I guess I qualify as a zombie and spring chicken when I applied and joined Bethel and spent over 10 years there. My "intentions" were true, really believed I was serving the good lord. I even commuted for a whole year to work there, yes and enjoyed the lunch at the tables. This was way back then.
Recently, brothers have complained of how lazy bethelites are when ever they would go seeking some of their services. Even in the congregation their higher than thou attitude is clear.
Keep in mind that in many lands as is here Bethel life offers what most youths cannot get on their on their own efforts, it's the lazy generation right? In the third world it's next to easily the best choice. Immediate acceptance by the rest of the flock. Twisted huh?
As much as we'd like it all to crash 'n burn... There' s a spring chicken born everyday that can be turned into a zombie... That's over 360 a year...in one land..
It's a good life for bethelites here. When all this cutting back on Bethel was going on a brother confessed to me that he was terrified if he was thrown out of Bethel he wouldn't survive, even special pioneering terrified him "am just not cut out for that" he wouldn't know where to start his life. He is still in Bethel... and takes antidepressants.
If only Bethels would get more seriously "simplified"! Locally most even have cars after a few years while most of the hard working jw populace don't all their lives.