Matthew 10:34 "think Not That I Am Come To Send Peace On Earth: I Came Not To Send Peace, But A Sword."

[LazyGun]

Interesting piece linked to here. Audio recording of a preacher addressing a JW convention this year and talking about disfellowshipping - a practice which I am sure i have seen JWs here deny happens.

I found the whole talk quite chilling.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/08/01/jehovahs-witness-conference-speaker-tells-audience-to-shun-family-members-if-they-lose-their-faith/

This would definitely be another question for those doorstep shocktroops of the JWs

[naomi24]

You're welcome.

[goodlife]

An interesting video. On the face of it it may seem that we are to shun family.

However, if you continued to listen to the talk to the end, you will see that JWs are also encouraged to help them to return to Jehovah.
A couple of points:

1) A child cannot be disfellowshipped unless he is baptised. If the child is baptised and then is disfellowshipped he/she is NOT turned out of the family home. If they are old enough and they choose to leave home, then that is their choice.

2)Not to talk to disfellowshipped family members living in the home does not mean literally not speaking because obviously if a family lives together it has to communicate. In the sense of not speaking means that a JW would not discuss spiritual matters with them.

For example, a husband and wife. They are married and live together but one has chosen to leave Jehovah, this does not mean the marriage is over but that they would not study together, or pray together.

But whatever I say you will find fault.

[LazyGun]

@Goodlife Well yes, of course I will disagree with you answer, since you are attempting to defend this chilling practice.

You make an attempt to minimise the effects and extent of this shunning, thereby hoping to minimise the likely harm of such a practice, but it rings hollow. We have the Preachers own words, graphically illustrating how hard such decisions can be for family members - that tells us that shunning like this is far more than just not talking religion. And imagine having to live in a household where you parents cannot talk to you about anything much - maybe "pass the salt" at the dininertable.

We have the words of the Preacher on the audiotape, and the corroborating evidence of many who have left the church or who have been disfellowshipped, all speaking about how difficult and complete the ostracization is.

All because your faith demands that you place obedience to your god above love of family.

Before, I was pretty indifferent to JWs, just irritated at their continued denial of scientific evidence. Now, I am really quite disgusted by the contrast between the sanctimonious preachings and the uncharitable practices of your church.

[goodlife]

your choice :)

[LazyGun]

@Goodlife Yes, fortunately it is my choice. JWs are much less fortunate should they make a choice that jealous jehovah is not keen on..