Yes, they control people by giving them work that is pointless and meaningless. They make everyone feel that they are not good enough and must try harder so that members feel guilt over the slightest infraction. When people leave they are shunned and despised and loaded language is used in the magazines to vilify people who no longer believe the official doctrine.
fear of being ostracised keeps the rank and file in line. All techniques of bullies. I felt bullied when elders kept berating me to find out my opinion calling on my home at the weekend to place judgenment on me with my children present. I felt bullied when i was stalked on line and could not express my feelings without fear of retribution. I was called every hour on the day of my JC even though I had made it clear I did not wish to talk to them further.
I felt bullied so therefore I was.