@ rocketman - Divisions in the congregation over petty things is a big problem. That's why they keep repeating the counsel to not judge each other, be forgiving, keep putting up with one another. The problem is that the Society often creates the problem. For instance, let's say I've been watching vampire movies for years. I see nothing wrong with the subject matter and view it as a personal conscience matter. Now, let's imagine that someone in my hall knows I watch vampire movies but doesn't approve of these films. That's their conscience working for them. In the spirit of being forgiving and putting up with one another, the non-vampire-movie-watcher decides to keep their opinion to themselves and let me be. I, in turn, decide not to discuss my entertainment choices with them. Situation resolved.
That is, until vampire movies become labeled by the Society has a direct product of Satan. Now we have a problem. The person who was willing to overlook my imperfect choice is now being constantly reminded in magazines, meetings, assemblies and conventions that my choice is a Satanic one. It's going to be much harder for them to overlook my choice now. The WT Org tells its followers to put out fires while they simultaneously throw gasoline on them.
@stuckin - AWESOME!
@desirous - "Dumb and dumber." Ha! Harsh but funny. I understand why they created the brochures but they are embarassing to read. Or maybe I should say they are embarassing to look at, considering there are almost no words in them.
@george - Good point about the Service Meeting parts. Painful.
@designs - The fact that the bright ones are leaving was well represented in the District Convention drama. One character is a teenage daughter who finds family study to be lacking and dreams of becoming a humanitarian so she can travel the world and help people. How does the drama end for her? She learns to love the family study and finds fulfillment and excitement in scale models of Noah's ark.
Another "troubled" character is a teenage son who is musically talented and scientifically curious. He doesn't attend the family study for two main reasons. One, he would rather practice guitar; Two, he believes there is more truth to be discovered than what JWs teach. He's been paying attention in science class and is beginning to see proof of evolution. How does the drama end for him? He starts attending the family study again because they are going to discuss the Was Life Created? brochure. There goes his shot at real truth.
Also mentioned at the convention was the problem of JWs running ahead of the Society. It was referred to as "running ahead of Jehovah" but we know what that really means. So, you have these bright kids who have tons of potential. They find that truth exists outside of the JW Org. What should they do? Play dumb, forget your dreams and just do what the Society tells you. Maybe one day Jehovah will decide that everyone should know the real truth. But unless he reveals it through his chosen people, then you should view it as bunk and forget you ever heard of it. Isn't that such a loving provision?