I think they are.
Not long ago, I would have defended them slightly with opinions about those 'under mind control' etc. But the further I get from Jw think, the more I believe that Jw's are just plain mean and hateful asses!
Two situations that I relate in my life.
1- An elder I know works in a grocery store. He makes pains to hide when I come in the store so as not to greet me, and when he bumps into me, he gets away as quickly as possible. Last week, I saw him hiding behind a meat cart, and peeking around a doorway since he knew I was in the store. Cannot this guy discern that I am there not to 'apostacize' him, but to buy groceries? Not long ago I would have understood why he acts as he does - though even as an active Jw I never felt so vulnerable to those who left the organization so as to be just mean in contact with them. I was subject to the same mind control as he is - but I never wanted to be mean to people.
2- A sister, who was as close as flesh and blood to me for three decades, refuses to answer my email request for her x-husband's phone number so that I can contact him to clean my carpets. This is, like the above, strictly business. Still she prefers to be an ass, instead of helpful. Of course I have other options, but is a five word answer to an email too much to ask?
I really think that the organization attracts those who like mean spirited thinking. They like a God who slaughters billions so they can live. They like an organization that expells people for acting like sinners act. They enjoy calling people who reject their 'truth', 'goats'. They lap up comments from others that tear down instead of building up.
I really think Jw's like being asses! And many of them joined and stay because they like the hatefulness promoted within.
Comments?
Jeff