Why was there no official arrangement before 1952 to disfellowship people? Was there a different procedure with a different name? Was no one committing disfellowshipping offenses? I remember vaguely some statement to the effect that immorality supposedly increased greatly after WWII and those attitudes were increasingly invaded the congregation. I'm still looking for that quote but if someone else already has it, please post it here. Any comments on my questions would be great too. (interestingly, I just realized that JF Rutherford was unscripturally separated from his wife)Thanks
Blondie(I knew about that unwritten third level of judicial committee. Some elders tell the person they have that option, but it may not be universal--what is)Here's the quote:*** w76 2/15 122 You Must Be Holy Because Jehovah Is Holy ***
13 During the years following World War II the moral corruption of the world began to reach frightful proportions. The possibility existed that God’s clean organization could become contaminated by such corruptive influences. But Jehovah was interested in his people, just as in times past, so through his channel of communication he lovingly brought forward information to counteract the filth that could tarnish or cause his people to become unholy. (Matt. 24:45-47) Particularly from 1946, personal moral cleanness became a matter of much greater concern to the Lord’s people. (2 Cor. 7:1) Starting in 1952, the more formal Scriptural arrangement of disfellowshiping wrongdoers was instituted. Those who committed gross sins such as adultery and fornication were expelled from the congregation, if they did not repent. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) God’s organization would not tolerate persons who refused to keep unspotted, clean and pure in the sight of Jehovah.
Blondie(I knew about that unwritten third level of judicial committee. Some elders tell the person they have that option, but it may not be universal--what is)Here's the quote:*** w76 2/15 122 You Must Be Holy Because Jehovah Is Holy ***
13 During the years following World War II the moral corruption of the world began to reach frightful proportions. The possibility existed that God’s clean organization could become contaminated by such corruptive influences. But Jehovah was interested in his people, just as in times past, so through his channel of communication he lovingly brought forward information to counteract the filth that could tarnish or cause his people to become unholy. (Matt. 24:45-47) Particularly from 1946, personal moral cleanness became a matter of much greater concern to the Lord’s people. (2 Cor. 7:1) Starting in 1952, the more formal Scriptural arrangement of disfellowshiping wrongdoers was instituted. Those who committed gross sins such as adultery and fornication were expelled from the congregation, if they did not repent. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) God’s organization would not tolerate persons who refused to keep unspotted, clean and pure in the sight of Jehovah.