Yesterday's Watchtower study was the last straw for me...as you all have probably seen the post before me, here's the quote that did it for me
11/15/2012 WT "Forgive One Another Freely"
Paragraph 16 - "In accord with Jehovahs's will, Christian elders have been entrusted with the responsibility of wrongdoing in the congregation. These brothers do not have the full insight that God does, but they aim to make their decision harmonize with the direction given in God's Word under the guidance of Holy Spirit. Hence, what they decide in such matters after seeking Jehovah's help in prayer will reflect his point of view" - Matt 18:18.
My spouse is an active JW and does not clearly see what kind of rubbish this teaching is... After the meeting, I told my spouse that this was my last meeting ever!... My spouse did not expect that from me at all...I said I do not want to be part of any organized religion and will serve God individually and following what the Bible says on my own...I brought up all the non-biblical teachings the WTS shoves down our throat...I brought up all the scandals, from the "cannibalism" to the United Nations involvement...to the monthly service reports, corporate ladder style organization, child abuse cover ups etc...
My main point however, was the whole shunning/Df'ing laws the organization has...I said if a person is repented from a sin and they still get DF'ed, who are these elders to pass judgement?...I said Paul was talking about a "fornicator"...a practicer of fornication who showed no signs of repentment...God is the only one that can read hearts...I also brought up how a judicial committee is NOT Biblical, nowhere does it say that first century Christians had these type of committees...I told my spouse I don't want to have anything to do with this organization and will not let the Organization determine or condemn me because they have NO right...my spouse then said I have apostate views....I said Apostate?...according to whom?...I said I'm not going against Christ because I still follow his example...nowhere does the Bible say that an Apostate is a person that goes against an organized cult like the WTS...The WTS HAS been one of the biggest apostates ever by going against Jesus's teachings...
After a while, my spouse calmed down, never gave me some kind of ultimatum and said that we will continue to love each other and remain together...I said great, you will respect my believes and I will respect yours...we ended the conversation on great terms and I can already tell our relationship is improving by the minute...I've had this crisis of conscience for such a long time and I'm glad I finally came out and stood up for myself and the word of God...I will refuse any "counsel" these poor "elders" would want to give me, and refuse meeting with them...like I said. I will not let this organization condemn/approve my actions...
Have a great week everyone!