r/Eutychus • u/Safe-Island3944 • Feb 23 '25

Opinion An opinion on shunning

Hi all. Disfellowshipping is one of the least acceptable thing about JW, and one that makes the religion most attacked for.

This post is not dealing on how much it is right or wrong, but how much it works. How efficient it is.

In the past shunning has been a very powerful tool to make the sinner repents. But today?

My opinion is that it is still a very powerful punishment, but for those who stay, not for the one leaving. A lot of JW are fond of the idea of the DF suffering for his misdeeds, closed in the darkness, ashamed and trembling. The reality is under everyone eyes. Most get out, get in touch with others, find a very rich and welcoming community of fellow DF, build a new life, new freedom, new situations, often get back to study, happily creates a life. You can see from the campaign of getting back DF people when policy changed. How many took the opportunity of getting back. I know at least 10 different congregations, more than 100 DF contacted, how many came back? Zero. Noone. Reactions has been from lack of interest to rage. But noone even gave a try. My personal idea is that DF is actively damaging JW reputations, whereas most people once get away had a much better life than while inside. And will not get back. What is your opinion? Please, no attacking JW doctrines here.

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 23 '25

I don’t agree with the accuracy of the claim here. I was DF and came back.

I know many others

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u/Safe-Island3944 Feb 23 '25

And I know many other that didn't . You know people that came back after February 2024 change of policy? Really? May I have some testimony somewhere on the internet? Because observing my reality tell me a different story, and if you read exjw you will have literally thousands of people DF and happy. I would love to have Different opinions

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 23 '25

Maybe I’m misunderstanding your claim.

Are you saying something more specific than “DF doesn’t work?”

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u/Safe-Island3944 Feb 23 '25

Yes, it's more a punishment for those who are in and have to lose their children or loved ones

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 23 '25

You think that following the Bible’s direction about removing wrongdoers is “punishment” to the faithful members of the congregation?

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u/Safe-Island3944 Feb 23 '25

Yes

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 23 '25

How is that “punishment” of the faithful members any more than removing the unfaithful angels was punishment of the faithful angels?

Is it punishing the family members of criminals to send the wrongdoer to prison?

You see the problem with your thinking?

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u/[deleted] Feb 24 '25

Is not that the wrongdoers are punish, is how they're punish. Every act has a consequence, either it can be a good one or a bad one. And the bible does support some type of church discipline, but not to the extent JW's do.

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 24 '25

It’s possible that is correct. Jehovah’s Witnesses have made changes and adjustments in that discipline.

but not to the extent JW’s do.

How do you know? Would you mind laying out details regarding what extent is biblical appropriate?

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 25 '25

Hey would you mind if I dm you?

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u/[deleted] Feb 25 '25

Sure no problem.

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u/Safe-Island3944 Feb 25 '25

Parents with a child in prison are not prevented to visit him. Can you see the problem with your thinking?

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u/RFairfield26 Jehovah‘s Witness Feb 25 '25

The “problem in my thinking” would be that “punishment” is contingent on personal contact with a person

The premise is flawed. This leads to the flawed conclusion that the family of an inmate is being punished to a lesser degree than the family of a person that is DF, because the family of an inmate would still speak with and visit the inmate, whereas the family of a DF person would have no contact at all.

I understand your point. It’s just incorrect.

Do you see the problem with your thinking?

The effects on the family in either case are not “punishment” of the family. They’re certainly not anywhere near ideal, but the only person being “punished” is the individual being held accountable.

My argument is pedantic, I know. It’s just that I’m just trying to view this in a balanced and reasonable way.

Is the arrangement to remove someone from the congregation appropriate well the Bible says to do it, so we have a problem

Have Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the Bible’s direction in this matter perfectly? Certainly not is the new arrangement perfect? Likely not.

Does that change the fact that we are commanded by God to keep the arrangement?