What could WT do if active Dubs celebrated Hanukkah ?
by wobble 13 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
-
-
wannabefree
I found the following to be quite infomative as well from the same article listed above by Leolaia
Even though this festival was not a part of the original covenant God made with Israel, Hanukkah became an accepted part of the Jews' worship, much as the Festival of Purim had become in previous years. (Esther 9:26, 27) Like Purim, Hanukkah was celebrated with songs and prayers in the synagogues, unlike the three major festivals mandated by the covenant (Passover; Festival of Weeks, or Pentecost; and Festival of Booths) that required trips to the temple in Jerusalem.-Deuteronomy 16:16.
Over the years the custom of celebrating Hanukkah with lights developed. Thus, historian Josephus reports that by the first century C.E., Hanukkah was also known as the Festival of Lights.
In countries where Christmas became a popular family festival, Hanukkah, particularly among Reform Jews, assumed a similar form.-EncyclopædiaJudaica
The Watchtower acknowledges that the celebrations of Hanukkah and Purim were not part of the original covenant God made with Israel, yet they became an accepted part of their worship. Also acknowledged is how customs pertaining to the celebration of Hanukkah developed over time, such as the use of lights (a custom in Jesus' day), and eventually taking on characteristics similar to Christmas especially by reformed Jews.
Why would Christmas not be acceptable under the same reasoning?
Or at least, as this thread brings out, what about JW's choosing to celebrate Hanukkah?
According to the information provided in the new Shepherd the Flock book, as far as I can tell, this technically shouldn't result in any judicial action.
-
factfinder
When I began studying with the witnesses I was told I could no longer celebrate Hanukkah because it is part of the Jewish religion. I would guess therefore that the society would label any witnesses who would celebrate Hanukkah as "apostates" and treat them the same as if they celebrated Christmas or Easter.
-
ProdigalSon
Witchtower ownership would never allow any annual observance to compete with their "Screw the Christ" Black Mass every Passover.