What a Lack of Increase Really Means for the LC

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by Ohio

I was in the LC's 30 years. I saw that diversity. I knew many members who never spoke in the meetings. They were there because of momentum, social or family relations. Many members paid no attention to endless doctrine in the meetings. Many never went to trainings. They loved the social outings and special events. The church-life to them was family and "friendships". Social interaction. Belonging. Food.

For them there was no mental conditioning.

Ohio, yes I could see that too. Parents in the same locality since 1979. Now with all my siblings living considerable distance away, I'm thankful for the social interaction my mom has. In their retirement years it's the social interaction that beneficial for my parents.
I would say there is mental conditioning. That is conditioning in relying on "what the brothers say". Just as with the current event, also in the local churches it is adverse to think for yourself and to decide for yourself. Instead outwardly in the local churches brothers and sisters are like sheep not exercising their cognitive faculties.
Brothers and sisters are conditioned not to fraternize with former members, but to avoid them out of fear of being poisoned. Seems not that different from other sectarian groups like the Exclusive Brethren.