For any lurkers misguided out there the shunning has no biblical basis whatsoever. Ask them to show you a single instance in the bible where Jesus ever disfellowshipped anyone. Those who were repentant were forgiven instantly. Did Jesus say sit at the back for 6 months then you can rejoin the club no forgiveness was instant and rejoicing then happened. The prodigal son is far more about forgiveness then repentance and was instant and constant. The argument about cleansing the congregation falls down because more often than not those daft enough to confess are already feeling guilty or care confessing historical stuff so the argument put by one of the posters earlier is utterly meaningless. For example I know someone that had been living with their boyfriend when out of JW, they felt guilty wanted to come back, moved out planned to marry typical periodical son scenario was there much rejoicing and forgivenes. Are you kidding this is WTS it's sit at the back for a year and think about the error of your ways.
Can I also Chuck in when did Jesus give any other human the power to forgive sins. Could this be another nod to JWs Catholic roots??
They hold this ridiculous view that if if we don't Dis then everyone will run riot but the irony is because they encourage people to mindlessly obey rules rather than develop their immoral compass JWs are frequently less principled, and nastier than those outside it, this is further fuelled by the attitude if you ain't in it you don't matter so they can feel they have no moral obligations to outsiders.
Incidentally I do think WTS have missed a trick because with numbers dropping and so many trying to leave they should loosen not tighten the controls. For example if instead of counting as Dissed those who disappeared long ago or the inactive if they put these into their numbers they could artificially show an increase.
Sorry about 5 other posts here in this