by metatron 20 Replies latest jw friends
Latest WT (Questions often pretended to be From Readers)
lets you pray for Df'd people in private. Wow, this
breakneck pace of ethical reform really takes your breath
away!
In a hundred years maybe they'll donate a few dollars to
charity (if it helps with getting a tax exemption)
metatron
Metatron,
Are these prayers for ANYONE disfellowshipped, or for those who are deemed to be taking steps proving their repentance? How broad was the statement allowing such prayer? (I ask, because I wonder if my JW relatives will be praying for me even though I am not taking any such steps toward reinstatement.)
Thanks. (& thanks for the post, "Questions TO readers"...)
GopherWhy shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction, after all, has to make sense.
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
by my reading, that's the ticket. Private individuals
can discern repentance and pray.
metatron
Last two paragraphs:
Since the person is no longer in the congregation, any change in heart and attitude may be observed first by those close to him, such as a marriage mate or family members. Those observing such changes may conclude that the transgressor did not commit a sin that incurs death. They may be moved to pray that he may draw strength from God's inspired Word and that Jehovah will act toward the sinner in harmony with his will.-ps 44:21, ec. 12:14
While some may be in a position to observe sufficient evidence to believe that the simmer has repented, this may not be the case with the congregation in general. They would be puzzled, troubled, even stumbled if they were to hear someone praying publicly about the erring one. For this reason, those who feel moved to pray about the sinner should do so only in private, leaving any further development in the matter in the hands of the responsible elders in the congregation.
So there you have it, the shunning doctrine holds precedence over everything, even prayers. Witness should be more concerned with not stumbling hardcore opinionated "witnesses" than asking God publicly to help their family members. It truly adds another facet to the meaning of love in the "spiritual paradise."
Hmmm,
I wasn't aware that people were not allowed to pray for DF'd family members..
You learn something new every day..
How sad!!! But, at least it's a baby step in the right direction..
Maybe the Dec 1, 2002 WT will have an article saying that as long as you meet in privte, as to not stumble others in the congregation, it is ok to spend some time with DF'd relatives, so you can observe if they are repentant or not..
Let's pray, maybe the GB is lightening up.. Who knows, maybe the 10 years they spent with the "beast" is softening them a bit <hehe>..
I take this as a good sign for all you apostates out there...
Since this thread is talking about the 12-1-01 Wt, I wanted to add a comment about another gem of spiritual retardation. On page 12 under the heading "Do Not Ignore Warning Signs" I quote:
"Through the "faithful and discreet slave," we are given timely reminders. (matt. 24:45) For example, one of the chief ways in which our figurative heart could decieve us is by causing us to indulge in worldly fantasies. These are unrealistic imaginations, daydreams, idle mind wanderings. Such can become very harmful, especially if they arouse unclean thoughts. Hence, we must reject them completely. If we hate lawlessness as Jesus did, we will guard our heart against indulging in worldly fantasies.-He 1:8,9.
Is it just me or does anyone see a little George Orwellian mind control here. As some may recall at the district convention we were admonished not to turn our heads during the program. Now this takes it to another level. We now officially have thought crimes. Each day you are not allowed to think anything but WT think. Other thoughts will now be considered "unclean" thus turning us into lawless persons. So keep this in mind friends all thoughts about life in the world make you wicked, on the other hand we should consider thoughts of being in the new world or simply put "paradise masturbation," the only proper thoughts outside of the spiritual hamster wheel of meetings and field service.
It is really scary how they are trying to control peoples private thoughts....
"don't even in your private thoughts doubt the org."
"it is ok to pray for d/f ones in your private thoughts"
"reject any worldy fantasies in your private thoughts"
Mind regulation, wow...
Can you see the judicial committee's of the future? lol delving into your most private thoughts and comdeming you for them....uuummm brother or sister so and so it has come to our attention you had a random thought that disagreed with the information in the WT today...consider yourself reproved....
They may be moved to pray that he may draw strength from God's inspired Word and that Jehovah will act toward the sinner in harmony with his will.-ps 44:21, ec. 12:14
....but don't you dare do this publicly so that you don't stumble other JWs. After all, even though they don't know the heart attitude of the DFed person, they will still heap judgment upon him, and could get very offended if you ask Jehovah to act toward the person in harmony with his will.
(incredible...)
This reminds me of a Kingdom song they sing, "Be Forgiving".
It starts out:
True forgiveness is a virtue
That we all should cultivate
It will keep us from resentment,
From the bitterness of hate.
These are mere words they sing.
GopherWhy shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction, after all, has to make sense.
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
and could get very offended if you ask Jehovah to act toward the person in harmony with his will.
Oh no seeker, not "offended", rather, "stumbled". Exactly what that means I don't know, nor does anyone else, but by throwing it in, they justify their bloody deeds. F'n BFB's.
