Hi cindycp & all?.very interesting thread!
I cant say that I dont believe that most of its the truth, I have only a handfull of arguments.
Don?t be surprised if your view on this changes with time. When I left (faded), I believed it was all ?the truth?, I just believed J?s people on earth had taken a very wrong turn and didn?t want to be associated with them even if it meant me dying. ?didn?t want to live forever or any length of time with people like that! Gradually over the years (18 and counting), I have come to realize it isn?t the truth.
I also have a grandpa, in his 90's. I'm afraid I wont be able to go to his funeral. I guess I still could, but no-one would talk to me. I dont know, are you allowed to do that?
Legally? Probably. Normally in the US, places are worship are considered public, and you are not prohibited from entering unless there?s a really good reason. Also, I believe legally, if his obituary was published in the newspaper and mentioned the services were public, you?d again have the right to enter.
you make it sound like you are being disciplined for past behavior. But, realistically it is for your present lifestyle ..
Yeah, that?s supposed to be how it goes, but we all know DFing is often done punitively rather than for correction. Quote from the elder?s handbook: ?If the wrongdoer is guilty of gross sin but gives evidence of godly repentance, even as recently as at the hearing, the judicial reproof given by the committee may suffice; disfellowshipping may not be necessary. (2 Tim. 4:1, 2; Titus 1:9; w83 1/1 pp. 30-1)?
Cindy, why not just lie about running off and getting married in Vegas or something. As far as I know no one has ever requested a copy of a marriage certificate.
Or you could create one on your computer. Just got married there myself. I could show you what it looks like so you can make one yourself.