[snip]... It is remarkable that the Society would rather keep the unscriptural shunning practice in force just to make it difficult for former believers to influence family members, and in so doing, risk having people attached to the organization out of compulsion (rather than a sincere desire to worship). It's a sickening state of affairs but something that we all wrestle with in one way or the other.
I genuinely hope that this survey, and similar initiatives, will contribute towards ending this once and for all, sooner than it otherwise would.
Cedars
@cedars:
The day the shunning policy is dropped is the day the organization ends. What really holds a person to the WTB&TS?
1) Ignorance
2) Staying in to help others wake up
3) Social pressures due to shunning policy.
I can't think of any more reasons off the top of my head.
I think #2 is almost non-existant or an excuse for #3. And there are less and less staying in because of #1. The vast majority of people (especially the younger generations) go to the meeting out of compulsion. If the WTB&TS were to do away with the shunning policy, how far do you think the numbers would drop? The exodus would be massive.
MeanMrMustard