TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS "Handling Cases of Drug Abuse" September 1, 2018

by Not_Culty 57 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  Not_Culty

  https://jwglossary.blogspot.com/2018/09/to-all-bodies-of-elders-handling-cases.html

  TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS "Handling Cases of Drug Abuse"

  September 1, 2018

  
  TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
  
  Re: Handling Cases of Drug Abuse
  
  Dear Brothers:
  
  As noted below, the procedure for handling the misuse of marijuana and the abuse of medi- cal, illicit, or addictive drugs has been adjusted to harmonize with the procedure for handling the misuse of tobacco.
  
  Elders should use good judgment in weighing the circumstances and extent of the wrongdo- ing when determining whether a judicial committee should be formed for misuse of tobacco or ma- rijuana or the abuse of medical, illicit, or addictive drugs. For example, one or two elders may han- dle matters by means of counsel if a Christian abused an addictive drug or smoked cigarettes on one or two occasions and the matter is not widely known. The coordinator of the body of elders should be informed. However, a judicial committee is required for a practice of abusing addictive drugs, including betel nut, marijuana, and tobacco.—2 Cor. 7:1; lvs pp. 110-117; lv pp. 93-96; w06 7/15 pp. 30-31.
  
  If a medical doctor authorizes and/or prescribes marijuana for a medical problem, a Chris- tian may choose to make use of this form of treatment. Although no judicial action would be taken, if an issue arises in the congregation, the elders will need to determine whether the individual can be viewed as exemplary. The proper use of addictive drugs under medical supervision, such as for pain management, would not require judicial review. When questions arise, please consult with the Service Department.
  
  Each elder should cross out chapter 5, paragraph 14, bullet 4, and chapter 5, paragraph 15, in his copy of the Shepherding textbook. He should make the following notation in the margin: “See the September 1, 2018, letter to all bodies of elders.” This letter has been added to the list of letters that will be cited in Index to Letters for Bodies of Elders (S-22).
  
  We send our warm Christian love.
  
  Your brothers,
  
  c: Circuit overseers
• 

  sir82

  Medical marijuana is A-OK with jw.borg - woo-hoo!

  Pass the dutchie 'pon the left hand side.....
  
• 

  steve2

  For example, one or two elders may han- dle matters by means of counsel if a Christian abused an addictive drug or smoked cigarettes on one or two occasions and the matter is not widely known.
  

  Proof that disciplinary matters often revolve around what others in the congregation already know.
  

  If a medical doctor authorizes and/or prescribes marijuana for a medical problem, a Chris- tian may choose to make use of this form of treatment. Although no judicial action would be taken, if an issue arises in the congregation, the elders will need to determine whether the individual can be viewed as exemplary.

  Two responses:

  1. If it's a medical matter determined by a medical doctor, it is no one else's business

  2. As such, it is a private decision and no issue should arise in the congregation.

  Here was an opportunity for the organization to state clearly that a medical decision is between a medical doctor and the patient, NOT between an individual in the congregation and others in the congregation. But, of course, the organization needs busybodies in the congregation to ensure all rules are followed.
  
• 

  DesirousOfChange

  Gonna be a lot more JW Stoners now!
  
• 

  Corney

  So, drugs are prohibited by Bible but they are allowed when prescribed by a doctor.

  Divorce is prohibited by Bible unless it's necessary to save the live, health, material or "spiritual" well-being.

  Blood is prohibited... without any exception.

  Where is the logic?
• 

  sir82

  Blood is prohibited... without any exception.

  Not quite true...you can have any and all parts of blood, provided you split it up into small enough components first.

  So, drugs are prohibited by Bible but they are allowed when prescribed by a doctor.

  To be fair, that has always been the JW stance - there are lots of JWs taking some pretty heavy opioids.
  
• 

  Corney

  To be fair, that has always been the JW stance - there are lots of JWs taking some pretty heavy opioids.
  
  

  Yes, but I doubt they have any "Scriptural basis" for this exception.
• 

  Spiral

  They just can't stay out of anyone's business, can they? If you have cancer and use marijuana as a pain med (much better choice than the opioids the doctor could legally give you) you MIGHT not be considered "exemplary".

  Blech!
• 

  sir82

  Yes, but I doubt they have any "Scriptural basis" for this exception.

  Scriptural basis?

  Pffft!

  We don't need no stinkin' scriptural basis.

  We've got something far, far, FAR more important and compelling:

  A "Questions from Readers" article.
  
• 

  Apostate Anonymous

  "Don't look for consistency in religion."

  - George Carlin