Human Rights vs Watchtower Rights

by undercover 14 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  undercover

  Whenever the WTS/JWs face being banned or limited in activity the WTS is quick to turn to the courts for support for their right to worship as protected under various Human Right organizations. When the WTS either wins a court case, or looks to curry favor from the courts, such as in Greece or Georgia, they champion their victory as a win for human rights and religious freedom rights or they cry out for justice under religious freedom rights and human rights.

  http://www.watchtower.org/e/19980108/article_01.htm

  http://www.watchtower.org/e/19970322/article_01.htm

  http://www.watchtower.org/e/20020122/diagram_02.htm

  But if Human Rights are so important to the WTS, why do they ignore Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

  Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

  http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml#a18
• 

  breakfast of champions

  They would respond that sure, you have the right to whatever religious thought you want. . . You'll just lose all of your family and friends, that's all.
• 

  panhandlegirl

  I am tempted to print this in the local paper. Most people are not aware of the shunning endured by those who chose to leave the organization. It might keep others from becomeing members of the WTS.
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  sd-7

  Jehovah's Witnesses do not interfere with anyone's freedom of religion. Upon baptism, those who become Jehovah's Witnesses have agreed that their baptism identifies them as being associated with God's spirit-directed organization. Should an individual choose to withdraw said association, he or she is free to do so. However, our responsibility as true Christians requires us to avoid such persons, "not even eating with such a man." (1 Cor. 5:9-11) An individual who thus separates himself from association with family or friends who truly love God is therefore exercising his freedom of religion--though to his own spiritual detriment--just as Jehovah's loyal servants are in choosing to avoid him.

  --sd-7
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  Phizzy

  sd-7, pretty good as usual, I feel they would not be quite as straight and honest as your words are though. They would be much more "weaselly".
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  sd-7

  Yeah, that's definitely not something they'd put in a Public Edition WT, at least. The Public Edition might be more like:

  "Jehovah's Witnesses do not shun family members who cease their association with their brothers and sisters. Each one has the freedom to decide what he or she will believe, and we do not interfere with the conscience of any individual, nor restrict their right to exercise faith as they see fit. Congregation elders routinely endeavor to encourage those who have withdrawn from Jehovah and lovingly invite them to return to the congregation. Such heartfelt action on their part is further evidence of the love that exists amongst Jehovah's Witnesses. (John 13:35)"

  --sd-7
• 

  cantleave

  You really are the writing committee SD7!!!

  Scary......
• 

  wallsofjericho

  They would respond that sure, you have the right to whatever religious thought you want. . . You'll just lose all of your family and friends, that's all.

  you even have the right to accept a blood transfusion but the same applies, you just lose all your freinds and family and no JW will have anything to do with you whatsoever.

  Champions for human rights

  what the greece government should do is say it is your right to not attend the military but if you don't you will not qualify for any government financial aid for unemployment, retirement, health, etc.
  Oh it's your right to do as you want, but we will not have anything to do with you if you do.

  See how well that goes over with the biggest hypocrites on the planet (that would be the WTS if you don't get sarcasm)
• 

  sir82

  They would respond that sure, you have the right to whatever religious thought you want. . . You'll just lose all of your family and friends, that's all.

  Exactly.

  Just like when a mugger sticks a gun in your ribs. You have the right to give him your wallet, or not.

  Consequences? Oh that's a different issue entirely.
• 

  sd-7

  You really are the writing committee SD7!!!

  Scary......

  Nah, I just read a LOT of magazines growing up...I quickly learned that most people probably didn't do that. I think some have read so little that even their own actual beliefs sound like apostasy to them... Oh, right...well, there is that...

  --sd-7