The purpose of this thread is to stimulate discussion about where PRIVATE THOUGHTS become the concern of "others".
Can we live a secret life unknown to everybody else? Is it anybody's business? Do we have a right to the thoughts we think?
So, let us ask the following question:
Why should you or I care what somebody is thinking, believing or holding dear in their mind?
Private thoughts have no meaning to anybody else until they are acted on or revealed by the one holding those thoughts.
For example, the man standing next to you at the Post Office may believe that Lyndon Johnson had JFK killed so that he
could become President.
You cannot read that man's thoughts. They have no meaning to you. It is impossible to approve or disapprove.
PRIVATE THOUGHTS are the sole possession of the owner.
But beliefs, thoughts and ideas are PRIVATE--no matter how outrageous they are--they have no meaning to anybody but themselves.
Do you care if somebody Does or Does Not believe in something or other? Why? If they think it is/isn't true--how does that impact you?
What difference does it make in your life?
What if the Governing Body or the local Elders asked you to reveal the SECRET THOUGHTS inside your own head?
DO THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO ACCESS THOSE THOUGHTS and demand you turn them over?
What if they ask you "Do you believe Jehovah is using the Governing Body to provide important teachings for the only true religion?"
IS THAT A VALID LINE OF QUESTIONING?
What makes them think they have a right to break in to your Private Mind and make you turn over your private intellectual property?
Would it--in any way--be rebellious to refuse to divulge your PRIVATE thinking?
How and in what way?
Please discuss and give reasons.