Ive seen several people like that, who didn't attend meetings but profusely swore up and down that the witnesses had the truth. I think in reality they senced problems with the organization and were more of a walk away believer, but their indoctrinated guilt and fear continues to hold them captive. In fact so bonded to the programming they automatically defend the society as if by instinct, it's views, its authority, and close their mind by thought blocking critical information.
One lady that has completely left the oranization for over 20 years is still in fear and guilt from the indoctrination. She even voiced her disaproval of investigating the society and adamently continued to defend them as the only true religion. Normally she picks fault with the witnesses but it shocked me when I raised critical questions against the society's truthfullness and she quite rudely said she was not interested in JW's. I was just discovering much myself about the watchtower at the time and so it really was a emotional downer for me, it was discouraging because I so wanted to talk about my findings with someone who would understand. Luckily I didn't stay discouraged as I had researched into the psychological effects from post cult related experiences, I realized at the time I was only beginning to recover and I needed to stay strong emotionally or I could risk returning to the JW mentality. Her programming after all thoese years was still strong enough to go into defence mode when presented with critical anyalysis of the watchtower, strong enough that still to this day she continues to be a walk away believer.
Another one I know basically says he is in 100% support of the witnesses and defends them regularily, but yet he holds his own biblical beliefs, some contrary to official wtbts doctrine. I would tend to think he may be another walk away beleiver who has adjusted to his own belief system, yet in talk he diligently defends them. Its amazing how long the effects of the JW mindset last, maybe we never totally shed the JW mindset. Im hoping that overtime the connections that our synapses have hardwired in our brain that have connection to watchtower related thinking will in time, reconect in an alternate thought and spiritual view based on freedom of conscience. I do believe that is why viewing such infromative sites as this one, reading critical literature, and educating oneself as to the psychological effects of involvement, are all essential tools in unweaving the watchtower web.
Great topic, thanks for getting me thinking, its fun to reason on such topics.
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