Quirky:- Lol I like. now that would have been payback!
Dissed:- I speak from a certain perpective of course. Not only do they not have the right to judge anyone but their whole concept of "theocratic justice" is deeply flawed. Would any God ask men to do his judging for him within a religious entity like JWs ? I doubt it very much.
Poopsiecakes:- Absolutely a witch hunt from start to finish. Good call.
Besty:- Paul I'm sure you know they would never reply in letter form as this links the branch to the action against an individual and therefore invites possible litigation. However a few weeks later a recieved a phone call at home from Martin Benzie who stated in about a 30 second sentence "that the case against me and the letter I had sent had been reviewed and there would be no intervention from the Branch elders." So the decision stood. Couldn't care less anyway they are a very sorry bunch of misled people.
MMXIV :- This letter was not really an attempt to remain in the sect, more just playing out the final act of the saga to show that their methods behaviour and organisation are deeply flawed and have little to do with either being a Christian or adhering to the Bible.
Perhaps some of those involved including those who read the letter will have a troubled conscience because of what they read? Who knows?
In any case to answer your questions I do not believe that any supreme being would have anything to do with a washed up publishing company who cannot even have a clear set of beliefs, so any mention of the Holy Spirit in connection with the Wtbs is not possible in my view.
I was disfellowshipped almost a year ago, and I will never be connected in any way with this group of people again.
Xbro:- They did read it. And a number of local elders too as I gave out a few copies.
As for "get out of her" I don't really believe anyone has the full understanding of the Bible so not much point in trying to second guess ourselves.
If Jesus shows up anytime in the future and explains what's going on then I'm sure we'd all have to listen. Until then I'm just Getting on with rebuilding my life.
Matt.