- In the 70s, many converts to JW-dom were influenced by the anti-establishment philosophy and anti-Viet Nam war. Because the JWs said all governments are wicked, etc. Had I been a conservative type, that wouldn't have appealed to a patriotic, right-wing type.
I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I think many of your ideas hold water with myself and others here. My Dad is ultra-conservative, racist views and was x-Navy. I was turned off to all those things and gravitated towards my Mom's JW religion. To ME, they seemed liberal in those views. The other was I was very much concerned about the rape of our environment. I began studying about the "Paradise Earth," and I was hooked.
Now... I see I had gotten into an Org. that was in reality very conservative in some ways, especially social issues. I now look at things, i.e. sexual, gay or lesbian marriages and relations, political issues and such, I am very liberal in what I think are personal choices and none of my business.
On Religion: I still believe in a God named Jehovah, but not the way the JW's do and not necessarily think the Bible is literal. However, organized religion of any kind (to me) constitutes the greatest threat to mankind. In THAT I am totally disgusted.
Independent Attitude among JW's: I think that may be true, too (outside of WTS). We DID have to literally stand up against the world. I wonder if a large percentage of X-JW's are even MORE independent I was always told THAT was one of my problems -- that I was not conforming well in the JW's .
On Politics: Dispite George Bush's mistakes or questionable actions -- I believe in time of war, he is the one I would want leading this country...we have too much to lose. Bush won't back down from terrorism, I would be afraid if Gore was at the helm. However, if there was no war going on...I would resort back to my environmental roots...and vote for Ralph Nader !
Suggestion: Perhaps you can think of a way to poll us on these various ideas? It would be interesting to see how that turns out. There may be clues in there as to why we were able to leave.
Lee