I can't even count the number of times I've heard people say how incredibly humble and down-to-earth and caring the exectuives at Bethel are. I've had one first person encounter with a GB member..i forget his name although I would be able to identify him in a picture. He did seem genuinely nice. Yet, I also know that these people are on a serious power trip, and they are intentionally decietful, even if they feel the ends justify the means. They routinely obfuscate the truth, smudge numbers, and take quotes out of contexts to mislead the minds of their pawns. They've received an innumerable quanity of letters regarding the invalidity of the 1914 doctrine by now, but stubbornly refuse to discard it out of pride or because they know it will undermine both their credibility, their authority, and their stranglehold over their followers, because without 1914, we have no clue when Jesus started to reign, or if he ever will, and thus no basis for believing that we're in the last days or that the Watchtower was specially chosen by Jesus to be his earthly representative. Without the "last days" mentality, there is no sense of urgency. No incentive to get out there on knock on doors, forgoe an education or a career. This leads to more satisfaction with one's current station in life and inevitably leads to a loss of emotional and psychological dependence on the Watchtower.
So, I know these men can't just be delusional saints who sincerely believe all the crap they teach. They can't be so stupid as to still believe in 607-1914. They just know they're stuck between a rock and a hard place, and they choose to perpetuate a lie.
So, for those of you former Bethelites or travelling overseers who have had substantial interaction with the head honchos over at Brooklyn, can you objectively tell me what these men are like? Do they walk around with an air of superiority about them? Do you get the impression that they think they know everything, and that they're father figures and we're all helpless children?
And here's a big one. Is it true that the GB members live in penthouse suites in Brooklyn, or that they at least did until recently? I have heard this claim before, but I've never confirmed it.
I also often hear a lot of accusations made about Rutherford's character, his alleged promiscuity and alcoholism, but I've never seen any concrete proof that would serve to convince any JW of the veracity of the claim. I'm looking for ammunition here.
I've also been told that there are a lot of homosexuals at Bethel, known as NPGs (non-practicing gays). Is this true?
And what are most Bethalites like? Are they incredibly satisfied, zealous and happy (ie - uber brainwashed), or are most of them tired, disillusioned, and envious of others with money and freedom, and simply stay for fear of having to support themselves out in the cold harsh world outside of the confines of the factory?
So for those of you who have been at Bethel, please provide some perspective.