There are certainly enough valid criticisms of the WTS and the JW religion, but a significant number of often-repeated criticisms of the religion are, IMNSHO, just ludicruous and serves to take attention away from the real issues. Significant problems with the WTS includes, but are not limited to, the shunning policy, the blood issue and of course the corporate policy of hiding child molestors.
Here is a list of criticisms of the WTS that I find particularly annoying to see:
Russell was a Freemason (or, even worse, the WTS is part of some other large-scale conspiracy like the Illuminati). There is no evidence whatsoever that Russell was a freemason. Repeating such allegations only serves to portray JW critics as nutcase conspiracy theorists.
The New World Translation is a horrible mistranslation. I have myself pointed out some serious flaws in the NWT, but it is patently ridiculous to assert as some do it is "the most dangerous book in the world". Many criticisms center around some questionable unorthodox renderings that are associated with Christology. You can argue John 1:1 until the end of the world; but like it or not, a decent case can be made that the NWT rendering represents the original Greek just as good as the orthodox version. It is to be expected, and certainly legitimate, that the WTS has chosen to let their own theology guide the way they have chosen to render key verses. There is no such thing as an unbiased translation. As the Italians say, "the translator is the traitor." Lots of meaning will get lost in any translation, and there is no such thing as a "one correct translation" of even a simple text.
The JW leaders are in it for the money. Let's face it, JW leaders live very simple lives compared to most religious leaders in the world. The corporation certainly need money to make their world go 'round, and have displayed greed in many cases that they well deserve to be called on, but anyone who asserts that the WTS leadership have money as their personal motivation overshoots the mark with a wide margin.
The JWs use brainwashing. Real brainwashing doesn't work. There is a sliding scale between gentle coercion and heavy indoctrination, and certainly the JWs are closer to the latter. People convert to the JWs for the same reason they convert to other religions; they are socially attracted to the group and gradually come to accept their practices and doctrines. I certainly agree that JWs use unethical practices to isolate its members from contrary ideas and particularly former members, but it has little to do with "brainwashing" a term that tends to bring up ideas of some near-magical procedure to render people into helpless robots.
The JWs are a Cult. The word "cult" has so many meanings it is totally meaningless. Genereally it is used to refer to any religion you don't personally like. In some circles, it is used to portray a group not adhering to Christian orthodoxy. Among scholars, it refers to a subset of religious practices within a religion (e.g. the RCC "Mary cult"). If you mean a group with a high level of control of its members, I suggest you say so, instead of using a word that is so misleading.
I am sure I have forgotten some criticisms. Any takers?
- Jan