The WT has for years labelled opposing former members as 'apostates'. I don't need to elaborate on how effective this tactic is in controlling the attitudes of those still 'in' through fear.
But as ever in the cultish world of the Watchtower, the identity of an enemy is redifined, focus shifts and views once patronised now snap clearly between the crosshairs. . .
For decades, one of the biggest headaches the WT faced was exposure of it's teachings as extra or non-biblical. Unscriptural teachings on chronology, organ donation the heavenly calling and other subjects have been exposed by sincere individuals like Ray Franz and others.
Many of these opposing former JW's embraced a more traditional form of Christianity but as time moves on it seems to me that those leaving the WT are increasingly less likely to find a new home for their faith than to abandon faith altogether (this is very noticeable in the UK and Europe, perhaps less so in the US).
Increasing evidence for our evolutionary past, a more outspoken appeal to rational thought and a willing embrace of a happier and more contented atheism are all continuing to undermine the foundations of religious dogma.
It won't be enough for the WT to regurgitate an Evolution/Creation book every few years - so what now?
“Who is the liar if it is not the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.”—1 John 2:22.
“Many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.”—2 John 7.
Just wait to see the articles stating that those who embrace Atheism and Evolution are a part of the AntiChrist . . .