by FreePeace 22 Replies latest jw friends
It's still a lie.
They say "those who leave the faith" - but in fact THEY CANNOT LEAVE. They are still considered members no matter
what subject to df'ing at a future time. No 'leaving of the faith' is ever recognized - except as deliberate disassociation
which results in shunning.
metatron
Hi all,
I agree with Metatron. No 'leaving of the faith' is ever recognized - except as deliberate disassociation which results in shunning. Those that stop going to meetings are considered brothers who are weak. They have not left the faith, just inactive. This phrase, "leaving the faith" should only apply to disassociated ones only.
Also, the topic heading on the JW's site says, Do you shun former members?
Who is a former member except those whom have taken their names of the membership list?
Smitty
Edited by - smitty on 27 August 2002 15:21:38
I disassociated myself about 4 1/2 years ago. I am being shunned! I think that if you were baptized and write a 'formal' letter, you are shunned. Because my husband, although, not baptized ds'd himself as well. But, because he never baptized, he is NOT being shunned. It's all so hypocritical, don't you think?
Happy2b OUT!!
i knew i saved this information for a reason....
here is the before and after changes they made....
---
Originally, this is what this paragraph said at this site:
http://jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm
Do you shun former members?
Those who simply cease to be involved in the faith are not shunned. In compliance with the Scriptures, however, members can be expelled for serious unchristian conduct, such as stealing, drunkenness, or adultery, if they do not repent and cease such actions. Disfellowshipping does not sever family ties. Disfellowshipped members may continue to attend religious services, and if they wish, they may receive pastoral visits. They are always welcome to return to the faith.1 Corinthians 5:11-13.
Now, it says SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT!
http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm
Do you shun former members?
Those who simply leave the faith are not shunned. If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkenness, stealing, or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and such an individual is avoided by former fellow-worshipers. Every effort is made to help wrongdoers. But if they are unrepentant, the congregation needs to be protected from their influence. The Bible clearly directs: "Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." (1 Corinthians 5:13) What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah's Witnesses? The spiritual ties he had with his family changes, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings can continue. As for disfellowshipped relatives not living in the same household, Jehovah's Witnesses apply the Bible's counsel: "Quit mixing with them." (1 Corinthians 5:11) Disfellowshipped individuals may continue to attend religious services and, if they wish, they may receive spiritual counsel from the elders with a view to their being restored. They are always welcome to return to the faith if they reject the improper course of conduct for which they were disfellowshipped.
Bolding and emphasis is mine.
So, a disfellowshipped person and one that has disassociated herself, are treated the same. They are shunned. Although, it says that 'one that becomes a drunkered, adulter, etc.......??? Well, I became none of those, just a 'normal' person. I didn't leave to start drinking, doing drugs, committing fornication, etc........I left, because I wanted to lead a normal life. We are still good people. Our kids are being raised wonderfully, with respect for ALL religions, they are going to college and are all A+ students. Isn't it crazy???? they are alot more well-adjusted than I ever was growing up as a jw.
happy2b
Clearly the public is not going to understand the difference between someone who "simply leaves the faith" and someone who has disassociated themselves. How does one simply leave the wts if not by disassociation?
But let's take them at their word. Disassociation is simply leaving the faith. Those who simply leave the faith are not shunned. [This is actually a revisiting of their former position.]
In my letter I made it clear that I was ceasing to be a member of the wts but not ceasing my relationship with Jehovah and Christ Jesus, nor was I ceasing my relationship with my friends and relatives who were still members of the wts.
Libby
I can see a morass of new letters smacking down on the polished surfaces of Service:
Dear Brothers,
This letter is to inform you that I have 'simply left the faith' of Jehovahs Witnesses. Any similarity between this letter and a Letter of Disassociation is merely coincidental....lol
HS
Excellent point H_S. I love it.
So this is "new light"?
What I think has happened is that the 'light is getting brighter', and it seems to shine first on WTS Legal. It then moves on from there to the GB and then back to Writing, where the light is boxed very neatly and delivered by truck to congregations around the world.
If only Jesus had a PR and Legal team, I am sure his preaching would have been far more effective. Can you imagine :
'Woe, to you hypocr.....' - cups hand over microphone, bends to four suited gentleman at his side and asks, "Can, I say 'hypocrite'? Were do we stand on this legally.? What if they sue us for slander? Could I just not say 'Woe, to you nasty types?'
HS
Edited by - hillary_step on 27 August 2002 18:21:6
naaaaaaaaaa, don't think "nasty types" would legally fly.
"Woe to you persons of different origins with different thoughts than mine." Wait, better strike out that there "woe"......too much negativity.
"Caution to you persons of different ethnic and/or relgious connotations and/or origins with thoughts not coinciding with my thoughts. But that's totally acceptable.....we're all free people......for now."
Did I miss a base?
waiting
