Does anybody know the current rules about going to fireworks? Is it or is not acceptable these days? (US 4th of July week they go on in different locals all week)
current light on.....
by carla 12 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Sapphy
Rule of thumb re worldly holidays: It's pagan or it's nationalistic.
4th July is Nationalistic, if you go don't get caught.
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label licker
But it's ok to park away from the site of celebrations and watch them like ALL jw's do. I think that's called hypocracy.
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notjustyet
My sons friend when we were IN was allowed to purchase and pop some fireworks, just was not allowed to pop any on July 4th. Before or after that day was okay, just not ON THAT DAY since it could make Jehovah sad and cry.
NJY
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AndDontCallMeShirley
One Elder I know banned his children from watching July 4th fireworks, even from a distance.
His reasons?
1. It's a nationalistic holiday
2. July 4th is also a birthday....of a country.
Two "solid" reasons for not watching the fireworks.
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sarahsmile
Strange I was just thinking how I still feel uncomfortable and not totally able to enjoy the fireworks. Although I try to fake it with smiles I really do not care for this holiday. Considering how we were taught to stay at home with curtains closed and prepare for wt study. Later, in life as older siblings went to the neighbors to participate my dad ok all of us to go. However, mother was not thrilled about it she was more the JW. She was one of those JW because the religon fit her needs to not have to celebrate holidays.
Guilt trips last a life time.
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sarahsmile
Interesting I found this on the internet:
day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail :
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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blondie
Fireworks in general no problem...connected with a national holiday technically wrong but many jws watch them, finding some excuse. Others demonize fireworks at all times feeling they will be blinded if they see them. Of course, many jws go to Disney where they have fireworks everyday, which is no problem unless it is the 4th of July.
*** rs p. 182 Holidays ***
What Bible principles explain the viewpoint of Christians toward ceremonies commemorating events in a nation’s political history?
John 18:36: “Jesus answered [the Roman governor]: ‘My kingdom is no part of this world.’”
John 15:19: “If you [Jesus’ followers] were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.”
1 John 5:19: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (Compare John 14:30; Revelation 13:1, 2; Daniel 2:44.)
*** sj p. 21 Holidays and Celebrations ***
National Holidays
Other holidays are somewhat different in nature. These are not so universally celebrated, but may be unique to a particular country. For example, there may be national days of thanksgiving. In some places there may also be a certain day set aside to memorialize a nation’s war dead, or a day to remember the birth of a country or certain prominent presidents, rulers or national heroes.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also respectfully refrain from participating in such national holidays. Though we respect the authorities in whatever country we may reside, for conscientious reasons we do not give them what we view as worshipful honors. We remain neutral toward all such celebrations. This is in keeping with Jesus’ words regarding his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”—John 17:16.
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carla
oh, so if you have a ubm you get a pass for nearly everything! either that or my jw never gets the memo's. Glad he doesn't but feel bad for all the jw's who do miss out, just shake my head at the others who just don't get caught going or watching from some side road. LOL
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Iamallcool
I watched the fireworks as a JW for years, nobody said anything about it to me. We just said it is just fireworks.