Jehovah’s Witnesses, A Religion, Not a Cult or Sect
The Jehovah's Witness religious organization has sometimes been labeled as being a cult. This can be confusing for some, because "cults" can take on a wide variety of meanings. this label is made by religious opposers of various types. While not every definition of the term "cult" is the same, the first century Christians are sometimes described as a cult, which centered around the charismatic leader Jesus (Jesus was actually more of a reformer of the existing established religion of Judaism). It usually is used as a label, and has come to signify, in the mind of the public, as a religious or other group which has complete control over its members, many times using coercive and oppressive, or unethical psychological pressure to gain that control, or in making major decisions for its members.
The following examines several of those thoughts in a point by point comparison, extracted from the well researched book, the Hidden Menace in our Lives, by Margaret Thaler Singer, Ph.D., who is a clinical psychologist and adjunct professor at the University of California, Berkely.
For a more complete discussion of the subject, please see Jehovah's Witnesses Headlines.
1. There are no secret stages in becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses
2. One of Jehovah's Witnesses retain freedom of choice in the area of employment, where one chooses to live, and to what extent one wishes to associate with family who are not Jehovah's Witnesses. Reasonableness and balance is encouraged in Jehovah's Witness publications in all areas of life.
Jehovah's Witnesses are not required to or encouraged to consult with elders or anyone else, before or when making such decisions. In major decisions in life, Witnesses are encouraged to develop a strong personal relationship with God through regular prayer. Psalms 55:22.
3. Witnesses are not encouraged to leave their marriage mate who may not be a Jehovah's Witness, but to stay together and work hard at one's marriage. Following Bible principles on family life, even when only one member is a Witness, generally helps to improve one's family life. "If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and yet she is agreeable to dwelling with him, let him not leave her," the Bible encourages.
4. Participation in the activity of Jehovah's Witnesses is not an all or nothing proposition. People enjoy and benefit from contact with the Witness Bible education work on many different levels. Some only read the Witnesses publications and benefit from articles that feature subjects such as "happy family life on depression mental health and many other aspects of life are covered by Witness literature. they might only occassionally visit the Kingdom Hall, others attend only for the annual Memorial of Jesus' death. Many associate regularly, and some choose to serve as missionaries, or in other aspects of full-time ministry. All is completely voluntary, and persons can participate in the full-time ministry for as long or short a period of time that they choose to. "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
The way of worship the Christian faith of Jehovah's Witnesses, is one of personal choice, and with allowance for a great deal of liberty in areas of personal conscience and decision making, but always within the reasonable moral guidelines of the Bible.
This article was written by John Scott, a writer who has a BA in Social Science from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, NJ. and
Review of the book Mankind’s Search for God
The 384 page book features a detailed synopsis of the world's major religions, exploring the various ways of worship, cultural background, lands and peoples. It highlights the seemingly instinctual and universal need to worship that seems to exist in every culture, as well as the various ways through history in which that need has manifested itself.
Primitive religions such as tribal animism, as well as the history to modern day practices of Hinduism, including which is largely inseparable from Hinduism are considered, as well as how Hinduism developed towards Buddhism. Taoism and Confucianism are also highlighted. A section also gives insight into the north-Indian Sikhism. Judaism's various facets are discussed, with a history that goes back some thousands of years to the first Jew, Abraham, as well as the other two major monotheistic religions, that of Christianity and Islam. The chapters on Christianity considers the life and ministry of Jesus, as well as the first-century Christianity, into that of the Dark Ages as well as the gradual emergence of the Catholic Church, continuing on to the and modern day Christianity.
There is a chapter which considers the history and gradual emergence of Jehovah's Witnesses, and a chapter which considers modern day disbelief which touches on both Darwinism, and worship of the state in socialist countries. Mankind's Search for God is factual, non-judgmental, accurate, and it is an authoritative reference that is the equivalent to an advanced college course on world religion. The only thing lacking in this reference work is detailed information on some of the lesser Christian religions in modern times, Mormons, or Later Day Saints, and groups such as Seventh Day Adventists, as well as information on the present state of 21stcentury Evangelicals. Other than that, one can consider it to be a complete guide to world religion. (The writer of this article passed a college test worth 3 credits on world religion, only from knowledge derived on the subject from this book.)
It is important to have an education for world culture, in today's melting-pot of society that exists in most developed countries. Gaining an understanding of the kaleidoscope of the world religions gives one a basis for examining his or her own belief system, in a much broader context. This also can be of much value. The other benefit of reading Mankind's Search for God is that it helps to document the continued and historical, almost instinctive need that humans have for worship, that seems to be a universal part of almost every culture, and despite many who have turned to science, almost as one might turn to religion, or others who have worshipped the state, in certain governments which have or had nearly made deities of their leaders, the majority of humankind continues to hold to both some sort of belief system and a form of worship, often times, in an organized context. This is an important cultural phenomena and a reflection of the essence of one of man's greatest needs, the desire to search for a higher purpose in life, for the "great cause" of the universe, and how we as individuals fit into that divine plan.
John Scott is an educator in Newark, NJ, and works in Newark public schools. His certificates are in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and High School Psychology. He is a member of the New York Chapter of NAMI, in connection with writing on psychology, and also a member of STP (The Society for Teaching Psychology). He has a BA in Social Science from Thomas Edison State College, as well as further studies in psychology.
provides accurate info about Jehovah's Witnesses. See: Official website. This article is not officially endorsed by Jehovah's Witnesses or the publishers of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Two Are Better Than One
We were created by God to have a relationship with Him and with others. The Bible clearly states that we have a need for strong and healthy relationships, and in Ecclesiastes Solomon writes about some of the wonderful benefits of having meaningful relationships with others.
In this chapter Solomon talks about three specific ways that you will benefit from having true friends.
First, a true friend will help you to get up after a fall. A friend will scoop you up, take away some of the burden, and get you back to your feet.
Second, in those cold times a friend will stay close and help to keep you warm.
Third, when another person puts you in danger a true friend will help protect and defend you.
Solomon's three examples cover problems caused by our own doing, problems that are out of our control as a result of natural forces, as well as situations that are the result of the actions or bad decisions of someone else. Just about any difficulty you could possibly face would fit into one of these areas.
Solomon reminds us that friends will be there for us regardless of the situation and the circumstances. Following this, Solomon tells us that three is better than two!
So go ahead. Take the risk. Find others that you can connect with through your local church, small groups, or one on one interaction. Don't let the fear of past hurts hold you back. Learn to find safe people and develop healthy bonds. Don't miss out on the blessing of relationships. It's one of God's greatest gifts to you!
Father, I am grateful for the wonderful friends that are a blessing to me. I pray that you would help me to be a true and genuine friend to others.
Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor with CCES in southern Pennsylvania. CCES offers , , and help for a number of other issues.
Manifesting Money- Why Work to Attain Abundance?
Success comes to those who want it. Asking for it is not enough rather you must pair it with your utmost dedication and hard work. Before manifesting money and success, one must recognize the necessary attitudes and skills he needs to possess.
Abundance will come to those who deserve it. It is not determined whether you are born wealthy or not rather everything will come out as a result of your efforts and determination. Nothing is impossible to someone who never stops dreaming and very eager to fulfill his needs. If you convince yourself what you ought to do then you have no reason to fail.
Manifesting abundance is knowing that your thoughts can influence your life. It is very similar to the power implied by the law of attraction. No one can deny you with positive thoughts if you live with it and you desire for it. Your mind has the power to select what to believe in. You can surpass what others may tell you.
You have shaped your life from a momentous beginning from the time you were born up to the present day that you are breathing life to its fullest. Every person has the capabilities in manifesting abundance close to reality.
Success speaks of being true to the word wherein you need to set something as your goal and work towards it. Never rely to someone just to attain success in your life. It's a different feeling if you worked for it will all your hear and efforts in it.
Always stay positive in everything you do. Let the spirit guide you in manifesting money and attracting abundance in life. Never forget to be inspired and motivated in everything you do.
On the other hand, never forget to be thankful to all those who have helped you gain your current status. Try to look back and thank each person who has contributed in your victory. Being grateful is one of the qualities you should have in heart and mind to keep everything set according to your will.
A kind heart is always endowed with luck and you must be thankful that you have the capacity to give rather than asking for your needs. Manifesting abundance is just like saying to live your fantasies in the world of reality. It will make you happy more than anything else.
Recognize and appreciate the help of people that surrounds you. Significant others will make your path towards triumph much easier but you should take much of the work. Try to be independent with all your responsibilities. Your childhood years are over and it's time to stand up on your own.
Don't be pessimistic rather equip yourself with positive attitude to keep yourself motivated. Negative thoughts will do nothing but pull you down and surrender success. Failure must never strike you not even once. Don't think of it as if the word never exists.
Attract abundance with perseverance, positive attitude and appreciation for others. These are the best qualities that one must have to attain victory. These qualities are not innate in a person but if you really want to experience success at its best, make sure to strive hard to have these qualities. Never forget to be grateful with all the good things that are happening in your life. You are enjoying every moment because you deserve everything you have right now.
Stuart David is one of the writers for the popular http://www.abundance-info.com website. Discover how easy it really is to be successful at by visiting here. Change your life forever with a huge FREE collection of Success Secrets Audios, Ebooks and Videos.
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The Psychic Medium Reading and a Psychic Reading: Is there a Difference?
There are many questions and a lot of confusion as to whether there is a difference between a regular psychic reading and psychic medium reading. In fact, most people think that both methods are the same. Well, they are not. A psychic reading and a psychic medium reading are two concepts that have some characteristics that are alike, but they are not technically the same.
A psychic medium is a person with a unique psychic ability to communicate with the spirits of the after life. A psychic medium does this by channeling their energy. They have the special gift to be the "medium" of communication between the spirits of those who have passed on, and the loved ones still living, who seek to communicate with these entities. Psychic mediums are experts in connecting the physical real world with the spirit world.
Every individual has a spirit guide. It is also a special gift of the psychic medium to be able to communicate with a person's spirit guide, and ask them for advice, guidance, and a message for a certain person. Sometimes the psychic medium can even communicate with the spirit guide to help bring some form of healing or closure to a person's spirituality.
The most basic reasons why people seek a psychic medium reading is to communicate with spirits who have passed on. But other than this, a psychic medium can also see into the future, and not to mention even seek advice on your future endeavors , from your spirit guides or the spirits of those loved ones who have passed away.
But if both a regular psychic reading and the psychic medium reading allows you to have a glimpse of the future, what sets them apart? This is usually where the confusion rises.
Looking into a regular psychic reading, it is a method in where the psychic can read your past, present, and future. Whereas a psychic medium reading does more than just read the past, present, and the future; it can even ask the spirits of your loved ones, or your guides and angels, for advice and insights.
In the most basic sense, let us draw the line between a psychic medium reading and a psychic reading. The key to knowing the difference is that you have to enumerate what each approach can and cannot do. Yes, both can give you guidance; but then -- psychic medium readings can give you more insights.
The much better option is for you to decide whats best for you. It is common knowledge that most of these psychics are clairsentient, claiaudient, and clairvonyant. These are their special abilities which allow them to do a psychic reading. But take note, not all psychics have the special gift of mediumship, that is why a psychic medium is considered to be very talented, because only a few are blessed with the power of mediumship.
is America's Foremost psychic medium. He is known to have the special gift to communicate with the other side! Visit his website, and find out more.
A Test to Find the Truth – The Truth Will Make You Free
If you've ever attended Sunday school as a kid, or if you are familiar at all with the Bible, surely you've heard the story of Moses and the burning bush. God talks to Moses literally through a burning bush on the side of a mountain and tells Moses the next steps that he needs to take. I have often prayed for God to be so clear and dramatic when sometimes desperately seeking answers.
As I continue to seek God's direction in my life, he is guiding me. In many cases, the answers are subtle, yet also in many cases, the answers and outcome are truly amazing. While there have been no burning bushes, there have certainly been many doors slammed and others opened. Many, who I call "angels", came to my aid when I needed help.
Where there is truth you will find freedom for the truth is liberating. Conversely, where there is bondage, slavery and people lording over others there is no truth but only lies. Truth stands like a beacon on a hill requiring little or no explanation. Even the American founding fathers said in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Truth is self-evident and it is only through truth that the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness can occur. The alternative of lies, half-truths and trickery can only bring bondage, unhappiness and ultimately death. It was against this background that the Declaration was framed and the subsequent actions including war were taken. You must also understand that there are no degrees of truth. There is no such thing as a half-truth or something being partially true. Either a matter is true or it is not. Indeed a half-truth is worse than an out and out lie because a person can be swayed into believing something false because part of what is presented is true.
Looking in the face of Jesus is likened unto looking into a mirror; as when looking we are changed into the same image of the glory of Jesus, by His divine spirit. For body of Christ, the Ten Commandments, are essential to salvation, because it spiritual and righteous, and is fully embodied in Jesus of Nazareth. The body of Christ is encouraged seek the righteous of the Law by through the faith of Jesus.
The Christian believer is a not a debtor to the flesh; to live after the flesh. For all that live after the flesh, shall die. The Christian through the Spirit mortifies the deeds of the body, and truly lives the abundant life. The Christian holds within his spirit the hope of the resurrection, and such is patiently waiting for the redemption of their body, in the first resurrection. Christ being raised from the dead is the first fruits, afterward they that are His at His coming. Christ brought us to birth by the word of the spirit of truth, so that the Christian Church can be the first fruits of his new creation.
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Understanding Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Kenneth Copeland Ministries is now among the one to reckon with as far as spreading the gospel is concerned. More and more Christians from different parts of the globe are somehow finding solace with its biblical teachings on life's values. It somehow provides more and more people the avenue to appreciate and truly internalize the gospel. More and more Christians learn to value its reputation for real ministries hence, it gained more popularity despite all the stories geared to harm its credibility.
This ministry has successfully spread the word of God in may places around the globe using the power of the so called tri-media. Through its popular website as well as both radio and television broadcasts which is being heard and viewed in many parts of the globe Christians all over the world get to enjoy the gospel. It has also explored the powers of magazine in its quest of having God's words reached and touched as many people from all walks of life regardless of its race, color, age and gender.
The ministries of Kenneth Copeland go beyond spreading the gospel. It reaches out to as many Christians in many places around the globe by exploring all mediums of communications that are truly effective in its quest of spreading the gospel. Reaching to them not just to spread God's words but also trying to impart the real values of love, faith and hope.
Using all interesting and exciting mediums of communication Kenneth Copeland ministries goes beyond spreading the gospel as it also tackles life's values. Others in need of assistance in trying to cope with life's like problems pertinent to your finances, relationships and sickness gets a helping hand with Kenneth Copeland. It employs its own way of helping others in need.
Problems of such kinds regardless of its degree and the people being hounded by such problems are being addressed by Kenneth Copeland using biblical teachings. This is why many people will definitely find solace with this kind of ministry that Kenneth Copeland tries to share the whole world with. This made it known to many Christians from around the world.
you can always count on Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Among the many problems that this ministry can surely address with all ease are troubles hounding relationship or finances. It seems to have all the ways to address those things appropriately and accordingly. The ministries of Kenneth Copeland can also enlighten your blurring perception on spiritual things
If you are among those who are still having some problems trying to figure out anything pertinent to your faith and beliefs, the ministries of Kenneth Copeland will truly enlighten you on these things. It can even provide you professional spiritual guidance pertinent to your blurring perception on spiritual things. You can definitely find answers to questions lurking in your mind pertinent to your beliefs and faith.
It also teaches everyone the right way to pray. And if you are indeed a Christian who is not actually living the way you should, the ministries of Kenneth Copeland will also teach you to the right and successful Christian living. These are only a few of the many things you shall learn and get from Kenneth Copeland Ministries.
enable you to learn more about the Words of God and put meaning into your life by making you spiritually fulfilled. You will know more about it if you become one of its partners.
Christian Jewelry Makes Good Gifts – Find Out Why
People are buying christian jewelry more and more these days, and not just for religious reasons like they used to. It has become a widely popular gifts for younger people, early to mid teens. And there are all sorts of kinds, for both girls and boys.
You've got necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, prayer beads, etc. The list goes on and on, if it be put on your body as a type of jewelry, then it can be made into christian styled jewelry as well.
Because of it's huge popularity, they are more than just silver and gold now. You can find them as brass, copper, glass, crystal, and wood as well. Wood is not as popular as before, but for those who a limited budget, you can still find some pretty sweet polished wood crosses, that look pretty good.
This has been known to be an extremely popular gift for someone being baptized, because since it is a symbol of faith, it represents the nature of a baptism, faith in Jesus, and the renewal of life. Plus, it will definitely make them smile.
You never have to worry about finding good quality christian jewelry, unless you are looking in the bargain bins at your local corner store, you most likely will not find any there. Just do a search online for some great handcrafted artisan, you you'll bound to find one who specializes in christian jewelry making. Customized? Even better, might cost a little more, but it certainly would make it even more unique.
Christian jewelry, a great gift that has risen from the depth of mundane, to the heights of style and fashion. And with all the different kinds you can choose from, there is nothing stopping you from finding something truly unique and beautiful.
If you are scratching your head about what to give a friend or relative for a gift you should consider . really is a unique gift that people can wear anywhere.
Remote Viewing Secrets – How Anyone Can Learn How To Do It!
Whether you realize it or not, everyone including you has a unique ability for remote viewing. Many individuals already know how to use this ability, while others do not. There are some unique remote viewing secrets that can aid you in developing your various abilities in this lifetime.
People who know how to use their natural remote viewing capabilities must first become better at it by taking time out each day to meditate. During meditation is when a person is able to make the best use of their abilities. To get started, locate an area inside of your home where you can focus, breathe, and relax.
Having another person in a different room in assisting you to become a remote viewer is great; however if not, you should call someone you are close with and ask them to help you by making several hand gestures within the next thirty minutes or so. Ask them to make the same gesture every few minutes.
While meditating you will focus on your friend. This remote viewing secret is helpful in various ways. Remember to find someone you are close too, since the closer you are, the easier this exercise will be.
While you meditate you will relax and tap into your subconscious mind. You will need to relax and let go. When you experience any unwanted thoughts, simply acknowledge them and then let them go. You can release them with your tension. You may wish to include the sounds of soft music such as soft classical music, acoustic guitar or even the sounds of nature. Anything that helps you get into the mood of meditation.
While thinking about the gestures your friend is making, continue to relax and breathe. Trust that it will come to you as you focus. Visualize their appearance and their surroundings. Once you finish, call them and tell them about the gestures they made for you.
While you use these remote viewing secrets, it is vital that you do away with any type of distraction. For instance, put away anything that is noisy or visually distracting. Unplug the telephone, turn off the television and so on. Simply close your eyes and become one with your higher self. Relax in your inner peace.
It can be very distracting trying to meditate in a messy home. Clear away all the clutter from the area where you meditate, make it a clean and organized area. Use calm and soothing colors for decorating purposes and then light some incense and or candles to help you relax. You need to be able to relax and enjoy your mediation experience.
There are quite a few people who think they can simply stop what they are doing and begin meditating. But I am here to tell you that is not the case. If you are new to all of this, then you are going to have to really get into the habit of tapping into your subconscious mind. The beginning is the hardest part. If you want to develop your hidden powers, you will take heed to these remote viewing secrets and give it your best shot.
Once you get used to putting these remote viewing secrets and techniques to use, you may not have to try as hard anymore because everything will come naturally. You will have already done everything you needed in order to open the door to your subconscious and make it a part of your everyday life.
The author Jilly McCann is a writer for the popular http://www.remote-viewing-info.com site. Discover for yourself how easy it is to learn the . Discover previously undisclosed information. Anyone really can learn when you visit here to receive thirty free remote viewing mp3 audios!
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Is There Any Validity To End Of The World Prophecies
For as long as man has been walking on the earth there has been question as to his future and if the world will end someday. There has been speculation as to what will happen and if man will someday be extinct or if the planet will cease to exist. Some organizations believe that end of the world prophecies are indeed accurate and in fact some believe that the end is within our lifetime.
are nothing new, they have been happening since mankind has lived in civilized communities. The majority of these prophecies have one thing in common; they tend to be during the lifetime of generation making the prophecy. Many of them are also centered on biblical prophecy.
The Bible contains prophecies pertain in both the old and new testaments. These prophecies are believed to pertain to current times and lay out the route that the world will take to meet the end of times. There is unfortunately many ways to decipher the information contained in these prophecies, therefore there have been many so-called prophets that have claimed to understand the information in these writings better than anyone else has and profess that they can make end of the world prophecies.
Biblically based prophecies center the idea of the end of the world coming at the beginning of the second millennium. The big issue here is when exactly that will be. There is great debate as to when the new millennium will begin and what it will bring with it. One of the reasons for the speculation of the beginning of the new millennium is the fact that there are several different calendar systems that exist and that the current calendar system that we use is not the same as the calendar that as used in biblical times. Deciding how the two calendar correlate is topic of further debate.
There have been attempts at pointing to a particular date as the beginning of the new millennium. These have been uncertain because of the way that time has been recorded since biblical days. There was a great belief that the beginning of the millennium would be Jan 1st 2000. Others disagreed and argued that the first millennium started on year 1 not year 0. Consequently, this group of end of the world prophecies pointed to the year 2001, not the year 2000.
There is further debate pertaining to the birth of Christ. Some historians and theologians believe that he was born up to 7 years before the end of the BC (BCE) period of the colander. If this is the case then the new millennium would have begun in 1997. If the new millennium was to mark the end of the world prophecies then obviously these prophecies were incorrect, since this time has been here and gone.
End of the world prophecies also differ greatly on what exactly will occur at the beginning of the new millennium. Some feel that it will mark the beginning of the saviors (Christ's) second coming. There is also debate as to whether the world will end as a result of Armageddon as it is predicted in the Book of revelations.
Some try to answer these questions by saying that the end has begun and that the marking of the end of time is the arrival of the Anti-Christ. If this is the case then the Anti-Christ is living on the earth, if you follow this school of thought. This is why there is so much confusion and speculation surrounding end of the world prophecies.
End of the world prophecies have always existed and they have seen the date of prophetic destruction come and go. As long as man exists there will most likely bend of the world prophecies that will predict the events and the signs of the end of time. There is some current prophecy that says that the end of the world will occur on December 21, 2012. As has always been the case we will have to just wait and see.
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