by Cindi_67 8 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse
Dr. Phil has posted an upcoming topic for his program on child abuse within the "clergy". If anybody knows someone that would like to tell their story in his program or any of you that might have had this awful experience, visit his website and apply to go to his program and share your story.
http://www.drphil.com/plugger/
Is the 14th posting down.
Thanks for being on the ball we have come close to being on Dr Phil shows
btt
Oh I hope someone is able to get on that show and tell their story!! I know abuse happens in all religions, but for all those devoted JW Dr. phill fans out there, it could be eye opening!
BTTT
Perhaps as many of us as are willing and able should write in to talk about the sex abuse of wives at the same time. On another thread on this board, recently came up this reprint of a WT article. I'm sure a copy of this along with the letters/ testimonies regarding abused JW children AND wives would have to get somebody's attention there....especially in light of the questions asked by undecided unbaptized new ones like the one from dontknow: "Should I join?" responded to below.
I KNOW Dr. Phil would not agree with the content in the WT article below!!
dontknow----------- First of all, welcome.
Second, I wasn't sure I was emotionally ready to answer such a question in an impartial way, that wasn't basically the same thing as TELLING you what to do...which would only be a mimicking the WT modus operandi (not letting you make up your own mind), so I left this thread alone.
...Till now. On another thread, someone posted an old WT article that I think speaks to the heart of my experience and your question. Below is the copy of the article and the response I posted on that thread. Do with the information what you will. Whatever decision you make, know this: You have every right to look after your own needs. welfare, and safety, period...and so do your loved ones. Good luck to you in figuring this one out.
J-ex-W
*** w83 3/15 pp. 30-31 Honor Godly Marriage! ***
Married Christians
How about sexual activity between married couples within the marriage bond? It is not for the elders to pry into the intimate lives of married Christians. However, the Bible certainly enters into their lives. Those who would “keep walking by spirit” should not ignore the Scriptural indications of God’s thinking. And they will do well to cultivate a hatred for everything that is unclean before Jehovah, including what are clearly perverted sexual practices. Married couples should act in a way that will leave them with a clean conscience, as they give unimpeded attention to developing “the fruitage of the spirit.”—Galatians 5:16, 22, 23; Ephesians 5:3-5.
What, though, if one mate wants or even demands to share with his or her partner in what is clearly a perverted sex practice? The above-presented facts show that porneia involves unlawful sexual conduct outside the marital arrangement. Thus, a mate’s enforcing perverted acts, such as oral or anal sex, within the marriage would not constitute a Scriptural basis for a divorce that would free either for remarriage. Even though a believing mate is distressed by the situation, yet that one’s endeavor to hold to Scriptural principles will result in a blessing from Jehovah. In such cases it may be helpful for the couple to discuss the problem frankly, bearing in mind especially that sexual relations should be honorable, wholesome, an expression of tender love. This certainly should exclude anything that might distress or harm one’s mate.—Ephesians 5:28-30; 1 Peter 3:1, 7.
As already stated, it is not for elders to “police” the private marital matters of couples in the congregation. However, if it becomes known that a member of the congregation is practicing or openly advocating perverted sex relations within the marriage bond, that one certainly would not be irreprehensible, and so would not be acceptable for special privileges, such as serving as an elder, a ministerial servant or a pioneer. Such practice and advocacy could even lead to expulsion from the congregation. Why?Norm-------- Thanks for sharing this. Note, too, how it gives WT permission to RAPE a mate..........and says victimized mate is scripturally in the wrong to protect herself/ himself by getting a divorce. Leaving the marriage under such circumstances is NOT deemed permissible for a faithful JW----and results in all kinds of public CENSURE from the congregation INSTEAD of help, support, and protection as is needed and deserved.
This is the kind of influence which, as many of you already know, has prompted my 18-year-old faithful JW son (active participant in circuit assembly parts, no less) to say to me: "Nothing short of dad being a SERIAL KILLER can justify you divorcing him."
THINK HARD, PEOPLE, ABOUT WHAT KIND OF ORGANIZATION THIS IS...THAT WOULD ESTABLISH THESE KINDS OF RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR ITS FOLLOWERS...REFUSE THEM THE NECESSARY HELP TOWARD SAFETY AND RECOVERY...AND TELL A HURTING VICTIM THAT WHAT THEY NEED TO DO IS
MORE PRAYER,
MORE MEETINGS, AND
MORE HOURS OUT IN SERVICE
--PERIOD. Been there...heard that...speaking from experience, unfortunately.
BTTT
"I KNOW Dr. Phil would not agree with the content in the WT article below!!" And how would you know that?
"I KNOW Dr. Phil would not agree with the content in the WT article below!!" And how would you know that?
R6Laser------- Because I've seen episodes of his show where he has dealt with the subject of marital rape AND helped women escape the nightmare of domestic abuse. In case you think I posted that article because of the oral sex content [I didn't], let me tell you: I posted it because the language in it gives no room for a woman (or man) being sexuallyabused in marriage [note the word 'enforced' used in the article] to leave--and find safety-----without incurring censure from her/ his whole spiritual community and losing good name....all for wanting to be safe and respected in the home...what should be their haven away from rest of the world's pressures.
