M
Marilena
Guest
( this is a really good article about cults such as the jw’s )
The Armageddon Syndrome
by David L. Harvey
Since our common era began, every turn of the century has seen its share of apocalyptic prophets announcing the end of the world or “Armageddon.” They claim to have special knowledge revealed to them alone. The term apocalypse is from the Greek and means “revealed” or “unveiled.”
“Armageddon” is mentioned only once in the Bible- at Rev. 16:16. This Greek word translates “mountain of Megiddo.” The ruins of Megiddo (Tel el-Mutsellim), an ancient Canaanite city, occupy about twelve acres of a small plateau overlooking the Plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon). This plain was the scene of many decisive military victories throughout history. As there is no literal “mountain of Megiddo,” the term “Armageddon” is most likely symbolic of God’s great and final battle at the End Time. Entire theologies have been built around this single verse.
A number of abusive churches create a fear of Armageddon, reinforced with guilt in order to dominate and maintain membership. Cults use this as a tool of emotional control. By implanting fear and creating guilt, abusive groups manipulate their members into performing free service.
Fear is the major motivator. It binds in two ways: (1) It creates an outside enemy who threatens or persecutes the member. This results in the “us versus them” world view, and (2) fear of failing the organization or fear of discovery and punishment by the leaders if you are lax in doing your job. What job? Why, serving the organization, of course! “Are you REALLY doing all you can to serve God?” (A typical introduction to guilt.)
Guilt is a good enforcer, but it won’t work unless you can make people feel guilty about something. Note this subtle example: “Now that you have an understanding of God’s purpose wouldn’t you like to share it with others? We know God will destroy all wicked people shortly. Since we have knowledge of this we have a responsibility to warn others. If we don’t do this God will find us bloodguilty at Armageddon. You wouldn’t want to be held bloodguilty, would you?”
culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=5
The Armageddon Syndrome
by David L. Harvey
Since our common era began, every turn of the century has seen its share of apocalyptic prophets announcing the end of the world or “Armageddon.” They claim to have special knowledge revealed to them alone. The term apocalypse is from the Greek and means “revealed” or “unveiled.”
“Armageddon” is mentioned only once in the Bible- at Rev. 16:16. This Greek word translates “mountain of Megiddo.” The ruins of Megiddo (Tel el-Mutsellim), an ancient Canaanite city, occupy about twelve acres of a small plateau overlooking the Plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon). This plain was the scene of many decisive military victories throughout history. As there is no literal “mountain of Megiddo,” the term “Armageddon” is most likely symbolic of God’s great and final battle at the End Time. Entire theologies have been built around this single verse.
A number of abusive churches create a fear of Armageddon, reinforced with guilt in order to dominate and maintain membership. Cults use this as a tool of emotional control. By implanting fear and creating guilt, abusive groups manipulate their members into performing free service.
Fear is the major motivator. It binds in two ways: (1) It creates an outside enemy who threatens or persecutes the member. This results in the “us versus them” world view, and (2) fear of failing the organization or fear of discovery and punishment by the leaders if you are lax in doing your job. What job? Why, serving the organization, of course! “Are you REALLY doing all you can to serve God?” (A typical introduction to guilt.)
Guilt is a good enforcer, but it won’t work unless you can make people feel guilty about something. Note this subtle example: “Now that you have an understanding of God’s purpose wouldn’t you like to share it with others? We know God will destroy all wicked people shortly. Since we have knowledge of this we have a responsibility to warn others. If we don’t do this God will find us bloodguilty at Armageddon. You wouldn’t want to be held bloodguilty, would you?”
culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=5