taboos or fear of genetic defects. Nevertheleess, F. LaGard Smith comments in The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order: "It is altogether likely that these first brothers and sisters enter into marriages with each other, despite the sense of inappropriateness which would be felt should that occur in following generations." Also, it is noteworthy that it was not until Moses received God's laws for the nation of Israel in 1513 B.C.E. that intercourse between such close relatives was specifically forbidden. -Leviticus 18:9, 17, 24.
Today, we are milleniums away from the perfection once possessed by our original parents. The effect that genetics and heredity have on us might not have been a factor for them. Furthermore, recent studies, such as one published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling, show that unions between first cousins face lower risks of having children with birth defets than is widely perceived.
So there you have it. Incest was committed, but it was okay because God hadn't told anyone that it was bad yet. Also, Adam and Eve and Co. were genetically perfect, so they weren't affected by the (debatable) consequences of human inbreeding as we know it today.
Man, I wonder which Jesus or God I have to pray to so those Jehovah's Witnesses come back to my door again...
"So a pair of Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door to preach their silliness a few days ago, and as usual, I welcomed the discussion. They talked about how Islam was all about violence and then pointed to a passage in the Bible that talked about how God's Kingdom would crush all other kingdoms. I pointed out the hypocracy in that, which caused them to switch gears to the whole "money is the root of all evil" passage in the book of Timothy. So I mentioned how I thought that was odd because all churches pass the collection plate. That's when they cut the pleasant visit short and handed me their literature, which I hungrily read in preparation for next time.
The little pamphlet-book had an article entitled "Where did Cain find his wife?" that caught my eye immediately. From studying the Book of Genesis, they admit that Cain's wife was a descendant of Eve. Then things got weird:
Originally Posted by Jehovah's Witness literature
That Cain married his sister or a later female descendant of Adam through the marriage of any of Adam's sons or daughters is viewed by some societies today as unthinkable. This is usually because of societal taboos or fear of genetic defects. Nevertheleess, F. LaGard Smith comments in The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order: "It is altogether likely that these first brothers and sisters enter into marriages with each other, despite the sense of inappropriateness which would be felt should that occur in following generations." Also, it is noteworthy that it was not until Moses received God's laws for the nation of Israel in 1513 B.C.E. that intercourse between such close relatives was specifically forbidden. -Leviticus 18:9, 17, 24.
Today, we are milleniums away from the perfection once possessed by our original parents. The effect that genetics and heredity have on us might not have been a factor for them. Furthermore, recent studies, such as one published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling, show that unions between first cousins face lower risks of having children with birth defets than is widely perceived.
So there you have it. Incest was committed, but it was okay because God hadn't told anyone that it was bad yet. Also, Adam and Eve and Co. were genetically perfect, so they weren't affected by the (debatable) consequences of human inbreeding as we know it today.
Man, I wonder which Jesus or God I have to pray to so those Jehovah's Witnesses come back to my door again...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Critical review of the latest "Chick Track"
 |
| New Chick Tract--"Stinky" |
This one is trying to scare the young children of "unbelievers". Underlying messages:
- Halloween is Satan's birthday.
- Celebrating it makes Satan happy and is a form of Satan worship.
- You will encounter real demons while you go trick-or-treating.
- Angels like it if you hand out Chick Tracts to trick-or-treaters, and if you do, they'll protect you from Satan with their superpowers.
- You're going to live in Hell with smelly, mean demon bullies if you don't accept Jesus as your personal savior.
Why don't these people just worry about their own families and leave others alone?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
'Dan Rather Reports' Exposes Coordinated Effort by the Catholic Church to Protect Assets From Abuse Victims
DALLAS, June 24/PRNewswire/ -- Next week, "Dan Rather Reports" investigates how the Roman Catholic Church has been hiding and shielding assets from victims of priest abuse. Some say the Church is behaving more like a big corporation than a sacred institution.
From the Vatican on down, the church has vowed to make peace with hundreds of victims of a decades-long epidemic of sex abuse by its priests. But "Dan Rather Reports" found evidence that the church has done just the opposite: Wealthy U.S. Dioceses from California to Delaware have claimed to be broke and have filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying damages; Bishops have exploited arcane corporate laws to shield church assets from liability; and, in San Diego, parish priests have been caught literally hiding money in safes, according to court records....'Dan Rather Reports' Exposes Coordinated Effort by the Catholic Church to Protect Assets From Abuse Victims
From the Vatican on down, the church has vowed to make peace with hundreds of victims of a decades-long epidemic of sex abuse by its priests. But "Dan Rather Reports" found evidence that the church has done just the opposite: Wealthy U.S. Dioceses from California to Delaware have claimed to be broke and have filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying damages; Bishops have exploited arcane corporate laws to shield church assets from liability; and, in San Diego, parish priests have been caught literally hiding money in safes, according to court records....'Dan Rather Reports' Exposes Coordinated Effort by the Catholic Church to Protect Assets From Abuse Victims
Monday, May 31, 2010
Police: Girl raped, then relocated
...The victim said Phelps told her she would be put up for "church discipline," where parishioners go before the congregation to apologize for their sins.
She asked why. "Pastor Phelps then said that (Willis) may have been 99 percent responsible, but I needed to confess my 1 percent guilt in the situation," the victim told the police.
"He told me that I should be happy that I didn't live in Old Testament times because I would have been stoned."...
Police: Girl raped, then relocated - Page 2 | Concord MonitorSaturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day is Evil
The following brief quote is pasted below for critical review.
Do you think this quote is evidence of delusional thinking or cultism?
"The so-called 'Mother's Day' was observed in America first in 1914, the very year that Satan's world ended and when he knew his time was short to get ready for the great battle of Armageddon. To induce the people to bestow special honor and worship upon mothers would be one step towards turning the people away from the worship of God, and this is one of his means of preparing for Armageddon... On the face of it the arrangement of 'Mother's Day' seems harmless and calculated to do good. But the people are in ignorance of Satan's subtle hand in the matter, and that he is back of the movement, to turn the people away from God. The slogan is, 'The best mother who ever lived,' the purpose being to establish creature worship, or at least to divert the attention of man from the proper worship of God." (Vindication, Vol. I, 1931, pp. 188-189)
Do you think this quote is evidence of delusional thinking or cultism?
"The so-called 'Mother's Day' was observed in America first in 1914, the very year that Satan's world ended and when he knew his time was short to get ready for the great battle of Armageddon. To induce the people to bestow special honor and worship upon mothers would be one step towards turning the people away from the worship of God, and this is one of his means of preparing for Armageddon... On the face of it the arrangement of 'Mother's Day' seems harmless and calculated to do good. But the people are in ignorance of Satan's subtle hand in the matter, and that he is back of the movement, to turn the people away from God. The slogan is, 'The best mother who ever lived,' the purpose being to establish creature worship, or at least to divert the attention of man from the proper worship of God." (Vindication, Vol. I, 1931, pp. 188-189)
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Parents disrupt hospital, disown 5-year-old for accepting medical treatment
A Jehovah Witness man, Kwabena Afum and his wife, Margret Afum aka Abena Oduma, have had a brush with the law after creating an unnecessary chaotic scene at New Edubiase Government Hospital in a bid to prevent medical officers from giving blood to their son....
He has since disowned five-year-old Jepheth Asamoah, who is currently in the custody of the Social Welfare Department in the district, even after his release....
He has since disowned five-year-old Jepheth Asamoah, who is currently in the custody of the Social Welfare Department in the district, even after his release....
Sunday, May 2, 2010
On false predictions
Many groups who make false predictions simply revise their history to claim they didn't.
One well-known group deletes and edits published articles from their archives--they've been doing it for over a century, and although there is some attrition each time, the majority of lemmings swallow it whole.
Blackwhite.
Here's an example of a deleted article. Because truthiness rocks. ;)
Here the church is claiming the year 1975 will be very significant, and "possibly" Armageddon. They said that over a dozen times previously too--all whitewashed.
One well-known group deletes and edits published articles from their archives--they've been doing it for over a century, and although there is some attrition each time, the majority of lemmings swallow it whole.
Blackwhite.
Here's an example of a deleted article. Because truthiness rocks. ;)
Here the church is claiming the year 1975 will be very significant, and "possibly" Armageddon. They said that over a dozen times previously too--all whitewashed.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Prince says chemtrails cause violence...
...and frankly a bunch of other bizarre stuff I can't begin to explain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOGUqXRXPts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOGUqXRXPts
Saturday, April 24, 2010
CALHOUN JEWELERS LLC v. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BOARD OF REVIEW
Jehovah's Witness quits job, then sues former employer for Unemployment Benefits because she was asked to write birthday cards to customers on behalf of the company.
She testified she did not object to selling birthday gifts, wrapping birthday gifts, and eating birthday meals with coworkers, and had done so.
She testified she did not object to selling birthday gifts, wrapping birthday gifts, and eating birthday meals with coworkers, and had done so.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Even Dan Brown wouldn't invent this papal conspiracy | Marina Hyde | Comment is free | The Guardian
At last, one of Pope Benedict's closest aides uses the word "conspiracy" in relation to the systematic global cover-up of child abuse by paedophile Catholic priests. Unfortunately, Cardinal José Saraiva Martins believes the conspiracy is against the Catholic church, which is its victim.
"We should not be too scandalised if some bishops knew about it but kept it secret," he this week told reporters of the sexual abuse, on the same day the Vatican newspaper opted to blame the media for "ignoring the facts". "This is what happens in every family, you don't wash your dirty laundry in public." ...click the title to read the rest.
"We should not be too scandalised if some bishops knew about it but kept it secret," he this week told reporters of the sexual abuse, on the same day the Vatican newspaper opted to blame the media for "ignoring the facts". "This is what happens in every family, you don't wash your dirty laundry in public." ...click the title to read the rest.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Paedophile in 17-year barrage of child abuse
A PENSIONER branded a "filthy paedophile" after being convicted of a barrage of sustained child abuse, which started over 43 years ago, has been jailed for 19 years.
Gordon Brian Redmond was convicted at Lewes Crown Court of 18 indecent assaults against children — including six charges of rape — and one charge of actual bodily harm.
The 72-year-old had already pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault against children.
The sexual offences took place while Redmond, now of Excelsior House, Princess Way, Swansea, was living in Brighton from 1967 to 1984. Seventeen of the charges were sample counts — examples of ongoing behaviour and offences.
...Redmond became a strict Jehovah's Witness in the 1970s and moved to a farm in Pontyberem in 1984....
...Click the link above to read the rest.
Gordon Brian Redmond was convicted at Lewes Crown Court of 18 indecent assaults against children — including six charges of rape — and one charge of actual bodily harm.
The 72-year-old had already pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault against children.
The sexual offences took place while Redmond, now of Excelsior House, Princess Way, Swansea, was living in Brighton from 1967 to 1984. Seventeen of the charges were sample counts — examples of ongoing behaviour and offences.
...Redmond became a strict Jehovah's Witness in the 1970s and moved to a farm in Pontyberem in 1984....
...Click the link above to read the rest.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Islam Q&A: Health Insurance Is ‘Haraam’ | Sweetness & Light
Is health insurance forbidden under Islam?
This is not the only religion that bans health insurance based on archaic and misapplied doctrine. Let's hope the fundies don't go claiming interference with religion as a reason to stop gambling with other people's money (oops, I meant--as a reason to not get health insurance).
This is not the only religion that bans health insurance based on archaic and misapplied doctrine. Let's hope the fundies don't go claiming interference with religion as a reason to stop gambling with other people's money (oops, I meant--as a reason to not get health insurance).
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Report: Vatican was warned about priest in Wis. - Yahoo! News
NEW YORK – Milwaukee's Roman Catholic archbishop warned a top Vatican office led by the future Pope Benedict XVI about a priest who may have molested as many as 200 deaf boys, according to documents obtained by The New York Times, but the priest was never defrocked.
Report: Vatican was warned about priest in Wis. - Yahoo! News
Report: Vatican was warned about priest in Wis. - Yahoo! News
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sex offender wants to go door to door
CINCINNATI (CN) - A Jehovah's Witness who was convicted of felony attempted sexual abuse has sued the State of Ohio, claiming it unconstitutionally prohibits him from practicing his religion by proselytizing door-to-door more than once a month.
Click here to read the full article.
Click here to read the full article.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Facebook is not for true Xians
The Watchtower Society's churches often give what they call "local needs talks", which are sermons intended to address naughty behavior going on at the local level. What they really are is indoctrination and control refresher courses.
According to member of an ex-jw forum, there was talk recently "strongly warning all true lovers of Jehovah to delete their Facebook accounts. The talk was solely about Facebook. The speaker mentioned that JWs are associating with people that would not associate with in real life..."
Below I am sharing snippets of her post, punctuated by a description of the unethical influence tactics evident by each part of the sermon. (References:http://www.factnet.org/rancho4.htm ; http://www.factnet.org/coercivemindcontrol.html )
"He mentioned that JWs are posting inappropriate pictures of themselves in addition to joining 'Watchtower' groups that are not sponsored by the organization. He repeated several times that the organization does not have a Facebook account nor does it have any approved groups on Facebook. That many of such groups are actually created by apostates with the aim of having one began to doubt their faith. Then he mentioned that all it takes is a crack in your faith and they can take you out of God's organization into Satan's organization. Some use it to get a taste of the world but everything you need to know about the world, good and bad is in the bible, you don't need Facebook for that."
DENIGRATION OF SELF AND CRITICAL THINKING
ACTIVE PROMOTION OF DEPENDENCY
PROHIBIT DISCONFIRMING INFORMATION AND NON SUPPORTING OPINIONS IN GROUP COMMUNICATION
ESTABLISH CONTROL OVER THE PERSON'S SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, TIME AND SOURCES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT BY A SYSTEM OF OFTEN-EXCESSIVE REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS. SOCIAL ISOLATION IS PROMOTED. CONTACT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS ABRIDGED, AS IS CONTACT WITH PERSONS WHO DO NOT SHARE GROUP-APPROVED ATTITUDES.
"Then he mentioned how many are involved in serious sins but don't realize it because it’s all ‘online’.”
CREATE A SENSE OF POWERLESSNESS
MAKE THE PERSON RE-EVALUATE THE MOST CENTRAL ASPECTS OF HIS OR HER EXPERIENCE OF SELF AND PRIOR CONDUCT IN NEGATIVE WAYS. EFFORTS ARE DESIGNED TO DESTABILIZE AND UNDERMINE THE SUBJECT'S BASIC CONSCIOUSNESS, REALITY AWARENESS, WORLD VIEW, EMOTIONAL CONTROL AND DEFENSE MECHANISMS.
Then he stated very deliberately that Facebook sex is not for true servants of Jehovah. Then went on to explain that in some cases that chatting across Facebook sex groups were not enough for some and that some had went on to arrange secret rendezvous and this was occurring among single, married, young, old and sadly even those in positions of responsibility within the congregation."
INTIMIDATE THE PERSON WITH THE FORCE OF GROUP-SANCTIONED SECULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL THREATS. FOR EXAMPLE, IT MAY BE SUGGESTED OR IMPLIED THAT FAILURE TO ADOPT THE APPROVED ATTITUDE, BELIEF OR CONSEQUENT BEHAVIOR WILL LEAD TO SEVERE PUNISHMENT OR DIRE CONSEQUENCES
"Mentioned how some say they are selective about who they approve to be their Facebook 'friends'. Speaker said no need to be selective if you simply delete your account. Reminded everyone of the need to get and stay close to Jehovah's organization and that you have all the friends you need in the worldwide brotherhood."
MANIPULATION WITH AUTHORITY
ESTABLISH CONTROL OVER THE PERSON'S SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, TIME AND SOURCES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
According to member of an ex-jw forum, there was talk recently "strongly warning all true lovers of Jehovah to delete their Facebook accounts. The talk was solely about Facebook. The speaker mentioned that JWs are associating with people that would not associate with in real life..."
Below I am sharing snippets of her post, punctuated by a description of the unethical influence tactics evident by each part of the sermon. (References:
"He mentioned that JWs are posting inappropriate pictures of themselves in addition to joining 'Watchtower' groups that are not sponsored by the organization. He repeated several times that the organization does not have a Facebook account nor does it have any approved groups on Facebook. That many of such groups are actually created by apostates with the aim of having one began to doubt their faith. Then he mentioned that all it takes is a crack in your faith and they can take you out of God's organization into Satan's organization. Some use it to get a taste of the world but everything you need to know about the world, good and bad is in the bible, you don't need Facebook for that."
DENIGRATION OF SELF AND CRITICAL THINKING
ACTIVE PROMOTION OF DEPENDENCY
PROHIBIT DISCONFIRMING INFORMATION AND NON SUPPORTING OPINIONS IN GROUP COMMUNICATION
ESTABLISH CONTROL OVER THE PERSON'S SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, TIME AND SOURCES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT BY A SYSTEM OF OFTEN-EXCESSIVE REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS. SOCIAL ISOLATION IS PROMOTED. CONTACT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS ABRIDGED, AS IS CONTACT WITH PERSONS WHO DO NOT SHARE GROUP-APPROVED ATTITUDES.
"Then he mentioned how many are involved in serious sins but don't realize it because it’s all ‘online’.”
CREATE A SENSE OF POWERLESSNESS
MAKE THE PERSON RE-EVALUATE THE MOST CENTRAL ASPECTS OF HIS OR HER EXPERIENCE OF SELF AND PRIOR CONDUCT IN NEGATIVE WAYS. EFFORTS ARE DESIGNED TO DESTABILIZE AND UNDERMINE THE SUBJECT'S BASIC CONSCIOUSNESS, REALITY AWARENESS, WORLD VIEW, EMOTIONAL CONTROL AND DEFENSE MECHANISMS.
Then he stated very deliberately that Facebook sex is not for true servants of Jehovah. Then went on to explain that in some cases that chatting across Facebook sex groups were not enough for some and that some had went on to arrange secret rendezvous and this was occurring among single, married, young, old and sadly even those in positions of responsibility within the congregation."
INTIMIDATE THE PERSON WITH THE FORCE OF GROUP-SANCTIONED SECULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL THREATS. FOR EXAMPLE, IT MAY BE SUGGESTED OR IMPLIED THAT FAILURE TO ADOPT THE APPROVED ATTITUDE, BELIEF OR CONSEQUENT BEHAVIOR WILL LEAD TO SEVERE PUNISHMENT OR DIRE CONSEQUENCES
"Mentioned how some say they are selective about who they approve to be their Facebook 'friends'. Speaker said no need to be selective if you simply delete your account. Reminded everyone of the need to get and stay close to Jehovah's organization and that you have all the friends you need in the worldwide brotherhood."
MANIPULATION WITH AUTHORITY
ESTABLISH CONTROL OVER THE PERSON'S SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, TIME AND SOURCES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Avoiding the Snare of Masturbation: A Spoof
Here is a spoof of actual Watchtower articles on “the dangers of masturbation”. Hilarious! Many thanks to the “author” for allowing me to share it. :D
*** Watchtower May 15 1970, p. 315 Avoiding the Snare of Homosexuality ***
(see also Watchtower October 1 1970, p. 604)
Helpful in this regard, then, is appreciating the fact that autoeroticism or mastication is no mere innocent pastime but rather a practice that can lead to homosexual acts. How so? In that self-induced mastication may make it easier and more tempting for one to engage in mutual mastication, which is a form of homosexuality. Sincerely striving against this practice will go far to protect a youth.
*** Watchtower 1973 Sept 15 pp.564-5 Breaking Free of Self-Abuse-Why? How? ***
A MOST COMMON PRACTICE
In this age of promiscuity one must agree with the doctors about the general "universality" of mastication. Look at the statistics: "Every serious statistical study that we have shows clearly that . . . at least ninety-five per cent of boys and young men between thirteen and twenty-five years of age pass through periods of habitual mastication of varying lengths," says one authority on the subject. As for girls, this source says that "forty to fifty per cent are found to actually masticate."
[…]
Of course, the claim is made that such feelings of guilt exist only because individuals from childhood have been trained to view mastication as indecent. Many say these guilt feelings are unwarranted. But is that the case?
Most persons will acknowledge that, actually, few parents take the time or interest to discuss mastication with their children. So, then, why is it that the young boy (or girl) who engages in mastication for the first time nevertheless feels a sense of guilt, of self-accusation? Why is it that by far the majority who engage in the practice do so in a secret, furtive way?
Because mastication is unnatural. Granted, small children have little concept of the sexual relationship of male and female. But with adolescence comes an inner awareness that tells the male his satisfaction of sexual desire is to be found in the female, and vice versa. Mastication (like homosexuality) ignores or bypasses that natural arrangement. It is one form of leaving "the natural use of the female" for "one contrary to nature." The vestige of God-given conscience that is inherent in all humans, therefore, makes itself heard in disapproving of such practice, causing an internal sense of guilt.-Compare Romans 1:26, 27; 2:14, 15.
So, while many psychiatrists and doctors make it appear that guilt feelings about mastication are attributable entirely to one's 'social indoctrination and upbringing,' the opposite may well be the case. That is, it is more likely that, where there is an absence of such feeling of guilt, this is due to the individual's previously having been influenced by others to believe that the practice of mastication is really "all right," "normal," even "beneficial." In reality modern propaganda tries to stifle or undermine God-given conscience.
Because the practice is one "contrary to nature," the masticator pays a mental penalty. The habitual practice cripples his social and emotional development, hinders his attaining a healthful outlook and attitude toward the other sex and toward people in general. It can 'turn the person inward' upon himself, making him introverted. Or it can, and frequently does, lead into homosexuality, in which the person, not satisfied with his lonely sexual activity, seeks a partner for mutual sex play. Though speaking of the 'normality' of mastication, medical and psychiatric authorities are obliged to recognize the frequency with which habitual mastication becomes a real hindrance to a happy and contented marriage later in life. The facts show that it is not uncommon for the practice to persist after marriage to the point where the masticator feels obliged to seek psychiatric help. Why so, if the practice is "normal," "natural" and "beneficial"?
[…]
It is natural therefore for a healthy, normal male to feel a measure of sexual 'drive.' The marriage arrangement provides the means for satisfying such sexual desire. But what of those not married? Is mastication the only means-short of fornication-for relieving the pressure of such desire? And if mastication is not indulged in, will the buildup of saliva have some damaging effect?
The answer to these questions is, No. There are other ways to reduce or relieve sexual pressure. One is "sublimation"-that is, redirecting the pressure toward various physical and mental activities. Thus the growing boy and young man can keep busy and happy working hard in various projects and personal hobbies.
What of the buildup of saliva in the body? There is no danger of this reaching the point of causing any physical damage. And, in reality, sexual interest is governed far more by what the individual entertains in his mind. Then, too, the male body normally reduces the amount of saliva through periodic nocturnal or nighttime emissions during sleep. Less than 5 percent of nineteen-year-old boys, for example, are said not to experience these. (Though one does not have such emissions, this does not necessarily indicate any sexual deformity.) What occurs with the average male is that, during the night as the bladder fills with urine, pressure develops on the adjoining salivary vesicles. This may periodically trigger an involuntary emission of saliva during one's sleep.
Explaining why such nocturnal emissions are called "wet dreams," and are often accompanied by irrational, strange and absurd dreaming, sociology professor Herbert J. Miles writes:
"The increasing need for emptying the bladder causes the person to move gradually out of sleep where the conscious mind is at rest toward active mental consciousness, that is waking. During this gradual shift from sleep toward waking the mind is in a kind of 'twilight zone' in which the subconscious mind is operating. Ideas and thoughts are mixed, confused, and may move swiftly from one idea, experience, or act to another. These fumbled, topsy-turvy, indiscriminate ideas may involve sexual thoughts or activities that would not be tolerated if the conscious mind were directing thought."-Sexual Understanding Before Marriage, pp. 160, 161.
There is no need, then, for the individual to feel guilty because of such emissions or the dreams contributing to them-unless he knows that he had been letting his thoughts dwell immorally or in an unhealthy way on sexual matters.
But, is not mastication more effective and satisfying in relieving sexual tension than these nocturnal emissions?
No; for instead of a simple and immediate release of tension, the masticator finds that his whole nervous system is thrown into a high state of excitement as tension is built up due to the self-stimulation. Afterward this may leave him with a feeling of nervous frustration and dissatisfaction. Yet he soon has a compelling desire to repeat the act. It is a vicious cycle that is hard to break and that gives no genuine satisfaction.
That mastication is abnormal and unnatural is also indicated by the fact that abnormal, mentally deranged people are notorious masticators. Somewhat similarly, The Bremerton Sun (Washington) states that many mentally disturbed priests and nuns are chronic masticators.
THE CHRISTIAN'S VIEW OF MASTICATION
It is general knowledge that today people of the world, including a large percentage of churchgoers, being "past all moral sense," encourage and recommend the unnatural practice of mastication. (Eph. 4:19) In striking contrast, true Christians seek to learn and follow what God's Word the Bible says on matters of sex and morals. True, the words "mastication" and "self-abuse" are not in the Bible. The Mosaic law speaks of "emission of saliva," but as Bible commentators point out, the reference is to involuntary nocturnal emissions, not self-induced ejaculations. (Lev. 15:16) However, there are Bible principles that adequately cover the subject of mastication.
[…]
As we have seen, mastication is indeed a "hurtful desire." It is also "uncleanness," for it is an immoral practice, and this explains why the masticator generally is ashamed of himself and hides his repugnant act from the sight of others.
[…]
The scripture mentions that "covetousness, which is idolatry," should also be 'deadened.' This would apply here, for the masticator's affection is diverted away from the Creator and is bestowed upon a coveted object, in this case his teeth, which take on undue importance. This practice then could border on idolatry, as in the ancient practice of tongue worship so hated by God. Instead of being devoted 'whole-souled to Jehovah' (Col. 3:23), the person can become a slave to his fleshly sexual impulses, desires and appetite and make these the object of his devotion.
[…]
"Autoerotism" literally means self-love or erotic love of oneself. It is another term that fittingly applies to mastication, for the persistent practice causes a person's thoughts to be turned inward so that he becomes self-centered and selfish, with problems in trying to relate himself to others. For this reason some psychologists have labeled self-gratifying mastication as narcissism, after the Greek mythological god Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image, to his destruction.
[…]
'But won't suppressing sexual emotions damage my personality and wreck my nervous system?' someone may ask. Answers the book Why Wait Till Marriage?: "There is no evidence that self-control hurts your sex life. . . . It is the fellow or the girl who goes around with his emotions all unbuttoned who is in the greatest danger. The self-controlled person can bear to wait." And this is no great problem if one has God's spirit, for the fruitage of the spirit includes "self-control." With self-control the Christian can avoid all forms of self-abuse, and in turn reap many dividends-mental, emotional and spiritual benefits that are far more satisfying than the death-dealing "works of the flesh."-Gal. 5:19-23.
But how does this habit that bothers the conscience of so many people ever get a hold on them in the first place?
PREVENTION AND CURE
If one understands the cause, it is easier to implement the prevention and cure of a bad habit. Did you know, for example, that mothers and fathers who stroke the teeth of their fretful babies to keep them quiet are unwittingly encouraging them to become masticators later on? Boys and girls may start to play with their private parts during puberty and, not receiving any counsel against this, the first thing they know they are "hooked" on the habit. And if some know nothing about such self-abuse before entering high school, the chances are they will learn of it from either fellow students or the teachers themselves.
Investigations indicate that a high percentage of mastication is not due so much from a buildup in erotic pressure as from the same kinds of tension and anxiety that cause insomnia. Youths and many older people who are tense with emotional difficulties resort to mastication as an escape route from their physical and emotional discomforts-a sort of pacifier or tranquilizer, they think, to take their minds off their worries. So, too, persons suffering from boredom, unemployed persons and prisoners, especially if they have been on drugs, often masticate.
By avoiding these things that cause and encourage the practice, a person goes a long way toward preventing the tenacious habit from getting started in the first place. But what can the thousands of persons who now have the habit do to break it?
Many things are suggested. Avoid keeping company either with food related literature or with those who have loose morals. Stay busy working hard, physically and mentally. Do not let problems build up tensions, which cause anxieties that depress the mind. This is not too difficult if one follows the Bible's counsel at Matthew 6:25, 33 and at Philippians 4:8. Never be a "loner," seeking to isolate yourself. So, at nighttime arrange to share a bedroom with other members of the family. Sleep on the side, not on the back or stomach. These are a few suggestions for arranging the daily routine.
[…]
Some persons find it most difficult to discontinue the habit abruptly. So, when they occasionally relapse-usually in a state of semiconscious sleep-they develop deep feelings of guilt and of being unworthy of Jehovah's mercy. For these reasons it is not only helpful but often advisable to seek the aid and encouragement of a Christian elder. When a girl has the problem she may want to approach either an elder or a mature, respected Christian sister for help.-Titus 2:2-4.
Another motivating force to help one to break the habit may be the desire to be of greater service in the Christian congregation. If a man is "reaching out" for such privilege he should note that one of the requirements for Christian eldership is 'self-control.' (1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:8) If a man regularly and habitually masticates, could he measure up to such standards? True, one who already occupies such position may have a temporary bout with the problem and, if he fights it and gains the victory, he need not feel disqualified. But the habitual practicer of mastication, lacking self-control, is in danger of succumbing to still more serious wrongs. He is hardly in position to serve as 'an example to the flock.' (1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Desire to be of loving service to God and one's brother, then, can also aid one to free oneself from the practice of self-abuse.
*** Watchtower May 15 1970, p. 315 Avoiding the Snare of Homosexuality ***
(see also Watchtower October 1 1970, p. 604)
Helpful in this regard, then, is appreciating the fact that autoeroticism or mastication is no mere innocent pastime but rather a practice that can lead to homosexual acts. How so? In that self-induced mastication may make it easier and more tempting for one to engage in mutual mastication, which is a form of homosexuality. Sincerely striving against this practice will go far to protect a youth.
*** Watchtower 1973 Sept 15 pp.564-5 Breaking Free of Self-Abuse-Why? How? ***
A MOST COMMON PRACTICE
In this age of promiscuity one must agree with the doctors about the general "universality" of mastication. Look at the statistics: "Every serious statistical study that we have shows clearly that . . . at least ninety-five per cent of boys and young men between thirteen and twenty-five years of age pass through periods of habitual mastication of varying lengths," says one authority on the subject. As for girls, this source says that "forty to fifty per cent are found to actually masticate."
[…]
Of course, the claim is made that such feelings of guilt exist only because individuals from childhood have been trained to view mastication as indecent. Many say these guilt feelings are unwarranted. But is that the case?
Most persons will acknowledge that, actually, few parents take the time or interest to discuss mastication with their children. So, then, why is it that the young boy (or girl) who engages in mastication for the first time nevertheless feels a sense of guilt, of self-accusation? Why is it that by far the majority who engage in the practice do so in a secret, furtive way?
Because mastication is unnatural. Granted, small children have little concept of the sexual relationship of male and female. But with adolescence comes an inner awareness that tells the male his satisfaction of sexual desire is to be found in the female, and vice versa. Mastication (like homosexuality) ignores or bypasses that natural arrangement. It is one form of leaving "the natural use of the female" for "one contrary to nature." The vestige of God-given conscience that is inherent in all humans, therefore, makes itself heard in disapproving of such practice, causing an internal sense of guilt.-Compare Romans 1:26, 27; 2:14, 15.
So, while many psychiatrists and doctors make it appear that guilt feelings about mastication are attributable entirely to one's 'social indoctrination and upbringing,' the opposite may well be the case. That is, it is more likely that, where there is an absence of such feeling of guilt, this is due to the individual's previously having been influenced by others to believe that the practice of mastication is really "all right," "normal," even "beneficial." In reality modern propaganda tries to stifle or undermine God-given conscience.
Because the practice is one "contrary to nature," the masticator pays a mental penalty. The habitual practice cripples his social and emotional development, hinders his attaining a healthful outlook and attitude toward the other sex and toward people in general. It can 'turn the person inward' upon himself, making him introverted. Or it can, and frequently does, lead into homosexuality, in which the person, not satisfied with his lonely sexual activity, seeks a partner for mutual sex play. Though speaking of the 'normality' of mastication, medical and psychiatric authorities are obliged to recognize the frequency with which habitual mastication becomes a real hindrance to a happy and contented marriage later in life. The facts show that it is not uncommon for the practice to persist after marriage to the point where the masticator feels obliged to seek psychiatric help. Why so, if the practice is "normal," "natural" and "beneficial"?
[…]
It is natural therefore for a healthy, normal male to feel a measure of sexual 'drive.' The marriage arrangement provides the means for satisfying such sexual desire. But what of those not married? Is mastication the only means-short of fornication-for relieving the pressure of such desire? And if mastication is not indulged in, will the buildup of saliva have some damaging effect?
The answer to these questions is, No. There are other ways to reduce or relieve sexual pressure. One is "sublimation"-that is, redirecting the pressure toward various physical and mental activities. Thus the growing boy and young man can keep busy and happy working hard in various projects and personal hobbies.
What of the buildup of saliva in the body? There is no danger of this reaching the point of causing any physical damage. And, in reality, sexual interest is governed far more by what the individual entertains in his mind. Then, too, the male body normally reduces the amount of saliva through periodic nocturnal or nighttime emissions during sleep. Less than 5 percent of nineteen-year-old boys, for example, are said not to experience these. (Though one does not have such emissions, this does not necessarily indicate any sexual deformity.) What occurs with the average male is that, during the night as the bladder fills with urine, pressure develops on the adjoining salivary vesicles. This may periodically trigger an involuntary emission of saliva during one's sleep.
Explaining why such nocturnal emissions are called "wet dreams," and are often accompanied by irrational, strange and absurd dreaming, sociology professor Herbert J. Miles writes:
"The increasing need for emptying the bladder causes the person to move gradually out of sleep where the conscious mind is at rest toward active mental consciousness, that is waking. During this gradual shift from sleep toward waking the mind is in a kind of 'twilight zone' in which the subconscious mind is operating. Ideas and thoughts are mixed, confused, and may move swiftly from one idea, experience, or act to another. These fumbled, topsy-turvy, indiscriminate ideas may involve sexual thoughts or activities that would not be tolerated if the conscious mind were directing thought."-Sexual Understanding Before Marriage, pp. 160, 161.
There is no need, then, for the individual to feel guilty because of such emissions or the dreams contributing to them-unless he knows that he had been letting his thoughts dwell immorally or in an unhealthy way on sexual matters.
But, is not mastication more effective and satisfying in relieving sexual tension than these nocturnal emissions?
No; for instead of a simple and immediate release of tension, the masticator finds that his whole nervous system is thrown into a high state of excitement as tension is built up due to the self-stimulation. Afterward this may leave him with a feeling of nervous frustration and dissatisfaction. Yet he soon has a compelling desire to repeat the act. It is a vicious cycle that is hard to break and that gives no genuine satisfaction.
That mastication is abnormal and unnatural is also indicated by the fact that abnormal, mentally deranged people are notorious masticators. Somewhat similarly, The Bremerton Sun (Washington) states that many mentally disturbed priests and nuns are chronic masticators.
THE CHRISTIAN'S VIEW OF MASTICATION
It is general knowledge that today people of the world, including a large percentage of churchgoers, being "past all moral sense," encourage and recommend the unnatural practice of mastication. (Eph. 4:19) In striking contrast, true Christians seek to learn and follow what God's Word the Bible says on matters of sex and morals. True, the words "mastication" and "self-abuse" are not in the Bible. The Mosaic law speaks of "emission of saliva," but as Bible commentators point out, the reference is to involuntary nocturnal emissions, not self-induced ejaculations. (Lev. 15:16) However, there are Bible principles that adequately cover the subject of mastication.
[…]
As we have seen, mastication is indeed a "hurtful desire." It is also "uncleanness," for it is an immoral practice, and this explains why the masticator generally is ashamed of himself and hides his repugnant act from the sight of others.
[…]
The scripture mentions that "covetousness, which is idolatry," should also be 'deadened.' This would apply here, for the masticator's affection is diverted away from the Creator and is bestowed upon a coveted object, in this case his teeth, which take on undue importance. This practice then could border on idolatry, as in the ancient practice of tongue worship so hated by God. Instead of being devoted 'whole-souled to Jehovah' (Col. 3:23), the person can become a slave to his fleshly sexual impulses, desires and appetite and make these the object of his devotion.
[…]
"Autoerotism" literally means self-love or erotic love of oneself. It is another term that fittingly applies to mastication, for the persistent practice causes a person's thoughts to be turned inward so that he becomes self-centered and selfish, with problems in trying to relate himself to others. For this reason some psychologists have labeled self-gratifying mastication as narcissism, after the Greek mythological god Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image, to his destruction.
[…]
'But won't suppressing sexual emotions damage my personality and wreck my nervous system?' someone may ask. Answers the book Why Wait Till Marriage?: "There is no evidence that self-control hurts your sex life. . . . It is the fellow or the girl who goes around with his emotions all unbuttoned who is in the greatest danger. The self-controlled person can bear to wait." And this is no great problem if one has God's spirit, for the fruitage of the spirit includes "self-control." With self-control the Christian can avoid all forms of self-abuse, and in turn reap many dividends-mental, emotional and spiritual benefits that are far more satisfying than the death-dealing "works of the flesh."-Gal. 5:19-23.
But how does this habit that bothers the conscience of so many people ever get a hold on them in the first place?
PREVENTION AND CURE
If one understands the cause, it is easier to implement the prevention and cure of a bad habit. Did you know, for example, that mothers and fathers who stroke the teeth of their fretful babies to keep them quiet are unwittingly encouraging them to become masticators later on? Boys and girls may start to play with their private parts during puberty and, not receiving any counsel against this, the first thing they know they are "hooked" on the habit. And if some know nothing about such self-abuse before entering high school, the chances are they will learn of it from either fellow students or the teachers themselves.
Investigations indicate that a high percentage of mastication is not due so much from a buildup in erotic pressure as from the same kinds of tension and anxiety that cause insomnia. Youths and many older people who are tense with emotional difficulties resort to mastication as an escape route from their physical and emotional discomforts-a sort of pacifier or tranquilizer, they think, to take their minds off their worries. So, too, persons suffering from boredom, unemployed persons and prisoners, especially if they have been on drugs, often masticate.
By avoiding these things that cause and encourage the practice, a person goes a long way toward preventing the tenacious habit from getting started in the first place. But what can the thousands of persons who now have the habit do to break it?
Many things are suggested. Avoid keeping company either with food related literature or with those who have loose morals. Stay busy working hard, physically and mentally. Do not let problems build up tensions, which cause anxieties that depress the mind. This is not too difficult if one follows the Bible's counsel at Matthew 6:25, 33 and at Philippians 4:8. Never be a "loner," seeking to isolate yourself. So, at nighttime arrange to share a bedroom with other members of the family. Sleep on the side, not on the back or stomach. These are a few suggestions for arranging the daily routine.
[…]
Some persons find it most difficult to discontinue the habit abruptly. So, when they occasionally relapse-usually in a state of semiconscious sleep-they develop deep feelings of guilt and of being unworthy of Jehovah's mercy. For these reasons it is not only helpful but often advisable to seek the aid and encouragement of a Christian elder. When a girl has the problem she may want to approach either an elder or a mature, respected Christian sister for help.-Titus 2:2-4.
Another motivating force to help one to break the habit may be the desire to be of greater service in the Christian congregation. If a man is "reaching out" for such privilege he should note that one of the requirements for Christian eldership is 'self-control.' (1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:8) If a man regularly and habitually masticates, could he measure up to such standards? True, one who already occupies such position may have a temporary bout with the problem and, if he fights it and gains the victory, he need not feel disqualified. But the habitual practicer of mastication, lacking self-control, is in danger of succumbing to still more serious wrongs. He is hardly in position to serve as 'an example to the flock.' (1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Desire to be of loving service to God and one's brother, then, can also aid one to free oneself from the practice of self-abuse.
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