The Journey to Becoming a Jehovah's Witness

Joining the Jehovah's Witnesses is no casual endeavor. It's a multi-year process deeply rooted in comprehensive theological study and an earnest commitment to God's mission. Unlike joining a typical club, where one fills out a form and pays a monthly fee, the path to becoming a Jehovah's Witness involves:

A thorough study of God's requirements Undertaking a vow to obey those requirements

This commitment is not to be taken lightly. Once a vow is made, adhering to it is paramount. Violating the vow can result in disassociation from the congregation, which can have a significant impact not only on the individual but also on those around them.

Detrimental Consequences of Breaking a Vow

If someone voluntarily breaks their vow, they can be disassociated. The reasons for disassociation can be varied, but one common rationale is when a member decides to leave the organization and is seen as a bad influence on others within the community.

The Shunning Practice and Its Legal Challenges

One of the significant criticisms of the Jehovah's Witnesses is their practice of shunning, a form of social isolation. This practice has led to significant scrutiny, especially in cases like the recent loss of state funding for Norwegian tax payers primarily because of their shunning practices. A recent case in Norway involved the appeal to the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights).

The Norwegian court explained in detail how the practice of shunning works, differs significantly from how Jehovah's Witnesses describe it. The court highlighted that this practice of exclusion seriously conveys a range of human rights violations, including:

Violations of children's rights Restrictions on the right to free expression, an integral part of religious freedom Creating a social isolation that poses a risk to children's health and well-being

Government lawyer Kristin Hallsj Aarvik wrote to a major Norwegian news outlet, explaining the severe impacts of such practices on the community.

Understanding the Rational Behind Disassociation

While former members are often shunned, it is important to understand that the decision to leave a religious organization for various reasons, including no longer agreeing with a certain belief or practice, is a complex one. One algorithm to determine the appropriateness of complaining about disassociation is as follows:

The Bible said this. If you have left the Jehovah's Witnesses because you no longer agree with their beliefs, should you complain that Jehovah's Witnesses avoid you? YES: Proceed to step 4. No: Move to step 3. Good riddance. Stand up to your conviction and move on. NO: Return to step 1. Re-examine your beliefs. If you reconsider and wish to re-join, you may be welcomed back caloriously, provided you meet the Bible standards. Comments that are baseless or insincere may be deleted or used humorously.

It's worth noting that the decision to leave and the subsequent disassociation can affect not only the individual but also their family members and friends. This process can be emotionally challenging and often requires a significant amount of time and effort to navigate.

Conclusion

The practice of disassociation and shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses remains a contentious issue. While it serves to maintain the integrity and purity of the faith, it also creates significant repercussions for those who choose to leave. Understanding the rationale and implications of such practices is crucial for both current and former members of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, as well as for the broader community.