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Shunning

What is True Repentance?

I previously commented on study article 39 in the October 2021 issue of the Watchtower. The article was entitled: “When a Loved One Leaves Jehovah”. The study article that appeared the very next week, article 40, entitled: “What is True Repentance?” also struck a nerve that moved me once again to respond on what I […]

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Examining Doctrines Shunning

When a Loved One Leaves Jehovah

Study article 39 in the September 2021 issue of the Watchtower purports to be about disfellowshipping, but reading through it gives me the distinct impression that they are really trying to portray persons that disassociate themselves from the organization in the worst possible way, as selfish, cruel monsters that abandon God and their family. The […]

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Examining Scriptures Shunning

Hebrews 12:11

True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but it is painful; yet afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11) This verse is not talking about accepting discipline meted out by congregation elders. In the previous chapter Paul lists various pre-Christian servants […]

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Experiences Shunning

The Tide is Beginning to Turn

As more and more Jehovah’s Witnesses are waking up to the realization that the Watchtower organization is not “the truth”, more are voicing their concerns and explaining their position to friends and family members. Here is an example of a recent post on the ex-jw discussion group of Reddit an online forum, which at the […]

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Examining Doctrines Shunning The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Extreme Shunning is Un-Christian

In a recent morning worship broadcast, governing body helper Leonard Myers gave an example that illustrated the need for Christians to avoid showing misplaced compassion.  However, I thought it odd that the example he chooses is from the Mosaic Law. This is a common practice of those on the teaching committee of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The […]

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Apostasy Shunning

The Best Way to Fight Religious Intolerance

In many countries, ethnic minorities who have their rights protected by law often find themselves the object of intolerance. Guaranteeing freedom by law clearly does not get to the roots of intolerance. The fact that intolerance is hidden below the surface does not mean that it does not exist. If at some future time circumstances […]

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Examining Doctrines Organized Religion Shunning

Return to Jehovah?

In an effort to reach out to inactive ones and encourage them to return to the organization, the Watchtower society has produced a brochure entitled: “Return to Jehovah”. In the introduction it says: “Dear fellow believer:… As you know, the Bible is largely a book about people. Many were faithful men and women who faced […]

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Examining Doctrines Shunning Watchtower History

What is the History of the Watchtower Society’s Practice of Disfellowshipping?

…“Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) Perhaps second only to the refusal of blood transfusions, the most controversial practice of the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses is that of disfellowshipping with its associated shunning of wrongdoers. Presently, all in the disfellowshipped state, whether repentant or not, as well as those voluntarily disassociating […]

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Examining Doctrines Shunning

Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Not Allowed to Forgive Freely.

In the following music video featured as part of the October 2020 JW Broadcast, Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to not hold a grudge but forgive one another freely. It is based on what is written in Colossians 3:13. (Colossians 3:13) Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has […]

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Child Abuse Examining Doctrines Shunning

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Champion Religious Freedom?

“Before you shut the door on a Jehovah’s Witness,” says an article in the newspaper USA Today, “pause to consider the shameful persecution they suffered not too long ago, as well as the rich contribution they have made to the First Amendment freedoms we all enjoy.” Jehovah’s Witnesses were persecuted in the United States throughout […]