In a non-study article in the JW only Watchtower is an article titled " Should Youths get Baptized ? " The WT society is losing young people in very large numbers - so how else to try stemming the exodus than putting pressure on JW parents to indoctrinate AND instill mind control into their children ? In one section here in this article it almost sounds like a version of " 20 questions " that the WT society asks parents to determine if their children are making " spiritual progress " as they phrase it. Here are some of those questions :
1. Does your child " keep seeking the Kingdom " in the ministry ?
2. Is he willing to share the good news with others, or do you have to give him STRONG encouragement to go out in field service and talk at doors?
3. Does he make known to schoolmates and teachers that he is a Witness of Jehovah ?
4. Is attending congregation meetings important to him ?
5. Does your child strive to stay clean morally by avoiding harmful associates in school and elsewhere ?
6. What are his preferences regarding music, movies, television programs, video games, and the use of the Internet ?
7. How well does your child know the Bible ?
8. Can he put in his own words what he learns during your Family Worship evening ?
9. Does reading the Bible and studying the publications of the faithful and discreet slave interest him ?
As if THOSE questions aren't hard hitting enough and intrusive towards JW parents check this quote out in regards to young people seeking higher education as opposed to seeking advancing within the Jehovah's Witnesses. On pg. 6 it states, " Young people should learn to work so that, in time, they can be self-sufficient . But there is a danger in encouraging them to take up a lifestyle CENTERED ON EDUCATION and FINANCIAL SECURITY instead of true worship. Plans for a life that subordinates spirituality to worldly goals can SNUFF OUT a young person's desire to serve God. " Translation : Young people SHOULD NOT pursue education or financial well being . They should serve God ( WT society ) instead.
In the final paragraph the article quotes some dizzying statements by an elder and a circuit overseer. These guys are dangerous. If you don't think so just read this, " Commenting on youths who qualify for baptism but whose parents do not agree , an experienced elder said, " Preventing a young one from getting baptized can break his spiritual momentum and lead to discouragement. " And a traveling overseer wrote, " A youth could begin feeling spiritually INSECURE or INFERIOR . He might LOOK to the WORLD to gain a feeling of accomplishment. " And that would be a bad thing ?
So it appears the WT society is dealing out a heavy hand towards JW parents trying to get their JW children to tow the line. I feel this is a desperate measure being taken as they are losing many young people upon them turning 18 or adult age. The 18 - 35 yr.old JW crowd is definitely the biggest exiting percentage these days of JW's leaving the organization. So, what are your opinions ? Have you noticed more young people exiting from the Witnesses ? What is your take on this article ? As always I invite and look forward to your takes and observations ! Take care, have a great Saturday . Peace out to all, Mr. Flipper