The GB seems to tell JWs what to believe and what to think and how to feel about certain things.
And that was exactly what the situation was back in the first century. There was a Governing Body back then too...and Elders appointed in every congregation to take the lead..
Discipline was administered to those whom the Elders deemed to warrant it. It was they who were responsible for seeing to it that rebellious ones did not come in and undermine the faith of others.
Hebrews 13:17...
“Obey your leaders and submit to them —for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.” (NASB)
We are to submit to them in order for the congregation to function in a peaceful and unified manner.
What is the Biblical precedent for disfellowshipping?
1 Corinthians 5:9-13...
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people; I did not at all mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to leave the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or a greedy person, or an idolater, or is verbally abusive, or habitually drunk, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a person. For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves. (“NASB)
Was it men who told us not to associate with such ones? See for yourself....God was to judge those “outside” the church, but the elders were to judge those “inside” in order to keep unrepentant sinners from corrupting others. If one was found to be guilty of serious sin, but not repentant about it after counselling, they were to be “removed”. Excommunication means what it says. No communication....they are removed from the congregation and we are to stop associating with them. How is that confusing?
It is sad to see children of God treated this way,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but of course the GB tells you that you aren't children of God (as per Romans 8) and that most of the NT was not written for you etc etc.
Sad is it? What is sadder is allowing unrepentant sinners to destroy the peace of the entire congregation.....discipline was administered for a reason....not just to punish, but to admonish...to make a person feel the sting of God’s displeasure....with what goal?
Hebrews12:5-8....
“and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “ My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are punished by Him; For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He punishes every son whom He accepts .” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.“ (NASB)
Did our parents discipline us because they hated us? Or because they wanted to teach us something?
Discipline is an act of love because it is meant to facilitate repentance, without which there can be no forgiveness. If punishment could make a person “faint” then the level of punishment must have been harsh.....just because a person interprets the discipline as “harsh” doesn’t mean that it is unjustified. The Elders always hear both sides of any story and are aware of their heavy responsibility before God to judge impartially.....God judges them by how they judge others.
As usual, Brian2, you are speaking in total ignorance.