Posted by Nicodemus [Nicodemus] on November 17, 1999 at 10:08:58 {xx2d.1sWpQmL9KjZpLewbTrVtUivFs}:
In Reply to: The future of the WTS posted by Seeker on November 16, 1999 at 18:44:24:
Seeker,
Your question is a good one, and I have to admit the exact answer baffles me. I see conflicting things happening, but let me see if I can take a shot at a possible unified explanation, or forecast.
First of all, some statistical realities:
1. The statistics have not been good for some time now in educated, affluent lands. The USA, while not doing particularly well, has still done better than some of the Western European countries, such as Belgium, Netherlands, France and Britain, in which there has essentially been no growth for 5+ years now.
2. The service activity and meeting attendance of those still recognized and counted in the official numbers has been dropping. Thus, not only are the numbers flat, but the "substance" represented by those numbers seems to be weakening.
With respect to meetings, I would interpret the poor attendance statistics to be the brothers' way of saying: "there are too many meetings, they have become boring and repetitive, and life is placing other demands on me to which I must attend." While this would not be openly admitted by many, unless they had enough confidence in you to be candid and honest, I believe the statistics argue that this is what is really happening.
At the same time, it would appear that the majority of existing Witnesses, even in such lands, still have a mindset very supportive of the Society. One anecdotal piece of evidence can be found above in CoHeRent's post regarding coverage of the 1st internet article. Such comments reveal that many of the friends, at least as can be judged by public statements, still have the blinders on.
I can only support that conclusion anecdotally, but I see much every week in my interaction with the brothers that bolsters my belief that "free thinkers" are still clearly in the minority in the organization.
As I theorized, however, in my post "The Farm," here is what I see:
2. However, though perhaps a minority, it will be some of the most progressive, thinking Witnesses that will commence exploration, and be plagued with doubts. This will pose a problem for elders because the questions they will receive from such capable individuals will be the very ones that prove difficult, if not impossible, to answer. Further, since (despite the common depiction often given here) elders in many cases are some of the most competent Witnesses, some may find themselves having doubts and questions of their own. I foresee this being exacerbated by the internet. Example; a capable, thinking elder who makes the personal choice to stay away from the internet may nevertheless be approached by one of his brothers and sisters that have discovered issues. In attempting to resolve their issues, he may discover some of his own. Further, he is even more aware of congregation policy and procedure than the average brother, thus may begin to see yet more inconsistencies and difficulties.
3. A certain percentage of elders may step down, or at least lose heart and willingness to be devoted as completely to the cause as they were in the past. This will in turn increase the workload on the elders that remain. This may be complicated by the fact that those that tend to remain "happy JWs" will not be strong, independent, self-sufficient individuals, but rather weak and dependent. This will increase yet further the burden of the elders. This, in turn may lead some to step down, not due to doubts and disagreements of their own, but purely from overwork, exhaustion, and extreme frustration.
4. Finally, the number of "new" JWs attracted will be small. In educated lands, with access to the internet, persons witnessed to, and even attracted by the message, will first research just what it is that they are getting involved with. If they come across difficult questions, they will ask the Witness studying with them, who in most cases will be completely unable to answer. I believe the recent sharp drop in Bible Studies may be an evidence that this is already happening.
The above seems like an extremely pessimistic scenario. I wish to make clear however that I only anticipate the above if nothing changes.
The above outlook is based on the premise that there are fundamental rules and standards, correct principles, that must be adhered to for anything to be successful. At Galatians 6:7, we read: "Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap."
This scripture has application in all circumstances. We often use it to warn young ones against drug use, premarital sex, and the like. However, it is applicable in far greater ways than that. If a husband, for example, fails to show proper love for his wife, constantly tells her that she "would be nothing without him," tries to hide unethical practices from her, and the like, I'm sure we would all agree that the marriage is at extreme risk. A wife may "grin and bear it" for a while, but not forever. And, even if the wife, not knowing any better, does "grin and bear it," does that make it right? How would Jehovah view that husband?
Husbands, however, can and have changed. They have evaluated their actions, determined which were not consistent with correct principles, and then acted accordingly. This can often be an extremely painful process, particularly if it involves the husband admitting instances in which he had behaved in a manner not consistent with such correct principles.
Perhaps this is the challenge facing our organization?