It
is important to realize the difference between the Watchtower Society and rank
and file Jehovah’s Witnesses. The name Jehovah’s Witnesses refers to the many
people who make up the congregations around the world; the membership. They
will often be referred to as Witnesses. To become a Witness is relatively easy;
to become an appointed member of the Watchtower Society’s management is far
harder and can only be achieved by invitation. Very few are asked to join. The
Governing Body manipulate all biblical text and decide how it applies Jehovah’s
Witnesses. They are responsible for all policy, rules and doctrines; also the
changes that have taken place in their teachings over the years.
The average rank
and file Jehovah’s Witness is in a different category. Most of them are
ordinary people who have been attracted to the movement by a genuine desire to
understand the Bible and serve God as best they can. They are usually decent working
class people, whose desire to do the right thing has led to their involvement.
Their distant and sometimes hostile attitude towards those outside the movement
is a result of what the Society call ‘mental regulating.’ This is achieved
through magazines, books, lectures, question and answer discussions and private
counseling, coupled with a fear of expulsion if they associate with anyone whom
their Society see as a threat to their cause.
Most members
would show a great deal more empathy if they were not actively encouraged to
view all outsiders as sinners, who are about to be killed by the God they love.
After many years in the movement and being trained to view all outsiders with
suspicion, believing that they are a threat to their salvation, it is inevitable
that some members are unable to feel love for people who are not part of their
organization.
