90 DAY DISFELLOWSHIPPING!!!

by DisgruntledFool 8 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  DisgruntledFool

  Has anyone else caught this tidbit in the new S-395 instructions?:

  "If the individual is not an apostate or actively promoting wrongdoing, they will also inform him that they would like to meet with him again in three months to determine if he has had a change of heart. In some cases, but not all, the committee may determine that there is basis for reinstating the individual at that time"

  This is found under the heading: WHAT IF A WRONGDOER DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE COMMITTEE'S EFFORTS TO RENDER SPIRITUAL ASSISTANCE? Subsection 15: "Remove the wicked man from among yourselves."
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  hoser

  It seems they are lightening up a bit.

  It used to be a year before you could be reinstated

  A year is a long time

  once new relationships are formed outside the borg the less chance of people coming back

  Once you’ve got that college degree a good job and a “worldly” support group chances are you ain’t coming back
• 

  Diogenesister

  So Watchtower can argue in court that shunning is equivalent to a spiritual "Time out". A mere "naughty step" if you will, with a short upper time limit. Nothing to see here....🤷🏻‍♀️
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  slimboyfat

  This is all very interesting.

  Historical examples of “reform” within movements suggest this could go one of two ways:

  1. People will draw the conclusion that everything is being relaxed and the floodgates will open in a disorderly way, including reforms that aren’t explicitly rolled out. Celebrating birthdays, criticising the GB, disbelieving 1914, tattoos, vaping, unsanctioned gatherings, having political opinions, and so on, erupting spontaneously, and the elders not being able to do much about it.

  2. The Governing Body could see ordinary JWs taking power into their own hands on issues they never intended to reform and decide it’s too much. A retrenchment and hardline crackdown could follow.

  The second is less likely if their overarching concern is to make reforms that please governments. They may see reform getting out of hand but conclude that a crackdown is not viable at that point.
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  Diogenesister

  Slim The second is less likely if their overarching concern is to make reforms that please governments. They may see reform getting out of hand but conclude that a crackdown is not viable at that point.

  After telling JWs for decades to prepare themselves for "persecution" (and using it as a 'mark' of their authenticity as Christians), it appears they fear government censure above all else!!?
  
  
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  slimboyfat

  Yes, so much for “obeying God as ruler rather than men”. Looks like they’ve decided to let Caesar dictate their policies.
  
  Although I don’t think governments care whether JWs wear suits and ties. Is that just a distraction? Or are thd GB genuine about reform in general?
• 

  ElderBerry

  So you could commit immorality and they disfellowship you

  9o days later you can be reinstated
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  HappyDad

  Watchtower's new motto: No one left behind. We need the money. $$$$$
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  westiebilly11

  It is a good move to review the shunning policy etc. Perhaps it will reunite broken family members and draw ones together. I don't think many if any will use it as a licence to commit wrongdoing. At the end of the day it does come down to one's own trained conscience. "To thine ownself be true," regardless. Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3.