I agree, I think that most Witnesses do fear the elders more than any divine retrobution they may be subject to for what they do. But even more than that, I think they fear being 'found out', the public humiliation, gossip, character assassination and most of all being disfellowshipped and cut off from their families and friends if they leave the organization or do anything "wrong".
If you honestly think about it, what is going to keep people in the organization anymore if not fear? With all the things that they have waffled on or outright changed (the 'generation thing is just one) it can't be clear, concrete doctrines you can put your faith in!
It's certainly not the intellectually stimulating Bible lectures, or a heartfelt connection between the "teachers" and students. It's not the kind 'loving' fellowship, and the understanding, concern and protection for abuse victims. It's not the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your trusted ministers are going to truly guard your soul as a treasured member of Christ's flock, and heaven knows it isn't the "joy" of the door to door ministry!
Fear is all they have. They do all they can to keep people terrified and hypervigilent, on a "high alert" status that leaves them so exhausted they don't have the physical or emotional energy to follow through on the questions that nag them about what they're hearing at the Kingdom Hall. And the knowledge that they have deep down inside that the people who are supposed to be representing a loving and understanding God have totally missed the mark.
You're right JH, it's about control.
It's no wonder so many JW's are unhealthy, their bodies can't tell the difference between real impending danger and the "Great day of God Almighty" which has been "just around the" longest "corner" in the history of mankind. Living on that kind of adrenaline all the time is very bad for you.
I never was more afraid of the elders than God, maybe that's why I was finally able to leave the organization.
I guess I always believed too that if there really was a loving heavenly Father that He would have to be wise enough to know that I'm imperfect, that I did the best I could in bad situations, and that I just couldn't live my whole life wishing I were already dead.
Great question, JH. I hope it gets lots of lurkers thinking.
Life is just too short to live it as a slave to men.
~Es