Listening to these recordings cast much light on the workings of the organization over the last forty years. Despite the claims of strictly following Scriptural precedents and “theocratic procedures”, the organization has never in fact done so. From its very beginnings it has been a counterfeit, a man-made substitute for real theocracy.
But even though this has been the case, I doubt that most of the rank-and-file would agree. Ed Dunlap quotes one former Governing Body member as saying that he actually wanted someone to tell him what to do. I believe that attitude is not only still current among Jehovah’s Witnesses, but is also held by the vast majority in the cult. They have willingly abdicated their individual responsibility to make personal decisions. They no longer have the courage to do so.
This is very important for those of us who have left to remember. We must not let our love for friends and family persuade us to ‘return to our own vomit’ as it were and entertain the idea of fully reintegrating ourselves. True, some of us have legitimate reasons for wanting to regain association with those we have left behind and we should pursue every avenue, including reinstatement, to achieve this. But once we have, we should never again give strength and support to this cult but fade as quickly as possible. To do otherwise will not help our loved ones but only add to their shackles, chains and bonds.
Quendi