It is important to note the continual struggle Jehovah's Witnesses
face when trying to associate online. The common consensus is that online
association is flat out wrong. However, many Jehovah's Witnesses in good
standing enjoy this type of association. It is estimated that in excess of
10,000 are currently members of a website meant for Jehovah's Witnesses.
The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society warnings about the traps the Internet
and association via the web pose, are perceived by many to be a law against this activity.
On the other hand, others feel that the warnings are an important notice of potential
traps and that they can proceed with caution in light of the timely information the Watchtower
Bible & Tract Society has provided.
Some of the most notable issues online association faces are pointed out in the publications,
that being confirmation of whom you are associating with. The methods employed by the
various web sites to provide some screening of members work to varying degrees.
Despite the screening attempts, infiltrators have made it past even the most rigorous security.
Apostates, those that oppose and disfellowshipped ones are on virtually every message board and
email group. This is possible because each members status as one of Jehovah's Witnesses is dynamic.
In light of this, the individual member is ultimately responsible to use their bible
trained conscience and avoid content and individuals that can degrade their spirituality.
However, the webmasters/site owners are still responsible to do their level best to protect
their gathering from individuals who seek to disrupt and destroy.
In summary, Jehovah's Witnesses are associating online. They struggle to employ the
cautions from the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. This is no different then
our secular activities where we have also been cautioned about various pitfalls.
Each individual has to determine what is the best course for them so as to reach their goal.
If that is complete avoidance of the Internet, so be it. Whatever that decision is,
may it be the wise one for you.