|
MATTHEW MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SHAKE HIS DOUBTS REGARDING THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY BEING "THE TRUTH", BUT THE OPTION OF LEAVING IS TOO MUCH TO BEAR. IF HE DISCUSSES HIS DOUBTS HE RISKS BEING DISFELLOWSHIPPED. THIS MEANS HE IS TO BE SHUNNED BY ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS HE MAY LEAVE QUIETLY INSTEAD, BUT IF HE GETS CAUGHT LEADING WHAT MOST WOULD CONSIDER A NORMAL LIFE, SUCH AS ENGAGING WITH FRIENDS IN COMMON CELEBRATIONS, HE WILL STILL BE DISFELLOWSHIPPED. MATTHEW CANNOT COPE WITH THE PROSPECT OF BEING SHUNNED FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE AND TRIES TO IGNORE ANY QUESTIONS OR DOUBTS.
The fact is that when a Christian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshipped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God; . . . sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives." Watchtower 1981 Sep 15 p.25
The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home. It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum..." Watchtower 1988 Apr 15 p.27 |