As a Jehovah’s witness, I’ve heard and seen some things that I’ve called into question about our practices, such a the falsely charging someone of being an apostate.

The meaning of apostasy defined in the dictionary is the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.

In truth, I believe that this isn’t a clear cut as this and really requires much more. The act of apostasy doesn’t necessarily make the person involved an apostate. Why? Because there are many factors to consider when it comes to the act in question, such as the reasons and the motives, not to mention the events that lead to all this. To blatantly call someone an apostate without all the facts is both unreasonable and unloving, it also doesn’t justify us in placing ourselves as a judge over them which would be a grave error.

The true act of apostasy is to reject God or Jehovah completely and this goes far beyond that of just saying that he doesn’t exist. Satan is the perfect example of the true apostate, not only does he know God, ultimately he defies and hates him with every fiber of his being. Satan and his angles are beyond forgiveness, which doesn’t reflect us a humans, who are both easy to mislead and foolish in our thinking.

Of course, I do believe that the congregation should take steps to protect itself from even the acts of apostasy as this will undermind the faith and lead many astray. Which is why the illustration was used about the leaven that ferments the whole loaf, as the yeast grows throughout the loaf, the whole thing is tainted and is no longer pure. This reference has to do with the natural yeast particles in the air that make up sour dough. A very small amount of starter can make the entire loaf sour is the matter of what appear to be seconds.

To say someone may have commited apostasy is one thing but quite another to accuse someone of being an apostate. They have claimed that speaking up against the Governing Body is an act of apostasy. However, I must point out that even Jesus spoke up against the Scribes and the Pharisees, for even they where no different than todays Governing Body. The Governing Body and according to their rules, yes even Jesus would be charged with apostasy. No doubt about this, they would deny this, that they would never charge Jesus, however, they would with anyone else. This doesn’t mean that we should defy them, for even Jesus told his deciples to do as they say but not as they do.