Two observations since leaving the jws:
1. Are the elders really 'teachers'? In the public talk they have to follow the outline provided by the WT. Of course, in the book study, they follow the book. At all the meetings the teaching comes from, and only from, the WTS.
These elders are not trained counselors, psychologists, teachers, or even their own learning about theology. They are merely 'readers,' if you will, and make sure the group stays on target.
Plus, when do they have time to read and study anything to do with training as counselors, etc.? They're usually family men with full-time jobs.
They really are volunteer amateurs attempting to do what professionals do.
2. When you are a jw, you believe the 'world is lying in the power of Satan.' When you meet nice, moral people at work or school, you wonder why God is going to destroy such ones. You have a choice: to 'save' them (read make them a jw), or find out why they are really wicked 'in God's eyes.'
This all leads to a very subtle form of judgmental attitude.
Since leaving, I feel so much more respect for people at-large. I don't have to view them as 'wicked' and under the influence of 'Satan' and worthy of everlasting destruction and seeing 'their eyeballs rot out,' etc.
Now, my motto is 'live and let live.' It's so much more pleasant.
"I'd rather have questions I can't answer than questions I can't answer (or answers I can't question)."
I can enjoy people for what they are even if they don't believe the way I do.
Patio