Jehovah's Witnesses Can Only Do What They're Told

by minimus 30 Replies latest jw friends

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  minimus

  If a Witness is instructed to be separate from the world, they will follow the order. But if they are told to be helpful to their neighbor and make them a meal if they are sick, they'll follow the instruction.

  If the Organization rules that it is compassionate to help a disfellowshipped person in real need, then JWs will help out a disfellowshipped motorist who is stuck in the road. But if the Watchtower decides that we should treat them as "dead", then we ignore the person.

  If the "Truth" teaches that accepting a heart transplant is "cannibalistic" then it's better to refuse such an operation and please Jehovah to your death. But if the Governing Body gets "new light" and recognizes that it's simply a "conscience matter", you can now save your life!

  Can you think of other proofs showing that Witnesses can only do as their told; that they can't think for themselves???
• 

  sir82

  Yep.

  I am struck by how many are completely & utterly stymied by the prospect of filling out a DPA (no blood) form.

  "What should I put down for my choices? What do you mean, it's up to my conscience? Don't tell me that, just tell me what I'm supposed to put down!"
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  undercover

  Blood, in any circumstance or any degree, can't be used for medical purposes.

  Blood, if broken down to the right level, can be used for medical purposes.
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  undercover

  At one time JWs were to not even stand at national anthems or flag salutes. I remember being "persecuted" for not standing at flag salute in school. I remember sticking out at in ballgames when the NA was played and I was the only one sitting.

  To me, I thought it would be respectful to always stand but not participate but according to WT rules even that was out, so I didn't. Stupid me for letting someone dictate my conscience.

  Over time, it became okay to stand respectfully while still not singing or saluting. Now JWs stand quietly at NA and Flag Salutes and no one hardly notices they're not participating.
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  minimus

  If doctrine changes, they accept it as "new light", a "new thought". What was once a very important "truth" is simply discarded.

  Can Witnesses vote? The Watchtower says it's permissable but try voting and see what happens! If the elders tell a person to simply ignore the article since it doesn't apply to THEM, then that's it!
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  minimus

  JWs can stand for the National Anthem??? I don't think so.
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  Doubting Bro

  Min, I know plenty of JWs that stand for the NA now. I agree with undercover. When I was a kid, even say 15 years ago, JWs weren't allowed to stand for the NA and I would make sure if I was at a sporting event, to duck out to the bathroom or arrive late so that no one knew. I'd say in the last 10 years, that has been not reinforced and has quitely moved to the background. I think this is one of the things that wasn't an official change in policy but more of a lack of pushing. I'll have to look in the latest edition of the "School" brochure to see what the official teaching is. I think most believe that as long as you don't sing the song or put your hand over your heart, its respectful to stand.
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  undercover

  It think it depends on how it's presented. Nowadays most ballgames and events have someone sing it and half the crowd sings along, so if everyone is standing and singing, then a JW can stand silently without hand over heart.

  If it's more military style...bugle or trumpet or pipes, with everyone facing the flag and either hand over heart or saluting, then they're supposed to remain seated.

  It's really stupid anyway you look at it.

  I don't sing or put my hand over my heart still. I stand respectfully for the NA and the salute. I respect the flag, I respect the government to a point...but I will not give my allegiance to any government, relgion or organization...ever...again.
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  minimus

  I believe the "rule" is that if you were previously standing, you could remain standing but if the anthem suddenly came on while you were seated, you would have to remain seated. However, standing or sitting for the flag salute was a conscience matter....DUMB RULES!!!
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  cawshun

  Do stand, don't stand for the NA, just so you don't notice that the WT joined the UN. The WT is above the law, the rank and file, well, do as your told or else!