by HOTB 2 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Does anyone have any information about a relaxing of the rules regarding family reaching out to disfellowshipped members?
I've heard of an elder being openly in touch with a long time disfellowshipped family member. Apparently the term 'compassionate view' had been bandied about.
I can't find anything relating to this.
I'd be interested what the new rule is in when came into play.
HOTB
HOTB, you might read over this link which a timeline about the past and now current changes to disfellowshipping. It came out in a August 2024 WT study article, which was studied at the Watchtower Study meeting. https://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/disfellowship-shunning.php Here is how it starts out but the development of this change follows: "Removed not Disfellowshipped - Aug 2024 Change in terminology
Page 27 of the August 2024 Watchtower stated that the word disfellowshipped will no longer be used, and instead be referred to as “being removed from the congregation.”
This is simply a cosmetic change, as the reasons to remove an individual remain the same and continue to require shunning that person. (A minor change is a disfellowshipped/removed person may be greeted at meetings.) Information throughout this article discussing disfellowshipped individuals continues to apply to “removed” individuals.
For information regarding why this change occurred see footnote. (1)
Thank you Blondie,
It certainly made very interesting reading and shows the unscriptural and hypocritical way the org has acted over many, many years.
To think that now they change terminology to deal with the laws of the land is laughable.
The recording of the girl asking to be reinstated was a prime example of how judgemental and ludicrous the elders behave. What ridiculous questions. Such a lack of care.
Isn't it strange that people who have been following the org for years can suddenly go along with whatever is dished out through the Watchtower as true - even though its is a 180 on what was previously taught? They take it on board and accept it as gospel.
I shake my head and the craziness of it all - especially when I was just like them for so many years.
Much as stepping away and losing all the ones who I loved has been difficult - twenty years on I appreciate the freedom of no longer being a hypocrite and having to 'act' to keep friends and stay in a position of respect. JW's offer only conditional love. Looking back - what I thought were been bonds that were unbreakable - crumbled and blew away. I realised they did not love me - they loved what I represented, my position, my kindness, my hospitality...but not me.
There loss.
Thanks for the information - it was insightful.
HOTB
