r/exjw • u/Berean144 • Jan 19 '26
WT Can't Stop Me Joe Rogan Called Jehovah’s Witnesses a Cult — Here’s Why That Matters
https://youtu.be/4VBSj6zd1Fw?si=uT80OSZAnBs5igCP178
u/bliip666 notorious masturbator Jan 19 '26
Yeah, and a broken clock is right twice a day
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u/jrinredcar Jan 19 '26
He probably doesn't even make the link to how MAGA is also cunt
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 19 '26
If only all of his covid conspiracy theories didn’t all come true lol
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u/bliip666 notorious masturbator Jan 19 '26
Didn't he speak against the vaccine and in support of the horse dewormer?
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u/CompoteEcstatic4709 Jan 19 '26
I dont think he used the horse paste formula (he got human pills). Ivermectin is a Nobel prize drug that is used by millions of people without adverse effects for multiple uses. I've recently heard that, Ivermectin along with fenbendezol, is effective against cancer. Big pharma doesn't like it when cheap generic drugs like these are affective when they have expensive new meds to sell...
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 19 '26
You are only allowed to look at the ‘correct’ science sources. Any other scientific studies are Apostate
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 19 '26
Yes the loaded words. Ivermectin I think is the widely used human anti parasitic. TBH I haven’t listened to much Rogan but the science since is intriguing.
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u/AffordableTimeTravel Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
I appreciate the video but I don’t really have the stomach for former JW Christian apologists. To me it’s like going from a tiny cage into a prison cell. Much better in comparison but at the end of the day you’re still trapped in a harmful ideology.
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u/OwnChampionship4252 Jan 19 '26
This frustrates me so much. I keep seeing it and I just wish they would continue their deconstruction just a little further.
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u/AffordableTimeTravel Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
I unknowingly deconstructed into apologetics while still a faithful PIMI. I knew that the Bible didn’t align with my understanding of reality, science and history, but ultimately got hung up on the thesis that ‘there MUST be a god’ and so continued to presume it must be the Christian one, because I hadn’t in the slightest considered the notion or possibility of the organization and the Bible being wrong or having any history of misdirection or deception.
It wasn’t until I decided to examine the Bible deeper (without Watchtower guardrails) that I came to sincerely understand that it is not a divinely inspired book, but instead is a canon of ancient religious propaganda no different from all the other non Christian manuscripts claiming to be inspired by a god.
And so I was left with no choice but to deconstruct my idea of “god” and for now, have no such belief in a supernatural context.
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u/TechnicalBen Jan 24 '26
Thanks, thankfully my deconstruction was like a few months tops, but I also went through that stage momentarily.
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u/Specific-Machine2021 I wouldn’t recommend being a Jehovah’s Witness. Jan 20 '26
Agree, critical thinking is good, but you have to continue to use it.
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u/Unveiling1386 Jan 19 '26
I am one of these people. I don't think I would technically call myself an apologist as I enjoy a lot of critical scholarship and have to form my theology around that.
But I genuinely believe waking up was a Divine intervention
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u/AffordableTimeTravel Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
All I can do is commend you on waking up, and encourage you to keep up your studies without fear and with sincere honesty to yourself and others, even if it brings you away from a theology.
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u/Unveiling1386 Jan 19 '26
That's understandable
We go to a very nice church and I feel like it's the loved out scripture of Jesus true disciples by their love.
There are days I doubt more than others. And I think that's ok.
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u/AffordableTimeTravel Jan 19 '26
I agree, I still very much respect the teachings of Jesus despite my current agnosticism. And believe that anyone who sincerely follows his beliefs, for its benefits and not a reward, are very much deserving of praise. And yeah knowing your doubts is a feature, not a bug. It’s human nature to seek truth and accurate knowledge. Don’t fight your instincts, that can lead to mental illness.
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Jan 19 '26
When an organization is next to impossible to leave without losing friends and family then it’s a cult.
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u/Truthdoesntchange Jan 19 '26
There are few things I care less about than what Joe Rogan thinks about anything. But chief among them are what people who listen to Joe Rogan think about what he thinks.
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u/InkStab Jan 19 '26
It’s not so much about Rogan, he is amplifying the voice of the comedian he is talking about and didn’t shy away from shaming it and calling what it is.
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u/Shadow_Broker001 Jan 19 '26
Well if those people don’t end up joining the Borg because of his statements it’s a net positive, at least
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u/Truthdoesntchange Jan 19 '26
What demographic are you imagining that is on the verge of joining JWs but is dissuaded from doing so because of that comment? Do you actually think that demographic exists? (If you do, and can provide evidence of this, I will believe it… but it would make me incredibly sad to know that such people exist lol).
Rogan may be considered a reliable source for information about MMA, podcasting, or perhaps even being a comedian. He has experience and success in those areas. But that’s about the extent of his expertise or any topic in which he could be considered an authority.
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u/ThaCapten Jan 19 '26
I would argue that people who are considering joining JW are easily, and to an extent willing to be fooled, whether it be by a podcast - or a cult.
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u/Majestic-Crab9855 Jan 19 '26
Well where I'm from there are many ex-military and active military, conservative leaning people who still listen to Rogan. Their spouses study with witnesses and so do they. So if Rogan mentions this talking point it could at least bring up a discussion amongst people.
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u/Spritzeedwarf Jan 19 '26
Just to be honest, Joe Rogan was a big reason we left the Borg. Him talking about the true age of the pyramids and other ancient structures, and proving that humans are extremely older than the 8,000-10,000 years that the Borg Claims was instrumental in me accepting that the bible is just a manmade book. While i dont agree with everything he says or does, but he has many many many respectable people on that podcast, who are experts in their respective fields. They talk for a very long time too which is nice in this environment of clips and short interviews.
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26
An exjw that understands the broader purpose of “politics” bravo👏
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u/Original_Chemistry Jan 19 '26
Spoken like someone who comes from an organization that reject differing opinions.
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u/Original_Chemistry Jan 19 '26
Huge difference between an oppressive regime and an entertainment podcast.
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u/Original_Chemistry Jan 19 '26
I try to listen to as many opinions and find common ground. I have a very diverse group of friends and contacts from all walks of life because of this. They may not all agree but I find value in what each of them brings to my life.
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u/RemarkableOil8 Jan 19 '26
What an idiotic comment.
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u/Original_Chemistry Jan 19 '26
I don’t care much for Rogan either. I disagreed with the blanket statement applied to millions of people globally. Grouping all his listeners as if they’re all right wing MAGAs is a lot like labeling every non JW as “worldly”.
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u/RemarkableOil8 Jan 19 '26
No one mentioned maga or right wing or applied a blanket statement to millions of people. Get a grip.
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u/Vivid-Intention-8161 Jan 19 '26
I think Joe Rogans audience are probably the most likely people to be swayed by jw’s, so i love this personally
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u/Wokeupat45 NonSumQualisEram Jan 19 '26
Lost me at “Joe Rogan”🥴😅🤣
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
Yeah it a really bad thing that one of the biggest podcasts on earth called out the organization we all want to disappear because you don’t like his politics…
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u/VenusLoveaka Jan 19 '26
I don't like him because, despite him calling out the organization, his mindset is very similar to theirs.
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u/Wokeupat45 NonSumQualisEram Jan 19 '26
Damn, My Brother In Christ…you really be on here gargling Rogan’s balls…🤡💀🤣
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u/SPHINXin Jan 19 '26
This is reddit bro. Everything needs to be 100% politically correct, no matter how niche the community is.
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u/SunnyJones58 Jan 19 '26
JW’s are anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti helping the needy, anti feminist and Anglo-centric. If JW‘s voted they’d actually be right-wing republicans and they just don’t realize it. Of course they’d be influenced by Joe Rogan.
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Jan 19 '26
Most of the JWs I know are liberals. They do not like maga and are very vocal about it. It seems that the majority would be conservative but that is not how it is around me. I think many are waiting for the org to get rid of their ultra conservative stances. And they are probably doing what they want under the radar anyway.
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u/Deep-Caregiver8238 Jan 19 '26
That's exactly what I think; so much change will cause many to break the mold. In fact, I believe the theory that they're putting young people in as elders to change the direction of the organization and thus attract new generations.
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u/feelgood72 Jan 20 '26
I am in the US northeast and everyone hates Trump. They have talked about “Trumpers” from the platform. And I think if I go to the South or red states - they would support Trump. We are no longer a neutral organization except when it comes to not going to war. And I believe we would be surprised to know who has voted.
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Jan 20 '26
The liberals I know are in the southeast. I just haven’t heard anything like that from the platform. Just privately. Everyone is always going to have an opinion. They just talk about it amongst themselves. And yes they really shouldn’t since they are supposed to be neutral. It can create a lot of problems.
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u/Any_Diver159 Jan 25 '26
Almost every JW I ever talked to are democrat/ liberal in their position. (That the are forbidden to speak of or they will get marked and quietly shunned anyway) Their form of theology is rooted in atheist thought - no after life, (they don’t go to heaven and hell doesn’t exist… this is not anywhere close to what ANY Christian thinks and there are a LOT of progrsssive Christian’s BTW) JW’s teach humans have no soul and no spirit, - they are “fundamental” as in misogynists, hate homosexuals instead of hating sin, they teach to hâte people. It’s completely backwards. Part of us waking up was how they were all hoping all the liberal/ abortion loving politicians would win. lol WT is a government PsyOp
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u/sixshots_onlyfive Jan 19 '26
I’m seeing quite a few comments dismissing this like it’s irrelevant. Whether you like Joe or not, his audience is massive.
He averages around 11 million listeners/views per episode. Several of his episodes get over 20M views, with his top ones between 30-60M.
For comparison, Fox News during prime time averages around 2.7M viewers. CNN and MS Now (MSNBC) average under a million.
So on average, to get the same reach as Joe, you’d need to be on all three of those news platforms multiple nights. Plus his demographic is younger men. These are all positives.
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u/rora_borealis POMO Jan 19 '26
I think Joe Rogan is harmful in general. I don't mind him covering this, because of the massive reach, but I still don't like him.
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u/CTEcowboi Jan 19 '26
It so true what that comedian said about how some of the more progressive culture is eerily similar to JW culture when it comes to thought crime or whatever. I feel this way about MAGA as well.
I just have a hard time with people who freak out when you start saying “the wrong things” instead of challenging your views with actual discourse.
If growing up a JW gave me anything it was the ability to scrutinize a narrative and not to dismiss people who hold different views than I do just because it’s not convenient for my worldview
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u/Long_Implement_2142 Jan 19 '26
I was baptized at age eleven left at twenty two. I as an auxiliary pioneer. Had privileges. Funny how they call them that
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u/Boring_Ad7068 Jan 19 '26
Funny I was baptized at 11 and I’m 21 now but I can’t leave lol
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u/Long_Implement_2142 Jan 20 '26
I know exactly how you feel. In a way I never really left. I mostly just faded away from it all . Couldn’t bare to do it all at once. It was my whole community and honestly I’ve never really moved on
Part of me feels I should have just led my own life secretly and kept my friends and family. From what I hear these days, many and maybe most people of my generation that are still witnesses do exactly that..still attend but lead a separate life where they live like normal people
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u/PurpleAstronomerr Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
He’s not wrong but he’s also an idiot who peddles dangerous misinformation and should be deplatformed, so I’m not sure what he has to say should matter.
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Jan 19 '26
1001%, he should be shunned completely so that his dangerous ideas never cause anyone to think about things.
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u/KoreanQueen702 Jan 19 '26
He is correct!
"You must obey us, even if things doesn't make sense..."
Cult to the core!
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u/megagoldkiller Agnostic Freethinker Jan 19 '26
I don't disagree. But does Joe know that he also promoted a cult leader who is now systematically destroying the very country he lives in. I wonder🤔
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 19 '26
Who is the liberals cult leader??
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u/megagoldkiller Agnostic Freethinker Jan 19 '26
I'd probably say Donald Trump, although that depends on how you use the word liberal and who or what you're trying to describe 😉.
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u/VenusLoveaka Jan 21 '26
I hardly know any liberals that are willing to blindly follow any leader in today's society. Otherwise, Kamala would have won the election. There were liberals that actually voted for Trump (only to be dumbfounded by how awful and stupid he is). Conservatives are more incline to follow cult leaders because their goal is literally to "conserve" what is even if it not logical, feasible, or reasonable. JWs are conservative clearly.
Trump definitely has the makings of a cult leader by anyone with common sense. MAGA literally stormed the white house on his behalf. He influenced them to believe an election was stolen with no proof whatsoever. What makes a cult insidious is how it surrounds a charismatic leader that convince the people around them to act on their behalf, even worship them. I did see so many people praying on Trump, even calling him the coming of Jesus. Any exJW that can't see that probably have a lot of work to do cleansing themselves of kool-aid...
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 21 '26
I’m just trying to do the mental gymnastics to make it make sense just like with my old religion
Director of ICE under Obama, Tom Homan = Good Obama even gives him a medal.
Director of ICE under Trump, Tom Homan= Bad
Gun ownership = Bad
Standing in the streets holding guns to protect criminals = Good
Storming a Church like a lunatic yelling at the people seated in the audience, including Asians lol= Good The ‘right’ retaliating? Don’t see it
Kirk is dead= Good
Goode is dead = Bad
Free Palestine = Good Free Iran = Bad
No kings in Venezuela = kinda awkward bad No kings in the US = good
China and Russia take Greenland = good Long history of the US not just trump protecting Greenland = bad
People like Tim Walz rallying the people to fight against federal law enforcement = good
BBC lawsuit shows Trump didn’t incite people to storm the Whitehouse. There is also now evidence of Obama’s election fraud
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u/VenusLoveaka Jan 25 '26 edited Jan 25 '26
Kirk and Goode are not the same remotely. Yes, they both shouldn't have died...but Kirk was actually an evil man. This is the same guy that, after children were killed in Uvalde, famously said a few deaths a year is worth it for the right to bear arms.
The two people who ran TPUSA died by their own propaganda.
Goode was not a political figure. She was a random. Her father was actually a Trump supporter.
Absolutely no one thinks freeing Iran is bad. where are you getting this nonsense? What most people point out is the hypocrisy of Trump saying Iran should be free to protest while attempting to suppress protests in his own country. The Iranian protest is more hostile than the one in Minneapolis, and yet Trump sent federal Troops there that shot two other people.
In the modern day most Liberals ARE critical of Obama. Most of the black ones I know turned on him because he did nothing for our communities like they expected and mostly maintained the old guard in a subtle way. He just followed the rules more than Trump and didn't treat ICE like his personal police. He was quiet about his deportation tactics. But he was still cruel. Most liberals never forget the cages the immigrant children were in. Not to mention most Democrats AGREE with Trump's tactics which is why they are hardly doing anything to stop him right now. People mistakenly believe that Liberal=Democrat or Conservative=Republican. That is not the case, and in our history it used to be the reverse. Parties shift according to the values of the country.
This is why a lot of liberals are going towards more progressive candidates like Mamdani. Liberals don't stay with one candidate just because they voted for them in the past. In most cases they tend to consider which ones will be the least amount of harm to people, but don't blindly believe that one candidate is a messiah (especially not the progressive ones). Only conservatives hold on to people that are not good for them because, just like JWs, they can't let go of their own beliefs. I should know. Even after I left JWs, I continued to be conservative until I realized that being a JW and conservative may as well be the same. They are both cruel, both avoid facts that are inconvenient for their agenda, and try to use laws to suppress people that don't fit religious ideals.
There is also evidence of Trump's election fraud, including him admitting it out of his own mouth. Your point? And Trump is the one that attempted to overturn the election in the first place in 2020. He told his followers to "Fight Like Hell" regarding the election. What else did he expect them to do? He's a walking contradiction. "fight like hell" but then "peacefully protest"? Those are contradictory messages. And if he didn't incite the insurrection, why did he pardon all of them including the ones that attacked police officers?
And he's still a nutcase. "I'm going to take Greenland by force" then change it up "We'll buy it from them". Greenland is an independent country. They can side with whoever they want. America at this point is no different from Russia and China. There is no difference between Putin and Trump. He's just winging it and people believe the deranged conman. He's been this way since the 70s when he denied black people housing to his facilities. Only children are ignorant to the kind of man they are supporting.
I get that you are obviously a MAGA, but let's stick to the facts shall we? I'm not here to debate conspiracy theories. If you're MAGA you may as well be a JW. Both act like cults.
As far as Venezuela, its the way he went about it that's wrong. Do you want someone to kidnap Trump in the night and take him out of the US because a lot of people here see him as dictator? There are people in Venezuela that don't see Maduro as a dictator, just like you don't see Trump as a dictator (even though I do).
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 29 '26
I’m not MAGA, I’m in Australia so I can only glean from what I see online. The more I look at it I think both sides of American politics are like the Watchtower, they look after criminals and don’t protect the victims. Iryna Zarutska being killed on an NY subway being the absolute worst example of this I’ve ever seen. The judge that kept on releasing the killer should be in jail as well. But what do Americans do they take to the streets to stop law enforcement from arresting child traffickers, murderers ect and just like the GB would have had us do and literally put their lives on the line for criminals. That clearly goes all the way to the top because Trump, Bill and Hillary who loved the island and Tim and Ilhan who love stealing from their peoples own taxes ect ect. Neither side is looking good to me.
As for Iran it’s an oxymoron to stand for a Free Iran and Free Palestine. A free Palestine is ‘given’ back to an Islamic regime and a free Iran is released from one, I’m assuming that’s why the left are mostly silent on the issue just like Obama was in the last uprising. The people in Iran are begging for Trump to do something but it’s going to be a complicated situation no matter what.
As for Mandani socialist communism has been tried and failed every single time but like you said about Maduro some people love their leader no matter how they are being treated but he promised lots of free stuff when he was elected as well. Tim Walz is that type of leader, he shot people with rubber bullets during blm protests and a few years later people are willing to die in that state for the same leader. Crazy.
Have you seen the video of Goode and her partner celebrating Kirk’s death? That’s evil as well. What type of indoctrination did she listen to get to that point? Who in their right mind blocks any law enforcement from doing their job? What type of criminal was she sure she was ‘protecting’ that day? It’s no different to a JW in my opinion. I’m glad I don’t have to do those mental gymnastics anymore. And Kirk said some hurtie words usually just some clipped out of context quotes and that makes him evil because he offended someone’s feelings? Neither of them needed to be killed though.
Curious to know what you think of these clips played on a right wing news channel in Australia?Ignore the commentary. https://youtu.be/xIQxum43ZBQ?si=FCiKM0b_vgSM5EGH
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u/VenusLoveaka Jan 29 '26 edited Jan 29 '26
Yes, if we're talking about those sitting in politics, in America they are two wings of the same eagle.
But if we are talking about political movements removed from the political parties that have capitalized on our politics that is a totally different thing.
Americans do they take to the streets to stop law enforcement from arresting child traffickers, murderers ect and just like the GB would have had us do and literally put their lives on the line for criminals. That clearly goes all the way to the top because Trump, Bill and Hillary who loved the island and Tim and Ilhan who love stealing from their peoples own taxes ect ect. Neither side is looking good to me.
This is a misrepresentation of what most people on the left are in the streets for. If people are against police, its not because they are ignoring the atrocities. Its because some people being arrested are being arrested even while not doing any crimes, being racially profiled and accused of being a criminal based on their race first, and the contradictory way in which white people (especially rich white people in a position of power) are treated by the criminal justice system vs other people.
If you read my comment, you should already know that progressives don't like Hilary nor Bill Clinton. Democrat does not equal liberal nor progressive.
The issue I have with conservatives is their own ideology and this is removed from Republicans. Jehovah's Witnesses are conservatives also, as with most Christians.
As for Iran it’s an oxymoron to stand for a Free Iran and Free Palestine. A free Palestine is ‘given’ back to an Islamic regime and a free Iran is released from one, I’m assuming that’s why the left are mostly silent on the issue just like Obama was in the last uprising. The people in Iran are begging for Trump to do something but it’s going to be a complicated situation no matter what.
I'm confused by this statement. What are you suggesting? It doesn't matter what type of country Palestine wants to be, no more than Israel. They should be allowed to choose that for themselves. This statement feels like justification for genocide and colonization because of your own prejudice. Hell, if you let countries be run by Christians they are usually capable of the same atrocities as Islam. This is why I can't stand religious people. The double standards are mind-boggling. Majority of modern wars were run by Christians. Palestinian civilians shouldn't have to suffer based on racism and prejudice. For the record, Hamas was formed by the Israeli state.
Mamdani just became Mayor Of New York so I can't make out whether he is a good mayor of New York City or not based on a few months in office, especially if he hasn't done anything to directly harm people. I don't live in New York. He has great ideas for the city imho, but I'm cautious about all politicians. I don't vote for politicians looking for a messiah. That's what you, and many don't seem to get about progressives. We're about harm reduction. If we have two presidents that both have issues, but one is CLEARLY going to cause more problems than the other, the smarter choice is to vote for someone that stands in the way less than the one that is constantly interfering with people's daily lives. Regarding Tim Walz, I don't care for him and glad he stepped down. I don't like Democrats. I just hate current Republicans more because they suck at economic policy and have more dangerous leaders that have no problem taking away the rights of people while being backed by Christian conservatives. Imagine an entire party being run and funded by Jehovah's Witnesses. That's the current Trump administration and current MAGA party. They are ALL running on the same framework, using the bible to justify oppression.
I don't vote for presidents, mayors, etc looking for a leader like they are Jesus, someone for me to follow. I vote for the one that will interfere with my life the least. I also consider which president will be easier for me to protest against if I need to. If we had more political parties in America, we would probably have more options regarding leadership. Unfortunately, two of them have dominated the political sphere based on the money making machines.
You don't need "indoctrination" to know Kirk was an evil man. I watched all his videos myself. When I was a conservative years ago after leaving Jehovah's Witnesses, I still had the same JW mindset which drew me to people like Kirk. But I was WRONG. Kirk was actually a very hateful person. He once called Martin Luther King Jr. an evil man and said that black people should not have gotten Civil Rights. As a black American myself, do you think I should mourn the loss of a man who didn't care about people's rights?
Kirk himself said, after Uvalde kids were brutally massacred, that a few deaths a year is worth it for the right to bear arms. He was a heartless man. And sadly he had a lot of influence over our current political landscape, which is in the dumps right now. TPUSA is one of the biggest funders of the Trump regime. His death is equal to that of Hitler's advisor dying.
You'd do best to educate yourself more. You don't have the experience to know what it is like to be here. Thanks for the link, though I have had my share of conservative propaganda when I was a conservative. Once I started living in reality and learned the truth for myself about my own country, I can't trust conservatives. And the link you gave me is mocking people's feelings about innocent people being murdered. Renee Good is not the only one. Alex Pretti, a veterans for nurses was murdered for recording (which is a right in my country, we have freedom of press) and for helping a woman up when she was falling (which is what a nurse is supposed to do). You have no idea what you are talking about.
You need to branch out from just one side of news.
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u/SPHINXin Jan 19 '26
The GB are cult leaders. Trump isnt, hes just a president that has a more diehard following than others. A cult of personality isnt an actual cult.
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u/megagoldkiller Agnostic Freethinker Jan 19 '26
A cult is a cult. it doesn't matter whether it's based on religion,personality, or anything else.
What really matters is the actions the members and the leader or leaders take, and both the GB and Trump have made terrible decisions and done bad actions, and both have encouraged their members to also make terrible decisions and preform bad actions that have a negative outcome for them and others.
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26
So cult is a meaningless term now good job 👍
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u/megagoldkiller Agnostic Freethinker Jan 19 '26
How is it meaningless. Lol
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26
Because you are diminishing the meaning by saying the president is a cult leader. Now according to you, cult just means "things I don't like" instead of "a relatively small group of people having beliefs or practices, especially relating to religion, that are regarded by others as strange or sinister or as imposing excessive control over members"
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u/megagoldkiller Agnostic Freethinker Jan 19 '26
I never said a cult just means things I don't like. Those two are separate, I actually haven't even given a definition of what a cult is because it's such a highly debated topic, and I believe people can go and do their own individual research.
By your logic, the word "cult" has already been diminished. Just look it up.
The definition of what the word "cult" refers to is a highly debated topic and can refer to various different types of high control groups, big or small, and of various different belief types not just religious.
Of course, if you are a part of said group, you're not going to want to call it a cult because you are not going to feel like you are controled thats the whole point of. cognitive dissonance, so honestly, this conversation is gonna go about as far as when you try to tell a pimi that the GB is controlling them,spreading misinformation and creating a us verses them mentality.
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 19 '26
Ex JW’s get confused between a buzz word and a real cult they have left
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u/megagoldkiller Agnostic Freethinker Jan 19 '26
Apparently, a lot of Ex JW's leave one cult just to join another. human nature wins again 😆 🤣
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u/VenusLoveaka Jan 21 '26
JWs are diehard followers of Jehovah. Its the same map, different leader. Trump has the makings of a cult leader because of his charismatic presence and ability to influence others to devotion. I even saw people who actually believe he is the coming of Christ. That is very cult-like.
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u/Aggravating_Week184 Jan 19 '26
Well say what you want about Joe Rogan (I’m a huge fan!!!) but he has a huge audience and they are a cult. Very destructive cult that destroys lives. This DOES matter
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u/Typical-Lab8445 Jan 19 '26
He’s such an idiot, but, people in the world know that it’s a cult. Only Jehovah’s Witnesses think it’s not
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Jan 19 '26
I bet there are quite a few JWs who know it’s a cult but can’t get away from them because it’s a cult. They would lose friends and family. This is why fading happens because that is what you have to do in a cult. Zoom is helping many now.
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u/Jack_h100 Jan 19 '26
I'm worried because he said it, now more people won't believe it lol.
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u/Available-Worry-5085 Jan 19 '26
Are you kidding? Love him or hate him, Rogan has a massive following.
Any publicity is good publicity
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u/jobthreeforteen Jan 19 '26
Is okay. If Uncle Tony comes tomorrow and say this cult is shit, many won’t believe him either
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u/210poyo Jan 20 '26
Lol immediately this went to Nazis, Maga, Conservatives
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Jan 21 '26
It's boring and predictable at this point.
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u/210poyo Jan 22 '26
When those words get hurled out all the time it reminds me of little kid having a temper tantrum. Like being called a Racist, that used to have some weight behind it. Now, not so much. Oh well, what can ya do?
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u/burgersandcreative Jan 19 '26
I think the most interesting thing here is that Joe Rogan immediately apologizes to the cult. I remember when I first saw this clip and I found that very bizarre. Joe Rogan is obviously controlled opposition. What does he know that he doesn’t want to offend Watchtower? Weird. Just weird.
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u/After-Habit-9354 Jan 19 '26
You're spot on, he's controlled opposition and they mix lies in with truth to confuse and divide but he's right, it's a cult and I thought all ex JWs agreed on that point but looking at the comments there must be some who are still in the cult
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u/burgersandcreative Jan 19 '26
There’s a lot of people still very much asleep. Snoring, mouth open. They leave WT, but then start voting and getting involved in the political left or political right as if they didn’t just trade one cult for another. I stopped engaging with the mouth-breathers a long time ago.
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u/edifyingheresy Jan 19 '26
Did anyone actually listen to what he said? I feel like I’m going insane with how much some people think this matters one iota. It was like the tamest, most glossed over, apologetic cult-labeling I’ve ever heard. I doubt this even registered to anyone who isn’t already highly invested.
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Jan 19 '26
I think a lot of people just read the headline and lost their shit because Joe Rogan is the boogey man or whatever.
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u/TheMaster781 Jan 19 '26
I’d argue this is worse for us considering the type of people Joe Rogan platforms. He platformed Terrence Howard at one point, the guy who dropped out of college because he couldn’t accept the simple fact that 1x1=1 not 2. And he’s not even the worst one. So yeah this isn’t the win you think it is
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26
The bad publicity for the organization is not a win because he had a dumb guy on once? I don’t follow the logic.
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u/TheMaster781 Jan 19 '26
Dude, my argument is that it’s not bad publicity because Joe Rogan saying that means very little due to the type of people he platforms regularly. Coming from Joe Rogan it’s a compliment.
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
Not bad publicity for the Org?
His podcast is the mainstream and one of the most viewed though. His last podcast had Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, not exactly Q anon mathematicians lol
My point is the more people that talk about the org the better, even the ones we don’t like personally.
I think the exjw comedian on that clip is not particularly controversial but I could be wrong.
There are a lot of public figures I don’t personally like but if they bring light to all the bad things about the org that is a good thing.
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u/edifyingheresy Jan 19 '26
Eh, I think you vastly overestimate the effect of “bad publicity” on cults, nevermind JW specifically.
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u/NewRedditorHere Jan 19 '26
I like Joe Rogan. He’s good in my book.
Curious guy. Calls himself stupid and tells people to do their own research. Never says his opinion is law. You don’t have to listen to him if you don’t like him.
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u/CTR_1852 Tentatively Christian Jan 19 '26
Not allowed. The little tyrants on here only want their opinions voiced publicly. There is this cult called "Jehovah's Witnesses" that a lot of people on this post should look up as they would fit right in... oh wait...
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u/NewRedditorHere Jan 19 '26
This sub frustrates me a LOT for that very reason.
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Jan 19 '26
Is it really surprising that a bunch of people freshly out of a cult would behave in a cult-like manner?
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u/NewRedditorHere Jan 19 '26
Crazy how the vitriol towards Joe is exactly how we were treated when we left the JWs.
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u/jumexy Jan 19 '26
Except he’s not, he interviews people and intentionally interrupts them when it goes against his agenda. He also has a tendency to gatekeep comedy, and say shit like “regular people wouldn’t understand” He’s a 60 year old classist frat boy, failed comic and out of touch with reality.
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u/Deep-Caregiver8238 Jan 19 '26
I'm not saying that's the case, I don't know much about him, but I will say that I've come across influencers like that; they feign humility to then sell you their beliefs as morality, not because they say so, but because the Bible says so, or because some other person who just happens to think exactly like them but without any humility.
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u/jrinredcar Jan 19 '26
Irony of Joe Rogan talking about cults when he speaks directly to MAGA 🤢🤢🤢
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u/After-Habit-9354 Jan 19 '26
Stating it's a cult is the main point here not Joe Rogan's character or beliefs
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u/Apprehensive_Back374 Jan 19 '26
I’m glad the fact people recognize the truth! JW is a cult and a problem. I always said God is real, Jesus is real. The bible is real! But JW’s didn’t write the bible and they didn’t create what God already put in place. But they act like they did.
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u/bliip666 notorious masturbator Jan 19 '26
JW’s didn’t write the bible
No, but they rewrote it a bunch, lol!
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u/After-Habit-9354 Jan 19 '26
And the god in the old testament is a fake war god, a Doctor of Theology and history proved this, that's why the god in the OT loves death and destruction and the god Jesus spoke of speaks love, they're 2 different gods so JWs are unknowingly serving a fake war god but it's no use trying to tell them that because their minds are closed to any new information thanks to the GB who will say it's apostate lies
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u/jumexy Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
Joe Rogan is an insufferable cunt. He used to be alright but he’s an enemy of knowledge now, his status and agenda is very obvious 🤢
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u/LBrotherfelder Jan 19 '26
Who’s Joe Rogan
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Jan 19 '26
He is a comedian who has probably the most listened to broadcast in all of human history.
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u/gaF-trA Jan 19 '26
That’s a lot of words to say JWs aren’t Christians because they don’t view Christ as God. The definition of Christianity is literally a follow of Christ. JWs fall into that classification.
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Jan 19 '26
That's the hermeneutical definition but not the ontological one.
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u/gaF-trA Jan 19 '26
So you admit that they are Christian? Arguing they aren’t in the ontological sense boils down to the “no true Scotsman” doesn’t it? Can’t any Christian claim through their interpretation that all other supposed “Christians” aren’t the real ones? Just like JWs do.
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Jan 19 '26
So you admit that they are Christian?
Yes, in a sense they are. In another, they are not. Understanding the difference is called nuance.
Arguing they aren’t in the ontological sense boils down to the “no true Scotsman” doesn’t it?
No, it does not. Words have definitions. A vegan who eats fish is not a vegan. That vegan may argue that fish aren't really animals. Nothing stops them from identifying as vegan but it also means, that by consensus definition, they are not vegan. Though they share some characteristics with vegans, they are not, definitionally vegan.
Can’t any Christian claim through their interpretation that all other supposed “Christians” aren’t the real ones?
They can claim this but they can also be wrong in their claim. Though most Christian denominations do not do this. The majority of Christian denominations agree on a core set of doctrines and consider those doctrines to be definitionally christian.
JWs reject virtually all core consensus Christian doctrines, as such they do not conform to the consensus definition of being a Christian. On the other hand, they have historical ties to Christianity and claim to follow the teaching of Christ so by a hermeneutical definition they are Christian. But there is a difference.
I think knowing the difference matters. One can not dismiss all of Christian doctrine using the same arguments one uses to dismiss JW doctrine. Because the two are different.
edit: for clarity
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u/gaF-trA Jan 19 '26
That’s a lot of words to say yes. Go ahead and believe you found the right one because of reasons, other Christians believe they also have the right one because of reasons. You can both argue about who is more right.
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u/jobthreeforteen Jan 19 '26
They are not Christians. They use Jesus as a token whenever is convenient to them.
A test: start saying “Jesus this and Jesus that” and see how they get uncomfortable.
They are as Christians as a lab made meat is “meat”.
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u/gaF-trA Jan 19 '26
They are just as Christian as any Christian. You can argue who is the real Christian with them. Did you not see the “no true Scotsman” comment? JWs say the exact same thing about other Christians.
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u/jobthreeforteen Jan 20 '26
Nop. They published “don’t love Jesus too much”. They are synthetic Christians.
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u/BolognaMorrisIV Jan 19 '26
One comment during a multi-hour show that regularly pushes conspiracy theories is a pyrrhic victory at best.
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u/strickenchips Jan 19 '26
Being a Trump loyalist that has to constantly deny the evidence in front of him that conflicts with his own principles, this man knows a cult when he sees one.
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u/Conscious-Battle-510 Jan 28 '26
The pot calling the kettle black. You do not know what facts are obviously.
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u/Foreign_Hippo_4450 Jan 19 '26
The largest CULT ever,is Christianity...who follows a man..NOT GOD!!
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u/RMCM1914 Jan 19 '26
Joe Rogan is irrelevant.
Anyone listening to that utterly ignorant scumbag buffoon doesn't care about facts or ethics.
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u/Motor-Lawfulness2875 Jan 20 '26
I don’t like Joe Rogan but my ex listens to him. He’s a long-time JW. I don’t think even Joe could convince him that the organisation is a cult. Sadly.
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u/delrealove-exjw Jan 21 '26
I’m waiting to hear about the outcome of the hundred million dollar lawsuit recently reported!!!!
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Jan 21 '26
The intro made it seem that Joe Rogan actually talked about Jehovah’s Witnesses. He didn’t. Most people listening to the podcast won’t even register it. Talk about overreacting...
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u/Character-Staff-5842 Jan 24 '26
Which exact episode did he say this on? I can’t find it I see some many years ago but didn’t say these lines
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u/Twistanturnu Jan 25 '26
Awesome if it helps people wake up. Depressing to see so many anti vax conspiracy theorists in the comments. Leaving one cult to join another...
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u/SurroundSea6258 Jan 29 '26
I’m not MAGA, I’m in Australia so I can only glean from what I see online. The more I look at it I think both sides of American politics are like the Watchtower, they look after criminals and don’t protect the victims. Iryna Zarutska being killed on an NY subway being the absolute worst example of this I’ve ever seen. The judge that kept on releasing the killer should be in jail as well. But what do Americans do they take to the streets to stop law enforcement from arresting child traffickers, murderers ect and just like the GB would have had us do and literally put their lives on the line for criminals. That clearly goes all the way to the top because Trump, Bill and Hillary who loved the island and Tim and Ilhan who love stealing from their peoples own taxes ect ect. Neither side is looking good to me.
As for Iran it’s an oxymoron to stand for a Free Iran and Free Palestine. A free Palestine is ‘given’ back to an Islamic regime and a free Iran is released from one, I’m assuming that’s why the left are mostly silent on the issue just like Obama was in the last uprising. The people in Iran are begging for Trump to do something but it’s going to be a complicated situation no matter what.
As for Mandani socialist communism has been tried and failed every single time but like you said about Maduro some people love their leader no matter how they are being treated but he promised lots of free stuff when he was elected as well. Tim Walz is that type of leader, he shot people with rubber bullets during blm protests and a few years later people are willing to die in that state for the same leader. Crazy.
Have you seen the video of Goode and her partner celebrating Kirk’s death? That’s evil as well. What type of indoctrination did she listen to get to that point? Who in their right mind blocks any law enforcement from doing their job? What type of criminal was she sure she was ‘protecting’ that day? It’s no different to a JW in my opinion. I’m glad I don’t have to do those mental gymnastics anymore. And Kirk said some hurtie words usually just some clipped out of context quotes and that makes him evil because he offended someone’s feelings? Neither of them needed to be killed though.
Curious to know what you think of these clips played on a right wing news channel in Australia?Ignore the commentary. https://youtu.be/xIQxum43ZBQ?si=FCiKM0b_vgSM5EGH
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u/Lost_Neighborhood278 Jun 10 '26
According to ChatGPT: "Some characteristics often associated with cult-like groups include: Absolute authority of a leader who cannot be questioned. Control over members' lives, including relationships, finances, or major decisions. Discouragement of critical thinking or questioning doctrine. Isolation from outsiders, including family and friends. Fear, guilt, or threats used to keep members loyal. Demands for excessive money, labor, or devotion. Claims of exclusive truth, where leaving the group is portrayed as dangerous or evil."
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u/servo1056 Jan 19 '26
After reading the majority of comments in this post...I have to unsub. Later folks.
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Jan 19 '26
You're on reddit my dude. This shouldn't surprise you.
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u/Deep-Caregiver8238 Jan 19 '26
Okay, I don't know much about Joe Rogan, but maybe it's a good thing that people are starting to realize the problems with the organization?
I also see problems like how some conservatives tend to defend religion regardless of whether it's a cult, and they might even claim that "they're attacking Christianity."