Valis -- You are correct in what you say. Being a JW messes up your mind in so many ways, it is difficult to even know where to start with their control issues.
Perhaps on a Global scale, all religions control the "masses." But for a so called Christian religion to dictate to it's member's lives what they can and cannot do is another. Take into account, regardless if you break the rules on a grand scale (not saving your child because of a blood issue, not serving your country even with clerical duty when drafted and being thrown in jail as a result) there are other issues as well.
1. Being an “alien as a child,” not being allowed to participate in after school activities such as sports or even being friends with non-JW children.
2.Being warned for as much as having a poster of a famous person due to idol worship.
3.Control of what type of music is listened to. Even if the lyrics are acceptable, the “beat” is not acceptable.
4.Not having a beard.
5.Men can only have short hair and they cannot pierce their ears.
6.Woman are advised to have only 1 set of earrings.
7.Television is warned to be an evil home wrecker.
8.If you don’t go to all of the meetings and participate in the door-to-door work you are considered unworthy and inferior.
9.Any type of independent attitude is strictly frowned upon, you must believe all you are told, even to the point of shunning you if you do not comply.
10.Oral sex even when you are married.
11.And the list goes on and on and on.
It is simple things such as these that can play with peoples minds. Take away a person’s freedom and you leave them a stripped drone, not capable of thinking for themselves. Saddens me.
Hugs,
Amanda
UADNA - FL
Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Florida Division