I wanted to reply to this once again.First of all, I want to say I'm sorry for what Mcsemike's daughter and of course what he and his family have been through.It is in no uncertain terms, a tragedy.Proplog calling this crime "unfortunate" is clear evidence that he is disconnected from reality, to say the least, and is downright hurtful.
I also wanted to expound a bit more on the discussion about "Organizations" which he thought was "grossly unfair".Proplog has on many occassions (read, all the time) made the blanket accusation that criticizing the GB ,FDS,Leadership,etc. is the same as picking on all JW's, simply looking for flaws.This, despite the fact that it has repeatedly been made clear to him that there is a big difference between the R&F JW's and the Leadership.So when he said : "Organizations are collectives of human beings and they should at least be respected. Criticize their teachings but it is of no value to call them names." This is clearly a blanket statement.There was no mention of relgious organizations, simply organizations.So I made the comparison with various "organizations" for several reasons.
1.Making blanket statements when you accuse others of this same thing will get you called on it.
2.I knew this would cause him to "spin" the issue and point the finger at the individual that had called him on it.This has been the case with many subjects and results in an attempt to discredit the person.
3.There are indeed idelologies and characterisitcs of the previously mentioned organizations that are clearly reflected in JW life and enforcement.Let's just take what most would obviously consider to be the most controversial or extreme , the Nazis.Now, obviously, when one thinks of Nazis they think of their terrible campaign of genocide.But it was their idelogies, and the publics acceptance, that caused them to flourish and carry out their horrible crimes.Hitler could NOT have carried out this campaign on his own.His "success" was the result of the support of others.Many of Hitler's beliefs were taken from the Bible and were supported by relgious leaders, which , in turn, led to greater acceptance.True, his ideologies were an amalgam of teachings and he used research into the occult or anything that he felt could accomplish his goals but the Bible's "influence" which he twisted is undeniable.
The Cult of Personality is reflected in many organizations, specifically and naturally, Cults.The personalities of their followers change.They do things they never would have even considered before.Things they would regret later in life.Good people turned to doing bad things.Nazism didn't start with murder as the goal, it "evolved" into that and thus the acceptance was gradual.The current environment and propaganda brought about such acceptance.Of course, not all went along with the program.Children turned in parents, parents turned in children, mates turned in each other,brother turned in brother, etc.And for what reason ? Because they were considered a "threat" to "Mother", the Motherland.For the sake of self preservation.Nobody knew who to trust.Does any of this sound familiar ? Do you go to the store and still look over your should for fear of being "turned in" or harassed ? How about getting busted and ostracized because of being "caught" at an R rated movie or buying a pack of cigarettes ? or for taking blood, or questioning doctrine or any number of other things.
A person "exposed" in Nazi Germany would likely lose their life.Today though among the organization the penalty might be described as a "living death".Having been shunned and excommunicated by ones mate, children, parents,friends, loss of job, etc. some have sadly even taken their own life ! All for the sake of protecting a "pure" race....er..religion.The death of billions is proclaimed as the only solution to keep the New World Order of a thousand years,and all eternity, clean and only Jehovah's Witnesses will survive.Join or Die.All persons, "threats", are encouraged to be turned in to prevent the organization from being "tainted".It is said that they are to be "won over" first.That is, to be reindoctrinated to accept the teachings from which they have strayed.If this fails, they are put in line for destruction.
It has to be noted in all fairness that the above mentioned characteristics are NOT exclusive to JW leadership and lifestyle but to cults or "cult-like" groups in general.However, that doesn't make them any less dangerous.Obviously, those here feel for those who are currently JW's and would hope that they too could be set free.It's a step they must take but there are also many working hard to open the eyes of those we care so much about.My intention is most certainly NOT to come across as controversial or offensive.I'd imagine many years ago while still a Witness I would have been quite offended by such "accusations".However, I think I still would have tried to see if their really was any truth to these things.Many act happy, but there's so much depression, poor health,emotional and other mental problems that are indicative of serious internal conflict.
Such entities get their power from the people.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
We made a decison.Many have, and many are, withdrawing their support.
