I am a former ICOC member which happened to stumbled upon this website. I know very little about the Jehovah Witnesses. We like your church though, choose to take some verses more literal than others, believe we are the one true church, baptism, you have your own translation, we used any translation, but had ICOC approved reading material on how the verses are supposed to be taken. But anyway, I didn't come to talk about that.
My former church was imperfect. I believe it was too man focused on not enough on God and keeping an open mind to listening to opposing views. In trying to walk a straight path, we didn't because pride, arrogance, fear (which legalism stems from), and lack of compassion for others.
I believe terms like "cult" are black and white views to look at things. It's not fair to call any organization or religion a cult. It is no different thinking than the arrogant condemanation that the ICOC bred into their members, like me.
Also, even though I decided to leave, it had alot of good things. I can't say they are bad or more messed up than me.
Proverbs 18:17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
I need a healthy distance from my former church, but I can't judge the judger. Rely on each other for healing, not tearing down- the Watchtower or ICOC.