good topic jam...
I look at it from perspective of having young children that are still associated with the jdubs because of their mother. I like to tell them that our job as parents is to teach them to use their head. To ask questions and not stop until it makes sense. That understanding will of course grow with them but if something doesnt feel right even when they are young then there is a reason it doesnt. My wife and I just joined a church right down the road from us simply because it shows them a different angle and also because they see the "worldy" people at this church of christendom and it doesnt jive with what they hear at the kingdom hall with their mother. When they hear at the kingdom hall that you have to pay to go to church, We can walk with them up to the pastor and directly ask him "how much do we have to pay to come here?" When the pastor said "absolutely nothing" that was more powerful than me telling my kids a hundred times that you dont have to pay money to a church. While I am not a fan of any organized religion I can see the merit in being involved, being part of the community of church.
I am of the opinion if I tried to completely remove the jdubs from their lives then the jdub life may become the forbidden fruit. I want them to be able to objectively look at the jdubs or any other church for that matter and be able to say "no thanks" In my view you cant say, have an open mind, be a critical thinker and on the other hand tell them to stay away from the jdubs. Its like I tell my kids, if someone doesnt want you to learn something or read a certain book its because they are hiding something from you. Dont limit yourself.
pbrow
