Marking.

by Englishman 48 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  Euphemism

  The only mention of marking--and the scripture which the WTS uses to back up the procedure--is 2 Thess 3:14-15:

  But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.

  So there's no clear indication of whether the "marking" was an individual or congregational action.

  Interestingly, however, the Greek word that the NWT translates as "stop associating with" is the same one that they render as "quit mixing in company with" in 1 Cor 5:11, which is the scripture they use to justify the disfellowshipping arrangement. So it seems rather tortured to attempt to distinguish the two.
• 

  logansrun

  I believe the "marking" practice is derived from a few verses at the conclusion of 2nd Thessalonians.

  Bradley

  PS -- I KNOW it's a congregational decision because my "mentor" elder -- a sub-CO -- talked about when a "marking talk" is appropriate and when it is not.
• 

  logansrun

  Excellent point Euph.

  B.
• 

  cruzanheart

  I guess that explains the big red "X" on my back -- I've scrubbed and scrubbed and it just won't come off.

  Nina
• 

  Mulan

  it used to be the way you're describing. But it was changed in the w99 7/15 QFR.

  Okay................that's since we left. Someone should tell the current CO. He told the elders two weeks ago, that marking is individual. (I have sources) I accept the "new light".

  
• 

  czarofmischief

  It's the most ridiculous thing, it adds another level of social ostracism to the guilt control factory.

  Such bs...

  CZAR
• 

  Euphemism

  Okay................that's since we left. Someone should tell the current CO. He told the elders two weeks ago, that marking is individual.

  Weird. My best bet is that he's operating off of his personal opinion (possibly molded by old light, or possibly just by his own bible reading). I admire the CO's who have the guts to do that, as long as they're not being a-holes.
• 

  Sassy

  well I just left a few months ago and I was under the impression that only individuals could mark and that it wasn't the congregation. I guess I could look it up on the cd.. since I do have the 'latest' one.. although to be honest, I've had little interest in caring what their stuff says lately.
• 

  shamus

  Just another interesting way that the "elders" show "loving" counsel... by keeping the person by him/herself, thus making them feel horrible. Another mind control tactic, LOL!

  Oh, the bullshit just keeps going on, don't it?
• 

  logansrun

  Here's the thing, though: "marking" is kind of congregational and kind of individual. How so?

  It's congregational: The elders decide to have a talke presented outlining the undesireable behavior and reviewing what it means to "be marked" --ie read 2 Thess. yadda, yadda. NO NAMES ARE NAMED.

  It's also individual: It is up to members of the rank and file to "figure out" who's being talked about and take heed. If someone is totally clueless as to what is going on, fine -- they will do whatever.

  So to say marking is 100% individual or 100% congregational would be misleading. It's in a weird limbo state.
  
  Of course, this adds an enormous amount of gossip into the "spiritual paradise" the JWs have. Hahahahahahahahahaha.

  Bradley