After many months of following the Silent Lambs movement and other such organizations designed to "expose" and force change in WT policies I find a common thread among the activist. Though the motivations and goals of such like minded activist may be pure and well intended the efforts are hindered due to a tendacy to throw useless, unprovable and unwarrented material into the pot along with what could prove to be great case making material. A person- a judge even- who reviewed all accusations against the WT as lodged by ex-jw's would find the blows against the WT softened and diminished when examining the allegations one by one. This is not to say that there are not many, many heart wrenching stories about how families have been torn apart and not unlike many religious orders pediphiles do exists within the ranks of the WT. For example- a review of publicized child abuse cases in the WT in the US brings only one case to the fore where state law looks to have been violated or ignored by elders in a pediphile case.
As horrendous as child abuse is many hundreds of thousands more are adersely effected by the WT shunning policies. Though from a purely legal standpoint the issue may seem mute in a court of law. But much can be learned from the case in which the WT joined in with Swaggart Ministries involving tax issue and the sales of liturature. Though no law exist that would prevent any religion in the US from selling thier books or promoting thier doctrine- economics dramatically changed WT policy.
IMHO all the stuffed lambs in the world will not effect change in WT policy. In most cases I have reviewed the WT has done well in covering their a**ses in case of such litigation. As far as negative media attention toward the WT- they thrive on such. It only reinforces thier beliefs.
In the US, and possibly in other countries as well, attacking the WT's tax free charitable status is the best bet. Shunning, withholding life saving medical treatment from minors and other such practices may well, if lobbied properly, entice government officials to remove thier tax- exempt status. I am researching now to find cases where tax free organizations may have lost their staus due to practices that bring emotional harm- encourage family members to disown each other- or encourage practices that could bring an untimely death to minors.
After watching an interview with Christopher Reeves last night my mind reverted back to these thoughts. Mr Reeves is pushing for stem cell research. Though the majority of Americans have no problem with such research the very vocal ultra conservatice right christians of this nation have swayed the current administration to avoid this issue. Mr Reeve stated over and over that they are fighting their battle against the research on a moralistc platform- but economics will win out on is side. Morals are most usaully set aside in favor of profit. This is how change can realistically be forced in WT land. The Swaggart Ministries case is one of a very few cases lost by the WT. With over a century of court battles under thier belt- it was only the one dealing with economics that forced a dramatic change in the way the WT does business. Having grown up a JW it was dramatic to see the lit go on donation only placement. Not asking for a quarter for the mags was a big adjustment for the rank and file of the era.
IMHO the WT will not be beaten up to badly in the child abuse cases. Compared to the Catholic church the WT has far to few bona fide cases that could be winable by those that decide to bring suit.
Finding ways to threaten the WT's tax free status is a proven method to force change in the org. For those who really wish to see change- this is the vehicle. For those who are only out to vent and sling mud- the other vehicle is already in motion for them also.
Most effective means of forcing WT change..
by kelsey007 3 Replies latest jw friends
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kelsey007
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Undecided
You made a good point there Kelsey, I tend to agree with your point of view. Money seems to be a big part of the force driving the borg and if it is affected they will change.
Ken P.
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Athanasius
"For the love of money is the root of all evil."--1 Timothy 6:10. The Watch Tower organization has shown how much they love money and also how evil they are. You presented a very good analysis of the Watch Tower corporation and their tactics. You are so right Kelsey, the way to get the Watch Tower to reform is to go for their material wealth. Material wealth means more to them than the spiritual health of the flock.
Sincerely,
Athanasius
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Guest 77
It's always been about money, why do you think the saying 'follow the money' has major implications?
Guest 77