It is my contention that many of the actitivities prohibited or discouraged by the Watchtower are used to control JW's time and money.
Smoking is just one example. The WT claims the prohibition on smoking is for the good health of it's members. I suggest they want your tobacco money in their own pocket. As proof, I submit the following article from the official watchtower website:
"ORTHODONTICS
What Is Involved?"
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1998/4/8/article_06.htm
Why would a religion care about ORTHODONTICS !???
1) Orthodontics can be used for:
a) Improving your appearance
b) Correcting a health problem
2) Orthodondtics is EXPENSIVE !
After a lenghty and boring explanation of what is involved, the WT concludes it's article with the following:
Today, orthodontics can satisfy many of the needs of those who have tooth and jaw problems, including those who desire to smile without being self-conscious about their teeth. Of course, whether a person decides to make use of orthodontics or not is a personal decision.Note how those wishing to straighten their teeth for appearances only are separated:For the time being, mankind has to reckon with physical imperfections, some of which may be alleviated by corrective measures. Nevertheless, we can look forward to the time in God's new world when he will eliminate completely and permanently all the effects of imperfection, including those of the mouth. Then, in that new system of perfect health, each of us will be able to offer with confidence a warm, friendly smile to everyone we meet.
"... can satisfy many of the needs of those who have tooth and jaw problems, including those who desire to smile without being self-conscious about their teeth.
Note how a "true christian" might get the idea that his money might be better spent by giving it to the WT to ensure his ticket to the "new world":
"Nevertheless, we can look forward to the time in God's new world when he will eliminate completely and permanently all the effects of imperfection, including those of the mouth."
Maybe they should just "wait on Jehovah":
"Then, in that new system of perfect health, each of us will be able to offer with confidence a warm, friendly smile to everyone we meet."
The meaning seems clear to me. While it is a "personal decision", those considering spending money on othodontics for aesthetic reasons only may want to " look forward to the time in God's new world when he will eliminate completely and permanently all the effects of imperfection" and send money to the organization instead.
The only reason to include this article is to discourage those considering expensive, non-essential proceedures. In plain English: they want that money for themselves!