Is the WTBTS having cash flow problems? (page 8)

Aussie Oz

so much for anonamous donations as well

now, the brother or sister manning the machines KNOWS how much a particular person 'donates',

and, so as to not appear like a cheapskate i'll bet they donate considerable amounts to boot.

oz

wannabefree

And as for attending family members wedding and funerals feel free to research that too.

Yes, I remember when this one came out. It is left up to the individual's conscience, although the counsel is heavy handed on which way the conscience should go.

*** w07 11/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
Questions From Readers
Is it proper for one of Jehovah's Witnesses to attend the wedding of a non-Witness relative or acquaintance?
Weddings are joyous occasions, and it is understandable that a Christian would like to share in that joy. Of course, minors invited to attend should defer to their parents or guardians, who have the final say on the matter. (Ephesians 6:1-3) But what if a man who is not one of Jehovah's Witnesses asks his Christian wife to accompany him to a church wedding? Her conscience might allow her to go merely as an observer determined not to share in any religious acts associated with the occasion.
Basically, then, whether to be present at a certain wedding or not is a matter for personal decision. However, each Christian should be aware of his accountability to Jehovah and ought to consider a number of Scriptural principles when making a decision about attending the wedding of a non-Witness.
Foremost on a Christian's mind should be a desire to have God's approval. Jesus said: "God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." (John 4:24) Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses do not engage in interfaith activities, such as prayers, rituals, or ceremonies that are in conflict with Bible truth.-2 Corinthians 6:14-17.
A Christian recognizes that his or her decision could also affect others. If you decide to attend, will your relatives be offended if you do not fully participate in the wedding festivities? The potential effect on fellow believers also needs to be taken into account. (Romans 14:13) Even if you or other members of your household conclude that attending a non-Witness wedding does not pose a problem, could your spiritual brothers and sisters be adversely affected? Could it injure the conscience of some?
Wedding ceremonies involving non-Witness relatives can present challenging situations. What if you are asked to be a member of the bridal party? Or what if your mate is not a Witness and wants to participate fully? If the wedding is a civil ceremony conducted by a judge or a secular officer, attending it may involve little more than witnessing a legal proceeding.
However, a wedding ceremony held in a religious building or performed by a clergyman raises additional concerns. In order to follow your Bible-trained conscience and avoid compromising your religious convictions or doing something that might prove embarrassing to the wedding party, you may decide to refrain from attending. (Proverbs 22:3) You could spare your family and yourself much stress by explaining your Bible-based convictions beforehand, indicating to what extent you are willing to participate or perhaps suggesting an alternative course of action.
After carefully weighing all the factors, some Christians may decide that it would not be improper to attend a non-Witness wedding as a quiet observer. But if a Christian reasons that by being present, he might be tempted to compromise godly principles, he may conclude that the risk outweighs the possible benefits. If he decides not to attend the wedding but to go as an invited guest to the festivities held thereafter, he should be determined to "do all things for God's glory." (1 Corinthians 10:31) In making such decisions, "each one will carry his own load" of responsibility. (Galatians 6:5) Whatever you decide, therefore, remember that preserving a good conscience before Jehovah God is vital.

Sam Whiskey

They should just put up a Kiosk...it'd be so much easier and faster to donate that cash!

palmtree67

Thank you for finding that article, wannabefree.

Yes, that's how it was presented to me - attending a church for wedding or funeral was "up to your conscience" but a truly spiritual person wouldn't do it......also there would be consequences.....stumbling someone else, giving a bad witness, etc......

I hope lurkers will note this: Yes, JW's will tell you "It's up to your conscience", but when the consequences are punishment, shunning, getting the cold shoulder for doing it, loss of priveledges in the congregation......

Is it REALLY "up to your conscience"??

JW GoneBad

Aussie Oz:

'so as to not appear like a cheapskate i'll bet they donate considerable amounts to boot.'

I would say that is the GB's scheming plan.

Debator:

'Either it is okay for a church from the early Christians onwards to accept donations or it isn't. Biblically it is completely okay.'

I don't think anyone on this board will argue that Bliblically it is completely okay to voluntarily donate (it is no body elses business but ours). Without a doubt, absolutely it is OKAY!

However, how many times does an organization that proclaims that it has God as its' financial backer & that the day it has to beg for money.....that is the day to hang it up. How many times does it have to remind all to give?

You have various speakers in their parts offering reminders, either as part of their manuscript or by way of skit or demonstration...... to give. Then you have the assembly account servant before the noon break going over the accounts report (I mean a detailed report & he highlights the exaggerated deficit). Then you go into the lobby where you see 'money changers' with their check and cash cardboard donation boxes ++++ the debit/credit charge card tables.

It makes you wonder are we their to be uplifted and receive free life saving knowledge or does the GB want us there to give $$$$$$ because we (not Jah) are their backers, after all!

Hmmm!

Botzwana

If its a conscience matter then WHY when I brought back to GA pictures of my trip in New York the family I was staying with FREAKED out on me and demanded I put some photographs in my car and out of their house....

What were the photographs of? I took photos of some of the churches in New York because I appreciated the architecture. The family acted like I had a demon for crying out loud!

Listener

Hi Debator, you said the following

since I have a witness friend that has only recently come back from haiti and helping out there I know for a fact you are sadly mistaken.
Remember this though we are not paying out donations to take the responsibility off our shoulders! Whether we donate or not. We ourselves have a personal responsibility to others in need around us.
If you felt an elderly widowed sister in the congregation was neglected why didn't you go and call on her offering help?

I was talking about the org. They donate a pittence and their motivation is likely to be for tax status.

Was your witness friend provided with money for her own expenses and to provide aid when she was there by the org?

Why would the widowed sister have to be elderly in order to provide help to her and in fact why would she even need to be in the congregation. Your question is very telling indeed. My answer, though, is that I was a youngster and I looked up to my more mature brothers and sisters to provide an example. I don't recall seeing that happen. Oh wait, yes I did, they were often picked up and taken home from meetings.

That reminds me. There was an elder who's wife was going on a holiday and he was overwhelmed with offers from sisters to look after his young children. He had so many offers he was in a dilema as to whom he should select so decided to share the burden amongst a few of them.

Is the WTBTS having cash flow problems?