Posted by Tallyman [Tallyman] on April 07, 1999 at 15:04:20 {HTWDI6pmYgpmbQ/.WI6gN/HynnShjY}:
In Reply to: *Was the Pastor a Pansy? posted by Julie on April 07, 1999 at 14:09:20:
You know Tallyman, I have long contended that the founder(s) of the WT deliberately did things to insure "persecution", like that would make them appear to have "the truth" or something.
Julie,
well you are certainly right
about the Watchtower not being able to survive if they don't keep on creating "martyrs".
And that Crafty Craze Russell... he knew how to make boogeymen, as well as strawmen.
However, you have hit on something here. What kind of
folks are usually drawn to such a group?
Social outcasts of course, looking for that sense of "belonging", eh? Maybe Russell was just providing HIMSELF a group of misfits to fit in with and be looked up to by.
Any good
charismatic con man is going to know how to draw people and make them feel confident and like they belong. Any good scam is run this way, so, yes, I have to agree with that aspect of your theory.
Very interesting theory, don't you think? I'd say it's at least viable.
Hey, it's as good as anything else I've seen floating around. (can't get that image of the jellyfish out of my mind!)
Not caring how you part your hair,
Julie
The
Tallyman wistfully remembering when he could Let His Freak Flag Fly!
TT