Em 1983 A Sentinela restringiu o termo grego traduzido por ‘fornicação’ à conduta fora do casamento, de modo que o fato de um cônjuge impor tais atos dentro do casamento já não dava ao outro base bíblica para o divórcio, acrescentando que praticá-los ou defendê-los abertamente ainda podia levar à expulsão por outros motivos.

The Watchtower, “Honor Godly Marriage!”

15 de março de 1983 · p.31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Thus, a mate’s enforcing perverted acts, such as oral or anal sex, within the marriage would not constitute a Scriptural basis for a divorce that would free either for remarriage. … However, if it becomes known that a member of the congregation is practicing or openly advocating perverted sex relations within the marriage bond, that one certainly would not be irreprehensible, and so would not be acceptable for special privileges … Such practice and advocacy could even lead to expulsion from the congregation.”

The article redefines the Greek term rendered ‘fornication’ as covering conduct outside the marriage only, which removes the divorce route the 1974 answer had opened to a wife subjected to such acts against her will. It then reintroduces the possibility of expulsion, not as ‘fornication’ but under the separate headings of ‘uncleanness’ and ‘loose conduct’ at Galatians 5:19-21.

Fonte oficial ↗ (abre em nova aba)