i don't get the day differeance.
what's the obscure referance the wt uses to set the memorial a day late?.
"So if, in the future, any of Jehovah’s people should be out of touch with the governing body, they could determine the Memorial date with fair accuracy from local calendars that show the first full moon after the spring equinox." - WT 1976 2/1 page 72/73
ADCMS: Oh the horror of it ! How could I ever get along without them? I might have to actually think for myself.
I just got a cold shiver.
after reading this, is there any doubt watchtower is a cult?.
the following information describes cults in general but is not specifically focused on the jehovah's witnesses, although they are mentioned several times.
the characteristics of cults are so much in line with wt tactics, down to similar phrases and buzzwords.. .
Newly Enlightened:
I found a couple quotes from your post interesting. Facts do not fit the WT claims.
Thanks for contributing this great information!
TheEncyclopediaofReligion
agrees that "all that they believe is based on the Bible. They ‘proof text’ (that is, supply a biblical citation to support) almost every statement of faith, taking for granted the authority of the Bible, which entirely supplants tradition." The book ReligioninAmerica states: "The group has never wavered from its focus on Bible study, and its teachings are supported by an elaborate system of references to scripture."
Note: "elaborate" does not mean it is correct!
It is precisely because of this close adherence to Bible teachings that the veneration and idolization of human leaders so characteristic of cults today is not to be found among Jehovah’s Witnesses. They reject the concept of a clergy-laity distinction. TheEncyclopediaofReligion aptly states about Jehovah’s Witnesses: "A clergy class and distinctive titles are prohibited."
In light of WT's ever-changing doctrines, we can reasonably argue that either, A) they had the truth but have abandoned it, B) they never had the truth so need to keep changing it.
And, as all here know, The Governing Body, CO's, DO's and prominent Elders are idolized. In Fact, the GB teaches that salvation comes through it and the Organization, not Jesus:
" The other sheep should never forget that their salvation depends on their active support of Christ's anointed " brothers" still on earth.". - W 3-15-12, p.20
"And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovahs organization for salvation, the time no doubt will come when the message takes on a harder tone, like a "great war cry."" Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.21
Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.
-Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace" (1986) pp.10-11 ch.1 The Desire for Peace and Security Worldwide
after reading this, is there any doubt watchtower is a cult?.
the following information describes cults in general but is not specifically focused on the jehovah's witnesses, although they are mentioned several times.
the characteristics of cults are so much in line with wt tactics, down to similar phrases and buzzwords.. .
wannabefree:
These cult characteristics are not unique to this particular website or author. I've seen many studies that list the same things. This one impressed me because it covered a broader range of topics and went more in-depth into each topic. Additionally, so many characteristics of JWs were touched on incidentally in this study- most notably "meeting" schedules; "assemblies and conventions"; "door to door" recruiting; wearing suit and tie; "disfellowshipping/shunning", the leaders are always right; no higher education; no critical thinking; doctrines take precedence over scripture; ever-changing doctrines, no tolerance for dissent or questioning, etc.
Perhaps much like Steve Hassan, who came out of the Moonies and became an expert on cults from his personal experience, this author was victimized by A.A.
Regardless, the information is credible and quite insightful.
arnold schwarzenegger, 6 rules to success.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzqw_vs3kzy.
.
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing.
He's made his mistakes (like the rest of us), but how many lifetimes would most people need to accomplish what Arnold has in his one? A lot !
after reading this, is there any doubt watchtower is a cult?.
the following information describes cults in general but is not specifically focused on the jehovah's witnesses, although they are mentioned several times.
the characteristics of cults are so much in line with wt tactics, down to similar phrases and buzzwords.. .
After reading this, is there any doubt Watchtower is a cult?
The following information describes cults in general but is not specifically focused on the Jehovah's Witnesses, although they are mentioned several times. The characteristics of cults are so much in line with WT tactics, down to similar phrases and buzzwords.
http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult_q0.html#cq_guru_right
Cults
The group wants to own you.
The cult wants your life. Some cults want all of your money; some want all of your time; most all of them want all of your heart, mind, and soul.
One of the most obvious and visible problems here is "too many meetings". They want to occupy too much of your spare time — like all of it. They have meetings, and then they have classes or "Bible study" or "training", and perhaps also lots of prayer sessions or chanting or meditation sessions, and then they have assemblies and conventions, and then some more meetings, in an endless cycle. And somewhere in the midst of all of that you are also supposed to go out recruiting and/or fund-raising.
The cult also wants to control you. First, they want to control all of your time, and then they will try to control more and more parts of your life: your sex life, your diet, your choice of reading materials, your choice of jobs, your consumption of drugs and alcohol (both legal and illegal), and sometimes even what doctor-prescribed medications you may take.
cults — insist that new members recite the cult's dogma, a lot.
Making cult members work long hours for free.
Do you want to sell books in the airport, or sell flowers on the street corner? Do you want to spend all day, every day, going door to door, begging for charitable contributions
You are always wrong.
The individual members of the cult are told that they are inherently small, weak, stupid, ignorant, and sinful. Cult members are routinely criticized, shamed, ridiculed, discounted, diminished, and told in dozens of ways that they are not good enough. The individual members of the cult are told that they are inherently small, weak, stupid, ignorant, and sinful. Cult members are routinely criticized, shamed, ridiculed, discounted, diminished, and told in dozens of ways that they are not good enough.
Elders or higher-ranking members will berate the newer members and tell them that their work or their spirituality isn't good enough. Again, the beginners are abused by the guru and his henchmen until they reach the inner circle, at which time they can turn around and do it all to someone else who is just beginning.
It is almost a universal cult characteristic that, in the opinion of the cult leader and other elders, newcomers cannot think correctly
No Honorable Exit.
There is simply no proper or honorable way to leave the cult. Period. To leave is to fail, to die, to be defeated by evil. To leave is to invite divine retribution.
Obviously, if everybody leaves the cult, then the phony guru's game is over. So he is the one who really has reason to fear people leaving.
In some cults, members are told to absolutely avoid any contact with people who have left the cult. They are told that the departees are evil and dangerous, and must be shunned and ostracized. Good Scientologists may not have any contact with people who have been "declared Suppressive Persons." Jehovah's Witnesses may not talk to or associate with those who have been "disfellowshipped."
Such ostracism also acts as a strong deterrent to people who may be thinking about leaving.
In the Jehovah's Witnesses, Jehovah 'sifts out' those not truly 'in the truth', those without 'the right heart condition' which is why people leave or must be "disfellowshipped". In the eyes of the cult, no one leaves for legitimate reasons.
Your "true friends for life" who give you "unconditional love" will withdraw their "love" in a flat minute if you violate the cult's rules, and fall out of favor, by doing something stupid like saying that you want to leave. Your own wife might even immediately divorce you.
Independent or critical thinking is discouraged, especially critical thoughts about the leader or the group or the cult's teachings.
In cults, no criticism of the leader, his teachings, or his organization is seen as valid — such criticism is always automatically wrong, just because it criticizes the guru, his teachings, or his group
And actually criticizing the illogical or irrational aspects of the cult's doctrines is considered a very serious moral offense.
Cults almost invariably have strong contempt for the intellect, human intelligence, and any attempt to think independently. They even use the word "intellectual" as an insult.
critical and analytical thought is very threatening to a cult's precepts. The cult's irrational dogma simply cannot stand up to rational examination, so the intellect is treated with scorn and contempt to try to preclude such examination.
Likewise, in cults, there is a reversal of judgement. The cult itself is never judged, or subject to judgement; rather, the people who comment on the cult are judged by what they say about the cult.
Group-think usually means no real thought at all; just repeat the buzz-words and slogans and follow the program. And group-think usually just means that the group thinks that the Guru is always right
Members of the cult are like a colony of insects when disturbed. A frenzy of activity and protective measures are executed when core ideologies are challenged. The stronger the evidence challenging the truthfulness of the group ideology, the more likely members of the cult are to either lash out in a more or less predictable fashion, fall apart, or disband into separate cult colonies .
Cults often demand that people stop thinking logically and just "have faith".
In order to become one of the group, he must embrace all of the beliefs and teachings of the cult, so the newcomer suspends his disbelief
Denigration of competing sects, cults, religions, groups, or organizations.
This is commonplace, and hardly needs any explanation.
Rather than honestly and intelligently debating with critics, using facts and logic, the cult will resort to low personal attacks on the critic, using name-calling, slander, condescending put-downs, libelous accusations, personal slurs, accusations of bad motives, and casting aspersions on the critic's intelligence and sanity --
Another red flag to watch for is how angrily cult members react when the cult or its guru is criticized. especially when they cannot refute that criticism.
It is just in the nature of true believers to demand absolute certainty in their beliefs. They like black-and-white all-or-nothing thinking, and they have little or no tolerance for doubts and uncertainty.
Insistence that the group is THE ONLY WAY.
Only our sect will survive Armaggedon
Only our group understands
"Only our church has received this special new revelation from the Lord."
"Only our church has the correct understanding of the Bible."
"Only our church follows the commandments of the Lord correctly."
Movements will usually extol their superiority over others, as being the sole way towards salvation, or being God's chosen people.
God's, or a celestial, new message to mankind for this particular time
. Impending disaster [Armageddon]
Induction of guilt, and the use of guilt to manipulate cult members.
The cult also induces guilt by holding up an ahuman, impossibly lofty standard for the perfect member. The members can't ever live up to the standard, so they always feel guilty and inadequate.
The cult's "truth" is the absolute truth, sacred and beyond questioning. The cult's laws, rules and regulations are absolutely correct, always, and therefore to be followed automatically.
There is a reverence demanded for the leadership. They have ALL of the answers, they say, and only to them is given the revelation of "truth".
It is obvious, therefore, that in order to be effective a doctrine must not be understood, but has to be believed in
If a doctrine is not unintelligible, it has to be vague; and if neither unintelligible nor vague, it has to be unverifiable. One has to get to heaven or the distant future to determine the truth of an effective doctrine. When some part of a doctrine is relatively simple, there is a tendency among the faithful to complicate it and obscure it.
Indoctrination of members .
Part of surrendering to the cult is giving up on having a personal life or personal goals. Newcomers are instructed to abandon "selfishness" and to devote their lives to serving the master, his group, and their "great cause"
newcomers should give up on having their own minds or personalities
The group is self-absorbed.
Faithful members will tell you that the cult has given them a whole new life, but that new life is often nothing more than working for free all of the time to raise money for the cult, and recruit new members for the cult, and going to meetings, "Bible study classes", conventions and other get-togethers. And all they talk about is the cult.
Aggressive Recruiting.
Guilt induction is just what it sounds like: make the prospect feel guilty about everything and anything, and convince him that only by joining the cult can he change his life for the better
It is almost a universal cult characteristic that, in the opinion of the elder cult members, prospects and new converts have defective judgement and are not capable of thinking for themselves, so the cult must do the thinking for the newcomers, for their own good
Cloning
Many of the followers end up looking, dressing, acting, talking, and thinking just like copies of the group leader.
Even when the cult doesn't enforce an outlandish dress code, the members still start looking a lot alike. Many fundamentalist cults require the men to wear suits and ties, or office dress shirts and ties, while the women all wear long dresses. But the worst aspect of cloning is that the member's minds become just as uniform as their hair and dress. Members don't just look like the leader, they also talk and think like the leader. Cults simply rob members of their individuality.
You must change your beliefs to conform to the group's beliefs.
Cult leaders tend to make up new doctrines whenever they feel like it, while established churches may take centuries to modify their beliefs.
There is also the issue of how much you must conform. Most mainstream religions are tolerant of members who have diverse or differing beliefs on some issues. But cults demand great conformity, and can be very unforgiving of any deviation from standard dogma
Dishonesty, Deceit, Denial, Falsification, and Rewriting History
they lie about the faults or shortcomings of the leader or leaders
they lie about what they have done in the past,
and they lie about their finances
The cult has no respect for the historical truth
Jehovah's Witnesses will deny that they ever believed that Armageddon would come in 1975 — even those people who sold their homes or delayed getting medical treatment didn't ever believe it
Ken Ragge said it well:
All cults have different levels of truth. "Outsider doctrine" refers to information and "truths" which are told to the general public
An Impossible Superhuman Model of Perfection.
Themodel of perfectionis simply impossible to attain, because it is too idealized, too lofty, too perfect. Someone would have to be a living saint or an angel to be that good. This is, of course, great for making people feel guilty and inadequate, which is the goal. Then people are punished and learn to punish themselves for not living up to the group's ideals.
The cult decides what the truth is.
The cult has an elitist world view, and declares that only cult members are "good enough", however the cult defines "good".
The cult dispenses conditional love and conditional approval, often while simultaneously bragging that it offers newcomers "unconditional love" and "complete acceptance". The conditional approval depends on obedience and conformity to the cult's rules.
And of course the cult practices shunning and ostracism of those who leave
Members are told to believe what the leader tells them, rather than trust their own common sense, their own thinking, and their own experiences. Members are told that the leader sees another, higher, reality which they cannot see. Doubts about the leader or his teachings are considered a sure sign of moral failure in the follower.
Cult members also exhibit misplaced faith — like having faith in the leader's interpretation of the "Word of God", rather than in the "Word of God" itself, or in their own understanding of those scriptures
You can't just be a member of the group — your loyalty to the group must be total. You must obey orders without question. You must devote the rest of your life to the cult
The guru demands that you have complete and total faith in him, and believe his statements without question. The cult also demands complete agreement with the leaders, and suppresses any dissent.
Members Get No Respect. They Get Abused.
The cult has no respect for its members, on either the physical, mental, or spiritual planes. The cult demands total loyalty from its members, but the cult has no loyalty to its members. Cult members may be subjected to physical, mental, and/or sexual abuse.
Cults are marked by the callous, cruel, and insensitive treatment of their members. The cult feels no obligation to tell its members the truth. The cult has no respect for the members' minds, opinions, integrity, or feelings
The group is considered more important than the lives of the individual members. The rank and file members are considered expendable; the guru and his cult are not.
Cults often use members like just so much slave labor. Some cults coldly discard members when they have no further use for them.
The leader is not held accountable for his actions.
The leader answers to no one
Flexible, shifting morality
The leader or his group defines and redefines the standards of morality.
Previously illegal or immoral activities become okay because the leader or the group says that they are okay.
Inability to tolerate criticism
Cults react strongly to even mild criticism. Cults have an overactive "circle the wagons" us-versus-them defensive mentality. When criticized, they often engage in ad hominem attacks on the speaker, rather than challenging the truthfulness of his statements, which are often correct.
Many cults practice shunning and ostracism of those who leave the cult. Cults just cannot tolerate people leaving voluntarily. There is a great danger that those who have come to their senses and quit the cult will also lead others out by talking some sense to them, so cults viciously denounce those who leave, and instruct the remaining members to have no contact with those who have left. The Jehovah's Witnesses call deserters and exiles "people who have been disfellowshipped", and contact with such people is forbidden.
but they actually do not want to hear the truth. They just want their own beliefs and superstitions confirmed.
Black And White Thinking
"If you are not living in accordance with the Word of God, then you are following the dictates of Satan."
One way of testing the cult nature of a group is by challenging the ideology binding the group together. We can discover something about the nature of a group by how well its members tolerate opposition to the ideology that holds the group together. How well do members tolerate difference of opinion, opinion that challenges the very ideological heart of the group?
i was wondering if there is a list already on here that presents the key 'game changers' or 'bait and switch' points that will happen once you get baptised?
this can include behavioral changes by the already members towards the newly baptised.. i've read somewhere about the 'love bombing' and how that stops, heard a bit about the time-in-service reporting, and that pressure to attend the meetings goes up (esp.
if missing a few).
I was baptized under the pre-1985 vow and I do not recall the Elders specifically highlighting them.
These vows are printed in the literature, so it is not as if they are treated as "secret"; however, students are not made aware of the importance of question #2 and that their dedication is, in reality, to the Organization.
It's the Organization's dirty little deception. See my second post for more details.
Perhaps a member here that has gotten baptized recently can comment on whether or not the vows were highlighted to them prior to their baptism.
Ironically, the WT article that published the two questions/vows said this:
* ** w85 6/1 p. 30 Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication ***
Decision Based on Knowledge
Likewise this year many thousands are contemplating the step of baptism during the “Integrity Keepers” Convention that will be held in many locations worldwide. Before reaching this point of baptism, all candidates have carefully reviewed with congregation elders the Bible’s principal doctrines and guidelines for Christian conduct to make sure they really qualify for baptism.
As my second post pointed out, a newly baptized person learns of the real importance of certain key doctrines only AFTER their baptism, which they must accept without question if they want to remain a Jehovah's Witness. Now that they are officially a JW, dedicated to the Organization, they have no choice but to accept the doctrines or suffer the wrath of the Watch Tower, disfellowshipping.
i was wondering if there is a list already on here that presents the key 'game changers' or 'bait and switch' points that will happen once you get baptised?
this can include behavioral changes by the already members towards the newly baptised.. i've read somewhere about the 'love bombing' and how that stops, heard a bit about the time-in-service reporting, and that pressure to attend the meetings goes up (esp.
if missing a few).
In the 2000 tract, What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?, a seemingly comprehensive list of beliefs is provided to inform new and interested ones about the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses. The following 32 beliefs are outlined:WHAT JEHOVAHS WITNESSES BELIEVE
Bible is Gods Word and is truth
Bible is more reliable than tradition
Gods name is Jehovah
Christ is Gods Son and is inferior to Him
Christ was first of Gods creations
Christ died on a stake, not a cross
Christs human life was paid as a ransom for obedient humans
Christs one sacrifice was sufficient
Christ was raised from the dead as an immortal spirit person
Christs presence is in spirit
We are now in the time of the end
Kingdom under Christ will rule earth in righteousness and peace
Kingdom will bring ideal living conditions to earth
Earth will never be destroyed or depopulated
God will eliminate present system of things in the battle at HarMagedon
Wicked will be eternally destroyed
People God approves will receive everlasting life
There is only one road to life
Human death is due to Adams sin
The human soul ceases to exist at death
Hell is mankinds common grave
Hope for dead is resurrection
Adamic death will cease
Only a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with Christ
The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons of God
New covenant is made with spiritual Israel
Christs congregation is built upon himself
Prayers are to be directed only to Jehovah through Christ
Images should not be used in worship
Spiritism must be shunned
Satan is invisible ruler of world
A Christian ought to have no part in interfaith movements
A Christian should keep separate from world
Obey human laws that do not conflict with Gods laws
Taking blood into body through mouth or veins violates Gods laws
Bibles laws on morals must be obeyed
Sabbath observance was given only to Israel and ended with Mosaic Law
A clergy class and special titles are improper
Man did not evolve but was created
Christ set example that must be followed in serving God
Baptism by complete immersion symbolizes dedication
Christians gladly give public testimony to Scriptural truth
A student is expected to accept every doctrine on this list before receiving permission to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Although the presentation and wording of the list of teachings differs slightly from one piece of literature to the next, it is, in effect, a creed, because conformity to its tenets is required. And yet it does not end here. After persons becomes associated with Jehovah's Witnesses, they are exposed to other doctrines, which are not highlighted to the general public, and yet which are also required.
In a "Questions from Readers" column in the 4/1/86 Watchtower, the organization provides a list of doctrines that a person must adhere to in order to remain in good standing among Jehovah's Witnesses. The list includes more controversial doctrines not found in the list above. Two significant ones are:
That there is a "faithful and discreet slave" upon earth today entrusted with all of Jesus earthly interests, which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses.
That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christs foretold presence.
( it is interesting to note that what, arguably, are two of the most critical doctrines that JWs are expected to believe are not included in the list for baptismal candidates. Since they are that important, excluding them from the list is highly deceptive! Also of note is that two critical beliefs necessary for "acceptance" by Jehovah and His "organization" are also the most controversial and cannot be proved scripturally without huge stretches of the imagination).
It is common for these particular teachings not to be advertised to newly-interested persons, because they are the most difficult to accept. Yet, as the article asserts, adherence to these doctrines is essential to remain in good standing.
i was wondering if there is a list already on here that presents the key 'game changers' or 'bait and switch' points that will happen once you get baptised?
this can include behavioral changes by the already members towards the newly baptised.. i've read somewhere about the 'love bombing' and how that stops, heard a bit about the time-in-service reporting, and that pressure to attend the meetings goes up (esp.
if missing a few).
Baptism vows up to 1985 were as follows:
"Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognising yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his son Jesus Christ?"
"On the basis of this faith in God and his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening Holy Spirit?"
Therefore our allegience was to Jesus Christ, Jehovah and The Holy Spirit and NOT to any Organisation and that thinking is still uppermost in our minds.
**** These questions, or vows, were changed in 1985 to the following: *****
"On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?"
"Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, in association with God's spirit-directed Organisation? Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in the right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism."
Bible
Matthew 28:19
"baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit" Acts 2:38 "let each one of YOU be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ"Watchtower
"[Baptised] as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?"Watchtower 1985 Jun 1 p.30
since april 1st will be officially 6 months and i will be considered inactive, i thought this would be a good time for me to review my life since leaving....and i guess wtbt$ is right in that my life would return to a debauched state if i left them...so here is my review and i'm being totally serious here.. .
sex: yes i have sex with my husband.....i guess we have returned to the world because we take advantage of our marital dues.. related to sex: no longer just missionary.
drugs: yes i have been taking drugs......my allergies have been so bad the last few days i just couldn't handle it anymore and i gave in to the temptation to take over the counter allergies medicine.. rock and roll: yes......i am no longer listening to the kingdom melodies (i never really did anyways), and have gone to listening to the devils music.
Gojira-
why then forbid us to take blood to save our lives?
ADCMS: I didn't. After 134 years of existence the WT still does not understand this is a dietary prohibition, not a medical mandate. It's a moot point anyway. Until 1961 the WT did allow blood transfusions...but banned organ transplants. I allowed Jews to eat the unbled meat of animals they found already dead; and, they could sell unbled meat to foreigners. Pouring out blood was to be done when a life was taken, as it acknowledged god (Dad) as the life giver. My child- is anyone killed when blood is donated? This docrine makes sense if you throw out all logic. It came from the mind of Fred Franz- need I say more?
LORD I also for the life of me can’t figure out why you would direct your Faithful Slave to build Beth Sarim?
ADCMS: Rutherfraud built it all on his own. I am not in the real estate business. You may remember when I was here on earth the first time I had 'no where to lay my head'. Rutherfraud wanted a winter getaway in sunny San Diego, and he duped the rank-and-file into building him a mansion under the guise it was for the "ancient worthies". By the way, have you heard of Beth-Shan? Neither have most Jehovah's Witnesses.
Also LORD I don’t want to put you to the test, but what were you thinking when directing the Whacker Brothers in making that video for the deaf?
ADCMS: No comment. I'm taking a "hands-off" approach to this one.
LORD, why did you have your faithful servant David collect the foreskin?
ADCMS: This is easy. It's practical. You see, 200 foreskins make a nice wallet. But, rub the wallet and it turns into a nice suitcase.
P.S. LORD please forgive me, but I can’t stand your new music because it sounds too much like church chorus music,
ADCMS: This is why god invented earplugs. Use them!
"[pshychologist] stanley milgram .
pointed out that people who disobey destructive authority suffer psychologically, too.
often a person who disobeys finds himself at odds with the social order, and may find it hard to shake the feeling that he has been faithless to someone or something to whom he pledged allegiance.
GMCOTTEN:
Thanks for this great quote. Yes, it does describe WT mentality perfectly.
Rather than do some introspection to get to the heart of why JWs leave the Org., go "apostate", etc., and in the process discover that perhaps the WT leadership is the problem, and not the rank-and-file, the WT takes the tactic of blaming the average JW for systemic problems WT has created. It not only labels dissenters as being guilty of "lack of faith", "pride", "rebellion", etc., but it goes a step further and demonizes a dissenter, using loaded words such as "apostate", which strikes fear into the remaining members of the Org. The group has now identified an enemy, and further thought is arrested.
As the article points out, when leadership awakens and uses their conscience to pragmatically solve problems, rather than looking for someone to blame, then the entire group sees the "others" [dissenters] in a more realistic way. The problem is, the leadership, in this case the GB, has no conscience, therefore no meaningful changes are ever enacted. They don't care about what's moral and good; their focus is on maintaining their absolute authority over nearly 8 million people at all costs.
This happened with the WT's failed prophecies in 1914, 1925 and 1975. When JWs left the Org. in large numbers, seeing WT as a false prophet, instead of humbly looking at the source of the false prophecies, the WT leadership, as the real problem, they instead blamed the rank-and-file. Therefore, the same problems still exist in the Org. decades later.
can hypnotize the group conscience still further, redoubling catastrophe
crushing the its without pity or conscience can, with chilling ease, become an incontrovertible mandate
Especially in business, a good manager/ leader sees placing blame (finding a "scapegoat") as wasted effort. When you focus on a problem, the result is more problems. Effective leaders focus on solutions, which yields solutions.
