JWfacts,
The first part of the religious program on ABC radio last night (Sunday 2 July 2007, about 10:10 pm) started with a discussion on the figures in the census. I do not know whether a transcript is available or even a podcast.
In essence, the "expert" said these figures do not relate to attendance or to what is happening in the churches, rather they are an indication of "identity". They show how person identifies themself, not what their practice is.
Thus, if the census figures are higher than the actual returns, this might indicate people who still think of themselves as JWs (or whatever) and that is as far as it goes.
In his look at the figures, rather than considering the raw numbers, he expressed each in terms of the percentage of the total population, thus giving a comparison between the growth or decline against the relative growth in the total population (21 million on the weekend).
He also addressed age-related issues.
Doug
New Aust Census - other Christians growing, JWs falling
by jwfacts 11 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Doug Mason
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yaddayadda
Remember that illustration JW's use at public talks where they describe this system as a sinking ship but it is sinking so slowly that no one in the world can tell it is sinking?
The JW's are the same. They are slowly but surely sinking statistically but it is happening so slowly that the Governing Body have so far been too blind, complacent or stubborn to act.