Hello,
Another valuable exercise is to examine the history of 'shunning' procedures in recent history. How the WTS and other high control groups disciplines its adherents is very similar indeed to the C19th methodology used by such as the Quakers, Methodists etc. The WTS is particularly aggressive in its application of disciplinary measures but it by no means invented 'disfellowshipping'.
As time progressed most of these smaller groups practicing its own internal judicial system gradually evolved with pressing social change and began to divide what were considered to be wrongdoing into matters of faith sanctionable by the church, and crimes against the state which were dealt with by the state. For example it might take issue with adultery and deal with this matter within the confines of the church, but the matter of stealing was handed over to the authorities to attend to. It is this issue that has taken the WTS head-to-head with the State who view child-abuse as a State matter, while the WTS seems to be treating it as an issue of a problematic faith
Recommended books are Nathaniel Cotterell's - DISCIPLINE OF THE MEETING OF FRIENDS HELD IN NEW-YORK FOR THE STATE OF NEW-YORK AND PARTS ADJACENT published in 1856 and Bishop Harris - THE DOCTRINES AND DISCIPLINE OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1884 WITH AN APPENDIX published in 1884.
The early Christians did indeed adapt the Jewish system of dealing with its wrongdoers, ( casting them out of the synagogue - and subsequently out of Jewish society ). Internalizing the judicial methodology, especially given the unpopularity of the early Christians allowed them to present a much more attractive public image, enhanced the idea of exclusivity, as well as protecting its members from outside influences. It seems that these motives are still active in these smaller religious groups.
From the issue of blood, through disfellowshipping, I have yet to find any major doctrine, however strange, that is truly exclusive to the WTS. Over the years, they have plagerized and cannibalised vital parts from other theologies to weld together their now shaky structure. The Bible, like a little knowledge, can be a very, very dangerous thing in the wrong hands.
Best to you in your search - HS
Edited by - hillary_step on 30 July 2002 10:55:37
