Excellent analysis by doubtingbro. I also think that there are very few genuine "undercover" JWs - it would be very hard to sustain such a position for a long time. My thoughts on a typical cong breakdown , developed from db:
5% Typically brother aged 50 , former elder. Mentally completely out , almost closet apostate. Has read Franz’s books , perused apostate sites over the years. Usually married to devout JW or strong JW business ties , otherwise you’d never see him. Miss a lot of meetings , rarely answer up.
30% Typically young & dumb 20 - 30 year old couples. Brought up as Jws , married young , menial job , nominal ministry , miss a fair number of meetings. Limited bible & doctrinal knowledge. Social animals - likely to bunk off on a Saturday afternoon at the convention to go shopping.
25% 30 - 60 year olds. Clever , competent couples and families , often well off financially with nice homes & successful careers. Holiday in Florida or Caribbean twice a year. Have evolved their own take on the truth , which is woven into their lives without really taxing them. Feel confident enough to be quite outspoken about doctrines they don’t really believe in.
20% True believers. Often genuine pioneers - part time job to “keep life simple“. Eulogise the FADS as often as possible at the meetings. Call the GB “Christ’s brothers” and come home from assemblies talking about the “wonderful spiritual food at the right time.” Absolutely devout - no doubts whatsoever. Often inclined to be self righteous when they don’t see others doing what they are doing.
20% General category including social misfits and elderly ones. Generally believe quite strongly , mainly because the truth gives a meaning to their lives which nothing else does.
