James Hume

An interesting concept, bible discipline.
I am struck by the prevalence of ignorance about spiritual discipline on "Reddit." While physical and mental disciplines receive attention, the profound impact of spiritual discipline on a person's physical and mental well-being is often overlooked.
Is it possible to argue against the words of the Apostle Paul? When he penned those words in Hebrews 12, he was recognizing that there are moments when an individual must be "rebuked" in order to be corrected. Even Jesus himself established a precedent when he rebuked Peter and referred to him as Satan for failing to comprehend what Jesus had already revealed to the apostles.
Did that imply that Jesus had an evil heart? Not at all, it was quite the opposite; Jesus had a loving heart. His need to correct Peter actually showcased his genuine love for him. If he hadn't cared, he would have let Peter persist in his mistaken ways, leading to a fate similar to Judas'.
There is a clear emphasis on avoiding the apostate translation and its meaning, yet many seem to overlook the biblical foundation for the reasons NOT to follow the path of the fallen brethren or those with an apostate mentality.
Those individuals have embraced the path of darkness, where the illuminating power of light cannot penetrate, to avoid receiving the righteous discipline based on God's Bible teachings. They are undoubtedly aware that this undeniable truth of life must be disregarded in order to uphold their baseless justifications for the unjust act of shunning.
Can anyone truly "force" someone or stop them from rejecting a friend or family member? Such a notion would be absurd, considering the fact that we all have the power of free will.
If a Witness decides to distance themselves from a family member or friend simply because they have come out as gay, who is anyone within the organization to question or challenge that personal sentiment? It is unfortunate that there are individuals, both within and outside the organization, who not only lack a proper understanding of the Bible but also dare to suggest that God's discipline is barbaric. We must remember that personal choices should be respected, and it is not for others to judge or condemn someone based on their sexual orientation but should be avoided under biblical grounds.
No one should have the power to compel an individual to change their sexual orientation, nor should anyone be forced to accept someone for who they are. When it comes to a family's desire to shield their children from external influences, who has the right to challenge the parents' decision? And if a family's rejection of others is based on cultural factors rather than religious beliefs, who can impose religious judgment on them?
Who should true followers of Christ follow? The words of God or those who believe they can change God's laws to fit their lives? How can we apply the inspired words of Paul from God to embrace the reality of God's discipline?
On the contrary, how can nonconformists expect to persuade those with a "worldview" that their religious beliefs are unacceptable by ostracizing individuals, when God condemns homosexuality? This is precisely why the arguments put forth by ex-witnesses are lacking in their pursuit of justice. When they employ misguided tactics, justice remains elusive as their arguments are either weak or inconsistent with biblical standards. Therefore, it is crucial to also comprehend Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:27.
The use of the word "shun" is being exaggerated and excessively condemned by those who reject biblical shunning as a form of punishment.
Eph 5:3-14 NIV
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.
The impact of the message becomes significantly stronger when we emphasize the importance of avoiding any association with unrighteousness and those who remain unrepentant. In fact, it becomes even more compelling when we witness how some individuals, who dismiss biblical shunning as a method of discipline, excessively criticize and condemn the use of the word "shun".
Therefore, Jehovah's Witnesses do not shun people; instead, they choose to focus on the negative actions being committed, which is in accordance with biblical teachings. This should be construed as ex-Witness rhetoric. Now, let's consider why ex-Witnesses specifically target one particular religion. What justifications do they provide when other Christian denominations also adhere to the same principle grounded in the Bible?
Chapter 1 - Preface
Both must therefore test themselves: the one, if he is qualified to speak and leave behind him written records; the other, if he is in a right state to hear and read: as also some in the dispensation of the Eucharist, according to  custom enjoin that each one of the people individually should take his part. One's own conscience is best for choosing accurately or shunning. And its firm foundation is a right life, with suitable instruction. But the imitation of those who have already been proved, and who have led correct lives, is most excellent for the understanding and practice of the commandments. "So that whosoever shall eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup."  It therefore follows, that every one of those who undertake to promote the good of their neighbours, ought to consider whether he has betaken himself to teaching rashly and out of rivalry to any; if his communication of the word is out of vainglory; if the the only reward he reaps is the salvation of those who hear, and if he speaks not in order to win favour: if so, he who speaks by writings escapes the reproach of mercenary motives. "For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know," says the apostle, "nor a cloak of covetousness. God is witness. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children."  
(from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2)

Divine promises
2. The manner of shunning, in the word escaping. There is a flying away required, and that quickly, as in the plague, or from a fire which hath almost burned us, or a flood that breaketh in upon us. We cannot soon enough escape from sin (Matt 3:7; Heb 6:18). No motion but flight becomes us in this case. Doctrine: That the great end and effect of the promises of the gospel is to make us partakers of the Divine nature.
(from The Biblical Illustrator)
 

Here is the material for the weeks of May 20-26 and May 27- June 2, 2024.  TB
Watchtower May 27, 2024–June 2, 2024.pdf Additional Highlights -MAY 20-26, 2024.doc Additional Highlights -MAY 27–JUNE 2, 2024.doc Meeting Workbook and CBS week of MAY 20-26, 2024.doc Meeting Workbook and CBS week of MAY 27–JUNE 2, 2024.doc Watchtower May 20-26, 2024.doc Watchtower May 27, 2024–June 2, 2024.doc Additional Highlights -MAY 20-26, 2024.pdf Additional Highlights -MAY 27–JUNE 2, 2024.pdf Meeting Workbook and CBS week of MAY 20-26, 2024.pdf Meeting Workbook and CBS week of MAY 27–JUNE 2, 2024.pdf Watchtower May 20-26, 2024.pdf

Why don't former members of Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the impact that other religions have on societies as a whole here?
This site appears more interested in maintaining the status quo within their misconceived hierarchy, rather than actually making a meaningful contribution to the discussion about finding temporary solutions to the pressing issue troubling even those outside the community: the evil afflicting humanity at the hands of Satan by not separating church and state in their arguments.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nuns-defy-vatican-and-seek-a-restraining-order-against-bishop/ss-AA1nzW9o?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=3c9a19f4fa9b43d3a7bd8ceaa485848b&ei=20#image=4
This week, Texas nuns are defying a Vatican order to vacate their Monastery after the Vatican issued a decree concerning their order. The nuns are now seeking government intervention by requesting a restraining order. However, a District Judge dismissed a previous order on the grounds it lacked jurisdiction.
In a striking turn of events, a French court went against the Vatican's sovereignty and issued a groundbreaking judgment in support of an excommunicated nun, thereby challenging the authority of a sovereign nation. 
It seems that the French Court overlooked a crucial fact when it ruled that the Vatican could not excommunicate a nun for violating the bylaws that govern any religious order.
The notion of "chastity" and its significance in the Catholic faith extends far beyond any criminal accusation. The French nun's struggle with "obedience" and failure to communicate is also noteworthy in her role as a high-profile teacher. It mirrors the biblical teachings on sexual morality, and obedience to authority serves as a guiding principle for believers.
There are, however, numerous theories surrounding these two issues, and I'm confident that people will contribute their own unique perspectives to them.
The French government's actions concerning the Vatican City's "Holy See", which is equivalent to the Watchtower Governing Body for the Catholic Faith, are a sovereign nation recognized by all nations of the world. Not only is it concerning, but also reminiscent of the restrictions being imposed on other organizations, such as the Watchtower, by other governments. Such interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation sets a troubling precedent.
What the French government is essentially saying is that they have the right to intervene and dictate to another nation. This verdict is essentially what it implies.
https://apnews.com/article/vatican-france-nun-pope-marie-ferreol-ouellet-937da5e4b91b3b591b72b9edeb4a1f76
In this case, apostates of Jehovah's Witnesses and some witnesses not in good standing serve as referees and consider disfellowshipping to be a barbaric action, even though it is supported by scripture and implemented in the bylaws of other religious institutions according to bible canon.
Even though scripture doesn't specifically mention the words "excommunicate" or "disfellowship," it implies consequences for those who have a heavy heart after committing serious transgressions against God, and have no desire to repent.
In another thread, the topic of repentance and being unrepentant was brought up. Is it possible to guide an unrepentant soul towards receiving God's grace, or does the individual need to show a genuine desire to repent on their own?
God demands that we demonstrate true repentance through our behavior. This new understanding, as highlighted by the Watchtower GB, shows that there is a pathway to fellowship for those who have strayed from God's teachings. Upon demonstrating genuine repentance, they can be accepted back into God's hands.
Is it the spiritual leader's responsibility to coerce or convince a sinner to repent? No, that decision belongs between God and the individual. The church's obligation is to keep the congregation free from negative influences. In the time before the New Testament, God communicated his wishes through the prophets.
This was God's will.
2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
A person who truly repents should be shown leniency, as stated in scriptures such as Matthew, Luke, Acts, 1 Peter, and 1 John, etc. However, this leniency does not apply to those who choose to remain unrepentant. The words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 still apply to those whose conduct willfully denies the Lord through their personal actions and behavior.
Now, how do other institutions view those steps?
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-signs-true-repentance/
So, to whom should a devoted follower of Christ listen? They should prioritize attentiveness to scripture and adhere to the word of God. Moreover, they should comprehend those teachings that align with the principles of Christ, as conveyed by their spiritual leaders.

One confusion has arisen due to Tom's interpretation of the Governing Body's update number #2. He mistakenly assumes that Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to associate with disfellowshipped individuals and therefore are in harmony with the spirit of update # 2. However, reading his comments elsewhere, it is clear that Tom is spreading misinformation. It is important to clarify that we are not "free" to associate with disfellowshipped individuals, as some may wrongly infer from Tom's words. The truth is quite the opposite.
The Brothers update suggests the following:
18. When a person has been removed from the congregation, we “stop keeping company”with that person, “not even eating with such a man.” (1 Cor. 5:11) However, as explained and demonstrated in the 2024 Governing Body Update #2, if the person attends congregation meetings, a publisher can use his Bible-trained conscience to decide if he will give a simple greeting and welcome the disfellowshipped person to the meeting or not.
19. A Christian may also choose to invite a disfellowshipped person—perhaps a relative, a former Bible student, or someone he was close to in the past—to attend a congregation meeting.
This update does not in any way imply a casual association with a disfellowshipped individual, as some people may interpret through their own subjective understanding of the publications from the Watchtower. The contact with a disfellowshipped individual remains with the Elders of the congregation whether they progress in repentance or not.
One of the signs of the end times is the increasing tendency of governments to perceive religion as merely another institution governed by rules, rather than as a sacred system of spiritual principles. This shift may enable more meaningful discussions about global political perspectives based on religious scriptures rather than individual opinions.
Therefore, when faced with attempts to trick him, how did Jesus handle secular political issues in Matthew 22:17-21?
These issues regarding the nuns should be addressed in the same way that Jesus did, by separating church and state, which those nuns failed to do.