I may regret posting this (I tend to stay away from this sort of stuff) but here goes.
I never was a dub, and I am an atheist. I don't scorn anyone. If by 'believers' you mean 'believers in a religion or a deity/deities' I don't scorn them either. I respect their beliefs and their right to hold them, whatever those beliefs may be - they are all equally valid, whether it's a modern cult (like JWs) or an older more traditional religion such as a Thai prostitute lighting incense to Buddha on her way to work. I've known both and many others.
Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but not everyone is entitled to their own facts.
But, as someone with an enquiring mind, I am entitled to require anyone who wishes to foist their beliefs on me to justify them. That's my right, I think. AND, if their particular belief system imposes on people's lives in a way which causes damage, hurt and pain (and WTBTS surely does) and they seek to impose it on others I am even more entitled to challenge them and ask them to justify it. The more damage, the more impact, the more justification is required. Same for WTBTS as the Spanish Inquisition.
If those proselytising for their religion hold themselves out as capable of being intellectually able to persuade converts (as JW publishers do) I am entitled to challenge and question. That is not scorn. If they seek out the vulnerable (as JWs do) I am entitled to challenge them on behalf of their vulnerable targets.
To bring it to the nitty-gritty: I don't scorn JWs. I condemn the GB and the senior echelons because they are well aware what they're doing. For the average JW, I am sad (to say I feel pity would be condescending). For the religion itself, well it's just another relatively small doomsday cult and is of no consequence except for the damage it does to its adherents.
This site has evolved into a support forum. It has tremendous resources for those (like me) seeking information. Some seekers really need support provided in a neutral way, with clear, honest information - and that's the best form of support for someone who is challenging the beliefs fed to them under duress.
It is, of course, an open internet forum and anyone can post. I am sad (as a quasi-outsider) that we have this sort of question posed as a thread title with its assumptions. It's crap. By all means start a thread and ask for information, opinions, (civilised) argument if you wish. There are plenty of sites available for rabid arguments, and we've had our fair share of nutters and wind-up merchants here in my time. It would be a shame if this site was degenerated - I hope that it will remain a welcoming site for those JWs taking a tentative first step into the real world looking for answers.
Just my view, and I appreciate that as a never was dub I am a bit of an outsider.
