Watchtower on Brainwashing

Norman Hovland

Sometimes the Watchtower magazine really comes up with some really hilarious articles. When describing competing crackpot cults they often in a very accurate way describe themselves. Just look at this little gem about the Moonies:

Who are the "Moonies"? Press reports about the Unification Church have tended to highlight charges of weekend brainwashing sessions and slave labor. The political and financial problems of the Church have also made headlines, especially since Sun Myung Moon, the Church's founder, was convicted of tax fraud. Moon's mass marriage of 2,075 couples also made headline news. But what do you know about the beliefs of the Unification Church? What is motivating the Church's small army of apparently idealistic youths? Why are they willing to give up college and careers to follow Sun Myung Moon? What is he promising them? [bold added] [Awake!, September 8, 1982, p. 10]

Brooklyn shouldn't have to go far to find out why the moonies do slave labor, what motivates them, and why they are willing to give up college and careers to follow Moon. It is of course exactly the same motive that causes any Jehovah's Witness to give up college and career to follow the collective WT "Moon" in Brooklyn.

Just look at what these guys say about "college and career" in this next quote:

¹² The influence and spirit of this world is to get ahead, to make a name for oneself. Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them "brainwash" you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left! Any "future" this world offers is no future! Wisely, then, let God's Word influence you in selecting a course that will result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal. This is a life that offers an everlasting future! [The Watchtower, March 15, 1969, p. 171]

I for one do not have to speculate about what Moon and the collective WT "Moon" is promising their faithful followers. I also know that they are all chasing the rainbow. None on them will ever experience the fulfillment of the sick fantasies of either Moons.