Ex-Mormon and Ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare Doctrine (ft.

[@SystemFailing]

This was such a blast! Thanks for having me on 🎉

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Always such a great time! Thanks for spending 3 hours with me yesterday! 😁 can’t wait to release the next episode!

[@LOH__]

Dude, 7 months…. 7… months… No worries. As Frank N Furter would say I will shiver with Antici…… …..

[@17...20]

Two of my faves collabing 🥳 Nice to see you here, Jake!

[@christophernelson9289]

You guys have a great conversational energy. You two could seriously start your own KZbin channel and it would be irresistible. Thank you for the great content. Can’t wait to see/hear more!

[@LauraLanny]

Church of God Ministry of Jesuchrist international also has 2 "ofs" in their name, you should invite someone from there cause that's definitely a cult too

[@Zeett09]

1/2 my wife’s family left the LDS faith and became JW’s. Both claimed truth and judged the other. She decided to leave all religion and become a loving, accepting non-judgmental atheist. That was 40 years ago.

[@leannhelling3060]

Wow just wow. 🎉

[@rhecb]

That is similar to my family, my uncle became an LDS as did on of my step-sisters. My aunt became a jw and dragged my mother and grandmother in. The jws did their best to get me but failed miserably

[@Zeett09]

@@rhecb the JW portion of my wife’s family refused to go inside the LDS ward house for my FIL’s funeral. They were “permitted” by their JW leaders to attend the graveside part ONLY. It’s insane that a son cannot attend his own father’s funeral service.

[@Zeett09]

@@rhecb also I’m glad their conversion attempts on you were a failure. 👍

[@rhecb]

@@Zeett09 When my mom died, I was discussing the funeral service with her jw buddies. When I said “You can do what you like, I won’t be there”, suddenly there were3 shocked faces looking at me. Then I asked if my mom would have attended my funeral in a Catholic church, I watched it slowly sink in, of course she would not. I paid for and attended the reception after their service but I will never go into a Kingdom Hall. Our family had it’s own funeral service and burial, jws were politely asked not to attend They don’t mind handing it out but are shocked when they receive like treatment

[@rhecb]

When I told her she was brainwashed, my mom joyfully (that’s a good jw word) replied “Yes, my brain has been washed clean.” Which as you point out is clear cult behaviour

[@Zelda00Gamer]

Oof that’s so scary that she said that unironically

[@rhecb]

@@Zelda00Gamer Damn straight 😔

[@TacShooter]

I've heard, "Well, it needed washing."

[@rhecb]

@@TacShooter 😑

[@lavender4658]

I'm sorry but I had to laugh at this 😂 like its sad that ur mom has been conditioned by the JW's to that point, but that phrasing just sounds funny to me.

[@nathanbigler]

I'm exMormon and have started following exJW stories. The similarities and differences are fascinating

[@markkrispin6944]

That is because both are cults with leaders who are all POS.

[@leannhelling3060]

I am ex JW and I too follow both

[@satinbarbi]

As an Ex JW I would say Mormons are the better cult. You guys at least have great musicians.

[@hime273]

Now look into the truth about Freemasonry, and you will see where it all started.

[@TheParaxore]

True and JWs never got a cool South Park episode 😢​@@satinbarbi

[@Bandit_Spark]

As an exmormon, ex-JW accounts were instrumental in my deprogramming. It was different enough to get past the “don’t consume anti-Mormon content” and yet similar enough to show me some of the problems.

[@raylawler13]

It was funny seeing Jake mention "people in white robes" as his stereotypical example of people in cults, because Mormons have that too. 😂

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Pahahahah Ray….you nailed it. Such a good point haha

[@nerysghemor5781]

HA! Yeah, I saw those hidden camera Temple videos!!! XD

[@jimmartin8853]

and catholics. hahaha

[@padfootdoggy]

Honestly I never did the temple and glad I didn't cause when I saw the chanting... I'm like wtf. Clut and then realized it was the church I was part of... I was like wow glad I left.

[@j.r.2184]

I used to think "cult" was too strong for Mormonism. Cults are Heaven's Gate, Waco, and Jonestown. But if you think about cults the same way you would think about diseases, it makes more sense. Some diseases are mild, some are deadly, but a cold is still a disease. Mormonism is the seasonal flu.

[@andreakokko5246]

Right like cult is on a spectrum for sure.

[@UpriseMusic]

Ex-Muslim here that explored the JW and LDS Churches briefly after my faith crisis. I think I’ve found a new favorite channel. 👌

[@MichelleZB1]

I vote for Owen Morgan / Telltale! He is also ex JW. Also, Jordan and McKay who are exMo. And Amanda Rae who is ex The Order/Kingston Group which is a mormon offshoot

[@markkrispin6944]

My vote is for Owen Morgan too. I am subscribed to all of Owen's podcasts. Gotta love all of those "Nutter Butters"!

[@dollsNcats]

Oh wow exmo here but I have never heard of the order 😳

[@christophernelson9289]

Telltale!

[@KC-gi9ol]

My vote is for Owen of Telltale as well. Love also how Owen calls out the far-right / right-wing political cults we see so much of now. They literally love to follow charismatic, authoritarian leaders. There are some exJWs who have fallen into them. Speaking of “Nutter Butters,” there are some exJWs that have fallen for QNut conspiracies. It’s sad. Once a culted (made that word up) mind, always a culted mind it seems. They can’t be reasoned out of it either. Sad.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

We’ve been trying to get a hold of him! Maybe you can head over to his channel and tell him you want to see a collab! 🙌🏼♥️♥️

[@techwithbec]

12:19 Mormonism does this too. I used to tell people "Well if I'm in a cult I'm in the best cult in the world! One that promotes love, happiness and family togetherness." Lol little did I know... Like seriously I knew very little 😆😂

[@desertboot9755]

Ahhh, I'm chuffed you guys took my suggestion - this is fabulous - thank you. :)

[@HolldollMcG]

I love this Linda Listen moment!! No group or leader or boss or organization should ever be upset about you asking questions, ever. Your teachers should have the humility to understand they are human and can therefore be wrong; your boss should understand that sometimes people forget things they were trained on, and it's better to ask than to screw up big time; a religion that prides itself on having the truth should want you to ask questions, because, if it's true, the questions will lead you back there. Asking questions, seeking knowledge, and learning should never be discouraged. That is a red flag.

[@Luke-f2f]

I am now a Bible Baptist, pretrib, dispensation guy. I grew in a JW family. Father was an elder, mother and siblings were long time pioneers(missionaries). I have studied many religions over the years. But I have always thought the LDS and JW orgs. are more similar than not. Although, in recent times it seems as if the JW cult is moving more towards the LDS in their doctrines. As their membership wanes. They seem to be willing to really change doctrine to attract more clueless people into their organization. I kinda keep tabs on JW doctrine. Just out of morbid curiosity I guess.🤔 Even though I haven't stepped foot in one of their kingdom Halls in decades. I still have the occasional nightmare. Where my family is trying to force me to join the JW org. It's amazing how deep into a person's psyche that these cults can penetrate. As a former infantryman in the Army. I also still get the occasional bad military dream. They are very stressful, and I always wake up tired and in a bad mood. But these nightmares pale in comparison to the JW nightmares.

[@SMV1199]

As a current Catholic this is so fascinating and I thank you guys for clarifying so much because both LDS and JWs have been so mind boggling for me.

[@NessaBear90]

Is it just me and my family or do you feel more open to accepting other religions without feeling like you need to preach to them about God or how our religion is the "right" religion or being judgemental of their faith? I'm from a Mexican Catholic family who isn't really practicing anymore even though we have a big family. I don't think the Pope is "God's rep on Earth" I think he is just the main/head Priest guy who is in charge of the other Priests. I pray directly to God and Jesus, not to the Pope. I have Jesus on the cross in my house, not a picture of the Pope you know. That's maybe just me and my family. ❤

[@G-MIP]

@@NessaBear90 Catholics don’t worship the Pope- or pray to him. Worship is reserved for God alone (Latria). The Pope is the successor of Peter whom Jesus gave the keys to the Kingdom. The Pope essentially settles differences …but this has only happened twice in the last 500 years. The people in the church are not infallible- only the teachings which come from the Bible and the Holy Spirit and when the Pope settles differences and declares the result as Dogma etc. Peace. -------- ”Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.” -2 Thessalonians 2:15 NAB ”Wherever the bishop shall appear, there, let the multitude of the people also be; even as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the *Catholic Church.* “ (Letter to the Smyrnaeans, Chapter 8) -St. Ignatius of Antioch, 107 AD St. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of St. John the Apostle and was installed as the 3rd Catholic Bishop of Antioch by St. Peter the Apostle (most likely) after the 2nd Bishop Evodius died. Evodius was the person who coined the term “Christian.” Traditon says Ignatius was one of the children Jesus Blessed in scripture.

[@amandabeaty1492]

Which is funny because I was raised as a JW. I moved to Ireland and ended up going to my boss's mum's requiem mass and it was the weirdest thing I've ever been to. Not saying your religion is weird it was just so vastly different from what I was exposed to.

[@kiwimid]

My Dad's family was strict protestant and Mum's strict Catholic. I found a letter in my Nana's flat from her sister at the time of my parents' marriage which stated she hoped that Dad kept a level head and refused to be swayed by the Papists. I always used to giggle to myself when Dad would sidemouth to us when we had to go to Mass for events and Dad would tell us we were going to 'that cult your mother belongs to'. They sent us kids to Salvation Army when we were young and are both now atheist.

[@jimmartin8853]

Try looking in the mirror.

[@knitspired]

I love this! I’ve been POMO (physically out, mentally out) for a few years now and even though I’m not disfellowshipped, my parents will not talk to me. But hearing @altworldly say these things reaffirms that the JW beliefs, practices, and doctrines are plain crazy and wrong in so many ways. I will be checking out his channel as well!

[@rachelortiz147]

I can’t wait for another episode! This was amazing. I had no idea how many similarities to the Mormons and JWs have

[@hannaandapollotrulove]

I have say that this is something I did not know I needed to hear. It has always been a deep-rooted fear of mine since I was a child of not going to Paradise and the world ending. Because I did not follow in my grandmother's footsteps and what she tried to teach us. I never really understood it all and my grandma didn't really know how to explain any of it but she just wanted us to follow it. So thank you for speaking out and talking about this

[@mamoriss1]

Beautiful. I left an entire family (6 siblings and my parents) because of these issues. Since doing so, my life has become amazing.

[@alen7492]

Hi! I was raised as JW and left not baptised when i was about 20y old. Now im 47. I have a deep gratitude for your existence and your work on youtube. Being a light holder for so many people "stumbling in dark", chained by their own limiting beliefs, it is trully a "Gods" work. Ty Shelise! 🌺

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Alen! Thank you so much! I appreciate your support 😁

[@andreadiamond7115]

Being a cult watcher made me look at my mild Methodist faith. My journey went through ExCOS, ExJWs, ExMos to a happy atheist.

[@aaroncarlton7794]

That’s awesome. I always thought that people had to be in extreme faiths in order to realize the cult like nature of all religions. Good on ya.

[@suzannep]

It's so funny how the religions both told us that our beliefs were unique and that proved we were the "true" one, come to find out they both had so much in common lol

[@TheParaxore]

Yeah they are both the hipsters of the religious world.

[@timanderson5717]

I'd like to see an interview with an ex Seventh Day Adventist. I was part of it for a few years so I have some idea of what they believe, but there's a lot that I don't know.

[@Lenergyiskey358]

I would watch that too. I know someone deconstructing that cult and it is really hard for her.

[@mikeyantis8067]

Great conversation and thank you for sharing. Enjoyed both of you giving all who listen a better understanding of JW and Mormon doctrine. GJ!!!!!

[@truthseeker4431]

I'd like to see a podcast on Mormon urban legends such as; myths about the 3 Nephites, pioneer stories that have been repeated with different names attached like guns misfiring when migrating Mormons were threatened by 'evil' people, magic money appearing when tithing is paid, dying people proclaiming seeing those who previously died, etc.

[@andreakokko5246]

Saaaame that would be cool

[@laycie_mnm]

Great job, Shelise! Can't wait for the "Second Episode" 😉 It was interesting when Jake was talking about how much the JW beliefs are rooted in US nationalism. Mormonism is the same way, although the leadership has had to tone it down quite a bit since the cult has grown into a "world-wide church". The BOM narrative of "America equals the promised land" is still there, tho 🤮 Also - beards are prohibited for temple workers (not patrons), as well as the missionaries. I had to move my TBM hubby three hours away from the nearest temple so he could keep his beautiful beard! 🙌🏻

[@saegemehlfee]

your last collab was how i found both ur channels and now im subscribed to both of them 10/10

[@djdalad]

great episode and thanks for continuing to demystify high demand religions

[@sydneychristensen2058]

I love hearing y'all go back and forth, the similarities between these beliefs are so interesting. The other day I was discussing Mormon beliefs I was raised in with a couple of other Christians the other day and when I mentioned the levels of heaven, one of the guys joked, "so where's the cheat code to get into heaven haha" and I was like oh dude I didn't get to that part, it's the ritual handshakes 😭

[@maurap.4983]

I was a Mormom as a teen, I'm 60 now & I still end my prayers with - in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I wonder if there are people in my Baptist Church who wonder why I do that ?

[@glorialeach7301]

I was a JW and if we did not end a prayer ' in Jesus name, Amem', then that prayer is not heard because J W's believe you can only approach God through Jesus.

[@angiecorbin5405]

So interesting.. I’ve been in several Christian churches and we’ve always ended prayer “in Jesus Christ name we pray unto you” amen

[@yowyo2006]

I was raised fundamental baptist, and our pastors ended church prayers with the same phrase. Our family always shortened it to "amen." Rather than the whole phrase.

[@KaraOfTheSea]

It is funny you mentioned the whole "Your not really Christian!" thing. My family is Catholic (My dad, siblings, and I are agnostic) and I literally was told by someone who is part of another Christian sect "Hey just so you know, Catholic and Christian are different. Catholics are not Christian."

[@mtaylor7307]

Campus Crusade For Christ had pamphlets about, How to witness to Catholics, How to witness to Lutherans, How to witness to...any religion or denomination that was not Campus Crusade. Many denominations embraced and integrated Campus Crusade's mission and materials at the time to separate themselves from "the others" while ignoring the pamphlets meant for their own denomination. These churches would then join to form a wider base used by politicians called the Christian Nationalist movement.

[@G-MIP]

The Catholic Church is the first Christian church. ”Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.” -2 Thessalonians 2:15 NAB ”Wherever the bishop shall appear, there, let the multitude of the people also be; even as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the *Catholic Church.* “ (Letter to the Smyrnaeans, Chapter 8) -St. Ignatius of Antioch, 107 AD St. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of St. John the Apostle and was installed as the 3rd Catholic Bishop of Antioch by St. Peter the Apostle (most likely) after the 2nd Bishop Evodius died. Evodius was the person who coined the term “Christian.” Traditon says Ignatius was one of the children Jesus Blessed in scripture.

[@GroovlyDo]

@@G-MIP nope

[@RebeccaRaven]

I had no problem calling Moonies, Scientology, Christian Science, etc, cults. I struggled with beliefs that built on the Abrahamic tradition until I decided groups that have their own translation of the Bible (New World Translation), Book of Mormon (I mean when I read it I totally thought that it was just reheated KJV), and evangelicals that tell you that only the KJV is true (there are so many Bibles that are better translations), that's a cult. My friend who is a priest in the Assyrian Orthodox faith, always jokes that the Bible is just some people's paper Pope.

[@mtaylor7307]

All religion is manmade.

[@onionnine]

Great episode! Jake reminds me of Ted Bessell who played Don on the tv series That Girl from the 1960's. He looks and also sounds like him!

[@glorialeach7301]

The word Cult used to make me SO mad. But when I came to terms with it, it was from watching another Morman verses JW's video. Each side has true believers. It is crazy.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Yes, exactly! I was the same way. Until I realized how true it is when considering coercive control

[@squidyinkydink]

After 33 years I researched the cross (outside of JW publications) and that’s when I realized I lived my entire life in a lie. Glad it didn’t last any longer.

[@mtaylor7307]

All religion is manmade. Religion and spirituality are not the same. Religion may be used as a springboard into spirituality. So, you simply transitioned into the enlightenment of spirituality.

[@danrossell6375]

If the question "are we a cult?" is high on the FAQ list you maybe should wonder are we.

[@leannhelling3060]

Loved this session. I once worked with a Morman and had tons of questions. He gave me a book if morman I have to this day.

[@rolfkarlsson276]

Great talk. To Jake: Just wanted to let you know that the trinity doctrine was implemented through the council of Nicaea in 325, meaning before then this was up for debate. So while you think "Ofcourse they want us to pray to Jesus!" when you read a modern bible, this wasn't always the case. Many churches through the years have disagreed.

[@mouthpiece806]

my nan tried to get me to join the witnesses but when they told me that all are equal beside the anointed ones, but then wouldn’t allow me to get piercings like the women in the congregation had, i called bs and stopped going. the memorial thing is very weird, can confirm!

[@LibraLoo]

Hello there. I am new to the channel and first off would like to say thank you for bringing these experiences to light. I am learning so much from your discussions. I was brought up Catholic but had always been interested in learning about other peoples beliefs. I am no longer a religious person. I happened to have both a Jehovah’s Witness and a Mormon as really close friends growing up so I would ask them lots of questions about their faiths out of curiosity. I even attended both churches many times with my friends. At one service I had was told I was sitting behind one of the 144,000. I loved my friend and I didn’t once think to even try to think whether she was wrong or right or discredit her beliefs. It was definitely an interesting experience. Also, not to knock any religion, but I remember thinking I was going to hell when attending a “Beehive”(if I remember it correctly) meeting with my Mormon friend and they discussed sex and how you shouldn’t have such impure thoughts. I was only 14 and I felt shame just for being inquisitive about sex.😂

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! Welcome to C2C! Ahhh yes, the beehives! You unlocked more core memories of mine lol. That’s the age (starting at 12) that they teach sex is wrong and sinful. Ugh, sorry you had to experience that.

[@LibraLoo]

I sincerely thought my 14 year old virgin self was going to hell simply for my thoughts. I couldn’t imagine the impact that purity culture would have had on me had I always been in the Mormon faith. But I can definitely say I am grateful to have been exposed to so many different religions growing up. Now I am not religious at all because of all my research.

[@deelnickole65]

Thank you for your videos. I have always been interested in different religions. I grew up basically non-denominational Christian so the concept of how to serve God has never really been concrete to me but was always understood there is one true God. I have in the last few years found the LDS and Scientology people leaveing and became emersed in this world and how people functioned after. This is a beautiful world full of strong warriors I'm so proud of each and evey one of you. Keep up the good work

[@krismcdaniel2858]

When I was a Christian, my branch was started by an English King who got pissed off at the Pope because he wouldn't give him a divorce. That's not dramatic at all.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

😂😂😂 I just lol’d

[@michaelkeller5555]

I was a JW student and when I was told about the anointed and how "they just know", that was the exact moment when I was like uh.... nope. No thanks. You're nuts.

[@ATiredMom]

Joseph also claimed he translated an Epyptian Papyri Scrolls for the Book of Abraham which at the time no one was able to reach that language and know he was lying. Since then it has been properly translated and Joseph's translation has been proven as gibberish. It is so sad that Mormons claim to believe the Christian scriptures as well but ignore that the Bible tells that if even 1 prophecy does not come true then that person is considered a false prophet

[@desertboot9755]

So cool! I had no idea JWs share their theology with Mormon's. I assume most JWs don't know this.

[@glorialeach7301]

No they don't because it is frowned on VERY MUCH to even dauble in researching another religion.

[@Spmama444]

This is perfect just had some JW’s come to my door invited them in. I was having my own sabbath, reading, resting, they always come on Saturday’s and asked them some critical questions about sabbath and Sunday and some other critical thinking things…I do hope they come back. I love the conversation, theology, all of it. But now having listened to many of these episodes I am armed with a new love and understanding … as well as so much knowledge and a foundation to walk through the conversation with joy!!!! Instead of fear or just closing the door.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I’m so happy to hear that!!!! 😁❤️ thanks for sharing!!

[@aaroncarlton7794]

ExMo here. I studied the church a ton when I was in it. Just one correction. A person who has received their second anointing cannot do anything they want. The idea behind the 2nd anointing is that they’ve proven that they’ve kept their second estate, but they can fall from grace. If they fall from grace, they would become a son of perdition. Under LDS doctrine, it’s not possible for most members to go to outer darkness. Receiving your 2nd anointing and then rebelling against the church would make you a son of perdition. Anyway… wanted to clarify that.

[@paulamacdonald7070]

Loved this discussion!

[@adam-obaseball]

When you described the Satan, 1000 years, thing; I honestly thought you were talking about JW before Jake said was them too lol

[@mysideacc2770]

the comment about "believing jesus is your brother is blasphemous" was a shock to me as someone who grew up in a very christian town. i guess it's just a cultural thing, since a country's culture can affect how christianity is gonna develop? i remember a popular show when i was a kid where there was this little boy who could talk to jesus, and he would show up as a disembodied voice and light. the kid called him "bro" (it sounds awkward in english, but it was an esl loanword thing), and he would go around experiencing struggles and then talking to "bro" asking for advice. it was a pretty standard daytime show to teach kids to be good. i remember also being taught (can't remember if it was in church or at home) that god was like everyone's dad who loves everyone equally, even the bad kids, mary is everyone's mama and also loves us all, and jesus is our big brother. jesus as our good older brother guides us to do good things and be good people, and we should do good things to make god and mama mary proud (is what i believed as a kid). it feels weird thinking i grew up as just a normal christian and then finding out some other christians actually think a core belief i had is blasphemous. is this how shelise feels?

[@onesunnyday5699]

1 observation during the Memorial. Why is it 😳😱 if a non anointed acts like they are going to partake of this magic bread & wine, but once the meeting is over anyone can party it up with wine & chips?

[@Beginnerreadsthebible]

I guess I'm not a "real Christian," because I think it's kind of sweet to think of Jesus as your brother.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

😁🙏

[@jillmcaboy7000]

Thanks for these discussions. ❤️

[@GingerCox_AncientRaccoonDomme]

I know this is an older video, but I didn't see anyone commenting on this. During the conversion process to LDS, I asked why no one wore crosses (I grew up mostly Southern Baptist and everyone I knew had some kind of Jesus token like that). The answer I received was Jesus actually paid for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane when the pain was so great he bled out of his pores bearing all of our sins, so the cross symbol wasn't revered. (My follow up question of why they don't wear a flower or tree symbol instead was brushed off.) I remember this distinctly. But it was the last time it was ever discussed.

[@leannhelling3060]

I left JW in 2015 by disassociating . I love my freedom, but I did had to deconstruct my spiritual beliefs and then build them up again from atheist to esotericism.

[@offairhead]

25:30 in case anyone is confused as to why more mainstream western Protestant Christians consider Yeshuah/Jesus to be the same as G-d, that comes from the New Testament on of John chapter 10 verse 30 which is Yeshuah (Jesus) speaking and He says “I am my father are one”

[@leannhelling3060]

Don’t forget that they rewrite the JW Bible in 2011. They took out stuff like the prodigal son (Probably to not confuse people with the shinning they exercise which started in the 50’s and was it in clad to all sins by 61-71 theology books).

[@carolyncasey8960]

I’m speechless! They are under a curse for removing a part of the Word just because it made them uncomfortable about what it shows about shunning.

[@treectrice9180]

They did?!😮

[@treectrice9180]

I knew they were removing stuff, but, wow, interesting

[@heidifluteatl]

Both were started in upstate New York after a great Christian revival.

[@Peaches1393]

I LOVE your channel! I grew up Seventh Day Adventist and left over 10 years ago. Have you done an episode on the SDA faith?!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you! Not yet!

[@Peaches1393]

@@CultstoConsciousness hopefully you get an opportunity, there are so many similarities here! Thanks for posting such awesome content!

[@timnewman1172]

I really wish you would have a discussion with someone from the Community of Christ(RLDS) about the differences between them and the LDS church...

[@davewallentine5306]

Interesting discussion! Thanks for your voice in this space.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks for listening!

[@bethany45101]

You guys are so joyful! I was trying to cook lunch for my family and I’m smiling and giggling about all this traumatic stuff 😂 I’m an ex jw so it’s relatable.

[@lessarey]

We said the same thing as Baptists. Weird. 25:25

[@onesunnyday5699]

I need this. My husband came un the house that was shut up due to the a/c being on & I was screaming into the void "Who are you?! WHERE are you?!! ANSWER ME!!!!" I was trying different ways of worship: witchcraft, paganism, etc. They. Are. All. The. Same. Only the top tier knows it. The followers just walk along spewing the same chants insisting they aren't heathens, while using the same chalaces, candles & incense burners.

[@philw4025]

I can't wait to hear Shelise's reaction to Caleb and Sophia!

[@Kitakueigo]

Jake’s a quirky but cool dude. Glad he’s back on KZbin. Good stuff.

[@georgeoneal5644]

Such kind thoughtful approach to even the troubling things of life's is uplifting.

[@katherenewedic8076]

just remembered: 1971, 4rth grade, sent to a lutheran school with a jehovah witness bible, sigh... alot to unpack there

[@deannacaudill5515]

In the Pentecostal and Baptist churches I was raised in we were taught that: the reason you say “in Jesus name we pray” is because of the tearing of the veil after Jesus Christ was born/died/rose again The idea is that you no longer have to go through the ways of the Old Testament for salvation/forgiveness but through Jesus Christ.

[@tiarushing6886]

Speaking about the cross as a Christian growing up, we wore the cross but not one with Jesus on it. This was because Jesus had been resurrected and was no longer dead. The empty cross was supposed to be a statement showing that he was no longer dead.

[@MichaelYoder1961]

Love Jake! Great discussion, and as a never in, but follower, I think that you could compare the Governing Body's "new light" that they come up with when it works for them, with Joseph and his magic rock. Subbed...

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Great suggestion!

[@urielpolak9949]

Love that i found you. Good stuff

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you! Welcome to C2C!

[@aaroncarlton7794]

When people ask me if Mormons are Christian, I tell them it depends on what they define being Christian as. If they mean, do they accept the doctrine of the Trinity developed in the Nicene Creed, then no. The Mormons believe in a distinct version of it they call the God Head. Father, Son, Holy Ghost three distinct personages, one in purpose. If you define a Christian as someone who believes Jesus is their God and that it is only by the spilling of his blood that they can be saved through his atonement, then yes. Mormons are Christian.

[@marydee72]

MORE👏OF 👏THIS!!!! You two are FAB together!!!!

[@NEX2NUN]

Being an exJW who was in a serious relationship with a Mormon, this was spot-on, well done.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Great to hear! Thank you, Derek!

[@Monkey114]

I was told that Abel was the first Jehovah's witness. Church started by Russell in 1879.

[@catherinecooper8370]

12:19 oh my gosh, when I was in AA (which is a cult) I had a AA therapist say to us, "Some would call it brainwashing. Well, my brain needed a good washing." Red flag. Definitely something I put on my shelf. It always bothered me.

[@misterdiffiCULT1]

Interesting. I remember one specific thing touted in our group was that "our" understanding didn't come from retranslations (i.e. New World version) or extra books (i.e. Book of Mormon), BUT our theologies are a mix. Our end-times thoughts were similar, but not the same. Also, we did view Jesus as God but we were also non-trinitarian. (I distinctly remember Jesus being taught as God, but he was somewhat downplayed. We focused more on Jesus being God's voice in the Old Testament. He was the "Angel of the Lord," which is one of the terms for God regardless of the term "angel." The "Angel of the Lord" thing is also a mainstream belief.) We had our own college (like BYU), too, which was a major deal if someone were to go there. One thing we prided ourselves on was our understanding of scripture. We called ourselves Berean (a reference to a group of people in the Book of Acts who studied scripture to see if this new Jesus thing lined up with scripture), and that's why were known as being convincing debaters. We knew the bible like the backs of our hands. It was ingrained in us. I visited my grandparents' Lutheran church Sunday School when I was really, really young, and I knew more than the other kids that the teacher asked me to stop answering. It's just how it was from the time you could piece together words. Almost everyone was like that.

[@aaroncarlton7794]

I’m also a master mason. It was very interesting to be an endowed member and also a master mason.

[@R0291-l1l]

so I'm a very casual Pagan, and I am always kinda lowkey side eyeing the fact that scary "cult" movies almost always are portrayed as Pagan, when in reality the most prevalent and harmful cults in the modern era are Christian of some flavor. most pagan groups i've ever encountered are very decentralized, not high control or high demand whatsoever, etc. and that's usually a big factor in why people come to it out of other religions. What do y'all think about that? Is it just Hollywood not wanting to upset christians by pointing out the obvious? or is it that most people are unfamiliar with pagan beliefs and still have the in-born bias against anything conspicuously non-christian? (all of this is pretty specific to the US and Europe I would guess)

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Yaaaaas. Love that observation!! That would be an interesting conversation!

[@peace2all51]

You forgot to mention on baptism they mentioned to dedicate yourself to the organization too. Go check on KZbin behind the veil never before seen videos of secret Mormon temple ritual

[@RWorley3sl]

A friend of the family had small kids and a husband that traveled. The witnesses kept coming by her house: one day she invited them in. Let the kids play with them. Didn't come back again.

[@claudiuskaramazov8324]

These 2 should go on a real date ❤

[@skyjust828]

By what you call a "cult" my 2nd marriage was a cult. My children's father kept me isolated, & afraid. He beat me at least twice yearly until I hit back 😮 (then it was serious mental abuse) when I finally left after 22 yrs he lied to my children about me. That was in 2004, to this day they don't speak to me without his permission. Last month I got ahold of my oldest she's lived halfway across the country since 2010 & I still call him for permission to speak to her for fear he'll cut me off again 😢

[@mtaylor7307]

Trauma therapy for healing would be important for you. It's an example your children may come to appreciate faster with an example of what that journey looks like. So grateful you left and are here to share your story. Please take good care of yourself. ❤

[@skyjust828]

@@mtaylor7307 thank you & God bless you ❣️🙏

[@mtaylor7307]

@@skyjust828 Health and peace to you! 🌻💚

[@emilyrln]

"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank thee for sending thy son to Earth to be tortured and murdered for us" 🧐💀

[@samanthas2280]

I remember giving a "talk" (a skit basically) on explaining why we weren't a cult. I even wrote in the skit that according to the definition of a cult (jw definition really) Catholicism is a cult. It's run by one man (pope) that dictates beliefs. We have a group of men that God uses, so that's clearly not a cult. As i wrote it, i remember thinking that the whole thing didn't make logical sense. We were a cult. I gave the talk and like a good little sister.

[@jofish5678]

First time hearing “high control group”. I wish that phrase was more prominent. It is definitely more relatable.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad it can be helpful!

[@kiterafrey]

I used Mormonism to deal with my trauma of being in a very intense branch of Pentecostalism. It is easier to see the cult on someone else when trying to figure out if you're in one.

[@kodigemma3359]

Interesting to hear the LDS perspective that crosses focus on Jesus’s death and not his resurrection. I was raised in a mainline Christian church. We were taught that the empty cross is the symbol of the resurrection.

[@skyjust828]

When JW's came to my door. The first time I accepted them (for a month then hasbeen found out 😢) the 3 times since I tell them "my father on earths name is Keith I would never call him that, I respect my father, but not nearly as much as I respect God!"

[@TheDressageAddict]

I had never heard of the bite method before. Very helpful. My only cult awareness education came from a Christian Apologetics class I had in high school at my homeschool co-op 😂 it wasn't a cult but we brushed shoulders with actual cultiness over there. The method I was taught was the +-÷× method. If it adds supplemental "holy teachings" or "new revelations" beyond what was revealed and canonized in our Old and New Testaments If it takes away from the persom of Jesus If it divides and isolates individuals from their friends, family, and support system If it multiplies the requirements for salvation beyond "saved by grace through faith and faith is a free gift from Christ life death and resurrection"

[@sharonnahia1387]

As an EX JW that was about 22 years in the religion I can say there are things that were wrong here so I hope I can clarify them. First of all we would pray and at the end say in the name of Jesus Christ Amen because there is a text that instructs to do so. Also Jesus is seen as a God there is a text about this too so there is worship to him but he is seen as Jehova's son so yes you are right on the fact that they are in a different level. Another thing is when I was exiting the religion I looked into the translation and checked it with one of the oldest Bible translation there is in Spanish called " La Reina Valera" it I was an old version and the name Jehova was there too but it was taken out after but in the original manuscripts it was in the Bible 7000 times. There are many reasons I left and I don't regret leaving I just wanted to clarify some facts I studied it would be interesting to know what you think about this.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you for sharing and clarifying 😁

[@Honeyd711]

I’m not affiliated with any religious group. I do find it interesting that many will leave a religious cult only to move on to a bigger, more accepted cult. Why is that? Barring the basic answer of filling the void.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I think because when it’s all you know, your brain is wired for oppression. It has to do with the neurons that have been wired to expect certain emotions. People become addicted to pain (this is all studied research) so when they don’t have it, they make it, or seek it out somewhere else because if feels comfortable. Even though from the outside it doesn’t seem comfortable.

[@elainebraindrain3174]

The human rights abuses need to be addressed, Religious Trauma, shunning, csa, suicides, blood Ban... and breaking families..etc

[@charlesguinn4316]

Where does "Ressurection" come in at the End of the World? or New World. I don't recall some things.

[@timanderson5717]

With the prayers in the name of Jesus thing, I was taught that we're praying to god the father, but then it's like we're signing the envelope with Jesus' name, so he pays more attention to it or something.

[@magdalenabozyk1798]

Hmm... I remember a thing about Jesus from JW, that was told by them when my mom was "studying the Bible" with the JWs. When God created Adam, Adam was a "perfect" human. But then he sinned and we all are imperfect. Then God made the 2nd perfect human, and that perfect human was Jesus.

[@kaitlynpowell8100]

I’m probably late to the game but can you do a video or podcast on Free Masons? I’m new to exploring other religions because I was stuck in a very catholic family for a long time and now practice witch craft so I’m very interested in learning about all other religions!! Love your videos ❤

[@gabrielkoncowski1403]

Brilliant thks to you both.regards from England

[@mariannefenwick5652]

I’ve seen your podcast that dealt with cults with MLMs, it was SO good. I was briefly in Amway which I can now see was (is) a cult. Have you spoken in a podcast specifically naming companies in particular Amway?

[@franpost1110]

Question...except for the catholic and the Jewish aren't all churches "created" by somebody...luther=Lutherans, George fox=quackers, Episcopalians, Baptist etc etc etc

[@G-MIP]

Yes- you are correct. ”Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.” -2 Thessalonians 2:15 NAB ”Wherever the bishop shall appear, there, let the multitude of the people also be; even as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the *Catholic Church.* “ (Letter to the Smyrnaeans, Chapter 8) -St. Ignatius of Antioch, 107 AD St. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of St. John the Apostle and was installed as the 3rd Catholic Bishop of Antioch by St. Peter the Apostle (most likely) after the 2nd Bishop Evodius died. Evodius was the person who coined the term “Christian.” Traditon says Ignatius was one of the children Jesus Blessed in scripture.