Listen to the recording of this fascinating broadcast by clicking here: ChristianLibertyDec10_2011
Jehovah’s Witnesses can be disfellowshipped for celebrating Christmas, reciting the pledge of allegiance, taking a blood transfusion to save their life, speaking to a disfellowshipped Witness or reading religious material not published by the governing body just to name a few. Fellow members are then required to shun him/her completely, having no contact even if they are a family member. Should Jehovah’s people have the liberty to make their own decisions in these matters? Do these behaviors offend Jehovah, warranting that these JWs be shunned, disfellowshipped and eternally destroyed in Armageddon?
Former JW and Bethelite, and now a Bible Student Elder, David Stein will lead a round table discussion on this topic. Guest hosts joining him will be Leonard Griehs and JM. You can call into this conference call Saturday evening. After the main discussion, you will be invited to participate with questions and comments.
For me I think that why is it that just because pagans invented something means we cannot use it? I love celebrating Christmas.
Chris,That is our freedom in Christ.As long as you feel comfortable in doing so that is your choice,Just as it is Mine not to celebrate!It is the JW Religion that does not give us that choice.We all stand or fall before our heavenly Father,He & Christ,& only them our our Judges,we have the truth that sets us free.Bro Richard.Bible Student,Australia.
Bro Ted,Typo Correction,I DO NOT CELEBRATE BITHDAYS,Sorry for the error.Christian Love,as always,Bro Richard.
I was doing some research into the history of Birthday celebrations and found this article: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/11/history-of-birthdays_n_4227366.html
I found it interesting that the early Christians, according to this article, did not celebrate birthdays until the fourth century when the began celebrating the birth of Christ in place of the Saturnalia. While certainly in line with our Christian freedom to exercise our conscience in this regard I think we should take this in consideration when we consider whether or not we want to celebrate Christmas and Birthdays. We also must keep in mind that most of our customs have pagan origins, even the use of the wedding ring, because most of use are of pagan descent, being Gentiles. In line with scripture we can also note that Paul said not to be concerned about some putting one day over another and in the book of Acts when addressing the matter of Jewish traditions being forced on Gentile converts, no mention is made of holidays. The only admonition was to not force the issue of circumcision, and to have a Godly respect for life by not eating blood. So whether a person celebrates birthdays or other holidays is purely a matter of conscience. Certainly we would want to take all the facts in consideration however, which is why I am posting this link.
Hello Bro Ted,Yes you are right in that fact about the earlyChurch not celebrating birthdays,as well as not joining any army to fight for wordly causes/Goverments. Yes the wedding ring has Pagan roots. As to a Bible Student celebrating/keeping these observances is up to them and only them. Myself I do NOT celebrate them, but I do not Judge those who do. It is up to them and their heavenly father Jehovah. But you are certainly right in mentioning this.
Bro Richard,Bible Student,Australia.
That was exactly the point I wanted to make.
Ted….I’ve often thought that if people enjoy honoring our saviors birth once a year, a compromise could be offered…….just do not it on the Winter equinox but do it on January 6th like the Eastern Orthodox, so as not to offened the NeoPuritans. Purim was a holiday not mentioned in the Law of Mose and is a man made feast day celetrating the right for the Jews to fight for their freedom.. They certainly aren’t going to lose out because they initiated the day. I always enjoyed thanksgiving and certainly did not see any thing wrong with being thankful. Jesus kept Hannika. If the temple had not been perserved Jesus would had no place to prove he kept the law perfectly, so therefore it was in Jehovah God’s plan to preserve it till the Messiah appeared. When you are doing good who can find fault? Only fault finders, and Jesus had his share of them too.
This verse may be of interest. Colossians 2:16-17 (EBR) “16 ¶ Let no one, therefore, be judging, you,–in eating and in drinking, or in respect of feast, or new moon, or sabbath,–
17 Which are a shadow of the things to come, whereas, the body, is of the Christ.”