I think that a very telling example of the power of the literature's psychological influence is to read the numerous accounts of people who after reading a single tract or brochure "knew that they had found the truth".
The literature has unbelievable power over many JW minds. Watchtower writers are very good at making the articles appear to be intellectually honest, and then drawing the reader to a pre-established conclusion. The articles are very sophisticated tools is keeping people loyal to a human organization; while prohibiting them from even questioning the validity of the organization, it's teachings, or it's administration.
The WTS has made very clever use of such manipulative terms as "the spirit-directed organization", "avoid the seeds of doubt", "avoid a fault-finding attitude", and of course "wait on Jehovah to straighten things out".
How does a JW view a Catholic who abides by the same principles when it comes to their church? How does a JW view a Catholic who refused to harbor the "seeds of doubt" toward the Vatican? How does a JW view a Catholic who refused to have a "fault-finding attitude" toward the Papacy; or who wished to "wait on God" to straighten out the Catholic priest pedophile problem? Such ones are viwed as close-minded, mislead, and giving undue allegiance to a human institution instead of toward truth.
This very bizarre double-standard, has of course been inculcated into the average JW through the WTS publications. It was this double standard that made me feel hypocritical. How was I supposed to go door-to-door asking people to question their religion and teachings while I was totally unwilling to even question my own?
Another area of intellectual dishonesty is when it comes to appealing to the scientific community. Numerous articles have been more than willing to appeal to the scientific community (namely archeologists) to help boster the historical accuracy of certain biblical accounts (i.e. date of the destruction of Jericho), and make the readers feel more confident in the fact that "science agrees with the Bible".
Yet, when the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community does not conform to Watchtower teachings (i.e. dating of human fossils that are older than 6,000 years) they will quickly point out the weaknesses and supposed "biasness" of scientists; and then appeal to the "worldly wisdom" cliches to bolster their own dogma. All the while, many JW readers see no problem with these rhetorical tactics.
Raymond Franz, in his book "In Search Of Christian Freedom" devotes two entire chapters (some 100 pages of material) in discussing the WTS's use of indoctrination and manipulation methods. I recommend everyone to read his book.
