Alice, all joking and insults aside, you've demonstrated TD's point. The results are pretty conclusive. You will not concede that the Society has shrouded your eyes with misinformation, whether intentionally or otherwise. You stand by the Society no matter what. And yet it intrigues me that you have also chosen to ignore their counsel and join in conversation with known "apostates". You are blatantly disregarding what JWs are instructed about loyalty. So why do you believe you are any different than those of us who ignore the rest of their decrees? Welcome to the club!
At one time, I knew that the men running the organization were imperfect but thought, collectively, they could do no wrong. The difference is back then I wasn't aware of all these charges against WTB&TS. When I later became aware of the claims, I did my best to disprove them but I failed. I failed - not because I had less holy spirit than the next JW or because I lacked the ability to argue - but because the claims (many of them) were true. To soften the blow to my pride, I could very well say I was simply defending that which I'd been taught since infancy. But, thankfully, after a few years of researching additional perspectives, I followed the proddings of my conscience out the door, which I assure you was the more difficult path.
Now with you it seems to be (though I could be wrong) a question of whether you are still truly blinded.... or if you're just too proud to admit you've been duped. Nobody wants to look like a fool. I'll be the first to say I find myself constantly having to ask (regarding ANYTHING): "If by some chance I was wrong.... would I have the humility and the courage to admit it now and turn around?" Sometimes I still ask myself that about this religion. But right now I have no doubt that I'm doing the right thing. If I had any doubt, I wouldn't be leaving. To me, it is much more impressive to be wrong and admit it... than to always be right. (Of course, I could be wrong about that, too.)
I know nothing I've written will change your mind but I did want to share one last thought: “Reason obeys itself; ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.” (Thomas Paine) I believe cults exist because of those who allow some leader(s) to do too much of their reasoning for them. And yet nobody who is IN a cult thinks that they are. (I believe I read that somewhere before but don't remember who to credit.)
