If Disfellowshipping Were Forcibly Banned (page 2)

DJ

It would be a shame if they banned it. Df'ing is a favor, imo.

blondie

Alan,

The WTS would just go underground with it like they have the "preaching" work in countries where it is banned.

Or rename it, "DAing" or "marking."

They would probably stop announcing it from the platform but could start a telephone campaign of announcement.

I can remember talking to an elder once about a sister who had personally "marked" me and was encouraging others to do the same. He said he couldn't stop her because it was her personal decision and had the right to decide who was spiritually dangerous to her and her family.

So the WTS would say they had nothing to do with it, it was just that person's personal decision.

Blondie

Mr. Kim

I am sure the borg-org would continue to twist scripture with a little new light and a revalation or two and go along with the plan to continue to get the "money".

Besides, these guys always have a back-up plan!!

garybuss

There are already prolific laws banning discrimination on the basis of religious preference in the USA and these anti discrimination laws are not a violation of religious freedom nor are they in conflict with the separation of religion from the government.

For example, it is not legal to refuse employment on the basis of religion. It is illegal to refuse housing on the basis of religion. There are exceptions.

I would be for making income and property tax free status contingent on groups not restricting any personal freedom rights within their groups that they could not restrict in a secular business.

I would be against government interference in personal social or religious behavior affairs.

On a personal note, I want the Witness group members to shun me and my family. It is a gift and I hope it continues. I would fight any law that could force them to quit.

Gary

metatron

I don't think it would wreck them. They could live with it.

The true believers would continue to drag themselves to meetings.

The kids would leave the organization, as they are doing, anyway.

In time, it would help victims of the Watchtower because eventually confusion

would spread about who was in or out.(like some inner-city congregations)

Why can't the WTS just make df'ing a LOCAL thing and leave it at that?

Even in ancient Israel, you could just go to a different synagogue.

metatron

Lady Lee

The point folks the point

IF it could be done...

If family did not have to shun family then they would be free to talk to us.

And we would be free to share what we have learned.

Years ago when they changed the policy to allow them to talk to DFed ones family were relieved. They all ran back to DFed family members faster than the WTS could believe. And they started getting information.

The WTS realized what was happening and made a real fast about face and replaced the shunning.

People went along with it but they were upset. Now most have forgotten that ever happened.

Die-hard JWs might still shun but those who believe it is cruel and a hardship would stop the shunning and reunite

Without the constraint of shunning the WTS cannot control information the members get and they know it

teejay

The effect on the JWs would be a minor issue because such a gov't act on the Dubs would hint at the fulfillment of bible prophecy... the turning of the Wild Beast upon Babylon the Great (not that I believe that bullshit). Once the government intercedes in how a religion handles its own members, the end of religion itself can't be very far down the line.

Reborn2002

The Watchtower Society is one of the best spin-doctors I know. Given their history and practices this is a requirement for their survival.

Even IF the DF'ing policy was banned by government intervention, which I do not see happening in the foreseeable future, the JW's would use that to their advantage.

Can you see it? Preaching from the platform that "Satan's world is clamping down on God's chosen people." They would use such a circumstance to incite a temporary frenzy among membership. (since the good ole "end is right around the corner anyday now" has become quite stagnant, and why pass up and opportunity to ensnare more recruits or place more magazines and thereby make more $$$) They would as always attempt to make it look as if they are being persecuted. Then, in accordance with "theocratic warfare" they would instruct loyal Dubs to shun people anyway. They would teach them how to go about it so as to skirt around the law.

Wolfgirl

Not only that, but they'd just say that Caeser's Law is telling them to do something that goes against "God's Law" (since that's what they try to say it is), and therefore they will follow "God's Law" and disobey Caeser.

minimus

Alan, substitute disfellowshipping for baptisms or private reproofs.

If Disfellowshipping Were Forcibly Banned

Share this