They tried this same trick with my father, but he, too, knew a bit about the bible - from having actually read the thing, NOT the Watchtower!.
He pointed out that one David had committed more than a few gross sins in his time - particularly in regard to a woman named Bathsheeba. Yet David remained, to quote, "The apple of the Lord's eye."
My father reckoned that if David could get away with that, then God was not going to be too hard on our family if he failed to attend the meetings at the Kingdom Hall!
Fifteen years later, somebody likewise threatened my sister with the responsibilty of the lives of her children, after she declined the invitation to attend a special talk at the Kingdom Hall.
My sister, always being one to quickly spot manipulation, promptly told this person what to do!
Much has been said about how religion (even the so-called "Main Stream" ones) uses fear to control people. In my view, the JWs more often resort to using guilt to manipulate people:
- Guilt is more insidious than outright, naked fear; and can easily be hidden behind the seemingly innocent concern for other people's welfare.
- And of what greater concern could there be than the welfare of ones own family?
So yes, in playing the "responsibilty for the lives of your husband / family" card, this lot are - once again - revealing their true colors.
Bill.
