Apostates are a figment of the JW imagination.
Not necessarily the dictionary definition of the word apostate, which simply means a person who leaves their religion, for by that definition everyone who leaves a religion to become a JW is an apostate--but the JW conception of the Apostate, both as an individual and as a 'group' is imaginary.
For starters, the Watchtower goes beyond the definition of merely leaving the religion, if a person disagrees with a doctrine or practice of the organization, even if they don’t voice it, that is a thoughtcrime called apostasy. The Watchtower meaning of Apostasy therefore includes heresy, dissension of any kind, and is designed in such a way to prevent schism and grassroots reformation.
The Watchtower does much to paint a horrific picture of those they label Apostate. Of course, Apostates are viewed as deceitful and cunning, if they aren’t speaking lies, they are speaking half-truths and facts that are misrepresented, out of context, and mischaracterized. They are viewed as wanting to draw a following after themselves. They are viewed as Persecutors who foment hate against JWs (therein lies a low threshold for Persecution—disagreement, even protests are not Persecution). Of course, they are considered hateful, angry, and bitter.
Since in Watchtower theology, leaving the Organization means “leaving Jehovah”, no matter how Christian a person who leaves is, how much they adhere to their conscientious understanding of the Bible, they have “left Jehovah”. Since when a person learns TTATT, they realize that concepts such as door-to-door, 1914, a single unified Organization being “the Truth”, the Faithful Slave, the Governing Body, and so forth are unbiblical, they are often characterized by things they no longer believe--but that then average person does not believe these things either.
When a person leaves their former religion and becomes a JW, they are viewed as humble and open-minded. When they criticize other religions or religion leaders, including their former one, it is viewed as zeal and boldness. However, no matter how conscientious a person is, if a JW does this toward Watchtower theology or leadership, or a former JW speaks of legitimate concerns, it is viewed as Persecution.
The Watchtower does much to enflame hatred. Of course, in the publications many decades ago did outright say that those they label “Apostates” must be hated. A quick perusal of the online library finds all manner of hate speech:
“characteristics similar to those of the Devil”
“poisoned by a critical attitude”
“Like their father, Satan, apostates target people of integrity”
“Their methods reveal a cunning spirit.”
“corruptive ideas.”
“counterfeit words,”
“false arguments,”
“deceptive teachings,”
“twisting the Scriptures”
“do not have our best interests at heart”
“mentally diseased”
“no matter what apostates may say to the contrary, the real aim of intruders is to steal and slay and destroy.”
“beat their former associates”
“presumptuous”
“ravenous wolves"
Ironically, even false prophets: “If a close relative should prophesy falsehood in the name of Jehovah, that is, speak contrary to the Kingdom message”
With these derogatory statements in mind--i s it no wonder this Boogeyman exists in the JW mind? I don't think the Westboro folks could do any better in fomenting hatred!
Because those labeled Apostates must be shunned and there is no venue to express dissenting views or for those to air legitimate questions and concerns publicly—is it no wonder an “apostate” has to be careful or “subtle” in how they express themselves? If they legitimately believe the Watchtower is not teaching the truth and wants to reach family and friends with this message, what recourse do they have?
Of course, by the time the rank-and-file drinks this hate speech, they are drunk with paranoia, and see the Apostate Boogeyman in every shadow. The clichés and urban legends just exaggerate the one-size-fits-all stereotype of the angry, bitter Apostate who has nothing better to offer, and whose sole goal in life is to make them Doubt.
The word “apostate” becomes a thought-stopping technique. By labeling something “apostate”, they can file an argument away, and just walk away. The label “apostate” does not need to be proven…it is a substitute for proof. For instance, there are many instances where a JW will not look at an older publication (or even not so old) because the Apostate Boogeyman could have potentially doctored it. (Never mind it’s the Society that have been the ones doing revisions of thier own publications over the years, as well as revising and spinning their history).
Can they present proof of this ever happening? That such a person is only showing them nothing but what the Watchtower Society has stated? No! They don’t need to find proof. The rank-and-file is even more superstitious in regard to Apostates than they are in regard demons.
I remember discussion of why wireless mikes were being reconsidered in my congregation. One person mentioned that perhaps it could transmit outside the Kingdom Hall and apostates could be listening in. So what if they did? I found it a strange thought at the time.
Are we therefore Apostates? If by that term it means the Boogeyman stereotype that lurks in the JW imagination, NO!
. ..OUTLAW