This appearing cult mind set was actually in existence back 70 years ago in that J Rutherford would intensionally alienate and dispose of people who represented any form of dissonance or dissension toward his leadership, doctrinal or otherwise.
Well observed Finkelstein. If any leader needed to clamp down on doubt and misgivings it was Rutherford - and since then, shunning has served as a convenient and effective method for keeping the "troops" in line. Without this cruel practice, the emperor would have been called out as naked several decades ago.
Of course, shunning is little more than a blunt form of emotional blackmail - and yes, it works! But that is no commendation because many, many routinely cruel practices work - look at North Korea and some Middle Eastern countries for graphic examples of cruely writ large. Boy, their punitive practices work so well!!
Punkofnice I so get your reaction - but it is so afirming that, with the pasing of time, the pain is less intense - and there is a remarkable core resilience within us that shows us we can not only get on with our lives without our JW family - but also thrive. What self-respecting person wants to be in the company of people who cannot be kind and respectful?
Be that as it may, I do feel for you at this time.