I couldn't stay away from JWN, nor could I stay away from my favorite elder.
My email to my favorite elder:
Since the WT Org. is tightening its grip on the membership at the same time it is running the organization like a business (flipping real estate, downsizing and promoting a brand name, an idol and a flag such as JW.ORG), I feel that membership numbers are going to be affected; my bet is downward."By the way, compare the annual growth before the widespread of the internet, say 80's and early 90's, and the growth in 2013; quite a change. This is possibly why the WT is moving away from previous anti-internet admonishments, and heavily promoting JW.ORG at the expense of traditional JW proselytizing."
I guess, the field service training is going to be simplified even more; you will be taught only how to deliver a tract promoting JW.ORG. No longer will there be a need to learn doctrine, prophecy or Bible interpretation. The "mentally diseased" may be right when they observe that the JW's publications and meetings had been dumbed down in recent decades. In fact, I think there's sound evidence supporting this claim. Take a look at how the 1914 doctrine/prophecy is explained in the WT to the public of October and November of 2014. Compare this article to the "mentally diseased" book "The Gentile Times Reconsidered". It's the difference between night and day in every respect.
His response:
There are other explanations to the observations you have made.
Regarding decreased membership, it is to be expected. 1 Timothy 3 describes the World's people in the last days as "boastful, haughty ... not open to any agreement... headstrong, puffed up with pride". Therefore, it doesn't surprise us that our message is becoming more and more unpopular.
Second, regarding the information becoming less intellectual, this also follows the spirit of the Scriptures. At Matthew 11:25 , 26 Jesus said: "I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. 26 Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved." What you consider simplifying in order to control, I consider an honest effort to reach persons of all nations, many of whom need to have things broken down to more basic concepts.
Perhaps in 20 years we will be more in agreement. At the very least we can say that in another 50 years we will have no disagreements at all.
How would you respond???