I had about a 30-45 minute discussion with my wife Weds night about this. She was not overly shocked at the settlements because she has friends that we abused by elders and saw that the org doesn't do anything to help. She said that many religions tolerated this sort of behavior in the past but now things are different. I agreed this is a problem with religions in general but pointed out that the witnesses are supposed to be different (Gods channel and all). She said Paul warned about oppressive wolves arising in the congregation. However, I pointed out that the situation Paul spoke about was the "great apostacy" according to the WTS and since the appointment in 1919 of the FDS, the WTS teaches that we are in a spiritual paradise. So, I asked, which is it?
The conversation was one of the best I've had with her about the WTS. She said that I was very black and white, but I did make the point that when you claim to be Gods chosen people, that is a huge standard to live up to. Of course, the "org is not perfect" card was played. My response? Perfection isn't what I'm looking for, doing the right thing by making sure child rapists are off the street, the action that 99% of the general population would take, that's what I'm looking for.
I also told her I was upset that funds donated to further the preaching work was being used to settle these cases. She said the victims deserved to be compensated and she was glad the WTS settled! I agreed that these poor folks have had their lives screwed up and the WTS should have to pay. So, at least that was one point that we could agree on.
Not sure how this will effect her, but I do know that she did not question the validity of the claims or think it was some sort of "apostate" campaign by Satan. So, overall I hope it will lead her to question other things.
