A secular site promoting use of evidence-based prevention methods to reduce cult victimization
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Charles Taze Russell's pyramidology and failed end-time prediction
One of the original Jehovah's Witnesses by the name of Charles Taze Russell wrote extensively about the end times and included specific dates of events to come.
He proclaimed Christ's return as occurring in 1874. He used measurements of pyramids to calculate dates and predict events.(Source: as quoted by jwfiles.com: Jehovah’s Witnesses Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom 1993, pg 162; Studies in the Scriptures, The Devine Plan Of The Ages Volume 1, 1910; Thy Kingdom Come 3, 1897; Studies in Scriptures pg 342; Thy Kingdom Come 3,1916; Zion’s Wt, 5/1881, pg 225; Zion’s Wt, 9/1881, pg 272; The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1910; Wt, 10/1/1917, pg 6149; Wt, 6/15/1922, pg 187; Wt, 5/15/1925, pg 148; Wt, 11/15/1928, pg 344; Qualified to be Ministers, 1955, pg 304.)
This flies in the face of numerous prohibitions and criticisms by Jehovah's Witnesses of other religions, including ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Now a book set in that time mentions this prophecy. "The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark" by Lawana Blackwell, apparently says, "... but the discussion drifted over to a book circulating throughout England, written by an American named Charles Russell and stating positively that Christ would return in 1874..."
"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now;… But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. 'New Light' never extinguishes older 'light' but adds to it…" Zion's Watch Tower 1881 February pp.3,188 (as quoted by jwfacts.com)
He proclaimed Christ's return as occurring in 1874. He used measurements of pyramids to calculate dates and predict events.(Source: as quoted by jwfiles.com: Jehovah’s Witnesses Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom 1993, pg 162; Studies in the Scriptures, The Devine Plan Of The Ages Volume 1, 1910; Thy Kingdom Come 3, 1897; Studies in Scriptures pg 342; Thy Kingdom Come 3,1916; Zion’s Wt, 5/1881, pg 225; Zion’s Wt, 9/1881, pg 272; The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1910; Wt, 10/1/1917, pg 6149; Wt, 6/15/1922, pg 187; Wt, 5/15/1925, pg 148; Wt, 11/15/1928, pg 344; Qualified to be Ministers, 1955, pg 304.)
This flies in the face of numerous prohibitions and criticisms by Jehovah's Witnesses of other religions, including ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Now a book set in that time mentions this prophecy. "The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark" by Lawana Blackwell, apparently says, "... but the discussion drifted over to a book circulating throughout England, written by an American named Charles Russell and stating positively that Christ would return in 1874..."
"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now;… But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. 'New Light' never extinguishes older 'light' but adds to it…" Zion's Watch Tower 1881 February pp.3,188 (as quoted by jwfacts.com)
Friday, August 31, 2012
God hates masturbation: A SIGN LANGUAGE lecture
In what may be among the top 10 biggest lapses in judgement of the Watchtower Society, they have posted a lecture on the evils of masturbation IN SIGN LANGUAGE, complete with a gesture for the act.
"God's Love" 22-Gain the Victory Over Masturbation (ASL)
These are the sorts of subjects discussed to audiences of all ages, in mixed company, at their public services.
"God's Love" 22-Gain the Victory Over Masturbation (ASL)
These are the sorts of subjects discussed to audiences of all ages, in mixed company, at their public services.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Check out this wackadoodle quote from a 1925 religious nut
"Every discovery of science proves that mothers cannot do more than care for the home without danger to the next generation."
The Broadcaster, Vol. 1. No. 41 Thursday, May 21, 1925 Brooklyn, N. Y., Contributors: Judge J. F. Rutherford, C. J. Woodworth, J. H. Hemery, C. C. Binkele.
The Broadcaster, Vol. 1. No. 41 Thursday, May 21, 1925 Brooklyn, N. Y., Contributors: Judge J. F. Rutherford, C. J. Woodworth, J. H. Hemery, C. C. Binkele.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Coney Island principal refuses to let kindergarten students sing "God Bless the USA" at graduation, but Justin Bieber's "Baby" is OK - NYPOST.com
A principal, reportedly a Jehovah's Witness, refuses to allow patriotic songs at graduation. Click the link to read the whole story.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Church threatens legal action against parishoners
A site purporting to be run by Jehovah's Witnesses for the purpose of electronically distributing brief daily readings of scripture and commentary from its own church claims to have received a cease and desist letter from the church for copyright infringement.
This same church has sued others for similar re-postings of its writings, without critique. Postings with critique are allowed by federal law. Hence, the Watchtower Society's action has had the strange, counterproductive effect of turning up the volume of critique due to silencing its own words.
The second negative effect is the fact that current members in good standing are turned off by this action, so much they appear to be losing their faith. Click the above link to see faith crumbling before your very eyes.
This is not the first time this church has done this. Previously, the church silenced a site containing only a collection of literature quotes by suing the webmaster and taking ownership of the site.
Why? They claimed the quotes "embarrassed" them. (The official court papers could not easily be found on the Internet today by this writer, though I've personally read them in the past. If interested, try searching for Watchtower Society vs. Peter Mosier c. 2005 in Canada.)
This same church has sued others for similar re-postings of its writings, without critique. Postings with critique are allowed by federal law. Hence, the Watchtower Society's action has had the strange, counterproductive effect of turning up the volume of critique due to silencing its own words.
The second negative effect is the fact that current members in good standing are turned off by this action, so much they appear to be losing their faith. Click the above link to see faith crumbling before your very eyes.
This is not the first time this church has done this. Previously, the church silenced a site containing only a collection of literature quotes by suing the webmaster and taking ownership of the site.
Why? They claimed the quotes "embarrassed" them. (The official court papers could not easily be found on the Internet today by this writer, though I've personally read them in the past. If interested, try searching for Watchtower Society vs. Peter Mosier c. 2005 in Canada.)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
TV Psychic Noreen Renier | Reputation destroyed
"As of late April 2012 search engines like Bing and Google offer multiple postings (many anonymous) falsely claiming that YouTube, Facebook, and TV psychic detective medium Noreen Renier recently sued a skeptic writer and won. But the truth is different. Here are the facts as known to the G&P Inquiry Institute and presented commercial-free as a public service.
Noreen Renier has testified in court of engaging non-living entities named Sing and Robert who she claims speak through her. Recently she authored a book in which she claims to communicate back and forth in English with trees who have memories of historical events taking place around them. Like an oak tree she claims she talked who --- she claims ---described where rivers once flowed and talked about humans who had fought nearby. This particular oak tree was her informant.
Is Noreen Renier a credible and reputable psychic? Absolutely not. Noreen Renier falsely claims a formidable reputation with "hundreds" of law enforcement agencies --- but her claim is bogus.
And Noreen Renier rather than winning in court rooms against critics has actually lost every single lawsuit brought against her by one skeptical writer and critic across the past twenty years...."
Noreen Renier has testified in court of engaging non-living entities named Sing and Robert who she claims speak through her. Recently she authored a book in which she claims to communicate back and forth in English with trees who have memories of historical events taking place around them. Like an oak tree she claims she talked who --- she claims ---described where rivers once flowed and talked about humans who had fought nearby. This particular oak tree was her informant.
Is Noreen Renier a credible and reputable psychic? Absolutely not. Noreen Renier falsely claims a formidable reputation with "hundreds" of law enforcement agencies --- but her claim is bogus.
And Noreen Renier rather than winning in court rooms against critics has actually lost every single lawsuit brought against her by one skeptical writer and critic across the past twenty years...."
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sanal Edamaruku under attack for exposing Catholic "miracle"
As he exposed the “miracle” of the drippling Jesus in Mumbai, revengeful Catholic Church leaders vow to harass Sanal Edamaruku with an array of blasphemy cases. The harassment has started. Sanal can be arrested any moment....
Click the title to read the rest of the article.
Click the title to read the rest of the article.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
“End of the World”: A misguided children’s picture and story FOR CHARITY | eBay
“End of the World”: A misguided children’s picture and story FOR CHARITY | eBay
This has got to be one of the oddest Ebay auctions I've ever seen. Holy cow. First:
"100% of the final sale price will support Compassion International...exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults."
Bully for you, I guess, but do they know you're raising money for them by scaring the living shit out of kids?
If you'd like to read the story itself, click on the link above. For those who don't, I'll summarize: Typewritten horror story of cannibalism, eating intestines and using skulls as chips and dip bowls, run-on sentences, capitalization errors, etc. An extremely violent story written and illustrated by people at a reading level of approximately grade 2. What's disturbing is kids at that age are capable of such violent thoughts. Comes to you dogeared and wrinkled.
Hard to pass up, I know.
And this is for a charity that advocates for children's well being. If you didn't catch it the first time: FOR CHARITY---capitalized in the auction.
This has got to be one of the oddest Ebay auctions I've ever seen. Holy cow. First:
"100% of the final sale price will support Compassion International...exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults."
Bully for you, I guess, but do they know you're raising money for them by scaring the living shit out of kids?
Not suitable for children under 5 years of age for gore and violent cartoon images. The paper has bent corners and is wrinkled. The names of the artists/writers are on the back of the drawing. The picture contains a giant Shaq and a very small LeBron James. The foot of an unnamed monster is sticking out of the nuclear reactor.
If you'd like to read the story itself, click on the link above. For those who don't, I'll summarize: Typewritten horror story of cannibalism, eating intestines and using skulls as chips and dip bowls, run-on sentences, capitalization errors, etc. An extremely violent story written and illustrated by people at a reading level of approximately grade 2. What's disturbing is kids at that age are capable of such violent thoughts. Comes to you dogeared and wrinkled.
Hard to pass up, I know.
And this is for a charity that advocates for children's well being. If you didn't catch it the first time: FOR CHARITY---capitalized in the auction.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Education Dept wants the word "birthday" removed from tests for students whose religions don't practice birthday celebrations
School of Fail: Let’s Not Insult People Who Don’t Believe in Birthdays! Or Anyone Ever About Anything. - EPIC FAIL Funny Videos and Epic Fail Funny Pictures
Original article: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/war-on-words-nyc-dept-of-education-wants-50-forbidden-words-removed-from-standardized-tests/
Original article: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/war-on-words-nyc-dept-of-education-wants-50-forbidden-words-removed-from-standardized-tests/
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Cult disciplines member for enrolling in college
That's right--cults often prohibit members from education and all types of learning outside the organization. Click the hyperlinked title of this post to read one example of social sanctions (partial shunning) imposed for higher education.
Why? Check out this explanation from FactNet.org:
Why? Check out this explanation from FactNet.org:
Prohibit disconfirming information and non supporting opinions in group communication. Rules exist about permissible topics to discuss with outsiders. Communication is highly controlled. An "in-group" language is usually constructed.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
This quote says it all!
Watchtower Magazine 09/15/41 p. 287
In the Kingdom the 'great multitude' will look to the Lord to guide as to selecting each a mate for himself. Why, then, should a man who has the prospect before him of being of the great multitude now tie himself up to a stack of bones and a hank of hair?
In the Kingdom the 'great multitude' will look to the Lord to guide as to selecting each a mate for himself. Why, then, should a man who has the prospect before him of being of the great multitude now tie himself up to a stack of bones and a hank of hair?
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Infant's death at hospital linked to circumcision followed by oral suction
Under the practice, the rabbi or mohel removes blood from the wound with his mouth — a practice city health officials have criticized, saying it carried “inherent risks” for babies.
In 2004, three infants circumcised by Rabbi Yitzchok Fischer were determined to have contracted herpes, city officials said.
Among them were twins circumcised in October 2004 after Fischer performed the religious ceremony known as a bris.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Church leader 'poisons' rival | Adelaide Now
Church leader 'poisons' rival | Adelaide Now
...The bizarre incident is believed to be connected to a disciplinary matter within the Mt Lofty Jehovah's Witnesses Church congregation, where both the charged man and the victim and his family are members.
It is understood the charged man may have resented the involvement of the victim, a church elder, in a matter which saw him "disfellowshipped" in 2010 over his conduct.
The poisoning victim, who asked not to be identified, said the charged man was no longer a member of the 100-strong congregation.
"He was removed from the congregation," he said....Friday, March 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Private prosecution gets thrown out of court - Local News - News - General - Latrobe Valley Express
Conjecture remains over whether Jehovah's Witness members, involved in door-to-door preaching methods in the company of children, referred to as 'publishers', were required to undergo the background checks.
In an audio recording of a letter from the Watchtower Society, read to a local congregation in late 2011 and heard by The Express, it was stated door-to-door activities were part of a member's "personal ministry", and 'publishers' were not representatives or volunteers of the Watchtower Society. Read the rest at: Private prosecution gets thrown out of court - Local News - News - General - Latrobe Valley Express
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Holy disproportionate response, Batman! Emotional icebergs
The term "emotional icebergs" simply means that only a small portion of an emotion and reason for it are apparent. The majority is "below the surface", not known to bystanders and sometimes not even known to the individual experiencing it. If you notice a disproportionate emotional response to something, an iceberg may be the reason.
Destructive emergence of emotional icebergs ("shipwrecks") is a common pattern with ex-cultists. One common trigger for the iceberg's emergence is belief--being presented with new information that cannot be easily confirmed by personally witnessing it--feeling pressured to believe. Believe in something we're being told. Seeing others believe in what they're told. Belief is a trigger.
There is camp #1 who instantly believes it without evidence or question. Even after contrary proof has been provided, just like we were brainwashed to do--they keep believing. Thinking for yourself is hard, painful and dangerous--it's bad, don't do it.
Camp #2 staunchly defends anyone who claims to be fighting the cult no matter how incredible the story becomes. They want so badly for the vile cult to fall, they will ignore reason. They are willing to send cash to alleged cult fighters (complete strangers) and are hostile when anyone questions the truth or asks for proof of anything, including identity.
Camp #3 who is overly skeptical but open minded. These folks have done the needed personal work to get to this point.
Camp #4 who disbelieves and criticizes everything in a cynical, sometimes mean spirit. Conspiracy theories abound. They operate on the same premise as Camp #1--thinking for yourself is hard, painful and dangerous--it's bad, don't do it. They just err on the side of disbelief rather than belief--the second side of the same extremist coin.
Love it or hate it, that's us. Injecting reason during these conflicts does help people reason, learn and grow.
Destructive emergence of emotional icebergs ("shipwrecks") is a common pattern with ex-cultists. One common trigger for the iceberg's emergence is belief--being presented with new information that cannot be easily confirmed by personally witnessing it--feeling pressured to believe. Believe in something we're being told. Seeing others believe in what they're told. Belief is a trigger.
There is camp #1 who instantly believes it without evidence or question. Even after contrary proof has been provided, just like we were brainwashed to do--they keep believing. Thinking for yourself is hard, painful and dangerous--it's bad, don't do it.
Camp #2 staunchly defends anyone who claims to be fighting the cult no matter how incredible the story becomes. They want so badly for the vile cult to fall, they will ignore reason. They are willing to send cash to alleged cult fighters (complete strangers) and are hostile when anyone questions the truth or asks for proof of anything, including identity.
Camp #3 who is overly skeptical but open minded. These folks have done the needed personal work to get to this point.
Camp #4 who disbelieves and criticizes everything in a cynical, sometimes mean spirit. Conspiracy theories abound. They operate on the same premise as Camp #1--thinking for yourself is hard, painful and dangerous--it's bad, don't do it. They just err on the side of disbelief rather than belief--the second side of the same extremist coin.
Love it or hate it, that's us. Injecting reason during these conflicts does help people reason, learn and grow.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Galactic Federation of Light--let the 2012 madness begin!! I mean continue
This group is reportedly preparing for alien invasion on January 23, 2012 and recommending stockpiling of food and supplies. I've heard this word-of-mouth but can't stomach sorting through the verbal overproductivity on the site to find if they've said this in writing.
On their Q&A page (linked above), they say a few key things. I'll paraphrase them here to save you some time.
1. We are sending you updates on the Internet and in our books that cause your DNA to vibrate in a certain way. This is not to be confused with other vibrators you get through the mail.
2. Angels, god(s)(ess)(es) are involved with aliens, but in a good way. Sorta.
3. Supernova, stars, blah blah space stuff, there's a hole in the universe that will enable contact with aliens soon. In fact this has been known by many ancient religions. There is even an old hymn based on this knowledge, "There's a hole in space, dear Liza, dear Liza..." Oh, wait. That's not it.
4. The Council of Nine is something important...blah, blah, word salad, blah blah blah.
5. Your belief in this nonsense is helping the planet somehow, and is also changing your own DNA to make you grow fast, like a toddler. The growth is why you're tired, not the strain of attempting to understand nonsensical drivel.
666. Are there opposers? Of course there are! We couldn't exist without them. Opposition brings cult members together. We call our opposers "dark forces". Similar to the demons in the bible, it's convenient since Christians and other demon-believers won't have to learn and accept yet another brand new belief.
7. We will give you instructions about forming Welcome Wagon committees to welcome the aliens with love, brotherhood and useful coupons for local restaurants. Do not form these committees until we instruct you, or we won't get our Welcome Wagon commission.
8. Human race's measurement of time: You're doing it wrong. New members won't be able to comprehend it until they use their vibrators. See #1.
9. Remember, kids--you need us to survive!!1! Oh snap.
On their Q&A page (linked above), they say a few key things. I'll paraphrase them here to save you some time.
1. We are sending you updates on the Internet and in our books that cause your DNA to vibrate in a certain way. This is not to be confused with other vibrators you get through the mail.
2. Angels, god(s)(ess)(es) are involved with aliens, but in a good way. Sorta.
3. Supernova, stars, blah blah space stuff, there's a hole in the universe that will enable contact with aliens soon. In fact this has been known by many ancient religions. There is even an old hymn based on this knowledge, "There's a hole in space, dear Liza, dear Liza..." Oh, wait. That's not it.
4. The Council of Nine is something important...blah, blah, word salad, blah blah blah.
5. Your belief in this nonsense is helping the planet somehow, and is also changing your own DNA to make you grow fast, like a toddler. The growth is why you're tired, not the strain of attempting to understand nonsensical drivel.
666. Are there opposers? Of course there are! We couldn't exist without them. Opposition brings cult members together. We call our opposers "dark forces". Similar to the demons in the bible, it's convenient since Christians and other demon-believers won't have to learn and accept yet another brand new belief.
7. We will give you instructions about forming Welcome Wagon committees to welcome the aliens with love, brotherhood and useful coupons for local restaurants. Do not form these committees until we instruct you, or we won't get our Welcome Wagon commission.
8. Human race's measurement of time: You're doing it wrong. New members won't be able to comprehend it until they use their vibrators. See #1.
9. Remember, kids--you need us to survive!!1! Oh snap.
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