Hello again,
I’ve been asked to share some of my thoughts
on addition to my contributions, based on a carefull research.
I do agree, and that is why I have prepared the few lines
on the subject of anonymity.
Anonymity on the web I do believe, and manyI’m sure will agree,
that it is used mainly to “ prevent the WTS from
silencing voices or claiming that those expressing dissent on
a particular issue are – disgruntled former members – or “apostates”.
You know very well that quite a number of our b&s have been disfel-
lowshipped for holding or sharing their dissident views on one
or more WTS policies. So in the end a “true identity name” does not
serve to help others, because once b or s are disfellowshipped the mem-
bers of the congregation will be forbidden to even say “Hello “ to them.
Thus, the need for anonymity is acknowleged by many
informed and discerning individuals like Justice John Stevens of the
United States Supreme Court: “ Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny
of the majority. It thus exemplifies the purposebehind the Bill of Rights
and of the First amendment in particular. To protect unpopular individuals
from retaliation – and their ideas from suppression- at the hand of an
intolerant society.”
There is this constant “ tune “ in the articles of the WTS, about the need
to shun, to avoid, to mark anyone who disagrees with “the channel that God
is using today , to communicate with His people – the Watchtower Society.
This is also the reason why some, maybe many (including myself) will not
discuss openly, frankly and truthfully certain matter ( i.e. the results of extensive,
deep researches in the Bible and in the publications - new and OLD -)
with just any b&s, but only those that we can trust, that love God’s word, that
have truly an open mind , free from prejudice and hypocrisy.
J.C. MacHislopp