Despite an abundance of evidence that hits at the heart of the WTS, it should be no surprise that many seem to ignore everything and continue. You may wonder why particularly as many of us were in the WTS and did not ignore the comprehensive mass of proof against the claims and teachings made. You may get angry at those who still choose to defend the WTS. I don't think that is the appropriate frame of mind or approach. But I am not making criticism of any here but ultimately highlighting why I believe patience will be rewarded.
There is usually a right time to leave. Some are not 'ready'. It is not easy to deal with the facts. The facts can be shattering. I tend to conclude that everyone's time will come. Even if someone is now an apologist, their time will come. The person might be outwardly supportive of the WTS but the fissures will show and in time the person will see the WTS for what it is, eventually.It might be a change in circumstance such as starting a family.
In the meantime many enjoy a 'niche' position. Typically brothers can enjoy themselves as elders. They can revel in positions of influence which can be a complete contrast to their secular lives. Being an elder allows one to give talks in different congregations and to enjoy a high profile. These days you can be a biggish fish in an ever decreasing pond. This is not the same for elders wives. They do not enjoy the 'niche' position. Many elders I know have wives that do not attend regularly or have 'depression' or 'M.E.'.
A number have doubts and misgivings but conclude that there is nowhere else to go and so stay in the Org. hoping for better things, such as reform. To some extent, this is not unreasonable for those who perceive a spiritual need. I submit that the 'need' could be arguably filled by a number of different belief systems but they stick with the WTS. Disbelief or diffidence can be revealing. I recall getting a shepherding call from 2 elders regarding my non-attendance at meetings. They had their Bibles in there hands but never once referred to them. I concluded that they did not believe the WTS stuff themselves but were giving the semblance of belief. In other words, keeping up appearances. But for how long can you keep this up for?
Many brothers and sisters in the UK have found a 'niche' by going to Bethel. There's an enormous demand and not enough people applying and not surprisingly a number are leaving! It can be an easy way out of the standard congregational existence.
A number also have joined a forign language congregation. This usually involves learning the language and not going out on conventional field service. Congregations in the area feed the foreign language congregation with information of similar speaking ones in their territory. The ministry is therefore quite different. This can be a 'niche' position where advancement can be made with relatively easily.
I know a number in the UK that have 'sold up' and moved abroad, typically to mainland Spain. There they attend meetings , do very little field service, maybe just informal witnessing to tourists but enjoy a retirement of sorts in the relative warmth and in a culture where not a great deal is expected from them. This can be a pleasant 'niche' , a life away from the harsh realities of Watchtower life at home.
Some are only in the WTS because their family is in it and fear the rejection that leaving causes. I don't blame such ones.
Young ones perceive no 'niche' position to keep them. The WTS life can be very austere in terms of its views on education and social interaction. Consequently many 'vote with their feet' and walk out of WTS life at the earliest opportunity. Take way the 'niches' from the others and many will leave forthwith.
In the meantime some may argue with those who have left the WTS. That is argue with us ……over certain matters but in reality there are very few good points to argue. Some 'apologists' have already sufficiently distanced themselves from the WTS and have taken already an Anti-WTS stance in so many areas that they are closer to us than to the WTS…….they just don't realise…….yet. The WTS would disown these ones that would purport to defend them. I guess their time will come.
How should we treat such ones? The good thing about this board is that there is such a diversity of people that post…….all of whom can make telling contributions. Rather than being antagonistic to such ones ,consideration, tolerance and patience, can be shown even if they do not display it themselves. When you going to win, you can afford to show some graciousness to your opponent. Displays of bitterness only produce resentment. And there is no question about who is going to win , is there?!
ISP
Edited by - ISP on 15 March 2001 18:47:36