In Barbara Grizzuti Harrison's book Visions of Glory: A History and a Memory of Jehovah?s Witnesses (which is online at http://www.exjws.net/vg.htm -- I highly recommend it) there's an account of heartlessness at Bethel that I found particularly troubling. It's in "Chapter IV. Accumulating Wealth While the World Refuses to Die" (http://www.exjws.net/vg4.htm) and is as follows:
"When I lived at Bethel, I saw, or heard of, these failures of charity....An old man, who had been at Bethel for thirty years, grew senile. His senility took the form of his muttering obscenities at the dining-room table. He was given two "warnings,? which his hardened arteries obviously couldn't assimilate, and then ordered to leave. He had no resources, financial or emotional. He was last seen begging in downtown Brooklyn."
This account and other, related accounts I've read, make me wonder: what is WT policy towards Bethelites who become too old, infirm, or disturbed to work? I'm sure that the GB members are fully taken care of, but what of the rank and file? Are there any sort of retirement arrangements? How about health insurance?
Also, what about Bethelites injured on the job? Are they covered by any sort of Workmen's Compensation insurance? Or is there some sort of "opt out" provision for religious organizations?
Finally, do you think there are many older Bethelites who feel held hostage, that they must keep their doubts or disenchantments to themselves rather than face being turned out on the street without food, shelter, or medical care?