http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/3289653.htm
Posted on Sat, May. 18, 2002
Watchtower Society responds to issues raised in book
By Richard Scheinin
Mercury News
David Semonian, a spokesman for the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, answered questions prompted by Diane Wilson's book on the Watchtower Society. (See cover story.) He spoke by phone from the organization's world headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Q Has the Watchtower ``zigzagged'' on doctrine?
A We've never claimed to be infallible, inspired or perfect as an organization. And so it's a fact that with increased knowledge, as we increase our study of the Bible and come to a better understanding, that from time to time we will make adjustments. We humbly do that.
Because we're students of the Bible, we've noted that Jesus continually reminds Christians to stay alert. He says, ``Stay awake,'' live in expectation of the great day to come. He spoke of events that would let you know that you're in the Last Days, such as earthquakes. So when we see such events, we say that indeed the great Day of Armageddon is close.
And if Armageddon is close, then paradise -- relief from sickness, disease and suffering -- is close. So it's not to scare someone. It's good news, that relief is coming. At times, we may have gotten a little anxious. And perhaps in our enthusiasm, we spoke of the possibility that it could come in a particular time period. But we never gave an exact date. We teach what Jesus spoke: ``No man knows the day or the hour.''
Q How is rape viewed?
A Any time a woman is sexually assaulted, we view it as a horrible crime. And we are there -- the elders, the congregation -- to support that person. We handle it with the utmost compassion.
Q Is the organization a direct channel between God and humanity?
A Again, our governing body has never claimed that our organization is inspired or infallible. Instead they, our governing body, study the Bible diligently and through prayer they make a request for his Holy Spirit to direct them and be upon them. And with his help, they come to decisions. So we believe this to be the channel that God is using today. But our governing body has said that it is not inspired or infallible.
Q Are close friendships tolerated with non-Witnesses?
A A person ultimately has the right to choose his friends. However, we've always encouraged members to use the Bible as a guide. Proverbs 13:20 says, ``He that is walking with wise persons will become wise. But he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.'' Scripture such as that shows the wisdom of associating with a people who base their lives on God's standards.
Q What is ``disfellowshipping''?
A It involves someone who has committed a serious spiritual violation, such as adultery or stealing; the Bible directs that they receive a readjustment. They usually meet with three elders of the congregation, who will see if the alleged accusation is true, because sometimes it's not. And the elders will see whether the person confesses or whether there are witnesses to the act.
And if it is true, the Scriptures say to readjust the person, help them come to their senses that what they did was wrong, to show them that Jehovah God is very merciful if they change their course. So it's a very loving arrangement. The aim is to keep the person in good standing with God and the congregation.
Now if the person blatantly refuses to be helped, even after several meetings, then the Bible says in First Corinthians, ``Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that . . .,'' and then it mentions a variety of serious sins. It mentions a fornicator, an idolator, a drunkard.
This is only after they blatantly refuse the help. Then the Bible says to quit mixing with them, or the term we use is ``disfellowship.'' Other churches say ``excommunicate.''
Now, why is that loving? Because the rest of the congregation knows that they are among clean worshipers of Jehovah. They are protected against serious, wrong violators of Bible principles. The shunning has also impressed, upon the one who refuses, the need to come back to the loving congregation. It may help him come back to his senses.