What something means to me and what it means to a JW are two very different things.
Franklin: Yes, this became clearer the longer I talked to them. They prioritize information differently. At one point, after I had pointed out the dishonest quote used in the CReation brochure, my father said, "Yes, but it still points to the truth about creation!" That response underscored for me the difference b/w using ideology to shape your world view vs. using facts. Idealogy in the JW world takes precedence--the Bible is the a priori inspired Word of God--and therefore material, measurable phenomenon (facts, we could say) are valuable only to the extent they serve such ideology. Beyond that they have no purpose or, what's worse, are outrightly denied as false and from Satan. The Truth is the ultimate and only truth and therefore, any use of measurable facts to support that truth--or that can be made to look like it supports that truth--is acceptable because Truth is being promoted. Chilling, really.
Of course, we all, JW or not, use ideology to shape our views. But when a person is under the thrall of a cult, it's just more pronounced, more entrenched and inflexible, more resistant to examination.
Scully, your point aligns with the foregoing as well. Of course they wouldn't suggest that! That's because the Catholic Church doesn't have the Truth. And JWs do, silly!
Mickey Mouse: I feel for you right back--be aware that such a response will be opening a potentially very stressful and painful conversation, depending on how close you and she are. How are you going to tell her?