So, I may have been out of the religion for 15 years, but last time I checked my sins were on MY conscience. Sure, there was always gossip floating around the congregation about what Brother So And So was getting into, and what Sister So And So was doing, but you never heard of people turning each other in, unless it was considered a "gross sin", or a serious offense. Not until now, at least.
For the last couple of years, the Jehovah's Witnesses have printed two different versions of 'The Watchtower' magazine. You have a softer, less jargon filled version that is placed in the hands of the public. I like to call that one 'Watchtower Lite'. Then, there is the "eyes only" version that church members see. In the "eyes only" version, there are two articles per issue that are reviewed during Sunday morning "meetings" or services. The January 15, 2011 issue of the 'Watchtower' has a study article in it which will likely be reviewed by congregations sometime in March. In it, the article encourages church members to act on behalf of their brother in the event their brother's conscience is faulty: (Italics mine)
"10. Some young ones might face a dilemma if they learn that a friend has engaged in unscriptural conduct. They may feel that seeking spiritual help for their friend would violate an unwritten code of silence; therefore, they refuse to speak about the matter because of a misguided sense of loyalty. A wrongdoer may even pressure his friends to keep his sin hidden. Of course, this kind of problem is not unique to young people. Some adults too may find it difficult to approach congregation elders concerning the wrongdoing of a friend or a family member. But how should true Christians react to such pressure?
11. Imagine this situation. Suppose that Alex, a young brother, learned that Steve, his friend in the congregation, was in the habit of viewing pornography. Alex tells Steve that he is deeply concerned about what his friend is doing. However, Steve shrugs off his words. When Alex urges him to talk to the elders about it, Steve responds that if the two really are friends, then Alex will not tell on him. Should Alex be afraid of losing his friend? He might wonder whom the elders would believe if Steve denied everything. Still, the situation is not going to improve if Alex keeps quiet about it. Indeed, it could lead to Steve’s losing his relationship with Jehovah. Alex would do well to recall that “trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected.” (Prov. 29:25) What else could Alex do? He might lovingly approach Steve again and lay bare his fault. That will take courage. It may well be, though, that this time Steve will welcome the opportunity to talk about his problem. Alex should again encourage Steve to speak to the elders and tell him that if he does not do so within a reasonable period of time, then Alex will alert them.—Lev. 5:1."
We're not talking about a situation where you know your friend has committed murder, or rape, or has robbed a bank. The article's example is if you knew your friend was
viewing pornography. There are a vast number of things that are not allowed within the Witness organization, including: cursing, smoking, masturbating, watching R rated movies, premarital sex, and even reading this very blog post. Half of these offenses can get you "disfellowshipped", kicked out of the church and shunned by your friends and family. Now, it appears that congregation members are being told that it's their Christian responsibility to run to the elders every time they're aware of anyone's shortcomings. Let me tell you, from experience, how embarrassing that can be.
Late one night, when I was 15, my mom walked in on me while I was masturbating. If that wasn't embarrassing enough for a teenager to go through, it got worse. Instead of walking out of my room and closing the door, or talking to me later about our awkward moment, she scheduled an appointment to meet with the body of elders at my local congregation. I had to meet with a pair of old men and discuss my masturbation habits at the tender age of 15. My mother was not in the room. Neither was my father. Hell, my father and I have never even mentioned the incident to each other all these years. They went over a number of scriptures that they felt talked about why I shouldn't masturbate. (They consider it a selfish and "unclean" act. They feel that if you masturbate as teenager, you'll have no interest in having sex with your wife or your husband once you're married, because you know how to pleasure yourself.)
At this point, no one is safe. Married couples can't confide in each other. Friends can't have an honest, open relationship. You have to look over your shoulder to make sure that other family members in the house aren't in on your secrets. It does nothing but make you feel guilty, paranoid, and alone. Welcome to life as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Ready to leave now?
