There are many active JW's who read this Board and who are imprisoned by ideologies that are both dangerous and soul-destroying and such debates allow them in the peace of their own minds to see another side of the coin.
I would like to add just a small point.
When I was in the process of leaving, and I first began to dare to question, I used to have tremendous arguments with myself. I remember reading Watchtower articles, scriptures, et al. to 'prove' that nagging little voice in my head wrong. But the more I dug, the mre I could not defeat those questions. In point of fact, those questions began louder and more voluminous. Then came the day I realized, deep in my heart the Society had not just made an error, but was totally 100% wrong. Naturally the first question then became: "What else are they wrong about?"
I would wager a guess that I was/am not the only person to wage an inner struggle, and argue with myself. What I wouldn't have given to have the Internet in 1988 and seen such an argument taking place between the Witness and dispassionate, relentless logic. Instead of continuing the argument for another 4 or 5 years and then spending another 4 or 5 years afteward convinced I was condemened to execution by Jehovah (despite the fact I knew I was right), I could have seen these JW teachings fall and vanish like so much smoke and mirrors. For nearly a decade I thought only my elders were arrogant, condescending and just didn't want to give a direct answer.
I submit that if even one person avoids years of struggle and heartache over a lie, these types of threads are invaluable. They show that Jehovah's Witnesses are incapable of defending their teachings. They show a Witness' only weapon is arrogance, misdirection, lies, obfuscation and when pushed into a corner, ignore completely as if nothing happened. They show the "emperor" has no clothes.
The point is not getting thirdwitness or scholar (or even You_Know back in the old days) to admit they're wrong. The point is to show someone who is truly questioning, and who really wants to know an accurate answer the truth about the Truth.
Edited to add: I would like to ask folks to read these threads with your old way of thinking. Remember when you were first questioning? Read these threads with your old JW mindset, but with an open mind. The result is shocking how obvious it all is. Nonsensical, arrogant, raving -- these JW apologists would have been repugnant to me 20 years ago. I would have been embarassed to call them "brother"; at least when I was confronted out in service I always answered direct questions with direct answers. These types do not. Which says a great deal, doesn't it?
Be well,
Chris
