I'm certain that the GB longs for the days before the Internet when the kinds of stuff you're referring to could be swept under the carpet and kept quiet. The Internet is going to be the undoing of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, and it's obvious the GB knows it. But, like most old farts who resist change, the GB has its heels dug in as the society and culture through which it swims glides along toward the future, draging with it the GB kicking and screaming and resisting every inch. Too bad. It would be much easier for them to relax and go with the flow. They're going to end up in the same place anyway, they might as well enjoy the trip.
Prior to the Internet it was difficult but not impossible to develop statistics on JW social ills. With the Internet providing a virtual meeting place for Apostates to compare notes and to assemble their observations and experiences, a more accurate picture of the society of the Society has emerged, has come into sharp focus. And the picture that resolves is a sad one indeed.
If there were any doubt that the organization of JWs is a cult, those doubts have been swept away like the moonlight and magnolia days of the Old South: gone with the wind.
The body of publishers of JWs is a sad, sad group. More dysfunctional behavior in any given congregation than the population as a whole. More drunkeness, more spousal abuse, more child abuse including child sex abuse, more dishonesty, more suicide, more depression, more murder, more rape. In short more of everything the Society claims there's less of in its membership.
And this should surprise no one. The organization of JWs is, pure and simple, a cult. And cults attract in the main the disaffected, the marginalized, the ignored, the poor, the anti-social, the angry, the depressed, the lost, all seeking something; seeking stability, meaning, answers. And the Society, seeing this parade of the walking wounded, gets out in front and assumes leadership. But this leadership comes at the price of the spiritual freedom of its followers, a price so many of them seem willing to pay.
And then there are the people like us, many of whom were drug up in the organization. I will not say raised. That is much too kind a word for what happens to young people in the organizations. So we left. And now we're gifted with this Internet where we can do our comparisons, compile our statistics, and point the accusing finger at the dangerous, divisive, destructive cult known as Jehovah's Witnesses.
The Erica story on Dateline was just the beginning. Society is beginning to realize that JWs are a festering, running sore on its face. The WTBTS will not longer be able to hide behind its silent stonewalling. There's too many of us. And to paraphrase Lord Nelson, The spiritual world expects that every Apostate will do their duty.
Just thought I'd throw all that in. Obviously I have too much free time on this lazy Sunday morning as evidenced by the foregoing avalanche of rambling words. I really must remember my ministry school training. But I am serious.
NOTE TO GB: My challenge to debate you boys and all your attorneys is still open by the way. No balls?
Francois
