Why Are Jehovah's Witnesses So Conforming?

Question

My parents were JW's a long time ago when I was a little girl. There are a lot of things that don't make sense to me about this religion (not to bash it in anyway). Why do you force your children to go out and knock on people's doors, subjecting them to a world of rejection at a much too tender age? Why do you discourage your children from associating with other kids that don't attend your congregational meetings? Why is it bad to celebrate ones birthday, which is just a celebration of ones life? Why do you discourage forming friendships with the oposite sex? Why do you discourage (or did) higher education? From what I have seen (with my own eyes and life) this results in rebelion from children. Most of the kids I knew/met who where JW's where worse then the kids i knew who had no religious structure at all. Please explain to me how this is spirituality in God's eyes?

Answer 1

Ah...you've asked all the questions I've asked when I was younger. The only answer is, that's just the way there are. They change their 'teachings' with the times. I think they might even be allowing certain types of blood transfusions now. *gasp* I guess it's good, but doesn't that show that their teachings weren't very good to begin with? I mean college? Who says college is bad?! And extra-curricular activities a no-no? I coulda been a ballerina! XD
My mom is still a JW, she'll call on mine and my bros and sisters birthdays and let us know she's glad we were born. And even though she doesn't celebrate, we'll all call her on Mother's Day "just to say hello".
I remember seeing all the JW kids in school and how much worse they were than the "worldly" friends I wasn't supposed to have. Alot of the supposed JWs are fakers. They don't follow all of their religions rules and don't regularly attend their meetings, but they'll be the ones to yell the loudest and call you "worldly" or "evil". But there are ones who truly believe and not just believe out of convenience, and they really aren't so bad. They'll actually have a slightly more open mind about things, and are always helpful and not nearly as judgemental as the 'posers' :P.
I've noticed that most JWs weren't born into it. Almost all of the children end up noticing and questioning all the inconsistencies and end up leaving. I think the adults are just glad to find a place to 'belong' that they don't bother questioning. With my mom, they just came and answered the right questions at the right time in her life.
Best question I asked my mom that she never answered...."If we're gonna be perfect in the new kingdom, will we need erasers?" XD Wow, I've rambled and not really answered your question, sorry. Just kinda have alot to say about nothing and everything I guess. Kudos to your parents for leaving. I hope they haven't left one cult to join another though. :P

Answer 2

I don't know...but my experience was definitely different.

I know of JW parents that were very strict and made rules up the nose that could not be based on the scriptures...

I know of JW parents who (like mine) was very analytical and factual and basically allowed their children the freedom to choose.

I never felt rejected at the doors (if you were raised by JW parents, then you know what i'm talking about...) so long as I was under 15...lol...

I don't think your commentaries have so much to do with JW parents as much as it does with strict parents. Whereas, the birthday celebration prohibition has biblical backing, JW children celebrate a little TOO much, imo...at least where I live.

The other stuff I just dont get. I went to college, and enjoyed being raised a JW. And i agree, when you keep tight reins on a child, they tend to rebel. But again, that's not so much a JW thing as it is a parenting thing.

I WISH some of these JW parents around here were strict!

Answer 3

I was raised a JW also and I must say that I was not "forced" to go out and knock on people's doors. Parents take their children with them to expose them to the work that JW's do which is to teach others about Jehovah God and his purpose for the earth.

JW's discourage their children from associating with children outside of the congregation because other children are not being taught the same things about Jehovah and do not have the same respect for God that JW's do. I went to public schools as a kid and had/have friends that are not JW's, but when it comes down to it, I know that the friends I have that are JW's will always be there for me and will not tempt me to do things that are contrary to my beliefs because they have the same beliefs.

As far as birthday's are concerned, there are only two instances in the bible of birthday celebrations and both were bad situations. In one situation the birthday present was John the Baptist's head on a platter. That's enticing.

As a teenager, I had several friends that were boys. Friendship with the opposite sex is not a problem as long as it is monitored. Teenager's hormones are often times uncontrollable. It would be sad if two teenagers of the opposite sex were put into a situation where their hormones took over and they had sex. This is contrary to God's teachings which say that fornication is wrong. Why put yourself into that situation in the first place.

Higher education isn't wrong, you just have to understand your priorities. If you are a true JW you understand that there isn't much time left in this world the way it is. There is so much terror and violence in the world which the bible says is a precursor to the end of the system. Do you really want to spend 4 years of your life getting a degree to work in a system that isn't going to last forever or would you rather serve Jehovah by teaching others about him and his purpose for the earth. It really ends up being a decision you have to make. The church can't make it for you.

I too have seen the rebellion in children. I myself rebelled. When I was 18 I stopped going to the JW church. I wanted my own life. I wanted to see what was out there. Boy did I have a rude awakening. I found men that just wanted sex, I found people who had nothing better to do than sit in bars, and I found that I wasn't happy with my life without Jehovah. I came back to the church 6 years later and am much happier today than I have ever been.

While I was away, I got married to someone who is not a JW. He is not opposed to my religion. In fact he says that what I have told him about my faith makes sense to him.

And about your last statement about JW kids being worse than others. I'm not saying you are wrong. There are many JW kids who are not exactly "model citizens". But there are also many Catholic and Baptist and Lutheran kids who are the same.

It all comes down to your faith in the bible and what it teaches. I rely on the bible to keep me strong and the congregation I attend helps me to do that.

I'm sorry you have had such a bad experience with JW's, but know that we are not all the same just as not all Catholics are the same. We are not perfect nor do we profess to be.

I hope you find what you are looking for.

Answer 4

The problem is not only with Jehovah's Witnesses its with organized religion. Although going to church gives children structure and can teach them the better qualities of human nature the controlling and accepting nature of most religions will come out sooner or later. This is exaggerated in Jehovah's Witnesses because they are much more protective over the members of the congregation and condemn the outside world so much.

Answer 5

Your question was very illuminating to me. I really had no idea what it was like to be a JW. I only know that from time to time, an old lady comes to my door with a pamphlet and some 14 year old boy (inevitably wearing a short-sleeve white shirt and tie...) and all I can do is wonder what is he thinking... who is making him do this... I also wonder what purpose it serves to make people uncomfortable and disturb them at home...

Anyway, enough about me...
I don't think that conventions of religion have anything to do with god or spirituality, but forcing acts of group will onto individuals. All organized religion is about conformity and ritual. Some just have a more annoying way about going about it. And some people gravitate to being controlled by other people. Sort of vicarious self-esteem... the power of the group empowers them, by depersonalizing their actions.

Answer 6

I believe that the formalities involved in religious practice are mans interpretation of the way to have a healthy relationship with GOD. If a religion discourages a man from becoming closer to GOD then ultimately that religion isnt designed for you. However if those harsh limitations helps another it is still legitimate because it helps at least 1 souil enter heaven. I do understand your questions and i think that those thing are kinda weird.

Answer 7

Interesting question. Why was it that God told the ancient Isrealites that they were not to associate with the pagan countries around them? Why was it that God gave the Isrealites a code of laws to live by that was very restrictive? Why did a loving God punish the Isrealites when they disobeyed his code of laws?

If you look at it from a distance "outside looking in" God was acting as a loving Father providing guidlines and limits to the Isrealites. And when they disobeyed (what does a human father do when a child disobeyes?) he punished them. There are many instances in the Bible that are real lessons in how to live ones life and benifit from Gods commands.

The links to two articles below will I hope help you understand that your parents were following the correct path of responsibility to you and if you had any brothers or sisters them too.

Answer 8

hey YUHATEME! Christians are actually not any further decrease than Mosaic regulation. Jesus got here to fulfill it. That regulation grew to become into purely a shadow or teach ideal to Jesus Christ. (Gal. 3:24-28; Heb. 10:a million-4, 10, 18) i'm grateful to the questioner for his precise & variety words. You regarded for your self rather of accepting gossip. We do purely pass by employing what the Bible easily teaches. it is carefully distinctive from different religions and motives them to hate us. The Bible teaches it is via the fact we tell the fact. i think in the present day, it is likewise by way of effect on the clergy's wallet. Who might supply them something whilst they discover out the clergy has been coaching lies? some might desire to even call for a reimbursement! Now what approximately you? Come connect us! you recognize what's right. do no longer wait till finally it quite is purely too overdue. the two whilst the time of our ministry would be closed or, like me get bodily tousled so as no longer be waiting to pass out.

Answer 9

Well not to get into an argument or anything, I will briefly answer your questions. I'm young too, I'm 15 and everything I believe is because it's what the Bible has taught, not because my parents made me do so.

1) If you are an athiest, or a Catholic, or a Muslim you raise your child according to your beliefs right. Similarly in following Jesus's command we go and preach to people. Jesus was in the temple at the young age of 12. Similarly young children are able to grasp the valuable truths of the Bible just as Jesus and want to go share the message with others.

2)"Bad asscociation spoils useful habits". Would you want your child to associate with someone who wasn't living their life in harmony with the very Bible principles you raised your child upon? Certainly not, you wouldn't want their thinking and minds to be tainted. True not all people are bad, but if they aren't living their lives in harmony with the Bible, then they are favorable associates.

3)Celebrating life is beautiful, it is even something thankful to God. But birthday celebrations in themselves have pagan or false backgrounds. They are havily rooted with magic and superstitions. You say your parents were witnesses, see it they still have a copy of their Resoning book for further info

4) There is nothing wrong with having associates of the opposite sex, just not CLOSE association. What happens? You may start to like them, an attraction may grow, fornication may result. This certainly isn't something beneficial for a Christian.

5)Higher education is a personal decision. You may wnat to learn how to be an architect or an accountant or whatever. But that time can sometimes make you lose focus on Jehovah's Kingdom. You get swarmed with the idea of making money or reading tons of books and doing all of this work. What happens? Your realationship with Jehovah may weaken, you have less time in the service. But once again, it's a personal decision and you're free to do whatever you want.

Remember, we have to follow what the Bible tells us to do. If we research something and find that it has pagan origins (meaning it isn't in harmony with the Bible) then we should stop it immediately. God had the Bible written for OUR benefit so isn't it wise to follow it, why go against it? We don't do things out of tradition we only practice/believe things because they originate with the Bible, we know that's the only kind of living that makes God happy. And remember that God never leaves us hanging. Yes we may not be able to celebrate holidays because they are ungodly, but does the Bible condemn all celebrations and fun? Absolutely not. That's what many people fail to realize about us. They think that just because we don't participate in worldy holidays that we are just the most boring people in the world. We have parties, we go on outings, we go to the movies, we have fun! But it's only done with those who share our same beliefs because if they didn't then would that really be fun? No! Would it make God happy? No! Our entertainment is wholesome and upbuilding. Isn't it better to know you can hang out with your friends and know there won't be any cursings, drinking, smoking, or wild conduct? Well it is for me.

I hope that I answered you questions respectfully and in a way they helped you understand just who we are and why we don't do certain things. Please only listen to those who are actually Witnesses because those who aren't almost always tell lies about us. Hope I helped you, bye :)

Answer 10

Because it is a CULT. Put it together:

1. Brainwashing children
2. Isolationism
3. Destruction of the individual and individual thought
and especially
4. Avoidance of education

Because the more you know, the more you question. The more sense of self you have, the more self-esteem you have. The more you associate with others, the more you find out the truth. And the younger you get them, the less likely they are to question the insanity.

A CULT.