Well, I have read both the original letter ("Protect the rights of minority religions", The Jakarta Post, Oct. 5) and its response ("Why did I leave the Jehova's Witnesses?", the Post, Oct. 9).
Regarding the original issue of freedom of religion for Jehovah's witnesses, it is clear that many disagree with their religious beliefs. Even so, people can choose whether to become a Jehovah's Witness.
This contrasts with a legislative position that uses the force of law to prevent a person practicing their religion in freedom. So people's right (including Jehovah's Witnesses) to practice their religion is not contingent simply on whether you like them or agree with their beliefs.
Regarding your personal experience as a witness, it is regrettable and I am sorry you feel aggrieved. There are so many things that can be said on that matter.
I have read the same types of criticisms of Jehovah' Witnesses as you have, and while it is clear that some are just out to get / hate Jehovah's Witnesses I can sympathize with some of the sentiments you have expressed.
But if you take a different perspective, you will quite possibly see that the issues you raised are issues - of integration, of conformity, of personal choice, of individuality - that could arise when one chooses to join any organization. What do you give to an organization in exchange for the benefits of being a part of such organization?
This relates to a person's citizenship, their employment, school etc. I just mean to say that you have to reconcile your own individuality with your involvement in any organization or movement.
Personally, as a Jehovah's Witness I can distinguish between what constitutes sin and what is in the realm of my personal choice.
Time will only allow for one example, but consider the matter of higher education. It is true that the Watchtower society strongly discourages this.
I don't agree with this position at all. But while I have chosen a career that involved many years of higher education I simply respect those who take the society's advice. I know I have a right to choose this and I just do it. I don't need to be vocal or aggressive about this right even though I personally feel strongly on the matter.
(If I am asked for career advice by others, I tell them my views, which may very well run contrary to the society's advice, but I don't fear that anyone will counsel me or pull me into some room for a judicial meeting as some have tried to claim).
That way, I can live in harmony with others and preserve the many benefits that come with being a Jehovah's Witness. These include for example the fine association and up-building fellowship and a strong emphasis on Bible knowledge - things that I find appealing.
Yes, the society has developed its doctrines over the years, however, this in itself is not a reason for me to cast my association aside.
No more so than Britain's role in the slave trade (as shameful as that is) would make me cast aside my citizenship.
This is the essence of what I am saying; surviving in any organization requires effort, a certain mindset and most relevantly the ability to reconcile ones personal choices with the movement of the organization; the ability to gain the benefits of membership within that body, to live harmoniously and still practice ones personal choices.
So yes, I can accept that you had some difficulty being a witness, but what is the practical reality of being a witness? I meet with other Witnesses twice weekly and I preach on the ministry. And to me that's okay, as far as worshiping goes.
In fact, it is fine. You may not agree with the beliefs I hold and among humans irrespective of religion people will always have differing views.
So yes, you (the author) raised some valid concerns, but these reasons do not justify a legal ban on Jehovah's Witnesses.
Andrew Richards
London
