Most of us know that one of the control tactics that the Watchtower uses to control its members is to keep them so busy engaged in Watchtower activities that there is absolutely no time to pursue normal family interests or hobbies. Look at these quotes and see how controlling the Watchtower society is becoming.
Notice this quote from a recent book study:
"Take, for example, a man who is serious about providing for his family. To do so he would appropriately view his secular work as important. Perhaps something develops, and he feels he must miss some Christian meetings in order to work. In time, missing meetings becomes easier, and he misses more frequently. Little by little, his bond with God weakens - he has "begun to forget his maker." (Oh brother.) So what's a poor man to do, let his family starve if he can't find work that doesn't interfere with meetings? I had a brother tell me once who had six children and a wife and worked in a produce section of a grocery store 3:00P.M. till 11:30 P.M. week nights that the elders were severely guilting him into quitting his job because he missed too many meetings! He was in tears telling me this. What right do they have to tell you to quit your job- they don't!
Next quote about "worldly parents":
"A similar thing may happen to a Christian whose parents or other relatives are unbelievers. He faces issues: How much time will he reserve for them, and when?" I mean, come on, now they are saying to limit or really minimize any time for worldly relatives? I remember visiting my worldly grandparents plenty of times with my witness mom and dad in my youth ! Once again the screws of control are being turned a notch tighter!
Then about actually enjoying yourself and having fun comes this quote: "What about deciding how much time and attention to use for trips, hobbies, and entertainment"? Once again the reins of control tighten keeping witnesses SO BUSY that they will not have time to pursue hobbies , trips, and recreation.
So do you see how controlling and busy they are keeping witnesses these days?
Most of the motivation used by the Watchtower leadership is comprised of guilt and fear. This is because there is really nothing to inspire people within the organization or anything to evoke natural intrinsic motivation based upon love and devotion. The only tool available to the organizational hierarchy is attempt to make its members feel afraid and guilty for not molding themselves to the organizationally programmed treadmill. Unity is natural. Unanimity must be manufactured and enforced.
46 comments:
Absolutely correct, this is how it is. Control, control, control, that is what the Watchtower does and it does it well. With the power of guilt and fear your mind becomes obsessivly dominated by the rules of the Watchtower. One is in a constant state of questioning one's self about ones decisions in recreation, family association, work...to much time spent recreating? still close to my unbelieving parents? OH NO!
It is such a relief to not have all that burden of guilt about having fun or loving your unbelieving parents(without motive to change them) and pressure to constantly follow rules.
The other thing is you are CONSTANTLY being judged by others in the cong. about your choices and that determines if you are good assoc or not. Good example is the man here that was working the evening hours to provide for his 6 kids and how the elders and others no doubt were on him about that. These things are not wrong in themselves but they take time away from the Watchtower and therefore time away from recruitment(field service). Appearances are highly important to the Watchtower. If one goes out of Watchtower bounds others are sure to follow, not good for them. So these ones that don't follow rules are deemed to be poor association and spiritually weak.
I know one could find a Watchtower article that contradicts their being upset at the man supporting his family or frequently visiting the unbelieving family, whatever the rule they set for behavior there is a contradicting article and definitely the expectations contradict the Bible.
They are very legalistic and the rules of behavior are defined and even to the degree. It is a controlled society. Very Pharisaic by comparison.
They are out of controll in God's name, to bad for them.
For more examples of the control structure of the Watchtower Society, check out
http://wtsdissident.blogspot.com/2008/09/war-of-great-day-of-god-almighty.html
http://wtsdissident.blogspot.com/2008/09/evolution-of-governing-body.html
http://wtsdissident.blogspot.com/2008/10/watchtower-society-control-techniques.html
http://wtsdissident.blogspot.com/2008/10/watchtower-society-and-what-terrorists.html
Every Witness is treated like a child who will automatically stray if tight rules are not imposed.
They are made out to be individual choices, but couched in a guilt tripping language so that the reader will feel bad if he/she doesnt follow the 'suggestions' and others will frown on your actions if they know you are not following those 'suggestions' to the letter.
That article is such BS.
The Watchtower does not control anything.
It is a magazine and people read it and choose to do what they want with it.
The only rule is that there are none.
" Voice of Reason said...
The only rule is that there are none."
===================================
Oh really? I'm laughing out loud writing this post because the list of rules not only for JWs but the elders who are also 'judges' is ridiculously long.
I appologize in advance to the other readers of this blog for the shear enormity of this post, but 'voice of reason' desperately needs a good spanking.
Here's what your elders are taught...
Overseers
`Ruling for Justice Itself'
Jehovah, as a loving Shepherd, has directed overseers to
"rule as princes for justice itself." (Isa . 32 : 1, 2) Since Jehovah
God is holy, he requires that all those who worship him be
spiritually and morally clean . (1 Pet . 1 :14-16) As appointed
overseers, you have a large part in safeguarding the cleanness
of the congregation .
Protective care is a basic idea embraced in the word "over-
seer" (epi'skopos), which carries also the thought of one who
watches over, a guardian, a shepherd of the flock . You have
the responsibility to cultivate in the hearts of the brothers a
love for what is good and a hatred for what is bad, wicked .
(Rom. 12 :9) By holding to God's Word and by effectively
using the art of teaching, you will be able to help your
brothers not only to understand what is right and what is
wrong but also to have an active part in keeping the congre-
gation clean and chaste for public service to Jehovah .
How Elders Promote Justice
All elders are responsible to shepherd the flock, to teach,
reprove, reprimand, and exhort as necessary . (Titus 1 :
9-14)
When teaching, state clearly what God requires, and en-
courage faithful adherence to his righteous principles.
Help fellow believers to appreciate their responsibility to
keep the congregation clean .
Assist them to understand that this involves :
Keeping their own personal conduct chaste .
Listening to their Bible-trained conscience .
Relentlessly resisting temptations .
Refusing to feed their minds on immoral ideas ;
perceiving how wrong thoughts lead to wrong ac-
tions .
Parents' instilling moral character in their children .
Younger ones' obeying their parents .
Refusing to imitate the world and its unscriptural
ways .
Teaching interested persons the Bible's high moral
standards .
Set a fine example yourself in attitude, conduct, and
speech so that the congregation can imitate your faith.
(Heb . 13 :7)
Display the traits of a spiritual man ; do not give way to
unclean practices of a physical man . (1 Cor. 2 :14, 15)
Your example will help your brothers to have "the
mind of Christ ." (1 Cor . 2 :16)
Take the initiative to help anyone in the congregation
who has taken some false step ; do your best to readjust
him . (Gal . 6 :1)
Encourage good associations ; warn the brothers to guard
against bad associations both inside and outside the con-
gregation . (1 Cor . 15 :33)
Yet, do not create ill will toward a weak one in the
congregation who is being helped .
Some may not yet have their perceptive powers trained to
distinguish right and wrong . (Heb. 5 :14)
Keep watch over their souls, since you will render an
account for them too . (Heb . 13 :17)
Discern the difference between a weak person and a wick-
ed person .
Deal with your brothers as Jehovah would deal with
them. (Eph . 5 :1)
Always give them direction from God's Word ; avoid
giving your own opinions . (2 Tim . 4 :2)
Be just yet kind in all your dealings . (Mic. 6 :8)
Manifest humility by showing empathy, since you are
also a mere human made of dust . (Ps . 103 :13, 14)
Act as qualified judges .
Keep the spirit of the world out of the congregation .
(1 Cor . 2:12 ; Eph. 2:1, 2)
Reprove and readjust wrongdoers . (Titus 1 :9)
Remove unrepentant wrongdoers . (1 Cor. 5 :7, 13)
Uphold Jehovah's Righteousness
Wrongdoing is increasing in frequency and in depravi-
ty; such can infiltrate and affect the Christian congrega-
tion . (2 Tim . 3 :1-5, 13 ; Jude 3, 4, 11-13)
The Scriptures clearly show that Jehovah forbids certain
conduct among his clean people ; brothers need to up-
hold Jehovah's righteous standards regarding the follow-
ing:
Manslaughter.
A degree of guilt could result from careless driving, care-
less maintenance of one's automobile, or other careless or
thoughtless action that causes injury or death . (Compare
Deuteronomy 22 :8 .)
Being a professional boxer may be viewed in a similar
way. (w81 7/1 pp. 30-1)
Attempted suicide may be the result of deep despair or
major depression ; deal carefully and compassionately with
such a person . In most cases a judicial hearing is not
required . (Ps . 88:3, 17, 18 ; Prov. 15 :13 ; Eccl. 7 :7 ; g90
9/8 pp. 22-3 ; w90 3/15 pp . 26-30 ; w90 3/1 pp . 5-9 ; w83
8/1 pp . 3-11)
Sexual misconduct, including adultery, fornication, and
other forms of `por.nei'a . "
Uncleanness includes an intentional momentary touching
of sexual parts or caressing of breasts . (1 Thess . 4:7, 8 ;
1 Tim. 5 :1, 2 )
Such minor uncleanness can be handled at the discre-
tion of an elder or two ; it does not require a judicial
hearing .
There is a need for strong counsel, admonition, and
assistance to help the individual to maintain chaste
conduct in the future .
If not corrected, such conduct may escalate in gravity
and by frequent repetition become loose conduct .
Loose conduct is a shocking, flagrant disregard for Jeho-
vah's moral standards . (Gal. 5 :19 ; w83 3/15 p . 31 ; w73
9/15 pp . 574-6)
It may include the willful practice of heavy petting or
the fondling of breasts .
The nature, circumstances, and actual extent of what
has occurred may indicate loose conduct, which would
require judicial action .
Such practices can easily lead to por.nei'a .
"Por.nei'a" involves immoral use of the genitals of at least
one human (whether in a natural or a perverted way), and
there must have been another party to the immorality-a
human of either sex or a beast ; willing participation incurs
guilt and requires judicial action . It is not a casual touch-
ing of the sex organs between persons but involves the
manipulation of the genitals . (w83 6/1 pp . 23-6 ; w83
3/15 pp . 30-1)
It includes oral and anal sex or mutual masturbation
between persons not married to each other, homosexu-
ality, lesbianism, fornication, adultery, incest, and bes-
tiality . (Lev. 20 :10, 13, 15, 16 ; Rom. 1 :24, 26, 27, 32 ;
1 Cor . 6 :9, 10)
Also included are sexual abuse of children, including
practices involving a catamite (a boy kept for purposes
of sexual perversion) . (Deut . 23 :17, 18, Ref. Bi ., ftns. )
Victims of sexual abuse need to be treated with
extreme thoughtfulness and kindness . Elders should
always do what they reasonably can to protect
children from further abuse ; follow the Society's
directives on such matters . (g85 1/22 p . 8 )
Self-abuse, or masturbation, is not `por.nei'a, " nor
would one who was raped be guilty of por©n ei'a . (w83
3/15 p . 30 ; w74 3/1 p . 160 ; it-1 pp . 862-4 ; tp p . 144)
The term por.nei'a lays emphasis on both the lewd
nature and the intent of the person's - conduct, and it
embraces all illicit sexual activity characteristic of that
found in a house of prostitution.
Copulation (as in penetration) is not necessary to
constitute por.nei'a, and neither is sexual climax .
In borderline cases, it is the responsibility of the
judicial committee to weigh carefully the Scriptures
and the particular facts in the case to determine
whether por.nei'a was involved .
This responsibility should not be taken lightly,
especially when Scriptural freedom to remarry is
involved . (Mal . 2 :16a)
Apostasy .
Apostasy is a standing away from, a falling away, defec-
tion, rebellion, abandonment ; it involves teaching false
doctrines, supporting or promoting false religion and its
holidays or interfaith activities. (Deut . 13 :13, 15 ; Josh.
22 :22, ftn . ; Acts 21 :21, ftn. ; 2 Cor. 6 :14, 15, 17, 18 ;
2 John 7, 9, 10 ; Rev . 18 :4)
Those with sincere doubts should be helped, dealt with
mercifully . (Jude 22, 23 ; w82 9/1 pp . 20-1 ; w80 8/1
pp . 21-2)
Apostasy includes action taken against true worship of
Jehovah or his established order among his dedicated
people . (Jer . 17 :13 ; 23 :15 ; 28 :15, 16 ; 2 Thess . 2 :9, 10)
Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and
speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught
by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates .
If it is learned that a person has taken up association with
another religious organization, the matter should be inves-
tigated, and if verified, a committee should be formed .
If it is clearly established that the person has joined
another religion and intends to remain with it, the
elders would make a brief announcement to the congre-
gation that such one has disassociated himself. (w86
10/15 p . 31)
Working secularly for a false religious organization could
put one in a position similar to that of one preaching false
doctrine . (2 Cor. 6 :14-16)
Celebrating a false religious holiday would be similar to
performing any other act of false worship . (Jer . 7 :16-19)
The Bible condemns the following :
Causing divisions and promoting sects .
This would be deliberate action disrupting the unity
of the congregation or undermining the confidence
of the brothers in Jehovah's arrangement .
It may involve or lead to apostasy . (Rom. 16 :
17, 18 ; Titus 3 :10, 11)
The practice of spiritism . (Deut . 18 :9-13 ; 1 Cor . 10 :
21, 22 ; Gal . 5 :20)
Idolatry . (1 Cor. 6 :9, 10 : 10 :14)
Idolatry includes the possession and use of images
and pictures that are employed in false religion .
Drunkenness . (1 Cor. 5 :11 ; 6 :9, 10; it-1 p . 656)
Stealing, thievery, fraud . (Lev. 6 :2, 4 ; 1 Cor. 6 :9, 10 ;
Eph. 4 :28 ; it-1 p . 870)
Deliberate, malicious lying; bearing false witness . (Prov . 6 :
16, 19; Col . 3 :9 ; Rev. 22 :15 ; it-2 pp . 244-5)
Reviling, slander . (Lev . 19 :16; 1 Cor. 6 :10; it-1 pp .
989-91 ; it-2 pp . 801-2)
Obscene speech . (Eph . 5 :3-5 ; Col . 3 :8)
Failure to abstain from blood . (Gen . 9 :4 ; Acts 15 :20,
28,29)
Greed-gambling, extortion . (1 Cor. 5 :10, 11 ; 6 :10 ;
1 Tim. 3 :8 ; it-1 pp . 1005-6)
Adamant refusal to provide materially for one's own fam-
ily-leaving wife and children destitute when having the
means to provide . (1 Tim . 5 :8; w88 11/1 pp. 22-3; km
9/73 p. 8 )
Nonneutral activities . (Isa . 2 :4 ; John 6 :15 ; 17 :16)
Fits of anger, violence . (Prov . 22:24, 25 ; Mal. 2 :16; Gal.
5 :20)
Misuse of tobacco or addictive drugs . (2 Cor . 7 : 1 ; Mark
15 :23 ; Rev . 21 :8, Int . ; 22 :15, Int.)
Loose conduct . Term not restricted to sexual immorality .
(Gal. 5 :19, Ref . Bi., ftn. ; 2 Pet. 2 :7, Ref. Bi., ftn . ; w83
3/15 p. 31 ; w73 9/15 pp. 574-6 ; it-2 p . 264)
SUMMARY: There are varying degrees of wrongdoing .
At times there may have been an overlapping of sins, and
this must be discerned in order to determine the proper
Scriptural view of a person's conduct . In all cases, elders
should carefully weigh each situation or circumstance.
They need to find out what actually occurred, the extent
and nature of misconduct, intent and motive, frequency
or practice, and so forth, Good judgment, reasonableness,
and balance are necessary as elders assess conduct in the
light of the Scriptures .
There are certain cases that the body of elders is respon-
sible to investigate and, when necessary, appoint a judi-
cial committee to handle :
Gross sins-either those that have brought the congrega-
tion into public disrepute or those of a more private
nature. (Rom . 2 :21-24 ; 1 Cor. 5 :1 ; 2 Cor. 7 :11)
Any serious sin that constitutes a clear threat of contami-
nating the congregation . (1 Cor . 5 :6, 9-11 ; Gal. 5 :19-21 ;
1 Tim. 1 :9, 10)
When an elder or a ministerial servant commits a gross
wrong, he is morally obligated to inform the body of
elders of his being reprehensible .
He would not qualify to continue in his appointed
position of service .
The same would be true concerning a pioneer who
becomes involved in serious sin .
Elders, ministerial servants, and pioneers should be
irreprehensible and serve with a clean conscience .
(1 Tim. 3 :2, 8, 9 ; Titus 1 :6)
Baptized minors .
When a baptized minor becomes involved in wrongdoing
that threatens the cleanness of the congregation, the as-
signed committee should meet with such individual just as
they would with any other member of the congregation .
It would be best to meet with the youth and his or her
Christian parents ; the parents have the responsibility to
raise him and train him .
Try to restore the individual, if this is possible . (Gal . 6 :1,
ftn .)
If efforts to restore bring no response, disfellowship-
ping is in order .
When minors are disfellowshipped, parents are still
responsible for raising, training, and teaching them,
even studying with them if the minors are in their
home . (w88 11/15 p . 20)
Married people .
If the wrongdoer is a married woman, it would be best to
meet with her and her believing husband .
He is her head, and his efforts to restore her and direct
her can be very helpful .
If there is no response to efforts to bring about repen-
tance, the wrongdoer should be disfellowshipped . (w81
9/1 pp . 22-7)
The disfellowshipping of a mate does not end marriage
responsibilities .
Unbaptized publishers.
Unbaptized publishers who engage in serious wrongdoing
may be readjusted .
Two elders will talk with the wrongdoer and determine
what action should be taken . (w88 11/15 pp . 18-20)
They may instruct him not to share in the public
ministry or comment at meetings, and they may re-
strict him from being in the Theocratic Ministry
School until he has made more spiritual progress .
If the wrongdoing is widely known but the person is
repentant the Congregation Service Committee may
arrange for an announcement to the congregation as
follows : "A matter involving [name of person] has
been handled, and he [she] continues to serve as an
unbaptized publisher with the congregation ." (w88
11/15 p. 18)
When the unbaptized publisher who is a wrongdoer is
a minor, his or her Christian parents should be consult-
ed to determine what they are doing to correct the
wrongdoer . It may also be necessary to meet with the
youth together with his parents .
In the case of unbaptized publishers who unrepentantly
continue in wrongdoing despite all efforts to help them,
an announcement can be made saying : "[Name of person]
is no longer a publisher of the good news ." (w88 11/15
p . 19)
Your goal in dealing with unbaptized publishers, whether
youths or adults, is to help them . (1 Thess. 5 :14)
Baptized persons who have not associated for some time .
If you learn of serious wrongdoing on the part of such a
person, the matter should be investigated if it poses a
threat to the congregation's cleanness and welfare or caus-
es a public scandal .
Consider the following :
Does he still profess to be a Witness?
Is he generally recognized as such in the congrega-
tion and/or the community?
Does the person have a measure of contact or
association with the congregation so that a leaven-
ing, or corrupting, influence exists?
How did the matter become known to the elders?
Is the person willing to meet with a committee,
thus admitting accountability to the Christian con-
gregation?
Depending upon length of inactivity and other factors
suggested above, elders may determine to hold the
matter in abeyance .
In such a case, a record of the person's questionable
conduct should be made for the congregation file so
that everything noted might be clarified when the
person shows interest in becoming active again .
If the sinful conduct is known only to believing family
members and no congregation action is taken because
of the factors outlined above, believing relatives will
likely determine to curtail family association severely,
viewing the relative as bad association . (1 Cor. 15 :33)
If the individual still professes to be a Witness and is
willing to meet with the judicial committee, the matter
should be handled in the normal way . However, when
factors such as possible legal action exist, it is best to
consult the Society before proceeding . (w87 9/1 p . 14)
If individuals persist in "walking disorderly" in serious
violation of well-established Bible principles, but not yet
to a degree warranting judicial action, they may be
`marked" by members of the congregation . (2 Thess . 3 :
6, 14, 15 ; w85 4/15 pp. 30-1 ; om pp. 152-3)
However, this would occur only after repeated efforts to
provide authoritative Scriptural counsel and admonition
have been ignored and in many cases after a warning talk
has been given to the congregation . (w85 4/15 pp. 30-1 ;
w81 9/1 pp . 19-21)
If a person who has been marked continues his wrongful
course in brazen defiance of Christian standards, ada-
mantly rejecting loving Scriptural counsel, judicial action
may be taken if the situation becomes scandalous loose
conduct.
Propriety of Disfellowshipping
When making decisions or answering questions about
judicial reproof, disfellowshipping, disassociation, or
reinstatement, elders should be certain that their deci-
sions and answers are based solidly on the Bible and are
in harmony with the most recent statements by the
Society . (Compare 1 Corinthians 4 :6 .)
Before initiating a judicial hearing, elders assigned to serve
on the judicial committee should review guidelines set out
in Units 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c) as well as examine perti-
nent scriptures and references in the Society's publica-
tions .
They should also be sure to proceed in harmony with
current information published in The Watchtower and in
letters from the Society .
Purposes served by disfellowshipping :
Upholds Jehovah's name and standard of righteousness .
(Acts 15 :14 ; 1 Pet. 1 :14-16 ; compare Isaiah 52:5 .)
Protects the purity of the congregation . (1 Cor . 5 :1-13 ;
2 Cor. 7 :11)
May correct the unrepentant wrongdoer, bringing him to
his senses . (2 Cor. 2:6-8)
Implications of Disassociation
Whereas disfellowshipping is an action taken by a judi-
cial committee against unrepentant wrongdoers, disasso-
ciation is an action taken by an individual who has
decided that he no longer desires to be one of Jehovah's
Witnesses. (1 John 2 :19)
God's Word speaks of those who renounce the way of the
truth ; they may do this either by written notice or by
action. (w81 9/15 p . 23)
If an individual takes a course contrary to the neutral
position of the Christian congregation, the congregation
is compelled to view him as one who has chosen to
separate from us . (Isa . 2 :4 ; John 15 :17-19)
A brief announcement should be made to notify the
congregation that this individual, by his chosen course, no
longer desires to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. (The
Society should be notified using the S-77 and S-79 forms.)
If a baptized person insists that he does not want to be
part of the congregation and requests that his name be
removed from all our records, we should comply with
his request .
Since he takes such an adamant position, encourage him
to put his request in writing .
If he refuses to do this but states resolutely before
witnesses his decision to disassociate himself and not be
known as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, the witnesses to
his statement would be asked to put this in writing and
sign it .
In all cases of disassociation, a committee would consid-
er the evidence regarding the matter .
If the person has definitely terminated his status as a
member of the congregation, the elders will make a brief
announcement of his disassociation. (w86 10/15 p . 31)
The Society should be notified using the S-77 and S-79
forms .
He would be viewed as one who has disassociated
himself.
It will not be necessary for a committee to continue the
investigation into alleged wrongdoing if the accused per-
son makes known his decision to disassociate himself.
(w84 7/1 p. 31)
However, the committee would prepare a summary of the
alleged offense(s) and the evidence of such .
This would be kept along with information regarding
the disassociation .
If the person later requests reinstatement, these matters
would need to be considered with him at that time .
Those who disassociate themselves should be viewed and
treated the same as disfellowshipped persons . (w85 7/15
pp. 30-1)
If one disassociates himself and later wants to return to the
congregation, he must request a hearing for reinstatement,
the same as one who has been disfellowshipped .
Proper View of
Disfellowshipped and Disassociated Persons
If an individual is trying to influence others to take an
unscriptural course or is trying to deceive others, all
should avoid him; he is described at 2 John 9-11 .
Disfellowshipped and disassociated ones are shunned by
those who wish to have a good relationship with Jeho-
vah.
Basic Scriptural counsel on the proper view of those who
have been expelled from the congregation is set out in the
apostle Paul's words at 1 Corinthians 5 :11-13 .
John counsels against speaking to or associating with a
disfellowshipped or disassociated person so as not to be "a
sharer in his wicked works." (2 John 11)
Scriptural and historical guidelines on how to view
disfellowshipped and disassociated persons are found in
The Watchtower, September 15, 1981, pages 20-31 .
We need to be especially cautious about contact with
disfellowshipped persons who have apostatized and
those who continue in their immoral conduct . (Titus 3 :
10, 11 ; 1 John 2 :19)
These can contaminate the congregation like gangrene .
(2 Tim. 2 :16-18)
The principle set forth in Jesus' words at Matthew 10 :
34-38 has a bearing on situations involving disfellow-
shipped or disassociated relatives .
Special and difficult problems may arise in relation to
social gatherings .
Loyal worshipers of Jehovah will want to adhere to the
inspired counsel at 1 Corinthians 5 :11 .
Normally, a close relative would not be disfellowshipped
for associating with a disfellowshipped person unless there
is spiritual association or an effort made to justify or
excuse the wrongful course.
How funeral arrangements for a disfellowshipped person
may be handled :
If the disfellowshipped person had been giving evidence
of repentance, some brother's conscience might allow him
to give a Bible talk at the funeral home or grave site .
However, the Kingdom Hall should not be used . (w81
9/15 p . 31 ; w77 6/1 pp. 347-8)
If the deceased still advocated false teachings or ungod-
ly conduct, it would not be appropriate to give a
funeral talk for him . (2 John 9-11)
Keep in mind that all the related hardships and tests
generated in this regard are an outgrowth of the wrong
conduct of the disfellowshipped person .
Cooperation Between Congregations
When a case being considered requires the cooperation
of two or more congregations, do not hesitate to provide
the assistance needed .
If a person has moved from one congregation to another,
do not make the matter of jurisdiction an issue .
Do you have the facts? Can you handle the case most
effectively?
Then it may be appropriate for you to follow through
without delay .
If the wrongdoing involves persons who attend different
congregations, seek assistance from elders in the other
congregation(s) and benefit from their observations .
The judicial committees can interview individuals sepa-
rately and/or jointly to ascertain the facts and clarify
discrepancies . (Prov. 18 :13, 17)
If a joint meeting is held, thereafter the judicial committee
of each congregation will withdraw and handle the case(s)
of the person(s) from its own congregation .
Good communication and cooperation will minimize in-
consistencies in the judgments rendered .
Do not let a matter remain unhandled .
Sharing
on a Judicial Committee
"When having a hearing between your brothers, you must
judge with righteousness ." (Deut . 1 :16) It is a serious respon-
sibility to judge matters that affect people's lives and relation-
ships with others . Elders must have a reasonably complete
picture when judging a matter so that their decisions will not
be based on partial knowledge or on personal feelings. They
also need heavenly wisdom in order to make proper applica-
tion of God's Word and to determine how far their showing
mercy should extend . (Prov . 28 :13 ; Jas . 2 :13) They must
treat every person with impartiality at all times and desire that
the spiritually ill become well again, since a failure in this
regard is unjust and violates the law of love .-1 Tim . 5 :21 ;
Jas . 2 :1-9 ; 5 :14, 15 ; w77 3/1 pp. 146-52 .
Elders Are Teachers and Judges
As "Judge of all the earth," Jehovah provides fatherly
correction and discipline whenever needed . (Gen. 18 :
25; Heb. 12:5, 6 )
He has raised up elders to serve as counselors and judges .
(Isa . 1 :26)
By judging in righteousness, you may turn others back
from a sinful course . (Prov . 14 :12 ; Jer . 10 :23, 24)
God's Word is the basis for needed correction . (2 Tim .
3 :14-17)
The responsibility of elders involves more than handling
judicial matters .
You must also teach, making clear what God requires .
Encourage the rendering of whole-souled service to
God and faithful obedience to his righteous principles .
Applying Jesus' Counsel on
Handling Certain Wrongs
Some accusations involve minor misunderstandings that
should be handled on a personal basis . (Matt . 5 :23, 24 ;
6 :12, 14 ; Eph . 4 :25-27)
At Matthew 18 :15-17 Jesus gave counsel on handling
serious wrongs that might be settled on a personal basis .
(w81 9/15 pp. 17-20 ; om pp. 142-5)
Jesus' counsel concerns serious sins committed against one
personally, such as fraud or slander-sins serious enough
to lead to a person's being expelled from the congrega-
tion .
The person who believes he has been wronged takes the
first step toward resolving the matter ; elders may encour-
age him to do this . (Matt. 18 :15)
The second step involves taking one or two persons with
him to speak with the individual . (Matt . 18 :16)
These should preferably be witnesses of the alleged
wrongdoing or respected brothers, usually elders, who
can examine the evidence and offer counsel for resolv-
ing the matter .
They also become witnesses to the evidence present-
ed in the discussion .
The person who believes he has been wronged takes the
third step, bringing the matter to the congregation, as a
last resort . (Matt. 18 :17)
If the congregation elders are unable to bring a wrongdoer
to his senses, he is to be treated "as a man of the nations
and as a tax collector ."
The unrepentant wrongdoer would be expelled (disfel-
lowshipped) from the congregation .
The Judicial Committee
Other cases of serious wrongdoing require special atten-
tion by the elders in order to determine what is needed
to help the repentant wrongdoer and to preserve the
spiritual health of all in the congregation .
These include such sins as adultery, fornication, apostasy,
and drunkenness . (See Unit 5 (a), pages 92-6 .)
Before forming a committee, elders determine if the accu-
sation has substance .
It must Scripturally be an offense serious enough to
result in disfellowshipping .
There must be either two witnesses or a confession of
wrongdoing.
If there is not enough evidence to form a committee
but serious questions have been raised, two elders may
be assigned to investigate the matter .
If a judicial committee is needed, elders who are present at
the Kingdom Hall should determine which elders will
serve on the committee and which one will be chairman .
The elders will take into consideration which elders are
best qualified to handle the particular type of case that
has arisen. (km 9/77 pp . 5-6)
It is usually best for newer elders to serve first with
more experienced ones .
In a complex case, a judicial committee need not be
limited to three members ; it may warrant having four
or even five experienced elders serve .
More than one judicial committee may be operating at
the same time in a congregation, depending on cases
that arise .
Elders called upon to care for this responsibility must
exercise heavenly wisdom, have good judgment, and be
impartial. (Deut . 1 :13, 16-18)
A sound knowledge of Jehovah's righteous laws and prin-
ciples is necessary . (Ps . 19 :7-11)
They must weigh matters carefully, realizing that certain
factors make situations differ from one another .
Instead of looking for rigid rules for guidance, elders
should think in terms of principles ; judge each case on its
own merits .
Before handling a judicial case, elders should carefully
review Units 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c) .
They may also need to do research in the Society's
publications and recent correspondence from the Soci-
ety to find information that may apply or be helpful .
Elders can be confident that with accurate knowledge,
with experience and discernment, and with the help of
God's spirit, they can judge in righteousness, wisdom, and
mercy.
Handling Judicial Cases
Do not send an individual any kind of correspondence
that directly accuses him of specific wrongdoing.
It is best for two elders to speak with the individual and
invite him to meet with the judicial committee .
Suitable arrangements should be made as to the time
and place of the hearing .
State what the person's course of action is supposed to
have been.
If it is necessary to send a written invitation, you should
simply state what the individual's course is alleged to have
been, the time and place of the hearing, and how the
person can contact the chairman if the arrangements are
inconvenient for him .
If the accused wishes to bring witnesses who can speak
in his defense regarding the matter, he may do so .
However, observers are not permitted .
No tape-recording devices are allowed .
If the accused repeatedly fails to come to the hearing,
the committee will proceed with the hearing but will not
make a decision until evidence and any testimony by
witnesses are considered .
The committee should not take action against a person
unless the evidence clearly proves this necessary .
Failure to appear before the committee is not in itself
proof of guilt .
What kind of evidence is acceptable?
There must be two or three eyewitnesses, not just persons
repeating what they have heard ; no action can be taken if
there is only one witness . (Deut . 19 :15 ; John 8 :17)
Confession (admission of wrongdoing), either written or
oral, may be accepted as conclusive proof without other
corroborating evidence . (Josh . 7 :19)
Strong circumstantial evidence, such as pregnancy or evi-
dence (testified to by at least two witnesses) that the
accused stayed all night in the same house with a person of
the opposite sex (or in the same house with a known
homosexual) under improper circumstances, is acceptable.
The testimony of youths may be considered ; it is up to
the elders to determine if the testimony has the ring of
truth .
The testimony of unbelievers may also be considered, but
it must be carefully weighed .
If there are two or three witnesses to the same kind of
wrongdoing but each one is witness to a separate incident,
their testimony can be considered .
Such evidence may be used to establish guilt, but it is
preferable to have two witnesses to the same occurrence
of wrongdoing .
Shawn,
those are not rules.
Voice of Reason said...
Shawn,
those are not rules.
====================================
I'll let the readers decide for themselves if the long list of regulations used by elders in the process of judging their own members constitutes a list of rules.
I respond to your fallacious claims, not to try to convince you, but to show anyone who might be inclined to believe you that you are in fact living in a state of complete denial about the organization you belong to.
Voice of Reason said...those are not rules.
Yes, they are rules. Please supply your definition of rules.If you believe they are not, you must have a different definition than the rest of the planet.
Rule Defined
Here's a simple definition for you:
Rule definitions:
1. a statement of what is allowed, for example in a game or procedure.
Are you trying to state that what Shawn posted is not statements of what is (not) allowed?
2. a customary form or procedure: he has his own rule: be firm, be clear, but never be rude
Are you trying to state that wwaht Shawn posted is not outlining procedures?
You really like lying to yourself don't you? You really need help.
Shawn,
Your statement about rules reminds me of what Spock and Sybok said;
Spock:
You are under arrest for seventeen
violations of the Neutral Zone
Treaty.
Sybok:
I'm sorry, Spock. I can't
surrender now. I'm not through
violating Neutral Zone Treaty.
In fact, I'm just getting started.
From a 60's song... (since Ronde seems to only relate to things wordly...)
"They're coming to take you away..."
Ronde, Ronde, Ronde...
Do your parents know where you are?
"Voice of Reason said...
Shawn,
Your statement about rules reminds me of what Spock and Sybok said;
Spock:
You are under arrest for seventeen
violations of the Neutral Zone
Treaty.
Sybok:
I'm sorry, Spock. I can't
surrender now. I'm not through
violating Neutral Zone Treaty.
In fact, I'm just getting started."
==================================
Wow! Excellent rebuttal! Who can argue with the fictional Spock and Sybok? I guess it makes sense considering your whole belief system is fictional, even to other JWs.
All religions have rules. Religion itself is a moral code.
I suppose you are also against governments making rules, parents making rules, etc.
shawn, you have shared excellent comments and contributions, I am confused though as to why a sensible person, such as yourself, would give any time to that vor/ronde. this person is such a pest and a disturbed one at that with nothing to offer except frustration and a distraction from the point.
Sheeplike said...All religions have rules. Religion itself is a moral code.
I suppose you are also against governments making rules, parents making rules, etc.
Sheeplike, no one stated there should be no rules. Voice of Reason lied about their being no rules within the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. Shawn pointed out, there are indeed many.
Sheeplike said:
"All religions have rules. Religion itself is a moral code.
I suppose you are also against governments making rules, parents making rules, etc."
These idiots seem to ignore that
the federal gov, state, county and city has rules that are enacted by people.
What would they do without rules aka, laws?
There are laws that ban the showing of underwear in loose pants.
Kimmy jo said this about shawn
"I am confused though as to why a sensible person, such as yourself,"
I am confused as to why you would call Shawn sensible.
"Voice of Reason lied about their being no rules within the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses."
There are no rules.
Christians have none.
Christians have principles motivated by a heart of love.
Ronde wrote: "There are no rules."
We should start a new free blog, entitled, "Ronde/VoR's Lies About Jehovah's Witnesses", in which we chronicle his never-ending, distortions of what Jehovah's Witnesses believe.
Each time he publishes a whopper that would likely offend most JWs, we publish it.
"kimmy jo said...
shawn, you have shared excellent comments and contributions, I am confused though as to why a sensible person, such as yourself, would give any time to that vor/ronde. this person is such a pest and a disturbed one at that with nothing to offer except frustration and a distraction from the point."
==================================
Thanks kimmy jo, I respond to VoR because he gives me more opportunities to get the facts out. He may be missing the point, but other JWs going through a crisis of conscience won't. The more JWs know about the Watchtower Society, the easier it will be for them to make the decision to leave.
Shawn said "other JWs going through a crisis of conscience won't."
There is no such thing.
There are people who pose as JWs, but JWs are faithful to God.
You Voice-of-Reason are scum.
You have tried to spin everything negative that is printed against JW's, esp. regarding very serious matters such as child molestation in congregations of JW's.
Your irresponsible comments on this web-blog have formed a very negative attitude about JW's. You have accomplished no good on this site.
Please have your head examined - the quicker the better.
Stop persecuting me.
You are persecuting me.
Stop persecuting me.
Irresponsible? Nah.
Effective.
Ever watch that new show Life on Mars?
A cop was transported to 1973 (they don't say how) and the squad commander hits and beats up criminal suspects. Would you say that the squad commander is not a good cop? Irresponsible? Or that he gets the job done? Rules, they are only there because of complainers.
Voice of Reason said...
Stop persecuting me.
You are persecuting me.
Stop persecuting me.
Voice of Reason, please seek professional help immediately. You probably are suffering from schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder. You need a psychiatrist and probably medication. In many of your comments, you're double talking, illogical and almost incoherent at times. You are mentally unstable.
I sure hope this is not a result of being a part of Jehovah’s Witnesses for too long.
Shawn said...I respond to VoR because he gives me more opportunities to get the facts out. He may be missing the point, but other JWs going through a crisis of conscience won't. The more JWs know about the Watchtower Society, the easier it will be for them to make the decision to leave.
Absolutely. I left only months ago, after belonging to this cult my entire life. I find your posts very informative and valuable. Please continue. It is very encouraging.
Jesus brought the refreshing law of love. What a blessing for those who labored under the Pharisees. But the Pharisees were bare bones in the law making department compared to the WT Society today. I couldn't even bear to read your long list of rules and the policing that the elders are assigned to do, Shawn. Ugh!
shawn replied,
"Thanks kimmy jo, I respond to VoR because he gives me more opportunities to get the facts out. He may be missing the point, but other JWs going through a crisis of conscience won't. The more JWs know about the Watchtower Society, the easier it will be for them to make the decision to leave."
I say,
You are right shawn, it is actually a good thing to have someone like vor on the blog since he does draw out a response that further shows how bizarre the Watchtower really is and this certainly will help someone with this internal struggle or referred to as a 'crisis of conscience'.
Maybe vor is being used by Jehovah to expose this cult!
"Absolutely. I left only months ago, after belonging to this cult my entire life. I find your posts very informative and valuable. Please continue. It is very encouraging. "
Why would you belong to a cult?
You should become one of Jehovah's Witnesses which is not a cult and then you can have the true religion.
If you don't like those rules, then learn the principles and live by them. That is what I do.
Voice of Reason said...
"Absolutely. I left only months ago, after belonging to this cult my entire life. I find your posts very informative and valuable. Please continue. It is very encouraging. "
Why would you belong to a cult?
You should become one of Jehovah's Witnesses which is not a cult and then you can have the true religion."
=================================
The Watchtower Society is indeed running a cult. The question of why one would belong to a cult is a good one. Here's a look at the similarities between the Watchtower Society and terrorist organizations.
" Voice of Reason said...
If you don't like those rules, then learn the principles and live by them. That is what I do."
====================================
It doesn't matter what principals you live by, if you've been baptized into the Watchtower Society's organization, then you must obey their rules.
"The Watchtower Society is indeed running a cult. The question of why one would belong to a cult is a good one. Here's a look at the similarities between the Watchtower Society and terrorist organizations.
"
Right. That's what I said. Don't belong to a cult. Become one of Jehovah's Witnesses and you will be in Christianity, not a cult. Jehovah's Witnesses are not the Watchtower Society.
"if you've been baptized into the Watchtower Society's organization,"
There is no such things as a Watchtower Society's organization.
Thus proving your an idiot.
Ronde wrote: "There is no such things as a Watchtower Society's organization"
Uh-huh.
I have a video I'll let you borrow. It's a real hoot. It's called the Organization Behind the Name.
What name, you ask? WATCHTOWER.
You are a master of Cognitive Dissonance and Double-Think. I guess it helps you sleep at night.
Please join us in the real truth and leave behind your earthly masters. We'll give you Christ as your Mediator. You know, Christianity.
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/rhetorical-fallacy.htm
Voice of Reason said...
"The Watchtower Society is indeed running a cult. The question of why one would belong to a cult is a good one. Here's a look at the similarities between the Watchtower Society and terrorist organizations.
"
Right. That's what I said. Don't belong to a cult. Become one of Jehovah's Witnesses and you will be in Christianity, not a cult. Jehovah's Witnesses are not the Watchtower Society.
=================================
The Watchtower Society is running the cult. They've named their victims 'Jehovah's Witnesses'.
"Voice of Reason said...
"if you've been baptized into the Watchtower Society's organization,"
There is no such things as a Watchtower Society's organization.
Thus proving your an idiot."
===================================
Hehe - Have you noticed, VoR, that every time you start to loose an argument you use the word 'thus' and then call someone a name?
Shawn said:
"every time you start to loose an argument you use the word 'thus' and then call someone a name?
"
First time for everything.
But There is no such things as a Watchtower Society's organization.
Voice of Reason said...
But There is no such things as a Watchtower Society's organization.
=================================
*** w07 11/1 p. 21 “The Silver Is Mine, and the Gold Is Mine” ***
Wills and Trusts: Property or money may be bequeathed to Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania by means of a legally executed will, or Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania may be named as beneficiary of a trust agreement. A trust benefiting a religious organization may provide certain tax advantages.
***
Notice that making the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society the beneficiary of a trust may provide tax advantages due to the fact that it is a religious organization.
*** w00 8/1 p. 18 par. 14 “Wisdom Is With the Modest Ones” ***
Not long afterward, Brother Russell passed away, leaving the office of the Watch Tower Society’s presidency vacant. Since Brother Macmillan was in charge during Brother Russell’s final preaching tour, a brother remarked to him: “Mac, you have a strong chance of getting in yourself. You were Brother Russell’s special representative when he was gone, and he told all of us to do as you say. Well, he went away and never did return. It looks like you’re the man to carry on.” Brother Macmillan responded: “Brother, that’s not the way to look at this matter. This is the Lord’s work and the only position you get in the Lord’s organization is what the Lord sees fit to give you; and I am sure I’m not the man for the job.” Then Brother Macmillan recommended someone else for the position.
***
Notice that the president of the Watch Tower Society "told all of us to do as you say".
*** ws chap. 11 pp. 94-95 pars. 11-12 Earthly Jerusalem in Contrast With Celestial Jerusalem ***
the good news of the heavenly Kingdom in the hands of the Messianic Son of King David has been “preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations,” just as Jesus Christ himself foretold.—Matthew 24:14.
12 This noteworthy fulfillment of the prophecy has been carried out by Jehovah’s Witnesses under the supervision of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. This Society even has a branch office in Tel Aviv, from which the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the territory of Israel are directed.
***
Notice that the Watch Tower Society directs the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses.
More word games from Ronde. It's like I'm re-living the past six months.
http://www.freeminds.org
Yeah shawn but still no Watchtower Organization.
Like I have said, it will only be a matter of time when Ronde will realize that all these apostate sites have the REAL truth about JW's and that is why the leaders insist that noone read the detailed information on these sites (ie. www.freeminds.org, www.jwfacts.com, www.sixscreensofthewatchtower.com, etc.)
Ronde is trying to walk a fine line by reading all of these sites but as with anything, THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.
Voice of Reason (alias Ronde) replied: "That article is such BS."
Well, it looks like Ronde can't control himself from using such bad language. If you are familiar with his posts, Ronde has used profanity and very worldly remarks in defense of JW's positions.
I wonder how many JW's and prospective JW's are going to be stumbled by this one individual.
Shawn said to VOR (alias Ronde): "Have you noticed, VoR, that every time you start to loose an argument you use the word 'thus' and then call someone a name?"
Yes, I have noticed that about Ronde. He loves to call people names. I wonder where he got that from? Let's see what religious organization uses the pages of the Watchtower to call everyone NOT a JW, a name of some sort???
Wake up Ronde!
And I don't mean that in the sense of your publication, The AWAKE! It too shares that name-calling trait. It's shameful!
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