Alice...
Im not gonna jump on the band wagon and bash you. Instead I would like to ask you something.
-Why does the WT focus on being different so much?
I look at the org. as a person. A macro. This seems like a person that is trying real hard to stand out because of low self esteem.
-Why does the WT spend time teaching "iffy" points instead on focusing primarilly on what matters... Jesus' message.
ie: Jesus died on a cross or stake, Millions now living will never die, 1914.
-Why do witnesses still knock on doors?
The math is clear that if you want to get a worldwide message out use media. Swine flu is a great case. That message went worldwide very fast and a vaccine came just as fast. Internet, tv and radio are much more efficiant than knocking on doors and putting the housholder in a defensive stance because you are standing at thier home.
-Why is obediance stressed?
If you want to get someone to believe you are genuine you dont go around demanding obediance. Anyone claiming power over another is in grave sin. One should NEVER claim to be the end all for knowing GOD. If anything, a disclaimer should be at the front of every publication. "We do not claim to be inspired of God. The veiws stated in the following text are the work of man. Although we try to not deviate from Gods word we sometimes make mistakes and stress the importance of testing our ideas. You are ultimatley responsable to God and should never follow the words of man. We welcome new ideas and encourage you to dispute any of our teachings. Please send letters to_____".
That would show me that they were serious about finding the truth. To not take ideas from the regular Joe is not humble. If they would encourage that kind of participation, I think the numbers would increase dramaticly. I also think that the voice of God could be heard through the people. God picks some unusual characters to relay his word. People with humble beginnings. Like carpenters sons. Not men dressed up in suits sitting on thier high horse choosing what they think we need.
-Why is time not taken to worship God?
The kingdom hall is like a school. very formal and layed out with guidelines. Why dont they take the time to have guided meditation. Time to contemplate the vastness of the universe. Time to sit and connect with a higher power. Unless you know how to connect you cant really talk to God. He is always listening. But you cant hear the answers over your own loud human mind.
-Why isnt time spent on encouraging its members?
I will not accept the standard JW answer on this. You can find tons of encouragment in the pubs. But I have been a witness. Its a religion of guilt and fear. If I were running the show, everyone would be like a fierce lion! Strong and proud. Not because of being haughty. Because they know what it means to have integrity and live fearless. I come from a big familly and we build eachother up. I dont see this in the hall. Things are still clicky and segragated. I see no true love. Sure you have your best friends. But there are always the wallflowers that get left behind.
-Why are elders chosen locally?
I think this way of doing things makes a good ole' boy club. If they had to go through testing from a board, many elders wouldnt be holding positions today.
- Why are judicial comitees local? Ive seen alot of bad stuff happen because people were pushing the local agenda. Someone from out of state not involved is the only way to give fair treatment to the accused.
I could go on and on. The problem isnt easilly put down on paper. Thats why its so hard to address. But there is an underlying evil in this religion. Its looks like the truth on paper, but when you go to pick up the paper the bear trap underneath snaps on your hand and traps you.