I have been scratching my head...is there a scriptural basis for the reinstatement process for a DF'ed person? It seems that biblically, the people who strayed were welcomed back as soon as they repented (ie: the prodigal son, etc.). Is there any basis for a review of a person's heart by a body of elders, a 6 month minimum waiting period to determine repentance, limitation of privileges as part of the restoration process? I am not looking to go back, but I am curious as to the rationale behind making people jump through hoops to get reinstated. Any of our scholars thoughts would be appreciated since I have always wondered where the authority for that process came from.
Is there a scriptural basis for...
by tenyearsafter 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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isaacaustin
SCRIPTURAL BASIS- 0
I AM SURE THE WT WOULD REFERENCE 2ND COR WHERE DURING THE SUPPOSED REINSTATEMENT PAUL SAY THAT 'A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF TIME HAS PASSED"
THE REAL ISSUE IS TO BREAK THE PERSON AND ASSURE THEIR LOYALTY TO THE ORG.
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wobble
The scriptural basis is as Isaac says,for the act of re-instatement,from2Cor. Interestingly a number of commentators feel that Paul is not here referring to the same person as in 1Cor. A case of the WT not doing their homework again?
I wouldn't concern myself with this,if it wasn't that I have seen it mis-used to get a speedy re-instatement for an individual with un-doubted paedophile tendencies.
He didn't even have to go through any hoops!!! Just pulled strings,wrote constantly to Bethel etc. IMO he should still be out,he is a danger.
I suspect the process of making the person grovel,if it occurs in any measure,is not to be found in scripture.
Love
Wobble
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tenyearsafter
Thanks Isaac and Wobble...I need to dig out 2 Corinthians and read it again...which chapter is that in? Maybe the groveling is necessary to show proper repentance (yuck)...I guess simply saying it is not good enough!
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WTWizard
I do know one thing--if you never set foot inside the Kingdumb Hell again, you won't have to go through it.
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leavingwt
WT uses DF'ing as punishment.
I recall Jesus speaking of forgiving your brother seventy-seven times. I missed the part about the punishment.
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oompa
the restrictions of privleges upon returning, and also the rule of not clapping when a reinstatement occurs is on my list of "things going beyond what is written"...............the only example of what should be done upon returning from being astray is the prodigal son...........he was hugged and his dad threw a party in his honor................oompa