It doesn't help that JWs are specifically told not to think for themselves. Silent Lambs has compiled an impressive list of publications enforcing this sort of thought control. Here's just a few (I put the last one in red as I about fell over when I read it):
The Watchtower, September 15, 2002 Issue, Pages 16-18:
Rather than being critical, let us maintain a spiritually healthy view of the information received through personal study and congregation meetings.
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The Watchtower, October 1, 2002 Issue, Page 16:
Strong faith, in turn, fortifies us to obey Jehovah, even when his requirements seem to go contrary to human reasoning.
The Watchtower, June 1, 1982 Issue, Page 20:
At times, some bring to the attention of the "slave" class various doctrinal or organizational matters that they feel ought to be revised. Certainly, suggestions for improvement are proper, as are inquiries for clarification.
The proper spirit after offering suggestions is to be content to leave the matter to the prayerful consideration of the mature brothers directing the work in Jehovah's organization. But if those making the suggestions are not content with that and continue to dispute the subject in the congregations with a view to getting others to support them, what then? That would create divisions, and could subvert the faith of some. So Paul counsels: "Keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." Paul also counseled Titus to "reprove those who contradict," adding: "It is necessary to shut the mouths of these, as these very men keep on subverting entire households by teaching things they ought not.... For this very cause keep on reproving them with severity." -Romans 16:17, 18; Titus 1:9-13.
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The Watchtower, August 1, 1967 Issue, Pages 469-470:
It is true that some points are difficult to grasp at first, but instead of complaining or arguing about them.... it may be better to leave it alone for a while, waiting further clarification....
....we must avoid complaining even about small things....
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The Watchtower, June 1, 1985 Issue, Page 20:
Although walking with confidence in Jehovah's leadership may not be easy at times...To turn away from Jehovah and his organization, to spurn the direction of the 'faithful and discreet slave,' and to rely simply on personal Bible reading and interpretation is to become like a solitary tree in a parched land.
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The Watchtower, January 15, 1983 Issue, Page 22:
Avoid Independent Thinking
Avoid.... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
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The Watchtower, January 15, 1983 Issue, Page 27:
....some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?
Fight against independent thinking.
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The Watchtower, March 15, 1986 Issue, Page 17:
Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions.
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The Watchtower, July 1, 1994 Issue, Pages 12-13:
As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by rejecters of Jehovah's table....
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The Watchtower, August 1, 1960 Issue, Page 474:
Jehovah's witnesses, though international, are 'one heart and soul,' of the 'same mind' and the 'same line of though.'
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The Watchtower, June 1, 1967 Issue, Page 338:
....in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to that very thing....
