Per the YMCA discussion, here are some basic points i have in defense of our position. These go hand in hand with the article published in the Watchtower of 1979 regarding YMCA membership. Let me know what you think.
The article first says "the september 1885 Watch Tower took this position..." It then goes on to describe what the article said. I wonder how many other declarations the society made in the 1800's they view today totally accurate historically and Biblically.
It then goes on to speak of the 'paris basis', a declaration of purpose the YMCA made in 1855. It then provides a list of many quotes where YMCA leaders make supportive comments toward the treaty. While this treaty does lightly push forth the Christian doctrine of the trinity as well as other things, one important things is missing from all of the society's comments on this issue. They show absolutely no reference where the YMCA says that all members must willingly support and give their allegiance to anything in these proclamations. To follow the societies reasoning would mean that anybody who was Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, ect. would be giving up all of their own personal beliefs by having a membership! Where does the YMCA every say that those who become members to take advantage of the services provided need to convert to religious dogma? Not one scrap of evidence is provided to show that the YMCA has ever asked such things of its members. The Watchtower simply applies it's own standard of membership on other groups, even though standards differ from group to group.
They also go on to criticize the YMCA for backing projects and activities that helped soldiers, their families, as well as people helping in the war effort in WWII. Keep in mind that this was all written during a time in which 'alternative service' was seen as a breach of neutrality. Many of the activities mentioned in this article mimic what an individual would preform under 'alternative service', things that are totally acceptable to the WTS now, but where not when this article was published.
In addition I plan on making reference a good number of other policies that have changed over the years. These are all policies where individuals would be strung up for apostasy if they did not comply at the time, but later on the practice that was once wicked becomes a matter of conscience. This includes blood fractions, organ transplants, alternative service, ect.
All of this I will give as reasons for why I did not take their counsel not to be part of the YMCA without much seriousness. I will then give them the concession of no longer being a member if that is their wish. Anything they do beyond that will surly be because of their own hidden agenda.
