they do conceal information for the sake of preserving the image and interests of the organization and their hold on power.
I agree with this also, but in the sense that "they know not what they do".
I believe the organisation to be like a machine gone wrong, like a frankenstiens monster which is out of control.
The basic component which facilitates it being a machine is self-replication (accomplished through preaching and the teaching of offspring).
This growth mechanism is defended by safety protocols which dis-allow members to search for alternatives or even question their own beliefs.
And finally, the force or fuel motivating them is religion and all that it encompasses (fear of loosing one's life, fear of God, and in the case of witnesses fear of loosing friends and family).
I am trying to make this brief, but I feel that the organisation has the "recipe" for controling all of it's members including the leaders in such a way that it is self-perpetuating and self-deceiving.
Maybe the first "bible students" had no idea what it would become, and as has been stated before they would all be disfellowshipped today for what they believed.
Another component which makes the truth so dangerous is that the beliefs themselves change to match the circumstances, and as you mentioned, that the history of these changes is not only not evident but is condoned as part of the process itself.
I have a lot more I would love to fit in here, perhaps I will write a whole new post on it when I have time.
For now, lets just say my anger I spoke of earlier could be classed as "Rage Against The Machine".
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