What happens when you are disassociated from the Jehovah Witness'?
2006-11-20 04:18:57 · 12 answers · asked by stella 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Disassociation" is a term used with particular meaning within the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Only a baptized Witness can "disassociate" HIMSELF (or herself) from the Jehovah's Witness religion. That is sometimes done formally in writing or in a serious conversation with an elder committee, but a Witness who joins the military or publicly engages in worship with another religion is also considered to have disassociated himself from Jehovah's Witnesses.
Those who have "disassociated" themselves are considered the same as those who have been "disfellowshipped".
Jehovah's Witnesses practice the Scriptural practice of disfellowshipping for unrepentance of such serious sins as fornication, drug abuse, stealing, and apostasy.
Contrary to the misinformation of anti-Witnesses, it is quite possible to become inactive in the JW religion without becoming disfellowshipped. As long as one's lifestyle does not bring reproach upon the congregation, and as long as one does not advocate one's disagreements with the religion, the congregation has no interest in "investigating", exposing, and disfellowshipping an inactive former Jehovah's Witness.
For those who are disfellowshipped or disassociated, a primary goal is to shock the person into recognizing the seriousness of their actions so that they will be moved to rejoin the congregation in pure worship. Since the primary bonds that are broken involve friendship and spiritual fellowship, it is well understood that family bonds remain intact. Parents, siblings, and grown children of disfellowshipped and disassociated ones sometimes choose to limit what they may feel is discouraging or "bad association" but that is a personal decision and is not required by their religion.
Former Witnesses who are disfellowshipped or disassociated are typically treated in accord with the Scriptural pattern explained in these Scriptures:
(1 Corinthians 5:11-13) Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. ...Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.
(Titus 3:10) As for a man that promotes a sect, reject him after a first and a second admonition
(Romans 16:17) Now I exhort you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them.
(2 Thessalonians 3:6) Now we are giving you orders, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition you received from us.
(2 Thessalonians 3:14) But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed.
(2 John 10) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him.
(Matthew 18:17) If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations
Becoming baptized as a Jehovah's Witnesses is not a trivial step. At a minimum, a student must demonstrate months of regular meeting attendance and public ministry, then must himself express the desire to be baptized. The candidate then spends hours answering hundreds of bible questions wherein he expresses both a clear understanding and personal conviction regarding Jehovah's Witness teachings in at least three separate interviews with three different elders. The candidate must vocally agree to be baptized in front of hundreds or thousands of eyewitnesses, and must be publicly immersed in water. This is not a momentary emotional decision by an unreasoning child. Dedication as a Witness required hard work and determination at the time.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/19880415/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/19970101/article_01.htm
2006-11-20 06:05:46 · answer #1 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not a JW Stella, but as I said, my sister is. I know that disassociation the first time allows you to continue to attend your church (hall). However, no member but the elders may speak to you. Members can barely look at you. Nor can you witness.
Once you have been "guided" to a correct frame of mind, you may be allowed to continue in the church.
Complete disassociation will ban you from the church entirely.
I'm not an expert, honest, but what you have done, would be considered "first time" and the elders may forgive.
You are so afraid of this. I'm sorry your fear is so deep. Talk to your husband, decide if this is your best choice. I'll think about you and pray for you.
2006-11-20 12:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by Emma J 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Disassociation is the same as Disfellowship. Except it is the person who chooses to stop being a Witness.
Disfellowship is when the congregation removes a person from the congregation.
Both are treated the same.
Both if they repent are welcome back into the congregation.
If you have specific question email me.
2006-11-20 13:00:18 · answer #3 · answered by TeeM 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are counted as very fortunate. You now have the ability to look at a neighbor without being under the influence of a divisive religion.
You can still believe in God and be a spiritual person. You just don't have to separate the world into you vs "non-believers".
Practice love and kindness. You will know God through the peace that brings you.
2006-11-20 12:23:55 · answer #4 · answered by Bran McMuffin 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Jesus as Lord and Savior becomes real to you? You learn the TRUTH and become born again?
2006-11-20 12:24:00 · answer #5 · answered by Cyndi 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
THERE ARE ALOT OF PPLS WHO THINK THEIR BIBLES ARE DIFF BUT IT'S REALLY NOT, JUST A CHANGE OF WORDS.. ALOT OF PPLS SERVE A DIFF GOD
2006-11-20 12:22:56 · answer #6 · answered by CHINADOLL901 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means you weren't a "true" believer in the first place or it wouldn't have happened.
2006-11-20 12:22:32 · answer #7 · answered by ask me ? 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Hopefully, you turn your life over to Jesus and become born again. Praise the Lord!!
2006-11-20 12:22:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
I don't think anything happens.
2006-11-20 12:21:09 · answer #9 · answered by ~Romantic_Dreamer~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I hope you start living your life like normal people do.
2006-11-20 12:23:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋