While I agree with the essence of what steve2 has shared on this topic, I also have to say that the WTS has a lot of blood on its hands. Its officers, from the Governing Body down to ministerial servants, have a collective responsibility to tenderly care for the flock it has assumed control over. Far too often, that control is exercised in a loveless, reckless and merciless fashion.
The cult promotes itself as the one true religion and its adherents really believe this. So, when haled before a judicial committee and subjected to many of the hateful comments and treatment at its hands, it is small wonder that many give in to despair and choose a permanent solution to what is a temporary problem. Seldom is a judicial committee’s aim to ‘snatch people out of the fire.’ Instead, the elders sitting in these star chambers see themselves as agents of a vindictive divine justice which should be meted out to sinners who otherwise would corrupt the congregation.
I was told by my judicial committee that they wanted to help me. They subsequently launched into a vicious attack on my character which was compounded by the asking of questions that never, under any circumstances, should have been posed. I was a mature man in my forties when I met with my committee. Eventually, I got the upper hand on them and made them dance to my tune. They made no effort to reclaim me and were all too happy to never see me in their kingdom hall again. The feeling was quite mutual.
I found a way to move on with the help of others. When I recently bumped into two members of my judicial committee, I thought it interesting that they couldn’t look me in the face. Some of that was doubtless their self-righteousness at work. Another part may have arisen from a conviction that they were not only right to disfellowship me, but their subsequent refusal to grant reinstatement was also correct. However, I think they were also shocked to see that I had found peace and contentment outside the cult and was enjoying my life.
I’ve been on the brink of suicide, so I know how hopeless a potential victim can feel. Ultimately, it is the individual’s choice to take his or her own life. Still, a person can be given reasons for taking this drastic action if his self-esteem has been destroyed by the words and actions of those whom he has respected, trusted or even loved.
There is no way that the Governing Body is not aware of the many suicides that have followed some judicial committee action. They get constant reports from their officers in the field about what is going on in congregations worldwide. So they know what has been happening to those in fragile condition after a committee meeting. They have simply chosen to deny cause and effect and to hide in the lie that all those who have suffered brought it upon themselves for refusing to submit to “Jehovah’s discipline.” May Jehovah look upon them and judge and may I live to see it!
Quendi
... OUTLAW