"So, what makes the Witnesses so attractive to people???"
Ya know this really is an excellent question and should probably be a new subject.
I believe the reasons are many that help to draw a person into such a religious group. But simply (IMO), there are times in a person’s life (has been in mine) where people need help and understanding. Problem is, they don’t know where to find it. Then someone shows up at his or her door with all the ‘answers’. They’re promised a better life. They’re shown the way to join with others who also have found this better life. Its presented to the interested one that all they have to do is join (with the ones presenting the ‘truth’) and everything will be all right.
You can’t sell a lie very easily, so the Watchtower has been very careful to contain its agenda deep below the surface. Only very superficial "truths" are presented at first. Then as the indoctrination process begins and continues, more "truths" are presented and explained. It becomes a circular logic type of reasoning; "I know it’s the truth cuz I believe it. And I believe it cuz I know it’s the truth". There’s a push (albeit inferred) to deepen relationships within the group and create distance with ‘outside’ relationships. This provides the ‘need’ for the group that later on is used as a tool to keep the new JW ‘in line’. There is ‘reward’ for ‘good’ behavior , which provides positive reinforcement. This goes on and on until the new recruit is totally mentally dependent on the group. By then, its too late.
For those who are ‘born’ a JW or who have been ‘brought’ in at a very early age, they just simply "know" it’s the truth. Children look to their parents as gods and if they are told by them something good and true, then there is even a ‘checks and balances’ mental process within the psyche of the child. It’s just the way it is, to the child. What other way COULD there be? I personally had to go/grow through this type of ‘indoctrination’. It took me until my early twenties to finally figure it out on my own.
But all this isn’t possible without the need for help and the offer to comply.
For those who aren’t hurting and still find the JW religion interesting, well, maybe they need the kind of structure in their lives the Watchtower Society provides. Some people need to be told what to do, think, say, etc.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on this subject.
Steve
