Class consciousness is defined as identification with other members of one’s own class and awareness of its relationship with other classes.
A remarkable change has happened in the last ten years among Jehovah's Witnesses, and this is largely due to the way we communicate.
The Internet has brought about huge social changes in the way we think, do business and research, and how we spend our free time.
From banking to reading the news, from TV shows to discussion boards, booking a flight and selling our stuff on EBay, the Internet has transformed our lives.
With a new technology comes a new divide - much has been said of the digital divide, the have's and have-nots when it comes to Internet access.
The Internet has changed people's beliefs towards spiritual things. This is so true in the case of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Ten years ago, a witness charged with apostasy and subsequently disfellowshipped had no where to go, no one to turn to and no support. Not every apostate was aware that there were books written by former witnesses.
The situation has significantly u-turned today. There are literally dozens of exJW support groups. Many have found that their life experience in "the truth" parallels that of many other former members. Through support and counselling, many former witnesses have been able to get over their feelings of guilt, betrayal and grief and have moved on with their lives.
Because of the Internet's accurate and honest information about Jehovah's Witnesses, there is a new class of Jehovah's Witnesses. And this is the class that will be discussed here.
The new sub-group of Jehovah's Witnesses primarily includes those who KNOW about the false teachings of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, who know about the scandals in the organization, such as child abuse, but for one reason or another have chosen to remain in the congregation, perhaps because of family reasons.
The members of this group are savvy, computer literate, and regularly engage in secret, private discussions about their faith with other Jehovah's Witnesses.
A new and hidden class consciousness has emerged among some of "God's People". These individuals live double lives; not necessarily meaning that they behave improperly, but that they are forced to continue their activities in the faith, such as meeting attendance, preaching and other activites. Usually this is because of the fear of losing family or friends, or it may be that they secretly hope reform will change the organization. Perhaps they are in a position of influence, where they can do much good. Or perhaps they are afraid of change, afraid of leaving for reasons of guilt.
Whatever the case, the members of this group continually keep researching information on Jehovah's Witnesses by means of the Internet. They share the information only with members who are of the same class consciousness - those who are in a similar situation.
The members of this class are aware that they must remain anonymous, for security and family reasons. To do otherwise would be disastrous.
In short, they must behave like the fictional characters in the movie, "Men In Black." It is imperative that no-one finds out about them for fear of the very real consequences among them.
These members must "blend in" to their ssurroundings with ease - it is a practice that becomes second nature to them. Friends and family members who are Jehovah's Witnesses who are not of this new class consequence usually have no idea of the troubling thoughts that pervade the members of this new class.
The member must be seen to not falter in his comments, in his preaching activity and in his beliefs. Close friends must not be told for fear of the member being labelled an apostate.
If the member is a brother, they may feel pressured or obligated to be seen to be "reaching out." The member may make misdirecting comments to alleviate any suspicion of misplaced loyalities.
A side effect among members of this class, is that once they find out their beliefs were false, and their friendships conditional, they often feel detatched and aloof from other members. Suddenly, those they hung out with, joked with and grew up with become strangers.
This double-life existence is difficult to maintain and becomes mentally, spiritually and emotionally draining. Torn in half, the member often contemplates what would be easier - a clean break, often with the loss of friends and family or a life time of awkward co-existence.
Whatever the case, this new class conscience is here to stay among Jehovah's witnesses.