where is that quote in the WT on even thinking against the WT constitutes apostasy?

by WildeLover 25 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  Refriedtruth

  The Judicial committee elders WILL underhandedly use a 'secret' BOE citation against the defendant in proceedings.

  All secret stuff just like the Kangaroo courts themselves.They disfellowshipped me for apostasy and never even uttered the word.

  There were 6 elders sitting around in a circle with me center.This was to intimidate me like gestapo Inquisition.I was told earlier year by elder T*m W. that apostasy was the # 1 cause for disfellowshipping and that *quote* "not taking counsel was apostasy *unquote*

  Rockland Massachusetts Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

  My comment on year date below 1980 was the start of the hardlining tightening up,it was 5 years post 1975 fallout and the culling from that fiasco had subsided

  It was a 9/1/80 letter to all CO's and DO's...it said:

  "Keep in mind that to be disfellowshipped, an apostate does not ahve to be a promoter of apostate views. As mentioned in paragraph two, page 17 of the August 1, 1980, Watchtower, "The word 'apostasy' comes from a Greek term that means 'a standing away from,' 'a falling away, defection,' 'rebellion, abandonment. Therefore, if a baptized Christian abandons the teachings of Jehovah, as presented by the faithful and discreet slave, and persists in believing other doctrine despite Scriptural reproof, then he is apostatizing. Extended kindly efforts should be put forth to readjust his thinking. However, if after such extended efforts have been put forth to readjust his thinking, he continues to believe his apostate ideas and rejects what he has been provided through the slave class, then appropriate judicial action should be taken.
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  Refriedtruth

  Apostate 'baiting'like patriotism it's the last refuge of the scoundrel
• 

  DATA-DOG

  It seem that everything depends on the BOE that you have. That letter to the BOE says NOT to conduct " witch-hunts", but that is up yo the discretion of the BOE. The legal machine has carefully things to give wiggle room for all parties except you. They control the terms. If an Elder has it out for you and bullies some others to go along, then the witch-hunt was " protecting the flock ". You have to be really shrewed and read everything, and piece it together. They do what they want, and you must agree. Here is an example from the Insight Book under " Gossip/slander ", just look at the last paragraph in the first sub-heading ( I can't cut and past for some reason ).

  " On the other hand, it is not gossip or slander, or wrong to report conditions affecting a congregation to those with the authority to oversee and correct matter. This fact is demonstrated in the scriptural record....". It goes on.

  Although that is in print, try disagreeing with something because you feel it affects the congregation negatively. You will swiftly find your thinking being " re-adjusted ".
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  tornapart

  The 'Thought Police'!!
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  King Solomon

  It seems like even something as simple as making a facial expression conveying doubt (like raising one's eyebrow) at an inopportune moment in the KH is likely to give elders 'probable cause' to open an investigation for apostasy, leading to "discreet" questioning to inquire about any doubts (especially if you're on their unofficial 'shit' list). Unfortunately, you cannot plead the 5th to invoke your right to avoid self-incrimination, so you have to lie if you're having doubts, but don't want to get into it deeper.

  Tornapart said:

  The 'Thought Police'!!

  Jesus gets the "credit" for introducing 'thought crimes' into the lexicon of Xianity, making it clear that simply looking at a woman with lust in one's mind constitutes a sin. Thinking of sinning BECOMES the same as actually sinning.

  So let's not white-wash the ultimate source of the JW concept, but give "credit" (or blame) where it's due: the idea of thought crime IS part-and-parcel of Jesus' teachings (unless you choose to ignore passages of Jesus' words, as if the NT is an Ala Carte deal with you free to pick-and-choose the bits you like, ignoring the rest).
• 

  Amelia Ashton

  Therefore, if a baptized Christian abandons the teachings of Jehovah

  as presented by the faithful and discreet slave

  That is blatantly stating that they consider themselves above what Jehovah and the Bible says and JW thinking must be adjusted to how they interpret and twist what the scriptures say, even when what they say flip flops and changes.

  What a cult!
• 

  apostatethunder

  KS doesn’t miss a chance to compare the WT with Christianity or even with Jesus himself.
• 

  King Solomon

  Apostatethunder said:

  KS doesn’t miss a chance to compare the WT with Christianity or even with Jesus himself.

  You say that as if you don't believe such analysis is fair? Are you just against the whole concept of comparative religious studies, and against comparing a religion's theology against the books upon which it's supposedly based?

  The concept of shunning and apostacy IS probably one of their more scripturally-based practices of the JWs (unlike such examples as their blood transfusion policy, which is based on miscontrued readings). Jesus upped the ante of sin by introducing thought control. If you want to counter that, then do so: show me chapter and verse where he said anything like, "it's OK to be a free-thinker, or to entertain notions of sinning. God and I won't hold it against you, really".

  Granted, the JWs get off-track by claiming the GB has divine authority to interpret, and going against the GB's interpretation is grounds for apostacy: THAT'S problematic.

  However, that's what ALL religions do: they form around a core ideology and set of beliefs, where if you reject the basic tenets and don't play by the agreed-upon rules, you are reprimanded and/or kicked out (whether it's Scientology, Catholicism, JWs, or many others). That's a basic premise of belonging to almost ANY religious organization (Unitarians likely excepted): the rules and beliefs need to be set by a central authority, and too many chiefs making up their own rules (or interpreting them) is problematic, sheerly from the command and control aspect.

  If you're reading here, you probably already realized that, and got tired of playing the game....
• 

  Refriedtruth

  Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to avoid and shun those who simply want to leave the organization, called dissasociating. See Watchtower April 15, 1988 page 26-28 You cannot leave without being shunned. If you are in for 3 generations like my family, you will loose all your friends and family in one single day! And you will be hated by those still in the organization. Anyone who does not accept the organization as the ONLY way to God is hated See WT Oct 1, 1993 page 19 . Disfellowshipping isn't to be found in the Bible. Even checking the scripture/word index in their own NWT JW Bible reveals this.The Scriptures that they do twist/apply (not to say a greeting) have to do with shunning the ANTI-Christ The nearest I can see to their Dfing practice it is the trial of Jesus. The shunning practiced by Jehovah's Witnesses is a shame device cult control tactic and the entire family is cut-off.
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  apostatethunder

  KS, you are comparing the WT with religions that offer help and comfort to their followers without using manipulation and control techniques to recruit and keep people in, and THAT’S problematic.

  You also seem to have a bit of a problem understanding the figure of Jesus and what it is he stands for. Some of his contemporaries had the same problem with him.

  In any case you certainly display a lot of zeal posting on this site, 1814 posts in two months is quite impressive even for a retired man. It looks more like a full time job.