Just consider some of the questions I found, not worrying about the responses:
***w50 12/1 p.496 Questions From Readers***
In view of what Deuteronomy 4:15-23 has to say about the making of any graven image, would it be considered Scripturally correct
to make photographs of individuals for display purposes of any sort, or for other uses?—P.S.,Indiana.
***w50 12/15 p.522 Questions From Readers***
Does Jeremiah 10:3-5 refer to the erection and trimming of Christmas trees?—C.M.,Washington.
Since our song book, our prayers, our new Bible, etc., are doing away with archaic expressions,
what about the word brethren?—H.K.,Nebraska.
***w51 3/15 p.191 Questions From Readers***
In our company of Jehovah’s witnesses there are some who go to motion picture shows, football games, etc., for entertainment,
and there are others who do not go and who criticize those who do. Is it wrong to indulge in such recreation?—R.H.,Florida.
***w51 3/15 p.192 Questions From Readers***
When I was in an orthodox church the minister forbade picture shows, and I vowed never to go to one. Since I have now come into
the truth, am I still bound by that vow, and would it be wrong to go to a show occasionally?—H.M.,Canada.
***w60 9/15 p.576 Questions From Readers***
Is it proper for a Christian to carry life insurance? Is it not a form of gambling?—S.P.,U.S.A.
Taking pictures. Use of the word "brethren" (and as you can see, old terminology was being shifted out 60 years ago in the 'updated' song book even as it is now). Getting life insurance. Going to a football game or a theater. There were individuals--adults--who felt so concerned about these decisions that they felt a need to write to the Watchtower Society for advice.
I'm pretty sure this is what Raymond Franz must have observed in his time on the Governing Body, as he wrote about his concerns in Crisis of Conscience. What we have in a situation like this is people who have been reduced to the state of dependent children, incapable of making even basic decisions without consulting, as it was called back then (whether or not that was done merely in the literature or in general, I don't know), 'the mother organization'.
Is this what spiritual maturity is supposed to bring? I would be very saddened if people in my flock were writing about things like this. But the Society doesn't express that kind of concern. If anything, it nurtures this dependent behavior and even demands it. Granted, not everyone would write to the Society about things like this. But I would think that a measure of fear has to be involved in such questions as well. Fear, as in an abusive relationship--if you're not sure what will earn you another beating, you're probably going to ask for permission for everything, once you've been beaten into full submission.
I understand that sometimes we all need advice. But is it possible that there's something not right about this? Just wanted to ask.
--sd-7