A research question for my novel

by JeffT 14 Replies latest jw friends

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  JeffT

  One of the key plot points of my novel (which I'm rewriting again - probably as a result of a personal issue I'll discuss some other time) is a higher up similar to Ray Franz is about to go public with some information, knowing this the top dog has him killed. My fictitious religion is similar to the WTBS, but not exactly. It has similar controls, and a history of false prophecy which it has survived, much like the Watchtower.

  My question: what piece of information could provoke such a reaction? In looking at the WTBS as a model so to speak, they seem able to survive anything - failed dates for the end, the UN scandal, pedophiles, the generation change etc nothing seems to have much effect. Is there anything (not necessarily true in the case of the WTBS - use your imagination) that could scare them that much?
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  Farkel

  jeff,

  :My question: what piece of information could provoke such a reaction?

  Reveal that the Emperor has no clothes. It's up to you to find out how to do that, but that could make some powerful drama (if drama is what you are after)

  Farkel
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  purplesofa

  The top people know the Bible and God is really a farce, and try to cover it up!!!

  That should make for some good story telling!!!
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  shamus100

  Protagonist - antagonist action???
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  Fadeout

  A religion can withstand anything in its past... just look at Catholicism and the Inquisition.

  No, for something to be that earth-shattering, he would have to have knowledge, not of a past scandal, but of a future plan so heinous that, if revealed, the public at large would take action and put a stop to it.
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  compound complex

  Hi Jeff:

  I was thinking "out of the mouth of babes" as I read your scenario. That is akin to Farkel's Emperor: a child revealed the truth.

  The use of such literary devices as poetic justice or Chekhov's gun could lead your tale hither and yon till - shockingly - the breathtaking denouement:

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twist_ending

  CoCo
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  yknot

  How about a recording of their leader(s) laughing about how he (they) made it all up and what chumps R&F all were but hey he enjoys the mansion, boats, cars and women!..... and your defecto guy has left with the goods!

  Imagine how much more effective Ray Franz' book would have been if it was a series of recorded GB meetings via audio or secret footage.

  Another is to go with conspiracy enthusiast and create some 'order' of world domination who is running that and other denominations in a bid to take over the world (insert evil laugh) but your guy once again has proof as he was the groups historian. He knows all the players from the begining to the end.....

  Maybe the story isn't what he has so much as the willingness to void their own belief system to keep from losing their power and wealth. A story of how a WTS-esque group becomes what it allegedly hates to the point of this man's death even though the man's only real message was to seek God through Christ..... kinda One tin soldier-ish like story.
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  Farkel

  Jeff,

  You might want to consider the plot development arising from the character "Winston" in 1984 and the lawyer who discovers the truth about the "truth" in John Grishom's "The Firm." They provide fodder for a lot of possibilities.

  Farkel
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  betterdaze

  Follow the money.
  
  The official history is that the 19th century founder sold his family business to start the religion, but really he was secretly funded by representatives of a shadow organization with an evil agenda. He agrees to include their subtle propaganda in his new religion, and they split the profits.
  
  When he dies, and his successor goes to jail, the "religion" nearly goes broke. Many followers leave. The new leader takes out a high-interest loan from the same loan-sharking folks. It's impossible to ever pay off the interest, he's trapped.
  
  The modern-day followers have no idea they're funding an illegal money laundering operation that supports terrorism. The leaders call themselves "The Slave" because they alone know who the real masters are, and where the money goes.
  
  ~Sue
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  Gregor

  Secret medical records reveal that a prominent GB member, like the Pres. had a blood transfusion during a life saving surgery. Several other GB members know this happened. It has been covered up for 40 years during which time approx. 231 JW's have died during the same procedure done without blood.