due processnoun
The state, action, or principle of treating all persons equally in accordance with the law
Fairness is something familiar to even the smallest child. Being treated without bias is a hunger humanity has fought for in every society; some less successfully than in present day.
In America we are guaranteed fairness when dealing with the state or federal government due to the imbalance of relative power between the individual and the state. No accused person, for instance, is required to stand before a magistrate without being represented by an attorney. If that attorney cannot be afforded; one is appointed.
The Watchtower Society is a monolithic power invested by its own self with power of attorney, so to speak, in representing the Supreme Being in his dealings with mankind. The Watchtower represents itself as the "mouthpiece of god". It speaks FOR Jehovah.
But, does it treat the persons it deals with fairly and with due process?
For instance; if any person feels they have been dealt with unfairly is there a way to speak up and voice their personal grievance without being censored or reproved?
If somebody has cause to suspect the leadership locally or at a higher level is misrepresenting the will of God in word, deed or doctrine is there a process by which Loyal Opposition can be mounted without reprisal?
No and No.
The Watchtower Society is insular. It is self-protected from criticism and appeal publicly. This is made repeatedly clear in its articles which seek to defame, demonize and ostracize any voice which may differ with its policies.
There is no means by which the critic, however well-intentioned or with cause, may speak out and hold to account the administrators as caretakers of Jehovah's mission.
Let us ask ourselves why this is so and whether it is at odds with how Jehovah has dealt with humanity in the past.
In the Old Testament we see instances of men arguing with God and pleading their case for hearing and reconsideration. (Moses pleading for the idolators at Mt.Sinai, Lot pleading for the lives of the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah, etc.)
We also recall the role of such men as were called Prophets who criticized the duly anointed Kings of Israel and the nation as a whole.
Individuals such as Job argued with God and complained bitterly of treatment the felt was unjust and unfair.
Jesus, who represented his Father, argued with the highest officials of his religion and often bested them in the process.
Paul argued with religious the caretakers of christianity in Jerusalem such as Peter and James over differences of opinion on doctrine and pure worship.
So, why is today any different?
Why is the voice of the Loyal Opposition silenced? Why is there no accounting by high officials for policies, doctrines and printed statements which are demonstrably false?
Could it be the labeling of critics as "evil slaves" and "apostates" is mere despotism? Is the denial of Due Process a symptom of a haughty spirit that cannot bear scrutiny?
It is the sorrow and the pity of present day Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society that there is an iron curtain of censorship in place to prevent the airing of differences.
There is no process, no mechanism in place in which matters of doctrine or policy can be publicly debated as was clearly the case in Biblical times. Is that no evidence enough that the men in Brooklyn who run the corporation are in clear defiance of justice and fairness on purpose?
The denial of due process is a symptom of an evil laying waste to freedom of religion; the freedom of choice that informs and enlightens worshippers who possess free will.
If you are denied the right to make choices you are not a free person. The right to disagree is the right possessed by thinking people who are rational and demand more than authority and the brusque, cold hand of the censor clamped over their mouth when they need to speak.
Brothers are not allowed to wear facial hair and become an elder. Families are denied the right to make medical decision vitally affecting their children's lives. Voting to better local government is denied infringing on federal laws. Sexual malfeasance by members of the congregation is kept under wraps. The list is endless. Voices are silenced when they address these and many other wrongs.
The Watchtower Policy of labeling contrary views within their own ranks as heresy, apostate evil and the symptom of spiritual illness is a sick policy that needs changing.
Who has the fortitude to bring about this change? How might it be carried out with a peaceable spirit of benevolence and fairness?
