Posted by Lobo [Lobo] on November 11, 1999 at 23:15:59 {mJnjjpluA6woj6QDdD4U60q8BzTBA6}:
In Reply to: ****Mormon/JW Similarities posted by Fred Goff on November 11, 1999 at 05:17:35:
Fred,
Glad to know about your curiosity. I probably should learn more about the Mormons, but I’m too busy right now with grad school.
It is true that Jehovah’s Witnesses have been persecuted in the US. Nevertheless, the Watchtower (the legal name of the corporation that publishes the official books for Jehovah’s Witnesses) has tried to become more mainstream lately, doing away with controversial doctrines, just like the Mormons got rid of the polygamy teaching.
For example, when I became inactive in 1992, college education was frown upon. Now it’s possible to go to college and remain in good standing. Also in the 1990’s, alternative service in lieu of military service was allowed, making it easier for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Europe to avoid lengthy prison terms. Furthermore, there is some sort of change happening right now with respect to voting. Jehovah’s Witnesses might vote for the first time in 2000 election.
Lobo