Drink The Kool-Aid

Not an official Watchtower cover (Obviously)

Every now and again I read the Watchtower magazine and wonder: How can the Jehovah's Witnesses not realize their religion is nothing more than a cult?

The study edition of the November 15, 2013 Watchtower magazine has an article entitled "Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes - What They Mean For Us Today" on pages 16 to 20, and it screams cult. Question 11 asks:

"When would the prophecy concerning seven shepherds and eight dukes have its primary fulfillment?" (Watchtower (Study Edition), Nov 15, 2013, page 18)

Don't worry, as always there is no thinking involved, the answer is provided so you don't go looking and find out that it is all lies:

"The prophecy concerning seven shepherds and eight dukes (“princes,” The New English Bible) was to find its primary, or most important, fulfillment long after the birth of Jesus, the “ruler in Israel, whose origin is from early times.” (Read Micah 5:1, 2.) This would be at a time when the very existence of Jehovah’s servants would be threatened by a "modern-day “Assyrian.” What forces will Jehovah, through his now-reigning Son, marshal to confront the fear-inspiring foe? We shall see." (Watchtower (Study Edition), Nov 15, 2013, page 18-19)

But once again, worry not, you will not be in suspense long as you 'will see' on page 20:

"The prophecy about seven shepherds and eight dukes has its major fulfillment in our day. The citizens of ancient Jerusalem were attacked by the Assyrians. In the near future, Jehovah’s apparently vulnerable people will come under attack from the modern-day “Assyrian,”whose intent will be to wipe them out." (Watchtower (Study Edition), Nov 15, 2013, page 20)

I already know what you are thinking, 'no mention of seven shepherds or eight dukes'. Patience, they are building up to that:

"The shepherds and dukes (or, “princes,” NEB) in this implausible army are the congregation elders." (Watchtower (Study Edition), Nov 15, 2013, page 20)

See, it was worth the wait. The elders are the shepherds and the dukes. But can they be trusted to lead in the battle? Why yes they can - according to the publication:

"When “the Assyrian” attacks, the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not." (Study Edition), Nov 15, 2013, page 20)

The elders, via the Governing Body, will  will give life-saving direction which may not seem rational. But don't question it, unless you want to be classed as an apostate, as long as you do what they say you will be fine.

"... if you knew what was ahead of you, you'd be glad to be stepping over tonight." (Jim Jones, Jonestown, November 18, 1978)