Hi everyone
Yes, the latest Watchtower is upon us. It opens with a typically outlandish article on marriage. Here are a few of the headlines:
Page 4, paragraph 7
Marriage to a non-JW is an act of disobedience against God (but evidently still NOT a disfellowshipping offence), and betrays a lack of appreciation for God's gift of marriage:
If a dedicated servant of Jehovah married an unbeliever, this would be an act of disobedience to God. The Israelites of Ezra’s day acted unfaithfully by giving “a dwelling to foreign wives,” and it would be wrong to try to water down the plain statements of the Scriptures. (Ezra 10:10; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15) A Christian who marries an unbeliever is not exemplary and lacks real appreciation for God’s gift of marriage. Entering such a union after baptism can cost one some privileges among God’s people. And it would be illogical to expect blessings while admitting in prayer, ‘Jehovah, I deliberately disobeyed you, but please bless me anyway.’
On page 5, paragraph 10, "Oral sex" is still off limits, although evidently the Society isn't mature enough to use that expression anymore:
It is not Scripturally required that marriage mates limit sexual relations to efforts to produce offspring. Such in timacy can rightly fill emotional and physical needs. But perverted practices certainly do not please God. Christian husbands and wives will undoubtedly want to handle this important aspect of their life with tenderness, allowing them to display genuine affection for each other. And, of course, they should avoid any actions that would displease Jehovah.
Finally, on page 6 paragraph 14, this article begins to be reminiscent of the infamous "Selma and Steve" experience in the Feb 15th edition. Apparently, God-fearing husbands should love and protect their wives "physically and spiritually", but the onus is on wives to be more "lovable":
A wife who is guided by Jehovah’s Word and his holy spirit can do much to make her home a place of tranquillity and happiness. It is natural for a God-fearing husband to love his wife and protect her physically and spiritually. She yearns for his love, and that requires that she be lovable. “The truly wise woman has built up her house,” says Proverbs 14:1, “but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.” A wise and loving wife contributes greatly to the success and happiness of her family. She also shows that she really appreciates God’s gift of marriage.
Discuss!
Cedars