AboutBrenton Hepburn Expertise I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
I can answer questions on the reliability of the NWT, the so called mind control problems, so called prophecies, and general practices and history of Jehovah’s Witnesses.....
>>>>WARNING<<<<<< ....Please be aware that there are at least ... 3 .... people here who ARE NOT practicing JWs and, (at other times there have been as many as 5.) These ones will, at times, appear to have an agenda against JWs., and will often give answers that are not correct in regard to JW teachings and practices. If you are after a answer from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, please read some of the answers that the various experts have published before choosing someone. If you want to ask them a question that is fine, but if you want a balancing view after asking one of the NON JWs, ask a JW the same question
Experience I have been a publisher since 1964. When I first went on the internet I found a lot of negative information dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses covering prophecy, mind control and what many said was a very bad translation of the Bible known as the NWT. It shook my faith. After may hours researching these topics I could see why some felt that way, but, I was also able to explain why there were these misleading views. I can now set matters straight for anyone that has negative information about Jehovah’s Witness to show them that such information is at best misleading and at worst dangerous lies.
Education/Credentials I have been a student of the Bible for many years, am trying to teach myself Biblical Greek.
Was a public tax accountant for many yrars untill SEP 2009 when I gave it up.
Just another question along the same lines as the last one. Michael O'Flaherty. He made this statement
"JWs typically shun their own family members who are not in the faith, so I would expect the same of a spouse"
Do JWs really shun their non JW family members and would a JW marrying a non JW be excomunicated?
Answer Hello Gordon,
Thank you for this question.
I read the reply that Mr. O’Flaherty gave, and, first I would like to say that he made some very valid points. There will be much heart ache in the marriage if both were to stay active in their present religions.
I would like to respond to the quote you asked about. It really depends on just what Mr. O’Flaherty meant by …� JWs typically shun their own family members who are not in the faith,�…..
What is his definition of shunning in this context? If it means they stop having any association with non JW’s this is not true. IF he is just referring to not participating in festivals such as Christmas, Easter, birthdays, this may well be true. (Under certain situations an unbelieving husband may require a JW wife to accompany him to such family gatherings. The wife is required to obey her husband and attend, but she would not participate in any of the religious ceremonies or practices that husbands family might engage in)
If you remember from my reply on excommunication some time back, a JW is required, as far as their circumstances allow, to look after family members that are disfellowshiped when they are in need. The same with family members that are not JWs. We have a responsibility, and expected to, see to their welfare if they are in need and we are in a position (physically, emotionally, financially) to do so.
Now will a JW be excommunicated for marrying a non JW?
The general answer is no.
If the situation was where the man was the JW the following would apply .
If he was a baptized member of the congregation, and he has any privileges of responsibility in the congregation he will lose them. This is providing he has a civil service.
However he would come in for more sanctions if he gets married in a church or has a religious service of some sort. (He would not be able to have a JW service or use a JW meeting place [Kingdom Hall] )
If he is a practicing KW but not baptized there would be no change in his status.
As for a woman JW marrying a non JW man there would be no sanctions if the marriage was a civil service. (She would not be able to have a JW service or use a JW meeting place [Kingdom Hall] )
In either circumstance if they sleep together before marriage the JW would be excommunicated. So they are expected to stay celibate until married.
