What happens when a married Jehovah's witness wants to leave his mate to be with another woman a non Jehovah's witness?

Answer 1

VIEWPOINT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A JEHOVAH'S WITNESS The problem would not be with the fact that the individual was not one of Jehovah's Witnesses. We have lots of members who are married to people of other faiths, or even who claim no faith. The problem would stem from ignoring God's laws on sex and marriage. The Bible says that sex is to be only within the marriage arrangement. People who are not married that engage in sex are commiting what the Bible calls fornication. (1 Corinthians 7:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Ephesians 5:5) Fornication isa serious sin that is listed among the things that can cause a person to lose out on God's Kingdom. Notice what 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 says,"What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men,nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom." How the matter is viewed from the congregation may be handled differently depending on the circumstances. First, if the individual is not a baptised Witness, thenthey are not considered a member in the first place. In that case, basically nothing changes. They were not a Witness to begin with, so they are not viewed any differently. If they were not baptized, but they had progressed to the point of engaging in the door to door ministry, and could be considered a Witness, then the congregation elders would meet with the person. The purpose of meeting with the person is first, to try and help the individual. They would counsel the person on how God views sex and marriage, and the Bible's commands regarding sex. They are going to try and help the person who is evidentally spiritually sick, and help them regain spiritual help. This is inline with the Bible's exhortation to Christian Elders at James 5:14, where it says,"Is there anyone sick among YOU? Let him call the older men of the congregation to [him], and let them pray over him, greasing [him] with oil in the name of Jehovah." The elders may ask the individual to stop engaging in the door to door ministry for a time, and resume earnest personal Bible study, in order to completely regain spiritual health. That would be what the elders would decide at that time, depending on the how the person responds to counsel. If the person is baptized as a Jehovah's Witness, then the same procedure as above would apply. But since the individual is advanced in their faith and regarded by the congregation and the community as a full-fledged Jehovah's Witness, then the elders would also keep in mind protecting the congregation from possible harmful influence and keeping reproach form God's name and the congregation, always though tempered with a view to rescueing a person who is very spiritually sick. They would cousel the person and try to reach the person's heart. If the person does not respond to counsel, and in some cases the person will actually tell the elders that they want to leave the congregation, then the elders may decide to apply 1 Corinthians 5:11, where it tells those to quit mixing in company with such persons, and let them become just as a person of the nations. In other words, they would no longer be considered a member of the congregation, unless later, they decide they want to return, in which case the elders would again try to help the person heal spiritually, and assist them in returning to the congregation. This is an outline of a couple of different senerios, but it gives some insight as to what happens in this type of situation. The elders always are going to have three basic questions in mind when dealing with this: How can we help this person? How can we protect the congregation from harmful influence? and How can we make sure that God's name is honored?

Answer 2

It is not looked upon favourably by Jehovah's Witnesses for one to marry a non Witness.Simple answer is, yes, since everyone is free to make their own choices. The Biblical counsel should be taken into consideration however, since there are a number of scriptures and principles that are brought to bear on the matter. For example:

1 Cor 7:39 - A wife is bound during all the time her husband is alive. But if her husband should fall asleep [in death], she is free to be married to whom she wants, only in [the] Lord

2 Cor 6:14 - "...do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers."

The Israelites were instructed not to marry outside the nation. In addition, the patriarchs sought suitable wives from those that followed God.

In the modern day congregation, one that did marry "outside the lord" could be subject to certain sanctions. For example, an elder, ministerial servant or pioneer would not be qualified to serve in that capacity. Disfellowshipping is not a situation that would arise however. An appointed person may also face lose of service privilages if they supported the wedding of someone marrying outside of the lord. No wedding could take place in the Kingdom Hall.

There is clearly benefit in a married couple sharing a common outlook and focus, especially if children come along. There are many other benefits to heeding this counsel, however, it is the individual's choice and ultimately it's how it will affect their relationship with Jehovah that counts.

There is plenty of information on this matter in the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses so for more help seek out the Witnesses locally.

Answer 3

Marriage is a sacred union and can only be dissolved in the case of adultery.

You cannot get a scriptural divorce unless these conditions have been met.

If you are an innocent party and your spouse leaves you and they commit adultery, then after your divorce you are able to remarry with a clean conscience.

If you are the guilty party, things are different and your standing in the congregation will be affected.

Answer 4

Nothing. No disciplinary measures are taken if a Witness choses to marry a non-witness although this is not scripturally encouraged. According to the Official Jehovah's Witnesses site (see link below)...

"Marriage mates with different religions are encouraged to treat each other with tolerance and respect. Children should be given the opportunity to learn about the religious views of both parents."

Divorce is neither encouraged nor permitted by the Jehovah's Witnesses solely on the basis of a difference of faith.

Answer 5

Love should have no preference right? I believe as a couple you should should talk it out and come to a decision. Try both out and see which one you guys would prefer to stay with and maybe later bring up ur children in those beliefs!!