UU Adult RE: Spirit in Practice #1

Reflect on your lifelong spiritual journey.

Well, that's what this blog kinda sorta started out as. I needed somewhere to put my thoughts down about finally breaking free of being Jehovah's Witness. Many things that I've said before will probably be repeated here but this is an assignment so...whatever.

What did you learn about practicing spirituality as a child?
Not a damn thing! JW is not a study in spirituality. To me, spirituality is a private thing; one has to find the beginnings of it from within. As a JW, you are told what to believe and if you disagree, you get kick out if you don't conform or get badgered (read: brainwashed) until you do agree.

JW is a Christian sect. Lots of doctrines to remember and points of the Bible to argue with other Christian sects. I suppose I should be grateful that I know something about America's majority belief system. I missed out on everything that normal childhoods consist of since I was a "born-in": birthdays, ALL holidays, extracurricular activities, picking my own friends --JW only, everyone else is "worldly", Saturday morning cartoons, going to college, dating. We were told that only JW is "The Truth" and everyone else will get destroyed at Armageddon. Sounds elitist, right?


I was baptized at 17, a year after I had my daughter. I felt forced because I was made to feel like a failure for having a child out of wedlock. People in the congregation would not even look at me when I was pregnant and would console my mother as if someone just died. I felt no different when I came up out of the water. No connection to Jehovah, no ray of sun from the ceiling, just an awful feeling that I just made a huge mistake. At age 21, I was shunned for being pregnant out of wedlock.

How have your spiritual needs changed?
Where do I begin? After trying through the years trying to go back to JW, my mother who doesn't speak to me was the one who made me see that that religion was no longer for me. She said to me in an email, "I love you but I love Jehovah more." I cannot imaging telling either of my children something like that. From that point on, I started doing research for a spiritual home. I was non-denominational Christian but I didn't understand why a Savior or Mediator was needed to get to God. A co-worker introduced me to Nichiren Buddhism and from there I found my way to Paganism.

I wanted to find somewhere to practice and to meet people. The Buddhist sangha was too far and honestly turned out to be somewhat similar to my old religion. Wiccan covens required an invitation from a current member. I can't remember what led me to Unitarian Universalist, maybe a Beliefnet quiz? A Google search turned up a congregation close to me and the rest as they say is history.

My spirituality needs to be on my own terms. I'm an agnostic deist - I cannot say for sure there is a God but I choose to believe there is one. My belief is based in science and logic, not a holy book. I'm an eclectic Pagan, a solitary witch.

What practices have you engaged in at different points in your life? What practices might speak to your ideas and needs as they are today?
As a child, I went door-to-door trying to convince people that they are wrong and we are right. Meetings were 3x a week. Family study night was another night. And we were suppose to study on our own for all of the meetings. A minimum of 10 hrs door-to-door was strongly suggested.

Now, I follow the natural cycles of the sun and moon (and realize the Gregorian calendar lacks any connection to nature). Chanting was a part of my practice; I could return to that. Other items of spiritual interest are sidereal astrology, tarot, I-Ching, the Divine Feminine / Triple Goddess, and the Egyptian pantheon.

My goal this year is to get through the tarot (by solar month) and I-Ching (by lunar month). Ugh, I'm already behind. Thank Goddess for backdating!

Is the Jehovah's Witness religion a cult?

They would say no. I've said no when I was on the inside. Let's take a look at the answer from the horse's mouth:

No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings. 

What is a cult?
The term “cult” means different things to different people. However, consider two common perceptions regarding cults and why those perceptions don’t apply to us. 

Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion.Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion. On the contrary, we pattern our worship after that of the first-century Christians, whose example and teachings were recorded in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) We believe that the Holy Scriptures should be the authority on what is orthodox in matters of worship. 

Some think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader. Rather, we adhere to the standard that Jesus set for his followers when he stated: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”—⁠Matthew 23:10. 

Far from being a dangerous cult, Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits its members and others in the community. For example, our ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. In addition, we conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write. And we are actively involved in disaster relief. We work hard to have a positive impact on others, just as Jesus commanded his followers to do.—⁠Matthew 5:13-16.

I want to break this answer down little by little. 

• No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings.

It's possible to be both a cult and a Christian organization. I'm sure David Koresh considered himself Christian and we all know the outcome of his cult. Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians, a grandchild sect of the 7th Day Adventists. Interestingly, Jehovah's Witness is related to 7th Day Adventists. More on that later. You can check out this list of 10 infamous cults at How Stuff Works. At least 3 have Christian origins.

• The term “cult” means different things to different people.

Yes, this is true. That's why sociologists prefer the term new religious movement. However, not all cults are religious. The JW site goes on to cherry-pick 2 definitions that are applied to cults:

• Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion.

The religion known as Jehovah's Witnesses, formerly known as the International Bible Students, had its beginning in 1870. Charles Taze Russell met with Adventist preachers and they started having bible discussions. Eventually Russell had disagreements with them over doctrine and formed his own group. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but forming one's own group in response to disagreeing with one's current group's doctrine is inventing a new religion. There have been several splits / disagreements after Russell. Since each one has different doctrines, they can be said to be different religions.

• Some think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader.

The head of the Jehovah Witnesses is a group of 8 men called the Governing Body. They are responsible for making and changing doctrine similar to the Pope for Catholics. For a long time, the names of these members weren't even known by the rank-and-file, Witnesses at the bottom of the totem pole. The Governing Body approves all literature including written interpretation of scriptures. Changes in doctrine is referred to as new light.

Let's start with the positive things that the Witnesses claim they do.

• Far from being a dangerous cult, Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits its members and others in the community. For example, our ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. 

I remember asking my mother once why we don't have bake sales and such like other churches. I don't recall the answer. Unless things have changed, JWs don't have pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, crab feasts, or any other social gatherings or events designed to help the community. They don't participate in interfaith groups or discussions with the goal of sharing ideas.

I could not find any drug or alcohol program sponsored by JWs. If you know of such, please comment. As far as I know, Jehovah's Witnesses do not rent out or donate space to 12-step programs. True, one may find hope in the bible and be moved to discontinue adverse habits.

• In addition, we conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write. 

The only thing that came up when I searched for Jehovah's Witness literacy programs was information concerning Nigeria, Burundi, and other African countries. Again, if you are familiar with literacy programs in other counties including America, please comment. During my actives years, I was not aware of any such programs.

• And we are actively involved in disaster relief.

That's another whole question. What I can tell you is from my active years which ended officially in 1995. Yes JWs rush to assist their brethren when there is a disaster. However, they won't take up a collection to send to an organization known for disaster relief. And don't forget, JWs do not donate blood. As an organization, Jehovah's Witnesses may assist non-JWs in the immediate area of one of their own, say, a next door neighbor. If anyone has any experience with JWs and recent disasters, again, comment below.

Mmkay, let's go to the negative, what isn't mentioned in the JW answer. Like I said before, cult is hard to define. Check out Steven Hassan's BITE model of mind control. BITE stands for control of Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional. There are many characteristics listed but I'll just pick 2 like the Witnesses.

• Major time spent with group indoctrination and rituals and/or self indoctrination including the Internet 

Jehovah's Witnesses are required to attend 2 2-hr meetings a week. In addition, they are to have a 1-hr weekly family study and go door-to-door for an average of 10 hrs a month. The meetings are to be prepared for in advance. Watching TV, engaging in hobbies, surfing the 'net (unless it's JW.org) are all considered to be time-wasters. Higher education is frowned upon as well.

• Compartmentalize information into Outsider vs. Insider doctrines; Allow only leadership to decide who needs to know what and when 

Recently the Watchtower started being printed in 2 different versions, the study version for the Witnesses and the public one. The elders, men who are in charge at the congregational level, have a special book that is not supposed to be available to the general public. Letters written to the congregation by the branch office may or may not be read to the entire congregation.

Ok, I lied, here are 2 more:

• Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth

As any Witness and they will say they have "The Truth." Instead of asking each other, "When did you become a Witness?" they will say, "When did you come into The Truth?"

• Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends, peers, and family

Ah, my favorite! Again this is another answer in the FAQ. Shunning is strictly enforced. Members aren't allowed to contact shunned ones for any reason lest they themselves be shunned. I have been shunned since 1996. I haven't seen my mother for at least 10 yrs but I have communicated by email with her until about a couple years ago. Shunning isn't hereditary as my mother still contacts both of kids periodically.

Whew! If you got to the end, congrats! I know I didn't give sufficient proof to call Jehovah's Witnesses a cult but I mentioned just 4 criteria of the BITE model that this religion fits. If I went down the line, this blog post would be way long. I did promise to show you how the Branch Davidians and Jehovah's Witnesses are from the same family tree. This graphic comes from the Wikipedia article on Adventism. Branch Davidian is not mentioned but 7th Day Adventist is as well as Russell's Bible Students.

Priest's Moon

Hathor's Day
LuniSol - Month 7, Day 27
Metonic - Year 17, Lunation 205, Day 15
Dreamspell - Yellow Planetary Warrior (10 Cib) - Kin 37
Mayan Tzolk'in - 2 Muluc (Red Lunar Moon) - Kin 249
Mayan Ha'ab - 12 Zec

Full Moon in Sagittarius

On the Priest's Moon, we think about the traditions and beliefs we hold - religious or otherwise - and whether we are able to objectively question them. - Moon Phase Astrology by Raven Kaldera.

I did this when I decided that I was not returning to the Jehovah's Witness religion. In search for my new spiritual home, I realized that I didn't agree with the bible as the word of God. Everything that I believe in now is questioned in my heart and if necessary I am free to change my mind. Here is a list of some of my current beliefs:

Beliefs

• pro-choice for women but personally I'm pro-life
• pro marriage equality
• homeschooling (every parent should try it at least once)
• selective vax (there was no chicken pox vaccine when I was a kid)
• circumcision on 8th day
• belief in God but I use the feminine pronoun
• natural childbirth with natural positions like squatting
• calendar reformation
• soul = the part of me that make me, me; energy that never dies
• reincarnation (?)
• women should retain their last name when married
• Libertarian
• all paths lead to the Divine including science/secularism
• polyandry
• deism

Traditions

• Frigiving dinner
• Festivus
• Lammas ritual

(wow, I really need more!)

What are some of your beliefs and traditions? I will delete any disrespectful comments.

Mother's Son Moon

Thoth's Day
LuniSol - Moonth 7, Day 17
Metonic - Year 17, Lunation 205, Day 5
Dreamspell - White Cosmic World-Bridger (13 Cimi) - Kin 26
Mayan Tzolk'in - 5 Cauac (Blue Overtone Storm) - Kin 239
Mayan Ha'ab - 2 Zec


Waxing crescent in sidereal Cancer


On the Mother's Son moon, we continue to examine our early nurturing relationships, but this time we need to pay closer attention to what didn't work out... If we didn't "fit" with members of our family for some reason, we probably got the message that parts of our basic natures were unacceptable and should be repressed or changed....How did we change ourselves to please the people we were dependent on? - Moon Phase Astrology by Raven Kaldera.


I remember my mother told me this story about my father, how she would get an idea but let him think that he came up with it. My father didn't go to high school; he only finished junior high (9th grade). My mother finished high school. She took a college prep course. My 1st husband was not bright. I hated having to dumb myself down. This was a recurring theme in all my relationships. Now, I don't profess to be a genius or anything. But there is  nothing like conversing with someone on your level.


My mother also told me that as a child she told I was standoffish. She and my sister are closer to being extroverts, while I'm an introvert. As a Jehovah's Witness, I was not allowed to be friends with people that I connected with if they were not JW as well. So Mother picked my friends for me. When I didn't like them, I was "standoffish". Today, I find it difficult to make friends (in person). Very hard for me to become more outgoing. The social aspect of my personality has been repressed and is hard to develop as an adult.


Did you have to change yourself to fit in with your family?

Sparlock, the Warrior Wizard

So the JWs will be releasing an animated DVD series aimed at small children. In Lesson 2, Caleb brings home a toy wizard named Sparlock that one of his friends gave him. Caleb's mom proceeds to tell Caleb that magic comes from Satan and to keep the toy would make Jehovah sad. At this point, I urge you to view the video for yourself. The JW org may have removed the clips from youtube but I guarantee that you will find it elsewhere on the 'net.

I watched the video and was sickened. Thank Goddess I was able to break free and my kids can still enjoy their childhoods.

If you did not grow up JW or as a fundie Christian, you may not even care about Sparlock. Many exJWs have embraced Sparlock as our mascot. You see, being raised in a strict religion meant nitpicking every.single.thing to see if the bible disagreed with it. I was not able to watch shows such as Smurfs, TMNT, The Simpsons, & and no R-rated movies. I had an Indigo Brite doll and had to throw away her sprite friend. (Incidentally, my mother continued to drink Sprite.) When I trying to return to JW some years back, I made my son throw away his YuGiOh & Pokemon cards. I plan on buying some more for him.

The problem with nitpicking is where does it end? The days of the week are named after pagan gods. Do fundie Christians have their own weekday names? What I would like to ask Christians is - what's the difference between magic and miracles? I'm thinking of the story where Moses and Aaron turned their rods into snakes and the magic-practicing priests of Egypt did the same thing. Didn't one of the prophets go visit the witch of Endor? But I thought witchcraft was bad and from Satan.

There are lots of products with pagan names. I can't find it now but there's a list by a Christian group of all pagan-named products. If you find it, please post in the comments. Now if you excuse me, I'm gonna put on my Nikes and listen to Pandora.