by micheal 26 Replies latest jw friends
What is the worst thing that can happen if a brother/sister moved in with a worldy person? Both are of the same gender. Can there be reproof, elders meetings, loss of privledges? Yet this person will still continue going to meetings and service. What type of action, if any, is taken against them? Important to note, there is no family relation between the two.
Thanks for your replies.
I have never know that to occur, but I would think they could be pubically reproved or worse for actively seeking "bad associaton".
There shouldn't be any "official" sanctions, although it's up to each individual body of elders. The person will likely be heavily counseled on 1 Cor. 15:33.
The only time I can see a congregation starting a witch hunt would be if suspicion is aroused. Does the "worldly" person smoke? Will this person come to the Kingdom Hall with the odor of smoke on their clothing? Does the "worldly" person have an active social life, bringing singles into the apartment for "porneia"? Does the "worldly" person use drugs? Finally, is there any possibility that the "worldly" person of the same sex may exhibit homosexual tendencies? If so, then the "brother" is in real trouble, because a person can be disfellowshipped simply for spending the night with a "known homosexual".
There should be no congregational action taken, so long as the true christian takes care to leave the residence before 11pm nightly, not returning until the daystar has risen. Otherwise, it will be assumed that the true christian and the worldly person are having gay sex, and the true christian will be disfellowshipped, unless of course the worldly person is underage, in which case the true christian will be let off with a warning and admonition about appearances. It's all bible based.
I guess it depends on the "spirituality" of the person beforehand. I mean, I moved into a house with a bunch of students for college, and no one thought anything wrong with it...because I wasn't really putting myself out there in the first place to be judged. I went to the meetings, but made no attempt for field service and I was largely ignored. My mom only got a little mad when I moved in with a guy roommate...but she wasn't too mad because we weren't in a relationship, we were just two students, nothing big. BUT my family started to ignore me when I moved into a house with my boyfriend. So I guess it depends on the congregation, your standing, how out-there you put yourself. etc. Also...your situation...are you a student, etc?
The only time I can see a congregation starting a witch hunt would be if suspicion is aroused. Does the "worldly" person smoke? Will this person come to the Kingdom Hall with the odor of smoke on their clothing? Does the "worldly" person have an active social life, bringing singles into the apartment for "porneia"? Does the "worldly" person use drugs? Finally, is there any possibility that the "worldly" person of the same sex may exhibit homosexual tendencies?
Ok there is no smoking, no drugs and she is not gay.
Not a student but a co-worker. I guess if she used the line it is just temporary that would help. Yes I almost forgot, she has no privledges at all. They were taken away a couple of months ago.
Oh lordy I can see it now.
The elders gather at the KH to discuss brother/sister X who has moved in with a worldy person.
<gasp> they might get access to apostate literature
<gasp> they might catch cooties and bring it into the congregation.
<gasp> No No we can't allow this.
<gasp> maybe he is gay!!! <group gasp>
No we cannot allow this. If word gets out that 1 has done it before long they will all be doing it and we will have headquarters on our backs
2/3 pass put from all the shock and all that gasping for breath
The last one standing (or sitting because he is a little light-headed from the horrors about to unfold) rushes (or staggers) off to find brother/sister X to inform this that the BoE is deeply concerned for his spiritual well-being which they believe he is putting into serious jeopardy with his decision to read apostate literature, catch cooties, become gay, no move in with a worldly person
There shouldn't be any "official" sanctions, although it's up to each individual body of elders. The person will likely be heavily counseled on 1 Cor. 15:33.
that's about all i can see too. i know of a couple of folks that have done this to share in living expenses, and are buds as well. nothing came out of it from the elders. still is used to do minor 'priviledges'.
Winston.
They might be suspected of homosexual acts. You know how this old world is!
I think that SanFranciscoJim nailed it.
Now if the "worldly" person is not engaged in any of these "practices," there should be no grounds for action, but to twist Nosferatu's message a bit, you know how Dubs are. they live in a demon-haunted world of evil and immorality, because that is what they look for to satisfy their preconceptions.
Expect anything...
By the way - you mentioned that "she" is not gay. Since you told us that both are of the same sex, I conclude that the person is a sister. Then you mentioned "loss of priviledges." What "priviledges" does a siter have? Cleaning the toilet on Saturday afternoon is a "priviledge"?
