Profiling of an apostate

by joe134cd 28 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  blondie

  APOSTATE NOT JUST TEACHING BUT BELIEVING "OTHER DOCTRINE" PER WTS

  http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/blog/apostate.php

  The Society’s Definition

  The Watch Tower Society has a slightly more specific idea as to what “apostasy” means. To find it (in a way that is expressed in clear terms), we must consult a letter that was sent out to all Circuit and District Overseers, dated September 1st, 1980. One paragraph in the letter reads as follows:

  

  Notice how the Society’s definition of “apostasy” (or “apostatizing”) differs substantially from the basic biblical definition in two key areas:

  An apostate is not just someone who “promotes” apostate views (i.e. by trying to “draw off followers” after themselves) – he is someone who believes things that run contrary to the “faithful and discreet slave”. An apostate is not just someone who disagrees with what the Bible teaches about God – he is someone who rejects “what he has been provided through the slave class”.

  Just thinking differently to any of the Governing Body’s teachings is enough to be an “apostate” Hence, the Watchtower’s view of apostasy is different, and more specific, than the Bible’s definition. To be an apostate, all you need to do is view things differently to the “faithful and discreet slave” (now identified as the Governing Body). Period. It doesn’t even matter whether you go to strenuous efforts to promote or convince others of your beliefs. You simply have to view Bible teachings differently to how they are expressed in Watchtower publications, and you are automatically considered an “apostate”, worthy of disfellowshipping.

  It is for this reason that many are disfellowshipped for apostasy even if they go to strenuous efforts during their judicial committee to demonstrate that their beliefs do not contradict what is written in the Bible. In the minds of elders who stick to the Society’s guidelines, it is irrelevant whether your beliefs can be backed up by the scriptures. What matters most is that you agree with the Governing Body and everything that it teaches. If you don’t, you are an “apostate” according to the Society’s definition of that term.
• 

  sarahsmile

  Hopefully the WT will copy the Catholic Church and have a section just for apostasy! The majority of Catholic are unaware of tge following:

  http://www.arian-catholic.org/arian/arius.html

  Every JW could fit the profile of and apostate because it only takes one doubt and question. Mark!

  What can the GB do? Disfellowship everyone or change the rules. Copy the Catholics.
• 

  sarahsmile

  I am just a sinner! :-)
• 

  Pistoff

  "Apostate" is not found in the Bible.

  As used by modern religions, including Islam, LDS and the WT, it is an epithet, a dirty name.

  The WT uses it a boogeyman, as if they lurk around every corner and seek to trip up the unwary.

  Jesus was apostate; Paul was apostate. All early followers of Jesus were apostates; the early christians were apostate.
• 

  Xanthippe

  Thanks blondie for that quote. How horrific that witnesses have to have their 'thinking readjusted', if they have a question about a teaching that they cannot swallow. Sounds like something from a totalitarian prison camp. From what people report a JC is just like that with people trying to talk about beliefs and use the bible and over and over again they keep being asked do you believe in the organisation. Horrible, if you don't recant you're out but they keep your family hostage, out of love.

  So by that definition if you have problems with teachings of the WTS and how they fit with the Bible and you want to talk about them, even to elders, then you are an apostate.
• 

  Watchtower-Free

  Jesus was a Jewish apostate.

  
• 

  cha ching

  You must accept error.. or else!

  Quote from the "Douglas Walsh" trial:

  Another example is the testimony by Hayden C. Covington, a former vice president and lead Watchtower attorney, who stated that Witnesses must accept a “false prophecy” as true.

  Prosecutor:	… A false prophecy was promulgated?
  Answer:	I agree [to] that.
  Prosecutor:	It had to be accepted by Jehovah’s Witnesses?
  Answer:	That is correct.
  Prosecutor:	If [a] member of Jehovah’s Witnesses took the view himself that that prophecy was wrong and said so he would be disfellowshipped?
  Answer:	Yes … Our purpose is to have unity.
  Prosecutor:	Unity at all costs?
  Answer:	Unity at all costs …
  Prosecutor:	And unity based upon an enforced acceptance of false prophecy?
  Answer:	That is conceded to be true.
  Prosecutor:	And the person who expressed his view … that it was wrong, and was disfellowshipped, would be in breach of the covenant if he was baptized.
  Answer:	That is correct.
  Prosecutor:	And as you said yesterday expressly, would be worthy of death …
  Answer:	I will answer that yes, unhesitatingly.
  Prosecutor:	Do you call that religion?
  Answer:	It certainly is.
  Prosecutor:	Do you call it Christianity?
  Answer:	I certainly do.

  (Douglas Walsh v. The Right Honorable James Latham Clyde Scottish Court of Sessions, November, 1954, p.347-348, Cross Examination of Fred Franz; also see entire testimony for other examples).
• 

  jgnat

  There are also:

  Unbaptized Publishers

  Interested Ones

  Submarine Witnesses

  Unbelieving Mates

  Inactive

  All a treated with varying degrees of enthusiasm or suspicion, no? Truly, the only ones who count are the publishers and pioneers. No witnessing, no matter how hard you believe you are not a Witness.

  By the way, those in communications know that behind every complaint letter there are a hundred people who think so but do nothing. It would be just as bad if not worse amongst the Jehovah's Witnesses as there are such dire consequences for breaking from the flock.

  I credit Outlaw for prompting HQ to get the death announcement for Guy Pierce up on their site.
• 

  quellycatface

  I refuse to be controlled.

  I am an Apostate.
• 

  BluesBrother

  Allthough the definition of an apostate given in the 1980 is undoubtedly authentic, I have yet to see it pursued vigoursly in the U K. Instead the definition from the "Shepherding The Flock " book seems to be the way they work.

  Apostasy is a standing away from, a falling away, defection,
  rebellion, abandonment ; it involves teaching false
  doctrines, supporting or promoting false religion and its
  holidays or interfaith activities. (Deut . 13 :13, 15 ; Josh.
  22 :22, ftn . ; Acts 21 :21, ftn. ; 2 Cor. 6 :14, 15, 17, 18 ;
  2 John 7, 9, 10 ; Rev . 18 :4)
  Those with sincere doubts should be helped, dealt with
  mercifully . (Jude 22, 23 ; w82 9/1 pp . 20-1 ; w80 8/1
  pp . 21-2)
  Apostasy includes action taken against true worship of
  Jehovah or his established order among his dedicated
  people . (Jer . 17 :13 ; 23 :15 ; 28 :15, 16 ; 2 Thess. 2 :9, 10)
  Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and
  speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught
  by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates .

  So far, for several years now I have been around the cong. , known to them but not making waves and they leave me alone (Can't be bothered to "shepherd" me.