The Loaded Language of the WT - Conscience Matter

by jgnat 23 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  jgnat

  When a contract is drafted, it starts with a glossary of terms, so that both parties know exactly what they are agreeing to. The WTS, however, has created it's own terms with special meanings, which completely change the meaning of their direction. A consequence of this, is that to the uniniaiated, their materials appear fairly innocuous. One of those terms is Conscience Matter.

  I am looking for examples where you were reproved or disciplined for exercising your bible-trained conscience, contrary to WT direction. Any good stories?
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  Room 215

  One interesting instance would be the statement in a November 1999 WT, to the effect that voting is now ``a matter of conscience."

  I'm not aware of any examples of problems in this regard, but my feeling is that woe betide any naive dub-- in the U.S. at least -- whose conscience permits him/her to vote and does so openly and unapologetically.
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  ozziepost

  the statement in a November 1999 WT, to the effect that voting is now ``a matter of conscience."

  This one was an absolute classic! A great example of the conflict between Service Department led by Ted Jarasz and the Writing Department. At the time of the Tower article the elders were instructed by Service to adopt the opposite stance. Thus, in Australia, which has compulsory voting, it's taken for granted that no "true christian" would ever vote......and woe betide you if you were caught attending the polling station!

  The duplicity of it all!

  Cheers, Ozzie
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  Room 215

  Oz, it's one big example of just how gravely the WT's moral fiber has eroded and how sniveling they've become. Time was -- and you well remember this -- say, in the days of Rutherford and Knorr, when JWs would simply retort, in effect: ``To hell with you all! Damn the consequences, we're Christians, we're neutral! We ain't voting; it's wrong, and if you don't like it, lump it!"
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  ozziepost

  Ahhh, those were the days, Roomie! Wasn't life in "the troof" so much different then?

  Cheers, Ozzie
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  Scully

  hi jgnat!

  I posted a thread back in February about JWs & the Concept of Conscientious Objection
  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/12/46202/1.ashx

  It pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter.

  Love, Scully
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  Santiago

  Regarding the voting issue, our CO said that it was a matter of conscience only in those countries where voting is mandatory. He proceeded to point out that since voting is not mandatory in this country it is not a matter of conscience and we are not allow to vote.
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  Room 215

  Santiago, can you swallow that? A Christian's conscience is operative only in some parts of the world and under certain regimes and not in others? I wouldn't want to take that proposition into a debate/
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  Odrade

  This is a great topic. One I discussed with a couple of hard-core dubs from my hall. I have known of JWs who have exercised their conscience in attending University. They subsequently had privileges removed for their decision. (eg: no mic. handling, no parts on service meeting, not approved for aux. pio., etc. Talks given about pursuing the world's glory by means of higher ed.)

  My argument is that if something is truly a "conscience matter" then there is no room for sanctions, no matter at what end of the issue you exercise your right of conscience. The extremely narrow stand should be dealt with in the same manner as the very broad view. The moment sanctions or discipline is imposed because a JW exercising the right of conscience in a way that is not in keeping with the general consensus, it is no longer a conscience matter. You cannot tell someone that it is their choice, there are no rules, then punish them because they pick the choice that doesn't agree with your own.

  "Conscience Matter" is the biggest cop-out (legal loophole) ever invented by the old men in Brooklyn, and one of the subjects most likely to get me all hot and angry. (Sitting here right now with my eyes bugging out and face turning red. LOL!)

  One good thing about it, those JWs who are punished for following their conscience are more likely to begin to question other stuff.

  Odrade
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  undercover

  Regarding the voting issue, our CO said that it was a matter of conscience only in those countries where voting is mandatory. He proceeded to point out that since voting is not mandatory in this country it is not a matter of conscience and we are not allow to vote.

  First of all, you'll never see in print(modern era, anyway) where JWs aren't "allowed" to vote or be in the army. It's always worded in a way that "a Christian's conscience would prevent him from getting involved in the world's politics or wars". That way it's each individual's decision and not forced upon him by the religion but at the same time it plays on the mind of the believer to make him believe that it is wrong and they should not do it. Legal crap to stay out of court, I'm sure.

  Now as for the matter of it's a conscience matter for JWs in one country but not another: Ya mean someone in Australia or where ever voting is required can, by their own conscience, go and vote, but for people in the States they "can't" vote without repurcussions? What a load of horse @#$%. What about "we obey God as ruler rather than man"? If God says no voting for Americans then I'm sure he means it for Australians. Reverse that. If it's okay for Australians to vote then it's okay for Americans to vote. What about Daniel and the three Hebrews? What if they used their conscience and decided to bow down? Then God wouldn't have had to send an angel down to save their asses. Nice of em to stick up for him and all, but hey, why stir up trouble if it's not that big of a deal?