DataDog, you're so right. The first thing they teach you is that you should be looking for The One True Religion - and the wtbts is IT! But all of their 'irrufutable proof' as to why they're IT is --- a big fat lie. Then the next thing they teach you is that you'll be persecuted for 'studying The Truth' - that ol' debil's after ya now!
Very sneaky - extremely effective.
If I had to choose only one thing that helped me the most it would have to be the thought that, 'if this is really the truth, then it will stand up to any and all criticism'. That allowed me to open my mind and ears, to really hear and consider 'opposing views', to separate fact from fiction. In the beginning I had no fear that the wt was wrong and wanted to defend it, but I made myself stick to accepting the facts, however disturbing. Their inglorious history has been recorded for posterity. No matter how much whitewash they pour over it, it is what it is - a phony religion built off the backs of hard-working and sincere folks. Do the top dogs feel any shame for their sham, I wonder?
Oh yeah, and the internet. Lordy, if not for the internet...! That's also a part of the instilled fear of persecution - those apostate Satan's-little-helpers are all over the internet and out to getcha!
Like Designs said - it's an enormous challenge to question all our beliefs, to face and bear the possible consequences.
W~