‘Nothing good exists outside JW world’ is the general thinking among JWs. If they read “The Heart of the Enlightened” (written by Anthony de Mello), they would probably feel how wrong they were! Story goes like this: “There once lived a godly man. One day an angel came to him and told him God is pleased with him and any wish of his would be granted by God.
1) “Would you like to have the gift of healing?” the angel asked.
“No, it’s best that God did the healing Himself,” said the man.
2) “Would you like to help those who have gone astray?”
“No, that work is best done by angels.”
3) “Would you like to become a model of virtue for others to emulate?
“No, I don’t want to become the center of attention.”
Angel said: “If you do not ask for a wish, one would be granted anyway.”
“Alright,” said the holy man, “my wish is that good be done through me without my even being aware of it.”
From that moment on, the old man’s shadow was filled with the power of healing. And wherever he went, his shadow was healing people. And it was like as though all those other three gifts too were granted to him—he was healing, helping those who have gone astray and becoming a model of virtue for others to emulate! He was free from ego!!!
This is the best, because it captures exactly the attitude of God Himself—He equally nourishes the good and the bad through the life-support systems He has put in place on the earth without giving the impression that He is behind, and is not at all bothered about the praise or ridicule people shower on Him.—Mathew 5:44-48
How come such superb stories come from people whom JWs consider to be the part of the world being ruled by Satan? How far superior is the above parable to the parable of Mathew 24:45-48 (the most-cherished parable of JWs) which indirectly glorifies slavery! Contrast the above with the glory given to pioneers (the announcement in the Kingdom Hall when some joins the rank and the subsequent clapping of hands) and the life-stories published in WT highlighting the years of service ….