Judicial committees - Scriptural basis?

by Zico 10 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Zico

  I just found an interesting statement in a Watchtower article that is going to be studied soon. Although not the theme of the Watchtower (Which is why we should attend their meetings) I wondered if this was a subtle attempt to make a response to the argument that there is no scriptural basis for Judicial committee meetings.

  November 1st 2006 Watchtower, pg 28, para 5

  'Jehovah blesses his people as they meet together to worship him, study his Word, and enjoy sweet Christian fellowship. When the time comes to attend a meeting, we can be sure that it is there that ‘Jehovah commands the blessing to be.’ (Psalm 133:1, 3) We share in that blessing if we are present and attentively follow the spiritual program. Moreover, Jesus stated: “Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” In context, this statement applies to Christian elders who are meeting to handle serious problems between individuals, but in principle, it also applies to our meetings. (Matthew 18:20) If Christ, by means of holy spirit, is present when Christians meet together in his name, should not such gatherings be considered sacred?'

  I went and read Matthew 18, and it follows the scriptures which tells us the procedure to deal with problems between Christians, which is actually contrary to the Society's procedures. First, by going to your brother and discussing it with him alone, then going to him with another person if you can't settle it first time, and finally taking it to the Congregation, and if that doesn't work, treating him like a tax collector and man of the nations. I did note that there was absolutely no suggestion that the 'Congregation' meant a few select elders, and that Jesus never referred to elders when mentioning the 'two or three' I don't know about whether or not it had anything to do with disciplinary procedures though?

  Any thoughts?
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  Anitar

  No, there is no scriptural basis for a judical comittee, otherwise Jesus would have outlined the process for an appeals comittee, during which you can be denied reinstatement into the congregation at the mere whim of the elders.

  If the watchtower is telling the truth and they are God's chosen people, than you would think their judical system would be at the very least superior to the "worldly" courts. But all they do are show trials. More often than not, they've already made up their mind about the person's fate before the meeting has even begun.

  If they were really so righteous, they would disfellowship their leaders for over 130 years of gross apostasy and crimes against humanity

  Anitar
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  Zico

  Thanks Anitar,
  
  I can only imagine what a horrible experience a JC must be, and isn't this one of those things they call a 'loving provision' from Jehovah?
  
  What do you think Jesus was referring to at Matthew 18:20?
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  Honesty

  A Judicial Committee is a control device that the cult uses to keep its victims in constant fear.

  There is nothing Scriptural about it.
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  AuldSoul

  Matthew 18:18-20 — "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

  It doesn't apply to elders. It applies to disciples of Christ. If you want to take the same technical line taken by the WTS in explanation of other Scriptures, it applies only to anointed Christians Jehovah's Witnesses (as do all the Greek Scriptures, according to their doctrine). It does not even apply by extension to elders alone, if anything it would apply by extension to allChristians Jehovah's Witness.

  The precedent verses apply to every Christian Jehovah's Witness according to the WTS. (Matthew 18:15-17) The antecedent verses apply to every Christian Jehovah's Witness, according to the WTS. (Matthew 18:21-22)

  So what context applies this to elders? It definitely does not apply to congregation elders. More to the point, it does not apply to Jehovah's Witness elders—they don't ever gather in the name of Jesus.

  The only context in which this passage applies to JW elders is in the context of JW publications.
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  toreador

  I like the way you think Auldsoul.
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  Star Moore

  Zico...hi

  I believe that Christians are originally supposed to meet in homes.. with only up to 10 or so, people.

  That being said.. when it says to take it up with the congregation. I think that everyone in the small group would discuss the problem and pray and try to help with a solution. That includes the old, young, women and men.. IMO...As everyone in the small group, has the right to know....if there's a serious problem..
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  blondie

  Actually, the WTS says that they pattern the JCs after the hearing/trials held in the city gates where the older man sat as judges (Deut 16). But they don't use the example all the way, because these were held in full view and hearing of the people in the gates, the ones bringing the complaint, and their witnesses. No compartmentalizing of the players.

  I have been told that the JC procedure mirrors the early way that the Methodist Church handled wrongdoing by members.

  Blondie
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  vitty

  I know if someones wrongdoing was taken to the congregation that would makes everything transparent BUT I dont think id want everyone to know my personal business. If it was something like adultery and you partner had forgiven you, would either of you want all the details spilled out for everyone to hear.
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  TheListener

  I agree with you Vitty.

  However, my understanding of the first century congregations is that they were intended to be small close knit groups where you would truly receive love and tender compassion. When you're close with someone for a time (times and half a time; hahahahaha) you learn the good, bad and the ugly about them. The christian congregations would have needed to be an accepting place where you weren't treated like crap for your warts. Or, it was a different time and people were different and there was much less concern over privacy.

  There is a WT article from the past where they state that just because there isn't biblical precedent for something doesn't mean they can't do it. The governing body is Christ's representative on earth and are over the earthly things, thus they can make decisions and manage Christ's belongings in their own way. If someone could find that quote it may be of use to some here. It was made specifically regarding door to door witnessing.