When a JW gives me the "they brought reproach on Jehovah" routine, my response is going to be this:
Could you explain how exposing criminals like child molesters brings reproach on Jehovah? Because from everything I've ever learned about child abuse and molestation, that behaviour in itself is reproachful. If it's happening within the Organization and being covered up by elders, essentially enabling its existence and continuation, that too is reproachful. The fact that it is not exposed, leaving at risk both children of JWs and children who might come into contact with a molester in the door-to-door work, multiplies the reproach yet further. So tell me, how does exposing someone like this, protecting the young children in the organization and in the community cause "reproach on Jehovah"? The molesters' behaviour is what brought reproach, and any attempt to cover it over, blame the victims, or silence their advocates multiplies that reproach exponentially.
When Samuel confronted David about his sin with Bath'sheba, did he execute Samuel for "bringing reproach on Jehovah"?? When Paul exposed an incestous relationship in the Corinthian congregation between a mother and her son, did the elders "disfellowship" him and say he was "bringing reproach on Jehovah"?
By supporting the WTS in silencing victims and their advocates, they too are adding to the heavy burden of reproach that already exists.
Love, Scully
