Posted by ros [ros] on April 07, 1999 at 12:16:12 {HTWDI6pmYgAPLKlRwd1.7/SY5I9NtE}:
In Reply to: *No Reform on Shunning? posted by Kinsman on April 07, 1999 at 10:47:47:
Hi, Kinsman:
If I understand you (subject to error of course :), then I think you misunderstood me, so let me clarify. You wrote:
I�m not a JW Reformer but I�ll put on the hat and attempt an answer. After weeding through your own doctrinal �discourse� [seems we all have one of some sort :)]
Let me be very clear in that I was in no way presenting a discourse of my doctrinal position on anything. Like you, I put on the JW hat and was presenting the Watchtower's owndoctrinal position on BTG being "false religion" to point to their inconsistencies regarding "adultery" with world powers. One of the things I never agreed with the WTS on--even when I was a JW--was their interpretation that Babylon the Great is "false religion." I don't use H2O, nor even my own website at this time, for presenting my own Biblical perspective. (Sometimes I do in private e-mail; but rarely in discussion groups.)
I really only found a couple of real questions.
That's about what I count as well. Actually, there was only one real question: If RJWs don't expect Jehovah to reform shunning, what is it they are expecting reform on? Only the blood doctrine?
-> You Wrote: I have been of the impression �that among the foremost things that reform-minded Jehovah's Witnesses were seeking, �was reform on the gross shunning and authoritarianism. Was I wrong?
NO
That was the question. But your answer is not what I thought I was reading in an earlier thread about the expectations of RJWs.
->You Wrote: Tell me, if the Watchtower organization would not reform on their extremist shunning policy, then what other worthy reforms do you anticipate (other than, as was stated, blood transfusion)?
Blood and shunning are the two biggies but any list from here by any individual would likely be varied. It does appear that there is much more momentum behind blood reform than shunning, but I believe it�s a matter of trying to be practical even if it is not one that gets at the root of the problem.
As a matter of fact, you are illustrating my point very well in point this out. LE has taken definite steps to organize a movement within the organization for reform on blood. He has promoted literature for distribution to Jehovah's Witnesses, doctors, and other interested ones. He has worked with a physician to get articles published in magazines about the issue, and radio interviews. He has taken steps to communicate and garner support from HLC members around the world, has succeeded in getting radio interviews, even broached the idea of incorporating and opening a bank account to get financial support for the cause. He has been diligent in seeking publicity and support. I would be willing to bet that the same could be done for the shunning policy and intellectual honesty if someone was half as proactive as LE in the matter.
...That is; a focussed attempt on a single issue may likely be more successful in raising internal awareness than any attempt with a broader scope. But in my mind this in itself does not put more importance on one issue over another, it�s just a place to start and focus.
How 'bout just two issues to start with: Blood and shunning. :) Someone rightly pointed out earlier that if the WTS would relax their shunning mandate, they'd probably lose a lot of the high-charged motivation of exJWs to expose their other doctrines and flawed history. I believe the shunning policy is the number 1 reason there is such a vehement opposition toward the WTS by former members.
Your point that external pressure is much more effective is well taken and we appreciate your contributions in that endeavor.
I'm not saying, generally speaking, that internal opposition is more effective than external opposition. I still maintain that a mass exodus with bring the WTS to its knees. I'll go a step further: If 50% of all JWs would simply cease shunning, what do you think the WTS would do--disfellowship half their flock? I don't think so. I think you would see reform. JMHO.
Ros