Hi Mav,
Others can tell you more than I about the upheavals following Russell’s death. As I recall, many did leave then. The addition of the “other sheep” in the 30s was seen by those I heard talking about it as a wonderful blessing. It wasn’t seen by many as a bailout of the 144000 doctrine which did not allow for all the new converts.
In my experience the murmuring and “stir” made by changes was less noticeable in the 1940s and 50s. Some meetings were added, both the school on the same night as the Service Meeting, and the Public Talk. Those were some of the big changes during those years.
The late 60s saw the introduction of the 1975 end-times prediction. Excitement ran high. By the late 70s spirits were low. A few left, others grumbled. Some elders who had lead the excitement quickly took up the defense of the 75 failure by saying :”we are not serving till a date.” I found that argument hollow.
The organ transplant changes hardly were noticed by most. Only those directly effected probably even noticed. Most others thought that human organ transplant was an abhorrent thing anyway and thought they would want no part of it in any case. Personally, I did not know anyone in need of a transplant during those years.
As you know most JWs are in denial. About ten years ago I had occasion to discuss some of these issues with some “active” JWs. They did not know that organ transplant were OK, many years later! Same with 75. These folks were alive and active JWs then, but denied that the WTS made anything of 75. I could not believe it. I was in the same congregation as they were.
Actually, there is more murmuring now than in former times. The Internet has a lot to do with that.
Sam Beli
I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened and what is lacking cannot be counted. Solomon
