Thanks for the bullet points.🙏😁
I've interacted with JWs here and there throughout my life, but have not been close enough to know about their disfellowshipping dynamic. My litmus test for a cult is their view of Jesus. Any creed that doesn't recognize him as God in human flesh is by my definition a cult.
If you happen to have any links to articles describing the JW dynamic you've described, I'd welcome them.
Thanks again;🙏😁 and I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience...😮
Ultimately, cult behavior will always be the litmus for what a cult is, whether the primary deity be Jesus or Vishnu. I'd love to say my experience was unique but that doesn't bear out given the plethora of testimony you can find out there. My grandmother herself was disfellowshipped when my grandfather refused to join the JW along with her. He said they were a cult then and maintained that stance until his death, though he just said it because they seemed to demand everyone think exactly alike.
No organization regardless of their views of Jesus should ever encourage a member to sever all ties with family over the family's views or refusing to join. No organization is above judgement, either, but questioning of elders is explicitly prohibited.
Even a group with "perfect doctrine" can be a cult if they conduct themselves as such.
I couldn't agree with you more about cultic behavior, and I'm so saddened to hear how they damaged your family.😢
I consider family to be the bedrock foundation of society, and I hate *anything* that undermines it. In my life experience, the greatest enemy of the family has been the state.🤬
