by Londo111 30 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Londo, thanks that is a great article- thanks for sharing.
I only have time for one website,
I was talking to another of our "good friends" today on the phone and after this posting and his conversation, I am going to go get a WWJD bracelet to wear around the town on weekends.
At least I will know that DF and Shunning is the wrong way to react towards those that need help the most.
Cheers, I am gonna go play 9 holes now
Thanks, slimboyfat and dreamgolfer.
JW GoneBad,
I tried to comfort the disfellowshipped lady best I could, but basically she told me the need to be humble and "accept discipline." When people are emotional hostages, stockholm syndrome sets in. The desire for approval and the fear of rejection are powerful tools in the Society's arsenal.
Thanks for posting this Londo111, I feel very sorry for anyone that allows these losers to decide, judge, or discipline them.
I have decided to disfellowshipped them, but unlike them, I don’t need to announce it publicly, or stop talking to them if I see them in the street, or keep a written copy of the verdict.
They are gone for me, and the place I have sent them is HELL.
Well written Londo! The JW power structure is more like the Pharisees that Jesus railed against as opposed to how Jesus actually behaved.
I simply can't imagine that anyone who has read the Gospels would think that Jesus would want people to behave in such a terrible manner.
Thank you, Apostatethunder.
Thanks, Doubting Bro. I do well know how much of a emotional hostage you are as well, as many of us are. I hope that one day you will be free of this cult without it costing your family.
Me too man, me too....
I was disfellowshipped and denied reinstatement for five years before leaving the organization for good. My judicial committee was no longer concerned with the original “offense” but trumped up excuse after excuse about their refusal to reinstate me, saying they needed “more time” to consider my request. Gradually I realized the truth of what another elder told me: the committee had no intention of ever reinstating me.
By the time I realized that, however, it no longer mattered. I had drawn the conclusion that the organization was not God’s organization and so I should cease all efforts to return. I have been happy ever since.
But there is another point which I believe to be very important. Nowhere in scripture is the WTS procedure for judicial committees and their actions outlined. Some have pointed to the workings of the Sanhedrin as the model for WTS judicial actions and that may be true. But the biblical example was the exact opposite. In ancient Israel, cases were conducted openly, in public, in the city gate where any and all could see and take part. Similarly, Jesus said that if a man committed a fault that needed to be addressed and refused to listen to a few people, the entire congregation was to be consulted next. If he refused to listen to the congregation, then and only then was he to be treated as a man of the nations or tax collector.
The WTS “star chamber” meetings, held in secret and with accountability to nobody, are a direct contradiction to what the scriptures say. As such, the entire enterprise is unscriptural and has no foundation. These proceedings should be completely abolished.
Quendi
Quendi,
Thank you for the experience. You are spot on.
Disfellowshipping was the worst thing that ever happened to me.
Disfellowshipping was the BEST thing that ever happened to me.
Confirmation bias is often strong…elders ignore the good in the person, and look for signs of "lack of repentance". One is guilty until proven…never mind, one is just guilty. The Society does not believe individuals have rights.
During the reinstatement hearings, I wasn't sure they would let me in either. At one point I was told I looked "too weighed down" to be repentant. Hmm…I was estranged from family and friends, I wonder why I looked that way?
To any Bethel Monitors and Elders:
I hope you are reading this and weigh what is being said. Those facilitating such star chamber hearings will bear a heavy judgment.
I'm drawing a blank too...
