Posted by uroborus [Guest] on October 31, 1999 at 05:03:51 {MDPAlM8llYSyLuTm1MqUni6QXcPL8M}:
Dear GB,
I know this is going to sound totally off the wall in comparison to issues which I know are far more important. But here goes.
Some years ago there was an issue concerning strange pictures appearing within the illustrations of Watchtower publications. Derrick Barefoot wrote a book about this and how his bringing this to the attention to the elders caused him to eventually be disfellowshipped. There has been much debate as to whether or not they do exist and if they do what they might mean. Is it a prank by some bored individual in the art department? Or as some have speculated the use of subliminals has a specific purpose. It has been explained by some that the subconscious picks up things the conscience mind does not. The hidden pictures would be considered satanic by JWs and so would create fear. Fear and is just one emotion that can be used to control individuals and could possibly create a need for the JWs to cling closer to the organization. Creative huh? Personally I believed someone in the art department at Bethel was having a little fun. What I, and perhaps others would like to know, if possible, was the issue of the "strange" artwork ever discussed. And my next question is since some do view the GB members as seeking out methods which can be used to control JWs perhaps you could respond to this. What affect has the exodus of those out of the Watchtower combined with the decrease of new members had on the GB? What is discussed about this? While I don't personally subscribe to this particular belief of psychological manipulation (such as subliminals) by the GB, when I consider how many ex-JWs see the power or control the organization has over those they love it I can see how easy it might be to believe it.