sorry i have read it several times here including this past week and can not find it...i have tried to block out my parents in my mind and heart to no avail...no contact for at least six months and i am thinking about sending them an email and including this quote....doubt it will help but i feel the need to do something....at least let them know i am not ok with this total shunning shit....holding my family and friends hostage does not make me want to "restore my relstionship with jehovah"!!!!!....nor go back to that religion....it makes me bitter is all...an ya....i need to let go of that....but this religion just keeps taking and taking and taking more of what was my life away..................oompa
where is the wt quote about nobody should have to choose between family and a religion?
by oompa 3 Replies latest jw friends
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wannabefree
*** g 7/09 p. 29 Is It Wrong to Change Your Religion? ***
Balancing Family Loyalty
When people change their beliefs, they may decide that they will no longer share in certain religious rituals or holidays. Understandably, this can result in strong feelings within the family. Jesus acknowledged this. He told his followers: "I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law." (Matthew 10:35) Did Jesus mean that Bible teachings were designed to be an unavoidable cause of contention? No. He simply foresaw what could happen when family members react negatively to one who takes a firm stand for beliefs different from theirs.
Should family conflict be avoided at all costs? The Bible teaches that children should be obedient to parents and that wives should be in subjection to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:22; 6:1) However, it instructs those who love God to "obey God as ruler rather than men." (Acts 5:29) Thus, at times, loyalty to God may result in your making a decision that is unpopular with some family members.
Although the Bible makes a clear distinction between true and false teachings, God allows each person the freedom to choose how he or she will respond. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family. Does study of the Bible lead to family breakup? No. In fact, the Bible encourages a husband and wife who practice different religions to remain together as a family.-1 Corinthians 7:12, 13. -
oompa
thanks WBF!..oomps
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00DAD
The shorter version:
"No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family." - Awake, July 2009, p. 29