I will admit one definate thing in favour of JW's is I've always applauded the 'Door to Door' work even now, jesus set the example and it's very definately biblical, much better than just preaching to friends and family who may feel browbeaten by family members always trying to convert them, 'Door to door' preaching is simple and honest, it's sad that more Christian faiths don't do it.
One more - then I quit - seems like I am barking up a tree here.
Most theologians would absolutely disagree with the WTS's position that Jesus supported 'door to door' work, or that Paul did so. You stated that you read CoC - going back to that - Raymond gives quite succinct proof that the Watchtower has misapplied those texts in his follow-up work entitled "In Search of Christian Freedom".
After a discussion of the use of the Greek term kat'oikon, and it's rendering to support both the idea of a ministry that moved in a distributive [but nowhere a consecutive] sense between the houses of both believers and perhaps non-believers, and to include taking of meals in it's rendering in Acts 2:46, Franz makes this point:
" That the apostles and other early Christians visited people in their private homes is clear. That they engaged in door-to-door activity as done by Jehovah's Witnesses today is definitely not clear. It may be claimed, but it is a claim with absolutely no supporting proof. " page 215
"That Christ Jesus and his apostles and disciples had visited people in their homes was likewise clearly evident, undeniable. But that they had gone from door to door in doing so was nowhere indicated in Scripture.... Thus in the manual [Organization for Kingdom-Preaching and Disciple-Making] I presented door-to-door visitation as an effective means of reaching people, but I did not attempt to present it as something Biblically indicated." page 216
Various members of the writing staff and Governing Body openly questioned [behind HQ doors of course] whether or not the society was attempting to "Bend the Scriptures to fit a preconceived idea", as stated by prominent headquarter writer Karl Adams regarding the Witness' position on this matter, as stated by Mr Franz on page 217 of same.
I strongly suggest that you read this book - it may aid you in understanding that many of the 'admiral' actions of the society, are nonetheless not scriptural. That may be important if you wish to truly understand if 'truth' is even involved in the matter of returning to the organization or not returning. From a pragmatic perspective [obtaining friends, finding religious structure, emotional self-value] a return might be the choice you make. But a purely Biblical perspective, when looked at without the rose-colored specs, will begin to turn your opinions into just that, instead of acceptance that all the 'facts' you were taught are absolute.
In addition - Raymond Franz, though very busy, and now quite elderly, will generally take time to address specific issues of those trying to understand the Watchtower Society. When I was debating the matter of leaving, after 48 years of believing nothing else, he spent long emails to me aiding me to understand the subtle and not so subtle matters that concerned me. Try and get an equally busy member of the Governing Body to do the same in defense of the Society's dogma. Good luck with that.
Please listen to these people. Between us - we have literally millions of years of experience in having been slaves to this organization. Many of us left for soley one reason: The Watchtower does not act in accord with the Scriptures, and is not proven to be His single organization on the earth. In other words - due to conscience. If that is of any importance in your decision, then it involves a great deal of serious consideration before you re-dedicate your life to this organization.
The world is not an easy place to live at times - but if truth is important to you, as you state, then give yourself time to deeply and carefully analyse what they teach. You will be surprised. I left after two months. I spent another 4 years learning the depth and breadth of it. Many have spent far longer. Almost none have ever found that they left in error and returned. That says something. It is one thing to know that all organizations are imperfect. It is quite another to allow a counterfeit organization to steal away years and decades of your life, promising Scriptural rewards that they have no authority to give in reward, whilst controlling your thoughts, actions and beliefs.
Jeff
