I read Ray Franz book just before I was due to be baptized. I was in a state of anxiety about the coldness and harshness of the congregation I was in. I was told in so many different ways that I should not ask too many questions. It was showing a lack of faith.
But things were bothering me greatly. I read that book and just knew he was telling the truth. Then I recalled something about a "great apostasy" that had taken place at Bethel from family who are still in....It helped me to loosen up and research even more. So in a great way, Ray Franz book helped me to get past "men in authority". It shook me up though, for I was deeply convinced from childhood that it was the only truth. I felt sure I was going to die no matter what good I did for other people.
I was devastated at how spiteful the congregation seemed to be. They were not spiritual in any sense that I could see. They were mean to some of the younger and more beautiful sisters and picked out a man who was gay but inactive and treated them like shit. A recently widowed woman was treated as though she was mentally ill, when all along she was simply grieving. So Yes. A big yes about the impact Ray Franz had on me. Sorry for the intimate aspect of this post, but they really hurt me.........these lovely witnesses with their earthly spiritual paradise......not.