The Exploitation of Jehovah's Witnesses by the Governing Body
The governance structure of Jehovah's Witnesses, known as the Governing Body (GB), has been accused of exploiting followers through questionable practices such as manipulation and financial gain. This article delves into the ways in which the GB is accused of exploiting their members, using religious authority and fear as tools to maintain control.
Fear as a Motivator
The GB fulfills its primary purpose by whitewashing the history of the organization and altering it to fit their cultic practices. Anyone who attempts to bring error to light is labeled an apostate, and connection to apostates equally leads to such a label. Eugene Nonart Espinosa, a former GB member, discusses these practices in his book Crisis of Conscience. Discrediting this book is common among the GB, as reading it can result in the reader being labeled as an apostate, a typical tactic in cults.
Cult-like Behavior
The GB's behavior is often compared to cult-like practices. For instance, they have predicted the end of the world eight times in different forms over the years. Despite their predictions not coming true, the GB does not issue any apologies. Another controversial decision made by the GB was to ban child vaccinations, claiming it would lead to eternal life, causing sickness and disability in thousands of children. After reevaluating the decision, the GB changed their stance but no apology was issued. These actions highlight the GB’s tendency to manipulate and control members.
Economic Exploitation
The GB also exploits their followers economically by leveraging their belief in the promise of eternal life through obedience to the GB. A religious organization of work, if a member does not put in enough effort, they are told they may not survive Armageddon. This serves as a powerful motivator to maintain loyalty and hard work.
Utilization of Volunteer Labor
The GB heavily relies on volunteer labor, who are primarily Jehovah's Witnesses, to fulfill their organizational needs. The GB uses free volunteer labor to build new Kingdom Halls, with the property becoming owned by the organization after several years. The GB runs enormous printing workshops where volunteers print and package New World Translation Bibles and propaganda material. There are hundreds of Bethels, or service centers, staffed entirely by volunteers, who dedicate their time and effort to maintain the organization's operations.
Financial and Lifestyle Benefits
The only ones who benefit from this system are the Governing Body and its supporters. The GB and its members maintain a lavish lifestyle, funded by the hard work of the organization's followers. The GB’s manipulation and exploitation of fears and beliefs allow them to sustain and enhance their comfortable lifestyle, while the members are left in a perpetual cycle of support and loyalty.
According to many critics and ex-members, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is not merely exploiting their followers financially, but also psychologically and emotionally. The manipulation of beliefs, the lack of accountability for their actions, and the controlling nature of their practices have been extensively discussed in both academic and public forums.
In conclusion, the exploitation by the Governing Body is a deeply concerning issue within Jehovah's Witnesses. The transformation of historical events, the use of fear to maintain control, and the economic manipulation all contribute to the exploitation of followers. Understanding these issues is crucial for both insiders and outsiders to make informed decisions and support those seeking freedom from such exploitative practices.