Brad,
This topic brings to mind many of the things I have been thinking of lately. It seems that the JWs are taught many things. (I hope I can put this in words that make sense.)
I guess I would use 'mixed-signals' to describe what they are taught.
Armageddon: Everyone who is not a JW will be destroyed - Oh. God is love. Show compassion. *twitch*
Education: Don't pursue an education beyond what the state requires - pioneer - this 'old system' won't be around much longer - go to Bethel. Bethel is looking for people... only taking applications from those who have a college degree in {fill in the blank}.
The list of mixed-signals is endless. It is also impossible to pin them down on any of these - as they will look heavenward and utter some nonsense like "Wait on Jehovah." That is so they don't have to even attempt to process the mixed-signals.
As to the disaster that has recently happened - after a while - JWs become numb to things like this. When it happens - their first thoughts are that the big 'A' is beginning. As the days and weeks unfold and the magnitude of the tragedy unfolds, they are still left cold as they no longer have the ability to show compassion for those... who are not JWs.
Mixed-signals. Isn't that part of what Jim Jones did with his 'followers'? Keep them off balance? Put a gun to their heads and tell them they were going to die right there?
Sad.
Regards,
Jim TX
