Can a witness get D.F.'d for celebrating a holiday?

by Chico86 3 Replies latest social humour

• 

  Chico86
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  Oroborus21

  
  yes and no,

  there are a lot of circumstances involved, the person's circumstances, whether they were the initiators or just co-participants with a worldly spouse, etc. whether they are a pioneer, elder, or MS, etc.

  and then there are holidays and then there are HOLIDAYS.

  many JWs essentially are not any different than worldly persons when it comes to what is involved with "celebrating" some holidays: thanksgiving , labor day, memorial day, Martin Luther King day, 4th of July, Mother's/Father's Days, even New Year's Eve and even Valentine's (though probably just a gift, flowers or a nice dinner for one's sweetie without cupid or a card and all). (These are just the ones in the U.S., others may know of similar in their countries).

  you might note that on many of these days there is nothing in particular that most people do but take the day off from work - JWs don't usually reject such days off, unless they can get holiday pay.

  The big three no-nos are Christmas, Easter and Halloween and of course Birthdays (but even some celebrate birthdays discreetly.)

  celebrating a holiday or having the accoutrements publicly out there, can be cause to get the usual work over. First a back-room visit or perhaps a shepherding call, then depending if the person is not sufficiently sorry enough or whatever, it could escalate their to formal JC.

  Very often though, I think what happens in a judicial committee meeting is that the person's whole attitude (and of course loyalty) is explored and it is usually for other reasons that one is technically disfellowshipped.

  Having thus described that it is possible to be DF'd, I personally don't know any who have been DF'd for that reason (or for that pretext) and I don't think it happens very often, probably because if one is really going to start openly celebrating holidays they are already on their way out of the Organization and already have a number of other reasons why they want to leave.

  There are not too many (true-believing) JWs that also want to openly celebrate holidays - though most if not many would if it were permissible.

  -Eduardo
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  James Free

  I think what happens in a judicial committee meeting is that the person's whole attitude (and of course loyalty) is explored and it is usually for other reasons that one is technically disfellowshipped.

  This is always the case. No one is actually ever disfellowshipped for something the DO. Rather, a much more subjective method is used - the elders decide on your ATTITUDE.

  This allows the elders a free reign in deciding one's fate. That's another reason why appeals rarely work. There is little that is OBJECTIVE to defend. Unfortunately, experience shows that most victims of a JC have been judged innocent or guilty before they have even entered the room and opened their mouth!
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  BluesBrother

  Yes .. If he is not "repentant"

  The "Pay Attention Book" says in connection to things that cause a judicial committee to be formed

  ........................................................................................

  "Apostasy is a standing away from, a falling away, defec-
  tion, rebellion, abandonment; it involves teaching false
  doctrines, supporting or promoting false religion and its
  holidays or interfaith activities. (Deut. 13:13, 15; Josh.
  22:22, ftn.; Acts 21:21, ftn.; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15, 17, 18;
  2. John 7, 9, 10; Rev. 18:4)

  Those with sincere doubts should be helped, dealt with
  mercifully. (Jude 22, 23; w82 9/1 pp. 20-1;w80 8/1
  pp. 21-2)

  Apostasy includes action taken against true worship of
  Jehovah or his established order among his dedicated
  people. (Jer. 17:13; 23:15; 28:15, 16; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10)

  Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and
  speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught
  by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates.

  If it is learned that a person has taken up association with
  another religious organization, the matter should be inves-
  tigated, and if verified, a committee should be formed.

  If it is clearly established that the person has joined
  another religion and intends to remain with it, the

  94

  "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

  ---

  elders would make a brief announcement to the congre-
  gation that such- one has disassociated himself. (w86
  10/15 p. 31 )

  Working secularly for a false religious organization could
  put one in a position similar to that of one preaching false
  doctrine. (2 Cor. 6:14-16)

  Celebrating a false religious holiday would be similar to
  performing any other act of false worship. (Jer. 7:16-19)