cigarettes, alcohol and drugs

rye

Hi, but I'm wondering whether the use of cigarettes, alcohol and recreational drugs would be considered sinful under the JW faith. I've heard conflicting things on this and would appreciate it if someone could clear this up for me... thanks. I apologize if this has been discussed here before, I tried to use the search engine first but it appears to not be working at the moment.

kls

Welcome Rye, cigarettes and drugs are a no no but alcohol to a jw is the fruit of the gods

upside/down

I know MANY Dubs that indulge in all three...

but alkeeehol is their only "allowable" vice.

u/d

rye

Hi, thanks for the quick responses :) Based on the responses I've gotten, I have another related question. Is alcohol acceptable only in moderation (that is, is a JW allowed to drink alcohol to excess?)

talesin

Welcome to the board. ;)

Technically, they can only indulge moderately. However, alcoholism is rampant. Also, punishment for this 'sin' usually depends on your status in the local congregation.

t

rye

What would a typical punishment be for one or more of these three things, if you are a regular person with no high position?

upside/down

It depends... if it was a "secret" sin... slap on the wrist... possible removal of some priveleges (which is a dead give-away to everyone that you did SOMETHING), they call it "private reproof"...

If it is publicly known, you will be "publicly reproved" (announced to the congregation).And be on a period of probation. You can kiss your social life good-bye. You're treated like a leper.

Or if you're dialed in... you walk scot-free... and let daddy or hubby smooth it all out.

Only those naive enough, stupid, or who love being "punished" own up to stuff like this though... there are soooo many ways to get out of it. I've seen so many excuses.... ie. I was on meds at the time... sorry, etc. Witnesses know how the game is played.

u/d

BrendaCloutier

Rye, welcome to the board.

Alcohol use is highly acceptable, as the other posters have said. Required in moderation.

JW's have difficulty believing the concept that alcoholism is a disease vs a moral issue, in direct contrast to the AMA (American Medical Association) who declared alcoholism a disease in 1956. One of the factors in disease is it's continued progression. With continued alcohol abuse, there is a continued progression of failure in bodily functions and the development of ulcers, ulcerated esophgus, liver inflamation, cirrosus of the liver, diabetes, and wet brain, being only a few of the many sideaffects of abuse.

So what I'm trying to say here is that JW's and the attitude when someone displays alcoholism tendencies either privately or publicly is sinfull reproof, or disfellowshipping (excommunication), instead of loving kindness for someone who is ill and referral to treatment.

rye

Once again thanks for all the comments - they've been very interesting and informative.

If you are a JW and you know that another JW (acquaintance/friend/family etc) is an alcoholic, are you expected to report this information to the Kingdom Hall so that they can instill punishment? I am also interested in knowing whether these sorts of punishments are reserved for adults, or whether JW children are also "publically reproved" or given forms of punishments. For example, if you are a JW parent whose 13-14 year old child smokes cigarettes or comes home on drugs/drunk one day, is the parent supposed to report this to the Kingdom Hall so that the child can be "publically reproved?" That seems a little harsh....

Charisma

Punishements are meant for any age, not just adults.

And yes, they do want people to report you. Part of their control on people is even your best friend will feel they must turn you in, to please God and "save you'

cigarettes, alcohol and drugs

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