From the official MEDIA website of JW's here's a link
http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm
Do you shun former members?
Those who simply cease to be involved in the faith are not shunned. In compliance with the Scriptures, however, members can be expelled for serious unchristian conduct, such as stealing, drunkenness, or adultery, if they do not repent and cease such actions.
Disfellowshipping does not sever family ties. Disfellowshipped members may continue to attend religious services, and if they wish, they may receive pastoral visits. They are always welcome to return to the faith.—1 Corinthians 5:11-13.
IN the interview with Barbara Anderson she made the statement:
"Most people don't understand what disfellowship would mean for a Witness. What I would lose is my family. Witnesses are not to associate with anyone who has been disfellowshipped," she said. While she would remain married to Joe, a congregation elder, Anderson said, her relationship with her son, also an elder, her daughter-in-law and her young grandchild would be jeopardized.
Jr Brown the spin clown next said:
The consequences of excommunication are severe for a reason, Brown said. It is hoped that the harsh isolation that disfellowshipped members feel will draw them back to the organization.
Other members of the faith are not allowed to speak to disfellowshipped members. They can't greet them in a store or share a meal with them. Live-in family members can speak to the person but never about spiritual issues.
An article in The Watchtower, September 15, 1981, on page 29 under the
heading "DISFELLOWSHIPPED RELATIVES NOT LIVING AT HOME" has this to say:
The second situation that we need to consider is that involving a disfellowshipped or disassociated relative who is not in the immediate family circle or living at one's home. Such a person is still related by blood or marriage, and so there may be some limited need to care for necessary family matters. Nonetheless, it is not as if he were living in the same home where contact and conversation could not be avoided. We should keep clearly in mind the Bible's inspired direction: "Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person . . . not even eating with such a man."--1 Corinthians 5:11.
So in accordance with this last statement they are implying that almost all contact except when "necessary family matters" are concerned, shunning is in effect, and by the statement, "it is not as if he were living in the same home where contact and conversation could not be avoided" sublty enforces that one should avoid contact unless living in the same household, and then, limited contact at best.
So, I ask you,.... Is Barbara Anderson's fears of shunning justified???
My thoughts............ Yes Indeed
NO MORE SPIN Junior!
All That Could Never Be Said
All That Could Never Be Done
Will Wait for Us At Last,
Somewhere Behind The Sun
