I agree with you Gary. The problem is there is no one with the combination of charisma/cajones to put their neck one the line to propose anything radical enough to turn the ship around. They have already made an example of a few to instill the needed fear. Here are a few changes that I believe would begin to turn it around. Take note WT:
- Get rid of the mandatory DF/ DA policy. Make it voluntary and based on individual conscience. Most people don’t choose to associate with unsavory individuals anyway, much less invite them into there homes. Shunning family is just cruel and unnatural.
- Get rid of the Service Meeting and combine it with the TMS, and put the emphasis on the bible, not pushing literature. A lot of people like the TMS and the idea of giving talks and being involved. The TMS was probably one of the good things that JWs come away with that helps in real life (public speaking). The Service Meeting is showing itself to be nothing more than a sales meeting on how to push books and magazines. While you’re at it, get rid of the Book Study too.
- Get away from the book publishing business. It’s dead- in the way you have benefited from it. The internet is here, and while the printed text will always be here, the way the WT does it is becoming antiquated and dated- and it shows. This is becoming increasingly evident, even to dubs. Find something else- like real estate ; )
- Cut back drastically on the door to door work, maybe to once a month (voluntarily), because let’s face it, the dubs look just plain weird out there now every week. Dubs like to have the distinction of witnessing, but not every freakin week. Diversify into alternate forms of service and volunteer work. Take advantage of the idealism of kids and promote more volunteer work.
- Allow more freeness of thought. Go back to the mentality of the Bible Students- always searching for a truer truth, but never being dogmatic enough to claim possession of an absolute truth.
- Totally revamp/remove the blood policy- a very tough but necessary change. This will be the biggie. Cut your losses and move on. There will be big losses, but coupled with the following, they would bounce back eventually.
- Realize that JWs are JWs not so much because of the theology anymore, but more for the social. It is already becoming a social club. Most dubs couldn’t defend their theology, even with the literature now. But people do want to be around others like them that they can generally trust. And JWs are basically decent and good people. Some people need this. In fact, there will always be people who need this. Spend money to make money (i.e. build a more satisfying subculture).
- Stop denigrating higher education. The rationale is just not flying anymore, even with diehard dubs. They missed out, and want more for there kids. You should too- more education= greater satisfaction. Don’t worry about the contributions, they will come. I’ve seen people give money to far more ridiculous things.
- Get away from the OT and concentrate more on the gospel accounts. I think you would be amazed at the result.
- Stop trying to invent stuff just to be different. Not celebrating Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, or Thanksgiving? Come on, give us a break! These are rules where they are not needed or appreciated, and a stretch to justify. Let them have something.
My fingers are tired now, but that should get you started. But you should hurry, because the hemorrhaging is increasing.
Axel