Posted by Friend [Friend] on November 22, 1999 at 21:17:08 {k/.KBikg62hxaL3hj3H2OgnjR4Br/g}:
In Reply to: **For Friend posted by Lobo on November 22, 1999 at 20:56:47:
Lobo
I know about several brothers/sisters who were disfellowshipped for "apostasy" on my congregation in 1988-1989, even though they had only shared with relatives their doubts about the Watchtower. I know such details because my dad served in those judicial committees.
I cannot answer for every action of local elders. I can only state that the Society does not encourage shunning simply because someone holds a divergent view. I believe the following citations bear that thought.
AVOIDING DISUNITY IN DOCTRINAL MATTERS
8 Disunity may also come about over doctrinal matters. How can that be avoided? It is good in such moments to recall the text in John 6:45, where it says: "They will all be taught by Jehovah." Jehovah’s witnesses in all the world receive their teaching based upon the Bible. The Bible explanations are given out by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, representing the "faithful and discreet slave" as mentioned in Matthew 24:45. This centralized and uniform teaching has very much contributed toward the unity among Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the earth. If, now, a member of a congregation meets difficulties in understanding or accepting a certain point, he has the possibility to discuss the matter with brothers who have a mature knowledge. If the point still cannot be understood, then it may be best to let the matter rest. Perhaps the Society will publish more about the matter at a later date, and then the understanding will be broadened. In prayer we can ask Jehovah for a better understanding of the matter. "So, if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him." (Jas. 1:5) It would be wrong, however, to try to put your own divergent opinion concerning a certain doctrinal matter across to as many in the congregation as possible. This does not work for the preservation of unity, but, rather, may sow discord and distrust. Usually these points of dispute are of a minor nature. But they can be made so big that they overshadow the big truth of God’s kingdom, and one may even stop preaching that good news.—Maintaining Unity in Difficult Times, The Watchtower 1964: 305.At times, some bring to the attention of the "slave" class various doctrinal or organizational matters that they feel ought to be revised. Certainly, suggestions for improvement are proper, as are inquiries for clarification.—Loyally Submitting to Theocratic Order, The Watchtower, 1982: 207 What if we individually have difficulty understanding or accepting a certain point? We should pray for wisdom and undertake research in the Scriptures and Christian publications. (Proverbs 2:4, 5; James 1:5-8) Discussion with an elder may help. If the point still cannot be understood, it may be best to let the matter rest. Perhaps more information on the subject will be published, and then our understanding will be broadened. It would be wrong, however, to try to convince others in the congregation to accept our own divergent opinion. This would be sowing discord, not working to preserve unity. How much better it is to "go on walking in the truth" and encourage others to do so!—3 John 4.—Maintaining Unity in Difficult Times, The Watchtower 1996 7/15: 17.
Please note that comments above allow that divergent ideas be shared with mature persons amidst Jehovah’s Witnesses. I do not consider that the Society is tolerant enough regarding divergent ideas but I know they do not encourage shunning just for having or casually sharing them.
If you have much experience as a JW at all then you know that it is quite common for individual JWs to share areas where they hold reservations or variant views regarding all manner of teachings. As long as we do not make issues out of these to that point of sowing discord then it is basically ignored, or in some cases agreed with.
Friend