Prodigal: There is evidence that at least one or two GB do not believe many WT things and admit they need to blow it up and start from scratch, Gen. 1:1 ff. It is sheer hypocrisy to rule with an iron fist and demand people believe things some of the GB do not even believe. The whole thing smells of fallible, sinful human organization with no evidence of being directed by Jehovah (directed by demons, yes, considering the same doctrine of demons Johannes Greber taught, the spiritist they have looked to for support).
Waterspout: There was a conference of cult experts, including former JWs, who had polarized views on mind control vs personal responsibility. Based on the evidence with Moonies, etc., it seems that mind control as negation of personal responsibility was not the correct view. The individual is initially culpable for allowing themselves to be indoctrinated/controlled and it is possible to short-circuit this or break away from it. The Bible always emphasizes personal responsibility, even in the face of strong deception. Mind control is probably an overstatement misnomer with JWs, but there is an aspect of it and indoctrination into the system. It is influential, even strongly so, but not causative. Rom. 1 people actively suppress truth, live with cognitive dissonance, etc., yet are considered without excuse. In this internet age, there is no reason a person should become or remain a JW. Many here admit they do not believe it, but they make a responsible or irresponsible choice to remain in to keep contact with family, etc. Some are manipulated with threat of DF/shunning, but others knowingly tow the line due to the high cost of doing the right thing. God will hold JWs responsible for believing and submitting to GB instead of Him/Word. The same is true of Catholics, etc. If my pastor told me I am going to hell for smoking (I don't smoke) or masturbation, etc., I would know he is wrong and not be controlled by this. The dynamics with a child trusting parents or torn between two (black/white thinking) are another can of worms.
One does not have to be an ex-Moonie to understand from research and the experiences of ex-Moonies the issues. An ex-Moonie can understand an ex-JW because the dynamics are similar, but with a different belief/practice system. Concerned Christians who were never JWs can know significantly more about the WT and workings of it by reading 'apostate' experiences or material from the past that the average JWs knows nothing about. I am likely to know more about Russell, Rutherford, Knorr, Franz, etc. than most JWs ever will. If I was getting into or born into a group that started comparatively recently (cf. LDS/Mormon/Smith), I would consider their credibility, beliefs, character relevant. Christianity is rooted in Christ/Bible, so we don't have this need/issue. We do not have a founder other than Christ expounded on by Paul, etc.
