1. Do stop behaving as if you are God, Professor Dawkins

Comment #20999 by tall penguin on February 7, 2007 at 8:28 am

"I discovered Christianity actually worked: it brought purpose and dignity to life."

That's a very unscientific definition of "worked".

tall penguin

2. Sextuplet parents take B.C. to court over baby seizures

Comment #20454 by tall penguin on February 2, 2007 at 4:17 pm

Comment #20443 by Dinoboy:

"I guess I'm confused by tall penguin's statement above...

So these people possibly understand that a blood transfusion will save their babies, but because they have chosen a set of beliefs that is against such treatment they must "put on a show" to make it look like they oppose this medical procedure (so they aren't shunned)... while all the time really hoping it will be done?"

Not necessarily. I can't speak to the motives of these parents. What I'm saying is that often the average JW is in a quandary between what they'd like to do and what the religion tells them they must do. While other religions may afford some dissent, the JW's do not. Shunning is a very real and harsh reality that is taken into consideration in all choices for a JW.

Also, many JW's don't even know what the current blood policy of the Watchtower is (to accept certain blood fractions as a matter of "conscience"), or are tremendously confused by it, and so will take the "simplest" action they know of, an all-out refusal of blood treatment.

There is a very palpable component of "Big Brother" judgment in the JW group. Even if these parents are not excommunicated for this situation, it's very possible that they will experience a coolness from their JW community for the bad press if they were to show any sign of going along with the government's decrees in this matter. The internal and external pressure here is not to be underestimated. This is cult control at its finest.

tall penguin

3. Sextuplet parents take B.C. to court over baby seizures

Comment #20414 by tall penguin on February 2, 2007 at 9:27 am

Another great article:

'Ethicist says B.C. blood feud may save children and Jehovah's Witness parents'

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/health/070201/x020115A.html

As an ex-JW myself, I can say that the cognitive dissonance in cases like this is torturous. While these parents may believe that their God doesn't permit whole blood transfusions, they also know that the Watchtower's position on accepting blood fractions has recently changed. (See linked article)

They also must deal with the possibility of punishment from their JW congregation if they can't prove to their elders that they did everything they could to prevent the government from giving blood to their babies. If excommunicated, they will be shunned by their believing family and community.

Situations like these can often be turning points for a JW, either forcing them into a persecution complex where they go deeper into the belief structure, or snapping them into the reality that they're in a high control group and have lost their personal autonomy. A tough spot to be in.

tall penguin

4. 'Friends of God' Documentary

Comment #20182 by tall penguin on January 31, 2007 at 9:17 pm

Is anyone else finding that "Behemoth is a dinosaur" song stuck in their head?

I watched the full "Friends of God" Documentary tonight. Disturbing to say the least. It's difficult to watch without feeling like humanity is doomed. *sigh*

tall penguin

5. 'Friends of God' Documentary

Comment #19884 by tall penguin on January 30, 2007 at 1:08 pm

Ha, that song rocks!

This reminded me of all the stomach churning stuff in the documentary, "The Jesus Camp". I fear for these children.