larc wrote on Mar 28, 2001 at 4:02:26AM:
Brother Focus, As an elder, you have brought forth meat in due season [..] your words of wisdom do confuse me. First, you said I was a sinner for having a brood, then you tell me I am a sinner for, well, slowing down the process.
Well, then, either which way it is pretty clear that you are a sinner, full stop. Which we knew all along. Do you have a point?
Two wrongs do not make a right (except for the FDS Class, where any number of them make a right).
*** w85 5/1 31
Above all, a couple should keep a clear conscience before Jehovah and toward their fellow Christians. If a couple is thinking of sterilization as a form of birth control, they still should consider any effect their actions may have on others. Though married couples do not usually publicize their decision about birth control, if it became widely known that a couple had resorted to voluntary sterilization, would the congregation be greatly upset and lose respect for them? (1 Timothy 3:2,12,13) These are factors to consider very seriously, even in this private and personal matter. In the final analysis, Paul's statement is appropriate: 'To his own master (Jehovah) he stands or falls.' -Romans 14:4,10-12.*** w75 3/1 158-60
Would a husband's approving of sterilization (either for himself or for his wife) disqualify him from positions of congregational responsibility? The Bible clearly shows God's high regard for the powers of procreation with which he has gifted humans. (Gen. 1:28; 9:1) The 'fruitage of the belly' was counted a reward and an 'inheritance from Jehovah.' (Ps. 127:3) A man whose genital organs were severely damaged was disqualified under the Law covenant from 'coming into the congregation of Jehovah.' .. The fact that the context of this verse sets forth prohibitions upon those of certain races 'coming into the congregation of Jehovah' appears to indicate that this provision relates to defective males among foreigners who took up the worship of Jehovah. (Deut. 23:1-8) It is not stated whether the damaging of the genital organs was intentional or accidental. Additionally manifesting God's high regard for the powers of procreation, when a woman attempted to aid her husband in a struggle by seizing the genital organs of his opponent, the Law ruled that her hand should be amputated. (Deut. 25:11,12).. Christ Jesus, who himself refrained from marrying, said: 'There are eunuchs that were born such from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs that were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs that have made themselves eunuchs on account of the kingdom of the heavens. Let him that can make room for it make room for it.' Such ones making themselves 'eunuchs on account of the kingdom of the heavens' did so by remaining single. (Matt. 19:10-12) By so doing they were not showing disrespect for God's provision regarding procreation. The apostle Paul, like Jesus, also showed that singleness could have advantages. -1 Cor. 7:25-38.. it would be wrong for one to submit to sterilization or approve of sterilization of one's wife simply because one has no appreciation for God's gift of the procreative powers.. Some might consider sterilization as a deliberate 'mutilation' of the body.. It is a recognized fact that only total abstinence from sexual relations gives any sure guarantee of avoiding pregnancy.. What is here presented is not to be taken as indicating any encouragement whatsoever toward sterilization, even as we cannot encourage the use of contraceptive methods by couples seeking to avoid having children. The responsibility for whatever consequences or adverse side effects may result, whether at the present time or in the future, must rest with those making the decision. Sterilization, like a hysterectomy, is a serious step, since human ability to reverse its effects is very slight indeed. The qualifying for congregational responsibility on the part of a man who approves of sterilization due to his wife's endangered state, then, is one that must be weighed in the light of Bible principles by the local body of elders. Does his life pattern as a whole show that he has deep respect for God's Word or does he make light of its counsel? Does he show himself to be conscientious and serious in his decisions? If his motive in approving of sterilization were due to lack of respect for God's standards, this disrespectful attitude would likely be manifest in other ways as well. On the other hand, if he measures up to the Scriptural requirements for those having congregational responsibility as set forth in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and other texts, then the fact that his conscience allows for surgical sterilization as a life-protecting measure need not of itself disqualify him. Of course, the attitude of the congregation must be considered. If the matter became an issue of such proportion that it distracted measurably it could seriously limit his ability to serve with effectiveness. Weighing these factors, the elders should then make their decision.
So, you see from what I highlighted that it is all a matter of how large it gets. I add that abstinence will give you more energy to focus on "God's work" and may give your wife much needed relief from unpleasant and distasteful duties (Eph. 5:11).
I could get my plumbing fixed and start a new batch at the age of 60. What do you think?
Wasn't that the follow-up to "Gremlins"? That movie involves the glorification of demons, and you are well-advised to remain apart from such!
Lastly, if there has been a slight change in guidance (1941 against children, 1975/85 against vasectomies, 1988 against children, 1999 (quoted by me on Mar 28, 2001 1:36:06AM - with some additions!) against vasectomies) - it is all a question of tacking one's equipment to the wall!
--
Focus
(Leave MY bits out of it! Class)
