JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

AND

MIND CONTROL

On the Internet, there are several articles designed to influence, and, persuade readers that Jehovah’s Witnesses are under the "control" of the "Watchtower Society" and its "Governing Body". For me, the article that had the most initial influence is one called "A Study of the Persuasion Techniques Used by Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower" . The opening words of this article state….. "The Watchtower Society utilies manipulative techniques and environment to recruit and maintain their membership. According to Robert Lifton (1961)...... there are eight criteria that are used to evaluate if the environment that people have been subject to has been a mind control totalist environment. The Watchtower was found to utilise each of these criteria to varying degrees in their indoctrination process." …..

So straight away, before the potential reader starts to analyze this material, they are given a "positive" and "assertive" point of view in favor of the idea that mind control is used. For me, this in itself is a form of manipulation to get the reader to agree with the writer's ideas. He sets the stage for what is to follow and by using such language, and copious "authoritative" quotes, the reader is easily lead to agree with him. (By the way this is one of the tactics he says JWs use effectively) I mention this so that when we read other peoples material. (Including what I have written here), it may be prudent and advisable to try not to be persuaded by the thoughts of the writer without doing other research to get a balancing view. In preparing this material I found I had to use some of the techniques that the article "A Study of the Persuasion Techniques Used by Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower" uses, just as the writer of that article did.   The first lesson to learn from this is, do not take for gospel what is written even if it does sound authoritative.

I am not after a confrontation with any one.  My intent is to give a balancing view and to show why some feel the way they do about us and to give the Bible principles behind some of the "Mind Control" techniques that we are said to use.  It will be up to you, the reader, to decide if the "Mind Control" principles used, go against the Bible and or Christian ideals. After all, Christians should be those that follow the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.  If Mind Control techniques (as it is asserted, are used by JWs) are found in the Bible, then there are three (3) possible conclusions we can come too. (1) The Bible is a book not to be trusted, (2) the techniques used, are not Mind Control techniques, but teaching techniques, or (3) that same form of Mind Control is in fact beneficial and not to be feared.  The choice of conclusions will be yours.  If you, the reader, do not hold the Bible as being of any value, than this information will reinforce the idea that JWs use mind control.

In the article mentioned  above, the writer refers to a Robert Lifton and his criteria for mind control. The eight criteria that Robert Lifton uses are ......(NOTE only a brief description is given here)........

MILIEU CONTROL the control of the environment and human communication within the environment and control of the communication includes itra-personal control, information and itra-personal thought control.

MYSTICAL MANIPULATION contriving events to give the impression they originate mystically or are a blessing from God.

LOADING THE LANGUAGE the use of a vocabulary peculiar to the group or changing the meanings of words to suit the ideas of the group.

DOCTRINE OVER PERSON the belief of a groups ideology is all important, whether it aligns with reality and experiences or not.

THE SACRED SCIENCE here the organization or group proclaims it alone has absolute truth, scientifically, psychologically and morally, and there is no valid alternatives.

THE CULT OF CONFESSION members are encouraged to confess nonconforming thoughts, feelings, and actions to the group as an act of self surrender and a display of loyalty to the groups ideas.

THE DEMAND FOR PURITY the absolute goal is purification according to the groups criteria.

THE DISPENSING OF EXISTENCE its members are part of the elect who are walking in the truth, while all others are in the dark and therefore are not worthy to exist

The author of the article also uses the theories of Steven Hassan who wrote a book entitled "Combating Cult Mind Control."

In this essay I am not going to go into detail of all these theories. This is just the start to get something on my site relating to the subject. At this stage I want to give an overview of a Biblical response to the idea of Mind Control.

First, something about the author of that article that took my interest. The Original article (it has been updated) started by saying that it was "A research report submitted to ........... College, Adelaide by ............... , as the Directed Study Project component for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counselling......" According to his paper his contact with JW's at that time were visits over "four months a young Jehovah's Witness has been visiting me in the hope of converting me. He has shown me articles that have, at face value, been very impressive, and given persuasive, complicated, factual and philosophical arguments to justify his beliefs."  I mention the above for the following reasons

1.he evidently prided his "higher" education

2.he evidently is a "Christian".

3.And I wondered if he ever told the young JW he was being "used" for research.

From his article, it would appear as if he had a copy of the 1995 Watchtower CD library, because he quotes from it, evidently to give an "authoritative" presentation. He also use's quotes from several books by EX JWs and others writers. It would also appear, from the way that he expressed himself, that he misunderstood some of the beliefs and writings of JWs. (some of them will be discussed in later updates of this material)

Something else that bothered me, was the way he presented the whole argument. If he never "claimed to be Christian" (as it appears he is, by getting a degree in "Christian Counseling"), I could fully understand his point of view. For me, the reasoning he uses would make more sense if they originated from an “atheist", “agnostic” or "communist", because of their general disdain and/or disbelief for religion.  For me, as an individual, I found his lack of understanding of Bible principles disturbing for a person that claimed to be a “Christian”. I can only assume that his knowledge of such principles is very low, otherwise I doubt that he would have come to some of the conclusions he has..

It is also a possibility that, like a lot of people, he takes the idea of the gift of "free will" from our creator to mean we have "absolute" free will. But that is another topic.

In his reasoning (along with others that say they are Christians) I would have expected him to show scripturally why JW’s were under the influence of a "dangerous" mind control situation. Instead no Scriptures are used (except in quotes from the Watchtower Publications) and he uses copious quotes from EX JW’s and so called  "cult experts" and "mind control experts", most of whom, do not put into context JW beliefs.

Having said that, now down to my response. The next portion is set out as a Question and Answer discussion between myself, and, someone that holds to the idea of "mind control" (This discussion as presented below never took place, but, it is based on several conversations that I have had)

Q Are Jehovah's Witnesses under the influence of Mind Control

A To that specific question, I must give a resounding YES, and, at the same time a very definite NO

Q Hey!! you seem a bit confused. How can you say both YES and NO?

A The NO is in relation to the kind of mind control that essay was trying (very effectively mind you) to portray. The YES, is that Jehovah's Witness use their "free will" to voluntarily come under (for lack of a better word) the "mind control" as set out in the Bible.

Q At this point, you just agreed with the idea that JWs are under mind control. However, you try to justify your position by saying that this is in regard to the Bible, we, though, say it is to an "organization". By the way, where does the Bible talk about being under "mind control" ?

A I can understand your reluctance to set aside what others have to say in regard to JWs being controlled by a group of men in America, but I am asking you now to try to see things the way we do. I am not asking you to "agree”, or, "conform" to the way we see things, just understand them so that you can be in a better position to determine if the "mind control" I refer to is "evil", or, "beneficial".  The mind control techniques that JW’s are said to use, are supposed to take away free will and enslave us to the “Watchtower Organisation”.  JW’s are not enslaved to any organization.

Q Well that is where we differ. There is plenty of information on the internet to show that JW’s must obey everything the Watchtower says, so there is no independent thinking. You must use the Bible that the Watchtower has produced, and that Bible is distorted. Scholars say that it is a diabolical version.  They changed words to suit their own teachings.  You have to put in reports every month or you get into trouble. You can’t have anything to do with friends and family that are not JW’s and the list goes on. That certainly sounds like a mind control cult thing to me.

A OK, you have raised a lot of issues here, but before we examine those, can we go back to your question “where does the Bible talk about being under "mind control" ?”   I would like you to consider a few texts with me that demonstrate that the first century Christians used techniques that are considered “mind control” techniques as per the definitions above and articles that are presented on the internet that endeavor to prove that JW's use “mind control”.

Q I hope you are not going to use the NWT to prove this

A I will limit the use the New World Translation and instead, will use the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and the New International Version (NIV) The Living Bible (LB) Today's English Version (TEV) Phillips Modern English (PME) Jerusalem Bible (JB) New English Bible (NEB). Authorised Version 1769 (AV). Young's Literal Translation 1898 (YLT). Weymoth New Testament 1912 (WEY). Rotherham Bible 1902 (Roth). Revised Webster Bible 1995 (RWEBS). Tyndale Rogers, Coverdale Text (TRC)  Douay Rheims Version (Douay), Jerome’s 405 AD Latin Volgate  (Vgte). Unless stated otherwise all bold and italics and underlining in the following texts are mine.

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable. RSV

…. And fashion not yourselves like unto this world: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your wits, that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of God is. TRC

...... Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind NIV

...... Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind TEV

...... Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but be a new and a different person L.B.

...... Let God remake you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed PME

...... let your behaviour change, moulded by your new mind JB

...... but let your mind be remade NEB.

From that verse and different renderings what do you discern?

Q Well... It would also appear from those versions that the Christians had change their attitudes about the “world” around them and also the way they lived

A Yes you are correct. The first century Christians had to make a change in their lives,  I would like to read to you what “Matthew Pools Commentary of the Bible” says about this verse and in particular the word “world”  “do not fashion or accommodate yourselves to the corrupt principles, customs, or courses of worldly and wicked men; and what they are, you will find in Ro 13:13 Eph 4:18,19 1Pe 4:3. You have somewhat the like counsel, Ex 23:2 1Pe 1:14” You see it not a JW idea that one must make a change when they decide to follow the Christ, even non JWs recognize that. Can we have a look at some of the other words used in that text. The Greek word for "MIND" in the above texts is "noose". According to Strongs word No. 3563 this word means "intellect by implication mind, understanding". This same word is used at 1 Corinthians 2:16 which says, "we have the mind of Christ" (KJV. TEV. NIV JB. RSV. TRC) "we have the thoughts of Christ" (PME) and "possess the mind of Christ" (NEB)

What that is telling JW’s, is, that when we accept Christ as our savior, and decide that we want to follow him, a change has to occur in us. We have to stop copying the behavior, customs pattern and attitude of the world and transform, change, make new our minds and thoughts to comply with Gods will as patterned by his son Jesus. (This, in effect is the bases of my reply. Are JWs being transformed by the Bible or by an "organization"?  Only you, the reader can make that decision for yourself, based on what you read here and on other sites.)

Another interesting Greek word that bears heavily on this discussion is "phroneo" Strongs Word No. 5426 and means "to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction):interns. To interests oneself in (with concern of obedience): set the affection on" (Words in ( ) original)

Please note a couple of ways the word ("phroneo") is used, as they have a bearing on why JWs "insist" on every one teaching the same things without personal opinion. (Please notices the highlighting of the word teaching.) This is to emphasis that point. If we see things differently to the "society" we do not teach personal opinion but stay by what the "society" teaches) This is particularly the case of Philippians 4:2. The other texts are mentioned to give a balance as to how the same word for mind is used.

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind. (KJV) Have the same concern for all alike (TEV) Live in harmony (NIV; RSV) Work happily together (LB)

Philippians 2:5 let this mind be you, which was in Christ Jesus (KJV) the attitude you should have is this..(TEV ; LB and NIV. say similar) have this mind among yourselves (RSV) in your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus ??? let your bearing towards one another... (NEB)

Philippians 4:2 That you be of the same mind in the Lord (KJV) please with the Lords help quarrel no more (LB) to agree with each other (NIV) I beg you by name to make up your differences (PME) Come to agreement with each other (JB)

From all those examples on the use of the word MIND, JWs see that the apostles were telling those first century Christian that wanted to be "footstep followers" of Christ, that they needed a change of ("intellect" or "understanding") belief in the way they lived, and “entertain“ the “sentiments “ become “mentally disposed“ and to ”interest oneself in (the concerns)” of the Christ. They had to stop their “quarrelling“ and “differences of opinions” and come into line with the thinking of Christ. This change included what one believed in before (the audience Jesus spoke to, were, predominantly Jewish. The Bible writers were teaching what Jesus taught as they wrote to both Jews and non Jews This meant that they had to change from the ideas taught by their religious leaders at that time to the ones taught by Jesus) as well as ones way of life.

If that was the case back then, then if people wanted to follow the Christ today and be "Christian", should not those ones speak in agreement with each other without divisions? To get this "mind of Christ" or this new intellect or understanding, effort and time is needed, usually from a teacher who can persuade an individual to accept this new way of thinking.

Q  OK I will acknowledge that the Bible requires some adjustments of people who want to be Christians. BUT, you also agreed with me, you do use persuasion techniques in recruitment of new JWs, you just said that a teacher has to persuade an individual. You can only believe what you are told to believe by the Watchtower Society.

A In the Biblical sense, YES. The words persuade (d) (ing) are used several times in the Bible. There are two Greek words that are translated so as to mean persuade. First, Strongs word No. 3129 means to understand learn, and 3982 To convince (right or wrong) confidence, obey trust persuade- yield. Lets look up some texts that use 3982

Acts 18:4 talking about Paul "And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded the Jews and Greeks" ( KJV) The TEV LB and NEV use the word "convince" The NIV; PNE; RSV; AV; DBY; ROTH; RWEBS; use the word "persuade". The BBE says "turning". The WEY says "tried to win over" and the J.B says "convert"

Acts 19:8 "Disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God" (KJV;AV) "persuading" (LB) "trying to convince" (TEV) "arguing persuasively" (NIV; JB) "reasoning and teaching" (BBE)

Other texts to look up are Acts 26:26; Acts 28:23; Romans 14:14; 2 Corinthians 5:11.

Paul had to "convince - persuade" "new converts" by reasoning with the people from Gods word (Acts 17:2; 18:4 18:19). Paul, like Jesus, used every day examples or illustrations as their "technique" in "teaching" or "persuading" their listeners to believe what they had to say. Jesus was well known for his teaching (persuasion) abilities by using illustrations that his audience could relate too. Some times he used illustrations that sorted out the motive as to why people followed him. The best example of this is recorded at John 6:54 56. Many stopped following Jesus because his speech was repugnant to them.

Today, JW’s use simple word and picture illustrations to demonstrate what the Bible teaches. Most of these are powerful in that they can effect the way we feel or think about a subject (Just as Jesus did). So, I Must ask a question here for you to answer to yourself. If a person claims to be a footstep follower of Jesus, is it wrong for them to teach in the same manner that he did?

The powerful persuasion and convincing techniques that Jesus and his disciples used changed the very personalities and way of life of those that let themselves willingly be influenced by "the Word of God" Take these texts as examples. Ephesians 4:20-24 "20 But YOU did not learn the Christ to be so, 21 provided, indeed, that YOU heard him and were taught by means of him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that YOU should put away the old personality which conforms to YOUR former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; 23 but that YOU should be made new in the force actuating YOUR mind, 24 and should put on the new personality which was created according to Gods will in true righteousness and loyalty." (NWT) I used the NWT here because I think it is more easily understood, but for comparison here are some other versions

 and ye did not so learn the Christ, 21 if so be ye did hear him, and in him were taught, as truth is in Jesus; 22 ye are to put off concerning the former behaviour the old man that is corrupt according to the desires of the deceit, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man, which, according to God, was created in righteousness and kindness of the truth.(YLT)

 to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original evil nature which is doomed to perish as befits its misleading impulses, 23 and to get yourselves renewed in the temper of your minds and clothe yourselves 24 with that new and better self which has been created to resemble God in the righteousness and holiness which come from the truth (WEY)

..That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (AV)

That ye were to strip off as regardeth the former behaviour the old man, who corrupteth himself according to his deceitful covetings, 23 And were to be getting young again in the spirit of your mind,24 And were to put on the man of new mould, who, after God, hath been created in his truthful righteousness and loving kindness. (Roth)

This "new personality", "new man", "new and better self", "new mould" had some dramatic effects on people 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 "What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit Gods kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, 10 nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit Gods kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of YOU were. But YOU have been washed clean, but YOU have been sanctified, but YOU have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God." (NWT)

“11  And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (RSV)

Some in that congregation came from past lives that were not pleasant, but, by being taught (persuaded) and accepting the knowledge of Christ their personalities were transformed.

Q I believe that by the grace of our Lord people can change, and I can see what you are trying to say, and, to an extent I follow your reasoning as to the need to be taught especially in relation to the personalities of some of those mentioned in 1 Corinthians.

But JWs use manipulative methods such as changing word meanings to suit their doctrines, even going as far as to produce your own Bible with many word changes. They use fear of dissfellowshiping to keep control. They have to turn in members that are doing wrong. If a family member is disfellowshiped, they can never have any contact with them again. They have to report each month what they have done in door knocking or they get into trouble. They can not have freedom of conscience to celebrate birthdays of Christmas. You can not read any other material besides the Watchtower publications. You are told what you can and can not do for entertainment, you are told how to dress, you can not understand the Bible without the Governing Body and if you see something in your Bible reading that is different to what is taught you can be disfellowshiped for it, and, you follow a "false prophet" because the Watchtower has set many predictions that have never come true. That is not to mention all the orthodox teachings you reject such as the Trinity, Hell, immortal soul to name a few.

If those things do not add up to Mind control then there is something wrong with our society. God gave us free will to choose what we want to do and all those things show that JWs do not have free will.

A Yes, I understand how you can start to think that there is some form of mind control especially when some of things you mention above are so different to practices in other religious groups. Lets go through some of those points one at a time.

Q OK, let's start by looking at the way you have produced your Bible. When we look at your Bible we can see that you have added words and taking words out.

A To what Bible are you comparing the New World Translation to?

Q Most people that I know used the old King James Bible and your New World Translation is quite different to that Bible. I read an article on the Internet about JW's and mind control and under the heading of “Loading the Language” they said this about your Bible, and I quote, "The WT has subtly changed meanings of both contemporary terminology and biblical terminology. The Watchtower does not deny its alteration in language but rather proclaims that it uses 'pure language' taught by Jehovah (WT 15/8/1981:28-29). In Genesis 1:2 in their New World Translation, they translate 'ruach' 'active force' instead of 'spirit' to justify their doctrine that the Holy Spirit is a force, not a person of the Godhead."

A Actually, there are two different issues represented in that quote. The first is the "translation" of the word 'ruach' and the other is his linking of the phrase "pure language” by Jehovah. Note, he refers his readers to a Watchtower article to support his conclusion. The "pure language” is described in that article as…. "What, then, is this change to a "pure language"? It is a turning to the message of truth, the refreshing "good news," the "pattern of healthful words," that speaks in praise of Jehovah and his righteous purposes by Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 1:13) This "pure language" unifies them. And it testifies that, in the epoch-marking year 1914, "the kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever." (Rev. 11:15) Taking this message upon their lips, true Christians worldwide "call upon the name of Jehovah" in dedication, harmoniously rendering him "sacred service." As the only truly united people on earth, they go to the homes of the people, heralding forth the "good news" of Jehovahs established kingdom. Thus they serve Jehovah "shoulder to shoulder." (Matt. 24:14; Rom. 12:1) Are you one who has thus separated yourself from the world, to serve God zealously in dedication to Him? It is by thus working along with Jehovahs organized people that you may "get away safe."Joel 2:32; see also Hosea 14:1, 2; Hebrews 13:15."

For JWs the pure language is the truth of the Bible without traditions of man spoiling it.  Part of the process in learning “pure language” is getting a correct understanding of the way certain words were used by the original writers and the meanings.  This includes the word “spirit” which the NWT sometimes renders “active force”.  The quote you used said “ In Genesis 1:2 in their New World Translation, they translate 'ruach' 'active force' instead of 'spirit' to justify their doctrine that the Holy Spirit is a force, not a person of the Godhead."  To see if he is correct in that the NWT purposely changed the wording from Holy Spirit to a force in order to justify their view that the Holy Spirit is not a person, lets have a look at the Hebrew word used here. The Hebrew word is "ruach".  It is interesting to note the way the Authorized Version of 1769 translates this Hebrew word.  "Ruach" appears 378 times and is used in various ways. For instance it is translated as spirit 232 times, wind 92, breath 27, side 6, mind 5, blast 4, vain 2, air 1, anger 1, cool 1, courage 1, plus 6 other ways.

(To see for yourself, if you have Strongs Concordance or Lexicon, the reference number in the Hebrew section for “ruach is 07307)

Also note the different ways the New American Standard Bible translates the word “ruach”….

air (2), anger (1), blast (2), breath (31), breathless* (1), cool (1), courage (1), despondency* (1), exposed (1), grief* (1), heart (1), inspired (1), mind (3), motives (1), points (1), quick-tempered* (1), side (4), sides (2), Spirit (76), spirit (127), spirits (3), strength (1), temper (2), thoughts* (1), trustworthy* (1), wind (98), winds (7), windy (2), wrath (1).

(The above is as cut and pasted.  There is no mention as to what the * is for)

According to Strongs Conordance the meanings of "ruach" are as follows..

07307. xwr ruwach roo’-akh; from 07306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions):—air, anger, blast, breath, X cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit([-ual]), tempest, X vain, ([whirl-])wind(-y).

Have a close study of the way those two translations (AV, and NAS) translate the Hebrew word “ruach” .  Take for example  some of the words that describe emotions, or the forces that we as humans exhibit,. such as anger, courage, strength,  temper, motivates, grief, quick-tempered, trustworthy.

Now how is it used at Genessis 1:2

All the Bibles mentioned above say “Genesis 1:2  the earth hath existed waste and void, and darkness is  on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God fluttering on the face of the waters,”  or similar using the word spirit in either lower case (spirit -  douay;, TRC; Vgte;) or in upper case (Spirit).  By putting it all in lower case, some translators are acknowledging that the “spirit” here is not a person. The NWT says  “² Now the earth proved to be formless and waste and there was darkness upon the surface of [the] watery deep; and God’s active force was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters.”

From the Greek Septuagint, (I have a Hebrew Bible but can not decode it) there is no “the” before spirit. (Neither is the word “the” used here in the Vgte) It is not wrong to insert the definite article at all but context must be considered. Nothing in the text suggest the need for a definite article.  But what would be the effect if the translators used the basic meaning of ruach and said  “and the wind of God” or “Gods wind” or “God was breathing over the water”. What would the reader understand?  The NWT drives the idea of a wind by saying “active force” as a wind is invisible.  By using  “active force” the NWT avoids unnecessarily using the word ”the” but also conveys the idea of an invisible force moving over the water. 

Just as another comparison, lets look at Gen 3:8 in a few different Bible versions

Genesis 3:8  And they heard <08085> (8799) the voice <06963> of the LORD <03068> God <0430> walking <01980> (8693) in the garden <01588> in the cool <07307>    of the day <03117>: and Adam <0120> and his wife <0802> hid themselves <02244> (8691) from the presence <06440> of the LORD <03068> God <0430> amongst <08432> the trees <06086> of the garden <01588>. {cool: Heb. wind} (AV)  (Italics are footnotes from the AV Bible)

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the {1} voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the {2} cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden.  {1) Or sound 2) Heb wind}  (ASV) (Italics are footnotes from the ASV Bible)

Genesis 3:8  And there came to them the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening wind: and the man and his wife went to a secret place among the trees of the garden, away from the eyes of the Lord God (BBE)

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of Jehovah Elohim, walking in the garden in the cool of the day. And Man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah Elohim, in the midst of the trees of the garden. (Darby)

Genesis 3:8  And when they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in paradise at the afternoon air, Adam and his wife hid themselves from the face of the Lord God, amidst the trees of paradise. (Douay)

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.  (JB2000)

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden toward the cool of the day; and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (JPS)

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God, walking in the garden in the cool of the day. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (KJ21)

Genesis 3:8  (3:9) And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the afternoon; and both Adam and his wife hid themselves from the face of the Lord God in the midst of the trees of the garden.

Genesis 3:8  And they heard <08085> (8799) the sound <06963> of the LORD <03068> God <0430> walking <01980> (8693) in the garden <01588> in the cool <07307> of the day <03117>, and Adam <0120> and his wife <0802> hid themselves <02244> (8691) from the presence <06440> of the LORD <03068> God <0430> among <08432> the trees <06086> of the garden <01588>. (NJKV)

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (RSV)

Genesis 3:8  And they hear the sound of Jehovah God walking up and down in the garden at the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hide themselves from the face of Jehovah God in the midst of the trees of the garden. (YLT)

^{Gen 3:8   8} Later they heard the voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden about the breezy part of the day, and the man and his wife went into hiding from the face of Jehovah God in between the trees of the garden (NWT)

I hope that text and the ways it is rendered demonstrates that a word in Hebrew can, and will be, translated differently according to the context of the passage.  To understand to a full extent why the term active force is used a very in-depth study of the way the word “ruach” is used in the Hebrew writings is needed. (To see some examples of other passages that people say the NWT has changed to suit their doctrines read the essay Jehovah’s Witnesses and the NWT.)

Q Well I do not know enough to give an answer to that, but I will do some homework myself to see if you are right. How about the fact that you can’t have anything to do with friends and family that are not JW’s

A

Note some interesting information taken in part from pages 66-69  of the book  “The Cult Around the Corner  a Handbook on Dealing with Other People’s Religions – by Nancy O’Meara and Stan Koehler, published by the Foundation for Religious Freedom International Los Angeles”

 “In all the history of the United States, only one indictment was ever brought by federal prosecutors on the charge of brainwashing – a group of psychiatrists in Texas who used drugs. Sleep deprivation and other horrors to make their victims think that they had been “satanically abused” when no such thing had ever happened. ….

The term “Brainwashing” stems from the Korean War era and also from the torture of political prisoners in the former Soviet Union.  Men were brutalized, starved, drugged – any assault to weaken their resolve and change loyalties. But it was discover3d that once they escaped their oppressors, victims normally reverted to their former allegiances.

Mind control was similar.  This was a concept investigated by the CIA and other intelligence agencies in the 1950s. LSD, combined with pain-drug-hypnosis-all manner of things were tried. The CIA failed.  The dram of an army of programmed assassins died too…..

The terms “brainwashing” and “mind control” have, unfortunately, become misunderstood in common mans eyes.  Hollywood and talk-show psychologists have given the impression that anyone’s mind can be controlled almost hypnotically with very little effort.

We have been led to believe that any forkful or charismatic leader can mold us at will against our wishes and common sense.

This “brainwashing” and “mind control” – once truly vicious and devastating methods – are now buzz phrases meaning any change of mind promptly by someone stronger or more clever.

This is a hoax

Bellow are excerpts  from an infamous list of “Conditions of Thought Reform” which have been used to label dangerous religious groups by some psychiatrists and psychologists’

Following each, are examples of positive groups we think fall quite clearly within theses conditions.

“Typical Thought Reform Conditions” with SAMPLE GROUPS which exemplify such activity:

1…. Keep the person unaware of what is going on and how she or he is being changed a step at a time….

Kids who watch “Sesame Street”

Foreign Exchange Students

Women who take classes to learn all about football

Brownies/ Cub Scouts

Catholic catechism class attendees

2…. Control the person’s social and / or physical environment, especially control the persons time

Kindergarten

Marine boot camp

Weight loss health spa

Boy Scout Jamboree

3…speak in a group language

Doctors and Nurses

Computer wiz-kids

Airline pilots

Lawyers

Sports fans

4….Manipulation of experiences can be accomplished through … long prayer sessions and lectures

Sunday morning Protestant church services

Catholic services in Latin

College sociology lectures

“60 Minutes” television show

5…. Manipulate a system of rewards, punishments….in order to promote….group-approved behavior

Parents of children anywhere on earth

Nursery school teachers

Sales team leaders

6…. Put forth a closed system of logic and an authoritarian structure that permits no feedback and refuses to be modified by leadership approval or executed order. The group has a top-down, pyramid structure. The leader must have verbal ways of never losing

Office of the President of the United States

British Royal Family

Teamsters Unions

Professional Football Team Owners

Any political party’s national committee “

I am sure that to the various classes of people mentioned in those 6 examples above  do not view themselves as being under mind control. No doubt we could think of many more would fit those criteria.