Well, Richie's post on his memorial experience got me to thinking about the practice of "confessing sins" and how LITTLE JWs are able to take advantage of it.
In what they term "worldly chruches," people go frequently to confess their sins. Their priest or womever offers them "absolution" and they are free to go on their merry little way and commit more sins.
Now the JW will call that HYPOCRISY but I see it the exact other way.
According to the Bible there 'is nothing new under the sun,' therefore, why should JWs be afraid to confess their sins to the ones looking out for their spiritual well being? Why are they not allowed to say "Brothers I've sinned AGAIN. Please pray for me."
The answer is simple: they are afraid of the punishment they will receive at the hands of the elders. Therefore, 90% of the time, people have to be 'caught red-handed' by some elders posing as two-bit detectives. Including scenarios where elders camp out overnight and set up surveillance.
Now, this arrangment is NOT according to the Bible. Jesus instructed the crowd "Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone." THEREFORE he knew that humans sin again and again.
The truth about Christ is supposed to enable men/women to transform themselves; it may only be true in that it allows a person to CONTINUE to mature spiritually, while acknowledging that no matter how spiritual you are
you are still a sinner.
The elders shepherding responsibilities have gone out the window, they are now the Renegades of Justice looking to mete out punishment whenever they can. They are little more than Spiritual Yes-men at this stage of the game. Instead of offering comfort to sinners, they are avoided at all costs by members of their flock *who need to confess sins regularly,* according to the Bible.
Too bad JWs will never get to experience non-judgemental confession.
Lisa
Absolved Daily Class