If they write a letter to the elders saying they no longer want to be known as a JW anymore because of their different beliefs, how are they then treated?
And please don't beat around the bush with your answer.
Not beating around the bush, but explaining things in a reasoning way......
When the Jewish people were formed into a nation and those outside that nation wanted to become worshippers of their God, they had to become Jewish proselytes. They had to live as Jews and worship as Jews or they could not become part of Jewish life or worship. The law screened Jehovah's people off from the "nations" who were viewed as spiritually "unclean" because of their religious practices. No one was free to bring their own ideas about worship.
When Christianity was first formed into a brotherhood, the Christian congregation was likewise an orderly and organized arrangement with teachings and activities that were exclusive to Christians. Again. no one was allowed to bring in their own teachings. (2 John 9-11)
Groups met in private homes until they outgrew these and met in larger buildings. Paul, for a time, taught in the Jewish synagogue, but when opposition arose, he moved to the school auditorium of Tyrannus with those who had become believers; there he discoursed daily for two years. (Acts 19:8-10) In addition, Paul preached extensively from house to house. (Acts 20:20, 21)
I have already outlined the fact that when one takes vows of dedication, one must of necessity worship Jehovah "with his people", who are not scattered about in the churches of Christendom. They have obeyed God's command to "get out of "Babylon the great". (Rev 18:3, 4) Jehovah has always had an organized people, led by human representatives, who teach his truth. We believe that the global brotherhood of Jehovah's Witnesses is that body or spiritual nation today in this time of the end.
They are all "drawn" by Jehovah to his truth. (John 6:44)
You or anyone else is free to believe whatever they like....a person's relationship with God is their business and their choice. No human is their judge.
But those who leave the ark to swim with the sharks can call for help at any time and they can be welcomed back on board. Discipline is designed to teach us something. (Heb 12:7-11) Once we have learned the lesson, humility will bring us back.
"My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, neither give out when you are corrected by him; for whom Jehovah loves he disciplines; in fact, he scourges every one whom he receives as a son." (Heb 12:5, 6)Sometimes the discipline is hard to take. We can even give out if we see it the wrong way.
Those who want to want to swim with the sharks and invite others into the water with them are also free to do so, but don't expect the faithful ones still on board the ark to continue to view them as "family".
If one is accused of political treason, most people look down on that one as a deserter and a traitor to one's nation, yet when one becomes guilty of spiritual 'treason' with regard to God's nation, opposers take their side and encourage the defection. Go figure.
Those who have left Jehovah's family but who are pretending to be something they are not, do not have the courage of their own convictions IMO. I believe that makes them into cowards.
If they anonymously hide behind an internet avatar to fire their arrows, do they think Jehovah doesn't know or care?
My mother got shunned, she wasn't baptised just studying, for having a bast***d child (me) with my dad, I'm not sure if he was baptised but his parents were. Then my dads dad basically shunned me for being born.
Sorry, but that sounds just like all the other one sided stories I have heard over the years.
What is the other side of the story H? Do you really know?
Is sexual immorality a thing condoned by God? You know it isn't.
Can a person be forgiven who is repentant? YES! Always! So what really happened between your mom and dad? Do you know your father?
What loving Christian person would shun a granddaughter for being born? I certainly wouldn't. But access to a child can only be granted by a parent.
Is what you 'know' about the situation, the story your mother has told you? Or do you have first hand experience that this was the case? Have you judged your father's family on the testimony of one side of a story perhaps?
Have you ever put down your pre-conceived notions and actually asked your father or grandparents about what happened between them? Perhaps if you put aside your hurt feelings for a moment and allowed them to speak for themselves, you might hear a different story? Have you ever given them an opportunity without animosity getting in the way? It's hard to talk to someone who won't listen. It's hard to tell someone something they think they already know. :sad:
I do not know your family and I am only asking because truth can sometimes be the casualty of a family rift.
The truth can be a healing if you let it be told in an unbiased way from all sides.
Only with ALL the facts can you make a correct judgment.
