Here are my thoughts on the question raised:

Since leaving, I have had a chance to reflect on those I remember coming into "da troof". This is all anecdotal, but most I recall were troubled people. (and that includes my ex.)Divorced, family problems at home. All seemed universally dissatisfied with life. Of course, the borgs pat answer to this is that the truth attracts only those who are searching. You are really screwed in the JW life view if you happen to be born into a loving family with a little money who would want you to go to college. These types of people are JW proof.

Again, this was one of those things I noticed aplenty while in, but didn't quite make the connection that this showed I was in a cult till after I left. I always asked myself "Why do we seem to only attract the fringe element that is having problems and are mentally unstable? Why does the truth not appeal to people without problems?"

It is my opinion that JW's have a structure with a built in schedule. To people who have lived chaotic lives, it does have the benefit of organizing their lives somewhat. (at what a price!) So in addition to have a bunch of people at a KH "love bomb" you when you are used to being an outcast, you get some order in your life. And what does a new convert with personal problems have against preaching? If they can overcome the newness of it or their shyness, since many were already considered "weird" or just not part of a group, they didn't seem to care what others thought. They've been outcasts all their life. Now they can be outcasts while pleasing YHWH and the elders.

I have already made the comments on the fact that JW's insistance on policing themselves through the elders and the GB's interpretation of the bible create an enviroment that allows abusers to thrive. If you are an abusive parent, the OT examples of Jehovah and the Israelites are MORE then enough to cause you to "discipline" your children in the same manner. Pedophiles are among the most cunning and manipulative of all, and use the religous system to their own perverted means. Even if caught, a pedophile in JW's know that they have a chance to keep it under wraps and be out of jail, although thanks to Bill Bowen and Barabra Anderson at Silent Lambs, those salad days appear to be ending.

Jeff

The good old days weren't always good
And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems
-Billy Joel