Independent thinking is discouraged, it’s promoted as dangerous. The idea of God directing everything that happens inside the org runs strong in the mind of a JW, just like the idea of everlasting life on paradise earth. Having freedom of expression and idea puts every relationship you have at risk, Angus Stewart highlighted at the Royal Commission in Australia, the JWs are a captive organisation and the cost of leaving, or even staying for that matter can be high.
The fact the group is encouraged to be extremely insular is beyond denial, it is the main reason why child sex abuse has flourished and always does in groups like this. It’s like big warning siren that screams cult.