Disfellowshipping Offense

by Had To Go 37 Replies latest jw friends

  • blondie
    blondie

    Perhaps you were thinking of this (not in the 2007 km) There is no mention of disfellowshipping.

    ***

    w07 11/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***

    Is it proper for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend the wedding of a non-Witness relative or acquaintance?

    Weddings are joyous occasions, and it is understandable that a Christian would like to share in that joy. Of course, minors invited to attend should defer to their parents or guardians, who have the final say on the matter. (Ephesians 6:1-3) But what if a man who is not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses asks his Christian wife to accompany him to a church wedding? Her conscience might allow her to go merely as an observer determined not to share in any religious acts associated with the occasion.

    Basically, then, whether to be present at a certain wedding or not is a matter for personal decision. However, each Christian should be aware of his accountability to Jehovah and ought to consider a number of Scriptural principles when making a decision about attending the wedding of a non-Witness.

    Foremost on a Christian’s mind should be a desire to have God’s approval. Jesus said: "God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." (John 4:24) Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not engage in interfaith activities, such as prayers, rituals, or ceremonies that are in conflict with Bible truth.—2 Corinthians 6:14-17.

    A Christian recognizes that his or her decision could also affect others. If you decide to attend, will your relatives be offended if you do not fully participate in the wedding festivities? (Blondie's comment: so the WTS thinks you won't check with your family to see if they would be offended? We checked and there was no problem, just happy to have us there) The potential effect on fellow believers also needs to be taken into account. (Romans 14:13) Even if you or other members of your household conclude that attending a non-Witness wedding does not pose a problem, could your spiritual brothers and sisters be adversely affected? Could it injure the conscience of some?

    Wedding ceremonies involving non-Witness relatives can present challenging situations. What if you are asked to be a member of the bridal party? Or what if your mate is not a Witness and wants to participate fully? (Why would you be responsible for what your non-jw husband does?) If the wedding is a civil ceremony conducted by a judge or a secular officer, attending it may involve little more than witnessing a legal proceeding.

    However, a wedding ceremony held in a religious building or performed by a clergyman raises additional concerns. In order to follow your Bible-trained conscience and avoid compromising your religious convictions or doing something that might prove embarrassing to the wedding party, you may decide to refrain from attending. (Proverbs 22:3) You could spare your family and yourself much stress by explaining your Bible-based convictions beforehand, indicating to what extent you are willing to participate or perhaps suggesting an alternative course of action.

    After carefully weighing all the factors, some Christians may decide that it would not be improper to attend a non-Witness wedding as a quiet observer. But if a Christian reasons that by being present, he might be tempted to compromise godly principles, he may conclude that the risk outweighs the possible benefits. If he decides not to attend the wedding but to go as an invited guest to the festivities held thereafter, he should be determined to "do all things for God’s glory." (1 Corinthians 10:31) In making such decisions, "each one will carry his own load" of responsibility. (Galatians 6:5) Whatever you decide, therefore, remember that preserving a good conscience before Jehovah God is vital.

  • NewChapter
    NewChapter

    LOL, Blondie. I'm sure I did mean the tower---I'm not to be trusted in these matters anymore. I used to be pretty good at recalling publications, but I've lost my edge. Thank you for clarifying that.

  • ProdigalSon
    ProdigalSon

    The circuit assembly Hall in Long Island City NY that I attended growing up has winged sun-disks all over the place. Kingdom Halls are Masonic places of worship. That would mean walking into a Kingdom Hall is a disfellowshipping offense.

    I pray for your husband to grow into a thinking adult someday soon.

  • snakeface
    snakeface

    When I was a very prominent MS - gave the "special talk" and so on - it was well known that I went to churches on occassions for relatives' weddings, funerals, etc.

    It is "allowed" becuase you are just an observer. You are not "worshipping" there. You are not joining in their prayer or other practices, or embracing their beliefs. Merely being present is equivaltent to standing during the pledge to the flag and not putting your hand on your heart and not reciting the pledge.

  • LV101
    LV101

    I attended weddings, funerals, xmas parties and toasting. also acknowledged the merry xmas slogans the sales clerks USED TO YELL OUT. i would always tell them to have a great holiday and NOW I REALLY YELL OUT MERRY, MERRY XMAS. THOSE CROOKS IN BROOKLYN can fly a kite and technically i was never baptized since i didn't COMPREHEND at the time of being bamboozled i was dedicating myself to the demonic watchtower. that one went over my head because of all the stress i had trying to follow the rules. UNREAL!

  • alias
    alias

    Yikes, Marriage Counseling. Just the kind of setting that makes a person relax and open up.

    lol

  • Black Sheep
    Black Sheep
    He said he acted hastily.

    Then tell him to make haste and call the dogs off because if he leaves things to take their usual course in these cases he'll have to put up with the stigma of having a DFd wife. Tell him you didn't tell him to go to the elders and you are not going to bail him out. He has to do it. Right now would be a good time.

  • Nickolas
    Nickolas

    Sad how the Watchtower insinuates itself as the third person in a marriage, sadder still when it becomes more important than respect for one's spouse. I'm not a witness but my wife is. I don't know what I might do if I was approached by an elder who wanted to discuss something she brought to his attention, but I expect it would not be especially jovial.

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