I am not bitter. I feel a lot of compassion for the fact that people feel compelled to be so dogmatic. I see people living their lives out of fear and guilt, and I think that comes from insecurity and not being willing to really face things as they are. I am currently dismantling my personal beliefs, and sorting out what I do or do not think, and I am doing it alone for the most part. I don't feel bitter or angry or resentful. I think the majority of the rank and file have good motives, and are trying to do their best. I do question and have doubt about the motives of the leadership, including the elders. I think if there was more transparency that the changes in doctrine would be better tolerated.
I'm glad for this thread. I understand people feeling bitter or angry, for a time. But I think that it is not productive to get stuck there. And I do tire of reading threads that are generally disrespectful of people who still are involved with or believe what JW's teach. It is to some degree, still a matter of faith. And if someone chooses that, then we need to practice respect and compassion for them as much as we would like them to do for us.
DS