Sometimes change takes place over many years, in such a subtle
and quiet way that those involved may not even discern that a
trend is forming. As with Social Security and retirement issues,
whole decades may pass by before any mass of people realize that
anything is wrong - or that huge adjustments will be required of
them.
Such a situation prevails with the Watchtower Society. While many
may speculate about 'mainstreaming' or 'reforms', a little
attention to definitions - and long term trends - will clarify
the subject of what the future of the organization will be.
First, reform usually implies some kind of moral or ethical
motivation, that changes are needed to correct past wrongs.
Hopes that the Society will 'reform' are naive since the organization
collectively believes (and is tirelessly taught , as the recent
convention shows) that it is directed by God and need not listen
to any critical input - except, of course, to voice opposition
to it. On a personal level, consider the impossibility of
arguing with a 'born again' that they are wrong. They reply that
since they speak to Jesus/are filled with the holy ghost they
don't need your opinion. Likewise, with the Society, you will
reminded that they are the 'faithful and discreet slave' and
your opinion is rebellious. Pointing out the circular logic
involved will avail you naught - it's deep arrogance either way
and aren't going to succeed.
Some may point out that new committees may inject moral change
but such adjustment is likely to be glacial, minor and quickly
contradicted by some other part of the superficially monolithic
organization. Take a good look at the waffling on college or
multiple personality therapy - the 'rabbi' in Service says this,
but the 'rabbi' in Writing says otherwise. Perhaps the best you
can say is that one committee can let a cat out of a bag while
another tries to put it back in - creating a little freedom in
the process.
Generally, the Society doesn't make changes because they care
about ethics or love or kindness. They change because of NECESSITY!
They change because of cash flow or threatened lawsuits or a
lack of Bethel applicants, etc. This change brought by necessity
brings us to the much speculated subject of
Mainstreaming!
By which I mean that the organization changes into just another
Protestant sect. The average Witness becomes little different
from his Catholic or Baptist neighbors. This avenue of change
will be victorious. How do I know?
Because it's been succeeding for a long time!
What to become a Bethelite? Well, you're coming to stay for 'life'
No, wait, you're coming for at least 4 'full years'. No, wait a
minute, you have to stay for ONE year! You have to be a regular
pioneer for several years,..... one year......you have to be
a good publisher ..... in the 'truth' for many years, NO, BAPTIZED
FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS!!!!!!
Are you getting the idea, here?
Conventions are EIGHT DAYS, no, THREE days long.
The TM school and Service meeting are TWO hours - no, wait
an hour and a half long. The Public talk on Sunday is 60 , no
45 minutes long.
Being an elder means meeting all the scriptural qualifications
to a reasonable degree -- NO, WAIT! You don't have to be
hospitable or free from accusation or reasonable. You also
can remain an elder as long as everyone keeps quiet about
your child molesting and/or adultery.(mainstreamed just like
the Catholics)
Pioneering? You have to put in 100 hours AND we're going to
send you nasty letters about your low magazine placements!
NO, wait, OK, 90 hours and no nasty letters! NO, how about
70 hours (reg. pioneers stats still declining)
And the future?
The Theocratic Ministry School will be 'dumbed-down' with more
reading aloud because brothers don't prepare AND no more Written
Reviews - Do you remember when Written Reviews were collected
and graded? (say mainstream, again).
No doubt many of you will be able to provide countless other
examples of subtle compromise by the borg over time. I'll save
other observations on this for part two.
metatron
