page 20:.
the unwary may adopt the same view of theocratic arrangements.
they may be unwilling to go along with congregation procedures and may even complain about anything not to their liking.
Last spring (March 2012), all bodies of elders in the US received a letter about higher education. It lays down the ground rules. Higher education is defined as a program of four years or more - not specialized certification or an Associates Degree.
The 'danger' of a four year education is that "it often erodes faith in Jehovah and the Bible."
Elders, ministerial servants and pioneers can be 'removed' if they pursue (and promote) higher education for themselves, their wives or their children.
page 20:.
the unwary may adopt the same view of theocratic arrangements.
they may be unwilling to go along with congregation procedures and may even complain about anything not to their liking.
The negative stance against higher education is a smokescreen.
They reason that a young (innocent, vulnerable, simple) person will be exposed to immorality, drug and alcohol abuse, politics, evolution and higher criticism.
In actuality, the GB doesn't want people to become educated. Essential parts of a successful education are to learn to reason, question and prove.
And the local elders DO NOT want publishers that are 'smarter' than they are. Register for a four year college or university and see how quickly extra 'privileges' are taken away!
"in a similar way, at the beginning of the 20th century, there were a number of wrong expectations among true christians regarding the last days.
(2 tim.
3:1) for instance, in the year 1914, some thought that their being taken to heaven was imminent.
Unfortunately, too many followers have trusted in these 'false predictions.' For those that came in as adults, you're right slimboyfat.
Being taught from infancy of an imminent end to everything 'bad' in this life defeats a young persons desire to set long-term goals in life.
This belief system, enforced by parents and the larger congregational community, creates thinking patterns that are almost impossible to erase.
"in a similar way, at the beginning of the 20th century, there were a number of wrong expectations among true christians regarding the last days.
(2 tim.
3:1) for instance, in the year 1914, some thought that their being taken to heaven was imminent.
Another blatant misrepresentation of the facts of the Bible Students belief is "For instance, in the year 1914, some thought that their being taken to heaven was imminent."
ALL followers of Russell (from the late 1870's until 1914) held to the belief that they would be taken away ('in the twinkling of an eye' - 1 Corinthians 15:52) to heaven to rule under Jesus as princes/priests. Every local home group (ecclesia) studied this in their current WT's and the Studies in the Scriptures.
By using the term 'some' the WT implies that there were only a few that held to this belief and these individuals (weak in the faith) had 'wrong expectations' about 1914.
to paraphrase a well known saying.
is it true, in a judicial committee, if you can fake repentance, then they are likely to let you off being disfellowshipped, almost regardless of the "severity" of the sin involved?
can former elders and perhaps victims of the process shed light on the matter?
A decision to disfellowship will be made because the JC feels like they HAVE to - they have no other choice. Either the person confesses/spills his guts or too many people in the congregation have witnessed the wrongdoing (meaning two, three or more people testify against the accused) or he has been previously reproved for the same 'sin'. Also, if the Coordinator puts pressure on the committee, he can sway the decision making process because of pre-existing bias.
If someone has an elder for a father/uncle/good friend and gets 'coached' about what to say, how to say it, etc., they usually avoid the big DF - UNLESS one or more of the situations mentioned exist.
If a person ever 'avoids' getting disfellowshipped, he will find himself under constant scrutiny (with a target on his back).
The closed door judicial commitee has no scriptural precedent for christians.
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I began the de-construction of my faith...in this faith...about 2 years ago. The process began not out of anger (though I have plenty of reason), but out of the need to understand why I believe what I believe. Eventually I came to understand the history of basic WT doctrines & customs, the WTBTS, it's founders, the 'organization', etc. The more I dug for answers the more questions I found unanswered.
The emotional impact on you will be draining. Learn to take breaks and 'catch your breath.' You now have the time.
i guess tickets will be given to those who qualify.
i am usure if all in the congregation are invited, or just a selected group within selected congregations.
i am guessing that it would be selected individuals from certain congregations.
Same here.
I mentioned that we had planned some time out of town that weekend. And suggested that the special tickets (I called it 'opportunity') be given to someone else. I've been getting the cold shoulder from this elder ever since. Whatever...
hi folks.
i was going through some old things recently and came across photocopied pages i had forgotten existed.
they are scans of selected pages from the book who was jesus?, by don cupitt, published in the 70s.
Birth of a savior or prophet by miraculous conception is a theme that appears in almost all cultures. The story of Isaac being born to Sarah through holy spirit is the Hebrew precursor to the Immaculate Conception.
Other traditions predate the birth of Christ. Buddha was conceived by his mother during a dream - about 500 years before the birth of Christ. Both Babylonian and Assyrian histories contain miraculous birth through the intervention of a diety - 2000 years before Christ.
Google these folks: Houji, Momotaro, Zoroaster, Vishnu & Coatlique.
elders holding brothers back from being elder because they didn't like them, had a grudge, jealous of them etc.
selective enforcement of rules as well.
what have you guys seen over the years?.
Two young people get into some trouble. Kid no. 1 tells elder dad about it and gets 'coached' on the importance of confessing to the elders first and then how to act & what to say during the JC meetings. Kid no. 2 who only has a mom - divorced a long time ago & who struggles to get her family to meetings, field service, etc. - is blindsided by the committee's agressive treatment.
Kid no. 1 gets praise for being 'forthcoming' and showing obvious repentance. Get private reproof. Goes on to become a pioneer.
Kid no. 2 gets DFed. This devastates Mom, child eventually leaves and never gets reinstated. Mom and kid no.1 haven't spoken in 20 years.
i'm just curious if jwn is as busy as it was even a year or two ago?
.
sometimes it seems this place buzzes and other times, not so much....but maybe it's all in my head..
The .com site looks very promising!
