What would happen to a JW for celebrating Christmas? (page 3)

AtLeastImNot

It worked for me

How far would the "my unbelieving spouse insists on observing it" argument get someone?

DesirousOfChange

I know of several inactive JWs that used the "unbelieving spouse" card and it worked. They just did not want to be DF and "lose" their JW family.

mikeflood

They're gonna go back to Xmas, rather sooner than later....

There's like scriptural base when you read it in the Bible, the angels chorus...the rejoicing, etc

They could spin it by focusing on Jesus, not Santa as nowadays. For example, what a glorious opportunity to give testimony!

People just walk away from studies when they learn about Xmas and birthdays.

However, don't give them ideas.

Beth Sarim

You could celebrate Xmas in kind of a low key "not known" kind of way.

ie) not putting up a tree or decorations

But just roasting a turkey. Lots of fine baking,, small gifts & have a few non jw relatives or just friends over.

I suppose they could make it a "conscience matter" at first, then look the other way as more and more JWs celebrated. But it's a sticky issue for them, because for so long it was one of the ways they differentiated themselves from "false religion" and "Christendom." If they end up saying it's okay, then decades of denounciation go out the window. Also, one of their rationales was that Xmas has pagan origins, and that's not entirely false.

On the other hand, if you're going to say it's okay to celebrate Jesus's birthday, then birthday celebrations are also okay. Next thing you know, Easter is on the table.

Honestly... I just don't see it. It would be a clear sign that they are going mainstream, and the whole idea was that mainstream Christianity is a tool of the Devil designed to draw people away from Jehovah. From Rutherford's time, they did not pass up a chance to attack non-JW denominations as false, as offensive to God. That is a whole lot of history to turn their backs on. How many books/magazines would they need to destroy to clean up that mess?

Beth Sarim

TonusOH

What you're saying is how the Borganization has painted itself into a corner.

😏

NotFormer

mikeflood: "There's like scriptural base when you read it in the Bible, the angels chorus...the rejoicing, etc

"They could spin it by focusing on Jesus, not Santa as nowadays. For example, what a glorious opportunity to give testimony!"

It could be done. Focus on Jesus as the greatest gift, just have a family feast and present giving. Maybe have a special dinner at the KH to which "interested ones" could be invited and a talk given afterwards.

The elephant in the room with this scenario is Jesus Himself. The WT doesn't like Him much, and have always focused their attention away from Him*.

* The new seeming emphasis on Jesus is not about Him at all, but about "his brothers", by which they mean the GB.

blondie

Christmas can be viewed many ways by the WTS, many rules, 1) religious holiday but not celebrated that way by many. 2) religious customs considered pagan 3) not the real birthdate of Jesus, death more important than birth 4) can gifts any time of the year....But the only time I saw a family df'd for celebrating Christmas, had a christmas tree in the window of their house; had up christmas decorations as well. Seen by man jws, so they were "removed" I'm not sure if it was considered a df'ing offense or that they had disassociated themselves. So if jws keep it secret from other jws, and it can't be proven, well... (Remember just reporting not supporting)

Balaamsass2

Will TWO Witnesses testify against you??

Will you confess...or deny and counter allege...insisting they produce TWO witnesses ? :)

Beth Sarim

Usually in Dubbiland,,, if 2 witnesses are privvy to the event thats all the eldubs need to proceed with discipline.

You know,,,,,that two witnesses rule. How they use it to evade reporting stuff or 2 or more they can use it to punish you.

What would happen to a JW for celebrating Christmas?

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