Can anybody verify if this is true?

[DavidCJ]

Never give up, brother. If I can give up pornography I know you can too. It's difficult because it's so easily accessible. No generation has had this exact kind of struggle. Especially for men. It's a constant fight to keep our mind clean. I'll talk more later. I'm in class today for railroad track safety. I need to focus so I can hurry up and fail this stupid test.

We were misled. If you look at tv shows 50 years ago, women for example were embarassed to show in public what the conservative women of 2023 wear. And compared to 100 years ago, women in the most fundamentalist religions(such as Mormon and JWs) wear more revealing clothes than prostitutes of the day. And it has nothing to do with freedom, but for the sole purpose of subverting men.

True freedom is with Jehovah. He allows us to make mistakes, but he doesn't stop us. The US Constitution is very good, but a shadow of the freedom and rights Jehovah will grant his servants.

He didn't bring the world to ruin so far because it was always human-solvable. The Great Tribulation coming will NOT be human solvable. They have working micro-bots now. The military is working rapidly towards total and absolute control, the horrors of which would make it's subjects run with fervor towards Japanese, Nazi, and Soviet concentration camps. They can already put a headset on you and on screen will show what you are thinking. Imagine being interrogated with such a device! You'd have to fight your mind not to think confidential thoughts! They want to connect all soldiers wirelessly and communicate remotely without the use of radio equipment. There are even reports that Schizophrenia is non-existent and the voices are all created remotely from a wireless electronic device.

Aldous Huxley, H.G Wells, George Orwell, were disgusting, despicable men and their so-called "literature" shameful to even use as materials for burning. They all wanted and pushed for such a world too.

 

[KingdomLeast]

Why on earth would we want to know ... what watchtower is up to. Watchtower stands for its example of opposition. Revelling in its exposure is more akin to sharing, than it is denunciation.

This whole site was built on what the Watchtower is up too. Showing what Robert King himself believes to be truth based on his studies and interpretation.

It also tells me that I made the right decision to walk away over 30 years ago, before the advent of the internet, before covid, the UN involvements and the sex abuse cases, and yet, with all this AND more, there are people in this very group, who continue to be involved with her, for whatever reasons, I'll never accept or understand. What part of "Get out of her my people!" Don't they understand???

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

First, at this point in time the changes are too radical for even the blind servants of Jehovah. Eventually I can see this happening but this might be well into when the "thing that causes desolation" is in the middle of the organization. I did quite a bit of the reading of Robert's book and this desolation will likely be very visible, just like the presence of the Roman army was in Jerusalem. It is unlikely that the brotherhood can deny something is going seriously wrong with it and they'll be forced to choose a spiritual fork in the road. If they continue they will "share in her sins".

Second, @Soul Sage and @Jahrule in my human mind I want this too. But the book resonates with me. People of the churches of Christendom have a single candle to illuminate their path. JWs, may be using 3 or even 4 candles. But with Robert's book it feels like there's ten candles now. I have been amazed, and humbled at what I'm learning now. JWs had almost no clue about prophetic books. I looked at many verses to see an explanation, and I could say perhaps 1/3 was entirely missing, and even if it wasn't, it was very sparse in information. Robert's book completes it so now I can say maybe we know 90%. And the harmony between books are such and the messages repeated so often that it felt almost "boring" at times.

I have a vice(porn and masturbation) that I'm fighting and I've never been able to successfully do it. Fear of what's coming, resonance of what I'm learning with what I deeply felt about the world is giving me a new spirit of fight. The vast political knowledge of Robert combined with his truly inspired biblical interpretations are making me realize and sick of what the world has been doing to me, and all of us.

The things that are shown in Jehovah Has Become King! are clear, and concise and shows what I always and somewhat unconsciously suspected - when Jehovah does things, he will make it absolutely, and resoundingly clear. And I needed that, something that WTBS couldn't offer. And the Watchtower was subtly trying to lure me away from what I knew about the world, things such as the "deep state". During the 24th Memorial I couldn't even bring myself to sing the first song, because I can't see the JW anointed being the chosen ones anymore.

In my recent fight I came across the article where Robert talks about how in non-Christian(such as Muslim) nations, women are required to cover up all skin. I know for a fact that in many other cultures they even shied away from looking a man in the face! Then I realized perhaps even if I eventually get married in this system, I will have to take drastic measures to stop my vice. That is, if women of the nations won't cover up, I will have to not look at them and turn my head away. Jesus' council applies here, "if you look at a woman...". It starts from mere looking.

I know people with former cigarette or alcohol addiction they stop completely, and they won't even smoke once, use vape and in the case of alcoholics even drink a drop. Extreme? Perhaps. But Jesus' council that "you are better off entering the kingdom of heaven without a limb" symbolically applies here. Some might not need to do this, but some might, like me.

Brothers and Sisters, fight the system. Fight the deep state that's been corrupting us for the past 100+ years. Moreover, fight the real cause for our troubles, the damned former angel, Satan the Devil. In the big picture, paradise earth is "heaven on earth". The churches of Christendom hasn't been entirely without guidance as Jehovah's Witnesses were led to believe. In general they do behave better, and in general are better human beings, and in general they can be trusted more than those without religion.

You have lived your entire lives without really knowing about heaven nor paradise earth, therefore there is no frame of reference to be disappointed even if you don't make it. Maybe you won't make it to paradise, but still fight, because it is the right thing to do. I hope I can do all I am encouraging everyone to do.

Pornography is not an addiction. That is the first thing to take into consideration. It is escapism. A mental “safe“ harbour that takes away every other distraction - a comfort. Therefore, reducing and eliminating the use of pornography is a necessary mental decision to reduce in one’s self, the urge to use it. So the obvious strategy is to disarm the bodily urge. That is a moral judgement for people to make. Let the reader use discernment, because it does not entail brothels or loose morals. What it does entail are the issues of self control over the flesh. That will not be earned or learnt in a day thus a strategy of control is required with an ultimate control of the flesh as a goal. Not everything biblical requires us to reach a goal, but to strive towards it. That appears to be something that Jehovah looks kindly upon as we are already condemned. It is certain that you will not progress unless you quit the use of porn. Porn, like any other debauchery of mind has no definable depth. It is also a choice that is directly in opposition to the values of the Spirit. You can only hope to reason on the issue when you are free of it and regain control over you choices in conduct.

At present, you are gripped by the pornographer and bring him/her into your very home. That is enough to frighten the very soundest of minds because it robs you of autonomy. Once you rid yourself of that issue, you will find that the penalties paid by man for the inspiration of testosterone, come well within our abilities to control it - if that is, your mental proclivities rise above the belt. If they do not, then you should expand your interests! (I do mean that kindly). The mindfulness of a relationship with a partner of the other sex is an ethereal blessing that gives an absolute meaning to life of which sex is only a part - an expression akin to a mutual gift that raises the Union to a godly expression of the composite meaning of love. That can only be expressed in purity, as Jehovah intended, but that is where it is to be found. It can only be found, experienced, known, understood, if one can truly possess the meaning of it. Sex is an expression, a gift, not a “get”. You won’t find the solution on the internet, but in the heart, for it is a desire of purity In meaning. Women know that. They can spot a fake a mile away. So instead of selling yourself out to the fake, seek the genuine item through refining your causal motive in gratification. Sorry to be blunt. I do not mean to offend. But no one would write as you did unless they were seeking a reply.

 

[DavidCJ]

Sorry to be blunt. I do not mean to offend. But no one would write as you did unless they were seeking a reply.

You aren't being blunt, but operating with limited knowledge. Also I'm not merely looking for a response, but hopefully inspire others as well with their vices. Actually to be honest that sounds condescending. Similar to the sister that advised me to stop being showy in displays of faith in a restaurant when I was praying before a meal, and it took longer than others. I couldn't concentrate, and I aim for something meaningful to say, thank you very much. I kept quiet but later on I felt like telling her "well you are being judgy".

I suffered this for 25+ years. I was 10 or 11. It wasn't porn back then. I have hair loss issues, and I have very recently realized it might be related. It is a big motivator.

I'm very aware of being an escapism. I live in a house with JW parents back in an area where all friends have left, in a society where it's all about anything other than hetereosexual genders, promoted even among regular people, so I have 3 real people I talk to, and rest are mostly here, and compared to the real world relationships, it blows. Online friends are almost everything bad about human relations without any of the real world benefits. Regardless of where life might take me, I'll be on my way to a serious depression, a real one this time, unlike 8 years ago if I don't get out soon. All I know is Jehovah is key, because we can't ask for ideal situations all the time.

 

[Jahrule]

Pornography is not an addiction. That is the first thing to take into consideration. It is escapism. A mental “safe“ harbour that takes away every other distraction - a comfort. Therefore, reducing and eliminating the use of pornography is a necessary mental decision to reduce in one’s self, the urge to use it. So the obvious strategy is to disarm the bodily urge. That is a moral judgement for people to make. Let the reader use discernment, because it does not entail brothels or loose morals. What it does entail are the issues of self control over the flesh. That will not be earned or learnt in a day thus a strategy of control is required with an ultimate control of the flesh as a goal. Not everything biblical requires us to reach a goal, but to strive towards it. That appears to be something that Jehovah looks kindly upon as we are already condemned. It is certain that you will not progress unless you quit the use of porn. Porn, like any other debauchery of mind has no definable depth. It is also a choice that is directly in opposition to the values of the Spirit. You can only hope to reason on the issue when you are free of it and regain control over you choices in conduct.

At present, you are gripped by the pornographer and bring him/her into your very home. That is enough to frighten the very soundest of minds because it robs you of autonomy. Once you rid yourself of that issue, you will find that the penalties paid by man for the inspiration of testosterone, come well within our abilities to control it - if that is, your mental proclivities rise above the belt. If they do not, then you should expand your interests! (I do mean that kindly). The mindfulness of a relationship with a partner of the other sex is an ethereal blessing that gives an absolute meaning to life of which sex is only a part - an expression akin to a mutual gift that raises the Union to a godly expression of the composite meaning of love. That can only be expressed in purity, as Jehovah intended, but that is where it is to be found. It can only be found, experienced, known, understood, if one can truly possess the meaning of it. Sex is an expression, a gift, not a “get”. You won’t find the solution on the internet, but in the heart, for it is a desire of purity In meaning. Women know that. They can spot a fake a mile away. So instead of selling yourself out to the fake, seek the genuine item through refining your causal motive in gratification. Sorry to be blunt. I do not mean to offend. But no one would write as you did unless they were seeking a reply.

You can be addicted to anything that triggers chemicals in your brain. Make no mistake. Porn is a drug. The chemicals released in your brain is the exact same for drugs like cocaine and heroin. It is very addictive. It can be overcome, but it is exactly like giving up a powerful narcotic. Anyone who studies the brain will confirm this.

 

[DavidCJ]

I'm not going to argue with you Barnaby, or for anyone else for that matter. I can't do this. It stops here. This makes me regret posting again.

I'm only here because I have a deep respect and appreciation for Robert and his work.

 

[Soul Sage]

There's truth into being unevenly yoked. Though the burden is especially hard to bare when the women you were interested in have a lot of baggage both in and out of the congregation. Unfortunately, I tend to be attracted to whorish girls. Which bring a ton of problems. And the more shy or conservative girls don't seem to be interested, but then you find out they have lots of problems anyways, plus you don't want to marry a girl only to find out that she won't put out cause she's too much of a prude or has bad libido problems and then you are in a sexless marriage for the rest of your life. I know some brothers that are in that situation. To the point where the elders eventually had to tell the wife to get checked up at the doctor's to solve her low libido problems to save their marriage. Hearing those crazy stories from other people experience has me feeling anxiety over this complicated issue. I guess that's why some told me that it's a blessing to be single. Because their own wife isn't giving them anything.

 

[KingdomLeast]

Pornography is not an addiction. That is the first thing to take into consideration.

I think the vast majority would disagree with you. With that reasoning, it can be applied to anything, e.g. drugs, alcohol, etc

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I think the vast majority would disagree with you. With that reasoning, it can be applied to anything, e.g. drugs, alcohol, etc

I can emphatically say that you are incorrect. Drugs, tobacco, etc create a physical dependancy it is true, but by degrees. A dependancy on alcohol for instance can kill a person if they withdraw from it without cutting down first and with medical guidance. Insofar as sexual stimulation is concerned, many would say that it becomes an addiction as you point out, but not because of need, but because of over stimulation. It feeds off itself in the same way as does over eating. The mind and body become accustomed and thus remains unsatiated by normal response. There is no physical addiction, simply that an unnatural level of visual saturation is required to gain a response. And neither is it normal. If you study abnormal adolescent growth through abuses and pornography, it leaves a quite recognisable pathway leading to outcomes, such as disrespect for women, inability in expressing need, lack of empathy and high level of need and dependancy. Thus what is mistaken for a physical dependancy is actually a learnt behaviour. Learnt behaviours can be overcome - the bible has many examples - by reasoning, applied counselling or simply by saying to one’s self, “Enough”, and choosing to take a different way. People today have grown to assume that they are dependant upon others to help them change. In fact, the help, more often that not, simply comes from within. As we used to say in our office: how many social workers does it take to change a light bulb? One, …..but the light bulb has to want to change.

 

[KingdomLeast]

I can emphatically say that you are incorrect.

We can agree to disagree on this. Those better qualified than you or I, the experts, would disagree.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

You can be addicted to anything that triggers chemicals in your brain. Make no mistake. Porn is a drug. The chemicals released in your brain is the exact same for drugs like cocaine and heroin. It is very addictive. It can be overcome, but it is exactly like giving up a powerful narcotic. Anyone who studies the brain will confirm this.

This is not correct. Everything we do creates an outcome in the brain and a reaction or chemical response. As for studying these issues, yes, I have done enough study to be certain of the issues. Of course, everyone knows the bodily responses in both male and female to sexual stimulation and I’m surprised you even argue the point, but the “addiction“ is not physical, it’s not even mental in the common understanding of mental Issues, but a learnt behaviour, as I have already explained in another reply above. There is a vast difference. Certainly some “celebrities” have admitted to being “addicted” to sex. How many just go and sit on a deserted island and withdraw? What drugs do they have to take to quell the need for overstimulation? Why do they not give soft porn to sex offenders in jail to help them off the xxx stuff? Why are these ones incapable of just saying “No”. The question to ask is WHY people look at it in the first place? And why they need to look at it. There is no moral reason to start looking at it. That’s where the problem is. Deal with it. It does not make a person dependant on it. Better still, ask an abused child.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

We can agree to disagree on this. Those better qualified than you or I, the experts, would disagree.

Absolutely not. I have spent years working with professionals in the areas of child and adult abuse and am a professionally qualified person in my own right and have argued these issues at law. I will not accept a compromise in this regard. You can compromise all you want. I will not. I stand by what I say. You have offered no more than an opinion. If you do not know what you re talking about, do not get in the ring. There is no mileage in making glib statements about watchtower and their child abuse issues or rationalising porn with addiction in order to make it an “acceptable” excuse. Porn is a choice. It may be difficult for people to give it up, but it’s not an addiction. There is no excuse. Next it will be argued that TV is addictive. Seems like people could benefit greatly from getting addicted to self restraint. Best get addicted to that before the tribulation.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I'm not going to argue with you Barnaby, or for anyone else for that matter. I can't do this. It stops here. This makes me regret posting again.

I'm only here because I have a deep respect and appreciation for Robert and his work.

I’m not asking you to argue with me David. I was simply offering some assistance, as clearly it troubles you. It’s called caring. If you do not wish to comment, or regret commenting, maybe this is not the place to make personal comments about yourself. I certainly would not choose to make such comments, but if someone is clearly troubled then I will give them what advice I can to help, even though I do not necessarily want to get involved as can be seen below by those who wish to argue terminology rather an fact. Might I suggest that if you regret posting, then it is wise to first consider what response you may get. You will either get agreement, which gives “permission” or “comfort” or you will get a dispassionate response that you may not want or be seeking. Hence your statement about regret in posting. What were you expecting? Wanting”. Comfort to continue, or advice? I don’t give comfort unless it’s a by-product of what I say. I will give advice if requested, even if indirectly requested as it was. It is caring, though some clearly disagree. If you do not want a reply - say so. May I suggest then that if you are troubled by issues in your life that you seek help from a dispassionate registered provider. Counselling may help you. But please don’t dump on me your regret at posting and reluctance to do so. I offered help and insight, not cricitism.

 

[Jahrule]

This is not correct. Everything we do creates an outcome in the brain and a reaction or chemical response. As for studying these issues, yes, I have done enough study to be certain of the issues. Of course, everyone knows the bodily responses in both male and female to sexual stimulation and I’m surprised you even argue the point, but the “addiction“ is not physical, it’s not even mental in the common understanding of mental Issues, but a learnt behaviour, as I have already explained in another reply above. There is a vast difference. Certainly some “celebrities” have admitted to being “addicted” to sex. How many just go and sit on a deserted island and withdraw? What drugs do they have to take to quell the need for overstimulation? Why do they not give soft porn to sex offenders in jail to help them off the xxx stuff? Why are these ones incapable of just saying “No”. The question to ask is WHY people look at it in the first place? And why they need to look at it. There is no moral reason to start looking at it. That’s where the problem is. Deal with it. It does not make a person dependant on it. Better still, ask an abused child.

It is a large area of debate, Barnaby. It's not as clean cut as you make it appear. here are some studies that explore both perspectives on the debate surrounding pornography addiction:

Studies suggesting that pornography can be addictive:

1. **"Neural Correlates of Sexual Cue Reactivity in Individuals with and without Compulsive Sexual Behaviours"** by Voon, et al. (2014) - This study used neuroimaging techniques to investigate brain responses to sexual cues in individuals with compulsive sexual behaviors, suggesting similarities with substance addiction.

2. **"The Neurobiology of Sexual Addiction"** by Hilton and Watts (2011) - This review article examines the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sexual addiction, including the role of reward pathways in the brain.

Studies suggesting that pornography addiction may not be a distinct condition:

1. **"Is Pornography Use Associated with Sexual Difficulties and Dysfunctions among Younger Heterosexual Men?"** by Landripet and Štulhofer (2015) - This study found no association between pornography use and sexual dysfunctions among young heterosexual men, challenging the notion of pornography addiction.

2. **"Pornography Addiction—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered in the Context of Neuroplasticity"** by Ley, Prause, and Finn (2014) - This review article argues against the concept of pornography addiction, suggesting that problematic pornography use may be better understood within the framework of conditioned response and neuroplasticity.

These studies represent a range of perspectives on the debate surrounding this issue.

 

[Jahrule]

All in all, its an issue that people struggle with, so whether it's an addiction, biochemical, physical or whatever it is still an issue that people struggle with.

 

[SusanB]

I would love to start a family, but unfortunately, that's not in the cards for me. Getting involved with the wrong woman can be a risky affair, and given my current situation, it's even more precarious. Marrying a Jehovah's Witness is out of the question since they wouldn't accept me as one of them unless I conceal my true beliefs, which could potentially harm the marriage if revealed later. On the other hand, marrying a non-religious or 'worldly' woman presents its own challenges. So, I find myself in a dilemma where I can't marry within my faith nor outside of it. Perhaps there's a woman out there who shares my beliefs, but with only a few million Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, finding someone so specific seems unlikely, and even if such a person exists, they might already be married.

The Green Day guy needs to learn to duck because he constantly has black eyes. I guess someone doesn’t appreciate his music.

 

[Jahrule]

The Green Day guy needs to learn to duck because he constantly has black eyes. I guess someone doesn’t appreciate his music.

Why else would he walk alone?

 

[SusanB]

I'm not going to argue with you Barnaby, or for anyone else for that matter. I can't do this. It stops here. This makes me regret posting again.

I'm only here because I have a deep respect and appreciation for Robert and his work.

Proverbs 24:16: “For the righteous one may fall seven times, and he will get up again, But the wicked will be made to stumble by calamity.”

 

[Jahrule]

Proverbs 24:16: “For the righteous one may fall seven times, and he will get up again, But the wicked will be made to stumble by calamity.”

Great scripture! I know I've fallen many times to various addictions. I understand Barnaby's point, and I know 100% he isn't throwing shade on anyone. My only point in referring to such an issue as an addiction is because I too struggled for years to get those desires under control. Arguing over which words we should use misses the point. When you are under that spell it most certainly acts like an addiction. It hits dopamine just like any physical drug would. I sympathize with anyone struggling over this. It is especially difficult nowadays. It is very challenging to overcome something you can get with a couple clicks. You aren't alone, David.

 

[SusanB]

Great scripture! I know I've fallen many times to various addictions. I understand Barnaby's point, and I know 100% he isn't throwing shade on anyone. My only point in referring to such an issue as an addiction is because I too struggled for years to get those desires under control. Arguing over the which words we should use misses the point. When you are under that spell it most certainly acts like an addiction. It hits dopamine just like any physical drug would. I sympathize with anyone struggling over this. It is especially difficult nowadays. It is very challenging to overcome something you can get with a couple clicks. You aren't alone, David.

That scripture is really life saving because none of us can be perfect although we desire to be. So, we must accept that we will fall but what determines whether we are righteous or wicked is whether we continue to try, to pray and to rely on Jehovah, Jesus’ sacrifice and his promises, aka faith.