reniaa: I see this a lot on this forum, loads of people saying they left JW's because of "hypocritical .......
This is a strawman argument. "Imperfect people" are certainly not why I won't get involved with the society. But, as you picked the topic, let's go through the argument.
reniaa: Why would you expect any man-run organisation if you believe the bible, to have to be perfect and not be full of imperfect people that will come across as hypocritical?
I agree that the bible follows a pattern of redemption > fall away > judgement > repentance > redemption. People fail regularly. It's what we do. We forget the grace that has been extended before, and make the same mistakes over and over again through the generations. And God forgives us over and over again. But this is not what the society teaches. The society teaches that the Isrealites are permanently condemned by God, that their failure was irredemable, and that the society has replaced them as the new Isreal. The society also teaches that our current world, with it's variety of churches, it's imperfect people, politics and nations are irredemable, and will be permanently replaced by a new society perfect in every way.
If the society is right on this matter, then they must be the most perfect example of Godly living today. Are they? Not even close. I can name dozens of churches and denominations that spread the good news, do good works, show love amongst each other and to our world, better than the society can. Are these churches perfect? Hardly. Is the society, however, more nearly perfect? Hardly.
If the society abandoned it's doctrine that they are specially chosen by God because the rest of the world is condemned, then I would be perfectly happy to accept it's imperfections. But they have not.
On another note, it's entirely another matter to consider the individual flaws of congregation members, and flaws in the organization and leadership itself. As the leaders go, so does the society. I find far too many bullies prosper in the society due to their penchant for secrecy and closed-door judgements. If the society were the closest thing to perfection on this planet, I would expect to see more fruit of the spirit. After all, it's the fruit that is evidence of God's blessing.
Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 21:19-20, John 15:1-6
reniaa: The way I see it all Christian faiths have to be lumped together ... have to be judge as a group
Yet, we all face the Lamb's throne individually. The society loves to lump. I see Jesus talking to people. The rich young man, the pharisee, the tax collector, the centurion, the Samaritan woman. If I face the judgement seat alone, I have an individual responsibility to follow my conscience. Isn't that reassuring, that I won't be judged as a "group"?
reniaa: This is one of the main reasons I find flawed for people to leave JW's on this forum especially if you have read the bible extensively.
You are using as your "main reason" a strawman argument. There are much deeper reasons that the society is dangerous and should be avoided. But we'll keep those arguments for another day. (smile)
