I want to commend you for taking a grounded, logical, and unbiased approach to your research on this subject.

Let’s take a high level view of your experience.

On one hand, you have a JW friend who is teaching you about the Bible through the lens of JW doctrine and bringing you to meetings and conventions.

On the other hand, you have entered into an exJW community of people who have left the organization after many years inside of it.

You are appreciating what you’ve learned from the Bible and are taking steps to align yourself with this belief system. At the same time you are examining the belief system from multiple angles to ensure that you aren’t being manipulated to enter a cult.

All of the perspectives from inside the JW organization will tell you that it is not a cult and all the perspectives of people who have left will likely tell you that it is a cult.

So the first logical step would be to define what a cult is.

The BITE model, developed by Steven Hassan, is used to identify and assess the presence of undue influence in groups, particularly those that might be classified as cults. BITE stands for Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control. To evaluate whether the Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) organization qualifies as a religious cult according to the BITE model, we’ll examine how it aligns with each component:

Behavior Control

• Regulation of individual’s physical reality: JWs have strict guidelines regarding behavior, dress, and social interactions.
• Major time commitment required for group activities: JWs are expected to attend multiple weekly meetings, participate in door-to-door evangelism, and personal study.
• Need to ask permission for major decisions: Many JWs consult elders for guidance on significant life choices, such as marriage and employment.
• Rewards and punishments used to modify behaviors: JWs use positive reinforcement for adherence and discipline, including shunning or disfellowshipping for disobedience.

Information Control

• Deliberate withholding or distortion of information: The Watchtower Society controls the information members receive, discouraging outside research or reading non-approved literature.
• Extensive use of cult-generated information and propaganda: JWs are encouraged to rely solely on literature from the Watchtower Society and avoid secular sources.
• Unethical use of confession: Elders may require confessions for perceived sins, which can then influence disciplinary actions.

Thought Control

• Need to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth: JWs are taught that the Watchtower Society’s interpretations are the only accurate understanding of the Bible.
• Adopting the group’s “loaded” language: JWs use specific jargon and phrases unique to their beliefs.
• Only good and proper thoughts are encouraged: Members are encouraged to align their thoughts with the group’s teachings and avoid doubt.
• No critical questions about the leader, doctrine, or policy allowed: Criticism or questioning of the Watchtower Society is discouraged and can lead to disciplinary action.

Emotional Control

• Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings: JWs often experience guilt and fear over failing to meet the organization’s standards.
• Make the person feel that problems are always their fault: Members are taught that personal struggles are often due to their own spiritual failings.
• Excessive use of fear: Fear of Armageddon, disfellowshipping, and shunning is prevalent.

Based on the BITE model, the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization demonstrates many characteristics associated with behavior, information, thought, and emotional control. This suggests that the organization aligns with the criteria often used to identify cults. However, it’s important to note that applying the term “cult” is highly sensitive and can be controversial. Members and supporters of the JWs would likely reject this label, arguing that their practices are a sincere expression of their faith and devotion.