standfirm:
thanks for your reply,
regarding the last WT, the problem is, the basic ideas are indeed based on the bible, but the WTS does not stick to the biblical message alone, it goes and adds its own rules and interpretations:
example:
occult:
the scripture was Deuteronomy 18:10-12. In order to undertsand the strong notion against spiritism, one needs to consider the context, something we always should do, right ? Here it talks about the sourrounding nations looking for direction to spiritistic practices. Instead Jehovah told them only to listen to his prophets. This was very important, a nation among hostile people needed clear direction from God in order to survive. Any distraction from other sources would be damaging.
Well. nobody who believes the bible, would today get involved in spiritism for much the same reason. But what God warned against is practizing spiritism in all its forms. To read, listen to, watch or play something that features uncanny practices is not the same ! Its a usually a product of someones phantasy. If you want to read real demonic stories, just read the bible ! The principle, also from the context for Deuteronomy 18, is clearly not to contact any other spirit sources. Anything else goes beyond what is written, to control people on what they can watch on TV is taking away the freedom of a Christian using his bible (not watchtower) trained conscience.
disfellowshipping:
do we have to go there ? ok, the bible does not condone certain wrongs, like 1. Corinthinas 6:9-11 shows, and of course the command to remove the wicked in 1. Cor 5.
But how should it be done ?
first of all, Paul wrote to quit mixing company with someone who is a brother and fornicates, extortions etc.
The WTS combines this with another scripture in John, were, again the context shows, somebody who denies Christ should not even be greeted. John did not make any connection, which would clearly show, that this command would be an addition to Pauls advice, not to mix company. So why does the WTS fabricate any connection ?
Furthermore, while Paul mentioned a number of sins, which may lead to "removing the wicked", there is no metnion of reasons the WTS fabricates like: taking blood, smoking, celebrating Christmas, taking civil service (until 96) etc...
Additional the way disfellowshipping ni handled has no basis in the scriputres. Where in the bible is a secret court of three eldes mentioned, who decide that the whole congregation cannot associate with someone anymore, even though they have usually no idea why ?
Didnt Paul clearly address the problem in his letter, so everybody knew, what was the problem (a guy sleeping with his mother?)
And when it comes to family members, where in the bible is the difference mentioned between a close relative living in the same household or not ?
How does the matter apply to anybody who simply disassociates himself, without any wrongdoing ?
Standfirm there is a difference between being based on the scriputres and being firmly established in the sciptures. Even the witch hunt of the middle ages was based on the bible.
inbetween
oh....ooopsies!!!