And you thought the Pharisees were over-the-top with their laws!!!
Clarification needed re shunning policy
by UnshackleTheChains 17 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Vidiot
Unshackle - "What I need to clarify if the practice is 'specifically' mentioned in any of the books used for bible study/ recruitment leading up to baptism?"
Easy.
It's not mentioned.
In fact, when individual JWs are asked while out witnessing, most lie, and say they don't.
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_Morpheus
Sorry vidiot, it is. I posted the relevant pages in the questions for baptism. I would argue its watered down and incomplete, that a potential witness cannot really understand what it means, but it is there.
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jwleaks
https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/shunning/
Do Jehovah's Witnesses Shun Former Members of Their Religion
Those who were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses but no longer preach to others, perhaps even drifting away from association with fellow believers, are not shunned. In fact, we reach out to them and try to rekindle their spiritual interest.
We do not automatically disfellowship someone who commits a serious sin. If, however, a baptized Witness makes a practice of breaking the Bible’s moral code and does not repent, he or she will be shunned or disfellowshipped. The Bible clearly states: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”—1 Corinthians 5:13.
What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The religious ties he had with his family change, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings continue.
Disfellowshipped individuals may attend our religious services. If they wish, they may also receive spiritual counsel from congregation elders. The goal is to help each individual once more to qualify to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Disfellowshipped people who reject improper conduct and demonstrate a sincere desire to live by the Bible’s standards are always welcome to become members of the congregation again.
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Lost in the fog
Polish Clarinet,
Regarding political involvement, in particular Voting, if the WT in 1999 said it was a conscience matter - they appear to have changed their minds again since. Here is the quote from "God's Love" p214:
Voting in political elections.
True Christians respect the right of others to vote. They do not campaign against elections, and they cooperate with elected authorities. However, they remain resolutely neutral with regard to the political affairs of the nations. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) What should a Christian do in lands where voting is compulsory or in a situation where feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth? Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits. However, he will take care not to violate his neutrality."
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gone for good
The page from JW / org (posted by jwleaks above) is a classic example of WT intellectual dishonesty.
The question asks if "...former members..¨" are shunned.
The immediate answer describes not a former member but a current (but inactive) congregation member.
This dishonest sleight of hand is intended to deceive the general public unaware of WT intricate labelling system. The deflection of attention gives the earliest possible way of getting the words "...are not shunned¨" into print in the opening sentence.
A possibly truthful answer but not to the question asked ! - lying WT weasels
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smiddy3
Or he might renounce his place in the Christian congregation by his actions, such as by becoming part of a secular organization that has objectives contrary to Bible teachings and therefore is under judgment by Jehovah God.—Isa. 2:4; Rev. 19:17-21.
Didn`t the Governing Body of Jehovah`s Witnesses the WTB&TS then by their own actions dis associate themselves by joining a secular organization namely the United Nations as an N.G.O./ D.P.I , an organization that has objectives contrary to Bible teachings and is under judgement by Jehovah God according to their own statements ?
Isa.2:4;Rev.19:17-21.
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Vidiot
Morpheus - "...I would argue its watered down and incomplete, that a potential witness cannot really understand what it means..."
Fair point.
Still shady, though, IMO.
And as far as I'm concerned, if you have to cheat to defend your beliefs, your beliefs don't deserve to be defended.