I decided to do a few threads the next few days on RIDICULOUS sets of rules the GB makes about things which are none of their business and showing what rules they make, which are in no way scriptual. They claim they are not inspired but everybody has to obey them. These threads will also show how they strip and attack anything that can possibly be fun and joyful in one's life.
This thread is about parties, social gatherings, etc. The GB and WT teach it's members to not associate with anybody else not of their religion. You'd think they would encourage and promote as many social activities as possible so it's members would not feel any urge to look elsewhere for having fun but they do the opposite.
The 3/1/2006 WT page 20/21 says " Having large social events is not advisable, since supervision at such is often difficult. At a time that does not interfere with spiritual activities, a few families may decide to enjoy a picnic together or play a game that is not overly competitive. When some of the elders, ministerial servants, or other mature ones are present at a social gathering, they provide an influence for good and the occasion can be even more refreshing.15 At social gatherings, those making the arrangements should not overlook the need for proper supervision. "
(Can they show me where in the bible does it say having large social events is wrong? So members who have large parties will be talked too or looked down upon. They should instead just have a picnic with a few people while watching little house on the praire? I'm also curious where in the bible does it say that everyone including adults are actually children and need to be supervised? Who supervises the governing body?)
Some gems from the 8/15/1992 WT page 19 about parties and forbiddening fun theme parties like masquerades and costume parties......"17 Fine oversight of a social gathering includes its planning and preparation. This does not require devising a catchy theme to make it unique or memorable but which would imitate worldly parties, such as costume balls or masquerade parties. Can you imagine faithful Israelites in the Promised Land planning a party where all were to dress like pagans in Egypt or another land? Would they plan sensuous dancing or wild music that might be the rage among pagans?"
(So it's wrong to have a "unique and memorable" party like a masquerade because the GB said so!)
"The Canada branch of the Watch Tower Society writes: “Counsel relative to limiting the size of social gatherings has been understood by a few elders to mean that large gatherings at wedding receptions are in violation of the counsel. They have concluded that if we are counseled to keep our social gatherings to a small, manageable size, it would be wrong to have 200 or 300 people at a wedding reception.”
(so not only are parties having 200 or more 'wrong', but even on a person's wedding day having 200 or more is wrong, BECAUSE..not the bible, but the canada branch of the WT claims that a few elders have decided that it's wrong and since the GB put their stamp on it, it's to be obeyed as bible doctrine!!)
Feel free to add more, I can add much more but dont' want to make the post too big lol.