by minimus 43 Replies latest jw friends
Isn't it interesting that the Watchtower Organization does not require 2 witnesses to prove an allegation of adultery. If the elders, for example, believe a Christian wife who says she's been cheated on, but her husband refuses to acknowledge this to anyone else but her, she can state in writing that her spouse committed adultery AND she will be free to remarry IF the elders SIMPLY believe her!
Yet, this same rule does not apply to pedophilia!
Your comments please.
Yeah, it really makes you wonder! Something wrong with that, wouldnt ya say?
I think they do. At least in order to disfellowship the person who committed the adultery. They may allow a wife[or husband] to gain freedom to remarry, but not neccessarily discipline the person who is charged. The congregation cannot be informed of the adultery, or that the person has 'sinned' against Jehovah, in much the same way as a pedophile is protected.
That is not to say that the congregation is not aware of the gossip about this. But as far as being 'officially' sanctioned, the non-confessing adulterer, cannot be. Though perhaps his spouse can be freed nonetheless. Hypocricy is at work here - but the critical matter of informing regarding a pedophile is still the same with an adulterer. No announcement and no discipline unless there are two witnesses.
At least that is the way I always understood it.
Jeff
My point is you don't need 2 witnesses to establish every matter per their scriptural rule.
well even the adultry rule is not that easy..
I know.. my first husband had an affair.. admitted it to me but they would not for two yrs give me my scriptural freedom to date..
I kept asking and asking because I knew he was cheating and had girlfriend.. we divorced but the elders would not let me move on to date..
eventually a CO told the brothers to show me that article about writing a letter..
but then they impressed on me that GRAVITY of using it without knowing for sure.. they said the bloodguilt would be on my hands if it wasn't true.. and I would die at Armegedon..
plus.. it did not get him in trouble.. it only freed me..
so how does that help in the case of pedifiles... there still is no discipline even if you could write the letter..
All the more proof that they are no better than the pharisees.
changeling
All two unmarried people of the opposite sex have to do is stay overnight somewhere alone and that is grounds for DF'ing; especially if someone of the same sex spends the night with a known homosexual according to the Flock book, that is grounds for DF'ing. No two witness rule needed in that situation either.
LRG
The elders CAN make the decision to believe you. Period! As long as they are given that ability, it is NOT a 2 witness rule being employed here.
It really sounds as if the whole 2 witness rule was written to protect pedophiles, doesn't it?
One person's statement that 2 people slept overnight in the same house can't be used to disfellowship. 2 witnesses or the statement of the one(s) being accused is needed.
