Jehovah’s Witnesses: What would you do if you saw an extemely obese elder...
...“pigging out” at a Chinese buffet? We know that smoking cigarettes is a very serious offense within the community of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A brother/sister would face expulsion if he were unrepentant about it or refused to stop. Interestingly, however, the Bible does not speak of tobacco use, but has much to say about gluttony. For example:
Do not come to be among gluttonous eaters for a glutton will come to poverty. Their finish is destruction, and their god is their belly. You must put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not show yourself craving tasty dishes, as it is the food of lies. A companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
Now my question could apply to ANY religion because I’m aware of none that are strict about the sin of gluttony. But in terms of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, why is it that obese people (who continue to over-eat) are found in leadership positions even up to the governing body? It would seem that if you were being scripturally consistent, you would condemn gluttony just as much as tobacco – since the health risks of obesity are far greater.
So what does your Bible-trained conscience tell you to do if you see one of your elders (leaders) doing this:
http://www.anonymousfatgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/BUFFET-300x203.jpg
@ Alicia: Nothing genetic explains the rise in obesity. We can’t change our genes over 30 years (source: http://www.watchtower.org/e/200903a/article_01.htm ). It is a common myth that obese people “eat like birds” and are overweight through no fault of their own. The reality is that obesity absolutely requires excessive eating and in order to maintain all those extra pounds a person must continue to overeat. Personally, I think tobacco users and gluttons need support and sympathy. I don’t think either one of them should be kicked out of a church.
...“pigging out” at a Chinese buffet? We know that smoking cigarettes is a very serious offense within the community of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A brother/sister would face expulsion if he were unrepentant about it or refused to stop. Interestingly, however, the Bible does not speak of tobacco use, but has much to say about gluttony. For example:
Do not come to be among gluttonous eaters for a glutton will come to poverty. Their finish is destruction, and their god is their belly. You must put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not show yourself craving tasty dishes, as it is the food of lies. A companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
Now my question could apply to ANY religion because I’m aware of none that are strict about the sin of gluttony. But in terms of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, why is it that obese people (who continue to over-eat) are found in leadership positions even up to the governing body? It would seem that if you were being scripturally consistent, you would condemn gluttony just as much as tobacco – since the health risks of obesity are far greater.
So what does your Bible-trained conscience tell you to do if you see one of your elders (leaders) doing this:
http://www.anonymousfatgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/BUFFET-300x203.jpg
@ Alicia: Nothing genetic explains the rise in obesity. We can’t change our genes over 30 years (source: http://www.watchtower.org/e/200903a/article_01.htm ). It is a common myth that obese people “eat like birds” and are overweight through no fault of their own. The reality is that obesity absolutely requires excessive eating and in order to maintain all those extra pounds a person must continue to overeat. Personally, I think tobacco users and gluttons need support and sympathy. I don’t think either one of them should be kicked out of a church.