Same here. The sort of commentary on Acts was the only release made by a Bethelite.
A few other thoughts that I had:
1) It seems that the WT leadership is fully aware of the apathy among the rank & file (including or maybe especially the elders). They haven't a clue as to what to do to improve morale, but they know that folks are tiring of the end being "just around the corner". Of course, the response is 3 days worth of saying "its really, REALLY close".
2) They think the family worship night is the key to fixing the apathy. However, I think they realize that the dubs are using this night just like a normal person would use it, to do normal, non-JW activities. The family worship night must have been mentioned several dozen times.
Stilla - I caught the point about religion not completely drying up but I didn't really know where they were going with it. Religion is in decline among the educated world. So, why on earth would the UN destroy it? Not even discussing how improbable it would be for the UN to actually accomplish anything, but really it seems religion is doing a good enough job destroying itself.
I glanced at the Acts book and did notice that Paul has gotten a promotion. As long as I can remember, it was said that Paul was the equilivent of a CO. Now, the book says that Paul was likely on the first century GB. Clearly, Paul didn't check in with anyone, so giving him a promotion makes sense. Paul was one of the most important influences in early Christianity and the NT is dominated by his writings.
Also, that book mentions (I can't recall the page number right now) that the GB supplies the spiritual food. Not the FDS, the GB. I knew this was coming with some of the latest writings but now its clear.
The weirdest thing was the playing of the new songs. When the new songbook was announced, they paid snippets of several songs with vocals. It sounded like one of those CD offers on TV. Also, at the end of that crazy drama, they had one of the new cheezy songs about kids (even though the organization leadership doesn't much care for children). I guess it was supposed to heap the guilt on parents that weren't able to keep their kids in the cult, but the result was a bunch of folks leaving for the restrooms!! I exchanged puzzled looks with several others and a few were on the verge of laughing. Not exactly the response they were looking for.
Otherwise a fairly mind numbing experience. I need another drink.
