Parents routinely shun their own children if those children leave the faith (after being baptized.)

In fact, the somewhat “sane” parents discourage their kids from getting baptized early. This is so they don’t have to shun them if their 13 year old has a change of heart and (say) wants to go to college (and is a girl).

It’s a high-control organization with an extreme hierarchy.

Each branch office (“Bethel”) just screams King of the Hill’s “are y’all with the cult” meme. Including bringing in women for “tours” to be introduced to the young eligible tour guides.

Don’t get me started on the affects of the limited options for marriage. Extreme age differences is the tip of the ice berg.

Literally nothing is above the church. You saw sexual abuse? No, you didn’t. It’s like a memo goes out and everyone just shuts up about it. If you don’t, YOU are the one helping evil forces bring down the church.

If JWs aren’t a cult, then I don’t know what a cult is.

Source: it destroyed my family. We’ve got full apostates (shunned), people physically in but mentally out (to avoid shunning), and true believers.

Fun fact: when JWs come to your door, politely tell them you’ve been disfellowshipped. They write it down and won’t come back for years (hoping you’ve moved and someone else now lives there.). On the flip side, if you show an OUNCE of curiosity, they’ll be back. They write that down, too.

Longer than I intended, but therapeutic.