I tend to feel that we are all benifited from 'good' things. Perhaps you might give us an example of what you mean.
You've got me there. I honestly cannot think of one single "good thing" during my 15 years as a witness. ~I guess it all depends on ones definition of "good things" Or maybe my assiociation with apostates have erradicated such memories ;)
My wife lived an Ocean away. Does that change your argument? Have you seen drug addicts become JW's and kick the habit? I have. I have studied in gaols with hardened crminals who became JW's on leaving prison became honest, hard-working family men.
I have no doubt some people have met partners through their association with Jehovahswitnesses. I just dont credit the WTS for me meeting my wife. If anything, it was the WTS and their rules that made in almost imposible for us to be together. If I am to credit the WTS for anything, it would be that their interference in our relationship actually made us more determined to be together.
I have not seen a drug addict kick the habit and become a nice, family orientated family man. But I have seen children, kicked out from the organization and torn from their familes for no more than trying the odd cigarette. No help, no questions...just OUT! I just dont understand why kindness and tolerance is shown to one and not the other.
Will you acknowledge that others may have a completely different experience. As I asked on a previous thread, are we saying that elders do not show geniune love and care
I am aware that some people have a different experience of elders than to what I have. By just using the law of averages, some good elders must exist, but I can only comment on what I have seen, heard and experienced. I'm sure if you grew up in my congregation and experienced the racism, preferential treatment of elders children and wealthy members, slander, gossip, physical abuse, marking and constant reproving for the most petty and non-scriptual things, you would not question my observation of elders.
Prejudice is never a safe option
Agreed, but confusing when defending the most prejudiced group of people I know. At least the father of a friend of mine who was a member of a well know racist group, had the balls to tell me to my face that he didnt like me because of my colour/religion. I'd rather that, than the years of sneering, pointing, marking, back stabbing and avoidance veiled in the name of religion.
There is room for reasoned arguments involving any issue from nuclear bombs, to mice traps. Why should the WTS, its doctrines and its modus operandi be an exception?I've tried reasoning with Witnesses and IMHO, it just doesnt work. I've talked for hours with them on various issues, most recently the Vicki bower case, only to be told that the devil is out to get them, persecute them, destroy them. Even showing them printouts of the court manuscripts and newspaper articles gets the response that its "all lies", "Satans attack on the society" etc. How can you have a reasoned argument when your opposition refuses to even acknowledge the facts? Regards yxl1