Hello to all:
In my opinion, any one today, that takes the WTS very seriously, their opinions, their thoughts, their recommendations, either in what they write, print or teach publicly from the platform, is usually a novice or a very new Person, in his association with the organization itself.
If the WTS were to cry "wolf," [the end is here, time is short] very few would listen.
This is because as Abraham Lincoln once said:
"...You can't fool all of the people, all of the time."
Though, it is unspoken, most veterans, experienced ones in the organization, really have their doubts about the WTS. Many, many doubt the WTS and what their teach, especially those with many years of service to the Organization (and not Jehovah). But they are in a dilemma, as to what they can do about it now, or where they can go. Where can they go?
So, for the time being, they opt to stay with organization. But their indepth, worshipful "loyalty" in many cases, is long gone.
However, with the new ones, it may be different. Perhaps, as some are on this board. Those that know very little about the WTS.
You see, its one thing to sit back, attend a few meetings, attend a few assemblies, and not get involved too much. Then, and only then, do we see things thru "rose-colored glasses." The WT and JWs, look okay, just as good as anyone else in religious circles. Maybe a little better.
Yes, the people are sooo happy, the buildings is sooo clean, they have sooo much "love" and true brotherhood among them. These are the same ones who sit on the "edge of their seats" at the assemblies and take copious notes on every talk and demo and drama given or presented.
Come back in about 3-5 years, and these same people are SLEEPING THRU THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY PROGRAM!
A fact. Why?
The more time, you spend with the WTS and JWs, the time, or the more "progress" you make within the organization, like "climbing the Corporate" ladder of success within the WTS, brings greater "awareness." When one begins to do this, his "eyes" will invariably, become "opened", he will begin to "lose his joy," of the service, and unavoidably, the genuine situation that does exist within the WTS now begins to become apparent to him. Everything he now does becomes a "duty." He feels forced to carry out his "worship" to God.
Another thing, when one gets involved deeply, involving himeslf in a lot of "personal study," devoting much of his time and energies, say if he free responsibilities and has the time, he may quickly become disillusioned about the organization. The things, the wrong things he will "learn" about the organization will do this for him.
Or, he could become a devoted "shepherd" or elder, pioneer or even a Presiding Overseer of a congregation. As a Presiding Overseer, or very involved elder, without a doubt, he will become "exposed" to the UNDERBELLY of the congregation and all of its "problems." Judicial problems. They are complex and many. Just as we are "learning" about the "flaws" in the WTS system to expose the "child molesters" in our midst. The WTS Judicial system serves only to "protect" the offender, and does nothing to protect the helpless "victim" in this case. A flawed judicial system, just like in the world, we were supposed to be walking away from. The same thing, maybe a little worse.
Also, in this position of service, he can become somewhat "aware" of even more serious problems revealed by close "contacts" that are even "higher up" on the "chain of command." Like Circuit Overseers, missionaries, Bethelites and such. They all have "stories" to tell. Horror stories.
As the Presiding Overseer of a congregation, if he makes it that "high" in the organization, or as a respected "elder" he will (and also his wife) begin to "see" or be "exposed" to more startling things, that are currently going in the organization. Things that are clearly "wrong." Wrong, teachings, wrong attitudes by some who think they are above others. They can "get away" things, that others cannot.
As the Presiding Overseer, he begins to hear slogans among the elders like:
"there are three (3) ways to do anything, the RIGHT way, the WRONG way, and the WT Society's way."
Or,
"I would rather be WRONG with the WTS than RIGHT by myself."
Or,
"We brothers (elders) do no thinking for the Society. No thinking at all. That's because the WTS, the mother organization does the thinking for us."
He will now also begin notice a even, worshipful attitude has been developed among some of those in the lead toward the organization itself, and some of its higher up ones. He will notice this. The general public, persons of interest, Bible Studies, or rank and file publishers are not exposed to such saying in general, but those "in the know," are all too familiar with the sayings and worshipfulness of those who express such words. He will eyewitness this.
Another thing can happen. Even if before he becomes an "elder." If one is very, very studious, like some are in the congregation, and they have the time and energy to "rove about in the true knowledge," and if they are really avid readers, they are going to come across certain "info," that simply does not "jive." They will begin to notice the many "changes" in thought over the years, the publications. The reversals, the WT has made, sometimes, complete reversals on serious issues.
Like, how to treat a "disfellowshiped" person, what is "porneia," as grounds for divorce, alternate service when faced with military draft. Serious issues that can affect the lives of people DRASTICALLY. The more you study, the more such things will be revealed to the avid reader and student of WTS literature. This is just a simple fact.
If he is "internet" exposed, has a computer and frequently surf the web, he may found out about the "change" in the Dedication questions. Now, how will he deal this change in the Dedication questions? Will he accept it, or reject it?
Or, if one has the money, as some do, he could begin to travel, travel overseas, and could make friends in other countries with JWs of foreign lands, the rank and file, but also missionaries and branch officials, and so on. Then, he notices things. He will begin to notice how things are handled in one country, completely different, in another country. Some things are tolerated in one country, that may not be in another country or area. In Some countries, Prayer is not a part of the spiritual meetings held at the kingdom hall. The WT has register as a "cultural" group in this particular country, and so to comply with this status, and arrangement, no prayer allowed. This is a fact.
But, the christian may ask, when visiting this country,
"how can we have a meeting, a religious meeting, a meeting that God approves of, WITHOUT prayer?
Does Jehovah and Jesus approve of such?
These are the types of things the more informed JWs begins to "see," with his own eyes.
Or, back to being an "elder," or even a experienced "Ministerial Servant." Even, in this "position," the "brother," can't help but notice that the more people in the organization he knows, the "baggage" or troubles and problems, they bring along with them. This is a fact. If he is say a Presiding Overseer, he is bound to be automatically "exposed," to more "people in the know," like those in "Special Services," like those in Bethel service, past or present (makes no difference), those in Special Pioneer Service, those in Missionary service (past or present), and certainly, any of the higher ranks like a ex-Circuit Overseer or present one, and the same with a District Overseer or two, or even higher, KM School instructors, Bethel Elders, Service Dept/Writing Dept brothers, and right on up to the loft G.B. positions of service, (if you get the privilege to get to know some of them), well, you get the picture.
All they talk of is "problems," problems and more problems within their "Circuit," "District," and so on. This is behind closed doors. If they take you into their "confidence," this is what you hear, over and over again. From them and their "wives."
Why?
These are the things the Presiding Overseer sees. He is no longer a new person, a novice. He can see things more clearly now. What does the organization now look like to him, now?
Does he shut his eyes, to what he has seen? Should he speak out, become more vocal about inconsistencies, disparities, and injustices he eyewitnesses or has come to know of?
How about the example of the Presiding Overseer in Paducka, Kentucky that used the television media to "expose" the WTS?
What should the Presiding Overseer do?
TFS