Origins and Early Policies
đ°ď¸Jehovah's Witnesses originated in the late 1800s as a Bible Students movement led by Charles Taze Russell, who initially became disillusioned with religion but later rekindled his faith through a chance encounter with a Bible-preaching preacher.
đ¤In 1882, Russell wrote in the Watchtower that they didn't disfellowship for differences of opinion, only speaking out against those denying Christianity's foundation.
Shift in Disfellowshipping Practices
đA significant change occurred in 1952 when Jehovah's Witnesses began disfellowshipping those practicing conduct condemned by God, adhering to Bible teaching to keep the congregation "clean".
đ¨The second leader, Rutherford, continued the tradition of using excommunication as a weapon to keep people in mental bondage, fearing the consequences of criticizing the organization.
Modern Shunning Policies
đŤCurrent Jehovah's Witness policy dictates shunning and disfellowshipping members who break rules, even instructing others not to greet them, including family members.
đšDisfellowshipped individuals are considered part of the "devil's organization" and are to be avoided at all costs, even if they are family members.
Family Relationships and Disfellowshipping
đ Jehovah's Witnesses are told to limit contact with disfellowshipped family members living in the same home to only what is absolutely necessary.
đDisfellowshipped family members are viewed as "lost sheep" who may return to God, but Witnesses are instructed not to socialize with them or invite them to meetings.