Hi Jerry,
I'm reading "Apolcalypse Delayed" currently. Penton has a fine writing style - much like Ray Franz. A quiet, middle of the road approach.
His history of Russell, Rutherford, and Knorr (that's how far I am) is really good. Not just all the dirt - but some balanced things too.
Gives an overall look to the jw history, because the WTBTS was definitely shaped by the presidents and their staff. Doubt if God had much to do with it.
I've read C of C also, after coming onto the net. Bought it through Randy Watters at Freeminds. Lord, I felt soooooo nervous - I called and spoke with Randy - a livin' breathin' apostate! Good thing he was nice to me, I'm sure he could hear my voice breaking and the stuttering. What a dork I was........
Interestingly, my daughter had C of C about 5 years ago. I was at her apartment and saw it, flipped through it - and had absolutely no interest in it, found it quite boring. She asked me if I'd look up some information for her in refuting his claims, I said I would - but made no effort to do so.
I think my jw defense mechanism went into overdrive. Never thought about it again - till I typed in "Jehovah's Witnesses" on the search engine.
The rest of the story is a common thread now - that's all we needed.
waiting