Can Jehovah's Witnesses Break The Rules?
Breaking the rules is risky if you want to continue being a Jehovah's Witnesses. Some rules are extremely serious and must not be broken. Others can sometimes be broken as long as the person is repentant, remorseful, and doesn't challenge the authority of the Elders or the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Punishment For Breaking The Rules.
Punishments can range from a verbal scolding, warning, and slap on the wrist, to disfellowshipping. In some cases congregation 'privileges' and responsibilities might be taken away. A public announcement to the entire congregation might be made. Certainly most punishments involve embarrassment, some harsher than others.
Serious Crimes.
Examples of serious rules that must not be broken are:
- Blood transfusions
- Not being politically neutral
- Attending other churches
- 'Immoral', shameful conduct
- Questioning the authority of the organization. See Can Jehovah's Witnesses disagree?
e.g. if you choose to have a blood transfusion to save your life or someone you love, you automatically 'disassociate' yourself with some exceptions. Although shocking, remember that in most cults, members are prepared to die for their beliefs. See Are Jehovah's Witnesses A Cult?
Disassociated Jehovah's Witnesses are shunned by close friends, family, and other loved ones (with some exceptions).
With Christians breaking the rules of your church is not such a big deal. If people complain, you can go to another church. You don't normally lose your family and all of your friends because you usually have friends outside your church. Jehovah's Witnesses do not have close friends outside of their organization, unless they are 'spiritually weak'.
For Jehovah's Witnesses the threat of disfellowshipping and disassociation always hangs heavy over their heads.
Even though Jehovah's Witnesses are told God's rules make them 'free' and happy, some see the truth. They are not free to disagree. They only have two choices. Agree with everything or disagree and leave.
Even though Jehovah's Witnesses are free to leave, their freedom comes with a steep price. They lose family members, and close friends who will no longer talk with them.
In addition, deprogramming can take months, years, or a lifetime. Some never recover. See Mind Control
Joining the Jehovah's Witnesses is easy. Leaving is hard.
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