the last time i read 'Do you shun former members?' at http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm i'm sure it said that people could 'simply leave without being shunned' or something along them lines. am i wrong or has this been changed recently?
what happened to 'leaving' the congregation?
by Pleasuredome 12 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Dismembered
Dear Pleasuredome;
Yes you can leave the congregation w/out getting disciplined. Just as long as one keeps his or her mouth shut.
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minimus
Didn't the WBTS take that out?......Either way, it ain't true.
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tontowithloneranger
It is done. Hundreds of thousands even millions can tell you it is.
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Euphemism
Sure, you can leave without being shunned... as long as you still hold to the Watchtower moral code, don't celebrate holidays, and don't talk against the organization.
Actually, it's kind of a crapshoot. If you can manage to fall off their radar, you can do pretty much whatever you want. All the people I personally know who faded, however, still have to exercise precautions, because as long as they care about associating with anyone in the org, the threat of disellowshipping still hangs over them.
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gumby
could 'simply leave without being shunned' or something along them lines. am i wrong or has this been changed recently
What they forget to mention is that in most cases.....they will inquire of you as to WHY you left. They ask you questions or ask others questions about your feeling towards the organisation, then when they get a negative answer from you, they nail your ass!
Gumby
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Euphemism
Weird! I could have sworn, when I last checked this thread, that the post right above mine was made by SFJim. But now, the text of the post is the same, but it shows as made by gumby.
What gives?
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blondie
i'm sure it said that people could 'simply leave without being shunned' or something along them lines. am i wrong or has this been changed recently?
PD, I don't know what you are looking for but there is this statement which seems to say that you can leave without being shunned if you are only inactive rather than disfellowshipped or disassociated:
Those who become inactive in the congregation, perhaps even drifting away from association with fellow believers, are not shunned.
as opposed to
If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkeness, stealing or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and such an individual is avoided by former fellow-worshipers.
or
Those who formally say they do not want to be part of the organization any more are also avoided. (disassociated)
Blondie -
Greenpalmtreestillmine
Yes many times a careful fader does avoid shunning. It means though choosing between your family and friends and your freedom to live your life as you would like.
It's not an easy thing to do either way.
Sabrina
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blondie
PD, they did change the wording as documented here:
http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/newdfpolicy2.htm
before July 2002:
Do you shun former members? Those who simply cease to be involved in the faith are not shunned. In compliance with the Scriptures, however, members can be expelled for serious unchristian conduct, such as stealing, drunkenness, or adultery, it they do not repent and cease such action. Disfellowshipping does not sever family ties. Disfellowshipped members may continue to attend religious services, and it they wish, they may receive pastoral visits. They are always welcome to return to the faith. -1 Corinthians 5:11-13. after July 2002 at: http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm
Do you shun former members?
Those who simply leave the faith are not shunned. If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkenness, stealing, or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and such an individual is avoided by former fellow-worshipers. Every effort is made to help wrongdoers. But if they are unrepentant, the congregation needs to be protected from their influence. The Bible clearly directs: "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 spiritual ties he had with his family change, but blood ties remain. The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings can continue. As for disfellowshipped relatives not living in the same household, Jehovah's Witnesses apply the Bible's counsel: "Quit mixing with them." (1 Corinthians 5:11) Disfellowshipped individuals may continue to attend religious services and, if they wish, they may receive spiritual counsel from the elders with a view to their being restored. They are always welcome to return to the faith if they reject the improper course of conduct for which they were disfellowshipped.