Over the weekend, I read for the first time Crisis of Conscience.
Whilst I was already familiar with much of the material on chronology, 1874, 1914, etc. I was dumbfounded to learn how the Governing Body actually works and conducts itself. I think that many of us who have been elders in the past can really relate to Ray and the battle he faced.
I must admit, I thought it was just me, and the battles I have faced with local hard-line elders. I have often sat in elders meetings thinking that some of these people are simply slaves to man made laws, why cant they see what the Bible really says rather trying to determine the letter of the law from WT publications? My opinion was, and still is, that many elders whilst often knowing many scriptures word for word, are unable to grasp the simple message behind the words.
What was shocking is the picture painted of a group of men who apparently do not have time to study the Bible deeply themselves but at the same time are willing to make doctrinal decisions at the drop of a hat.
Like Ray, I once felt that I could make a difference by being a moderate in an extreme organization. But I am not so sure now.
eyeslice
ps I would like to write Ray - if anyone has his address could you e-mail it to me