Posted by WitnetObserver [WitnetObserver] on November 10, 1999 at 04:15:05 {AAJB0ph6mYY.5ADQk2RYQv.iPpdwjE}:
as there are no paid clergy (in fact, we teach that
"paid-clergy" are evil and can not be trusted simply
because they are "paid" )
and the meeting places are modest.(but we make a fortune
on the real estate anyway...free construction labor )
Baptism
This act symbolizes one's dedication to God
and is taken by those of responsible age
(they need to already know their A B Cs)
who have made an informed decision.(we screen them 1st)
Baptism is by complete water immersion.
(Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you
as one of Jehovah's Witnesses
in association with God's spirit-directed organization?)
Guidance and instructions are provided by
a multinational governing body (publishing company)
made up of longtime Witnesses who currently
serve at the international offices
of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York.
(but ENFORCED by the locals.This supplies them
political "power" that keeps them interested in the cult)
Jehovah's Witnesses avoid making rules
and regulations beyond those provided
in the Scriptures,(the rank&file do what they
are told)
and they do not follow traditions
that contradict Bible teachings.("teachings" as
defined by us to supposedly be from the Bible)
Emphasis is placed on personal application
of Bible principles and the value of a sound,
Bible-based conscience.(Brooklyn-trained-conscience)
SHUNNING
Disfellowshipped members may continue to attend religious services,
and if they wish, they may receive pastoral visits.
They are always welcome to return to the faith.
the replies below are ALL from obeds main forum
Would you want to be counted by God
as a sharer with wicked ones? (2Co 6:17)
I would like to say that I would not have the respect I have
for my father if he had not made the stand he made
with regards to Bible principles.
We are told not to even take a meal with such a man,
this would not change because he is a family memeber.
We should always follow the society's counsel on DF's
FAMILY MEMBERS, but remember theres a diference between
one who is making no effort to return
and one who is making a sincere effort
ie: regularly attending meetings, personal study
and preparation for meetings.
The latter deserves our encouragement if we are their family member.
I am compelled to inform the community that Jim expressed
apostate sentiments to me and to many others here.
I know that it is difficult to accept but it is the sad reality.
Our brother is very sick, both physically and spiritually
and my sincere hope is that he can recover.
On the other hand he cannot be allowed to become
a disruptive influence here.
This spin-control site is something they really have been needing.
A short visit there did bring this "passage" to my mind....
from http://www.factnet.org/rancho1.htm
Looking like peaceful persuasion
is precisely what makes coercive persuasion
less likely to attract attention
or to mobilize opposition.
It is also part of what makes it
such a devastating control technology.