By independant persons labeling bad association...cant that stumble others. Especially of that person has not been called for punishment or reproof for any of his actions.
I know that the body makes the final decision for punishment...so what is the purpose of "bad association" labels.
is that for the ones who slip through the cracks?
2007-12-17 08:03:03 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
understandable blt...but by you labeling a person "B.A. " and expressing your opinion freely without that person being punished by the body or called to task....is that not causing divisions? and sects?
2007-12-17 08:10:34 · update #1
I am now Atheist - but was raised a Jehovah's Witness.
And you know why I was labeled "bad association" when I was 10? Because my Dad left my Mom and we didn't have a perfect family anymore, so I was "bad"....
I had friends who were "bad association" because:
-wearing ankle braclets
-saying someone who isn't a Witness is "their friend", not just "associate"
-going to public school
-saying "God" "Darn" "Crap" - other things that aren't cuss words but kinda close I guess
-One was too poor to buy clothes, they said if she loved god more he would provide for her
-one had to work so much he couldn't make it to every service, they said if he loved god more god would provide so that he didn't have to miss services.
Keep in mind this is a HIGHLY opinionated organization - no 2 witnesses believe the same thing on what's not one of the 10 Commandments...
And anyone who is not a Witness is "bad" because Satan is inside of them -or something like that I don't remember.
If someone is doing this to you, I understand what you are going through - it is a HORRIBLE thing and does not help at all.
2007-12-17 08:12:47 · answer #1 · answered by LS 3 · 7⤊ 5⤋
As a Christian who was once a JW, I can say that the labeling is part of there "color between the lines" or you are shunned control techniques.
As a Christian, if I know of someone who professes to be a Christian and I choose not to associate with him/her because of their bad habits, it is important that I not judge that person in the same breath. Judging is God's job not mine.
This is just another example of the cult's mind and action control techniques using an out of context scripture and twisting it to fit into their mechanisms.
Funny how debbie2 uses as an example a child molester when those who are just that aren't even disfellowshipped and their victims are the ones that get in to trouble. Guess that's talking out of both sides of their mouths.
2007-12-17 08:24:44 · answer #2 · answered by Carol D 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
You must first understand the Jehovah's Witnesses are not perfect. but we try to live our lives in accord with Jehovah's Laws. People have their own personalities. but Jehovah's Word has final say. You don't serve Jehovah for the people that go to the Kingdom Hall, you serve Jehovah because you love him and know in your heart of hearts that GOD'S WORD NEVER FAILS" everything that he has promise will come true not when we as imperfect humans want it to but when Jehovah say it is time. Jehovah is a clean God and he want he Organization to be clean. Your child may have a friend that is involved in things that you do not approve of and things that you know are wrong. What would be your advice to your child? Would it be to continue to associate with that person? or would it be to advise him/her of the danger of such association?
2007-12-17 09:31:54 · answer #3 · answered by Vivimos en los Ultimos Dias 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Bad associations are people who would cause you to stumble. People who do not follow God's laws and principles. What one person may consider a "bad association" I might find ok and vice versa.
1 Corinthians 15:33
2007-12-17 08:07:23 · answer #4 · answered by blt_4 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
i know i know, let me answer please!!
I was taught it as a wee young en-
"bad association SPOILS useful habits"
It is true, though i am a JW no longer, i find this when i am on a diet and my girl friends say "come on, let's go for a Curry."
It is not a set group of people though, it is simply an associate at the time who stops you from doing the thing that would be better- better in whose eyes? Well, this would be up to the individuals conscience- we all have one- that is my god i spose- My inner self!!
EDIT
Debbie- i am sorry, i disagree, if you are 'in it' for the right reasons, then nothing, NOTHING should sway you. You could be in a group filled with all the people you mentioned, and if you have the faith it will not matter one tic!!
2007-12-17 09:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by AnneShirley03-03-07 4 · 3⤊ 4⤋
Bad associates are those that smoke, get drunk, take drugs, flirt while they are married, watch porn, steal, lie, covet, and try to influence you into breaking God's commands.
Why would you want to associate with such ones when you know they will either end up in the gutter or in jail?
Haven't you ever heard of guilty by association?
If you hang out with these people you will get a bad reputation and then you will bring that bad reputation back on the God you worship and eventually the whole congregation. The elders shepherd the flock of God in their care and they are there to protect us.
We are sheep among wolves.
This world is growing more and more wicked and we need to distance ourselves from it.
Birds of a feather do flock together.
We associate with those we can trust will bring no harm to us or our families.
Why would you bring a drug addict home or a drunk or a child molester? Would you let a pervert sit and talk to your little sister?
Would you trust a thief anywhere near your possessions?
It makes sense to me. I hang out with people that would never harm their relationship with God for some material thing or thrill.
2007-12-17 08:25:42 · answer #6 · answered by debbie2243 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
>>Concerning a bapized fellow-witness, with no judicial action taken, THERE SHOULD be no labeling! (if the person is disfellowshipped or disassociated, he has labled himself--and that lable remains until a reinstatement)
>>That(of determining who is a "bad assoc") choice should only be made by us as individuals, not taking here-say from anyone else, and their individual & unwarrunted judgements!
>>>>If we indeed make a judgement on a bad associate and have important reason to do so ONLY our immediate family should be cautioned!
>>>>If we see a person heading toward a dangerous situation with a person being cheated etc. by someone & WE KNOW THIS IS THE CASE , then our Christian conscience might cause us to warn the innocent person--WITH NO LABELING INVOLVED!
>>>>>OR IF we see a seriously wrong action taking place , then we should consult an elder we trust!
>>Elders in particular have to be careful that they do not imply any negative labels on anyone , for some in the congregation who are easily misled can take that as an official word, and could lead to hurtful gossip & slander involving the elder also!
We are warned by the following Scripture:
(1 Peter 4:15) “. . .However, let none of YOU suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters. . .”
There are situations in which a person shows him or her self as a bad associate:
>>In the case of 1 Cor. 15:33, the principle of "bad associations will spoil useful habits"--can apply to many things! I will just list a few of what I consider as important:
(there are also less-important issues, that would be harder to determine & might be considered in the gray area)
1. Someone who flirts with another persons wife or husband!
2. Someone who drinks heavily and tries to get us to do the same!
3. Someone who does not tell the truth to us personally on matters of importance! Or shows traits of dishonesty!
4. Someone who spreads hurtful gossip about someone else!
5. Someone who might talk about the opposite sex in sexually descriptive terms! Watching or viewing pornographic stuff!
6. Using harsh or off-color expressions, crude joking, predjudiced ideas)
7. ESPECIALLY so would be any witness trying to spread false teachings or false ideas about Jehovah & Christ!
8..THINGS SITED by other witnesses on this answer with validity--The list could go on easily!
>>The application of Jesus words at Matthew 7:1- 5 of not judging others on small matters while we are practicing more serious faults applies along with this, that deal with DECISION making of many different kinds, that we choose to view etc.(movies, music, sports, etc.)
(Romans 14:1-4) “. . .Welcome the [man] having weaknesses in [his] faith, but not to make decisions on inward questionings. 2 One [man] has faith to eat everything, but the [man] who is weak eats vegetables. 3 Let the one eating not look down on the one not eating, and let the one not eating not judge the one eating, for God has welcomed that one. 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.”
>THUS LABELING does not belong in the Christian congregation, and should not be made by anybody.
>When official action has to be taken, those doing so have to be extremely careful that they do no individual judging and pass those individual judgements to others!
2007-12-17 08:58:38 · answer #7 · answered by thomas_tutoring2002 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hey, I'm bad association in anyones book, Witness or not.
I think Q & A would like me!!
Debbie, yes, definitly me. You'd like me too!
Q&A, seriously, I have a neat car!!
Thomas, she said "bad" association, not "boring out of your skull" assciation. Lighten up!
My grandmother called. It's time for her nap so I emailed her your answer.
(See Q&A, I can be real charming!!)
UPDATE: Lamb, when are you gonna give me a ride? I'll buy lunch!!
2007-12-17 08:56:29 · answer #8 · answered by isnrblogdotcalm 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
isnrblog.....I am bad association and I have a newer bad car than isnrblog....7 days old...new....2008 Infinity G37 coup Baddest car!
I know the "bad association" rule too...I agree with Annie Shirley...If you have the truth, then it doesn't matter what people you are around...your truth will make the other non truth look ridiculous...problem is it is reverse with the Witnesses...Get away from their truth and it doesn't look truthful any more.
2007-12-17 14:44:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is Jehovah God that sets the standards for his people.
Do you understand this ?
It is not man that says who is or is not a good associate.
Rather we - true Christians , take the word of God in the Bible seriously , and follow ITS ADVICE on all matters.
This includes what is fit and unfit conduct that a person claiming to be a believer may have.
These scriptures set God's righteous standards for what is inappropriate for Christians.
Romans 1:
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Romans 1:30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
Galatians 5:
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,
21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
People displaying such attitudes (which are obviously spiritually unhealthy) are worthy of avoiding.
This person would be a bad associate for a person wanting to live according to Gods standards.
It is however up to each individual in the congregation to discern who is a fit associate and who is not and it is not up to us to second guess another person choice on such matters or the righteous standards of almighty God - Jehovah . !
2007-12-17 08:43:21 · answer #10 · answered by I♥U 6 · 5⤊ 3⤋