I don't think JWs have lower IQs than the general population. Remember we were all once where they are. From my observations, most of those who have left are above Intelligence; that's why the WTBS didn't work for them. Many, many more will be leaving.
JW IQ's. Below average? (Includes SM anecdote.)
by Open mind 60 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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dawg
I hear you "loverof truth" but if that's true why haven't they figured out its all crap like us? If they're as smart as us?
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Abandoned
I hear you "loverof truth" but if that's true why haven't they figured out its all crap like us? If they're as smart as us?
Mind control.
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dawg
Yea Abandoned, but we were under the same influnces and we broke free????? why can't they see???
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Abandoned
Yea Abandoned, but we were under the same influnces and we broke free????? why can't they see???
I sure don't know all the idiosyncracies that come into play with one person leaving and one person staying, but I think it has to do with each person's ability to lie to themselves. I can't do it. I know when I'm faking something or not being honest with myself and it drives me up a tree until I deal with it. Other people would really rather live a lie then to admit they were wrong or lose face. Maybe something totally different. I don't know.
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aniron
I used to work with a guy who I thought for a while was a JW.
He couldn't seem to do any work unless it was clearly set out what he was to to do. He would not deviate from the set pattern. If anything did deviate then he would contact his manager to ask what to do. Whereas the rest of us would us our initiative to do the job. Whatever the management said he did to the letter. Someone said that if he was told he had to stand on one leg for the shift he would do it.
It was not until we discovered that he had spent 23 years in the army, that all was explained.
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cognizant dissident
Yes, my father was also in the military before he became a witness. He genuinely likes all the rules of the WTBTS. I think they make him feel safe and secure. My husband, although not quite so attached to rules, is very rigid and methodical in the way he thinks and works. He does not like change. He is very resistant to change to the point where he will often reject faster more efficient methods of doing something just because it is not the way HE has always done it.
Some people are more comfortable with change, some people are more comfortable with risk, some people are more comfortable with not following the crowd and frankly, intellectual honesty is more important to some people than others. Some see the flaws and truly don't care. Staying in their comfort zone is more important to them. Some people are also more fearful and nervous than others.
Cog
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BFD
Hi OM and forgive me I did not read all the replies. I read the topic and the first thought that came to my mind is that there is a fine line between genious and insanity. I vote no.
BFD
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Nathan Natas
Stilla said,
at least you can have fun in those Q&A sessions playing "Spot The Brain Cell"
LOL!
Spot!
What a funny name for a brain cell!
Mine is named "Brother Brain Cell!"
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WTWizard
It is an illusion. Most witlesses are afraid to think, giving them the appearance of being stupid. And that's because all they have ever had to integrate is that, if they leave or look at other sources, they are going to get destroyed. That goes especially for those born in, but can also apply to those who were scammed into joining before they had access to alternate sources.
However, if you ask about the ones that stay witlesses despite solid evidence that they are a scam, then there is a good chance that they are below average. Those who are average, and especially those above or much above average, are more likely to figure out that they are being scammed and eventually leave. However, even here there could be issues stopping them from walking out. Family issues, lack of available resources, and fear could all keep even extremely intelligent people in. And, if they get the person's whole life tangled up with the tower, it takes a lot of work to get out without destroying one's means of living.