My purpose in raising the topic was to critique JWs--in perfect harmony with the purpose of this forum. Ignore it if you wish--I clarified my meaning after my first post. It was not misguided, deceptive, etc....just a poor choice of words....which I immediately clarified and now consider to be a closed matter.
Why are you here? You seem to be a fairly intelligent person. I believe you are here to figure out what to think/do, and critiquing/labeling/debating ex-JWs helps ease the transition for you.....something like, "I'm putting aside belief A and B but refuse to think of yourself as bad as horrible Satanic lying apostates." Rubbing elbows with people who you regard as badder than you makes you feel better about your transition. Am I right?
Just because a whacked out cult labels me...does not make the label true. If Satan called you an adulterer, would that make you an adulterer? Of course not, because truth is objective and unaffected by name calling.
It would seem that some ex-witnesses are more than happy to be termed "apostate" - some wear it as a badge of honour.
That's nice, but since it has nothing to do with me, I don't know why you're bringing it up. Again I have to ask--is it appropriate to give only JWs the benefit of the doubt as individuals?
These ways to think about "nonbelievers" are ingrained upon you; I know because I once believed them. I don't blame you for believing it in the past--now is the time to challenge old/illogical thought processes.
Have a nice weekend.