Shunning Rules Changed Again

Amazing

Sometime ago the FAQ at JW-Media stated that if one "Simply ceases to be involved, they are not shunned." ... Now, the wording has changed to allow a broader position, one that could include even many more former JWs, and "maybe" become the basis whereby they could argue that they are NOT apostate:

Do you shun former members? Those who simply leave the faith are not shunned. If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkenness, stealing, or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and ... [ http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm]

Now it states, "Those who simply leave the faith are not shunned."... this has broad implications because it is not just about being a JW who has become inactive or ceasing to be involved, but now includes those who actually "leave the faith" ... that is "stepping away" from or "standing off" from the faith, "separating" oneself from the religion ... are not to be shunned. Fascinating, indeed.

Edited by - Amazing on 18 September 2002 11:13:41

Edited by - Amazing on 18 September 2002 11:25:14

minimus

What does "simply' mean?

Amazing

Minimus: I suppose that "simply" is less complicated. Ya think?

PS: Maybe someone needs to ask the Society how they parse out the meaning of words. I am sure they can say something enlightening.

Edited by - Amazing on 18 September 2002 11:9:12

minimus

i dunno know. hasn't the Society changed this topic on its web site a few times? i think they are really going to go after dissenters, like never before.

Amazing

Good point Minimus:

i think they are really going to go after dissenters, like never before.

You are 100% correct ... so maybe now is a good time for some to 'Simply leave the faith' while they can get out in good times ... cause the bad times are coming.

BONEZZ

Amazing...Do you think they are refering to DA'd ones? That would be directly opposite of their August KM. They make it very confusing...I think because they want Joe Blow to they're kinder and gentler. But think about it...DA'd ones have simply left the faith...not convicted of any moral wrong. But the KM says to treat 'em like DF'd folks who have been supposedly convicted. I cannot figure it out.

-BONEZZ

freedom96

I would love to think that somehow the Watchtower will change its views and accept anyone, regardless if they stay or go. You ask anyone on the street in other religions, and if they say they left, don't go, or even change churches, they do not get shunned. Such an extreme way to do things, and the endless hurt and destruction of families is not from a loving God.

I personally, know that it is not "the truth" and really couldn't care less what they do, however I still have family involved, a child, and it is very difficult to not only overcome the problems with a divorce, but to be told how bad you are because you don't go to meetings, or that you will die when the end comes, is tough. I have to be completely neutral around my child, as he is being indoctrinated on a daily basis by the most un-Christian person I know. But, I cannot say anything at this point, just show him by my actions, that I am not a bad person, that one can live a Godly life by their actions, not their words.

Tough situation. I think the Witnesses turn off more people from their extremist views such as shunning, than ever on their doctrinal issues.

Nathan Natas

So then, there are four possible states that a Dub may be in:

1. Disfellowshipped: cast out of the congregation by a judicial committee

2. Disassociated: Voluntarily and FORMALLY leaving the organzation, usually with a letter to that effect sent to the WTS. Included in this group are those "automatically considered disassociated" by engaging in a matter of conscience that runs counter to the WTS conscience-du-jour. Bulgarian blood transfusion recipients spring to mind.

Persons of class 1 and 2 are shunned.

3. Those who "simply leave the faith" without formal announcement of their intent.

and the least desirable state of all, closest to the seventh circle of Hell,

4. Active Dub

Edited by - Nathan Natas on 18 September 2002 11:21:55

Sentinel

I swear, they "speak with forked tongue". Too many free style people in the writing department of the borg. Where are the "checkers" for this type of mind slapping? Or are they enjoying playing with the emotions of borg followers and their families.

Now "leaving" takes on a whole nother conentation...why did they leave? They are going to try and say that people left because they wanted to go to another church or have another religion, which would label them as apostates, and so they would be shunned. This is trickery in the name of god.

I mean, so okay, people CAN leave now and not be shunned, they just can't be free to live their own lives. Duh! Who, in their right mind wants to live like that? That is true spiritual bondage.

Do they really know what they believe themselves anymore? Or, excuse me, but are all of them practicing to be attorneys, "just in case"?

This type of information is confusing enough for "us". Think what it's doing to folks like my mom.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Sentinel/Karen

minimus

The truth is you can't simply leave the faith. If any JW said to the elders, "I am simply leaving the faith," I don't think the elders would just say BYE-BYE.

Shunning Rules Changed Again

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