OCD in the Watchtower

jasminder

One of the most classic symptoms/forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is counting--counting windows on a building, counting books on shelves, etc etc

Anyone want to comment on the witness' seeming obsession with numbers, even when they're not really applicable? Numbers of booklets printed in a month, numbers of languages published... even in booklets like the Bible Teach (for those of you who escaped way back in the day, the latest incarnation of the "Truth...Everlasting Life" book).

How about the fact that elders, esp in my congregation, would so often make some comment about how close a speaker got to his target talk length "I went a minute over, I apologize." Dude, if you're waiting on Jehovah, and you're going to live forever in a Paradise Earth, what do you care about a minute?

I always thought it was hilarious that fellow congregation members would be packing up in the last 2 minutes of a Sunday meeting. Reminded me of 2:28pm in high school. Really eager to hear Jehovah's word, that group. LOL

Has anyone else noted this general preoccupation with sheer numerical figures? And what do you think it stems from or means about the society in general?

Terry

I remember how it hit me one day; religion is the stuff of obsessive compulsive personalities!

Leviticus is pure OCD.

I'd bet my spinal column that Fred Franz was at least an Asperger's syndrome if not a full blown OCD.

I work in a bookstore and it was in the course of reflecting on the weird personality types who worked there I had an ephiphany! Everybody who becomes a permanent employee is compulsive!

When you plug this sort of obsession into certain professions it can seem pure genius. However, in other venues it is a royal pain in the ass!

I imagine those who rise to the top in the Watchtower Society are obsessive compulsive to their very core.

blondie

Actually the counting obsession started in earnest with the Rutherford era. During Russell's time the goal was to find all of the anointed, the end would come and they would go to heaven, the remainder would come to perfection during the 1,000 Year Reign of Christ over the earth.

When that did not happen on their timetable, Russell died, Rutherford grabbed control of the WTS and several well-respected Bible Student leaders left with many members, Rutherford had to prove somehow that God was on his side.......ergo, numbers. Also, "preaching" was required of all (except Rutherford) and reported to the Society, a control mechanism. Spirituality was measured by the numbers.

Blondie

Stealth453

Not to make light of a serious topic, however...

I'd bet my spinal column that Fred Franz

Made me blow snot bubbles all over my screen!!

under_believer

CJ Woodworth is a candidate for OCD; the early development of the blood transfusion, organ transplant, and vaccination doctrines can primarily be attributed to him. He found these practices revolting. He also had various epileptic-like seizures, which he attributed to demon attack.