Well, they honestly state all the things they aren't, but when it comes to stating what they are you can't find a single positive defining statement in the whole article. You leave the article with a lot of what they do, i.e. how they behave, and what they teach. Whether something is teaching or propaganda is determined by the methods used. Here is a chunk of the World Book Encyclopedia article in context:
Propaganda is one-sided communication designed to influence people's thinking and actions. A television commercial or a poster urging people to vote for a political candidate might be propaganda, depending on its method of persuasion.
Propaganda differs from education in democratic societies. But education in a dictatorship can involve teaching children and youth by techniques that could be classified as propaganda. Educators in democratic societies teach people how to think, but propagandists tell them what to think. Most educators are willing to change their opinions on the basis of new evidence, but propagandists ignore evidence that contradicts them. Educators present all sides of an issue and encourage debate. Propagandists build the strongest possible case for their views and discourage discussion.
Yes, that article on the Web site was a picture perfect example of...propaganda. The World Book piece went on to say:
How propaganda worksPropaganda appeals to its audience in three ways. (1) It calls for an action or opinion that it makes seem wise and reasonable. (2) It suggests that the action or opinion is moral and right. (3) It provides a pleasant feeling, such as a sense of importance or of belonging.
Let's see...yep, every single meeting, including the meetings for field service, are chock full of propaganda. Does the Watchtower really propagandize?
w01 8/1 p. 14 Make Your Advancement Manifest
8 First, since “oneness” is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding.
Well, which Jehovah's Witness wouldn't want to be considered a mature Christian? (1) A call for action that seems wise and reasonable, (2) with a strong suggestion that the action is moral and right (and beneficial), and (3) provides a sense of both importance ("mature") and belonging ("unity...and full harmony with fellow believers"). Why, according to the World Book Encyclopedia they quoted from their "teachings" are actually propaganda!
But, the quote seemed to indicate that the World Book Encyclopedia agreed with them. Didn't it? That is called "deceit." "Deceit" is an intentional attempt to mislead someone to an incorrect conclusion through either omitting needed deatils or including sophistic support. God hates it.
Job 13:5-13 — If only YOU would absolutely keep silent, That it might prove to be wisdom on YOUR part! Hear, please, my counterarguments, And to the pleadings of my lips pay attention. Will YOU men speak unrighteousness for God himself, And for him will YOU speak deceit? Will YOU be treating him with partiality, Or for the [true] God will YOU contend at law? Would it be good that he sound YOU out? Or as one trifles with mortal man will YOU trifle with him? He will positively reprove YOU If in secrecy YOU try to show partiality; Will not his very dignity make YOU start up with fright, And the very dread of him fall upon YOU? YOUR memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes; YOUR shield bosses are as shield bosses of clay. KEEP silent before me, that I myself may speak. Then let come upon me whatever it may be!
I don't believe there is a JW alive that can read that article and then read what the World Book Encyclopedia says and come away believing that this was not an intentional contextual misuse of the quote.
AuldSoul
