Beyond the Watchtower
Looking to our Past for lessons to help inform our Future
Our new logo of the original Watchtower cross and crown supports our subtitle “Looking to our Past – For lessons about our Future. Find more out the Watchtower history of the cross and crown by clicking here:
WHY THE NAME CHANGE FROM “FRIENDS OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES” TO “BEYOND THE WATCHTOWER?” New redirected website address is — BeyondWatchtower.com.
First an introduction: We are Bible Students who since the early Watchtower days have continued to meet together in congregations around the world. We retain, continue to study, and offer to others, the original Watchtower writings and literature, which we enjoy as wonderful resources to help understand and harmonize the Bible’s teachings. Some of us created the “Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses” website in an attempt to reach out in the spirit of Christian love and friendship, both to struggling Jehovah’s Witnesses and to Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Why are we reaching out?
A. We hope to provide a safe haven website of help, support, encouragement, open conversation and as well an information center.
B. We hope to provide for your consideration, the enduring, valued, spiritual light of truth that shone forth so brightly in the early days of the Watchtower ministry. In the spirit of Christian love and liberty, we extend to you this invitation to study, not with an autocratic ORGANIZATION controlled by a “Governing Body,” but rather with fellow Christian students of the Bible in the spirit of the Berean’s (Acts 17:11).
C. We hope to share with you areas of our common roots and the true history and the original mission of the early Watchtower Society. In its early days, it operated as a publishing house. It had absolutely NO authority over any of the hundreds of independent congregations which were controlled solely by the congregation members themselves; not by domineering elders, overbearing overseers or a dictatorial Governing Body. In those days each elder could only remain in office if at the annual elections they received 75% of the vote from the Holy Spirit anointed congregation members voting based on the Biblical qualifications for elder (1 Tim 3 and Titus 1).
So why the name change to “Beyond the Watchtower.”
Some visitors to our site have had the mistaken impression that by calling ourselves “Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses” that this meant we were in agreement with the new doctrines and the oppressive and controlling spirit of the organization itself and its governing structure as well as its historical practice of shunning questioning members, and the resultant dividing of families. Dear brothers and sisters, nothing could be further from our true heart’s desire. These types of practices were never to be found among the original Watchtower friends prior to 1917.
Our new name “Beyond the Watchtower” contains a dual meaning which helps clarify our mission:
1: To help, support and encourage present JWs looking BEYOND todays Watchtower or else former JWs AFTER leaving the JW Organization. We would like to provide the type of support as shared in A & B above, to help those presently questioning or struggling with their relationship in the J.W. Organization and who may even have endured and suffered from spiritual and emotional wounds.
2: As described in C above, to provide an accurate historical account of events that took place BEYOND or AFTER the early Watchtower” days when a new organization emerged under new leadership, dramatically changing its beliefs and practices.
In these early Watchtower days, many of the original Bible Students refused to accept the new and changed teachings. Nor would they be controlled by and surrender their Christian liberty to this new and very tough leader, Joseph Rutherford. These Bible Students broke away from the new and emerging JW organization and either maintained or reestablished Bible Student congregation’s worldwide. By 1931, 75% of the Original Bible Students had left this new organization which in that year adopted the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in order to draw a clear line of distinction from those who had left the Society and those who remained.
The Bible Students as a Christian fellowship still meet together to the present day as free and independent congregations retaining their original beliefs and practicing the same spirit of Christian liberty as was adhered to during the early Watchtower days up through October of 1916 when Brother Russell died.
With these true, loving and encouraging wishes for you, we hope that this website aids you, our visiting brothers and sisters, to find satisfying answers to questions you may have. We hope this site can be an educational, healing center, a safe harbor for achieving a healthy emotional state, a place for spiritual growth in a manner that faithfully follows the scriptures and a place where all of our combined efforts will be found pleasing and honoring to the name of Jehovah, our loving and merciful Heavenly Father.
We hope that a journey with you to the not so distant past will bring you fresh hopes of Jehovah’s kindness and mercy to us today as well as for the bright and wonderful tomorrow that He has promised for all mankind through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
We continue now with our original WELCOME message below.
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love throws fear outside, because fear exercises a restraint. Indeed, he that is under fear has not been made perfect in love. – NWT
WELCOME TO THIS CITY OF REFUGE
AND SANCTUARY FOR STUDIOUS AND INQUIRING MINDS.
Acts 17:10, 11: Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas out to Be-roe’a, and these, upon arriving, went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes-sa-lo-ni’ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. – NWT
You are anonymous here. You can speak to other Jehovah’s Witnesses, former Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bible Students and other Christians. When posting your comments, you will be able to use a Pen Name. Your e-mail address and website info are completely optional. No one can identify you. No one can report you. You have a home and quiet place to pray and honestly investigate scriptures. It is not our purpose to indoctrinate you, but merely to provide you with resources for further study of Jehovah’s word. You are not alone. You have friends.
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand. – NWT
2 Tim 1:7 (Amplified Bible) – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of calm {and} well–balanced mind {and} discipline {and} self–control.
Gal 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NKJV
Gal 5:13 – For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NKJV
2Co 3:17 – …where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NWT
John 8:31, 32 – And so Jesus went on to say to the Jews that had believed him: “If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free. NWT
If 1 John 4:8 says “God is love,” then shouldn’t love, not fear, be our motivation to serve Jehovah? Are you serving Jehovah in a certain way because you are afraid/fearful of being destroyed in Armageddon?
Hebrews 13:6 (Amplified Bible) – So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?
A just got off phone w/ Patterson and Public Relations in Krooklyn and told them of this video of a man, invited to a PUBLIC EVENT BY JWS and is YOUTUBE VIDEO OF CLAIM OF ASSAULT BY ELDERS.
My recorder captured the entire call….first i was connected to patterson….told them a bit about it….and of a woman who is claiming on another forum something re: NEW ISSUES OF [POV]. [it’s at jehovahswitnessrecovery]. He hung up when I addressed the assault video.
So I called 718 and asked for PI…snd you hear the guy ask for the utube addy. I told him i was there too, off camera….and i was invited by a pamphlet at my door.
I’M GOING TO PLAY THISS TAPE THISS WKND IN MY CHAT/MEETING ROOM. I’LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN IT OPENS UP.
ARIZONA ASSEMBLY ASSAULT [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOt8SaC9-No ]
http://aawa.co/blog/how-the-watchtower-uses-undue-influence-to-enforce-its-blood-policy/
Curious as to why these people did not have Kerry Louderback-Woods essay on the Misrepresentation of Tort and the blood policy. That essay is paramount in doing this type of expose’.
E for effort yet that essay should have been a prime tool in their arsenal of facts they tries to present.
It is not too late to go back and provide that hospital with a hardcopy of that Journal where the essay is contained.
Thank you.
SF, thanks for commenting. I will read this and maybe repost on the blood article page. Than you
I am posting for Williibrodus from our contact form as he wanted to hear from others, this is Jacqueline. Here is his comment.
As baptized member of the JW organization i make my own website to show my believe and thinking’s. In 1986 when some pioneers came, it was on time, to save me from the Dead….even the love , social issues help me a lot. As Bible Student later i missed the way and feel alone again. In 2008 return and make strong efforts even in Iran. Today i want to make a new Christian Society to make the ʺ Last Farmingʺ as key issue. The problem is that nobody has more Bible deepness ( Math 11 : 25 ) and we can not call us self ʺ Bible Students: when we are not really study the Scriptures. Charles Taze Russel was a great Bible Student….he could even not oversee all what was coming. For sure Jehovah God took him away like Henoch….The pressure was to much, i know that from myself…1 Cor. 16 : 9
Can you give me some strong believer and who have understanding of my website http://www.condit-energy.org
Am thankfully to see people who have still the love with Jehovah God and follow the Leader Jesus Christ The Master-worker of Productive Land.
This is Jacqueline posting for Mahmah from our contact form. You didn’t leave us an email so maybe you will come to the site to see an answer. Anyone can just jump in to answer. This is what you wrote.
Hi! There is so VERY much to say about what has happened to me after being baptized as a JW. When writing you, there came a point where it cut off so u can’t receive what I wanted. However, there is a question I would definately love to have answered. Since I do feel strongly that there is a Creator and that He sent His Son to this Earth to enlighten mankind and used the Creator’s Holy Spirit, where else are we to go for information the Creator wants us to have if the WBTS is completely wrong? There MUST be a place the Creator puts forth information for humankind. We know that the only One to have complete information and power is the Creator as Jesus told his disciples how he did not know the time (when what he had told them about was to occur) and to ask the Father who is Heaven. Yes, we get things mixed up and sometimes fearsomely so! WE are HUMANS and simply do not have the ability to understand things. Another question – and these are FROM MY HEART – couldn’t all these mistakes be something being used by the Creator to see if humankind will stick by His ones who are carrying out what is needed at this time?? Look into the book of Esther…the same thing was happening then as is now…there are other accounts in the Bible where people began doubting bec. things weren’t happening when expected or wanted…did that make our Creator any less real????? You have no IDEA what kinds of things I have suffered being a jw but I am not worshipping PEOPLE. I am trying my best to worship the God whom Jesus spoke about and also worshipped while upon the planet.
much to say about what has happened to me after I became a Witness. When writing you there came a point where it cut off so u can’t receive what I put into print what
I wanted to tell you. I have wondered, besides my own story, about the name Jehovah. Some of the GB told in the AID book how that is a phony name…constructed by the GB!!! I am very certain that there is a Supreme Being and that He sent His son to this earth to enlighten mankind. What I wonder is, where else is there to go if the WTBTS is completely wrong??? There must be a place where the Creator puts forth information for humankind. Thank you for your time.
Hi Mahnah, I had to really look over your comment as there are a look of points. I will try to break it down.
First let me say I am so sorry of the trials you have endured but rejoice that God has worked it out in your favor. Welcome and thanks for commenting.
I don’t in my opinion think Jehovah witnesses are wrong on every count in the scriptures. No Christian religion is wrong on every count.
1Peter 3:20-22 tells us that is thru the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are saved. The Ark is not an organization according to this scripture.
Some basic doctrine of the bible helps to identify persons that may be on the right track.
Philippians 2:5-11 Shows we must accept Christ’s role in salvation and that he is existing in God’s form but not Jehovah God almighty.
Recognition of Salvation for all of Adams descendants. And that there is two salvations. The one held out now to run for the upward call of Christ. (Philipians 3:12-16). This is a link on this site that will help you see the scriptures on these subjects. https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/category/ransom-answers/. Try clicking and reading each subject and ask us questions on the page at the bottom for comments. This way all can see what you say instead of the “contact us form”. This will allow for a richer discussion.
The governing body has said in the past that they alone on the entire earth is the only one that God has revealed the truth to. Their constantly changing doctrine, abuse of the flock, would indicate that God has lied constantly to them. We know this is impossible.
Heb. 6:18 “so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us”
It is true that many witnesses feel that all of this is a testing for them from Jehovah. Jas. 1:13 says with evil God does not try anyone.
Jas.1:13 “No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one.”
The governing body says they are the earthly manifestation now of the government of Christ.
John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” So either he is wrong or the governing body is.
I hope by reading the links that I posted above and carefully looking up the scripture support will help you to become fully convicted in your own mind as to where to go to find Jehovah and Jesus.
1Thess 1:5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake.
Please take care of yourself and we wish Jehovah’s blessing as you search for Jesus role in our salvation. In Christian love, Jacqueline
About Br. Miroslav Djurak his Courage shall be not easy…in both camp’s are lacks and his teaching was done by the free-time of the preachers of the JW and not through the “Bible Students”. The teachings from Charles Taze Russel was fantastic for his time and people enjoy him much expect his wife who want have more influence and make here own name. Charles Taze Russel was a lover of Agriculture in his time that make him for me special today. Not all his teachings from the Scriptures are true and many issues he could not change.The “Bible Students” as really Bible students i not see….when you only hold the teachings from Charles Taze Russel as actually then you close down yourself.The JW Organization make a lot of good work for people, no other worldwide organization make such. The critics can be even true from the Bible Students to them ( JW ) but they forget that they have the same lacks to show today to the the JW members. When you change like Miroslav Djurak then look today who is really your brother ( Proverbs 17 : 17 ) ……only a few say Jesus ( Math. 7 : 14 )…..www.condit-energy.org the Mission from God in the URARTU Region
Well in the Croatia it is aproximately 5000 witnesses. Well I was witness about 20 years. 8 years I was served as a elder in few congregations. Namely I was a special pinoneer 6 years. My experience is indeed evidence of the Lords providential overruling. Namely I am one of the anointed and before three years I had a contact with the Bible students (I found them on the internet because I was searching for the hymns of the Milenial dawn). After that I began a study of the Volumes. Very soon a recognized the diffeences in the teachings and of course that thing began trouble me. I was determined to found the really truth. Jehovah obviously had his eye on me. When I was progressing in my study with the Bible students the things became more clear and I was determined in that. My conscience troubled me because I was realized that I cant anymore seeting on the two cheirs. Well I wrote the letter of the resignation and of course they disfelowshiped me and I lost all privleges as aelder and special pioneer. Now I am consecrated and looking forward on the international convention in Poland next year for the immersion.
That is my little story. I am only Bible student here. All my former friends and “brothers and sisters” shunnned me and for them I am a apostate. But never mind. Let be glorified our most gracious Father Jehovah and his glorious Son our king Jesus.
In the Kingdom hope!
br.Miroslav
Hello Br. Miroslav, It has been a pleasure hearing your voice at the internet convention 11/16/2013 and today on your international Bible Study. I enjoyed that both had persons from Sweden as well as Croatia, Romania and maybe Germany. I couldn’t recognize all the accents.
Your story is appreciated. All of ours seems to be similar. I of course was never an elder but I knew it was wrong to sit in support then I found the Bible Students 6 months after I left. I feel content now as I am sure you do also, after being disturbed at the teachings.
You take care our brother and welcome.
Dear brethren I only want to inform you that you can I you wish put on your list the Croatian Bible students website. Lord bless your service!
In the Kingdom hope!
br.Miroslav Djurak
http://www.CroatianBiblestudents.com
Br. Miroslav – Thank you for sharing your link which I now have now added on our website. Please tell us, are there many Jehovah’s Witnesses in Croatia? Have you had any contact with some of them? What has been your experience?
You call yourselves “Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses,” yet everything I’ve seen on your site is designed to denigrate Jehovah’s Witnesses. You whitewashed graves, the very first word in your name is a lie. The very first word on your web site is a lie. You establish yourselves as liars from the very first word in the name you have given yourselves. So why on earth would anyone put faith in anything that comes after that? “Satan has demanded to have you men to sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31) “Remember from what you have fallen, and repent and do the former deeds. If you do not, I am coming to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5) “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) Regardless of any manifestations of human imperfection on an individual level, Jehovah’s Witnesses as a group are everywhere teaching people to become disciples of the King, Jesus Christ, breaking up the works of Satan (such as this web site), instructing people to become citizens of Jehovah’s Kingdom under our Lord, Christ Jesus. What else would anyone who reads and understands the Scriptures expect the body of Christ to be doing? Please repent of your apostasy while there is yet time, and stop persecuting those walking in Jesus’ footsteps. Your life is at stake.
Anonymous – We are very sorry to have caused any offense. We appreciate how so many Jehovah’s Witnesses dedicate and sacrifice so much of their lives in good conscience in the service of Jehovah as they see it. We appreciate that you want to save us from Jehovah’s judgment, as we do not want to anger our God. I assume you are sincere and that your heart is good. So, I ask you to help us. Can you give us a specific example of something we have said that is a lie? Can you give us a specific example of something we said that contradicts the Bible? We can discuss any issue together and attempt to come to an honest and truthful conclusion together. Thanks friend. We would appreciate your input.
please consider the reply i just presented.
thank you dear friend in Admin.
Anonymous 2 I am reading the entire post just saw them and we can help. Don’t worry a group of us were just talking about you for a hour or more. We understand and will get you connected once we get your exact location. I am going to email you and ask you. The email will come from biblestudent1 so don’t be afraid to open it. Give us a few to read all your comments and get with Br. Peter the elder and Admin. Take Care
PS: You are not an apostate, you just love God and Jesus and God’s Spirit is eating you up. We have been there before we met the Bible Students.
Anonymous 2 check your email that you gave us I just sent you a message. Let me know you got it and I will collapse this comment. Thanks
Hello Anonymous and thank you for commenting. The articles on this site that are doctrinal are based on scripture as we understand the Bible.
Now let’s discuss the makeup of this site. https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2010/05/31/welcome/ explains our goal. It was indeed a friend for me any many others that have been mistreated by the present day governing body and the organization as a whole. We will not stop people from venting as they try to break free from a mind capture inflicted on them by a high control Sanhedrin type organization. Do we shout so to speak in our pain? Yes we do! I don’t know what your experience is with the organization and we are not trying to make yours a negative one. And you have a right to your opinion, we are not offended at the name calling (see PS below).
However, if you are on this site you do have some questions perhaps? I don’t know. But at any rate this is a special type of site. It is not a typical Bible Student site.
It is for people that have been tortured mentally. Persons that have questions of what the Bible really says. This site however must contrast it with the present day watchtower witnesses. Notice I did not say Jehovah’s witnesses. Those are the Jewish nation, we as Christians should be witnesses of Christ. (Matt 28:19,20)
You are accustomed to high control so you would wish we would stifle comments and thoughts here. You judge us as apostates. Throwing labels, hoping they will stick. That is what we here are trying to unlearn. It takes time anonymous.
Please tell us your story, sometimes you fight at first when you see the truth about the organization that claims Jesus has set up an earthly part to his kingdom already. But please keep reading and comment on any of the topics here, you are welcome. It is about healing anonymous. Helping people that need a hand, Jacqueline.
PS: This is what the organization says about persons that fight open thought:
Awake! 6/22/2000—-”Some people insult those who disagree with them by questioning character or motives instead of focusing on the facts. Name-calling slaps a negative, easy-to-remember label onto a person, a group, or an idea. The name-caller hopes that the label will stick. If people reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative label instead of weighing the evidence for themselves, the name-caller’s strategy has worked.
Awake 11/22 1984 p4:
“A closed mind…could even be a sign of uncertainty or doubt. For example, if we are unable to defend our religious views, we may find ourselves lashing out against those who challenge our beliefs, not with logical arguments, but with slurs and innuendos. This smacks of prejudice and of a closed mind.”
Also listen to the (3) talks given at the 2013 conventions here. Some governments are calling it hate speech. Freedom of religion is allowed in most civilized nations without fear of reprisal.
https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2013/07/29/june-29-jw-elders-policies-for-discipline-disfellowship-compared-to-the-bible-conference-call/
First they ignore you, then they ridicule at you, then they fight you, then you win.” – Mahatma Ghandi
I am one who is very grateful for this site
teach in behalf of Jehova’s Almighty name & thru Christ, I have heard a cpl of their talks, & one can hear the spirit’s manifestation, & knowledge of truth in the Elders voices!
> they do not bash the JW organization, only that I have heard points made, abt the organization, It was all true factors. & many that answer why I have experienced great hardship among them>
STILL I am NOT disrespectful, nor speak in abusive terms against the organization that “pushed me & my children out their back door”
…. you know as well; we are living deep into a conclusion> Satan CAN & DOES use human imperfection & EVEN thru the organization CHRIST went establishing.
I am BRAND NEW to this website, & YEARS of VERY unkind measures several congregations had taken up with me,
my crime is not having the aspirations to live under the thousand yr. reign of Christ>
caused my dis association…. I BEGGED JEHOVA to find me a ppl who express love for his MOST HOLY NAME !
now altho no longer a part of the JW organization. DO I SPEAK as if APOSTATE?!
rather do I refer to Christ as my redeemer & an evangelizer for Jehova my God.
there is a scripture that warns us not attempting to “overthrow” what is from God, or else we might be found “fighters” against HIM Acts 5:39…… DO NOT THROW THE ACCUSATION OF APOSTASY & without thorough investigation. besides. are you one of authority?!
by who’s authority, do U personally speak in behalf of Jehova & his Christ?!
this is MY CITY of Refuge! IT WILL be a SAFE haven for those EVEN in the NEW system established upon the earth! I truly believe this. because after all.. perfection does NOT attain over nite!
Hello,
I was very curious of late, as to the handicapped community of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How are they attended to? Is there any special event that is put on to honor their abilities as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
What do jw parents tell their handicapped children about Jehovah’s love towards THEM? Is it conveyed that Jehovah insists that they soon become baptized, in order to be healed in the new system?
Any thoughts or feelings on this not-talked-much about topic is very much encourged. The good, the bad and the ugly of the topic.
Thank you for your time.
~~sf~~
Hello sf, so nice to have you comment and be on the site. Jehovah witnesses incorporate all of its members into the congregation and family if any, make sure they are cared for. If not the brothers. I don’t know of a ministry for any except the Blind with braille and the deaf with sign language congregations.
Now we are not Jehovah witnesses but the original Bible Students.Jehovah witnesses started in 1931. Br. Russell would be associated to the Bible Students and Br Joseph Rutherford is the the founder of Jehovah witnesses in or about 1931 with the name change.
Healing will take place from Jesus in the coming millennium of 1,000 yrs. Although many have handicaps or great limitations in this system, all are sick and dying, so there will be a need of healing of all people.
One does not have to be baptized to benefit from the ransom and saving, healing power of Jesus in the millennium.
All of creation moan, groan and suffer together now in this world, but soon the 1000 yr reign will heal all handicaps, limitations, pain, sickness and get rid of death due to Adamic sin.
This page contains articles and scriptural support for the assurance that God will get rid of any human suffering or handicaps.
https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/category/human-suffering-2/
Are you one of Jehovah witnesses? Do you have family to help you? We will be starting a call in program and would love to have you come on and talk to us. Maybe we can encourage each other. So many today suffer from illnesses that greatly limit what they can do but Jesus wants us to wait and see what is in store for mankind. It can’t be long as the world is getting rougher every day.
I will wait for your reply and ask questions on any thing said in the articles that you might not understand or just want to start a dialogue.
Hi I asked a question a min ago my son is
Dipping and he is a do dedicated Jehovah
Witness and serves as a regular aux pioneer
And conducts the field service arrangements
And has been doing the dipping for a year
and 3 months, would you go to elders? My
husband is aware of it to and he serves Jehovah
also. I have confronted my son 4 or 5 times
Because he says he will quit. I’m tired of finding
The nasty bottles he spits in and I feel like I’ve
Lost Jehovah Holly Spirit.my husband always
Says it handle but on the inside I’ve thrown
Jehovah away,
Thanks in advance
Theresa
Theresa hello, after careful thought I feel this is a conscience matter for you. It appears your son is an adult. Since leaving the witnesses I personally do not monitor my brothers or sisters personal lives. This is the way we were trained by the organization to tell on, push and pry into the personal lives of our brothers, then get the elders to control and enforce strict rules and regulations of the organization and it’s different boards. I personally don’t condone smoking, dipping nor any of it’s counterparts since it is very bad for my health and the ones that would have to be around me in my home. I can sympathize with what you have to deal with and perhaps your husband and son can understand. Perhaps as a father he is helping his son work on this addictive habit. Perhaps you could go from a health standpoint.
Your question was if you should go to the elders. You feel you have thrown Jehovah away. They are two different things. You nor your son are hiding it from Jehovah he sees and knows everything, so you are okay there. Your adult son has a responsibility on his own to Jehovah you are not punished for his indiscretions. Perhaps this article might help you resolve this conflict in your home with your adult son. There are quite a few topics to choose from about family living. Maybe read thru and see if it helps. I hope this has helped you Theresa.
https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/category/character-development/
Hello Theresa:
That is quite a conundrum you have there. i was a Witness for decades myself and understand the problem well, as does Jacqueline for the same reasons. Let’s face it, we were taught to report such things to the elders as a sign of loyalty “to God and his organization.” We were tuaght that God requires it of his followers no matter what our personal feelings in the matter, and yours are conflicted because deep down you8 are unsure of the rightness of doing so. We were also taught that not following the rules laid down by the governing Body is tantamount to “throwing God away,” that is drawing away from him by disobedience.
Because of that you are feeling like you are letting God down. But are you? That hinges on the question of does obedience to God require adherence to so many rules given one as “laws” that one needs a library to keep up with them and even that isn’t a sure bet because people are judge out of a manual put together which only elders are allowed to see. Ask yourself, is that really the way God is?
1 John 4:8 tells us that “God is love.” So ask yourself if that is really consistent with that quality. We do know that God does have other qualities and that one of them is Justice, which was displayed in the kingdom of Israel for a time. But that was a geo-political entity he set up, not a movement, which is what Christianity is. There is a big difference in the two becuase each there are different requirements for each.
The Jews over-reached where the law was concerned and imposed rules which God had not mandated. Jesus condemened that rule making, which was contrary to scripture in many cases. You know that. If both our Lord and his God didn’t abide that then doesn’t follow that so much more now when God demonstrates his love that they wouldn’t abide that now?
Although it is a bad habit there is no explicit command in god’s word which forbids it now. The rule is based on a Greek word meaning “witchcraft” in the New Testament with a questionable linkage to drug use coupled with an exhortaion to keep ourselves clean and pure in body as well as mind. In other words it is a rule made by men, not an explicit command in God’s word. The law for Christians in that regard is found in Acts chapter fiteen and is ” that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” (Acts 15:29) Prefaced to that in the preceding verse is this “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements.” Were do we see your son’s habit in that?
Your son is a hypocrite Theresa and that’s pretty much it. I think you need not feel conflicted in the matter as to whether you are being unfaithful to God or not, especially when it comes to not turning in somebody who is following a pharisaical rule. You could face a judgement of another sort from men if it comes out you knew about it and didn’t snitch on your son. That is what you really have to consider and make your decision about. If your family is prominent enough in your congregation that might not be much of a problem for you, but only you would really know that. But I don’t think you have to worry about your loyalty to GOD in the mattter, no matter you are taught otherwise by the Organization.
Please look around here. Read the material Sister Jacqueline linked for you and make sure to read “The Divine Plan of the Ages” by Pastor Russell. I’m sure you will be impressed by Russell’s understading of God’s loving character as Russell presents it well from the very first chapter.
Dupin