Posted by Friend [Friend] on March 29, 1999 at 16:11:52 {OgnjR4Br/gLtWGkgasjoMWUagf9NbHbU2}:
In Reply to: **Re: Elder's manual posted by Harold on March 29, 1999 at 13:02:14:
Harold
Not long ago I downloaded this document and was able to read the whole thing in it's entirety. I didn't find anything in it that would be considered 'surprising' to the average JW, as like you said, most of what is in it could be garnered in one way or another from other publications.
I see then that there is a basic agreement between us.
There is one interesting thing that I found in it, however. It has to do with how d'fed family members are to be treated. According to the manual, at least the impression that I got, was that immediate family members who are d'fed can have a 'normal' relationship with their families, as long as doctrine is not discussed.
You are correct, I think. It depends upon what you mean by "normal". Certainly where religious differences exist within a household there will be tension and disunity of some sort. If that is included in your idea of "normal" then I can pretty much agree with your reading of the ks91 textbook. I believe the parts you remember say:
The disfellowshipping of a mate does not end marriage responsibilities.�Page 98When minors are disfellowshipped, parents are still responsible for raising, training, and teaching them, even studying with them if the minors are in their home. (w88 11/15 p. 20)�Page 98
If the sinful conduct is known only to believing family members and no congregation action is taken because of the factors outlined above [lengthy inactivity], believing relatives will likely determine to curtail family association severely, viewing the relative as bad association. ( I Cor. 15:33)�Page 100
Normally, a close relative would not be disfellowshipped for associating with a disfellowshipped person unless there is spiritual association or an effort made to justify or excuse the wrongful course.�page 103
You will note that the quote from page 100 indicates that association with family members may be severely curtailed because of the badness of the association not whether the individual is disfellowshipped.
In the case of immediate family members, the Watchtower of April 15th, 1988 says:
Cutting off from the Christian congregation does not involve immediate death, so family ties continue. Thus, a man who is disfellowshipped or who disassociates himself may still live at home with his Christian wife and faithful children. Respect for God�s judgments and the congregation�s action will move the wife and children to recognize that by his course, he altered the spiritual bond that existed between them. Yet, since his being disfellowshipped does not end their blood ties or marriage relationship, normal family affections and dealings can continue.�Page 28 (Bold added)
By contrast, most JWs feel they are obligated to treat d'fed members of their family very coldly and have as little contact with them as possible.
Yes, besides the expressions above, WTS literature is riddled with implicit directions to do just as you say. This is one area where I take issue with the WTS and they know it. It is my belief that things are getting better in this area, slowly but surely.
do you think making this book available to ALL JWs would serve as a reference to which the elders could be gauged with by the rank and file?
That idea is quite likely true of most anything elders are given or told. And, as I already expressed, any organization has a legitimate right to protect itself under the law. In my opinion, the ks91 textbook is such an attempt. It provides concise and needed directions to elders, and serves as a Risk Management Manual. Combined, the nature of the book and its availability serve as tangible evidence that the WTS makes genuine effort at training its mangers (elders), something of value in the world of litigation.
The main thing is whether there is information available for R&F JWs to gauge counsel from elders. IMO, that information exists aplenty and is easy to find. Keep in mind that there is a difference between elders needs and individual needs. Elders are asked to deal with a multitude of problems whereas individuals (whether elders or not) have a single set of problems. The former needs comprehensive material dealing with a multitude of problems for practical reasons the latter needs focused material for their specific problem. As I already put forth, more detail on specific problems can be found in WTS publications other then the ks91 textbook. Even elders frequently go to other publications when dealing with the details of someone�s problem.
Friend