The Government & Disfellowshipping

by Mary 16 Replies latest jw friends

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  Dia

  The govenment ought to be able to step in when it is a minor himself (or herself) who is being shunned by their own family members (esp. parents).

  The govenment doesn't have to dictate what they can and can't do; they should just have the legal right to take their kids away from them and mandate that they go to parenting classes.

  Outside of the legal stuff, I think people ought to work very hard to make the public aware of what the potential repercussions are of joining the WTS, or sometimes of even 'looking into it'.

  Many, many people would just steer clear from the beginning if the WTS had less power to lure them in and - ooops - just forgot to tell them about that part.
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  Siddhashunyata

  Siddhashunyata

  Re: Press Release Dec 14, 2001 03:58

  Master Member Posts: 243 Since: Dec 5, 2001 z4Fed3TA7jspVqH54ViJuQ

  A class-action suit seems remote however a preponderence of individual civil and human rights violation cases may support a request for a compromise remedy for all organizations that actively proselytize. That remedy would take the form of a full disclosure statement. In the case of Jehovah's Witnesses disclosure would be made at the "door" and in all public advertisements. Perhaps something along these lines: DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: The rules and articles of the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses may supersede certain civil and human rights that you now have . By becoming a member you agree to forfeit these
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  Siddhashunyata

  Siddhashunyata

  Disfellowshiping, is it an Endangered Species ? Aug 12, 2002 22:19

  Master Member Posts: 244 Since: Dec 5, 2001 YpAbYtBfrLFsYmHBIMEkJQ Advertisement Love Without Conditions: Reflections of the Christ Mind Ferrini, Paul $12.00 $5.96

  It is apparent that Bill Bowen and Silentlambs will not go away. It seems to me that over time, this fact translates to defection within the ranks of Jehovah's Witnesses as they continue to "associate " with this Apostate. In her letter to the Governing Body, Bill's wife correctly states that it is the Body's policies that have caused "divisions". There is no reason to think that these divisions will not continue to fester. Therefore, Bill Bowen's case is now a "Standard" to those of honest heart. I don't think the WTBTS correctly assesed the long term nature of the issue when they high-handedly disfellowshiped him. Child abuse coverups will not go away nor will Silentlambs or the internet. The child abuse issue is not small. By using the "rod" of disfellowshiping on Bill Bowen and Silentlambs the WTBTS has, inadvertantly brought disfellowshiping itself into the limelight. This is a good thing. In my opinion "divisions" will cause that policy to be ignored . The policy is a "dirty bomb". Without it, the WTBTS will be forced to sit at a table and actually answer to its membership.
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  Navigator

  Mary

  I am not willing to give up religious freedom just to outlaw the practice of shunning, however horrible it is. The price is too high. You are naive if you think the government, given that much power over our lives, would not abuse it eventually.
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  Mary

  Mary I think because it's a religion you join, no one forces you into joining the government wouldn't look at it as something they need to control.

  But that's the point: I DIDN'T join this religion, I was born into it, and so I never had any say in the matter. I never was able to "make a choice", it was made for me at birth.
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  Utopian_Raindrops

  {{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}} Mary,

  We understand that. I wasn't born a JW but I was born into Atheist family.

  Science alone rules here and let me tell you worshipers of The Scientific Theories Class can be quit smug themselves and condescending. I believe in science and The Creator going hand in hand but often that is not enough.

  Still, in my case I can enjoy (Or suffer through) a long debate about if there is a God or not. In the case of a JW child choosing to not be JW.....well as you painfully know.

  If Governments sanction Religion though, where else will they put their grubby little hands? What else will they decide for the family?

  I know of families ruined by government intervention. The Government can often be just as bad as a cult and their leaders even in small office as criminal as the worst of dictators.

  Only hope for children now is if adults who were once the hindered child stand up and educate the families not already indoctrinated.

  I have already told people some of what I learned. You can do this too Mary.

  I am sorry for all you have been through, but wonderful woman like you are who children will need to survive the next wave of unwanted indoctrination.

  Agape,

  Utopian_Raindrops
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  ThiChi

  With respect, I truly disagree. The right to free association is a paramount freedom. With few exceptions, all religions should be free to conduct what they feel is right for their beliefs, even the Dubs.