FedupJW Those are the EXACT words my father, who was an elder truly deserving of the term shepherd said. He was pretty well hated by other "elders" for his realistic take on Da Troof.
These, for me, where the most dangerous people.....the ones that brought me in to the religion. The ones who were so utterly good that wherever they were, that is where I wanted to be. Not the doctrine. Not the social life. Wherever those saintly people where *had* to be where God was at.
.......and speaking of which DATW, there's many a reason for a dub being a dub! Your girlfriend may, of courses have family she doesn't want to be separated from (not least her Son which I think some may have missed). One major reason your GF may be able to cope with her lifestyle is compartmentalisation. Its something all JWs do to a greater or lesser extent. It's a coping strategy she's learned over the years.
I'm hoping the elders cut her some slack and make allowances for the lack of single brother right now (even Watchtower has made mention of it). If the Cong Is judgemental after your marriage, it may help to wake your wife up ,- as lack of love, rather than doctrine, is often the motivation for researching the religion in the first place.
Neph87 I understand the heart wants what the heart wants but she could have informed the elders about your relationship and stayed away from fornication before you got married.
Kind of this ^^^Of course, you guys could bite the bullet and actually invite the JWs to your wedding?!! Just bluff it out, act like the adults in the situation and say all are welcome but it's going ahead regardless....just an idea. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has experienced that and whether elders can actually forbid you from the religions point of view, to marry ? (supposing you're 'scripturally free' to do so). Any elders out there care to chime in on this please?