*** lv pp. 212-215 Flag Salute, Voting, and Civilian Service ***
Flag Salute, Voting, and Civilian Service
Flag salute. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that bowing down to a flag or saluting it, often in conjunction with an anthem, is a religious act that ascribes salvation, not to God, but to the State or to its leaders. (Isaiah 43:11; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21) One such leader was King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon. To impress the people with his majesty and religious ardor, this powerful monarch erected a great image and compelled his subjects to bow down to it while music, like an anthem, was being played. However, three Hebrews-Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-refused to bow to the image, even on pain of death.-Daniel, chapter 3.
"Jehovah's Witnesses believe..." so no need to use your own conscience, they have decided for you.
The WT$ makes no distinctions between modern democracies and ancient kingdoms.
Didn't Jesus say, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's"?
In our age, "nationalism's chief symbol of faith and central object of worship is the flag," wrote historian Carlton Hayes. "Men bare their heads when the flag passes by; and in praise of the flag poets write odes and children sing hymns." Nationalism, he added, also has its "holy days," such as the Fourth of July in the United States, as well as its "saints and heroes" and its "temples," or shrines. In a public ceremony in Brazil, the minister general of the army acknowledged: "The flag is venerated and worshiped ... just as the Fatherland is worshiped." Yes, "the flag, like the cross, is sacred," The Encyclopedia Americana once observed.
Do worldly people venerate and worship the state? NO
Do Jehovah's Witnesses worship the organization? Yes
Does everyone saluting the flag view it as sacred or do so for nationalistic reasons? NO
As far as God is concerned, doesn't it really depend on the attitude of the person involved?
Jesus counselled that one should "remove the rafter from your own eye" before finding fault with his brother - advice the WT$ would do well to consider in view of the idolatrous attitude they display towards their own 'earthly organization' and its commands that ignore "do not go beyond the things that are written" 1 Cor. 4:6
The aforementioned encyclopedia more recently noted that national anthems "are expressions of patriotic feeling and often include an invocation for divine guidance and protection of the people or their rulers." Jehovah's servants are not being unreasonable, therefore, when they view patriotic ceremonies involving the flag salute and national anthems as religious. In fact, when commenting on the refusal of children of Jehovah's Witnesses to give homage to the flag or to swear the oath of allegiance in U.S. schools, the book The American Character stated: "That these daily rituals are religious has been at last affirmed by the Supreme Court in a series of cases."
Does participating in these actions constitute a compromise of Christian integrity?
Should persons sacrifice their lives for their refusal in participation on this issue?
While not joining in ceremonies that they view as unscriptural, Jehovah's people certainly respect the right of others to do so. They also respect national flags as emblems and recognize duly constituted governments as "superior authorities" serving as "God's minister." (Romans 13:1-4) Hence, Jehovah's Witnesses heed the exhortation to pray "concerning kings and all those who are in high station." Our motive, though, is "in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness."-1 Timothy 2:2.
Political involvement by God's followers is shown consistently throughout the Bible so what is the problem?
So does one stand or sit during the national anthem?
*** w02 9/15 p. 24 "Salvation Belongs to Jehovah" ***
"When national anthems are played, usually all a person has to do to show that he shares the sentiments of the song is to stand up. In such cases, Christians remain seated. If they are already standing when the national anthem is played, however, there is no need for them to take the special action of sitting down. It is not as though they had specifically chosen to stand for the anthem. On the other hand, if a group are expected to stand and sing, then merely standing up out of respect but not singing would not constitute sharing in the sentiments of the song."
The WT$ are are truly modern day Pharisees!
Voting in political elections. True Christians respect the right of others to vote. They do not campaign against elections, and they cooperate with elected authorities. However, they remain resolutely neutral with regard to the political affairs of the nations. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) What should a Christian do in lands where voting is compulsory or in a situation where feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth? Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits. However, he will take care not to violate his neutrality. He should take into account the following six principles:
1. Jesus' followers are "no part of the world."-John 15:19.
2. Christians represent Christ and his Kingdom.-John 18:36; 2 Corinthians 5:20.
3. The Christian congregation is united in belief, and its members are bound together by Christlike love.-1 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 3:14.
4. Those who elect a certain official share responsibility for what he does.-Note the principles behind the words recorded at 1 Samuel 8:5, 10-18 and 1 Timothy 5:22.
5. Jehovah viewed Israel's desire for a visible ruler as a sign that they had rejected Him.-1 Samuel 8:7.
6. Christians must have freeness of speech when speaking to people of all political persuasions about God's Kingdom government.-Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:35.
How many JW's will remember the WT$ previous stance regarding voting?
***wt 77 11/15/1977 p 686 Why Persecution of Christians?
"The Witnesses are neutral as to warfare and strife between the nations, as well as being clean from all political involvement, not even voting, because they fulfill Jesus' description of them as being "no part of the world." (John 17:14) For the same reason they do not salute the flag or emblem of any nation. For a Christian witness of Jehovah to give devotion, worship or service to, or to bow to or salute any image or idol is a grave sin in the eyes of God.-1 John 5:21; Acts 15:29; compare Exodus 20:4, 5; Deuteronomy 5:8, 9.
And now (well since 11/1999) this: "Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits"
Old policy: Voting is wrong. It's a grave sin in the eyes of God
New policy: Voting is up to your conscience. Take care not to violate your neutrality
It's truly disgusting how many JW's were beaten, lost property, were raped, spent time in jail - some died - because of not being able to exercise conscience in this matter and with one sentence the WTS changes the policy - where is the apology for the unnecessary suffering of the victims?
Civilian service. In some lands, the State requires that those who reject military service engage in some form of civilian service for a period of time. When faced with a decision on this matter, we should pray about it, perhaps discuss it with a mature fellow Christian, and then make our decision on the basis of an informed conscience.-Proverbs 2:1-5; Philippians 4:5.
Another bungled WTS LAW which caused the unnecessary suffering of so many which has now been converted to "conscience matter"...
***wt 86 1/9 p. 20***
"...when Caesar demanded to have God's things, they acted in harmony with the principles stated at Acts 4:19 and Acts 5:29. Whether the issue was shedding blood, non-combatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground.In some cases they were executed because of this stand, Matthew 24:9; Revelation 2:10"God's Word tells us to "be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, to be ready for every good work, ... to be reasonable." (Titus 3:1, 2) With that in mind, we might ask ourselves the following questions: 'Will accepting the proposed civilian work compromise my Christian neutrality or cause me to be involved with false religion?' (Micah 4:3, 5; 2 Corinthians 6:16, 17) 'Would doing this work make it difficult for me to fulfill my Christian responsibilities or even prevent me from fulfilling them?' (Matthew 28:19, 20; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 10:24, 25) 'On the other hand, would engaging in such service involve a schedule that would allow me to expand my spiritual activities, perhaps sharing in the full-time ministry?'-Hebrews 6:11, 12.
If a Christian conscientiously concludes that he could perform civilian service rather than go to prison, fellow Christians should respect his decision. (Romans 14:10) If, though, he feels that he cannot perform such service, others should respect that position as well.-1 Corinthians 10:29; 2 Corinthians 1:24.
It's truly disgusting how many JW's were beaten, lost property, were raped, spent time in jail - some died - because of not being able to exercise conscience in this matter and with one sentence the WTS changes the policy - where is the apology for the unnecessary suffering of the victims?
This is what they published when the change came through:
***wt 98 15/8 p. 17***
"In the past, some Witnesses have suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit. For example, this might have been their choice years ago as to certain types of civilian service. A brother might now feel that he could conscientiously perform such without overstepping his Christian neutrality regarding the present system of things.
Was it unrighteous on Jehovah's part to allow him to suffer for rejecting what he might do without consequences...What reason could anyone have to regret having followed his conscience in taking a firm stand for Jehovah?
By loyally upholding Christian principles as they understood them or by responding to prodding of conscience they proved worthy of Jehovah's friendship. Certainly, it is wise to avoid a course that would disturb one's conscience...
In modern times, there have been some Witnesses who were very strict in their view of what they would or would not do. For that reason they suffered more than others. Later, increased knowledge helped them to expand their view of matters. But they have no reason to regret having earlier acted in harmony with their conscience even when this possibly brought extra suffering. It truly is commendable that they demonstrated their willingness to suffer in faithfulness to Jehovah..."
Disgusting that they link this unnecessary suffering to "faithfulness to Jehovah", when it was nothing more that a "teaching of men".
What Pharisees!
