Hey there! Thanks for the great welcome all!
I love debating, all my friends will attest to this! Its definitely exercise for the mind!
Make no mistake, our cong. isn’t necessarily lax, they just tend not to go “beyond the law” like many do, they seek the MEANING and motive of what the society is saying, like the desire to prioritize studying (in regards to school activities) I think a lot of the problems stem from too many unintelligent bros reading the “letter of law” rather than the meaning.
In my cong, if something comes to the attention of the elders, they deal with it according to the law (I know, some of my friends have had their share of commitees) never have they been threatened or intimidated, they are simply shown that they violate rules set outin the bible, such that deal with sex or whatever.
Back to the intelligence factor, I can definitely say I am lucky in my cong, the service commitee is made up of all university educated career men, the PO was an executive in a publishing company before retirement, and the secretary and service overseer both hold master degrees and have professional careers behind them, the other elders are all down to earth people as well the type that will invite you to go for a beer after work, or play a hockey game against a neighbouring cong!
This is by no means a bad thing!! Indeed, it harbours an atmosphere of tolerance, while not shying back from the tough issues, as for the shunning of Dfed ppl, I agree this is regrettable, however, the ones Dfed usually ARE guilty of something, and those that areinnocent would hopefully understand that no one, not even the elders are perfect.
As to my views, I cannot say that we are a perfect organization, as obviously there are problems, otherwise this board wouldn’t exist! (tee hee) I do believe however, that we are the closest thing to “the truth” that has come along yet.
Im reminded of what I said during my bapt questions, the last one was ”why do you wanna do this”or something like that, I knew the standard response was “I want to devote my life to Jehovah and to do his work hereon earth” but I didn’t give that answer, what I said was “I feel that as a group, we should be judged by the conduct of the members, how they live their lives, I cant speak for everyone, but I do want to live my life according to the principles that I have learned” the elder giving me the questions was like “wow, that is the best answer I have heard, shows you really THINK about this. You are getting baptized a bit older than most do, andi wish more people would wait so they had the reasoning ability” I never forgot that because its true.
As for the question about blood transfusions, me and my gf were discussing this, since we plan to have a family after we are married, I will obey the “abstain from blood” command as it is in the bible, as long as I can, I will definitely seek out alternatives, but what I told my gf was this: “if I have to damn myself to save my family, I will do so, without hesitation” I would sacrifice anything for a daughter or mate, just as one would take a bullet for them, I would suffer the consequences without hesitation.
So yes, I do think it’s the truth, and yes,I want to be apart, as imperfect asit may be…
I will not be a sheep. Ever. I think for myself.
