Chapter Ten - Shunning, Blood, and Judicial Control

CHAPTER TEN

Shunning, Blood, and Judicial Control

THE WATCHTOWER ENFORCES discipline.

There is a process for sin.
It is called judicial action.

Three elders meet.
They hear the case.

If guilt is determined, and repentance is not shown, you are disfellowshipped.

The Watchtower issues instructions.

“Do not speak to disfellowshipped ones.”
“No association. No greeting. No contact outside the home.”
“This is Jehovah’s command.”

Children shun parents.
Parents shun children.

“This is love. Discipline brings repentance.”

Reinstatement requires time, submission, and approval by elders.

Until then, “They are dead to us.”

The Watchtower says, “To disobey this rule is to disobey Jehovah.”

On blood, the rule is absolute.

“Do not take blood into your body.”
“This includes transfusions.”
“Better to die faithful than live disobedient.”

The Watchtower publishes guidelines.
What is allowed.
What is not.
Fractions? Maybe.
Whole blood? Never.

Elders visit hospitals.
Hospital Liaison Committees ensure compliance.

“Jehovah’s people are known by their obedience.”

Other forbidden acts include saluting the flag, celebrating holidays or birthdays, joining the military, and possessing outside religious material.

All rules are enforced by elders.
Elders answer to the Governing Body.

“This organization is directed by holy spirit.”
“There is no room for independent thinking.”
“Jehovah blesses unity and submission.”

To obey the Watchtower is to live.
To rebel is to die. Now, and at Armageddon.