WATCHTOWER SOCIETY QUOTES ABOUT ALTERNATIVE MILITARY/CIVIL SERVICE (You can Verify these Quotes by checking your Local Kingdom Hall Library or the Official Watchtower Library CD-ROM):
The Watchtower Reprints, July 1st, 1898 (When Charles Taze Russell was President), Page 2,332:
"If, therefore, we were drafted, and if the government refused to accept our conscientious scruples against warfare (as they have heretofore done with 'Friends,' called Quakers), we should request to be assigned to the hospital service or to the Commissary department or to some other non-combatant place of usefulness; and such requests would no doubt be granted. If not, and we ever got into battle, we might help to terrify the enemy, but need not shoot anybody."
The Watchtower Reprints, August 1st, 1898 (When Russell was President), Page 2,345:
"Notice that there is no command in the Scriptures against military service. Obedience to a draft would remind us of our Lord's words, 'If any man compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.' The government may compel marching or drilling, but cannot compel you to kill the foe. You need not be a good marksman."
The Watchtower Reprints, April 15th, 1903 (When Russell was President), Page 3,180:
"There could be nothing against our consciences in going into the army. Wherever we would go we could take the Lord with us, the Captain of our salvation, and wherever we would go we could find opportunities to serve him and his cause. If it came to the point of battling we above all others need have no fear of death, but we, assuredly, would be obliged to draw the line when commanded to fire, and we could not, in harmony with the divine program, fire upon a fellow creature with the intention of taking his life. If we fired we should be obliged to fire either into the air or into the ground."
The Watch Tower September 1st 1915 Issue [Page 5,755 of The Watchtower Reprints 1915] (When Russell was President)
In SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vol VI., we have set forth a suggestion that the followers of Christ seek every proper means to avoid participation in war. We there suggested the possibility, but that in the event of conscription the Lord's followers should use all their influence toward obtaining positions in the Hospital Corps or in the Provision Department of the army, rather than in actual warfare. We suggested further that if it were impossible to avoid going into the trenches, it would still not be necessary to violate the divine requirement, "Thou shalt do no murder."
We have been wondering since, if the course we have suggested is the best one. We wonder if such a course would not mean compromise. We reflect that to become a member of the army and to put on a military uniform implies the duties and obligations of a soldier as recognized and accepted. A protest made to an officer would be insignificant - the public in general would not know of it. Would not the Christian be really out of his place under such conditions?
"But," someone replies, "If one were to refuse the uniform and the military service he would be shot."
We reply that if the presentation were properly made there might be some sort of exoneration; but if not, would it be any worse to be shot because of loyalty to the Prince of Peace and refusal to disobey his order than to be shot while under the banner of these earthly kings and apparently giving them support and, in appearance at least, compromising the teachings of our heavenly King? Of the two deaths we would prefer the former - prefer to die because of faithfulness to our heavenly King.
We are not urging this course. We are merely suggesting it. The responsibility fully belongs with each individual. We are discharging our responsibility toward many Bible Students who are inquiring of us respecting the mind of the Lord on this subject. We gave them our best thoughts previously, but now fear that we were too conservative.
The Watch Tower January 15th 1916 Issue [Page 5,840 of The Watchtower Reprints 1916] (When Russell was President):
The Bible directs the followers of Jesus to be subject to the powers that be. (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17) But while seeking to be thus law-abiding in every respect, Christians are to recognize that there is still a higher law and a still higher Ruler, and are to be subject to the worldly powers only in the absence of a contrary admonition from the Higher Power - from God.
The Divine Plan of the Ages Book (SS-1), 1916 Edition, Page 266 (When Russell was President):
"Knowing this to be the purpose of God, neither Jesus nor the apostles interfered with earthly rulers in any way. On the contrary, they taught the Church to submit to these powers, even though they often suffered under their abuse of power. They taught the Church to obey the laws, and to respect those in authority because of their office, even if they were not personally worthy of esteem; to pay their appointed taxes, and, except where they conflicted with God's laws (Acts 4:19; 5:29), to offer no resistance to any established law. (Rom. 13:1-7; Matt. 22:21.) The Lord Jesus and the apostles and the early Church were all law-abiding, though they were separate from, and took no share in, the governments of this world. Though the powers that be, the governments of this world, were ordained or arranged for by God, that manking might gain a needed experience under them, yet the Church, the consecrated ones who aspire to office in the coming Kingdom of God, should neither covet the honors and the emoluments of office in the kingdoms of this world, nor should they oppose these powers."
The Watch Tower July 15th 1916 Issue [Page 5,929 of The Watchtower Reprints 1916] (When Russell was President):
Militarism and Conscience
While Christians are enjoined to be subject to the "Powers that be", the kings, governors, magistrates, etc. - nevertheless this is not to be understood as meaning the renouncement of our fidelity to the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is our Over-Lord. Our allegiance to earthly lords and powers and their commands is merely to the extent that they do not conflict with the commands of our Over-Lord. The Jews in renouncing Jesus cried, "We have no king but Caesar"! The Christian's position is, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's but unto God the things that are God's." Whenever Caesar and his laws conflict with the divine requirements, all true soldiers of the cross are left no alternative.
The Watchtower Reprints, June 1st, 1918 (When Joseph Rutherford was President), Page 6,268:
"A Christian might not have been able conscientiously to engage in the military activities of a country offering only combatant service; later, when the opportunity is enlarged so that he may choose some good work such as the hospital or ambulance service, he may with a free conscience take such service. A Christian who may have been presented the perverted viewpoint that the Red Cross work is only the aiding of that killing which is against his conscience, cannot help the Red Cross; then he gains the broader viewpoint that the Red Cross is the embodiment of helping the helpless, and he finds himself able and willing to help the Red Cross according to ability and opportunity. A Christian, unwilling to kill, may have been conscientiously unable to buy government bonds; later he considers what great blessings he has received under his government, and realizes that the nation is in trouble and facing dangers to its liberty, and he feels himself conscientiously able to lend some money to the country, just as he would lend to a friend in distress."
The Watchtower June 1st 1929 Issue, Page 167:
"This proves that the higher powers are Christ Jesus and Jehovah and that the supreme power is Jehovah God...The apostle could not mean that the 'higher powers' are the Gentile powers...Those who have insisted that the apostle referred exclusively to the Gentile powers when he said, "The powers that be are ordained of God,' cite in support thereof the words of Peter, to wit; 'Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man [human creation, Greek] for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.'"
Riches Book (1936 Edition), Page 219:"A misunderstanding of what constitutes 'the higher powers' has caused many persons to be held in restraint or in Babylon's prison...Those inspired words do not refer to the governments or rulers of the nations of earth. That scripture is addressed 'to all that be...called to be saints' (Romans 1:7) and to no others, and the 'higher powers' over such are Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, that is, God and his royal house in heaven."
The Watchtower February 1st 1951 Issue, Page 77:"Because they are wholly dedicated to God by their vows to him through Christ, Jehovah's witnesses are according to God's Word no part of this world which is governed by the political systems. For this important Bible reason they tell officials of the government that they conscientiously object to serving in any military establishment or any civilian arrangement that substitutes for military service."
The Watchtower April 15th 1952 Issue, Page 253, Aids for Understanding Prophecy:19. When may prophecies be understood? The Lord said to Daniel, "O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end." (Dan. 12:4, AS) This indicates that the further fulfillments of the prophecies are sealed until the physical facts appear that begin to fulfill them. So the rule seems to be reasonable and certain that prophecies cannot be understood until they are in the course of fulfillment or until they have been fulfilled. Jehovah as the great Interpreter makes known the meaning of his revelations in his due time, and speculation by men cannot bring to light the true meaning of prophecy before time. Jehovah has provided a channel, the "faithful and discreet slave" class, who are given spiritual "food at the proper time", and this spiritual food includes among other things the understandings of the prophecies in the course of their fulfillments. (Matt. 24:45, NW) Jehovah's witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as the "superior authorities" Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel that fast do God's people publish them the world over to strengthen the faith of all lovers of righteousness.
Make Sure of All Things Book (1953 Edition), Page 369:"Rom. 13:1-4 'Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities [Jehovah God and Christ Jesus], for there is no authority except by God [only Christ Jesus and his theocratic organization recognized by God]; the existing authorities [not political governments] stand placed in their relative positions by God [not 'divine right of kings']. Therefore he who ranges himself up against the authority [Christ Jesus] has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves [annihilation from Christ Jesus].'"
Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Purpose Book (1959 Edition), Page 91:"There were many false doctrines and practices that had not yet been cleaned out of the organization. Not all of them were recognized at once, but gradually over the years that followed it became evident to what extent the brothers had been in Babylonish captivity at that time. With considerable misunderstanding they had accepted earthly political governments as the 'superior authorities' that God had ordained according to Romans 13:1..."
The Watchtower November 15th 1962 Issue, Page 690:"So, when Christians subject themselves to Gentile 'superior authorities' with their different systems of government and law, they conform themselves to those laws that show the work of conscience according to what God originally wrote in man's heart. Since the Christians' subjection to worldly 'superior authorities' is only relative, it does not obligate them to obey any worldly laws that go contrary to the laws of the Supreme Lawgiver, Jehovah God...From our look into Bible history and from our study of Bible prophecy as fulfilled among the Gentile nations, we find Romans 13:1 truthful in saying: 'The existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.' Jehovah the Most High is not the God of the worldly nations and of their 'superior authorities,' and yet he has a control over them."
"Babylon The Great Has Fallen!" Book (1963 Edition), Page 548: "In spite of the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, God permitted the political authorities of this world to continue as the 'higher powers' or the 'powers that be,' which are 'ordained of God.'"
Make Sure of All Things Book (1965 Edition), Page 474:"Humans Exercise Authority Only by Permission of Jehovah; Rom. 13:1 'Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God.'"
Awake! December 8th 1974 Issue, Page 23 The Netherlands Frees Imprisoned Witnesses:On March 26, 1971 three representatives of Jehovahs Witnesses [in The Netherlands] met with a forum representing the ministries of defence and Justice... One of the points of discussion presented by the forum was this: That you wish no part in performing military service is clear and needs no further explanation. But what really is your objection to civil, alternative service?The Witnesses explained that it is not that they are opposed to civil service as such, but rather, it is a matter of strict neutrality. Therefore any work that is merely a substitute for military service would be unacceptable to Jehovahs Witnesses. Other questions narrowed the issue down still further. When a person objects to military service, the governments servants declared, he passes from military jurisdiction on to civilian jurisdiction and from that moment has nothing at all to do with the military. Why, then, is accepting of such civil service still so objectionable? Willingly accepting such work is objectionable to the Christian because of what God's law says about the matter: "You were bought with a price; stop becoming slaves of men." (1 Cor. 7:23) Civilian servitude as a substitute for military service would be just as objectionable to the Christian. In effect, he would thereby become a part of the world instead of keeping separate as Jesus commanded.--John 15:19; 17:14-16.
Man's Salvation Out Of World Distress At Hand Book (1975), Pages 187-188:"During World War I of 1914-1918 C.E., some of the remnant of spiritual Israel accepted non-combatant service in the fighting armies, and thus they came under bloodguilt because of their sharing in community responsibility for the blood spilled in war. However, in 1939, the year in which World War II erupted, all the remnant of spiritual Israel and also those of the 'great crowd' of sheeplike companions declared themselves in favor of absolute neutrality toward all worldly conflicts, regardless of nationality. The publication of the article 'Neutrality' in the issue of November 1, 1939, of The Watchtower set forth their position."
The Watchtower May 15th 1980 Issue, Page 4:"At Romans 13:1 we read: 'Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities,' that is, to governments."
Jehovah's Witnesses Year Book 1982, Pages 226-227 Italy"As the number of Witnesses increased, the issue was continually brought to the attention of the public and the authorities alike. Finally, a law was approved decreeing that those who do not agree to do alternative service shall be sentenced to one single prison term, so that our young brothers are now given from 12 to 15 months' imprisonment.""From 1978 to 1980 there have been, on an average, 500 young brothers a year in prison on account of the neutrality issue. It is calculated that up to the present, several thousand Witnesses have kept a clear conscience before Jehovah God in this respect. In December 1980, the defense minister announced over national television that a parliamentary bill that would further improve the position of our brothers is under consideration. During the interview he described the Witnesses as 'decent people' and declared that with the new law 'the State will show respect for all religions.' "
The Watchtower July 15th 1982 Issue:"Even a janitor or a receptionist at a blood bank or a plant making only weapons of war is directly linked with work contrary to Gods Word."
United In Worship Of The Only True God Book (1983 Edition), Page 167:"An examination of the historical facts shows that not only have Jehovah's Witnesses refused to put on military uniforms and take up arms but, during the past half century and more, they have also declined to do noncombatant service or to accept other work assignments as a substitute for military service. Why? Because they have studied God's requirements and then made a personal, conscientious decision."
The Watchtower September 1st 1986 Issue, Page 20 Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World:Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant 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
Jehovah's Witnesses Yearbook 1991, Page 166:attempts have been made (in Sweden) to have us substitute compulsory work for military service. In the early 1970's, a governmental committee was appointed to review the handling of conscientious objectors. For the sake of uniformity, the authorities wanted Jehovahs Witnesses to serve on terms similar to those for other religious groups and do compulsory work as a substitute.Representatives of the branch office appeared before the committee, explaining that the Witnesses could not accept any substitute for military service whatsoever, no matter how praiseworthy the task.
The Watchtower May 1st 1996 Issue:
"God and Caesar"Progressive Understanding of "the Superior Authorities"12. As early as 1886, Charles Taze Russell wrote in the book The Plan of the Ages: "Neither Jesus nor the Apostles interfered with earthly rulers in any way . . . They taught the Church to obey the laws, and to respect those in authority because of their office, . . . to pay their appointed taxes, and except where they conflict with God's laws (Acts 4:19; 5:29) to offer no resistance to any established law (Rom. 13:1-7; Matt. 22:21) Jesus and the Apostles and the early church were all law abiding, though they were separate from, and took no share in the governments of this world." This book correctly identified "the higher powers," or "the superior authorities," mentioned by the apostle Paul, as human governmental authorities. (Romans 13:1, King James Version) In 1904 the book The New Creation stated that true Christians "should be found amongst the most law-abiding of the present time -not agitators, not quarrelsome, not fault-finders." This was understood by some to mean total submission to the powers that be, even to the point of accepting service in the armed forces during World War I. Others, however, viewed it as contrary to Jesus' statement: "All those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) Obviously, a clearer understanding of Christian submission to the superior authorities was needed.13. In 1929, at a time when laws of various governments were beginning to forbid things that God commands or demand things that God's laws forbid, it was felt that the higher powers must be Jehovah God and Jesus Christ (See The Watchtower, June 1st and 15th, 1929). This was the understanding Jehovah's servants had during the crucial period before and during World War II and on into the Cold War, with its balance of terror and its military preparedness. Looking back, it must be said that this view of things, exalting as it did the supremacy of Jehovah and his Christ, helped God's people to maintain an uncompromisingly neutral stand throughout this difficult period.(MY COMMENT: What the hell are they talking about that happened in 1929? Also, they are saying that is a GOOD THING THAT THEY LIED TO EVERYONE FOR ALL THOSE YEARS!)Relative Submission14. In 1961 the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures was completed. Its preparation had required an in-depth study of the textual language of the Scriptures. The precise translation of the words used not only in Romans chapter 13 but also in such passages as Titus 3:1, 2 and 1 Peter 2:13, 17 made it evident that the term "superior authorities" referred, not to the Supreme Authority, Jehovah, and to his Son, Jesus, but to human governmental authorities. In late 1962, articles were published in The Watchtower that gave an accurate explanation of Romans chapter 13 and also provided a clearer view than that held at the time of C. T Russell. These articles pointed out that Christian subjection to the authorities cannot be total. It must be relative, subject to its not bringing God's servants into conflict with God's laws. Further articles in The Watchtower have emphasized this important point (See The Watchtower, November 1 and 15, December 1, 1962; November 1, 1990; February 1, 1993; July 1, 1994). (MY COMMENT: LIES AGAIN! The Society FIRST PUBLISHED the New World Translation of the New Testament in 1950, NOT 1961! You can find this out by reading the "Forward" Page in the newest New World Translation Bibles [1984 Edition])15. This key to the correct understanding of Romans chapter 13 has enabled Jehovah's people to balance due respect for the political authorities with an uncompromising stand on vital Scriptural principles. (Psalm 97:1 l; Jeremiah 3:15) It has allowed them to have a proper view of their relationship with God and their dealings with the State. It has ensured that while they pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, they do not neglect to pay back God's things to God.16. But just what are Caesar's things? What legitimate claims can the State make on a Christian? These questions will be considered in the following article. ---Interestingly, in his commentary on Romans chapter 13, Professor F. R. Bruce writes: "It is plain from the immediate context, as from the general context of the apostolic writings, that the state can rightly command obedience only within the limits of the purposes for which it has been divinely instituted -in particular, the state not only may but must be resisted when it demands the allegiance due to God alone." (MY COMMENT -- Notice, it is PLAIN to the "Worldly" Professor that the "Superior Authorities" are the Governments and not God and Christ!)Second Article:
Page 18:"Paying Back Caesar's Things to Caesar"Compulsory Military Service11. Another demand made by Caesar in some countries is compulsory military service. In the 20th century, this arrangement has been instituted by most nations in times of war and by some in times of peace as well. In France this obligation was for many years called blood tax, meaning that every young man had to be willing to lay down his life for the State. Is this something that those dedicated to Jehovah can conscientiously render? How did the first-century Christians view this matter?12. While the earliest Christians endeavored to be good citizens, their faith prevented them from taking the life of another or from sacrificing their own lives for the State. The Encyclopedia of Religion states: "The early church fathers, including Tertullian and Origen, armed that Christians were constrained from taking human life, a principle that prevented them from participating in the Roman army " In his book The Early Church and the World, Professor C. J. Cadoux writes: "Up to the reign of Marcus Aurelius at least [161-180 C.E.], no Christian would become a soldier after his baptism."13. Why do members of the churches of Christendom not view things this way today? Because of a radical change that took place in the fourth century The Catholic work A History of the Christian Councils explains: "Many Christians,... under the pagan emperors, had religious scruples with regard to military service, and positively refused to take arms, or else deserted. The Synod [of Arles, held in 314 C.E.], in considering the changes introduced by Constantine, set forth the obligation that Christians have to serve in war,... because the Church is at peace (in pace) under a prince friendly to Christians." As a result of this abandonment of Jesus' teachings, from that time until now, the clergy of Christendom have encouraged their flocks to serve in the armies of the nations, although some individuals have taken a stand as conscientious objectors.14. Are Christians today obliged to follow the majority in this matter? No. If a dedicated, baptized Christian lives in a country where exemption from military service is granted to ministers of religion, he may avail himself of this provision, for he is in fact a minister. (2 Timothy 4:5) A number of countries, including the United States and Australia, have granted such exemption even in wartime. And during peacetime, in many lands that maintain compulsory military service, Jehovah's Witnesses, as ministers of religion, are granted exemption. Thus they can continue helping the people by their public service.Page 19:15. What, though, if the Christian lives in a land where exemption is not granted to ministers of religion? Then he will have to make a personal decision following his Bible-trained conscience. (Galatians 6:5) While taking the authority of Caesar into account, he will weigh carefully what he owes to Jehovah. (Psalm 36:9; 116:12-14; Acts 17:28) The Christian will remember that the mark of a true Christian is love for all his fellow believers, even those who live in other lands or those belonging to other tribes. (John 13:34, 35;1 Peter 2:17) Further, he will not forget the Scriptural principles found in texts such as Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 26:52; Romans 12:18;14:19; 2 Corinthians 10:4; and Hebrews 12:14.Civilian Service16. However, there are lands where the State, while not allowing exemption for ministers of religion, nevertheless acknowledges that some individuals may object to military service. Many of these lands make provision for such conscientious individuals not to be forced into military service. In some places a required civilian service, such as useful work in the community, is regarded as nonmilitary national service. Could a dedicated Christian undertake such service? Here again, a dedicated, baptized Christian would have to make his own decision on the basis of his Bible-trained conscience.(MY COMMENT: Now Alternative Civilian Service is a USEFUL WORK and it's NOW OKAY TO DO!)17. It seems that compulsory service was practiced in Bible times. One history book states: "In addition to the taxes and dues exacted from the inhabitants of Judea, there was also a corvee [unpaid labor exacted by public authorities]. This was an ancient institution in the East, which the Hellenistic and Roman authorities continued to maintain.... The New Testament, too, cites examples of corvee in Judea, showing how widespread it was. In accordance with this custom, the soldiers pressed Simon of Cyrene into carrying Jesus' cross [torture stake] (Matthew 5:41; 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26)."18. Similarly, citizens in some countries today are required by the State or by local authorities to participate in various forms of community service. Sometimes this is for a specific task, such as digging wells or building roads; sometimes it is on a regular basis, such as weekly participation in cleaning up roads, schools, or hospitals. Where such civilian service is for the good of the community and is not connected with false religion or is not in some other way objectionable to the consciences of Jehovah's Witnesses, they have often complied. (1 Peter 2:13-15) This has usually resulted in an excellent witness and has sometimes silenced those who falsely accuse the Witnesses of being antigovernment.-Compare Matthew 10:18.Page 20:19. What, though, if the State requires a Christian for a period of time to perform civilian service that is a part of national service under a civilian administration? Here again, Christians must make their own decision based on an informed conscience. "We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God." (Romans 14:10) Christians faced with a requirement of Caesar should prayerfully study the matter and meditate on it." It may also be wise to talk the matter over with mature Christians in the congregation. After this a personal decision must be made. -Proverbs 2:1-5; Philippians 4:5.20. While engaged in such research, Christians would consider a number of Bible principles. Paul said that we must "be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers,... be ready for every good work... be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men." (Titus 3:1, 2) At the same time, Christians would do well to examine the proposed civilian work. If they accept it, will they be able to maintain Christian neutrality? (Micah 4:3, 5; John 17:16) Would it involve them with some false religion? (Revelation 18:4, 20, 21) Would performing it prevent or unreasonably limit them from fulfilling their Christian responsibilities? (Matthew 24:14; Hebrews 10:24, 25) On the other hand, would they be able to continue to make spiritual progress, perhaps even sharing in the full-time ministry while performing the required service?-Hebrews 6: 11,12.See The Watchtower of May 15, 1964, page 308, paragraph 21.21. What if the Christian's honest answers to such questions lead him to conclude that the national civilian service is a "good work" that he can perform in obedience to the authorities? That is his decision before Jehovah. Appointed elders and others should fully respect the conscience of the brother and continue to regard him as a Christian in good standing. If, however, a Christian feels that he cannot perform this civilian service, his position should also be respected. He too remains in good standing and should receive loving support.-1 Corinthians 10:29; 2 Corinthians 1:24;1 Peter 3:16.(MY COMMENT: NOW Alternative Military Service is a "GOOD WORK" that Christians can do!)22. As Christians we will not cease to render "to him who calls for honor, such honor." (Romans 13:7) We will respect good order and seek to be peaceful, law-abiding citizens. (Psalm 34:14) We may even pray "concerning kings and all those who are in high station" when these men are called upon to make decisions that affect our Christian life and work. As a result of our paying back Caesar's things to Caesar, we hope that "we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness." (1 Timothy 2:1, 2) Above all, we will continue to preach the good news of the Kingdom as mankind's only hope, conscientiously paying back God's things to God.--End of Article Page 20The Watchtower August 15th 1998 Issue, Page 17:Feeling of Having Suffered NeedlesslyIn 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 Jehovahs 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 Jehovahs friendship. Certainly, it is wise to avoid a course that would disturb ones 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...(MY COMMENTS: THIS IS UNBELIEVABLY SICK AND HORRIBLE, THIS IS THE ARTICLE THAT REALLY CAUSED ME TO START HAVING DOUBTS! THEY ARE BLAMING JEHOVAH AND THEY ARE BLAMING THE INDIVIDUAL RANK-AND-FILE WITNESSES, BUT NO WHERE DO THEY APOLOGIZE, OR EVEN ADMIT THAT THEY HAD MADE A MISTAKE, THEY DON'T EVEN MENTION THE FACT THAT IT WAS A COMMANDMENT FROM THE SOCIETY NOT TO DO ANY ALTERNATIVE SERVICE! JUST LIKE THEY DID WITH 1975 AND SO MANY OTHER WICKED THINGS THEY HAVE DONE!)
*** Watchtower December 15th 1990 Issue, Page 26 *** For over a century, delightful, correct words of truth covering every aspect of life have been presented in the Watch Tower Society's publications and widely distributed in many languages.
*** Watchtower May 15th 1957 Issue Pages 313 to 315, Appreciating Basic Christian Publications *** ...Their zeal for knowledge may even prompt them to dig back into things that were published long before they came into the truth, expanding and deepening their understanding, and ever growing in Christian maturity... Do you dig out older publications to expand and deepen your knowledge on subjects about which questions arise? Have you really studied these earlier publications?... How is your background of knowledge? ... Never think: "Oh, I know most of that." For you will find, indeed, that you do not and that you will be strengthened by your additional study...once you have completed your study of them you can then look to even older publications... Only by studying earlier publications and digging back through previous issues of The Watchtower kept in the library at your local Kingdom Hall. There is much in the way of spiritual riches and aids toward mature knowledge in these earlier publications, and their study is most certainly worth your time.
*** The Watchtower, November 15th, 2001 Issue, Page 19 ***"Hypocrisy...will ultimately prove death-dealing to those who practice it. In the end, hypocrisy will be openly exposed. There is nothing covered over that will not become uncovered, said Jesus Christ, and secret that will not become known. (Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2) Wise King Solomon declared: The true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:14.""
The Watchtower April 1st 1986 Issue, Page 31:Approved association with Jehovahs Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovahs Witnesses.
*** Watchtower October 1st 1959 Issue Pages 607-608 Questions from Readers *** Questions from ReadersQuestion: Who are the writers of the publications of the Watch Tower Society, and what are their educational qualifications? -M.D., U.S.A.The literature published by the Watch Tower Society is published in the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Regardless of who may write certain articles, they are checked carefully by members of the governing body before they are published; so they are properly viewed as coming from the Society. Our publishing work is not done to glorify any men or to give them a name of prominence before this world, depending upon the name of men in order to induce a study of God's Word with the aid of the Watch Tower Society's publications. We avoid all kinds of creature worship and anything that would stimulate to creature worship. In harmony with this endeavor the Society does not identify the writers of the various books, booklets, magazines, or articles that it publishes. They prefer to remain anonymous, not because of their educational background but in order that the students of the literature may concentrate on the truths and the facts presented instead of upon the identity of the writer and being influenced by who he is. They prefer that the Society and not the individual contributor to its publications should be the thing to recommend the Watch Tower publications to all readers and that the attention of readers should be directed to the organization that is being used by Jehovah God as his instrument rather than to any individual.-Matt. 24:45-47.So we let the literature speak for itself.
MY COMMENTS:How many people DIED because of this POLICY?How many people were THROWN IN JAIL because of this POLICY?How many people are STILL IN JAIL because of this POLICY?I will try to Post some more Quotes and my own Comments about this soon.Everyone who wants to comment on this, please do so.
Edited by - UnDisfellowshipped on 14 September 2002 6:44:51