Most of the following is fairly well known but with so many new ones on this site as well as non JWs with questions about the culture and beliefs the following information may be useful.
The current GB's paranoia with 'apostates' or apostate-like behavior (like thinking independently) has it's roots in the early history of the WT Society. The truth of the matter is that the Watchtower Society has had a checkered history in retaining members and between 1909 to 1931 a number of groups broke away.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jehovah%27s_Witnesses
HAYDEN C COVINGTON - Former Lawyer for the Watchtower Society
Q. Is it not vital to speak the truth on religious matters?
A. It certainly is.Q. You have promulgated - forgive the word - false prophecy?
A. We have. I do not think we have promulgated false prophecy, there have been statements that were erroneous, that is the way I put it, and mistaken.Q. It was promulgated as a matter which must be believed by all members of Jehovah's witnesses that the Lord's Second Coming took place in 1874?
Q. And that had to be believed by the whole of Jehovah's Witnesses?
A. Yes, because you must understand, we must have unity, we cannot have disunity with a lot of people going every way, an army is supposed to march in step.
Q. Back to the point now, a false prophecy was promulgated?A. I agree to that.
Q. It had to be accepted by Jehovah's witnesses?
A. That is correct.Q. If a member of Jehovah's witnesses took the view himself that that prophecy was wrong, and said so, would he be disfellowshipped?
A. Yes, if he said so, and kept on persisting in creating trouble, because if the whole organisation believes one thing, even though it be erroneous, and somebody else starts on his own trying to put his ideas across, then there is a disunity and trouble, there cannot be harmony, there cannot be marching ...... Our purpose is to have unity.Q. Unity at all costs?
A. Unity at all costs, because we believe and are sure that Jehovah God is using our organisation,the governing body of our organisation, to direct it, even though mistakes are made from time to time.Q. A unity based on an enforced acceptance of false prophecy?
A. That is conceded to be true.
Q. And the person who expresses his view, as you say, that it was wrong, and was disfellowshipped, would be in breach of the covenant, if he was baptised?
A. That is correct.
Q. And as you said yesterday expressly, would be worthy of death?
A. I think....
Q. Would you say yes or no?
A. I will answer yes, unhesitatingly.
Q. Do you call that religion?A. It certainly is.
Q. Do you call that Christianity?
A. I certainly do.FREDERICK W FRANZ (President 1978 - 1999 )
Q. Can you tell me this; are these theological publications and semi-monthly periodicals used for discussion or statements of doctrine?
A. Yes.
Q. Are these statements held to be authoritative?
A. Yes.
Q. Is their acceptance a matter of choice,or is it obligatory on all those who wish to be and remain members of the Society?A. It is obligatory.
Q. Is it for that reason that Jehovah's witnesses accept without question doctrines and Biblical interpretations as expounded by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society through its Directors?
A. Yes.Q. In publications both periodical and in book form?
A. Yes.The more recent draconian measures date back to the Raymond Franz affair when private bible study groups were discouraged and or punished by being expelled from Bethel as well as calling for DA persons to be shunned. Information was obtained by use of coercion.
Shunning is not voluntary among JW's ................coercion is used to enforce shunning.
Coercion is the practice of forcing another party to act in an involuntary manner by use of intimidation or threats or some other form of pressure or force.
Today's JW is highly aware and very familiar with the shunning policy. Unity at all costs is alive and enforced in all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. Based on it's history it seems that it is the only way the Society can keep control of it's membership.
