A Question. Your Help Requested!

by Englishman 14 Replies latest jw friends

  • dmouse
    dmouse

    There is no unity with this issue.

    It seems to depend on where you live and what your face fits like.
    Some congregations are more reasonable than others.

    I have told more than one elder, as well as family and friends, that I no longer view myself as a JW but I am not shunned. I am greeted warmly by any Bros and sisters I meet.

    If you treat them with respect and don't go for the throat everytime you meet a JW they are content, in this area at least, to live and let live.

  • Englishman
    Englishman

    Another point, just suppose you do announce your resignation. You "cease being involved in the faith" and that should be the end of the matter.

    If they summon you to an elders meeting, do you then become re-involved in the faith by attending?

    What a great reason not to attend! Dear Brothers, much as I would like to come to your committee meeting, I am afraid that I will become re-involved in the faith, and this could lead to me being shunned. Consequently I will not attend as I have ceased to be involved in the faith, I must stay away in order that I do not become disfellowshipped, as per the news release on JW-Media.

    WoooHooo!

    Englishman.

    ..... fanaticism masquerading beneath a cloak of reasoned logic.

  • StifflersErSlayersBrother
    StifflersErSlayersBrother
    Jehovah's Witnesses avoid making rules and regulations beyond those provided in the Scriptures, and they do not follow traditions that contradict Bible teachings

    Hmm, lie they do indeed, yessss <Bad yoda impression

  • Amazing
    Amazing

    Hi Englishman: I did not have time to read all of the comments, so I may repeat some of what other say.

    If as a JW a person 'writes' any kind of 'letter' stating that they no longer wish to be a JW, or be involved, or any statement that leads the Elders to conclude that the person will no longer be associating, then, this will be viewed and treated as a Letter of Disassociation regardless of any stated policy on the JW media web site.

    Were I to do this over again, and wanted to ward off any congregational action against me, I would simply keep a lower profile than I did, and say nothing and under no circumstances would I put anything in writing.

    As time elapsed, and the Elders kept bugging me, especially with threats of DF or DA, I would still leave it alone. Once the Elders started any formal action, then I would have an attorney use the media policy statement and send a strongly worded letter to the Society and cram the policy down their throat upon pain of an expensive lawsuit.

    I am not sure if that is the best way, but that is what I would do with what I know today. - Amazing

  • waiting1
    waiting1

    Howdy English,

    This is the policy stated on JW-Media:

    #1 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.

    #2 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.
    *******************************************************************

    #1 - The WTBTS is not answering their own question in the first part. The question dealt with "former members."

    Their answer deals with "those who simply cease to be involved." Someone who ceases to be involved is still a member - not a former member. Therefore, they're not shunned because they're still, technically, a member.

    #2 That is a technically correct answer. As, I believe, Seeker brought out - df'ing does not sever biological "family ties." You still have a mother, father, daughter - they just won't talk to you.

    Crafty, ain't they?

    waiting

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