Was not Jesus and his apostles considered apostates to the then controlling religious organization? Were those in religious control at that time not worried about how the "world" (namely the ruling Romans) would view them and hold them accountable if these "apostates" were allowed to continue? Now......when Jesus was tried by the world, did they really care as to their "apostate" views? In fact, they all wanted to avoid the whole situation. They didn't want to deal with the drama, but only to placate the masses did they get involved. Even to the point of releasing a murderer instead.
My point? Whether they are the "Slave Class" or not, their job would be to serve us, not judge us and carry out punishment. Was that not the job Jesus and God assigned to the superior authorities (namely Caesar)? Was it not Caesar that carried out the judging and punishment of God's son? So in effect, their position that they have taken (WTBTS) is one of Jesus (Spiritual judge) and the superior authorities (executioner). Pontius Pilate was a company man and just did what he thought would calm the masses. Jesus was tried (loosely) and proven to the superior authorities that he had no political ambitions (as charged). So in effect, the WTBTS is no different than the then ruling Jewish leaders of Jesus' day AND by enforcing the DF and shunning policy (along with the spreading of slander about the punished among the ranks which in effect is Spiritual assassination), they are taking a political stance as well and taking the position of Jesus' day Caesar and enforcing their judgement.
And where is this following that the apostates seek? Jesus had a following as an apostate YES. But He was Jesus! From what I have seen, Ray Franz did not try to start his own church. Neither have any here that I have seen. Yes, I suppose a few have over the 120+ years of the WTBTS, but in general, I am not seeing it.
Where else would we go? I really liked the flat tire analogy LOL. Why not go where the Christians of old went? They spoke together in small groups. They never had Kingdom Halls or rented 70,000 capacity stadiums. Small groups and small rooms. Funny, isn't the internet and sites like this essentially small rooms and groups? But apparently, if we don't listen to the cook, we are not "approved by YHWH" to speak about Him. That makes sense now doesn't it?
