Wow I wish I came upon this before, thank you Dogpatch for sharing! I so longed to go to Bethel it was my dream to be the best of the best. It's so interesting to see it on the inside. Oh and to meet the people that steered your life through the watchtower and awake how amazing. But then wow what a rude awaking you sure did have! That is crazy, I could hardly believe what I was reading but the detail and from what I have experienced personally, I can believe anything can happen this days. One thing that was pure geneous you said that will stick with me is those that manipulate...
I learned a lot about men and their power games from my time at Bethel. I learned that those who are seeking power will do anything to keep it, even sacrificing their common sense and the friendship of others. They will find ways to justify their actions through theological arguments. One thing should be clear if you study the history of the Watchtower Society: doctrine is irrelevant. It changes all the time, as the Governing Body rewrites their own history and rewrite themselves into the Bible, as if it was written to them and only them. You can study theology until you’re blue in the face. You can know the Bible word for word. But unless you understand how they manipulate it to their own ends, you will remain clueless as to how to counter them. They will laugh at you. If you learn to call their bluff and expose their methodology, they will not challenge you further. Like the Wizard of Oz caught performing behind the curtain, they will pull the fabric of deception back in place. Learn their techniques more than their theology.
I had a brief emaildiscussion with a exBrother and he also used the experience being like the Wizard of Oz caught performing behind the curtain. I will be interested in hearing more of your discussions from now on. I seemed to over look some on here because it's a hit and miss and flooded with alot of verity of people but I have your name now so I would love to hear more!
My father is one I fear that has the power of a manipulator; to rape and to be so abusive yet still be untouched by the disapline of Disfellowshipment astonishes me... he still claims he will be a good elder one day. I can't let it happen! My sister just got baptized last wk and I know she good person now but she is also very naive... same with my other siblings who are still living under my fathers roof, I feel in some way the need to protect them as their big sister. If I could educate myself and protect what I can I will scarifies my time to do so. I feel coming on this board has been the best decision I made. Thanks again for sharing your experience!
