Posted by Thes [Thesaurusx] on November 26, 1999 at 12:36:37 {2lTH7z2znErnQc.SC0UsqEZbwA6cGE}:
In Reply to: *****Question For Witnesses posted by Alan on November 26, 1999 at 10:48:23:
This is an excellent example of compartmental reasoning. It allows for the processing of logical as well as conflicting information simultaneously without any dissonance and without even being aware of doing it.
Example: The Bible says: "Jesus is standing amidst congregations and he gave letters to congregations and he is the leader of them. So we must serve with him in the congregations."
Translation: Be a member in good standing of the Watch Tower Corporation and follow it's suggestions and guidelines on issues where the Bible is silent like organ transplants. All is well.
However, when Watch Tower Society is obviously in error, like date setting, Witnesses are able to shift to another compartment and make comments like: "So what if they said that. No one recognizes that they have the power to fulfill that promise."
When the group leaders are right, the member is a group member and is serving God with fellow Christians. When the group leaders are wrong, the members never were serving an organization. They then say; "Only a fool would serve an organization". They are serving Jehovah directly, independent from the organization. See the twist?
Also,when Jehovah's Witnesses are in company of other Witnesses, they often behave very differently than when they are posting anonymously on a bbs or in a private discussion. Almost schizophrenic. In company of other Witnesses these discussions do not happen and they know it. They simply just turn their backs and walk away. Or they lie and say: "I'll do some research on it and I'll get back to you." Of course that's the last you ever see of them.
It's a core dishonesty that only survives in circular and compartmental thinking.
Fun to watch work from an objective viewpoint.
Have a great weekend all.
t