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Originally Posted by aron
How about, "You'll never talk to your grandkids again"? Or your children, neices, etc. The strength of this social network is, if you go against it you never come back. Believe me, that has holding power.
Math quiz: how many have gotten cut off, or quarantined, or whatever terminology they use, over the past 40-odd years? And how many of those got any rapprochement, or rehabilitation?
I can only think of one, a guy that repented and came back, and they made him sit in the back for a year, and not speak. Other than that, nobody once out ever made it back in. It's a closed shop, kiddos, pretty intimidating stuff. But they don't mention any of this when they go out recruiting new ones on the campus. "Oh, we're just Christians who love Jesus and gather in His name". Right.
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I can think of one former elder whose niece continues meeting with no reprisals in North Carolina. Or another one whose son last I knew was meeting with San Diego. I do think certain ones whose last name ties them to former leading ones (Ingalls, Knoch, Chu, etc) will be looked upon with suspicion, but not barred from assembly.
Take myself for example, if the brothers from my parent's Sothern Cal locality knew I'm "active on the internet". Nothing would happen to my parents, but whenever my family and I came in town to visit wouldn't be welcome to attend.
I do agree social networks that exist in the local churches is a ripe environment to cause strained relationships and may even reject those who have left. Still it's not a one size fits all type of culture.
I think it comes down to spiritual maturity of brothers and sisters. I have known of brothers and sisters who can receive ones who have left the local churches. Other brothers and sisters whose receiving is based on "if you meet with a locality" haven't shown a growth in life. Action speaks louder than words.