All religions involve a measure of fantasy. We all need some fantasy and seek it out in movies, novels, video games or other forms of entertainment. Danger arises when fantasy dominates our lives and pushes practical matters out of the way.
When the Watchtower was 'young' as an organization, it attracted a large number of people who were accustomed to hard work and dealing with the practical challenges of economic depression and war. The "Armageddon Soon" fantasy helped them get thru a difficult life.
Fast forward to 2009 and what do we find? An organization whose practical achievements are vanishingly few and whose most zealous efforts yield little of value. They appear to be good at erecting buildings - as long as you don't look too deeply to notice Kingdom Halls constructed too quickly, brothers who contend with each other over nothing, slick, expensive marble floors that must be carpeted to stop lawsuits, bathroom fixtures torn out after being installed yesterday, huge cost overruns, and much more.
They used hot lead letterpress to pump out books until a group of brothers (now 'apostate', I believe) carefully pointed out how much money could be saved by other methods. They skillfully hide their printing plant disasters in planning and execution.
They villified Ray Franz but will eventually be forced towards many of his more moderate insights.
Their "preaching work" has transitioned from a practical means of trolling for converts into a sterile ritual that doesn't even net donations.
Their efforts at keeping families together are a tragic failure while dreamy Witnesses ignore the evidence of wreckage around them.
Elders? Those that used to be effective and caring have quit or just given up amidst the politics.
The Organization that published seven volumes of Studies in the Scriptures now produces "Dick and Jane At The Seashore" literature ( and still some say it's too hard???!!)The Kingdom Ministry advises assembly attendees as if they were morons ....oops! I meant mentally challenged.
and the best fantasy of all? "It's Jehovah's Organization. He'll find a way to pay for it".
It always was a heady mixture of fact and fantasy. I think the fantasy portion has drowned what little practical fact remains. I think about this everytime they can't run the sound ......or the magazine counter..... or the congregation accounts competently.
metatron