Shunning being shunned, Jehovah getting softer

[Bagel]

In the venerable world-wide JW movement, it seems that as they are getting closer to Armageddon, the ruling executive have become more aware of Jehovah's thoughts (and some legal and tax ramifications in Norway) and have now done away with shunning and the disapproval of those who are disfellowshipped.

Members of the congregation are no longer instructed to shun outright. Members can still be 'removed' from the congregation but it seems that shunning is no longer a compulsory practice. In fact it seems that conversing and relating to naughty people is even slightly encouraged. Oh, and the age that you can sign over your free labour and so forth has been lowered too (surely they can't be running out of members?).

I don't profess to fully understand this so maybe have a look around for more info but here is YT video I watched on it (there's a bit of worldly language in this so don't watch if this offends). I do have good friends who are JWs so I may ask for more inside chat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix6nwofl8_w

Also, possibly in line with accountability and with tax breaks etc, a Brethren-inspired school south of Adelaide is getting a bit of shunning from the government. Maybe xCF need to watch out, it could be coming to Samford as well?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-20/ ... /104613902

Bagel

[Bagel]

Further digging on this shows that a government report in Norway identifies the serious harm to children as a result of shunning. It describes the 'negative social harm and psychological violence' that children are exposed to via religious shunning.

Based on the case in Norway, all xCF organisations (in Australia for example) would be de-registered as not conforming to the healthy norms of the expectations of the state.

The JWs are in court fighting for their right to continue this behaviour (albeit slightly modified). The case has been ruled upon and they are appealing next year.

It's great to see that it's recognised even by the state that it's fundamentally obscene to carry out this type of behaviour, especially where children are involved.

Here's another YT video if you're interested (you can just watch from the seventeen minute mark or thereabouts for a sort of summary but it's worth watching the first few minutes too).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrnMMlUfc1Q

Bagel

PS Watch out xCF, this might be coming soon in Oz

[guest]

thanks Bagel; very informative. Definitely a 'watch this space' case.