I completely understand the backlash that has occurred because of Prince's relationship with all three of these influences but had it not been for their 'goodwill,' how happy would Prince have been now (given what must have been a period of severe loss in his life)? And as a result, how much longer would you have been here given the likes of Newpower Soul, Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic and 1999: The New Master?

We are now in a blisteringly soulful musical era for Prince and that is, in many ways, thanks to these very influences. Yes, the vibe does feel different and although some of the fans are struggling to reconcile this, or respect why, I'm personally very glad that I'm still in for the ride. I found The Rainbow Children album, and ONA Live concert, as soulful and funky as anything I've experienced before, and it does feel good to know that Prince has reached this level with a strong sense of ease about himself. It's reflecting in the music and I can only hope it lasts for a little while longer.

I agree the music is still as inspiring as ever. The only thing I truly miss is the adventurous dancing e.g the splits. Combined with the stellar musicianship, the awesome dancing was something that we haven't seen from many.

Anji said:

Ha ha ha...you really like to get 'em riled up, don't you Anji?

The following is not directed to Anji nor anyone else in particular.

When I became a JW, my life was proceeding fine.
I had my career, my husband had his career, we had one little girl.
I had lost no close relatives in death.
I would personally be insulted to have someone imply
that I made my choices due to some weakness or that
I was not thinking straight due to hardships.

I wonder how many realize what a put down that is?
"Prince was vunerable" Bah!
"Prince was confused and hurting." Bull!
Why would that make him choose this course?
By drawing this conclusion might ones be implying
that there is something about JWs that make them a more comforting group than
...let's say ...more coventional isms?

I suggest that the some of the "fams" are the ones that are confused and hurting.
I sympathize too.
It's like when your friend leaves and goes off to university and when he comes back
he won't get down with you like he used to and you miss that.
So who do you blame? The JWs, of course!
They brainwashed our Prince!!!
Wiped all the profanity right outta his mouth!!!
What will I ever do???
I want my "nasty" back!!!

You asked " which religions ...would fit into this category?"

I would say just about all organized religion fit the actual meaning...
and that some people really don't know their definitions

Ok - that's 3 of the 5 questions answered. Though, you still do not explain the difference between an "alternative religion" and a "cult", if one exists.

It is also interesting that you attempt to compare your small following that of the more established religions and claim that they must be cults if your organisation is - on what are you basing this claim? Surely it is not on membership? See the following - these are the top 5 relgions in the world, based on their followings;

Christianity - 1.9 BILLION

Islam - 1.1 BILLION

Hinduism - 781 MILLION

Buddhism - 324 MILLION

Sikhism - 19 MILLION

It is little wonder then, that the concensus is that the Jehovah's Witness organisation is a sect or cult.

SensualMelody said

Seems some people really don't know how to read either!!! I actually said "Which organisations do you think fit in the "cult" category?" - which is an entirely different question. Also, I asked for what Mr7 considers a cult, not what the dictionary definition is. Incidentally, the more respected Chambers and Cambridge dictionaries give different interpretations of the word "cult".

zobilamouche said:

***

In no way it it Europe as an entirety. There has been massive growth and expansion in Europe. The preaching work is not even under restriction. Jehovah's Witnesses worship together legally.

In the United Kingdom Jehovah's Witnesses are fully recognised as a religion.

In my discussions with 333 I have often offered proof of my opinions, but this has rarely been accepted.

In addition I do not need to 'prove' my faith and the reasons for it to individuals such as 333, and neither do the six and a half million baptised Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide.

zobilamouche said:

You know what, no one is really in any place to tell someone else how to deal with their grief. What works for one person may not work for another.

For the sake of God, the man lost a child. Now you can point to hundreds of people who got over it and say why can't you be like that? But at the end of the day everyone is an individual and what affects them affects them individually so please dont come on here with that kind of arrogant self righteous bullshit telling someone how to deal with their fucking grief!

Shit be pissin me off sometimes with how fucking selfish and disregarding ppl can be. People take shit too lightly, just because its Prince. Yall take his humanity for granted. On the one hand folks criticise him for not acting like everyone else, for living aloof and a rock star life, and when he DOES act human it aint human enough for you. You know what FUCK YOU!

I'm sorry. I usually don't curse. And I would edit this. But what you're doing amounts to trivializing the death of his child. Let me tell you something, if I lost a child, I dont give a flying FUCK what tom dick or harry did to cope or mary ann or sue did to cope because you know what, it was MY child. Grief is highly personal and individual so don't you try to belittle it.

their beliefs set them apart from Christendom. This is why, Jehovah's Witnesses are often not refered to or considered a 'christian' religion. This is because they do not ascribe to the basic tenents of Christendom (Trinity, immortality of the soul etc).

However, Jehovah's Witnesses do not wish to be associated with Christendom and desire to differenciate themselves from it.

Jehovah's Witnesses are in the first group you have listed there...Christianity.
Christians are people who follow the teachings of Christ and believe that
the Bible is the word of God.
Hellooo...JWs are Christians.
So according to your statistics, we are part of the largest body of "established religions".

Question: Did you really not know that JWs are Christians?

NuPwrSoul said:

Mommy understands.
Love you...but you know that already.

This is beautiful - here, on this very board, is real-time contradictions between Jehovah's Witnesses;

Mr7 said (in has very late addition to his original post, possibly after checking with his Elder as to how he should respond)

YET,

SensualMelody says

You do the math!!! (or, at least call the Watchtower and ask for the truth!)
[This message was edited Fri May 2 7:25:13 PDT 2003 by Mindflux]

SensualMelody said:

Oh great -so; if you loose someone close to you; you can do whatever you please because it's your right to deal with it as you wish. palestinean suicide commando's will love hearing this!
After any tragedy, there is still a life to be lived; and your choices do matter as they might/will influence others as they do yourself. So get off the emo-train and get a grip.

not only that he lost his Parents and still went on with his tour and the celebration which really love him even more...I lost my Granfather and it took years to deal with I agree with Nupwrsoul 100% folks if ya don't have a heart u better get one

John 15:18,19 states "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were no part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are of the world, but i have chosen you out of the world, on accoount of this the world hates you"

That prince had to go through some pretty rough periods is not something I contest; but the JW cult is not as kosher and clear then other religions (all facts, rules etc are to be found on other treads on the forum); and he is evolving into a promotor of this. THAT is my problem.

The arguments are turned arounds here! His spokesmanship for a cult bothers me: and his past problems are not an excuse.

If he turned to islam; jewism ,budhism etc -it would not bother me.

My friend lost all 35 familymembers in Ruanda; from the smallest infant to the grandparents. The difference is that she still has to go on living for her husband and kids; and prince has the "luxury" of being able to take his time to digest his problems. What does he do? Joins a cult. Great.

I was'nt to pleased about his christian references before either but at least they were referring to a religion that isn't constructed around an oppressive society system; and all the abuses that come with that.

I do feel sorry for him; nobody should be in the place that they have to bury their own child. I only have a stphhild and two other kids I watch over; and I fear the day that something would happen to any of those.

Indeed, not me, not anyone else here should tell prince what to do; and I don't think for a sec he would accept it. But this is a discussion forum; so discussing is what we do.

richb8 said:

No offense, but that just made me dizzy.

NuPwrSoul

their beliefs set them apart from Christendom. This is why, Jehovah's Witnesses are often not refered to or considered a 'christian' religion. This is because they do not ascribe to the basic tenents of Christendom (Trinity, immortality of the soul etc).

However, Jehovah's Witnesses do not wish to be associated with Christendom and desire to differenciate themselves from it.

Jehovah's Witnesses are in the first group you have listed there...Christianity.
Christians are people who follow the teachings of Christ and believe that
the Bible is the word of God.
Hellooo...JWs are Christians.
So according to your statistics, we are part of the largest body of "established religions".

Question: Did you really not know that JWs are Christians?

Supernova said:

NuPwrSoul

I don't agree with every single thing you say, but I'd be hard-pressed to find many others who express themselves with the eloquence, intelligence and evenheadedness that you do. Your points always seem well-thought-out and make so much fucking sense it's scary.

zobilamouche said:

You compare finding spiritual and emotional solace in spirituality to suicide bombers? LMAO

Dude your hate of the Jehovah's Witnesses now extends into hyperbole and it is both comical and shameful.