Steven Hassan has correctly identified the issues we must understand if we are
going to make sense out of the attack on America.
When we accept that someone speaks for God, it is only a very short time before
we surrender ourselves to the will of that person or group.
Mind control techniques are used in any number of legitimate and illegitimate
organizations in society. The farther right and more radical the group, the greater
the potential for serious harm. The groups are frequently religiously based.
The Watchtower Society, in my view, cannot be put on a shortlist of dangerous,
radical, mind control cults. Make no mistake, however. The WTS employs well-defined
mind control techniques, and has very dangerous elements.
In practical terms, the most serious and dangerous of WTS policies are those that
misinform and encourage - even coerce - members to reject medically necessary
healthcare. Specifically, transfusion of blood and some blood products.
After many years of study, research and work on these issues. I can with a high level
of confidence state my belief that the WTS' irrational policy on blood has led to the
premature death of thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses. The toll is in all likelihood greater
than the number of all individuals who lost their lives during the attack on America on
September 11, 2001.
I implore all Jehovah's Witnesses to reject extremism and insist on reform and moderation
from Watchtower leaders.
The attacks on America are a painful reminder that religious extremism is deadly.
I mourn with the rest of world, this incredible tragedy and loss of human life. I
applaud those brave Jehovah's Witnesses and members of AJWRB who donated blood.
Lee Elder