Can you be disfellowshipped for eBaying?

jwfacts

I have been busy on eBay the last couple of weeks, and am finding it really addictive. I know a lot of JWs that go crazy using eBay all the time.

I have worked out why eBay is so popular.

For buyers it combines the shopping addiction many have with the element of buying things on special.

Selling on eBay is gambling. You pay a few dollars to post an item. You may get no bids and loose your money, or you may sell something and make money. eBay creates the same rush that gambling does, like pokies. I am running around telling everyone how much I have made, but dont tell them how much it has cost me in the process.

eBay is addictive, it is gambling and it is the Internet, surely this should be a disfellowshipping offence.

PoppyR

Damn, if you can I dont need to worry about any of the other things I do wrong! I'm an Ebay addict.

However.. I do try not to watch the end of an auction, because I just end up paying more than it's worth, instead I set myself a price at the beginning and set 'bidmate' or some other tool to bid for me.

Poppy x

Clam

It's intertesting to see auctions as gambling. My JW sister elderette loves collecting antiques and has been going to real auctions for years. I might point this out to her. Addictive is a word which tends to be overused and covers a broad spectrum. I suppose if you have an addictive personality you can get hooked on anything that grabs your interest. I'd say vast number of JWs are addicted to the WTS and the Bible. As for using the internet, surely it can't all be shunned? It's part of modern society to such a point that it's unavoidable, unless the Dubs take a Harmish angle and avoid it at all costs. It's interesting to see things like Fred Franz portraits, No Blood key rings and barmy old JW magazines being sold on ebay. This is probably a case of apostates or worldly people selling merchandise to JWs. There's another issue altogether. "Bad Virtual Association"

inbyathread

I don't quite see the similarity between auctions/ebay and the disfellowshipping actions necessary™ because of gambling. While it is true that the seller is taking a chance at losing or making a profit, so is a (normal) business person. A business pays for space for the business maybe in a mall. Utilities, payroll and receiving of product are all costs associated with running the store. What you don't know is if anyone wants to buy your product today. It is a gamble. While back I went accross an intersection on a green light. Made it through without incident. Took care of some necessary business and was driving back. At that very same intersection, the light turns green, cars on the other street stopped. I continued on across the intersection and some kid decides to go through the intersection on red, through my car with his truck. Life is a gamble. We can look both ways and still get hit.

If you can share some scriptures that would help the local ecclesia in determining my ebay fate. I would appreciate it. Thanks

Crumpet

If you can share some scriptures that would help the local ecclesia in determining my ebay fate. I would appreciate it. Thanks

nice point - amusingly put inbyathread

blondie

I doubt this would fly...bartering is very similar.

Actually, it all depends on what you buy or sell on EBay...buying a cross might get you booted.

Blondie

Elsewhere

eBay is addictive, it is gambling and it is the Internet, surely this should be a disfellowshipping offence.

Only if you touched eBay in an inappropriate manner, thereby committing pornea.

dozy

Re: Can you be disfellowshipped for eBaying?

Nah - most of the JWs I know are very active on Ebay. Several have built businesses around it.

sir82

Only if you touched eBay in an inappropriate manner, thereby committing pornea.

Obviously, you didn't read my notes from the elder's school!

If you touch it for more than 30 seconds, it is "uncleanness with greediness", and you will be d-f'ed for loose conduct.

If you touch it for under 30 seconds, it is mere "uncleanness", and 1 or 2 elders will give you strong counsel, and that will be the end of it.

Ya gotta keep up with that fast-moving chariot!

yucca

dont they think about the things they are buying could have demons? They are not keeping their selves away from worldly people.When I was JW we were warned about buying from thrift stores and yard sales.Of course I loved thrift stores so I went anyway.What a silly religion.

Can you be disfellowshipped for eBaying?

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