Watched with my wife. She's of the mindset that while JWs are not the only true religion, they are just like any other religion. She's definitely what I would call a social JW. As we watched, we discussed. Both thought the story was real without any over dramatization of what happened to this lady. The program consistently calling JWs a cult bothered her. I explained some of the things groups labeled cults do and the control they exert which is why people put JWs in that category. After going back and forth, I said I prefer the term high control religion which she agreed with.
The ending was a bit dramatic for me. But, that's because I knew there was no way in hell that anyone at Warwick much less the GB would agree to met with this lady and a camera crew! As they were driving, my wife said the same thing and that they are doing it for effect. I agreed but pointed out that to someone not a JW, it would seem reasonable that a church leader would want to met with someone who was so distressed and offer reassurance that things have changed. I think that point really sunk in.
At first, I thought the exchange at the gate was fine. The guard was polite and called for someone. We both thought the first part was fine. It's after 40 minutes where the truck was just sitting there and they gave up that was a problem. The "guard" couldn't have handled that much worse. I get that this guys overseers are cowards and should have come out to address the lady and left him hanging in the wind. But, he should have shown some compassion. That part really disturbed my wife.
What I thought was interesting about my wife's reaction is while she took offense that the report was implying abuse is wide spread, saying that wasn't her experience as a born in, she then proceeded to give me several examples of her friends that were abused. In one case, by an elder who is STILL an elder. She got kinda quite after that.
Barbara, if you happen to read this, please know that your hard work and sacrifice are not unnoticed.
