AboutRobert Jones Expertise Answers on what Jehovah's Witnesses believe and how the beliefs effect relationships with non-Jehovah's Witnesses. How congregations are structured. How elders make decisions. How the organization is run.
I try not to post replies as to what "I" believe. That is not the purpose of this site, in my opinion. Please let the following serve as a general statement of belief for any who are interested. I was raised as a JW and spent 32 years actively promoting the religion, the last 13 years as an elder. I was never "irregular" or "inactive" as the labels go. I have not attended a meeting since October 2000. The last time I was in a Kingdom Hall was at my daughter's wedding in 2001. I saw much "new light" flash forth from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" from 1968 to 2000, which I embraced and promoted.
I do not believe that any one people (the Jews for example) were selected by God to receive a message or blessing that made them special. I believe that sort of thinking to be same sort of delusion that leads to C. T. Russell type religions where the belief is some version of "We are special, God chose us and therefore not you." I am long past preaching anything or trying to convince anyone of anything. I consider spirituality to be a very personal effort that each person must discover for themselves. I do not believe the Bible to be an inspired book any more so than any other preserved ancient writings such as the Koran and Buddhist writings. I do believe that all these writings contain some universal spiritual truths that stand the test of time. I am amazed where these writings compliment each other about the human condition and the higher, or better, way of existence that is possible for those who allow themselves to become enlightened. I see the Jesus person of the Bible as a great teacher of the enlightened way of living. But I also see these writings as influenced by the culture and history of the people from which they come.
Experience Active Jehovah's Witness for 32 years. Congregation elder 13 years. Pioneer work, Congregation Secretary, Watchtower Study Conductor.
Education/Credentials Degree in Computer Programming. Not applicable here.
Question QUESTION: i am planning to marry a jw girl soon and my question is are the family allowed to come to the reception if we marry in the church?
ANSWER: Hi Jonas,
Technically, yes, a Jehovah's Witness can choose to attend a wedding reception, even if it is at a church. However, many, maybe most, Jehovah's Witnesses will choose not to attend on a church grounds. If the reception is held away from the church it will be more likely that the JW family will feel free to attend.
Congratulations and best wishes!
RJ
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QUESTION: Hi Mr Robert Jones, yeah the reception is away from church and yet her family may not attend. And how do i convince my girlfriend to convince her family to attend, are they going to be disciplined for attending?
Answer Hi Jonas,
That her family may not attend is not about you and your soon-to-be bride. The parents are likely displeased that their daughter is marrying "outside the truth" as it is said. They don't like it one bit. It's not you. They feel that they have to take a stand and to show that they are faithful and not in support of marrying "worldly people."
Aside from all that, if you have a nice relationship with the parents, you might ask them personally, politely, and let them know how much it would mean to you both if they would attend. Maybe if only for pictures for a few minutes. I am sure that they are torn at some level about all this. A kind move on your part might break the ice. I do not think that they would be disciplined for attending. Attending would be viewed by other JWs as somewhat "worldly" but they wouldn't be in any trouble for it.
