Posted by Friend crtn [Friend] on November 23, 1999 at 11:11:48 {KNpNN6QGfwrRIg7iiOekOgnjR4Br/g}:
In Reply to: For Friend posted by CPiolo on November 23, 1999 at 10:43:27:
CPiolo
I am not sure where you are steering our conversation.
Within the ranks of Jehovah’s Witnesses I do not believe the Society allows enough freedom of expression regarding divergent views from theirs. I believe that placing some constraints on how views are expressed is legitimate, but not as restrictive as the Society’s. Furthermore, local elders who are charged with maintaining constraints are not given enough instruction on how to deal with divergent views, making inconsistency and abuse likely.
Holding an independent view is consistent with holding either similar or divergent views. After considering whatever we want we then decide our conclusions. Articles discouraging independent thinking do not discourage individual thinking or conclusions but rather reaching those conclusions independent of considering arguments and conclusions of the Society. That some come to different conclusions after considering the Society’s views is admitted by the Society’s encouragement that those needing clarifications or offering suggested changes in doctrine do so.
So, what exactly are we debating?
Friend