RE:" Quite honestly, if there were no shunning policies, I don't think these boards would exist"
Narcisstic supply said-
That's a really interesting position. I pretty much beg to differ. Because the wild eye'd narcissist JW would still find ways to manipulate and devour their victims. IMO
I suspect you're overlooking the point made earlier about the dangers of drawing such extreme binary 'either/or' conclusions, as if thinking the theory of 'narcissistic supply' is the SINGLE UNIVERSAL factor that explains why EVERYONE becomes a JW. The answer is actually a bit more complicated than that, since it's multi-factorial, and varies depending on the individual; the factors are a bit more lengthy and complex than you imply.
And I actually tend to agree with the sentiment you differed with, as shunning definitely 'ups the ante', driving people to reach out to others who are in the same situation for support. I can point out MANY examples of ex-JWs who say they would THANK the elders for DFing them, as it ultimately allowed them to cut the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck which kept them from breathing on their own, and allowed them to free their minds from the cult (partly via participation in discussion forums such as this). Some would look back and say it was the best thing that ever happened, since it taught them a valuable life lesson ("that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger").
There's an old adage from customer service that customers who are unhappy with some service will complain loudly to ten others, whereas the larger silent minority of 'satisfied customers' won't talk about their happy experience to only one or two; it's an asymmetrical response, since it's human nature that people like to complain more than praise. So that's going to bias the appearance of ANY forum, since those who want/need to vent will speak out moreso than the others (like 1099).
Nicfreedom said-
1009, It is aparent that you have not done your research, otherwise you would know the religion is absolutely guilt not just the perpetrator.
The problem though, is that a 'religion' is comprised of people who share a certain flawed BELIEF. You cannot punish a CONCEPT, but only the individuals who ACT on that flawed belief. So the key is individuals must accept their responsibility for the harm inflicted as a result of their PARTICIPATION in an organization that shares the belief, EVEN IF they weren't directly involved in the incident.
Few are willing to do the mental work required to see that level of shared responsibility, since they're paradoxically morally-handicapped by accepting that ALL morality comes from God, and He cannot do ANY wrong. It's simply an excuse to get away with harming others, and blaming it on their loyalty to God.
The appeal for action is based on the ULTIMATE appeal to authority ever devised (an appeal to God's authority, ie "God wants me to do X, so I will"), and the BLAME for any resultant harm is ALSO put on God's shoulders ("I was only doing God's Will"). It's that TOTAL externalization that makes religion so ripe for manipulating others, since the one who TELLS YOU what God wants is able to control the followers as if they're marionettes.
Also, I find it infuriating to have selfish people like you who stick their head in the sand. If it doesn't personally affect you look the other way...you have the odacity to judge others on here. Yuck!!!
True dat, but I'm reminded of a paradoxical saying:
"If there's one thing I just cannot stand, it's intolerance!"
Adam
