The Governing Body - If Gaslighting Was a Group

If you have little to no Jehovah's Witness background you're probably wondering, what is a "Governing Body"? According to the FAQs on jw.org, it's "a small group of mature Christians who provide direction for Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide." It also states that they are not the leaders of the organization, but rather acknowledge that Jesus Christ as the Head of the congregation.

This is hella misleading right off the bat, for two reasons.

1. They do lead the organization by overseeing all the committees, guidelines, and instructions down to the idea that if what is told to you does not make sense, to still go along it, as they are God's true channel of communication here on earth. (Yes, I used to believe this, stop judging me.)

2. The description gives the impression that this is well-rounded, diverse group of men and women. In reality, it's just these eight old guys in New York, shown below.

Back row, left to right: D. H. Splane, A. Morris III, D. M. Sanderson, G. W. Jackson, M. S. Lett. Front row, left to right: S. F. Herd, G. Lösch, G. H. Pierce. All members of the Governing Body are "anointed Christians", a topic for another day.

These are the men responsible for the published literature and oral instruction that has about 8 million people second-guessing themselves, and turning their back on logic and relatives in pursuit of everlasting life on a future paradise earth, if they prove themselves worthy enough. Typing that sentence just now about wore me out, imagine also living this lifestyle for decades. But remember, one of the signs of a cult's control is the ability to make everything the person's own fault, never the fault of the group.

And in JW's case, also NEVER EVER Jehovah God's fault, Which...many times they would use the organization of JW's as interchangeable with Jehovah, though they try to deny that (while literally having a book out now called Return to Jehovah, about being a JW again. But okay.) So you see what I'm getting at here. These men, with no theological degrees or formal schooling think they are God's representatives and provide instruction for millions world-wide, based on their limited and antiquated interpretation of the bible. They are dangerous. Just look a few excerpts from their literature over the years.

A. - "For the doubtful chance that one might be kept alive for a few more years in this system of things, would it make good sense to turn one’s back on God by breaking his law?"

B, - "Loyalty to Jehovah and his organization moves them to uphold the Scriptural arrangement."

C. - "She should treat him understandingly, as a fellow human."

Now after reading them, you're likely looking for the problem, they seem harmless enough. So let's add the context. A, is in reference to the directive to avoid blood transfusions, even if it the only way to save your life. JWs must also avoid treatments that involve just white blood cells, though it's a component that is found in breast milk, but nursing is allowed and accommodated. B, speaks to the requirement to cease all contact with a family member that has been shunned by the organization. If they do not live in your home, you should not be speaking to them. The end. And C, is in reference to a man who is attempting sexual assault. Yes, you read that correctly. This was instruction on how to treat a rapist.

Do you see the danger now? Because if reading these things gave you pause, the overall thought process that these men promote has you to think these ideas are valid and normal to everyone around you. YOU are the odd ball out in your family or congregation if you think differently. Being different means being an outcast. People join an organization to be part of a group, not to be alone. So they conform. And now we've come full circle on why I feel the way I do about the Governing Body.

Gaslighting - manipulation where the manipulator is trying to get someone else (or a group of people) to question their own reality, memory or perceptions.

I rest my case.