I think that the answer to this question is probably "yes," because deceptive recruiting would imply some kind of fraudulent activity, especially if money is involved.  However, do you think that the answer would still be the same if the deceptive recruiting were done by a religious organization?

The answer would appear to be "yes," again, according to a past court case involving the Moonies.  (1988 Molko & Leal v. Holy Spirit Association)  Assuming this to be true, then why, you might ask, hasn't the Watchtower Society been cited for being a deceptive recruiter?  I think it is mainly because people haven't given the matter much serious thought, and JW's do not directly fit the Moonie mold.  Nevertheless, why don't we look into this matter to see if this subject can be of use to those facing an accusation of being an apostate?

Instead of apostasy, what if a Jehovah's Witness was threatened with being disfellowshiped by the elders for not wanting to engage in deceptive recruiting practices?  For instance, when householders ask about the year 1975 or have questions about past date setting, is it deceptive or a misrepresentation of the facts to give a false or a planned evasive answer?  Can you actually be disfellowshiped for not wanting to lie to or deceive people when witnessing?  Or what about a mate who is not a Jehovah's Witness or one who has been disfellowshiped, can they be held legally responsible for the deceptive recruiting practices of their marriage partners?   One might even include within the scope of this inquiry the statement I used to make, "We are not here to solicit church membership," especially when a JW's greatest fear is probably being disfellowshiped or rather "dismembered."   These are all good questions to keep in mind when one is faced with the threat of being shunned for being conscientiously opposed to engaging in the practice of deceptive recruiting.  Maybe in response to this discussion, you might want to share some additional ideas the Society is currently promoting that appear to be deceptive.   

Some years ago, I sent a number of certified letters to the Watchtower Society outlining many of the problems the brothers and sisters were having with the deceptive recruiting issue.  In my May 16, 1991, letter to the Society, I requested that I be considered an inactive Witness because I can no longer engage in deceptive recruiting when going from door to door.  If you have any questions or comments about this subject, please contact me, or if you are interested in reviewing some of my letters or the Moonie court case, they can be seen at : www.nils4.info

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