A "mind prison"

[Note: This particular blog entry is not addressed to my cousin, but I think it provides insight into why it's more difficult than it should be to influence a Jehovah's Witness' thinking.]

Not too long ago I saw an impactful National Geographic documentary about North Korea. I recommend everyone see it (viewable on YouTube: Inside North Korea). North Korea basically operates as a cult. If you have anything less than complete devotion and adoration for their leader, your life will be destroyed -- quite literally. You, (and likely your family as well), will disappear into a concentration camp, never to be heard from again.

I found the film very disturbing. My discomfort lingered several days. The thought that people on planet Earth are right now living this sort of hellish existence was painful to grasp. I wondered if the North Koreans even realize they're in a "mind prison." There's evidence some are. But I suspect many eventually lose touch with reality and even willingly take part in the oppression.

Fast forward to this week: I did a Google search to re-locate this blog (it's been a while), and came across some YouTube videos made by former Jehovah's Witnesses. (You can find a bunch if you search on "why you shouldn't be a Jehovah's witness.") They were obviously home made, often rambling, but very insightful nonetheless for those of us on the outside. I think every speaker touched on the topic of being forced to terminate all contact with anyone the Jehovah's Witnesses kicked out or who left of their own accord. Known as "disfellowshipping," friendships are abruptly ended and family ties severed, even between parents and children. Violations of the ban put you at risk of the same fate yourself.

Although there is no violence involved, it doesn't take a lot of insight to see that this is another example of a "mind prison."

So far on this blog I've attempted to explain why I hold beliefs different than the Watchtower. But this whole practice of controlling people's religious beliefs by threatening to destroy their personal relationships is horrendous regardless of theological understanding. I wonder if there is a way to artfully bring this up when Jehovah's Witnesses come to our door that could help set them on the road towards escaping the situation they find themselves in.

I can envision taking a few minutes to ask them to describe the importance fellow Witnesses have to them personally. I expect they'd consider it an opportunity to pitch their organization and say positive things, especially with another Witness at their side.

Then I'd ask, "How likely would you be to consider the religious claims of someone who, at least in part, makes the claims they do due to coercion... in other words, because they're being threatened?"

I'm guessing they'd say they wouldn't be likely. 

Then I'd say,

"I'm with you! Religious beliefs should be adopted because one is persuaded they are true, not because one is threatened with harm.

"So I have a problem. I'm someone who's aware the Watchtower threatens to 'disfellowship' anyone who voluntarily leaves. I also understand the dire personal implications that would have for most people. I'm sure you don't want to lose fellowship with those you hold dear

"Knowing that, would it really make much sense for me to seriously consider what you, as a Witness, has to say about religion? How do I know you aren't saying what you have to in order to avoid having your relationships with family and friends essentially stolen from you?

"Though not his fault, no witness at gunpoint -- Jehovah's or otherwise -- is a reliable witness. Anyone would be foolish not to consider this when listening to what Jehovah's Witnesses have to say. But it's also something you yourself should be considering when you're listening to your fellow Witnesses. As far as I can tell, all of you are being blackmailed. 

"If you always think Watchtower teaching is correct, this situation might not bother you. But, think about it, are you okay with the fact that coming to a different conclusion than the Watchtower could put your relationship with everyone you hold dear at risk? In a very real sense, you guys are trapped.

"Someone like me, if you come to my door and I conclude the Watchtower is correct, I'm free to convert. My social network and familial relationships will remain intact. Jehovah's Witnesses don't have that assurance. 

"If I want to read and consider Watchtower literature, I'm free to do so, and I have done so. But the Watchtower forbids Witnesses from reading what others write. So if the Watchtower is ever wrong, they have minimized your ability to know about it. I realize they say they are never wrong, and therefore there is no error to be detected. But I think history informs us that those that forbid challenge typically have something to hide, and teachers who silence questioning are much more apt to unknowingly err.

"I don't expect you to express any agreement with me because I know you face punishment if you do. But I hope you'll give this some thought. 

"I don't know what the answer for you is. Blackmail, by its nature, doesn't offer painless alternatives. But I'd submit to you that any organization that uses coercion against you is an organization you should try and get out from underneath."

I'm guessing many Witnesses, deep inside, are intimidated by the threat they face from the Watchtower and have been conditioned to cope with it. Having an outsider shed light on the situation might be a way of penetrating the prison wall.

In theory, this should be a whole lot easier than addressing the problems in North Korea. In reality, I'm not sure it actually is.


This appears to be an excellent resource regarding disfellowshipping:

Disfellowshipping and Shunning

It includes a lot of excerpts from past Jehovah's Witness publications documenting the development and evolution of the practice in Jehovah's Witness history as well as Biblical reasons to regard it as wrong-headed.