by AlanF 39 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
What do you think would happen to the Watchtower Society if disfellowshipping were forcibly banned by government decree?
Think about the implications for current JW leaders personally, for the doctrinal structure, for the power structure.
This is no mere theoretical possibility.
AlanF
There would suddenly be a bunch of "new light" about the DF'ing arrangement...
they'd start DA'ing people.
Interesting idea Alan, but there is a thing about the separation of church and state, so I don't think such a law would ever be passed.
By the way, I sent you two technical e-mails. I am interested on your thoughts on them.
Nice thought, but how would you enforce it? A person might genuinely dislike someone who's not in the inner circle in the local Dub hall, and snub them. Do they then go running to the authorities?
private organizations need to have the right to reject membership on their own decisionmaking criteria.it's the actual shunning that is the problem, and I don't see how government can really regulate that, except for allowing torts to be filed over mental anguish, etc.
I think such a thing could be possible but, not through a law against DF'n specifically. It would have to be a law designed to prevent cruelty against ones fellow man, and holding liable any organization be it religious or secular.
If it ever happened I would be visiting every KH could and exposing the WT. I'm sure i would not be the only one, therefore I'm very certain it would spell a very disasterious end for the WT.
they'd start DA'ing people.
I would have to agree with the above. Even if it was done you must remember that WTBTS law superscedes any man made law that conflicts with what Jehoober has told the wise and all knowing members of the GB.
Kansas District Overbeer
Alan,
It is an interesting proposition.
Some are quick to quote the separation of church and state saying it violates religious freedom.
Conversely, when difellowshipping involves shunning those who DO NOT WANT to be a part of JW's - their rights are summarily violated. so it comes down to a prioritization of individual rights....whose are more important from a legal standpoint? Those forcibly shunned or those seeking to exercise "religious freedom", while fearing punishment of a similar fate by a sick cult.
The rights of families vs the rights of a coercive religion....who wins?
Jack
if the government were to step in on the JW practise of DFing and DAing individuals who were no longer really JW's anwyway, then it would have wide ranging reprocussions. For instance, the Mormon practise of baptising the dead. I dont think the US congress would touch that. Other nations, maybe. Especially one like Hungary that has been lied to in the past by WTS.
