WTWizard...I'm right there with you. I remember as a teenager asking how the ransom was an act of love when Jesus didn't have to die for anything. If God is God for crying out loud, just blink an eye, point a finger, wiggle your nose or something and just fix the problem.
After all, he allowed Eve to bite from the fruit knowing what would happen. Why didn't he stop her right before she took a bite? Why didn't an angel intervene and say "Hey Eve, uh, put that fruit down and take a time-out for about 50 years. And, uh, Adam in the meantime, God is gonna take another rib and give you Eve 2.0. Now let's try this again people." The whole story just doesn't add up unless you think 1+1 = 11.
Para 4: I agree, that the bible and the principles it contain, when taken at face value are not burdensome and can be very beneficial. However, the problem is when man begin to interpret the bible and want you to follow their laws. Do you know how many healthy, single, childless JWs feel guilt or are constantly questioned as to why they are not regular pioneers? Or what about that couple with the dual income that decided to buy the nice house instead moving to where the need is greater, we all know if they really loved Jehovah what they would do. Give me a friggin break!!!
Para 8: "unchanging guidance of God's Word"... enough said.
Para 17: Around my junior in college, I began to have a real issue with blindly following the elders. After I graduated and started my first job and worked with absolutely brilliant professionals, I just about lost all respect for the elders. They were no where close to being the wise older men I was taught to believe. I never really had a conversation with an elder until after I graduated college. Never had a reason to converse with them but when I did...I remember asking a couple of elders how the FDS decided who to appoint (because I was NOT impressed). I couldn't comprehend how the holy spirit could select these men who did not seem to have a lot going on upstairs. Don't get me wrong, most of them are very nice but wise...not so much. I begin to notice that most didn't study for the meeting, most have never aided anyone into the org outside of their children, most have never done any type of extended service, including regular pioneering. Most are simply repeating what they have been told to say and don't have enough "life exposure" even within the org to give good advice or counsel. In some ways I can understand their view on higher education if they want to maintain their membership.
Para 20: JWs do not have the monoply on being morally clean. Lots of non-JWs that have moral values that would make a JW say "If only their heart condition was right, they would make a good JW."
Box: The box mentioned that folks typically leave due to conduct and not doctrine. Hmmm...have they ever considered that one's conduct will change when you no longer believe the doctrine? BTW, how long and how many lives will it take to prove Satan a liar? That issue should have been wrapped up with Job.
Usually I just quickly scan the Watchtower comments because they literally make me want to throw-up...not sure why I have so much to say today.
Thanks for posting this Blondie!!!