If the Watch Tower Society discontinued shunning.... new survey!!

by cedars 32 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  binadub

  Oops, I see the petition was aleady brought to attention by mind-blown. Good info in that thread.

  ~Binadub
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  Think About It

  First of all......it's a cult, so do not expect sane, rational behavior. With the information available about this cult out there on the internet, there is no way the WTS is going to ease up on the shunning policy. They need to keep tight information control, and instill fear in the members that they will be shunned by family & friends if they do no obey the Governing Body. Without shunning there could be more "open" discussions with family members that see the cult for what it really is.

  Think About It
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  Phizzy

  I am merely inactive, so simply answered the last question, which seems to apply to anybody (?) I answered that I totally disagree with the shunning policy.

  Too much heartache, and some loss of life, has been caused by it to support it in any way.
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  lilbluekitty

  Bubblegum Apotheosis, that is the most awesome question I've seen today: If Jesus Christ was to shun all the sinners, who would be left on earth untouched? I SOOO wish I could ask my family members who shun me that question!!
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  FatFreek 2005

  Whether to abandon shunning of family members is a touchy topic that may have raised its ugly head at the policy table of the current governing body.

  I have mixed feelings on whether they may change policy. Here's why it wouldn't surprise me.

  Thanks to the internet, fence-sitting Jehovah's Witnesses learn that are other options. Instead of playing the game Watchtower wants them to play -- "If you agree, stay in. If you don't agree, get out, but make sure and tell us first. That way we can announce a quarantine so you become off-limits to even your relatives who no longer live with you. Your influence to the rest of the flock will be extremely curtailed."

  The fade option many are choosing nowadays is not easy but it is undoubtedly causing the governing body great consternation. It is where the fader chooses to stay below the GB's radar and not declare his reversed allegiance to Watchtower. Instead of being quarantined, the fader is free to mingle and talk and enjoy a convivial family meal or get-together. The fader can do normal family favors -- fix a child's automobile, paint a parent's living room, assist a niece on her algebra -- thereby continuing to properly earn respect from those he loves. Worse, however, in the collective mind of the governing body, is where the fader subtly uses this well-earned respect to show certain loved ones the flaws in Watchtower teachings, their massive contradictions, their dishonesty and coverups.

  No it is not easy for the fader to occasionally attend a boring meeting, fake a door knock when it's his turn, force a smile during those infrequent but disturbing shepherding calls.

  The governing body may someday decide to somehow bring these faders out in the open -- let them declare the fact that they no longer wish to be members but not punitively mark them them as respects family membership. This single act could hinder the fader's subtle sabotage . Sure, the fader's attempts to undermine Watchtower may not cease completely. Without the penalty of being shunned, however, much of the fader's anger would be blunted. Who cares? Let them figure it out for themselves, he may reason.

  A change in current policy would affect membership numbers. They would certainly decline but the GB could feel that those remaining would be comprised of mostly valid flock members, not wolves in sheep clothing.

  Family members under this revised policy would now be on guard, knowing where the former member stands. The former member would still be quarantined, but only in limited fashion as respects family members not living under the same roof.

  Sure, the fader may be a shunned and marked person by others in the congregation but he can still take his mother grocery shopping followed by a relaxing soup and sandwich luncheon before returning her to her home. Family gatherings would no longer be off-limits.

  A change in policy remains to be seen.

  Family is one thing but there are other loved ones, long-developed friendships which the fader wants to be able to continue embracing in association. The fade option will continue as long as shunning continues.

  Len
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  Phizzy

  I do not foresee a change in policy. The GB must be shi**ing themselves over the number who are leaving, or becoming non-contributors, in both senses, in the affluent West.

  They show every sign of ramping up the fear of Armageddon and the fear of Apostates as weapons aginst this loss of paying members.

  The shunning policy is the only control they have over a HUGE exodus.
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  cedars

  FatFreek 2005 - I agree with you that shunning arguably creates as many problems as it solves for the GB. On the one hand, it effectively puts a "gag" on outspoken apostates, and stops them from helping their family members to see the light. On the other hand, it creates a scenario where "the enemy is among us" and faders can interract with indoctrinated family members in more subtle/gradual ways.

  I don't foresee a mandatory "oath of allegiance" as you seem to suggest. Apart from anything else, what's to stop people from swearing such an oath, but continuing to conceal their true beliefs? After all, the Governing Body has spent decades lying to us, so many (like me) would think nothing of lying to them or their representatives about where our allegiances lie if pushed into a corner.

  If a drastic change comes, it will likely be either one of two extremes, (1) shunning is lifted for all family members, or (2) inactive ones are to be shunned equally as though they are DF'd or DA'd after a certain 'grace' period of inactivity. To be honest, as I've already mentioned, I can't see them dropping shunning AT ALL, because it's far too potent for them as a tool of control. I only hope they don't implement the second "nuclear" option, although to be honest, many faders like me are already experiencing varying degrees of "pre-emptive shunning", so it wouldn't make the same dramatic difference that it once would have.

  Cedars
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  Amelia Ashton

  I answered the last question only as well as I am a fader.

  I guess I might have been disfellowshipped in my absence but I havent been told as such. I am being shunned by 2 people because of my inactivity now though.
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  cedars

  Thanks Amelia, and sorry to all the faders who were only able to answer the final question. Hopefully in the not-too-distant future we'll do a mini-survey on shunning for faders, or "pre-emptive shunning" as I like to call it.

  Cedars
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  binadub

  I think you're right, Cedars. If they abolished shunning there would likely be a mass exodus and they know it.

  ~Binadub