The WTB&TS / Jehovah`s Witnesses , a Superorganism ? That controls and moves about a collective of humans under the one direction of an entity ? Like Bee`s or Ants ?
A thesis: The Discursive Construction of Freedom in the Watchtower Society
by AndersonsInfo 15 Replies latest jw friends
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fulltimestudent
Thank you for posting this ... loved it. especially this comment from the Abstract,
Quote: "The conclusions rendered in this thesis through the above interpretive instruments align with the Watchtower Society’s historical trajectory and suggest that the Watchtower Society functions as the primate equivalent of eusocial insect colonies (superorganisms). Members subordinate personal aspirations for the common good of the Watchtower Society, regulated by discourses of fear, hope and love. Survival, longevity, productivity, belonging, meaning, and hope, emerge as the characteristic forms of Watchtower Society freedom."
How true that, "Members subordinate personal aspirations for the common good of the Watchtower Society"
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Vidqun
Brilliant thesis. It answered a lot of questions I wondered about. The Society as a superorganism (like a beehive) would not be interested in truth, justice or deep doctrinal issues.
The queen(s) and top echelon make sure the workers and drones toe the line and contribute to the unity of the hive. If not, they are expelled, hopefully to die outside. So all questions, e.g., Are the members of the Governing Body sincere? Do they really believe in the Bible? Will there be a reformation? are moot.
They are not interested in the opinions of the minions. As long as the minions contribute to the unity of the organization, they are acceptable. In this case all are equal (some just more equal than others). And that's where conditional love comes in. I love you as long as you obey. This is also the case with the Mormons, Scientologists, etc.
I also like her comparison with the body and its immune system. The bacteria and viruses, those spreading a different doctrine, whether right or wrong, must be eliminated.
So, for those that want to see change and are working for it, are wasting their time. According to such a model, they are flogging a dead horse, farting against thunder.
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Gorbatchov
This seems great. I will take time time to read!
G.
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resolute Bandicoot
"Farting against thunder" - I like that Vidqun.
RB
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Finkelstein
Its a good studied analysis of how the JWS religion works, its operative structure as a collective human endeavor .
Make no mistake about it the leaders of the WTSJWS thought carefully how to lure people to the literature the organization published and to the organization's own operative core as a religoius publishing house for their own appealing desire and sustenance.