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Date: 9 Jan 2000 02:38:04 -0000
Subject: WHY JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ARE *SO* SEXUALLY SCREWED-UP
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SOME OF THE REASONS JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ARE SO BADLY SEXUALLY SCREWED-UP
I here present a small selection of JW lunacies on sexual matters found
(direct quotes) in official publications of the Watchtower Bible & Tract
Society, the 'God-Organization' for Low-Brow Jehovah's Witnesses...
The material on "rape", "masturbation", "homosexuality", "bestiality",
"anal sex" - and on the officially-sanctioned methods of extracting
sexually explicit information from really young girls - is particularly
revealing of the JW-mindset and JW-character. Of course, not to be
well-associated with the JWs guarantees your ETERNAL DESTRUCTION at
Armageddon (which the Jehovah's Witnesses predict is due tomorrow - always,
tomorrow), so you better get things (dead) right, or else - you and your
minor kids will be annihilated by kind "Jehovah God" (that is their 'Good
News').
Be warned - it gets pretty strong. The material is not for the squeamish,
even for those "vomit-eating dogs" (as the Jehovah's Witnesses refer to the
poor souls who have escaped their clutches). Do not expect the JWs to do
other than what they have been trained by their God to do, that is to tell
LIES to protect the reputation of their dangerous mind-controlling cult.
For proof of this, click on any of the web addresses at the bottom.
1931 "much looseness of our day along sexual lines may be traceable to the
easy and continual violation of the divine commands to keep human and
animal blood apart from each other. With cells of foreign blood racing
through his veins a man is not normal, not himself, but lacks the poise and
balance which makes for self control... Quite likely there is some
connection between the violation of human blood [vaccines] and the spread
of demonism.. sexual immorality" {GAGE Feb 4 1931 293-4}
1954 "A further problem sometimes arises when we find ourselves stumbling
and falling many times over some bad habit that has bitten more deeply into
our former pattern of life than we had realized. Then we are inclined to
feel very discouraged and quite unworthy of further handling the precious
Kingdom interests and unfit to speak the pure message of truth. What should
be done if you find yourself in such an unhappy state? Do not despair. Do
not conclude you have committed the unforgivable sin. That is just how
Satan would like you to reason. The fact that you feel grieved and vexed
with yourself is proof in itself that you have not gone too far. Never
weary of turning humbly and earnestly to God, seeking his forgiveness and
cleansing and help. Go to him as a child goes to his father when in trouble
. his undeserved kindness .. will give you the realization of a cleansed
conscience.. Worldly-wise men without faith in God and in the Bible may
feel loathe to condemn masturbation and insist that the practice does no
harm. However, dedicated Christians will gladly accept the Scriptural
position and will therefore strive to be holy even as Jehovah God is holy."
{WT Feb 15 1954 123} [Quoted again in {WT Sep 1 1959 541-3, AWAK Sep 8 1987
19-20}]
1959 "From time to time letters are received from persons who want to know
what the Christian viewpoint is toward masturbation. Parents ask about the
counsel they are given by doctors to tell their children there is nothing
wrong with the practice. Young men ask if the psychologists are right in
justifying it on the basis of its being practiced universally. Wives ask
what their attitude should be toward unbelieving husbands who practice
self-abuse as well as about the advice they receive to resort to this
practice when their sexual relations with their husbands do not prove to be
fully satisfying. Typical of modern medical and psychological opinion are
the following two quotations: 'Medical and psychological science have by
now proved beyond all doubt that no harm can come from masturbation itself.
The harm comes when fear and anxiety about it grow too intense.' (Parents'
Magazine, January, 1959) 'Many physicians now believe that exaggerated
claims as to the evils of masturbation have done more harm .. than the
practice itself.' - Encyclopedia Americana .. Does the foregoing harmonize
with the Bible? No, it does not. It is but another instance of the worldly
wisdom that 'is foolishness with God.' Having rejected 'the word of
Jehovah, what wisdom could they have?' On the other hand, we can accept the
Bible's position with complete confidence .. Before considering the Bible's
testimony on the subject of masturbation it may be well to dispose of a
misapplication of Scripture that some have made in reference thereto. Judah
commanded his son Onan to perform levirate marriage toward the wife of his
brother, whom Jehovah had slain because of his wickedness. 'But Onan knew
that the offspring would not become his, and it actually took place that
when he did have relations with his brother's wife he wasted his semen on
the ground so as not to give offspring to his brother. Now what he did was
evil in the eyes of Jehovah; hence he put him also to death.' Clearly here
the question is not of masturbation but of a refusal to comply with the law
of levirate marriage so that his brother's name would not die out. Onan was
put to death, not for self-abuse, but for failure to do his duty toward his
brother's wife. -Gen. 38:8-10. To appreciate the problem of masturbation
properly it seems well to begin by noting the fundamentals involved.
Jehovah God put a strong attraction in the sexes for each other. This has
been so strong that the human race has continued with procreation in spite
of the many problems and burdens that marriage and the rearing of children
bring with them.. Because our first parents yielded to selfishness they
have transmitted to their offspring 'the inclination of the heart of man'
that 'is bad from his youth up.' Perfect self-control was no longer
possible, and in particular regarding the mating instinct. Greatly
aggravating the problem in our day is the stress on sex by selfish men and
women, as in the advertising of products and in offering
entertainment.-Gen. 8:21. The body's mechanism is such that it builds up
tensions in regard to sexual desire. One of the normal ways in which the
male body finds relief from this is in a nocturnal emission of semen. This
is referred to at Deuteronomy 23:10, 11, where it is shown that it was
considered as making a man ceremonial]y unclean until the close of day.
Without doubt this view of matters had a wholesome effect upon a Jew, as an
emission thus led to an inconvenience, whereas otherwise, being usually
associated with an erotic dream, it might have been welcomed as a pleasure.
Of course, the purpose of God in creating man thus was not to cause him to
dream but for the purpose of multiplying the race by means of sexual
intercourse. God having endowed man with this capacity, He has the right to
circumscribe its use as well as the wisdom to indicate what is best.
According to his Word, such sex relationship may be enjoyed with only one
person of the opposite sex, one's Scripturally married mate. All sex
relations between unmarried persons are condemned as fornication and sex
relations between married persons and those not their mates as adultery.
For dedicated Christians the penalty for either of these is
disfellowshiping from the congregation or at least a period of probation if
there is heartfelt repentance.. Self-abuse, unless recognized as something
unclean and to be striven against, can easily lead to such practices as
fornication, adultery, sodomy and Lesbianism, not to say anything of
depriving one's mate of the marriage due. -Jas. 1:14, 15. We should
therefore not be surprised to find that God's Word condemns self-abuse and
that Scriptural principles rule it out, even though it is not specifically
named anywhere in the Bible.. Paul's words, 'Having come to be past all
moral sense, they give themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness
of every kind with greediness,' certainly include self-abuse, for it is an
uncleanness that is greedy. -Jas. 4:1; 1 John 2:16; Eph. 4:19.. What folly,
then, to look to men under the influence of the 'god of this system of
things,' Satan the Devil, to instruct us as to our standards of morality!-2
Cor. 4:4. Therefore even though masturbation or self-abuse is not something
for which a person may be disfellowshiped from the Christian congregation,
its secret nature limiting it to his private relationship with Jehovah, the
Christian will nevertheless work to do away with the practice. The
overcoming of it starts in the mind. We must take a definite stand against
it. We must resolve in our minds that it is displeasing to Jehovah for it
is unclean in his sight, and that even though it may be a source of
physical pleasure to us it definitely interferes with our giving Jehovah
exclusive devotion. Remember, we must not only love righteousness but also
hate wickedness, and wickedness includes everything that is unclean. It
will also help us to wean ourselves away from it if we view it as a sign of
weakness, childishness and immaturity, and an enslaving bad habit. -Ex.
20:5; Lev. 19:2; Ps. 45:7. To help us to overcome this vice we must make a
concerted effort to keep our 'minds fixed on things above,' on things that
are spiritually upbuilding and strengthening. In times of trial turn to
Jehovah in prayer. Work off excess energy by wholesome physical activity
and proper study. Think on new truths learned, on plans for ministerial
activities, on the next talk or demonstration to be given. We must meditate
on the goodness of Jehovah and the blessings he has in store for us in his
new world. (See 'Cultivating Right Desires,' in The Watchtower, July 1,
1957, pages 404 to 410.) Memorize and keep trying to heed Paul's counsel ..
We can make the task of overcoming easier for ourselves by being alert to
circumstances that are conducive to our falling and avoiding them if at all
possible. By all means stay away from sexy stage plays and moving pictures.
Be selective about the television programs you watch. Never read
pornographic literature. Flee 'necking' and especially 'petting' as you
would the plague! As for dancing, that would depend upon the type of
dancing, the individual you danced with as well as yourself. It may prove
to be .. the worst thing for you. As the apostle Paul shows, athletes
exercise self-control for the sake of winning a temporary, perishable
crown. Cannot we exercise self-control to win the crown of everlasting
life? By cultivating self-control in eating, drinking, talking, reading and
all other activities of life we will be helped to exercise self-control in
the matter of sex. Conversely, to the extent that we make progress in
controlling our sex impulses to that extent it will be easier to exercise
self-control in other matters. In this connection it might be observed that
there is reason to believe that love of ease, indulgence in rich foods and
alcoholic beverages tend to strengthen sexual desire.. 'Avoidance of a diet
rich in meats and spices, and especially in intoxicating beverages, is
important.' -1 Cor. 9:24-27. It may be that overcoming self-abuse presents
an extremely disturbing problem. If so, then those who are Scripturally
free to do so should heed Paul's counsel: 'If they do not have
self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to be inflamed
with passion.' Paul's further words are also pertinent here: 'But if anyone
thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virginity, if that is past the
bloom of youth, and this is the way it should take place, let him do what
he wants; he does not sin. Let them marry.' -1 Cor. 7:9, 36. True, for
those unable to solve their problem in this way the Scriptural position
presents a difficult task. However, let all such remember that keeping
integrity is not easy. Our brothers behind the Iron Curtain have one kind
of test .. let all such remember that there is value in keeping up the
fight. " {WT Sep 1 1959 541-3}
1961 "The blood in any person is in reality the person himself.. poisons
due to personal living, eating and drinking habits .. The poisons that
produce the impulse to commit suicide, murder, or steal are in the blood.
Moral insanity, sexual perversions, repression, inferiority complexes,
petty crimes - these often follow in the wake of blood transfusion." {WT
Sep 15 1961 564}
1962 "Are idolatry and fornication damaging to the Christian personality?
Disastrously so! So too is the taking in of blood, whether through blood
foods or blood transfusions .. Transfusing blood, then, may amount to
transfusing tainted personality traits." {WT May 15 1962 302}
1963 "The second reason for our critical times is modern man's rejection of
God's Word the Bible. Enemies such as Wellhausen and his prejudiced school
of higher critics, Darwin and his evolutionists, Freud and his theories,
Marx and his atheistic revolutionists - all these have played a sinister
role in destroying the guiding influence of the Bible for many; especially
since so many of the clergy have adopted such worldly wisdom.. According to
Freud, one of psychiatry's chief authorities, religion is a great illusion
that man will get rid of someday. Psychiatry stresses, 'Know thyself,' as
if an enlightened self-love is sufficient for successful living. More than
ignoring God, analysts often contradict God by advising those with guilty
consciences that fornication, adultery and sodomy are not wrong in
themselves. The charge rightly has been made that such counsel tends to
exterminate the conscience." {WT Jan 15 1963 37-8}
1964 "Rape .. if she should submit to the man's passionate wishes, she
would not only be consenting to fornication or adultery, but be plagued by
the shame.. A Christian woman is entitled to fight for her virginity or
marital fidelity to the death." {WT Jan 15 1964 63-4} [Rape is not an act
of passion, it is an act of violence! Is the God of the Watchtower so
limited that He cannot read the heart of the victim so as to know it is
rape and not fornication? And, where in the Bible is fighting to the death
suggested? How many Jehovah's Witness women died needlessly over this? Luke
6:9: 'Jesus said it was lawful to save a life, even if it meant breaking
the Sabbath law to do so .. the Pharisees felt otherwise' This hardening is
the first in a long chain of reversals..]
1968 "Rape .. An issue of integrity to Jehovah's laws is involved here. So
by no means would it be proper quietly to submit to rape, as that would be
consenting to fornication." {WT Jun 1 1968 347} [Reinforcing the ." {WT Jan
15 1964 63-4} position that a failure to resist a rapist would make the
woman guilty of fornication. But this teaching is soon reversed next year]
1969 "Fornication: Sex relations by mutual agreement between two persons
not married to each other." {AIDA 601} [This, read with "Rape is defined as
unlawful sexual intercourse without the woman's consent, effected by force,
duress, intimidation" {AIDB 1371}, reversing the dictum in {WT Jan 15 1964
63-4, WT Jun 1 1968 347} that by failing to submit to a rapist the woman is
guilty of fornication, as failure to resist cannot - even by the WTBTS - be
considered to indicate 'mutual agreement'. But in {AWAK Mar 8 1974 this
reversal was re-reversed!]
1969 "We have received quite a number of inquiries from married persons
asking about sexual matters, as a result of views that have been widely
publicized by worldly sources.. Marriage stems from a divine source,
Jehovah God. It was man's Creator who provided a wife as a complement for
Adam. Was this just for platonic companionship, devoid of sexual acts
between husband and wife? Not according to the Bible. It says that God
instructed the first pair: 'Be fruitful and become many and fill the
earth.' -Gen. 1:28. This helps us to see how Jehovah himself looks at
marriage. It has as a primary purpose reproduction or childbearing. (Gen.
1:28; 2:18) .. In Romans 1:24-32, where it speaks of both men and women who
participated in immoral sex practices, including lesbian and sodomite acts,
the Bible mentions a 'natural use of the female.' Thus it shows that to
indulge in such perverted use of the reproductive organs so as to satisfy a
covetous desire for sexual excitement is not approved by God.. This would
also be true in connection with married couples; they should not pervert
this 'natural use of the female.' .. Those who have not learned how such
perversions are practiced ought to be grateful for that, for Jehovah God
urges Christians to 'be babes as to badness.'-1 Cor. 14:20.. No sane person
would abuse his or her own human body, or force upon it a practice that was
revolting. .. So would a sane and loving husband or wife request sex acts
that the other mate rightly regarded as unnatural and disgusting?" {WT Dec
15 1969} [The WTBTS forgot that in {WT Sep 1 1959 541} they expressed the
opposite opinion, that "Perfect man and woman had full control of their
sexual desire. This is apparent from the fact that Adam and Eve did not
have relations while in the garden of Eden. The exercise of the procreative
function was not so strong a desire for them that they could not wait. No,
they had much to learn about their other duties, caring for the garden,
exercising dominion over the lower animals, and, in particular, getting
acquainted with their Creator, as he visited them in the 'breezy part of
the day.' That this must have been the case appears from the fact that had
Adam and Eve cohabited in Eden Eve certainly would have been pregnant
before the fall into sin and Cain would not have been conceived in sin,
whereas we are assured that because of Adam's transgression all men are
sinners.-Gen. 3:8; Rom. 5:12.". Utter confusion!]
1970 "Hence young persons do well to hate those practices that launch one
on the frustrating life of homosexuality.. 'Kissing, fondling, close bodily
contact, and mutual masturbation are common forms of love-making with which
both male and female homosexuals begin their sexual careers.' Helpful in
this regard, then, is appreciating the fact that autoeroticism or
masturbation is no mere innocent pastime but rather a practice that can
lead to homosexual acts. How so? In that self-induced masturbation may make
it easier and more tempting for one to engage in mutual masturbation, which
is a form of homosexuality. Sincerely striving against this practice will
go far to protect a youth." {WT May 15 1970 315}
1970 "Assisting Young Ones .. the assembly program .. considered the
problem of masturbation.. it was shown that it is a bad practice that can
cause much harm. It can lead to homosexuality. But what can be done to
break this practice?.. Particularly was the need of spiritual help stressed
. Many were the expressions of appreciation for this frank and helpful
consideration." {WT Oct 1 1970 604}
1972 "While both homosexuality and bestiality are disgusting perversions,
in the case of neither one is the marriage tie broken" {WT Jan 1 1972 32}
{So if you divorce because the spouse has committed these acts, and
remarry, the innocent party becomes guilty of adultery and liable to be
disfellowshipped. This ruling was quietly reversed in {WT Dec 15 1972
767-8} with no mention made of the previous position]
1972 "The real question then is .. whether spiritual harm unavoidably
results or not. Can anyone rightly engage in the practice [of masturbation]
without feeling guilt before his Creator?" {WT Feb 1 1972 92}
1972 "Recently in the news was a court decision ruling that oral copulation
by adults is no longer punishable by law in a certain state. Would such
practice therefore be solely a matter for individual conscience if engaged
in by a Christian couple within the marriage arrangement? .. We would
therefore be remiss as regards our responsibility if we held back
Scriptural counsel that could aid sincere Christians in their efforts to
follow a course of purity calling forth the Creator's blessing. Unusual
sexual practices were being carried on in the apostle Paul's day and he did
not remain silent about them, as can be seen in reading Romans 1:18-27. We
are therefore only following his good example in considering this question
here. In discussing sexual practices, the apostle provides us a principle
that helps us to reach a right conclusion. He refers to 'the natural use of
the female,' which some were abandoning in favor of what is 'contrary to
nature,' thus satisfying 'disgraceful sexual appetites' and 'working what
is obscene.' The apostle specifically deals with homosexual practices,
condemning such. But the principle stated - that the satisfying of sexual
desires can be 'natural' or can be 'contrary to nature' - applies just as
well to the question under consideration. - See also Leviticus 18:22, 23.
The natural way for a married couple to have sexual relations is quite
apparent from the very design given their respective organs by the Creator
. the vast majority of persons would normally reject as repugnant the
practice of oral copulation, as also anal copulation. If these forms of
intercourse are not 'contrary to nature,' then what is? That those
practicing such acts do so by mutual consent as married persons would not
thereby make these acts natural or not 'obscene.' Are we being 'narrow' or
'extreme' in taking such position?.. What if certain married couples in the
congregation in the past or even in recent times have engaged in practices
such as those just described, not appreciating till now the gravity of the
wrong? Then they can seek God's forgiveness in prayer and prove their
sincere repentance by desisting from such gross unnatural acts.. if future
cases of gross unnatural conduct, such as the practice of oral or anal
copulation, are brought to their attention, the elders should act to try to
correct the situation before further harm results, as they would do with
any other serious wrong. Their concern is, of course, to try to help those
who go astray and are 'caught in the snare of the Devil.' (2 Tim. 2:26) But
if persons willfully show disrespect for Jehovah God's marital
arrangements, then it becomes necessary to remove them from the
congregation as dangerous 'leaven' that could contaminate others.-1 Cor.
5:6, 11-13. What of Christian women married to unbelievers and whose mates
insist on their sharing in such grossly unnatural acts? Does the apostle's
statement that 'the wife does not exercise authority over her own body, but
her husband does' give a wife the basis for submitting to these demands? (1
Cor. 7:4) No, for such husbandly authority is only relative. God's
authority remains always supreme. (1 Cor. 11:3; Acts 5:29) The apostle,
furthermore, was speaking of normal sexual relations, as the context
indicates. True, refusal to engage in unholy acts may bring hardship or
even persecution on a wife, but the situation is the same as if her husband
demanded that she engage in some form of idolatry, in misuse of blood,
dishonesty or other such wrong.. Realizing that a corrupt world is soon to
be wiped away, we can think on the words of the apostle Peter, who wrote:
'Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons
ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion,
awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.'
Yes, this is not the time to be slipping into, or letting others beguile or
pressure us into, unholy practices just to satisfy selfish passion. Not if
we truly cherish our hope of living in the fresh, clean new order now so
near. (2 Pet. 3:11, 12; Jude 7) So, Christian married couples can keep 'the
marriage bed without defilement,' not only by refraining from fornication
and adultery, but also by avoiding defiling, unnatural practices. -Heb.
13:4." {WT Dec 1 1972}
1973 "The Scriptures counsel: 'Deaden, therefore, your body members that
are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite,
hurtful desire, and covetousness.' (Colossians 3:5) Is one who practices
masturbation 'deadening his body members as respects sexual appetite'? On
the contrary, he is stimulating the sexual appetite. The Bible urges that
one avoid the thinking and conduct that lead to such problems, replacing
them with wholesome activity, and that one cultivate self-control.
(Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22, 23) When earnest effort is put forth to
do this, such self-abuse can be avoided, with benefits mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually." {TPAS 149}
1973 "your body is developing .. How should you satisfy that curiosity? By
experimenting with your sexual organs? Or by questioning other boys of your
own age or somewhat older? Many take such a course, but very often with
undesirable results. Why? Well, what they do reminds one of a small child
who is given as a gift some rather complex article, such as a watch.
Curious, the boy wants to know what makes the watch tick, what makes the
hands move. So he pries off the back and starts tinkering. What is the
result? A damaged watch, for, while he may be able to figure out how to
open it up or even to take it apart, he does not have the necessary
knowledge to put it back together again. Nor is another child of his age
likely to know either." {WT Feb 1 1973 88}
1973 "it was thought that masturbation would ruin one's physical health,
causing such things as pasty complexion, exhaustion, insomnia,
tuberculosis, sterility, feeblemindedness, deformity of the genitals and
other physical harm.. today .. Only in extreme cases where males masturbate
excessively are they infertile or have semen of poor quality.. why is it
that the young boy (or girl) who engages in masturbation for the first time
nevertheless feels a sense of guilt, of self-accusation? Why is it that by
far the majority who engage in the practice do so in a secret, furtive way?
Because masturbation is unnatural.. with adolescence comes an inner
awareness that tells the male his satisfaction of sexual desire is to be
found in the female, and vice versa. Masturbation (like homosexuality)
ignores or bypasses that natural arrangement. It is one form of leaving
'the natural use of the female' for 'one contrary to nature.' The vestige
of God-given conscience that is inherent in all humans, therefore, makes
itself heard in disapproving of such practice, causing an internal sense of
guilt. -Compare Romans 1:26, 27; 2:14, 15. Because the practice is one
'contrary to nature,' the masturbator pays a mental penalty. The habitual
practice cripples his social and emotional development, hinders his
attaining a healthful outlook and attitude toward the other sex and toward
people in general. It can 'turn the person inward' upon himself, making him
introverted. Or it can, and frequently does, lead into homosexuality, in
which the person, not satisfied with his lonely sexual activity, seeks a
partner for mutual sex play.. The marriage arrangement provides the means
for satisfying such sexual desire. But what of those not married? Is
masturbation the only means - short of fornication - for relieving the
pressure of such desire? And if masturbation is not indulged in, will the
buildup of semen have some damaging effect?
The answer to these questions is, No. There are other ways to reduce or
relieve sexual pressure. One is 'sublimation' - that is, redirecting the
pressure .. That masturbation is abnormal and unnatural is also indicated
by the fact that abnormal, mentally deranged people are notorious
masturbators. Somewhat similarly, The Bremerton Sun (Washington) states
that many mentally disturbed priests and nuns are chronic masturbators.
Some persons find it most difficult to discontinue the habit abruptly. So,
when they occasionally relapse .. it is not only helpful but often
advisable to seek the aid and encouragement of a Christian elder." {WT Sep
15 1973 564} [Especially if the person relapsing is a young girl]
1974 "If you are a Christian woman, what should you do if, in spite of all
precautions, you are set upon by a rapist? If you cannot deter him by
reasoning, or by calling upon the name of Jehovah, then what? As a
Christian you are under obligation to resist. This resistance includes
screaming and creating as much disturbance as possible to try to frighten
off the attacker.. If the attack continues and you cannot break free to
flee, then you would be justified even to inflict damage on your assailant
if necessary. Resistance is imperative, because the rapist is after, not
just money, but your virtue. An issue of integrity to Jehovah's laws is
involved here. So by no means would it be proper quietly to submit to rape,
as that would be consenting to fornication. -1 Thess. 4:3. The principle is
like that set out at Deuteronomy chapter 22.. Would it be different if the
man had a weapon and threatened to kill you if you did not submit? No, the
Scriptures plainly state that Christians are under obligation to 'flee from
fornication.' (1 Cor. 6:18). It is true that you face the possibility of
death in this case.. if she did not scream, she would be as good as dead
anyhow.. Also, that if she did not scream she would ruin her relationship
with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation; that then she would be
disfellowhiped or excommunicated from it." {AWAK Mar 8 1974 14} [Summary:
Re-reversing the {AIDA 601} concession!
---------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICIAL JW ANSWER
Is the woman compelled to strongly Resist a rapist? [Yes]
Even if the rapist(s) is/are armed? Knife? Gun? [Yes]
Even if he threatened to kill if she did not submit? [Yes]
Would Jehovah's Laws be breached if she did not resist? [Yes]
Even in the last circumstance -"I'll kill you unless"? [Yes]
Even if she is actually in the process of being killed? [Yes]
If she fails in ANY of this, is she is a FORNICATOR? [Yes]
Is that per the OFFICIAL JEHOVAH'S WITNESS BIBLE? [Yes]
Are fornicators subject to JW's DISCIPLINARY ACTION? [Yes]
Is usual outcome where there is fornication, Removal? [Yes]
Is the person removed (DF'd) to be TOTALLY SHUNNED for
LIFE by all JWs (a grudging part-exception for very
close family, but even they must spiritually shun) [Yes]
Will another JW who breaks the shunning be SHUNNED? [Yes]
As JWs PREDOMINANTLY HAVE JW FRIENDS & CONTACTS, does
this SHUNNING have a very considerable bad effect? [Yes]
Has it been found to cause DEPRESSION even SUICIDES? [Yes]
Is SHUNNING a tool to CONTROL JWs and make them comply? [Yes]
Has the Poor Victim of Violent-Rape been raped AGAIN? [Yes]
---------------------------------------------------------------
Perfectly appalling! In its re-hardening, the WTBTS considers the victim of
the rape to be the victim.. Of course, a re-re-reversal of doctrine follows
in {AWAK Jul 8 1980 5-6} - tough on you if you go raped in the intervening
period]
1974 "Does the por·nei'a (gross sexual immorality) mentioned in the Bible
include masturbation, making masturbation a valid basis for Scriptural
divorce? .. The Bible does not mention masturbation or self-abuse ..
Masturbation is definitely an unclean habit. This is evident from the fact
that, according to the Mosaic law, even an involuntary emission of semen
made a man ceremonially unclean until the evening. (Lev. 15:16; Deut.
23:10, 11) This being the case, a deliberately induced emission of semen
through masturbation would have been a greater uncleanness." {WT Mar 1 1974
160}
1974 "Oral sex .. Herpes-virus infections .. cause, among other things, the
common 'cold sore' in or around one's mouth. But since 1960 herpes
infections have made a dramatic appearance in the role of a highly
contagious venereal disease .. This emphasizes once again the truth stated
at Romans 1:26, 27. Those engaging in sexual practices 'contrary to nature'
eventually receive in themselves the full recompense due for their
error."{WT Jul 15 1974}
1974 "Do lewd practices on the part of a married person toward that one's
own mate constitute a Scriptural basis for the offended mate to get a
divorce? There are times when lewd practices within the marriage
arrangement would provide a basis for a Scriptural divorce.. 'fornication'
is set forth as the only ground for divorce. In the common Greek in which
Jesus' words are recorded, the term 'fornication' is pornei'a, which
designates all forms of immoral sexual relations, perversions and lewd
practices such as might be carried on in a house of prostitution, including
oral and anal copulation. Hence, circumstances could arise that would make
lewd practices of a married person toward that one's marriage mate a
Scriptural basis for divorce. For example, a wife may do what she
reasonably can to prevent her husband from forcing upon her perversions
such as are carried on in a brothel. Yet, due to his greater strength, he
might overpower her and use her for perverted sex. So as not to be
prostituted in this way at another time, a Christian wife may decide to get
a divorce. She could establish with the congregation that the real reason
for this is pornei'a" {WT Nov 15 1974 703-4}
1975 "Unnatural Sexual Relations .. Over two years ago this magazine warned
against perverted sex practices such as oral and anal copulation, pointing
out that, like homosexuality, these were 'contrary to nature.' The
Christian apostle Paul says that those practicing unnatural sexual acts
'receive in themselves the full recompense due for their error.'-Rom.
1:21-27.. Those holding to Scriptural standards are certainly protected
from much unnecessary suffering.-Prov. 4:13, 20-22." {WT Jan 15 1975}
1976 "Masturbation and Homosexuality .. Should you experiment with your sex
organs? Is there anything wrong with rubbing them in some way until the
excitement is climaxed? This practice is called masturbation.. Do you agree
that, because in today's world masturbation is a very common thing, this
makes it a natural, normal function of the body? Lying and stealing are
also common today. Yet you wouldn't say this makes them natural and proper,
would you? The 'common' cold is quite universal, but this certainly doesn't
mean that you want it, does it? Then what about the claim that masturbation
is harmless? From a physical standpoint, the majority of doctors say that
occasional masturbation is harmless. Like most psychiatrists, they say that
damage comes only if the practicer has feelings of guilt that cause mental
and emotional disturbance, these, in turn, producing physical upset. But
doctors and psychiatrists are imperfect humans, subject to error, and their
views change. There is, though, a source of counsel that young people can
turn to that is stable and free from error or misjudgment. That is God's
Word.. True, the words 'masturbation' and 'self-abuse' do not appear in the
Bible. But what do you understand from the inspired counsel of the apostle
Paul at Colossians 3:5? To those not wanting to lose God's approval, he
says: 'Deaden (Do not excite), therefore, your body members that are upon
the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful
desire, and covetousness.' Unlike fornication, masturbation is something a
person may do by himself or herself. But does that keep it from being
unclean? Or is it also a giving in to, and being dominated by, 'sexual
appetite'? Then, too, the apostle writes of those who 'gave themselves over
to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness.'
(Ephesians 4:19) In his letter to the Colossians, quoted in the previous
paragraph, Paul mentioned 'covetousness,' and in this text, 'greediness.'
Really, masturbation expresses both of these undesirable qualities. How?
Well, it is an expression of desiring something that does not rightly
belong to one. God has provided marriage as the arrangement in which to
satisfy sexual desires. But the person who practices masturbation is, in
effect, trying to obtain that satisfaction without paying the price. The
price is the assuming and shouldering of the responsibilities that go along
with marriage. In this connection note that, when the apostle counseled
persons who were 'inflamed with passion,' he did not tell them to seek
relief through masturbation, but through God's provision of marriage. -1
Corinthians 7:2, 9. 7 Actually, masturbation may endanger your future
happiness in marriage.. marital relations deteriorate and there is distress
and disillusionment.. husbands thinking of their own satisfaction and
disregarding their wives' needs - is one of the greatest problems in
marriage. Much of it stems from a premarital masturbation habit.. some
persons might ask, 'what if one is too young to make marriage advisable?
While postponing marriage, would not masturbation protect one against some
worse violation of God's law, such as fornication or homosexuality?' It
might seem so. But is that sound reasoning? No. Masturbation weakens a
healthy conscience and love for what is right, the very things that can
protect one against such practices. Like drug addiction, masturbation can
become something that one resorts to every time he or she feels tension of
any kind and lacks the will to face up to and overcome the problems causing
such tension. So it can produce a vicious cycle, eventually making a person
its slave. But God says we should control our bodies, not let them control
us. HOMOSEXUAL PRACTICES Weakly giving in to sexual desires by masturbation
will certainly not give you strength when faced with a situation tempting
you to commit fornication - or even homosexuality. Just the opposite, it
cultivates wrong thinking and wrong desire. In fact, masturbation can lead
into homosexuality. In such instances the person, not satisfied with his
lonely sexual activity, seeks a partner for mutual sex play. This happens
much more frequently than you may realize. Contrary to what many persons
think, homosexuals are not born that way, but their homosexual behavior is
learned. And often a person gets started when very young by playing with
another's sexual parts, and then engaging in homosexual acts.. God's Word
is very clear on this matter, saying: 'Make no mistake: no fornicator or
idolater, none who are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual
perversion .. will possess the kingdom of God.' -1 Corinthians 6:9,10 ..
OVERCOMING WITH SELF-CONTROL What you think about has a lot to do with the
way you feel and the things you do. So what do you really want? Do you want
to feel disturbed by sexual desire most of the time, habitually
masturbating, and perhaps even slipping into homosexual practices? This can
happen if you let your mind dwell on sexual matters. But if you want to
keep such sexual urge from cutting into your enjoyment of life and your
really accomplishing worthwhile things, then exercise self-control and turn
your mind to other matters. When pictures, reading matter or other things
containing sexually stimulating material come your way, do not weakly give
in. If you let your mind dwell on such things or engage in conversation
that revolves around them, you will pay the consequences in feeling upset
and in the building up of pressure within yourself. That is because the
longer you look at or talk about such things the deeper your heart becomes
involved. And your heart is a major factor in moving you to act. But what
if, under even ordinary circumstances, you feel passion building up within
you? How can you find relief? Not by resorting to masturbation, but by
getting your mind, heart and body onto another track. You can do some work
. Reading .. publications explaining the Bible is one of the finest helps.
And, above all, take the problem to your heavenly Father, Jehovah God, in
prayer. There are, of course, many additional things of a simple and
sensible nature that one can do to help to avoid or reduce sexual tension.
Being with others - provided, of course, that they are wholesome persons -
is a protection. If you sleep in a room alone and you find that you seem to
feel special stress in this direction at night, you may be able to arrange
matters to share a room with another member of your family [Incest?]. Also,
you may find it helpful to sleep on your side rather than on your back or
face down. Another thing that may be helpful is to see to it that your
clothing does not unnecessarily cause friction with the sexual organs..
Some have even found that if they limit the amount of food and drink they
consume before retiring they sleep more soundly and are not so inclined to
be aroused sexually. And especially important is good masculine or feminine
hygiene. Lack of cleanliness can produce irritation of the genital organs
and pull one's attention in that direction.. Proper hygiene calls for
certain handling of the sex organs, and one might feel that this would be a
temptation to misuse them. But because your motive is right - with the aim
of avoiding sexual tension - you may well find that such care will instead
help you to take a more healthful view toward these organs.. Jehovah God
and his Son Jesus Christ .. will kindly and patiently help you to build up
the needed strength so that you come off victorious." {GBOI 35-8}
1977 "The Marriage Bed Undefiled .. Perverted practices engaged in by
homosexuals, who, in such practice, do not have natural, normal copulation
between themselves, have been adopted also by some married couples in
search of greater 'thrills,' specifically oral and anal copulation.. When
married couples adopt homosexual methods they surely bring no honor to the
marriage union but, rather, degrade it, exalting selfish passion instead,
and the marriage bed loses its cleanness.. Aside from actions that are
clearly and obviously gross and obscene, such as the aforementioned
practices, the Christian must be guided by his or her conscience as to what
'love play' leading up to intercourse involves. Still, it is certainly the
course of wisdom to avoid coming so close to the obscene practices earlier
mentioned that one might easily slip into them due to loss of control.
-Jas. 1:14, 15." {WT Mar 15 1977} [How close, in inches?]
1977 "the Christian couple must be careful that their marital relationship
does not become debauched by unnatural practices, practices contrary to the
principles in God's Word.. The conduct of the man and wife in fulfilling
their responsibilities should be based on the Word of God. (1 Cor. 7:3-5)
While the man and the woman are to delight in each other and their
closeness in the husband-wife relationship, they are to avoid unnatural
practices, such as sodomy, oral copulation and the like. We say 'unnatural'
because the man and the woman were clearly not designed for these practices
by their Creator, and his Word stresses the need to avoid the unclean
practices characteristic of the world.-Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Thess.
4:3-8.. Man fundamentally knows what is right and what is wrong, what
practices are evil and condemned by God. (Rom. 2:12-16) Man basically knows
what God intended when he put the procreative powers in the man and woman
and made it possible by the sexual union of the two to produce offspring.
Therefore, man basically knows that sodomy is wrong, that oral copulation
is wrong, that bestiality is wrong, along with adultery, fornication,
homosexuality, and like practices." {WT Sep 15 1977}
1978 "Does the Bible set forth any specific definitions as to what is moral
or immoral as regards the sexual relationship between husband and wife? Is
it the responsibility of congregational elders to endeavor to exercise
control among congregation members in these intimate marital matters? It
must be acknowledged that the Bible does not give any specific rules or
limitations as regards the manner in which husband and wife engage in
sexual relations.. In the past some comments have appeared in this magazine
in connection with certain unusual sex practices, such as oral sex, within
marriage and these were equated with gross sexual immorality. On this basis
the conclusion was reached that those engaging in such sex practices were
subject to disfellowshiping if unrepentant. The view was taken that it was
within the authority of congregational elders to investigate and act in a
judicial capacity regarding such practices in the conjugal relationship. A
careful further weighing of this matter, however, convinces us that, in
view of the absence of clear Scriptural instruction, these are matters for
which the married couple themselves must bear the responsibility before God
and that these marital intimacies do not come within the province of the
congregational elders to attempt to control nor to take disfellowshiping
action with such matters as the sole basis. Of course, if any person
chooses to approach an elder for counsel he or she may do so and the elder
can consider Scriptural principles with such a one, acting as a shepherd
but not attempting to, in effect, 'police' the marital life of the one
inquiring.. What if a married person claims that certain sexual practices
of the marriage mate are sufficiently gross to come within the scope of the
Greek term porneia as used at Matthew 19:9 ('fornication,' New World
Translation)? As has been shown, the Scriptures do not give specific
information that allows for positive identification of certain sexual
practices within marriage as being - or not being - porneia. It may be
noted that the Greek term is drawn from a word having the basic meaning of
'to sell' or to 'surrender or give oneself up to,' and thus porneia has the
sense of 'a selling or a giving of oneself up to lust or lewdness.' The
verb form (porneuo) includes among its meanings that of 'to debauch.'
(Liddell and Scott's Greek-English Lexicon) If a married person believes
that the sexual practices of the mate, though not involving someone outside
the marriage, are nevertheless of such a gross nature as to constitute a
clear surrender to lewdness or a debauching in lewdness, then that must be
his or her own decision and responsibility. Such a one may hold that the
circumstances provide Scriptural basis for divorce. If so, he or she must
accept full responsibility before God for any divorce action that might be
taken. Elders cannot be expected to express approval (Scripturally) of
divorce, if they are not sure of the grounds. At the same time they are not
authorized to impose their conscience on another when the matter is a
questionable one. (Jas. 4:11, 12) .. Reference has been made to the
apostle's statements at Romans 1:24-27 regarding 'the natural use' of male
and female bodies. As is evident and has been consistently acknowledged,
these statements are made in the context of homosexuality. They do not make
any direct reference to sexual practices by husband and wife. It must also
be acknowledged that even those love expressions that are completely normal
and common between husband and wife would be 'unnatural' for persons of the
same sex" {WT Feb 15 1978 32} [This much more reasonable position, as
written by Raymond Franz - now disfellowshipped and a prominent opposer of
the Jehovah's Witnesses - directly contradicts the dogma of {WT Dec 1 1972,
WT Mar 15 1977, WT Sep 15 1977} and was reversed in 1983, when the
hard-line position was re-established]
1979 "Marry 'Only in the Lord' - How Important? .. In case a man is found
lying down with a woman owned by an owner, both of them must then die
together .. Similarly, practicers of idolatry and homosexuality were to be
executed.. Does the lack of such a penalty for marrying a nonbeliever mean
that it did not really matter? No! God's warning was firm and had good
reason behind it, that the believer might not be turned away from Jehovah..
A Christian's marrying an unbeliever .. was unfaithfulness, disloyalty to
Israel's God. Hence, Paul's words to marry 'only in the Lord' cannot be
dismissed as mere human opinion. They are actually a continuation of the
overall counsel of God's Word on the matter. And they are now part of the
inspired Scriptures that are beneficial 'for setting things straight, for
disciplining in righteousness.' -2 Tim. 3:16.. Thus, perhaps by unplanned
contacts on the job or at school, some Christians have let romantic
attachments to unbelievers develop. This is especially a danger when it
does not seem that eligible Christian companions are available. But when
such feelings for an unbeliever become strong, one may be misled by a
deceptive heart into believing that it is impossible to break off the
attachment. (Jer. 17:9; Prov. 28:26).. Unnumbered examples from Solomon's
time down till ours bear out the wisdom of God's warning - the unbeliever
can turn the mate from Jehovah.. resulting in continual conflicts and grief
from interfering with the Christian's pursuing true worship whole-souled,
is it not better to avoid getting in that spot?.. However, for those who
may be considering marriage, how much better and more conducive to
happiness and God's blessing it is to realize that God's counsel to marry
'only in the Lord' is very important. Each devoted Christian who truly
accepts that counsel would consider as a potential mate only one who has
already proved to be a devoted servant of Jehovah.. The congregation of
God's people now have a new situation in which to demonstrate their
Christian love in order to .. encourage the non-believing mate to consider
the joy of serving Jehovah.. Our new publication, The Secret of Family
Happiness addresses this subject" {AWAK Mar 22 1979 27-8}
1980 "Sex and Your Health .. the unsatisfactory nature of masturbation:
'Psychiatrists say that it is basically an aggressive act toward oneself,
usually induced by frustration, as the term 'self-abuse' suggests. The
noradrenaline release is therefore likely to be relatively large and little
of the consequent rise in blood fats used up in the muscular activity
involved.' .. since such blood fats clog arteries, there might be 'some
truth after all' in the old sayings about physical ill-effects of
masturbation.. the Bible's recommendation .. single persons cultivate
self-control .. married persons should seek beneficial relief of desire in
honorable marital relations." {AWAK Sep 8 1980 21}
1980 "The Growing Terror of Rape .. How Most Victims React .. Often coupled
with the fear is confusion and uncertainty. For example, a 19-year-old
explained: 'I never physically fought him off in any way, partly because I
was frightened, mostly because in my naivete I thought a girl has to do
what she's told. I was overwhelmingly confused and defenseless against the
whole sudden suddenness.. She reacted as many others have under similar
circumstances.. Profound terror in the face of physical threats simply
renders most women helpless.. Rape is the fastest growing crime in
America." {AWAK Jul 8 1980 5-6} [Re-re-reversing the hard-line view
expressed in {AWAK Mar 8 1974 14} that not to physically resist the rapist
constituted fornication which could result in disfellowshipment. But this
re-softening was swiftly re-re-re-reversed in {WT Oct 15 1980 7}]
1980 "She told him that if he touched her she would scream as he had never
heard anyone scream before. She explained that if she did not, she would
ruin her relationship with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation.. A
Christian woman is under obligation to resist, for the issue of obedience
to God's law to `flee from fornication' is involved." {WT Oct 15 1980 7}
[This re-re-hardening re-re-re-reversed the softer line expressed just a
few months earlier in {AWAK Jul 8 1980 5-6}, making the victim of rape once
again liable to punishment by the WTBTS. But a re-re-re-re-reversal occurs
in {WT Mar 15 1983 30}!]
1981 "Sexual Conduct .. concerning the marriage bed, individuals can,
however, be advised that in their intimate relations, as in all other
aspects of Christian life, they need to .. have a hatred for all perverted
practices including homosexuality, bestiality, oral sex and the like (Lev.
18:22,23; Ps. 97:10; Amos 5:15; Rom. 12:9; Eph. 5:3,10-12; Col. 3:5,6)
Persons should be urged to act in such a way as to leave them with a clean
conscience, and the marriage bed undefiled. (Heb. 13:4)" {KMST 151}
1981 "Our heavenly Father tells us to avoid not just fornication but also
'uncleanness.' (1 Thess. 4:7) While this term covers a wide range, it
refers to conduct that is morally repugnant. For instance, masturbation
(sexual self-abuse) is an 'unclean' habit .. this pattern of thinking
created problems after marriage. One young man was shocked to find that
after marriage his long pattern of sexual self-gratification made him
unable to provide the marriage 'due.' Months of misery followed! -1 Cor.
7:3." {WT Nov 1 1981 9}
1982 "Those Weaknesses Can Be Overcome .. Three problems, more than others,
seem to trouble modern youths as well as many adults. What are they?
Alcoholism, smoking and masturbation (also known as self-abuse or
autoerotism). It is not our purpose here to discuss the very controversial
subject of just how harmful masturbation may be to the body. Still .. 'It
is well known that sexual excesses impede intellectual activity,' and that
self-control is essential to the full use of one's mental powers.
Abstemiousness at the table is another great help.. 'Avoidance of a diet
rich in meats and spices, and especially of intoxicating beverages, is
important.'" {WT Oct 15 1982 8-11}
1982 "a Syracuse University professor, says: 'All thoughts are normal.'
'Masturbation is a normal expression of sex for both males and females at
any age. Enjoy it.' Homosexuality is your business, 'so choose the sexual
life you want.' 'A lot of people wonder about oral and anal sex, and some
think it is 'perverted.' We think there is nothing wrong with any kind of
sex.' 'Pornography is harmless.' Perhaps Johnny can't read or write because
his teachers are too busy indoctrinating him with the 'normality' of sexual
perversions.. the hard fact is the tremendous increase in child
prostitution, sodomy, pornography and incest." {AWAK Jun 22 1982}
[Particularly hypocritical in the light of the WTBTS's railing against the
evils of higher education]
1983 "How about sexual activity between married couples within the marriage
bond? .. they will do well to cultivate a hatred for everything that is
unclean before Jehovah, including what are clearly perverted sexual
practices. Married couples should act in a way that will leave them with a
clean conscience .. What, though, if one mate wants or even demands to
share with his or her partner in what is clearly a perverted sex practice?
The above-presented facts show that porneia involves unlawful sexual
conduct outside the marital arrangement. Thus, a mate's enforcing perverted
acts, such as oral or anal sex, within the marriage would not constitute a
Scriptural basis for a divorce that would free either for remarriage. Even
though a believing mate is distressed by the situation, yet that one's
endeavor to hold to Scriptural principles will result in a blessing from
Jehovah.. if it becomes known that a member of the congregation is
practicing or openly advocating perverted sex relations within the marriage
bond, that one certainly would not be irreprehensible, and so would not be
acceptable for special privileges, such as serving as an elder, a
ministerial servant or a pioneer. Such practice and advocacy could even
lead to expulsion from the congregation. Why? Galatians 5:19-21 lists many
vices that are not classed as porneia, and which could lead to one's being
disqualified from God's Kingdom. Among them are 'uncleanness' (Greek,
akatharsia, signifying filthiness, depravity, lewdness) and 'loose conduct'
(Greek, aselgeia, signifying licentiousness, wantonness, shameless
conduct). Like porneia, these vices, when they become gross, can be grounds
for disfellowshipping from the Christian congregation, but not for
obtaining a Scriptural divorce. A person who brazenly advocates shocking
and repulsive sexual activities would be guilty of loose conduct. Of
course, a person with that attitude might even sink to committing porneia;
then there would be a basis for a Scriptural divorce. How concerned all
devoted Christians should be to avoid and war against all such 'works of
the flesh'!-Galatians 5:24, 25. All of Jehovah's people, whether married or
single, should shun every kind of immorality. They should give loyal
support to all of Jehovah's arrangements .. In this way, as in other ways,
they can show that they are 'no part of the world' - a world that Satan has
dragged into a mire of immorality and corruption and that is about to 'pass
away with its desire.'" {WT Mar 15 1983 30-1}
1983 "A person who masturbates is putting improper emphasis on sex. He
feeds and enlivens his sexual craving in a wrong way. Yet not only men are
involved; there has been an increase of masturbation among women." {WT Jun
1 1983 26}
1983 "What do we understand here by 'fornication'? The Greek word in this
text is porneia.. A male or female who is forcibly raped would not be
guilty of porneia." {WT Mar 15 1983 30} [Re-re-re-re-reversing the
requirement to physically resist set out in {WT Oct 15 1980 7}. However,
this re-re-softening was to be re-re-re-re-re-reversed in under a year, in
{AWAK Feb 22 1984 24-7}..]
1984 "They Resisted Rapists .. Generally rapists try to get a woman in some
isolated place where people are not around. At times they have a weapon and
threaten to use it if the victim does not cooperate. Should a Christian
quietly submit? No, the situation is not the same as when a man simply is
asking for money or other material possessions. A woman wisely would give
him these. But the rapist is asking a person to break God's law by
committing fornication. Under such circumstances a Christian is obligated
to resist. -1 Corinthians 6:18. 'But could not resistance be dangerous?'
someone may ask. Yes, it could be. Yet it may well be more dangerous not to
resist, as a teacher of rape self-defense notes: 'He just may kill you when
he's done so you can't identify him later.. it has never been demonstrated
that resistance on the part of a rape victim in an attempt to escape
'provokes' an assailant to commit an act of murder.' The following
experience illustrates this. Two young women were in a Laundromat when a
man came in and at gunpoint herded them into a room in the rear of the
building. He ordered them to undress. They refused, praying aloud to
Jehovah God for help. Finally, they told the now-confused gunman that they
were Jehovah's Witnesses and that it was against their religious belief to
do what he was demanding; they would not do it even if he shot them.
Result? The frustrated gunman fled.. Treat Him Respectfully ..
The intended victim should remember that the rapist is a human. No doubt
there are circumstances in his life that have precipitated his behavior. So
although a woman should not cower in fear and permit a rapist to intimidate
her, at the same time she should treat him understandingly, as a fellow
human.. 'He said he had a gun and would shoot me if I did not do everything
he commanded.. He said he would kill me if I did not let him rape me. Then
he started pushing me to the couch, so I quoted Matthew 16:26, which says,
'For what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but
forfeits his soul? or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'.. if
I resisted him and remained faithful to my God and my husband, and was
killed for this faithfulness, I would have a hope of being resurrected to a
Paradise earth and everlasting life. But if I gave in and he raped me, I
would eventually die and have no hope of a resurrection.. he started
pulling at my clothing. I remembered the scripture at Deuteronomy chapter
22 that says if you are attacked in the city and do not scream it is
considered the same as consenting.. I had to yell every time he attacked
me.. To really try to frighten me, the man asked if I had ever read about
whole families being killed and later being found. He said that was what he
was going to do to me and my children if I wouldn't let him at least caress
parts of my body. But I would not agree to this either. The man continued
to threaten me, and each time I would think to myself, 'O Jehovah, what can
I do?' the appropriate scripture and action would come to mind. After about
20 to 30 minutes, the man saw he was not going to be able to rape me. So he
said: 'What are your children's ages?' I replied, '14, 12, 8, 5 and 4.' 'I
am going to rape your 14-year-old daughter if you don't let me rape you,'
he said. 'She is a Christian, too,' I responded, 'and she is not going to
let you rape her.' He then said he would kill all of us, and headed toward
my children's bedrooms..' On my way back from picking up my mail, a man
wearing a ski mask came running after me with a knife. He grabbed me and
tried to take me into the woods. He pulled me to the ground. Before he got
me down, I screamed.. The man showed me the knife and said that if I didn't
keep quiet he'd hurt me. I grabbed the knife and pushed it away. He put the
knife away and began to pull me up. I bit his finger, and he punched me in
the head. He told me he wouldn't hurt me if I went peacefully. I cried,
'No!' I was determined either to escape or die there on the driveway, not
in the woods. So I threw back a punch in his face. This startled him. He
punched me again on the cheek. I was knocked to the ground but kicked my
legs at him fiercely to get him away from me.'.. rather than ignore the
possibility of a rape attempt,it only makes sense for a woman to think
ahead as to what she will do if she is ever threatened by a rapist. There
should be a realistic readiness on her part to resist." {Feb 22 1984 24-7}
[Re-re-re-re-re-reversing the re-re-softening in {WT Mar 15 1983 30} - once
again, a failure to resist a rapist will make the victim guilty of
fornication, a disfellowshipment offence. But this re-re-re-hardening was
itself re-re-re-re-re-re-reversed in less than four months, in {AWAK Jun 8
1984 28}.]
1984 "From Our Readers .. I was deeply disturbed by the article 'They
Resisted Rapists.' I am very upset that anyone would even consider a victim
of rape guilty of fornication. The scripture at Deuteronomy that you quote
only requires that the woman scream, not fight to the death! - C.W.,
Indiana .. For the victim to be considered guilty of fornication there
would need to be proof of willing consent. Apparently the requirement of
Deuteronomy 22:25-27 for the woman to resist by screaming would clear her
from any suspicion of such consent on her part." {AWAK Jun 8 1984 28}
[While a welcome re-re-re-re-re-re-reversal of {Feb 22 1984 24-7}, this
re-re-re-softening is crazily stated. Firstly, For it to have ever been
rape, there could not have been 'willing consent' by definition! Secondly,
why should their be any requirement to clear oneself of suspicion - God
knows the answers anyway, and Man should presume innocence in the absence
of proof of guilt. But this fresh idiocy was itself to be
re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reversed in {WT May 22 1986 23}.]
1984 "Are You Tolerating Secret Faults? .. How this talk made us think! It
forcefully showed that whether we are observed by humans or not, God sees
us and rewards faithfulness. Particularly dealt with were the secret faults
of masturbation .. and yielding to pressure in the matter of blood
transfusion on being assured that this sin would be kept secret. But all
such tolerating of secret faults results in a bad conscience and Jehovah's
disfavor." {WT Jan 15 1984 28}
1984 "Generally rapists try to get a woman in some isolated place where
people are not around. At times they have a weapon and threaten to use it
if the victim does not co-operate. Should a Christian quietly submit? No..
the rapist is asking a person to break God's law by committing fornication.
Under such circumstances a Christian is obligated to resist. -1 Corinthians
6:18.. 'If I gave in and he raped me, I would eventually die and have no
hope of a resurrection.'" {AWAK Feb 22 1984 24-7}
1985 "Today .. sexual immorality pervade[s] movie and TV presentations as
well as the printed page. If we feed our mind on such, our conscience can
gradually become seared. This happened to a young Christian couple who
committed fornication shortly before their wedding day. 'I think it had to
do with what we had been watching on TV,' admitted the young woman. 'You
see persons all the time necking and petting, so it does not seem to be
serious. You get used to it. So we started doing it. If I had only thought
more about how serious it was!' Before she realized it, she lost her good
conscience. The young man added: 'I also had a problem with masturbation,
and this sears your conscience so it is not so hard to engage in necking
and petting and then finally in fornication.'.. a secret unclean practice,
had worked toward deadening the conscience just as flesh is cauterized by
repeated touches from a red-hot branding iron. -1 Timothy 4:2." {WT Aug 15
1985 18}
1985 "A Secret Fault Involving Sexual Desire .. The apostle also said:
'Each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in
sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite.' (1
Thessalonians 4:4, 5) This frank, inspired counsel is beneficial both for
married and for single Christians. One way in which such 'lust of carnal
desire' (1 Thessalonians 4:5 .. ) often is expressed is by a person's
stimulation of his or her own sexual organs for the pleasure involved. This
is called masturbation, or self-abuse.. Its commonness leads many doctors
to claim that it is normal and even beneficial. However, this practice runs
contrary to God's counsel against 'covetous sexual appetite.' We can better
appreciate why, and why Christians should overcome the habit, by
considering some counsel that Jesus gave." {WT Apr 15 1985 16}
1986 "Shocking as it is, even some who have been prominent in Jehovah's
organization have succumbed to immoral practices, including homosexuality,
wife swapping, and child molesting. It is to be noted, also, that during
the past year, 36,638 individuals had to be disfellowshipped from the
Christian congregation, the greater number of them for practicing
immorality." {WT Jan 1 1986 13}
1986 "Now You Are Going to Die! .. 'Crude hands choked me. I struggled to
scream. 'Stop it! Stop your screaming and I won't hurt you,' he demanded,
squeezing my throat harder.. I didn't obey him. I kept trying to scream. I
clawed at his face, knocking off his glasses and wrenching the false teeth
out of his mouth. As he struggled to touch and control me, I jammed my
fingernails deep into his eye sockets. And I screamed. When his fingers got
near my mouth, I bit with all my might.. But he kept trying. He grabbed a
nearby belt and tied my hands behind my back-the first of several times,
since I was repeatedly able to work them free. With one arm around my neck,
he groped for his teeth and glasses on the floor. Suddenly I broke free ..
he caught me, forced me to the bedroom and threw me on the bed. After tying
my hands again, he was able to undress me partially.. A final time I freed
my hands from the belt, pushed him away, and streaked for the outside door.
I reached the handle, but as I turned it, he clutched me from behind and
flung me to the floor. I was able to grab a nearby kitchen knife and slash
at his legs. 'That's it,' he roared. 'Now you are going to die!' He began
pounding my head, and I collapsed .. I regained consciousness in the front
seat of a car moving in traffic. The same belt was now yanked tight around
my neck, like a dog leash, which he held taut as he drove.. I elbowed the
steering wheel in a desperate effort to force the car off the road.. he ..
shoved me out of the car. Another motorist stopped for me and took me to a
hospital. But I had won! I had not been raped! I was the victor, not the
victim! My conscience was clean, my self-respect and dignity were intact.
And I had kept my integrity to Almighty God, Jehovah! .. I simply applied
what I had learned from my Bible study, and it worked.. 'In case there
happened to be a virgin girl engaged to a man, and a man actually found her
in the city and lay down with her, you must also bring them both out to the
gate of that city and pelt them with stones, and they must die, the girl
for the reason that she did not scream in the city ..' I was profoundly
thankful to know these simple words. They had taught me my moral duty. They
had prevented confusion and uncertainty. Because of them,I had known
exactly what to do. I screamed, besides which I also fought back.' .. you
should resist an attacker from the first moment .. Your conscience will be
clear. (Even if you are raped, you will not sacrifice your self-respect or
cleanness before God)" {WT May 22 1986 23} [This inferred
re-re-re-re-hardening by re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reversing {AWAK Jun 8 1984
28} and strongly insinuating that if the woman does not resist, she would
not be clean before God, was soon challenged in {AWAK Sep 22 1986 28} where
it was half-heartedly re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reversed.]
1986 "From Our Readers .. Thank you for your article 'Now You Are Going to
Die!' (May 22, 1986) I might note some concerns about the advice given,
however. Some rapists are very angry and sadistic in their approach and
come armed with weapons and the intent to use them if there is the least
provocation.. We would rather have someone live through the experience than
be killed or seriously mutilated. - P.R., US .. The Bible does support the
thought that a woman attacked by a rapist should scream and resist. True,
the woman has to respond according to her assessment of the danger to her
life", and we believe that is covered in the advice given in the box on
page 23 (May 22, 1986).. It should be kept in mind that submitting to rape
gives no guarantee that the victim will not be beaten or killed afterward."
{AWAK Sep 22 1986 28} [The matter had not been covered in the stated box.
By placing value on the victim's own 'assessment' for the first time, the
WTBTS suggests that she may have a defence to a charge of fornication even
if she does not resist. This semi-re-re-re-re-softening by
re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reversal of the position stated in {WT May 22 1986
23} was finally strengthened in {AWAK Mar 8 1993 5}]
1987 "Young People Ask - Why Is It So Hard to Avoid Masturbation? The urge
to resort to masturbation for sheer pleasure when things are not going well
in one's life can easily cause one to become a 'senseless slave to various
desires and pleasures.' (Titus 3:3) Yet, the apostle Paul states: 'I will
not let myself be brought under authority by anything.' (1 Corinthians
6:12)" {AWAK Nov 8 1987 18}
1987 "Masturbation - How Serious Is It? 'I'm wondering if masturbation is
wrong in the eyes of God. Will it affect my physical and/or mental health
in the future and if I ever get married?' - Fifteen-year-old Melissa.. this
practice has been blamed for all manner of ills-from warts and red eyelids
to epilepsy and mental illness.. Researchers William Masters and Virginia
Johnson add that 'there is no established medical evidence that
masturbation, regardless of frequency, leads to mental illness.'
Nevertheless, there are other ill effects! And many Christian youths are
rightly concerned about the practice. 'When I gave in to (masturbation),
I'd feel as if I were failing Jehovah God,' wrote one youth. 'I got
seriously depressed sometimes.' .. the tensions produced by various
worries, fears, or frustrations can affect a boy's sensitive nervous system
and cause sexual arousal.. Curiosity and the novelty of these new
sensations, though, lead some youths deliberately to manipulate, or play
with, their sexual organs.. The Bible describes a young man who meets a
promiscuous woman.. often it is what one reads, watches, or listens to, as
well as what one talks about or meditates on, that triggers masturbation..
What Does the Bible Say? A youth asked: 'Is masturbation an unforgivable
sin?' Masturbation is not mentioned at all in the Bible.. Since
masturbation is not directly condemned in the Bible, does this mean it is
harmless? Absolutely not! .. The principles of God's Word thus indicate
that you 'benefit yourself' by strongly resisting this unclean habit.
-Isaiah 48:17. Arousing 'Sexual Appetite' .. 'Deaden, therefore, your body
members,' urges the Bible .. Such 'sexual appetite' can thus lead to one's
indulging in gross acts, as described by Paul at Romans 1:26, 27. But does
not masturbation 'deaden' these desires? No, on the contrary .. one could
easily fall into immorality. This happened to one youth, who admits: 'At
one time, I felt that masturbation could relieve frustration without my
getting involved with a female. Yet I developed an overpowering desire to
do so.' He committed fornication. Not surprisingly, a nationwide study
revealed that the majority of adolescents who masturbated were also
committing fornication.. Mentally and Emotionally Defiling .. Masturbation
also instills certain attitudes that are mentally corrupting. (Compare 2
Corinthians 11:3.) .. the problems caused by masturbation persist even
after marriage!.. When a Christian succumbs to masturbation, his heart is
often self-condemning.. If you fight the desire to masturbate, it is not
likely that you will commit the serious sin of fornication.. God executed
Onan for 'wasting his semen on the earth.' However, interrupted
intercourse, not masturbation, was involved. Furthermore, Onan was executed
because he selfishly failed to perform brother-in-law marriage in order to
continue his deceased brother's family line. (Genesis 38:1-10) What of the
'emission of semen' mentioned at Leviticus 15:16-18? This apparently
refers, not to masturbation, but to a nocturnal emission as well as to
marital sexual relations." {AWAK Sep 8 1987 19-20}
1988 "The Greek word translated 'fornication' is por·nei'a.. 'This is a
general term for all unlawful intercourse" {INS1 862}
1988 "Build Trust in Jehovah - By Diligently Studying His Word .. Today,
advertising assails us with appeals to 'the desire of the flesh and the
desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life.' (1 John
2:16) Sexual immorality is glorified by the media and is often actively
promoted by workmates and schoolmates. Inflammatory apostate literature may
be sent unsolicited to our homes. Their curiosity piqued, some brothers
have read such defiling material - to the ruin of their faith. There is
also the selfish, fleshly 'spirit that now operates in the sons of
disobedience.' How easy it is to become infected by it and to develop a
negative, critical spirit! -Ephesians 2:2." {WT Aug 15 1988 13}
1988 "Thank you for your article on masturbation .. I am confident now that
I have read your article that I will succeed in overcoming this bad habit
and thus fulfill 2 Corinthians 7:1.. The article on masturbation does a
fine job of explaining why the habit is wrong but offers little actual help
in how to avoid it. We are urged to 'deaden our body members' but are not
told how to do this. A few practical suggestions on how to deal with the
problem would be appreciated.. I became very upset when I read your article
on masturbation. I never thought that it was wrong, since I never had any
guilt feelings because of practicing it. That made me think: 'If
masturbation is wrong, how can those of us who are too young to marry
relieve the sexual desires so common at our age? Further, what about the
'didactic' value of masturbation, that is, the youth's discovery of the
natural functions of his organs by having an orgasm?' .. masturbation does
not deaden but rather excites sexual desires. The Bible's counsel is to
'deaden your body members as respects sexual appetite,' not excite to
greater desires. (Colossians 3:5) The apostle Paul wrote at 1 Corinthians
9:27: 'I pummel my body and lead it as a slave,' which does not allow for
simply giving in to any fleshly desires. At Galatians 5:23-25, Christians
are urged to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, which includes
self-control, not self-indulgence. Masturbation is not a necessary way for
youths to learn about orgasm, since the body cares for this in a natural
way. Parents should educate their children in advance regarding these
bodily changes. Further, masturbation does not prepare one for marriage"
{AWAK Feb 22 1988 28}
1988 "Young People Ask .. How Can I Fight the Habit of Masturbation?" {AWAK
Mar 8 1988}
1989 "Jason, now a Christian elder, likewise felt a sexual pull toward
members of his own sex when he was younger. He admits: 'I think
masturbation intensified my problem with same-sex fantasies. It produced in
me a daily thinking along grossly immoral lines. This built up a strong
appetite for further unclean desires.' You need to 'deaden your body
members as respects fornication.' (Colossians 3:5) Masturbation only feeds
wrong desires." {AWAK Apr 8 1989 22}
1989 "Masturbation - How Serious Is It? .. Masturbation - How Can I Fight
the Urge?" {QYPA 198-205}
1990 "to force blood on a Christian would be the equivalent of forcible sex
- rape." {BSYF 20}
1990 "Young People Ask .. Am I Ready to Get Baptized? 'I'm 13 years old. I
have been wondering if I am ready for baptism..' .. thousands of Christian
youths today - including some pre teenagers - have proved themselves
responsible enough to make a dedication to serve God.. if you are old
enough to be reasonably serious and responsible, then you are most likely
old enough to consider making a dedication.. a youth putting up a hard
fight against a bad habit, such as the unclean practice of masturbation,
need not feel that he or she is necessarily disqualified for baptism.
Indeed, by strenuously resisting unrighteousness, one can make Jehovah's
heart rejoice! -Proverbs 27:11. Consider, for example, a young girl named
Cindy. She writes: 'At the age of 14 I was baptized .. it is the most
wonderful thing you could do. Imagine, knowing that Jehovah has approved of
you and that 'he will never leave you nor forsake you'! (Hebrews 13:5) If
anyone was to ask me if he should dedicate himself to Jehovah, I would say
yes!..'" {AWAK Apr 8 1990 15}
1991 "One young sister admitted: 'I have been struggling with the unclean
habit of masturbation for over 11 years now. I nearly left the congregation
at one point ..'" {WT Feb 15 1991 20}
1991 "Ruling for Justice Itself .. keep the congregation clean..
Relentlessly resisting temptations. Refusing to feed their minds on immoral
ideas; perceiving how wrong thoughts lead to wrong actions.. Reprove and
readjust wrongdoers. (Titus 1:9) Remove unrepentant wrongdoers. (1 Cor.
5:7,13) Uphold Jehovah's Righteousness .. Wrongdoing is increasing in
frequency and in depravity; such can infiltrate and affect the Christian
congregation. (2 Tim. 3:1-5,13; .Jude 3,4,11-13) Sexual misconduct,
including; adultery, fornication, and other forms of por.nei'a. Uncleanness
includes an intentional momentary touching of sexual parts or caressing of
breasts. (1 Thess. 4:7,8; 1 Tim. 5:1,2) .. There is a need for strong
counsel, admonition, and assistance to help the individual to maintain
chaste conduct in the future. If not corrected, such conduct may escalate
in gravity and by frequent repetition become loose conduct. Loose conduct
is a shocking, flagrant disregard for Jehovah's moral standards. (Gal.
5:19; w83 3/15 p. 31; w73 9/15 pp. 574-6) It may include the willful
practice of heavy petting or the fondling of breasts. The nature,
circumstances, and actual extent of what has occurred may indicate loose
conduct, which would require judicial action. Such practices can easily
lead to por.nei'a. Por.nei'a involves immoral use of the genitals of at
least one human (whether in a natural or a perverted way), and there must
have been another party to the immorality (a human of either sex or a
beast; willing participation incurs guilt and requires judicial action. It
is not a casual touching of the sex organs between persons but involves the
manipulation of the genitals. (w83 6/1 pp. 23-6; w83 3/15 pp. 30-1) It
includes oral and anal sex or mutual masturbation between persons not
married to each other, homosexuality, lesbianism, fornication, adultery,
incest, and bestiality. (Lev. 20:10,13,15,16; Rom. 1:24,26,27,32; 1 Cor.
6:9,10) Also included are sexual abuse of children, including practices
involving a catamite (a boy kept for purposes of sexual perversion)..
Self-abuse, or masturbation, is not pornei'a .. The term por.nei´a lays
emphasis on both the lewd nature and the intent of the person's conduct,
and it embraces all illicit sexual activity characteristic of that found in
a house of prostitution. Copulation (as in penetration) is not necessary to
constitute por.nei'a, and neither is sexual climax. In borderline cases, it
is the responsibility of the judicial committee to weigh carefully the
Scriptures and the particular facts in the case to determine whether
por.nei'a was involved. This responsibility should not be taken lightly,
especially when Scriptural freedom to remarry is involved. (Mal. 2:16a) ..
The Bible condemns .. Loose conduct. Term not restricted to sexual
immorality. (Gal. 5:19 .. 2 Pet. 2:7 .. w83 3/15 p. 31; w73 9/15 pp. 574-6;
it-2 p. 264) .. For gross sins committed, a judicial committee should be
formed.. In other cases an accusation may be brought against a member of
the congregation. (1 Cor. 1:11) If a person has definite knowledge of
wrongdoing that could contaminate the congregation, he is obligated to
report the matter in order to keep the congregation clean. (Lev. 5:1; Num.
15:32-34; Prov. 29:24) .. There are certain cases that the body of elders
is responsible to investigate and, when necessary, appoint a judicial
committee to handle: Gross sins (either those that have brought the
congregation into public disrepute or those of a more private nature. (Rom.
2:21-24; 1 Cor. 5:1; 2 Cor. 7:11) Any serious sin that constitutes a clear
threat of contaminating the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:6,9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 1
Tim. 1:9,10) .. Unbaptized publishers who engage in serious wrongdoing may
be readjusted.. judicial action may be taken if the situation becomes
scandalous loose conduct. Propriety of Disfellowshipping .. When making
decisions or answering questions about judicial reproof, disfellowshipping,
disassociation, or reinstatement, elders should be certain that their
decisions and answers are .. in harmony with the most recent statements by
the Society. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:6.) Before initiating a judicial
hearing, elders assigned to serve on the judicial committee should read
guidelines set out in Units 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) as well as examine
pertinent scriptures and references in the Society's publications. They
should also be sure to proceed in harmony with current information
published in The Watchtower and in letters from the Society.. Other cases
of serious wrongdoing require special attention by the elders in order to
determine what is needed .. to preserve the spiritual health of all in the
congregation. These includes such sins as adultery, fornication, apostasy,
and drunkenness.. Handling Judicial Cases .. Do not send an individual any
kind of correspondence that directly accuses him of specific wrongdoing. It
is best for two elders to speak with the indlvidual and invite him to meet
with the Judicial committee.. observers are not permitted. No
tape-recording devices are allowed.. Strong circumstantial evidence, such
as pregnancy or evidence (testified to by at least two witnesses) that the
accused stayed all night in the same house with a person of the opposite
sex (or in the same house with a known homosexual) under improper
circumstances, is acceptable. The testimony of youths may be considered ..
The testimony of unbelievers may also be considered .. Probing questions
should not go into needless details, especially in regard to sexual
misconduct, unless this is absolutely necessary, such as in determining
whether por.nei'a had been committed.. Was his confession voluntary, or did
he have to be accused by others before confessing? Was his reluctance to
speak more a result of deep shame than of lack of repentance?" {PAYF
90-111}
1992 "Written Just for Me .. That is what a youth from St. Lucia in the
West Indies said about the book 'Your Youth - Getting the Best Out Of It'.
'When I reached chapter 5,' she explained, 'I saw that the information was
written just for me. It was about masturbation and homosexuality.
Masturbation has been one of my major problems. For three years I've been
fighting to overcome it. I even thought I was the only one in the whole
world doing that. Praise God for having you people write this precious book
that gave me advice as to what to do. I'm putting your solutions into
practice. My second problem is concerning boyfriends. I've faced many
disappointments in this area. My last boyfriend has another girlfriend, and
it seems he loves her more than me. I just don't know what to do." {AWAK
Jul 22 1992 32} [Sadly, the boyfriend's actions are understandable given
the likely mental state of the guilt-ridden Jehovah's Witness]
1992 "How God Answers .. Young Sandy was struggling with the problem of
masturbation. She says: 'Praying and calling on Jehovah helps me because I
know that after I ask him to help me not to masturbate, I'd better not do
it.'" {AWAK Sep 22 1992 18}
1993 "The world's breakdown in morals has not led to a more permissive
viewpoint among Jehovah's Witnesses. On the contrary, the Governing Body of
Jehovah's Witnesses has placed increased emphasis on the necessity to avoid
not only illicit sexual acts but also influences and situations that erode
moral values. During the past three decades, it has provided instruction to
fortify individuals against such 'secret sins' as masturbation and to alert
them to the danger of pornography, soap operas, and music .. Thus, while
the world's moral trend has been downward, that of Jehovah's Witnesses has
been upward." {HIS2 175}
1993 "Domestic Violence .. If a Christian man batters his wife .. God will
ultimately judge those who violate his laws. But in the meantime, what
provision does his Word make for those Christian mates who have been
battered when the perpetrator does not change but continues his battering?
Are innocent victims obligated to continue jeopardizing their physical,
mental, and spiritual health, perhaps even their lives? The Watchtower,
commenting on violence in the home, notes what God's Word allows. It
states: 'The apostle Paul counsels: 'A wife should not depart from her
husband; but if she should actually depart, let her remain unmarried or
else make up again with her husband; and a husband should not leave his
wife.' .. 'departing' does not of itself provide Scriptural grounds for
divorce and remarriage" {AWAK Feb 8 1993 13-4}
1993 "What, then, if a Christian listens to music that encourages violence,
racism, immorality, Devil worship, and suicide? Ephesians 5:3, 4 specifies:
'Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be
mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people; neither shameful
conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not
becoming, but rather the giving of thanks.' Yes, those who desire
friendship with Jehovah cannot make unwholesome matters their
entertainment. They will not reason that as long as they do not do these
bad things, it is all right to be amused by them.'" {AWAK Jun 8 1993 8-11}
1993 "MYTH: A rape victim bears part of the blame unless she actively
resists. FACT: Rape by definition takes place when force or the threat of
force is used to gain sexual penetration, of any kind whatsoever, against a
person's will. Thus, a rape victim is not guilty of fornication.. When a
woman is forced to submit to a rapist out of terror or disorientation, it
does not mean that she consents to the act. Consent is based on choice
without threat and is active, not passive." {AWAK Mar 8 1993 5} [In this
final re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reversal, the WTBTS neglects to confess that
what it now classifies as "myth" was what it had taught as God's
commandment in separate articles in 1964, 1968, 1974, 1980, 1984 and 1986,
accepts no responsibility for the avoidable deaths and injuries resulting
therefrom, and offers no apology for the huge guilt its shameful conduct
inflicted upon the victims of rape over a 29 year period. In the light of
this, where {AWAK Mar 8 1993 7} presents a "Profile of a Potential Rapist
. Emotionally abuses you by insulting you, ignoring your views, or getting
angry or annoyed when you make a suggestion.. Tries to control elements of
your life, such as how you dress and who your friends are.. Gets jealous..
Talks down about women in general.. Intimidates you.. Can't handle
frustration without getting angry.. Doesn't view you as an equal.", the
WTBTS - with characteristic hypocrisy and stupidity - fails to see that it
possess all these characteristics. Indeed, the Watchtower identifies itself
as the true "spiritual rapist".]
1995 "Scientists may never resolve exactly how much of a role nature and
nurturing play in same-sex attraction. But one thing is clear: All humans
are born with the tendency to succumb to wrong thinking and inclinations.
-Romans 3:23. A youth who desires to please God must therefore conform to
his moral standards and shun immoral behavior, though doing so may be
agonizingly difficult. True, some individuals may very well be prone to
homosexuality.. Similarly, a Christian cannot excuse immoral behavior by
saying he was 'born that way.' Child molesters invoke the same pathetic
excuse when they say their craving for children is 'innate.' But can anyone
deny that their sexual appetite is perverted? So is the desire for someone
of the same sex." {AWAK Feb 8 1995 15-7}
1995 "Jealous for the Pure Worship of Jehovah .. The apostle Paul was an
imitator of Christ. To protect newly baptized Christians from spiritually
unwholesome influences, he said: 'I am jealous over you with a godly
jealousy.' (2 Corinthians 11:2) Prior to this, Paul's jealousy for pure
worship had moved him to instruct this same congregation to disfellowship
an unrepentant fornicator who was a contaminating influence." {WT Sep 15
1995 12}
1996 "The Best Help Available .. Of course, all of us need help to exercise
personal control in our everyday life, and for many of us, this is quite a
challenge. But we need not despair. Although our inherited sinful leanings
are unacceptable to God, if we want to modify our behavior, he will provide
us with the best help available .. Despite any genetic predisposition we
may have and any external influences that may affect us, we can 'strip off
the old personality with its practices, and clothe (ourselves) with the new
personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according
to the image of the One who created it.' -Colossians 3:9,10. Many
Christians in the Corinth congregation made dramatic changes in their
behavior. The inspired record tells us: 'Neither fornicators, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who
lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers,
nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom. And yet that is what some of
you were. But you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but
you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and
with the spirit of our God.' -1 Corinthians 6:9-11. So if we are struggling
with our imperfections, let us not give in to them. Many modern-day
Christians .. take in solid spiritual food .. Getting hold of 'the real
life' in God's new world - in which Jehovah God will correct all genetic
deficiencies on the basis of faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ
- is worth all the efforts you make to control your life in this world!-1
Timothy 6:19; John 3:16" {AWAK Sep 22 1996 10} [The WTBTS obsession with
masturbation and other imagined sexual evils is here expressed more subtly
than previously]
1996 "Warning Against Fornication .. In Paul's next example, we are
counseled: 'Neither let us practice fornication, as some of them committed
fornication, only to fall, twenty three thousand of them in one day.' (1
Corinthians 10:8) The apostle was referring to the time when the Israelites
bowed down to false gods and had 'immoral relations with the daughters of
Moab.' (Numbers 25:19) Sexual immorality is death dealing! Letting immoral
thoughts and desires run rampant is like allowing a 'rusting' of the
heart.. Testifying to the consequences of 'looking so as to have a passion
for a woman' is the result of the debased thinking of the disobedient
angels prior to the Flood of Noah's day. (Genesis 6:1, 2) .. the righteous
married man Job 'made a covenant with his eyes that he would not show
himself attentive to a virgin,' thus avoiding immorality and proving to be
an integrity keeper.. If we apply Jesus' words, we will not allow free rein
to wrong thoughts by viewing pornographic material or by entertaining
immoral thoughts regarding a fellow Christian, a workmate, or anyone else.
Rust is not removed from metal by merely brushing off the corrosion.
Therefore, do not lightly brush off immoral ideas and tendencies as though
they were of little significance. Take strong measures to rid yourself of
immoral leanings. (Compare Matthew 5:29,30.) Paul exhorts fellow believers:
'Deaden .. your body members that are upon the earth as respects
fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness
which is idolatry. On account of those things the wrath of God is coming.'
Yes, on account of such things as sexual immorality, 'the wrath of God is
coming' as the expression of his malediction. So we need to 'deaden' our
body members as respects these things. -Colossians 3:5,6." {WT Jun 15 1996}
1996 "How Does God View Christendom's Worship? .. According to God's Word,
there is only one honorable place for sex, and that is within the bond of
marriage.. Are church leaders upholding this teaching of God? In 1989 the
Anglican Church in Australia released an official document on sexuality
that suggested that sex before marriage is not wrong if a couple are
totally committed to each other. More recently, the leader of the Anglican
Church in Scotland stated: 'The Church should not condemn affairs as sinful
and wrong. The Church must accept adultery is caused by our genetics.' In
South Africa a number of clergymen have spoken out in favor of
homosexuality. For example, in 1990 the South African magazine 'You' quoted
a prominent Anglican minister as saying: 'Scripture is not binding for ever
. I believe there will be changes in the church's attitude and policy
towards gay people.' -Contrast Romans 1:26, 27. According to the 1994
Britannica Book of the Year, sexuality has become a dominant issue in
American churches, especially matters such as 'the ordination of announced
gays and lesbians to the ministry, religious understanding of homosexual
rights, blessing of 'gay marriage,' and legitimation or condemnation of
lifestyles associated with homosexuality.' Most of the major church
denominations tolerate clergymen who campaign for greater sexual freedom.
According to the 1995 Britannica Book of the Year, 55 Episcopalian bishops
signed a declaration 'affirming the acceptability of homosexual ordination
and practice.' Some clergymen argue in favor of homosexuality, claiming
that Jesus never spoke against it. But is that really so? Jesus Christ
declared that God's Word is truth. (John 17:17) That means that he endorsed
God's view of homosexuality as described at Leviticus 18:22, which reads:
'You must not lie down with a male the same as you lie down with a woman.
It is a detestable thing.' Moreover, Jesus listed fornication and adultery
among the 'wicked things [that] issue forth from within and defile a man.'
(Mark 7:21-23) The Greek word for fornication is a broader term than that
for adultery. It describes all forms of sexual relations outside lawful
marriage, including homosexuality. (Jude 7) Jesus Christ also warned his
followers not to tolerate any professed Christian teacher who minimizes the
seriousness" {WT Jul 1 1996 5-6}
1997 "Maintaining Virtue in a Vice-Filled World .. Jehovah's Witnesses do
not join the chorus of those who endorse permissive standards of sexual
morality. Says Titus 2:11, 12: 'The undeserved kindness of God which brings
salvation to all sorts of men has been manifested, instructing us to
repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of
mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of
things.' Yes, we cultivate a real hatred, an abhorrence, of such vices as
premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual acts." {WT Jul 15 1997 12}
1997 "Should Christians Hate Homosexuals? .. for thousands of years, people
of many nations and tongues have evinced a dislike for homosexuals. In more
recent times, though, homosexuality has been widely promoted as merely an
alternative form of sexual expression.. homosexuals 'have increasingly
banded together to proclaim their practice as praiseworthy, and to demand
that others do so as well.' This is seen especially in Western countries..
the Scriptures do set forth the moral standards of our Creator, which
oftentimes run counter to modern-day mores. Homosexual acts, heterosexual
sex between unmarried persons, and bestiality are all condemned in the
Bible. (Exodus 22:19; Ephesians 5:3-5) God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah
because of such sexual practices. -Genesis 13:13; 18:20; 19:4,5,24,25.
Regarding acts of homosexuality, God's Word pointedly says: 'This is a
hateful thing.' .. God's Law to Israel stipulated: 'When a man lies down
with a male the same as one lies down with a woman, both of them have done
a detestable thing. They should be put to death without fail.' (Leviticus
20:13) The same punishment was prescribed for those committing bestiality,
incest, and adultery.-Leviticus 20:10-12,14-17. The apostle Paul was
inspired to describe homosexual acts as expressions of 'disgraceful sexual
appetites' and as 'contrary to nature.' He writes: 'That is why God gave
them up to disgraceful sexual appetites, for both their females changed the
natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature; and likewise even
the males left the natural use of the female and became violently inflamed
in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene
and receiving in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their
error. And just as they did not approve of holding God in accurate
knowledge, God gave them up to a disapproved mental state, to do the things
not fitting.' -Romans 1:26-28. The Scriptures offer no apologies, no
concessions, no ambiguity; homosexual practices, adultery, fornication, are
all repulsive in God's sight. Accordingly, true Christians do not water
down the Bible's position on 'disgraceful sexual appetites' merely to
become more popular or more acceptable to modern culture. Nor do they agree
with any movement dedicated to the promotion of homosexuality as a normal
life-style.. The Bible admonishes: 'O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is
bad.' (Psalm 97:10) Hence, Christians are expected to hate every practice
that violates Jehovah's laws. Some people may even react with stronger
feelings of aversion or disgust toward homosexuality than toward other
types of immorality, viewing homosexuality as an unnatural sexual
perversion. However, should Christians hate the individuals who practice
such things? The psalmist sheds some light on this issue at Psalm
139:21,22: 'Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah,
and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a
complete hatred I do hate them..' .. Those who practice what is bad,
including homosexuals, can make radical changes in their pattern of
thinking and behavior, and many have indeed been successful in making this
transformation. Jesus himself preached to such ones; and on showing
repentance, they became acceptable to him. -Matthew 21:31, 32. Christians
welcome repentant people from diverse walks of life. After leaving behind
immoral practices, whatever they might have been, all can enjoy the full
benefits of God's forgiveness" {AWAK Dec 8 1997 13-5} [To give you an idea
of the scale of the WTBTS attack on - and apparent hatred for -
homosexuals, here are listed just a few of its other homophobic articles:
WT May 15 1970 311-4 The Spread of Homosexuality
WT May 15 1970 314-6 Avoiding the Snare of Homosexuality
WT Jan 1 1972 31-2 Questions from Readers .. Homosexuality
WT Dec 1 1972
WT Dec 15 1972 767-8
WT Jun 15 1973 355-6 Where Does Your Church Stand on Homosexuality?
WT Sep 15 1973 564
WT Aug 15 1974 483-6 Homosexuality - Is the Bible's View Reasonable?
WT Aug 15 1974 486-9 Is Change Possible for Homosexuals?
WT Jan 15 1975
AWAK Jun 8 1976 5-8 Looking into the World of the Homosexual
AWAK Jun 8 1976 8-12 Is the 'Gay Life' Really Gay?
GBOI 35-8 Masturbation and Homosexuality
WT Mar 15 1977
WT Sep 15 1977
WT Feb 15 1978 32
AWAK May 8 1978 27-8 Can You Change Your Personality?
AWAK Mar 22 1979 27-8
AWAK Jun 22 1980 17-20 Homosexuality - How Rewarding as a Way of Life?
AWAK Jun 22 1980 20-3 The Modern 'Liberation' of Homosexuals
KMST 151
AWAK Jun 22 1982
WT Jun 1 1983 23-8 Maintaining God's View of Sex
AWAK Nov 22 1983 4-5 An Epidemic of Homosexuals
AWAK Sep 22 1985 27 New York City Public School for Homosexuals
WT Jan 1 1986 13
AWAK Mar 22 1986 13-16 The Homosexual Life-Style - Just How Gay Is It?
AWAK Jun 22 1987 31 Homosexuality and the Clergy
AWAK Jan 22 1989 7-11 Christendom Walks in the Way of Canaan
AWAK Apr 8 1989 21-3 Is There Something Wrong With Me?
AWAK Jul 8 1989 26-7 Homosexuality - Why Not?
AWAK Aug 8 1989 12-13 Can a Homosexual Be a Minister of God?
AWAK Sep 8 1989 12-13 Homosexuality - What Is the Clergy's Obligation?
PAYF 90-111
AWAK Jul 22 1992 32
AWAK Feb 8 1995 15-7 Why Do I Have These Feelings?
AWAK Feb 22 1995 12-4 Homosexuality - Is It Really So Bad?
AWAK Mar 22 1995 21-3 How Can I Make These Feelings Go Away?
WT Jul 1 1996 5-6
WT Jul 15 1997 12
...... the Jehovah's Witnesses really have this thing about homosexuals.]
For a key to publications, and MANY TIMES MORE Jehovah's Witness insanities
and inanities, click on any of the web references at the bottom to read
"The List" - which I have compiled from the same disgraceful sources...
The Watchtower and the Jehovah's Witnesses Cult
is a CUNNING CONTRIVANCE, a FRAUD, a DIRTY LIE,
a CRUEL HOAX, a SATANIC TRICK, a SCAM, a WICKED
CHEAT, a SPIRITUAL PORNOGRAPHER and FORNICATOR,
the FOULEST DISEASE masquerading as a religion,
a PARADISE for FILTHY PEDOPHILES, a BLASPHEMOUS
INSULT, an ABOMINATION, a DISGUSTING THING, the
GREAT HARLOT OF BABYLON, an ANTICHRIST, a FALSE
PROPHET, a WOLFISH DECEITFUL WITNESS, a SCANDAL
and a DAMNED OUTRAGE right from start to finish.
They are the true "SPIRITUAL PORNOGRAPHERS, RAPISTS AND SODOMISERS".
Love
Prominent Bethelite.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MY LIST OF AMAZING JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES' CLAIMS, BELIEFS & PREDICTIONS
http://www.freeminds.org/history/list.htm
(etc.)
__
Focus
("Sane" Class)
Note to the WTS apologist Spiritual-Pedophiles, supporters and encouragers of the Spiritual-Anal-Rape of their own birth mothers - who dare to accuse me (as four have done so far) that I have ever plagiarized:
This material, like all the other material I reproduce, was written by myself (except where explicitly indicated to the contrary, as with Watchtower litteritchah quotes) and first published by myself.
This filthy class of jW-enabling, disease-spreading Swine who try to disrupt or impede my Kingdom-Proclaiming and Disciple-Making work are hereby warned that the RL consequences for them will be severe and, no doubt as viewed by them, highly disproportionate. Frankly, dear, I couldn't give a damn.
Agape!