The Pharisees Are Still Here!

Yes, after admitting in their Oct. 15-06 magazine that the "Bible does not outline exact procedures for a Christian wedding" the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society then imposes rules on how JW's weddings must be carried out.

Newly additions are that "Jehovah's Witnesses do not repeat a marriage by having multiple legal ceremonies, nor do they renew marriage vows, such as on a couple's 25th or 50th wedding anniversary." Also:

"Unless local law requires something else, these vows that honor God are used. For the groom: "I [name of groom] take you [name of bride] to be my wedded wife, to love and to cherish in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian husbands, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God's marital arrangement." For the bride: "I [name of bride] take you [name of groom] to be my wedded husband, to love and to cherish and deeply respect, in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian wives, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God's marital arrangement.") If that civil ceremony included vows but the newly married couple want to say vows before Jehovah and the congregation, they would do so in the past tense, showing that they were already "yoked together."

Let's not overlook their following commandment:

"As part of honoring them, the speaker will not feature humor or folk sayings. He should not include overly personal observations that might embarrass the couple and the listeners."

Everything from the where, when and how of the ceremony and reception (including the attendees list, music, food and beverages, etc.) is under the approval of the elders. This is the Watchtower at its most pharisaical in recent times.

How pleasant is living the following:

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.