Believing that because it would be nice if something were true, then it must actually be true (it would be nice to think Jesus returned in 1914. It would be nice to think Armageddon is just around the corner). This pattern of thought is extremely common, and very tempting because it allows us to avoid unpalatable truths. In extreme forms it is a king of self-deception; in milder forms, an unwarranted optimism (believing the end is 'just around the corner' motivates one to keep performing as one is expected to as a JW). It is surprising the lengths to which some people go and the rationalisations they will make in order to avoid confronting evidence that would undermine their wishful thinking (eg, nothing wrong with our cherished 1914 teaching, but 'rather than providing a rule for measuring time the term 'generation' as used by Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying charactistics'. WT Nov 1 '95. Eg, our policy on child abuse is perfectly fine and in harmony with scripture!) Wishful thinking can be dangerous because it puts a veil between us and the truth. JW's as an Organisation and as individuals fall victim to this.
Wishful Thinking
by Noumenon 1 Replies latest watchtower bible
-
-
rocketman
Interesting. There is indeed much rationalizing that goes on in the jw mind. Given their strict routine and endless sacrifices in behalf of meetings, service, etc, they must somehow rationalize it away in order to avoid the possible realization that they are wasting their time.
This is one reason that they don't really belive in everlasting life as a free gift - they are too busy earning it. They can't really swallow the thought of someone else being given something that they've worked so hard to attain.