There is a good quote from a Watchtower in the 1980s that says elders sometimes break confidentiality. I know about it because there is a local brother who is a bit of a nerdy rebel, and he always used to quote that Watchtower (he knew the reference by heart) as a good reason for not telling the elders private stuff. He used to make the comment, "even the Society says elders can't be trusted" or words to that effect.
Elders breaking Confidentiality - I want this thread to be dirtyy
by usualusername 50 Replies latest jw friends
-
-
dgp
In theory, is there any punishment for an elder breaking confidentiality?
-
blond-moment
Haha, punishment for an elder breaking confidenciality? This is the boys club, maybe, just maybe a finger wag. There is a loophole in the elders manual for elders not to be punished for serious sin, not even lose their position. Breaking confidenciality? haha, that's nothing.
-
Morbidzbaby
As you've already seen from previous posts, it happens more often than they will ever admit.
Three ways to get a message around:
Telephone
Telegraph
Tell an elderette
-
wha happened?
They cover as much as they can, if the elder in question is part of the club. I've seen some crazy partying swept underneath the rug, and I've seen elders, run our for trumpted up charges.
The bottom line is you are introducing people into a scenario with zero training, and not as much as a simple IQ test for qualification. Half these guys are self employed so they don't understand the dynamics, of keeping confidential information, confidential
-
dgp
Just asking because a Catholic priest is supposed to undergo penalties if he breaks confidentiality. I assumed nothing would really happen to an elder, particularly if he breaks a secret that's hot and interesting for everyone to know, but I was wondering if "technically" a loose tongue would be subjected to some kind of token penalty. As in "you won't do the dishes for the congregation for a week".
I see Blond Moment is telling me there is nothing of the sort.
So I guess that would be a good point to start, Original Poster. They claim "no elder ever broke confidentiality", but, in their books, there is no penalty for breaking confidentiality anyways. It should make you think twice.
-
wasblind
Elder + wife + bed = Pillow talk
-
Band on the Run
Absolutes don't exist. All elders everywhere everyplace never even came close to revealing a confidence? The RC Church would never assert that no priest ever broke confidentiality. I have legal friends who tell "sexy" client stories, particularly about celebrities. Who in their right mind would refer business to them? You gain a fleeting moment of fame at a party and screw yourself big time.
I do think that advanced training and socialization is needed. We did not have elders but overseers. Sounds like Gone with the Wind. In order for it work, you have to penalize and penalize heavily any breaches. Hearers can't be seduced by such knowledge but must be shocked and repulsed that private business is being aired. I doubt they are evil people. Most prob. want to serve faithfully. People here keep telling me you get ahead in the org by being a team player and not drawing fire. I still suspect is is social skills and the we're in the same exclusive private club business. Knowing matters that most Witnesses do not must help you get ahead.
-
Kojack57
They say that elders never break confidentiality well, that's a lie, and it's okay to lie if it's theocratic warfare according to them. It doesn't matter if all jdubs lie to each other because they are all theocratic liars.
Kojack
-
wha happened?
crabs in a bucket