"but it seemed to me that in the 30's through the 60's it was all about JW's being different from other religions. They would get the religiously dissatisfied. Since 1975, they have been getting more and more of those dissatisfied with society at large.

This is a feeling I have more then anything, but I really feel since the 75 fiasco that JW's have been attracting a different and less stable type that are more prone to mental problems and abuse. "

I have been 'out' since 1970/71 and can't comment much on the changes since, other than what I have to put up with concerning my sis who is still 'in'.
But...I tend to agree with you, Jeff. The thirties were a ripe time for recruitment - depression era and all that. And then, at the start of the War, they attracted a lot of wimpy guys who wanted to dodge the draft, too.
In rural Canada, I believe that isolation played a key role in recruitment as well - a lot of rural people were vulnerable - sometimes, the JW's were the only company they had.
Anyways, what I am getting at is this: since those times, the majority of the JW's are members through generational transference. And guess what? The cycle of abuse just gets stronger and more twisted as time goes on. It has to - abuse NEVER gets better - it ALWAYS gets worse. The JW cult are not immune to that.
The cult is 'incestuous' in more than the literal meaning of the word - it is constantly 'turning inward' which encourages the growth of that disease called 'abuse'. The longer a family is in the JW's, the more likely that the abuse will be passed on....
As far as those who are recruited - out of control people are very attracted to high control situations, it gives the illusion that they are in control of themselves, when, in reality, they are the most out of control.
From the stories that I am reading on the Board here, and what people like you share, Jeff, I would have to make the conclusion that the cult is spinning out of control. It has to. There is no other solution for it. And, the more it spins, the higher and tighter control it is going to exhibit.
It is frightening to contemplate the possiblities of where it will end up. I am not so sure that the world will ever see the demise of one of the most insiduous and destructive and diseased organizations out there, because, they would just 'blow up' and spread the disease further - little bits and pieces would fall all over the place and then new cults will emerge. You know the kind, the wackos who think that it is the'truth', and they can do it better.
Haha - just check out the Book board - there is guy there who says he is a 'faithful Jw' - trying to sell his books. We will always have those around.
I am afraid that the disease will always be with us - it just takes different forms as it evolves. The best we can do is be here and try to catch the ones who want to get better.

Dianne

“I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.”

- Susan B. Anthony