Charles Taze Russell had no problem with Alternative Service, but THEN after Russell died, for over 50 years, the Watchtower Society Leaders forbade the Jehovah's Witnesses from doing Alternative Service in place of Mandatory Military Service, and if they did perform the Alternative Service they were either Disfellowshipped or they were considered to have Disassociated themselves.
NOW (since 1996), Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to perform Alternative Civilian Non-Combative Service in place of Military Service! (Or are they really???)
How many Jehovah's Witnesses are STILL IN JAIL and How many Jehovah's Witnesses were Disfellowshipped/Disassociated ALL because of this Policy?
Below is a TIMELINE of ALL Watchtower Publication Quotes on this subject that I could locate:
OLD LIGHT:
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."
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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.
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The Divine Plan of the Ages Book (Studies in the Scriptures Volume 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."
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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.
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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."
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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."
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MIDDLE LIGHT:
The Watchtower, February 1st 1951 Issue, Page 77:
13. 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. Jesus told Caesar’s representative Pilate: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” Then Jesus told Pilate why he had not engaged in any military effort to liberate the Jews from Caesar’s domination, saying: “For this purpose I have been born and for this purpose I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” He came to be Jehovah’s witness and to take followers out from this world, and make them Jehovah’s witnesses like himself. So he told his apostles: “Because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.” And when he prayed to God for them he said: “They are no part of the world just as I am no part of the world.” (John 18:36, 37; 15:19; 17:14, 16, NW) Concerning Jehovah’s witnesses whom the world hated and mistreated Hebrews 11:38 (NW) says: “The world was not worthy of them.” So because they are no part of this world, they are forbidden to meddle and take part in its affairs and controversies. Spiritual Israelites are just as much separated from the nations and their armies as the natural Israelites were.
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The Watchtower, December 1st 1956 Issue, Pages 714-715:
In the summer of 1916 Britain passed its military conscription act. A good deal of discussion went on in the Glasgow congregation as to what was the correct Scriptural course to take. Some thought there was nothing wrong in joining a noncombatant unit; others thought it would be O.K. to go into a munition factory and make shells and so escape military service. They argued that God’s judgments were now being expressed against the nations and that if one prayed to God to direct the shells to accomplish his will such a one would be co-operating with the Almighty and so could have a clear conscience. This course had the added attraction to young men of making “big money.” A third group firmly believed that the Scriptures permitted no compromise on this issue. I was in this last group. All in groups one and two left the organization within the next few years.
A year later, having meantime become of “military age,” I was appearing before local and appeal tribunals, giving a ‘reason for the hope within me.’ But although I had been reared in the truth and my convictions, rooted in the Scriptures, had already been held for years before the outbreak of war, I was informed by the appeal tribunal that I was not old enough to have mature opinions about anything. In other words, I was old enough to fight but not old enough to know whether it was right or wrong to fight.
The law of God and the law of man were in conflict. Whom should I obey? Should I continue pursuing my purpose in life? I followed the apostles’ example as set forth at Acts 5:29. Soon I was arrested and sentenced by military court-martial to undergo imprisonment for one year with hard labor. While awaiting trial I had many opportunities to witness to boys who were about to leave for the front-line trenches in France. Almost without exception they expressed the hope that what I had told them was true, and then they would encourage me to “stick it.” The first fourteen days of my sentence were spent in solitary confinement. A copy of the prison Bible was the only literature permitted. Had I taken the correct course of action? As I read through the Scriptures I had no doubt in my mind. Furthermore, many passages with which I had previously been familiar took on a fuller and deeper significance. Now I could really understand and appreciate and enter more fully into the experiences of Jehovah’s servants in former times, many of whom were thrown in prison for their faith in and adherence to God’s Word.
Toward the end of 1917, while I was serving my sentence, there was a food shortage in the country, owing to the German submarine campaign then in full swing. Prison rations were very meager. I felt the pangs of hunger. At night I could hear some of the other prisoners beating their cell doors with their bare fists as they lost their reason. Germany’s Zeppelins came over London frequently and dropped their bombs. There was the continual barking of antiaircraft guns while the raid was in progress. Although these frequent air raids brought death and destruction, yet at the same time they gave me my only opportunities of telling my fellow prisoners about the Kingdom. On these occasions three or four prisoners were always bundled into the same cell on the ground floor and, while the raid lasted, good use was made of the time to tell them of the good things contained in God’s Word.
In September or October, 1917, news was brought into prison by a new arrival that The Finished Mystery had come out and the church would be taken away in the spring of 1918. Would I be counted worthy? the folks back home in Glasgow? the brothers everywhere? And just how would I be taken away?
Before I completed my sentence I was released and sent by the authorities to a work camp, a chemical manure factory, where I had to work ten hours a day with pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. Every weekend I cycled seventy miles, in all kinds of weather, to attend meetings and have association with the brothers. I worked in that camp for a year. At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, I was still at this factory and, as I helped with the aid of a shovel to empty a freight car of coal, the sirens announced the end of World War I. What now? I hadn’t gone to heaven in April. Was there more work to be done on earth?
RELEASE, THEN SERVICE IN GLASGOW
The end of the war did not bring immediate release from governmental restrictions. For the next year I was obliged to work in a shipbuilding yard turning out concrete ships, thirty miles from Glasgow. Here, with overtime, it was an eighty-hour week. But each Sunday found me in Glasgow sharing in activities of the congregation there. In September 1919 I was finally released.
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The Watchtower, June 15th 1964 Issue, Pages 367-368:
8. It is likewise urgent to keep up with the flow of truths that have been revealed in our days. Soon after the Kingdom’s establishment in 1914 it became evident that a great work had to be done before the end of this system of things came. In 1922 Jehovah revealed through his visible organization that now was the time to “advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.” Were the lives of life seekers involved in obeying this new truth? Yes! Paul showed at Romans 10:10 that “with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.” If God’s servants did not bear testimony their salvation would be put in jeopardy! History shows that Jehovah’s faithful servants have kept abreast with that revealed truth. In 1939 the new truth of the neutrality issue was clearly revealed. Just what Jehovah’s servants needed! Just in time to help them to meet that issue and maintain integrity during the turbulent worldwide conflict that began the same year! From the year 1945 especially, truths concerning blood began to be revealed and since then have served as a guide for all who have respect for God’s law on the sanctity of blood. Obedience to these and many more such progressively revealed truths has enabled God’s servants to worship him properly and meet his requirements for life.
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The Watchtower, July 15th 1964 Issue, Pages 442-443:
As if persecution was not enough trouble, the Devil began to cause divisions and fighting within the ranks of God’s people in an effort to disrupt the organization from within. Some ambitious individuals in the organization began selfishly to seek power for themselves. They claimed that those in the headquarters of the organization, known as the Bible House, were compromising and were too broad-minded. They called them “broadviews.” This, of course, led to confusion and misunderstanding among the brothers. What were they to do? Should they remain loyal to those in the Bible House or leave the organization? A number of persons who had prominent positions of oversight in the congregations left the organization. They called themselves the “Standfasters,” getting their name from the Bible book of Galatians where, in the Authorized Version of the Bible, it speaks of standing fast in the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” (5:1) The Standfasters soon began wrangling among themselves.________________________________________________
The Watchtower, April 1st 1965 Issue, Pages 221-222:
The year 1917 saw the United States caught in the maelstrom of this war. Then came the military draft and the call to arms. Now a serious problem arose for solution: What course of action should I take toward the call to arms? There were three possibilities: obey the call and bear arms; ignore the call and suffer the consequences; or refuse to bear arms but accept noncombatant work.
At the time of having to make the decision I did not clearly see the Christian principle of strict neutrality as to conflicts between worldly nations as I see it now forty-eight years later. Years before, however, I had resolved in my heart never to take up arms against my fellowman, war or no war. God’s law on this point is clear: “Anyone shedding man’s blood, by man will his own blood be shed.” (Gen. 9:6) And again the positive command: “You must not murder.” (Deut. 5:17) No, I could not and would not bear arms in violation of God’s laws.
In July 1918 I was off to Camp Jackson, South Carolina. At the camp the big question in my mind was, Will they recognize my refusal to bear arms and instead grant me noncombatant work? Soon I learned the answer. I was put in solitary confinement in a small cell. Occasionally the camp chaplain would come into my cell to try to persuade me to change my mind. When I tried to use my Bible to refute his arguments, he would not let me use it. His pet argument was that the Bible relates many wars and therefore I should take up arms also. True, but God directed those wars of ancient Israel. They were not man’s wars, like the present conflict. In proof I asked him to notice that men among the Germans and their allied armies wore inscriptions reading “Gott mit uns” (God with us), and soldiers of the opposing armies carried coins bearing the inscription “In God we trust.” Is God divided? Is God warring against himself? ‘No, clearly this is man’s war and not God’s; I will not bear arms,’ I said.
By October 1918 they saw my sincerity in the stand I was taking and I was given noncombatant work. At October’s end I was on the way to France, landing there one day before the signing of the armistice on November 11. The next day at noon I was delighted to hear some Frenchmen shout: “Finie la guerre” (The war has ended).
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Awake!, September 22nd 1966 Issue, Pages 21-23:
[In Sweden] every male citizen between the ages of eighteen and forty-seven who is not handicapped is liable to undergo military training and serve for a specified period of time. If one has serious conscientious objection against the use of weapons, he may apply for noncombatant service, now called "weapons-free" service. Since 1943 this has consisted mostly of working in the forest or some other job for various governmental purposes, though the person would still be under martial law. But because of their religious beliefs Jehovah's witnesses in Sweden refused, not only military service, but also any noncombatant work offered as a substitute. However, many judges and prosecutors saw the injustice of sending otherwise irreproachable men to prison just because of their religious convictions.
Committee Appointed to Study Matter
As a result, a committee was appointed to look into the matter and make suggestions for a new law. A number of suggestions were then submitted to this committee, among them a proposal that Jehovah's witnesses be allowed whatever kind of work would be acceptable to them, and if there were no such, then for the government to leave the Witnesses alone.
So in time the committee suggested to Jehovah's witnesses various kinds of work. One was to work for some private institution or employer for the same length of time as the required term of military service, but part of their wages would go to some charitable institution. However, these offers presented to Jehovah's witnesses subject to conscription were refused. Their individual decision based on their own understanding of the Bible was that they could not conscientiously participate in any work that would be a substitute for military service. As ministers representing God's heavenly kingdom, they stated that they must remain neutral regarding this world's political and military affairs, just as an ambassador from one nation must refrain from participating in the political and military affairs of another country in which he may live. (2 Cor. 5:10; Eph. 6:20) And anyone who has talked to Jehovah's witnesses in Sweden realizes that they take their obligations to God seriously.
Therefore, in their comments concerning a new law the committee stated that Jehovah's witnesses had not accepted any proposal for substitute work.
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The Watchtower, May 1st 1968 Issue, Page 282:
Then came World War I. The head of the colliery firm where I was studying for my manager’s certificate suggested that, since my brother and I were already in the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, it was really our duty to take up noncombatant duty with the Medical Corps. Alas, we had not made Bible truth our own. We had taken too much for granted. We failed to appreciate the proper neutrality of Christians, and we lacked sufficient spiritual strength to stand firm against carnal warfare.________________________________________________
The Watchtower, January 15th 1970 Issue, Page 57:
About this time I received my draft call. As a farmer I might have been exempted from military duty, but in our family my brother had already been exempted on that ground. I could not agree to accepting noncombatant assignments of war work. Friends and neighbors wondered what I would do if I were picked up by government agents. My usual answer was: “Just wait and see.” It seems that that was just what the draft board was doing, for they deferred my case. Suddenly the war ended on November 11, 1918.
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The Watchtower, November 15th 1970 Issue, Page 687:
10. Up to that point of time they were greatly hampering the daily, continual, constant offering of the sacrifice of praise to Jehovah God by war restrictions and pressures. For instance, in Great Britain, those dedicated Christians who were “absolutists” in keeping strict neutrality and who refused to aid either side in the conflict were sentenced to years in prison. Strict Christian neutrals in North America were treated similarly. Many did not see Christian neutrality clearly and undertook noncombatant service, even in uniform. At times these were treated worse by the military forces than were the “absolutists.” They were also taken away from the priestly offering up of the sacrifices of praise to Jehovah God.________________________________________________
The Watchtower, February 15th 1972 Issue, Pages 123-124:
Jehovah’s allowing the individual to take whatever course he chooses is actually part of the test of integrity. The person has his freedom of will. If he takes a course violating his Christian neutrality, he is denying God as his Master, and he is walking out on God and his congregation. He is certainly not leading a dedicated life. The congregation is not the one that publicly disfellowshiped him. He takes himself out, dissociates himself. He was once saved from this “crooked generation,” but now he prefers to go back with it, doing as it does.
Such a person may feel that he can walk out and walk back in as he pleases. Not so, for the congregation cannot welcome with open arms a person who has denied God’s sovereignty over him as His slave. What place would God have for him in the “body” of the congregation? (1 Cor. 12:24, 25) Therefore the congregation, if giving him an approved place among them, would be condoning his disobedience and would be a sharer in his sins.—Compare 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Timothy 5:22.
It is not the congregation that must alter its principles. Rather, it is the erring individual who must repent and change completely from his wrong viewpoint and bad actions and associations. Before God’s congregation can accept him in full association he has to give evidence of his repentance and change of heart and action, proving it over a period of time, and return to leading a dedicated life.
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The Watchtower, December 1st 1974 Issue, Page 734:
29. In 1939, despite the raging of World War II, they unitedly came out world wide in favor of absolute Christian neutrality toward worldly political and military conflicts. (See the article “Neutrality” in the Watchtower issue of November 1, 1939.) Although they have suffered, some even to the death, for their faithfulness, Jehovah God has kept them spiritually secure “in the secret place of the Most High” and “under the very shadow of the Almighty One.”
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Awake!, December 8th 1974 Issue, Pages 22-25:
The Netherlands Frees Imprisoned Witnesses
By “Awake!” correspondent in the Netherlands
BACK in 1936 Johan Akkerman was the first Witness to hear the gates of the Veenhuizen Penal Institution close shut behind him. As one of Jehovah’s witnesses, he had conscientiously refused to do military service. Thirty-eight years later, on July 19, 1974, the last of Jehovah’s witnesses was released from that same prison.
This was ‘big news’ for the press. Headlines like “JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES GO HOME” made the front pages of prominent papers of the land.
To many officials this marked the end of a problem that had bothered them for a long time—that of putting decent, clean-cut young men into prison alongside hardened criminals simply because they refused to violate their Christian conscience. To Jehovah’s witnesses it was another victory in the fight for the freedom to worship God in the way the Bible commands.
Background for This Decision
What led up to this sensational news? To understand, one must realize that when a Netherlander turns eighteen he must submit to a medical examination. Should he prove to be physically and mentally sound, he is subject to call for military training when he turns twenty. If he conscientiously objects to the use of weapons he may apply for noncombatant service.
But Jehovah’s witnesses in the Netherlands have refused, not only military service, but also any noncombatant work offered as a substitute. The Scriptural reason for their stand will be considered later in this article.
[...]
Authorities Begin to Listen
On March 26, 1971, three representatives of Jehovah’s witnesses met with a forum representing the ministries of Defense and Justice. The discussion lasted two and a half hours.
One of the first 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 Jehovah’s witnesses.
Other questions narrowed the issue down still further. “When a person objects to military service,” the government’s agents declared, “he passes from military jurisdiction on to civil jurisdiction and from that moment has nothing at all to do with the military. Why, then, is the 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.
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The Watchtower, November 1st 1979 Issue, Page 5:
TRULY, “NO PART OF THE WORLD”
In describing the stand taken by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nazi concentration camps, the Polish sociologist Anna Pawelczynska wrote as follows in her book of Values and Violence in Auschwitz, published first in 1973:
“This little group of prisoners was a solid ideological force and they won their battle against Nazism. The German group of this sect had been a tiny island of unflagging resistance existing in the bosom of a terrorized nation, and in that same undismayed spirit they functioned in the camp at Auschwitz. They managed to win the respect of their fellow-prisoners . . . , of prisoner-functionaries, and even of the SS officers. Everyone knew that no Jehovah’s Witness would perform a command contrary to his religious belief and convictions or any action directed against another person, even if that person was a murderer and an SS officer. On the other hand, he would perform every other job, even the most obnoxious, to the best of his ability, if it was morally neutral for him. The political prisoners struggled actively in the camp, organizing resistance and battling for the survival of their fellow inmates. The Jehovah’s Witnesses waged passive resistance for their belief, which opposed all war and violence.” (Italics added)
However, not only in Germany, but also in all the warring nations around the world, Jehovah’s Witnesses were united in placing God’s command to “love your neighbor” above the world’s demand to hate one’s fellowman. (Matt. 22:39; Acts 5:29) Depending on the country in which they lived, their punishment ranged from the death penalty to months, and even years, of detention. In one prison, a man who was serving a life sentence told one of the Witnesses: “I’m ‘in’ for killing a policeman, and you’re ‘in’ because you refuse to kill. It’s kind of odd, isn’t it?” But whether or not it seemed “odd” to others, Jehovah’s Witnesses were pursuing the Bible-based course of being “no part of the world” or of its orgy of bloodshed.
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1982 Year Book, Pages 226-227:
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.
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The Watchtower, July 15th 1982 Issue, Page 26:
Employment Factors to Consider
When a Christian must make a decision about a certain employment, he should give thought first to what he would actually be doing. He might consider these two points:
Is the particular work condemned in the Bible?
The Bible condemns things such as stealing, idolatry and the misuse of blood, so a Christian could hardly engage in work where he directly promoted such things.
Would doing the work so closely link a person with a condemned practice that he would be a clear accomplice?
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 God’s Word.—Leviticus 17:13, 14; Isaiah 2:2-4.
Beyond what a person would actually be doing, some additional factors may have a bearing on the overall picture:
Is the work a human service that is not Biblically wrong?
A postman performs the service of delivering mail to homes and businesses. Would a Christian be condemned if among the places where he delivers mail are a few homes of thieves or a firm selling idols?—Matthew 5:45.
To what extent does one have authority over what is done?
A Christian owning a store would not stock and sell idols or blood sausage. He is not in the same situation as an employee at a supermarket that sells cigarettes or blood pudding among thousands of other items.
To what degree is the person involved?
An employee working as a cashier and only occasionally handling cigarettes might conclude that his situation is not the same as another employee who stocks these on the shelves almost all day.
What is the source of the pay or the location where it is done?
In a land where the government gives a church oversight of all social programs, a man might get his paycheck from a religious corporation. But actually his work of maintaining public parks is not on church property. Nor is it religious in nature or viewed as promoting false worship.
What is the overall effect of doing certain work?
Would doing the work stumble many, bringing on ‘reprehensibility’? (1 Timothy 3:2, 10) How would it affect the worker’s conscience?
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"United In Worship Of The Only True God" Book (1983 Edition), Pages 167-168:
14. 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. No one tells them what they must do. Nor do they interfere with what others choose to do. But when called on to explain their position, Jehovah’s Witnesses have made it known that, as persons who have presented themselves to God in dedication, they are obligated to use their bodies in his service and cannot now hand these over to earthly masters who are acting contrary to God’s purpose.—Rom. 6:12-14; 12:1, 2; Mic. 4:3.
15. The result has been as Jesus said: “Because you are no part of the world . . . the world hates you.” (John 15:19) Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been imprisoned because they would not violate their Christian neutrality. Some have been treated brutally, even to the point of death. Others have continued to demonstrate their neutrality during years of confinement. The book Values and Violence in Auschwitz (by Anna Pawelczynska, page 89) reports: “Everyone knew that no Jehovah’s Witness [in the concentration camp] would perform a command contrary to his religious belief and convictions or any action directed against another person, even if that person was a murderer and an SS officer. On the other hand, he would perform every other job, even the most obnoxious, to the best of his ability, if it was morally neutral for him.”
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The Watchtower, October 1st 1984 Issue, Page 22:
Shortly after my baptism in 1918, my loyalty to fellow Bible Students was put to the test. World War I was raging, and even though the most prominent brothers had been unjustly imprisoned over the war issue, the need for Christian neutrality was not fully appreciated by those then taking the lead. A few who saw the issue clearly took offense and separated themselves from the Bible Students, calling themselves Standfasters. They warned me that if I stayed with the Bible Students I would lose out on being of the “little flock” of Jesus’ anointed followers. (Luke 12:32) Mother, though not yet dedicated, helped me to make the right decision. I could not see myself leaving those from whom I had learned so much, and I therefore decided to take my chances with my Bible Student brothers. It really was a test of loyalty. Since then, I have observed many similar tests of loyalty. When mistakes are made, those not wholly loyal at heart seem to pounce upon them as an excuse for quitting.—Compare Psalm 119:165.________________________________________________
1985 Yearbook, Pages 175-176:
“These convictions [of conscientious objectors in general] generally relate to the question of the taking of human life and can be accommodated by allocation to non-combatant duties. . . . The exception . . . is the cult or sect known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses whom I feel are a pernicious organization, with no foundation for and no justification in their attitude towards military service.”—Member of Parliament.
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The Watchtower, April 1st 1986 Issue, Page 22:
We can “adorn the teaching of our Savior, God,” by adhering to Bible principles in our conduct. (Titus 2:10) This was illustrated in the case of a brother employed at a firm where an industrial dispute erupted over the exporting of sheep and cattle. Each worker was asked to contribute one dollar to help in protesting the dispute. When the brother refused, the union official threatened him with the loss of his job. The brother explained that, conscientiously, he could not support the disturbance being organized. The union official gave him an hour to think it over.
The brother now became the object of ridicule by his fellow workers. He explained to them that it was not a question of the dollar, but that since some of those involved in the dispute had guns and clubs with them, he would become bloodguilty if he supported them and someone was hurt or killed. One worker said he had never heard that point of view before and wanted to know more. In time, the brother was able to start a Bible study with the worker, and in spite of opposition from his wife, this man soon began to attend meetings. Today he is one of our dedicated brothers. As for the union official, he never came back to question the brother.
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The Watchtower, September 1st 1986 Issue, Pages 19-21:
11. Some may ask, ‘What of Cornelius, the centurion, and Sergius Paulus, the army-backed proconsul in Cyprus? Were not these men associated with the military?’ Yes, at the time they accepted the Christian message. The Scriptures, though, do not tell us what Cornelius and others did after their conversion. No doubt Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man and “astounded at the teaching of Jehovah,” would soon scrutinize his secular position in the light of his newfound faith and make a proper decision. Cornelius would have done likewise. (Acts 10:1, 2, 44-48; 13:7, 12) There is no record that the disciples told them what action they must take. They could see that from their own study of God’s Word.—Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:3.
12. Similarly, Christians today should not instruct others personally as to what stand they must take on issues related to Christian neutrality. Each one must make his own conscientious decisions in line with his understanding of Bible principles.—Galatians 6:4, 5.
13. It was in 1914 that total warfare first invaded the world scene. The entire resources of nations, including their manpower, were committed to warfare. Many of the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were called at that time, made commendable efforts to avoid bloodguilt. They were bitterly persecuted, just as Jesus said they would be.—John 15:17-20.
14. When global conflict again erupted in 1939, Jehovah provided clear guidance for his servants. Within two months of the declaration of war, this guidance came in the form of Bible study material entitled “Neutrality” in the November 1, 1939, issue of The Watchtower. It concluded with the sentence: “All who are on the Lord’s side will be neutral as to warring nations, and will be entirely and wholly for the great THEOCRAT and his King.”
...when Caesar demanded to have God’s things, they acted in harmony with the principles stated at Acts 4:19 and 5:29. 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; Revelation 2:10.
The pursuit of peace and nonviolence by Jehovah’s Witnesses was even recognized in the concentration camps. How so? In that “only Witnesses were allowed to shave the S.S. guards using cut-throat razors, since only they could be trusted not to kill.”
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The Watchtower, August 1st 1987 Issue, Page 23:
By now it was 1918, and the United States was well embroiled in the war. A storm of opposition openly began against the Bible Students, identifying those who were fearful and those who were not. Some brothers of draft age, although conscientious objectors, agreed to perform noncombatant military service.
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Awake!, June 8th 1989 Issue, Page 10:
Millions of people are already preparing themselves to live under such peaceful conditions. Jehovah’s Witnesses are already fulfilling this prophecy: “Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4) Therefore, they do not take part in any form of armament business. Like Jesus and his disciples, they maintain a strict stand of neutrality on political issues and do not participate in any temporal war or conflict, come what may.—John 17:16.
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1991 Yearbook
Pages 161-163:
Christian Neutrality at Stake
Although Sweden has tried to maintain strict political neutrality, a strong defense with compulsory military service has been preserved. Therefore, the brothers’ integrity to their Christian neutrality has been put to the test. Before World War II, the brothers usually did substitute compulsory civil service, serving as firemen or woodsmen, digging at archaeological sites, and performing a variety of other civil services. Then, as World War II was in progress, they realized that they were actually classified as soldiers at the disposal of military authorities. Thus, they refused such service.
Repeated jail terms ensued, beginning with a one-month sentence for the first time they refused. Soon after they were released, they would again be called up for military service and be sent back to jail for another term, now for two months. Out again, they had to face this same procedure four, five, six, or more times, and each time another month was usually added to the length of the previous sentence. Over many years, hundreds of brothers were imprisoned for a total of almost a thousand years. Werner Johansson, then a pioneer, was sentenced to 12 months—spread out over 13 years. He said:
“Being drafted time after time and going through one court procedure after the other and wandering in and out of different prisons like that was quite trying. I had a family to care for. But the love and encouragement we received from the brothers and sisters was a wonderful help. After all, it was a thrilling time, and many opportunities opened up to give a witness to all persons involved.”
Sometimes brothers were reviled and scolded by prosecutors and judges. One pioneer, Erik V. Johansson, remembers his first court trial: “The prosecutor and the judge said that they would give me a tough time if I didn’t do my duty. I told them I was prepared to suffer like Daniel when he was thrown into a lions’ den. Then the prosecutor said: ‘It would be interesting to throw Johansson into a lions’ den and see what his faith is worth.’ The next day, when I met the judge, he grabbed me and said: ‘You are a scoundrel, you should be shot, and you probably will be too.’” Well, that has not happened yet. Brother Johansson, now over 80 years old, is still alive and thriving in full-time service.
Authorities Try Desperate Action
It became increasingly evident to the authorities that prison sentences could not break the integrity of these young men. “Judges and prosecutors have been taking part in a game in which they have felt themselves to be helpless counters,” commented a former member of the Swedish parliament regarding the treatment of the Witnesses.
Toward the end of the war, the authorities reflectively made a desperate effort to change the situation. Suddenly, they ordered a mental examination of 126 of Jehovah’s Witnesses who declined to do compulsory work. Had they been declared mentally deficient, the courts would have handled them differently. A branch report says concerning this:
“The examinations took place in three different towns, and each of those examined was questioned by a priest and two doctors during five to six days. The brethren who were subjected to this agreed that it was a most encouraging experience, affording splendid opportunities to give a witness. The priests serving at these examinations were so confused and nervous that even the doctors were amused, and the doctors themselves admitted that Jehovah’s witnesses were, as a rule, very intelligent people of strong convictions and of a high moral standard.”
Pages 166-167:
Renewed Attempts to Seek Compromise
...attempts have been made 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 Jehovah’s 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. They showed that Jehovah’s Witnesses already do a form of social work in their house-to-house ministry, helping people clean up their lives and become decent, law-abiding citizens. Then one of the committee members came up with a most surprising idea.
He wondered if we would agree to engage in that house-to-house ministry on a full-time basis within our own congregations for a period—corresponding to that of compulsory service—and report this to the authorities as a substitute. The brothers explained that our service to God can never be compulsory or a State affair. Finally, the committee suggested retaining the 1966 decision, concluding in its final report: “According to the committee’s opinion, there do not exist, at the present, other religious groups in our country that can be compared with Jehovah’s Witnesses.”________________________________________________
Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock Book (Confidential Elders-Only Rule Book, 1991), Page 101:
Whereas disfellowshipping is an action taken by a judicial committee against unrepentant wrongdoers, disassociation is an action taken by an individual who has decided that he no longer desires to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses... If an individual takes a course contrary to the neutral position of the Christian congregation, the congregation is compelled to view him as one who has chosen to separate from us."
Page 103:
Disassocated one are shunned by those who wish to have a good relationship with Jehovah.
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Awake!, February 8th 1993 Issue, Page 22:
Further Examples of Integrity
Of the Witnesses transferred from Buchenwald to Wewelsburg, 27 were chosen for military service and sent to serve in various units. Each refused to be inducted; only one accepted noncombatant service. The 26 were threatened with execution, all to no avail. After they returned to the Wewelsburg camp, the commander threatened: “You will be pushing up daisies within four weeks.”
These loyal brothers were then given particularly severe treatment. The SS thought of all manner of ways to oppress, exhaust, and torment them to death. Yet, all 26 survived! Later, the same treatment was accorded to some non-Witnesses, and among them the death rate was high even after a short period of time.
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Proclaimers Book (1993), Pages 191-194:
When the World Went to War
Around the globe the events of World War I severely tested the claims of those who professed to be Christians. It was the most ghastly war fought down to that time; nearly the entire world population was involved in one way or another.
Pope Benedict XV, in spite of Vatican sympathies for the Central Powers, endeavored to maintain an appearance of neutrality. However, within each nation the clergy, Catholic and Protestant, maintained no such neutral stance. Regarding the situation in the United States, Dr. Ray Abrams, in his book Preachers Present Arms, wrote: “The churches assumed a unity of purpose hitherto unknown in religious annals. . . . The leaders lost no time in getting thoroughly organized on a war-time basis. Within twenty-four hours after the declaration of war, the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America laid plans for the fullest cooperation. . . . The Roman Catholic Church, organized for similar service under the National Catholic War Council, directed by fourteen archbishops and with Cardinal Gibbons as president, demonstrated an equal devotion to the cause. . . . Many of the churches went much further than they were asked. They became recruiting stations for the enlistment of troops.” What did the Bible Students do?
Although they endeavored to do what they felt was pleasing to God, their position was not always one of strict neutrality. What they did was influenced by the belief, shared in common with other professed Christians, that “the higher powers” were “ordained of God,” according to the wording of the King James Version. (Rom. 13:1) Thus, in accord with a proclamation of the president of the United States, The Watch Tower urged the Bible Students to join in observing May 30, 1918, as a day of prayer and supplication in connection with the outcome of the world war.
During the war years, the circumstances into which individual Bible Students were thrust varied. The way they dealt with these situations also varied. Feeling obligated to obey “the powers that be,” as they referred to the secular rulers, some went into the trenches at the front with guns and bayonets. But having in mind the scripture, “Thou shalt not kill,” they would fire their weapons into the air or try simply to knock the weapon from the hands of an opponent. (Ex. 20:13, KJ) A few, such as Remigio Cuminetti, in Italy, refused to put on a military uniform. The Italian government at that time made no allowance for anyone who for reasons of conscience would not take up arms. He stood trial five times and was confined in prisons and a mental institution, but his faith and determination remained unshaken. In England some who applied for exemption were assigned to work of national importance or to a noncombatant corps. Others, such as Pryce Hughes, adopted a position of strict neutrality, regardless of the consequences to them personally.
At least at that point, the overall record of the Bible Students was not quite like that of the early Christians described in The Rise of Christianity, by E. W. Barnes, who reported: “A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [Roman emperor from 161 to 180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.”
[...]
A Record of Christian Neutrality
Though Jehovah’s Witnesses quickly discerned some issues that involve a Christian’s relationship to the world, other matters required more time. However, as World War II gathered momentum in Europe, a significant article in The Watchtower of November 1, 1939, helped them to appreciate the meaning of Christian neutrality. Followers of Jesus Christ, the article stated, are obligated before God to be wholly devoted to him and his Kingdom, the Theocracy. Their prayers should be for God’s Kingdom, not for the world. (Matt. 6:10, 33) In the light of what Jesus Christ disclosed as to the identity of the invisible ruler of the world (John 12:31; 14:30), the article reasoned, how could a person who is devoted to God’s Kingdom favor one side or the other in a conflict between factions of the world? Had not Jesus said of his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world”? (John 17:16) This position of Christian neutrality was not one that the world in general would understand._______________________________________________
The Watchtower, August 1st 1993 Issue, Page 23:
Our finances were low when we reached India, and finding employment was not easy. This resulted in a test of faith. I met a British officer who offered me a lucrative noncombatant job, but it involved serving as part of the military establishment. With Jehovah’s help, I was able to turn down the offer and thus keep a clear Christian conscience. (Isaiah 2:2-4)
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The Watchtower, May 15th 1995 Issue, Page 23:
Light Relating to Christian Conduct
9. Many flashes of light have pertained to Christian conduct. For instance, consider the matter of neutrality. A particularly bright flash of light beamed forth on this subject in the article “Neutrality” appearing in The Watchtower of November 1, 1939. How timely it was, coming just after the beginning of World War II! The article defined neutrality and showed that Christians must not get involved in political affairs or confrontations between nations. (Micah 4:3, 5; John 17:14, 16) This is a factor in their being hated by all the nations. (Matthew 24:9) The battles of ancient Israel provide no precedent for Christians, as Jesus makes plain at Matthew 26:52. Moreover, not one political nation today is a theocracy, ruled by God, as was ancient Israel.
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1996 Yearbook Pages 102-104:
Another Attempt to Deceive
In the summer of 1955, about a hundred brothers were released from the camp in Tólápa. After they had enjoyed their restored family life for just six weeks, they were ordered to go to the village of Szentendre, near Budapest.
Upon arriving in Szentendre, the brothers were ushered into a large hall. An officer told them that they would not have to take up arms because the government had a special provision that they would appreciate. Rather than carrying weapons or transporting ammunition, all they would need to do was help build roads, bridges, railway lines, and similar things. A few months later they would be able to return home to their families. The provision sounded good at first to many of the less experienced brothers, but some mature brothers sensed a trap and immediately asked: “Would we be expected also to help construct military projects?” No direct answer was forthcoming.
Then the brothers asked if they would have to wear uniforms. The officer answered that caps would be supplied, and if they liked they could also have uniforms so that they would not have to wear out their own clothes. This seemed reasonable to some. Now came the order: “Those of you who are prepared to work for two or three months and then return to your families can go to the depot and exchange your civilian clothing for uniforms and boots. Those who are not prepared to do this can reckon with prison sentences of five to ten years.”
This was a hard test for the brothers. Several of these brothers had already spent four years in prison or a detention camp. Now, after tasting six weeks of freedom, they were to be sent into some obscure mine or quarry, and everything they had been through would start all over again. Some reasoned that it would be only a few months and then they could return to their families and serve Jehovah freely. About 40 of the 100 slowly moved over to accept the uniforms.
The other brothers prayerfully concluded that what was being offered was nothing but military field service and that they would become a labor brigade in the army. Desiring to maintain their Christian neutrality, they rejected the proposal.
Now one part of the hall was occupied by those who had accepted the uniforms while the other part was occupied by those who had not. Then a corporal entered the room and shouted at a Witness near him: “Can’t you salute?” The brother replied that he was a civilian and not a soldier. It was only then that the corporal noticed that the brothers were divided into two groups, one in uniform and the other in civilian clothing. He turned to those in uniform and, taking a commanding posture, he told them: “Men! Attention! You who have accepted military field service, from today on you must salute when somebody of higher rank enters the room and must stand at attention to report. From today on you are soldiers and obliged to obey all orders.”
A dismayed silence spread over the room, followed by great indignation voiced by those in uniform: “We’re not soldiers! We didn’t agree to any military service! We only agreed to work!” Hearing the tumult, the officer who had first addressed the brothers reentered the room and saw that the corporal had spoiled things. He immediately attempted to reason with the brothers. But the majority of the brothers had already taken off their uniforms and asked to be given back their civilian clothes. The soldier in charge of the depot did not want to give them back. Only the next morning, thanks to the brothers’ firm efforts, did they receive their clothing back.
Shortly, several high-ranking officers entered. The brothers were made to stand in rows. One of the officers demanded: “Those of you who are willing to take up field service, step out!” Nobody moved. He now demanded: “Those who are not prepared to take up field service, step out!” As if the correct button had been pushed this time, everybody stepped out.
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The Watchtower, March 15th 1996 Issue, Page 7:
The Witnesses’ record of integrity under totalitarian regimes has been praised by many observers. One of them is Jirí Krupicka, a doctor of philosophy and natural sciences who emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1968 after spending many years in Communist concentration camps. In his book Renesance rozumu (Renaissance of Intellect), he comments on the suffering and the steadfastness of Witnesses imprisoned for their neutrality.
Under the Communist government, many Witnesses were sentenced to prison because of their faith. Though imprisoned, they refused to mine uranium for war purposes. (Isaiah 2:4) Krupicka describes a scene he witnessed at one of these mines in 1952. He saw two figures standing like icy statues in the severe winter weather. Metal barrels covered their heads and upper bodies.
Krupicka writes: “They had been standing out there in prison rags since early morning. How could they manage to stand so long on frozen legs? By power of faith. The barrels were old and rusty. A cruel hand rammed them on their heads and shoulders so forcefully that the jagged rim cut through the jacket and into the skin of one of the men, and blood was dripping from his sleeve.
“The guard halted our column in front of them, and the commander gave us a short talk. Refusing to work, he said, is rebellion and is punished accordingly. No sentimental baloney about war and killing will help these objectors, these enemies of socialism.”
The commander picked up a metal bar and struck one of the barrels. The man in it collapsed with the barrel still covering his head. What happened next is deeply engraved in Krupicka’s memory.
He states: “There was singing coming from inside the drums. Soft sounds, a whispered prayer to God, who can hear anything from anywhere—even attempted singing from the inside of old, rusty uranium barrels. He hears it louder than a chorale sung in a large cathedral.”
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NEW LIGHT (Which is actually the Old Light):
The Watchtower, May 1st 1996 Issue, Pages 15-20:
Paying Back Caesar’s Things to Caesar
“Render to all their dues.”—ROMANS 13:7.
ACCORDING to Jesus, there are things we owe to God and things we owe to Caesar, or the State. Jesus said: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” In these few words, he confounded his enemies and neatly summed up the balanced attitude we must have in our relationship with God and in our dealings with the State. No wonder that his listeners “began to marvel at him”!—Mark 12:17.
2. Of course, the first concern of Jehovah’s servants is that they pay back God’s things to God. (Psalm 116:12-14) In doing so, however, they do not forget that Jesus said that they must render certain things to Caesar. Their Bible-trained consciences require that they consider prayerfully to what extent they can pay back what Caesar calls for. (Romans 13:7) In modern times, many jurists have recognized that governmental power has limits and that people and governments everywhere are bound by natural law.
3. The apostle Paul referred to this natural law when he wrote about people of the world: “What may be known about God is manifest among them, for God made it manifest to them. For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” If they will respond to it, natural law will even move the consciences of these unbelievers. Thus, Paul further said: “Whenever people of the nations that do not have law do by nature the things of the law, these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves. They are the very ones who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts, while their conscience is bearing witness with them.”—Romans 1:19, 20; 2:14, 15.
4. In the 18th century, the renowned English jurist William Blackstone wrote: “This law of nature [natural law], being co-eval with [the same age as] mankind and dictated by God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this.” Blackstone went on to speak of “revealed law,” as found in the Bible, and he commented: “Upon these two foundations, the law of nature and the law of revelation, depend all human laws; that is to say, no human laws should be suffered [allowed] to contradict these.” This is in harmony with what Jesus said about God and Caesar, as recorded at Mark 12:17. Clearly, there are areas where God limits what Caesar can require of a Christian. The Sanhedrin strayed into just such an area when they commanded the apostles to stop preaching about Jesus. Hence, the apostles correctly responded: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:28, 29.
“God’s Things”
5. Especially since 1914, when Jehovah God, the Almighty, began ruling as king through Christ’s Messianic Kingdom, have Christians had to be sure not to give God’s things to Caesar. (Revelation 11:15, 17) As never before, God’s law now calls on Christians to be “no part of the world.” (John 17:16) Being dedicated to God, their Life-Giver, they must demonstrate clearly that they no longer belong to themselves. (Psalm 100:2, 3) As Paul wrote, “we belong to Jehovah.” (Romans 14:8) Moreover, at a Christian’s baptism, he is ordained as a minister of God, so that he can say with Paul: “God . . . has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers.”—2 Corinthians 3:5, 6.
6. The apostle Paul also wrote: “I glorify my ministry.” (Romans 11:13) Surely we should do likewise. Whether we share in the ministry full-time or part-time, we keep in mind that Jehovah himself assigned us to our ministry. (2 Corinthians 2:17) Since some may challenge our position, every dedicated, baptized Christian must be ready to furnish clear and positive proof that he truly is a minister of the good news. (1 Peter 3:15) His ministry should also be evidenced in his conduct. As a minister of God, a Christian should advocate and practice clean morals, uphold family unity, be honest, and show respect for law and order. (Romans 12:17, 18; 1 Thessalonians 5:15) A Christian’s relationship with God and his divinely assigned ministry are the most important things in his life. He cannot give these up at the behest of Caesar. Clearly, they are to be counted among “God’s things.”
“Caesar’s Things”
7. Jehovah’s Witnesses know that they owe “subjection to the superior authorities,” the governmental rulers. (Romans 13:1) Hence, when Caesar, the State, makes legitimate demands, their Bible-trained consciences allow them to satisfy these demands. For example, true Christians are among the most exemplary taxpayers on earth. In Germany the newspaper Münchner Merkur said of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “They are the most honest and the most punctual tax payers in the Federal Republic.” In Italy the newspaper La Stampa observed: “They [Jehovah’s Witnesses] are the most loyal citizens anyone could wish for: they do not dodge taxes or seek to evade inconvenient laws for their own profit.” Jehovah’s servants do this ‘on account of their consciences.’—Romans 13:5, 6.
8. Are “Caesar’s things” limited to paying taxes? No. Paul listed other things, such as fear and honor. In his Critical and Exegetical Hand-Book to the Gospel of Matthew, German scholar Heinrich Meyer wrote: “By [Caesar’s things] . . . we are not to understand merely the civil tax, but everything to which Caesar was entitled in virtue of his legitimate rule.” Historian E. W. Barnes, in his work The Rise of Christianity, observed that a Christian would pay taxes if he owed them and “likewise accept all other State obligations, provided he was not called upon to render unto Caesar the things that belonged to God.”
9. What things might the State require without encroaching on the things that rightfully belong to God? Some have felt that they could legitimately give Caesar money in the form of taxes but nothing else. They certainly would not feel comfortable giving Caesar anything that might take up time that could be used for theocratic activities. Nevertheless, while it is true that we should ‘love Jehovah our God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength,’ Jehovah does expect us to spend time in things other than our sacred service. (Mark 12:30; Philippians 3:3) For example, a married Christian is counseled to devote time to pleasing his or her marriage mate. Such activities are not bad, but the apostle Paul states that they are “the things of the world” not “the things of the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 7:32-34; compare 1 Timothy 5:8.
10. Further, Christ authorized his followers to “pay back” taxes, and this certainly involves using time that is dedicated to Jehovah—since our entire lives are dedicated in this way. If the average taxation in a country is 33 percent of income (it is higher in some countries), this means that each year the average worker pays to the State Treasury four months’ worth of his earnings. Put another way, at the end of his working life, the average worker will have spent about 15 years earning the tax money that “Caesar” requires. Consider, too, the matter of schooling. In most countries the law requires that parents have their children attend school for a minimum number of years. The number of years of schooling varies from country to country. In most places it is a substantial length of time. True, such schooling is usually beneficial, but it is Caesar who decides what portion of a child’s life must be spent in this way, and Christian parents comply with Caesar’s decision.
Compulsory Military Service
11. 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, affirmed 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.
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 Service
16. 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.
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 corvée [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 corvée 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.
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.* [FOOTNOTE says: See The Watchtower of May 15, 1964, page 308, paragraph 21.] 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.
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.
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._______________________________________________
The Watchtower, July 15th 1996 Issue, Page 19:
Suppose a question arises concerning neutrality. We can make an informed personal decision by remembering that we are “no part of the world” and that we have ‘beaten our swords into plowshares.’ (John 17:16; Isaiah 2:2-4) Similarly, when we must make a personal decision regarding our relationship to the State, we consider what the Bible says about paying back “God’s things to God,” while subjecting ourselves to “the superior authorities” in secular matters. (Luke 20:25; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1, 2) Yes, taking Bible laws and principles into account when making personal decisions helps maintain our Christian unity.
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The Watchtower, November 1st 1996 Issue, Page 27:
“A Wonderful Gift From Jehovah”
THE May 1, 1996, issue of The Watchtower contained an in-depth discussion of Christian neutrality and how to balance our responsibilities to Jehovah and to “Caesar.” (Matthew 22:21) Many expressions of appreciation have been heard for the new information provided. Among them is the following letter, written by a Witness in Greece and addressed to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to all you dear brothers for taking such good care of us spiritually. Having spent some nine years in prison because of my Christian faith, I truly appreciate the wonderful thoughts in the May 1, 1996, issue of The Watchtower. (Isaiah 2:4) This was a wonderful gift from Jehovah.—James 1:17.
“While I was enjoying these articles, I remembered a comment in an earlier Watchtower (August 1, 1994, page 14): ‘Clearly, reasonableness is a precious quality, one that moves us to love Jehovah all the more.’ Yes, brothers, I thank Jehovah that I am a part of his kind and loving organization, which clearly reflects his wisdom.—James 3:17.
“The increased light in the May 1 Watchtower has been well received here in Greece, especially by those who spent several years in prison or who are still in prison because of their faith. Thank you once again. May Jehovah strengthen you with his spirit to continue to provide us with valuable spiritual food in these troublesome times.”
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1997 Yearbook, Page 16:
Educating government officials about the true nature of the work and activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses has proved to be an important aspect of the fight for freedom in modern times. The Watchtower of May 1, 1996, has been significant in this regard, explaining Jesus’ direction to “pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Luke 20:25) After receiving that issue of The Watchtower, government officials in Ukraine told the brothers: “Very often we had discussions on this subject and tried to understand you. Now we have read your magazine carefully, and your position regarding civilian service is set out very clearly.”
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The Watchtower, August 15th 1998 Issue, Page 17:
Feelings of Having Suffered Needlessly
6. 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.
7. Was it unrighteous on Jehovah’s part to allow him to suffer for rejecting what he now might do without consequences? Most who have had that experience would not think so. Rather, they rejoice that they had the opportunity of demonstrating publicly and clearly that they were determined to be firm on the issue of universal sovereignty. (Compare Job 27:5.) 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 the proddings of conscience, they proved worthy of Jehovah’s friendship. Certainly, it is wise to avoid a course that would disturb one’s conscience or that would likely cause others to be stumbled. We can think in this regard of the example that the apostle Paul set.—1 Corinthians 8:12, 13; 10:31-33.
8. In order to please Jehovah, the Jews were required to obey the Ten Commandments and also a wide variety of about 600 additional laws. Later, under the Christian arrangement, obedience to these laws as such was no longer a requirement for serving Jehovah, not even for fleshly Jews. The laws no longer binding included those dealing with circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, offering animal sacrifices, and observing certain dietary restrictions. (1 Corinthians 7:19; 10:25; Colossians 2:16, 17; Hebrews 10:1, 11-14) Jews—including the apostles—who became Christians were released from the obligation to keep laws that they were required to obey when they were under the Law covenant. Did they complain that God’s arrangement was unrighteous in having formerly required of them things that were no longer necessary? No, they rejoiced in the broadened understanding of Jehovah’s purposes.—Acts 16:4, 5.
9. 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, to “do all things for the sake of the good news.” Jehovah blesses that kind of godly devotion. (1 Corinthians 9:23; Hebrews 6:10) The apostle Peter wrote with insight: “If, when you are doing good and you suffer, you endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God.”—1 Peter 2:20.
Page 20:
19. Jehovah’s organization does not discourage sincere, timely questions, as some opposers mistakenly claim. (1 Peter 1:10-12) However, the Bible counsels that we avoid foolish, speculative questions. (Titus 3:9) Asking reasonable questions and searching God’s Word and Christian publications to find Scriptural answers can increase our accurate knowledge and can thus strengthen our confidence in Jehovah. The organization follows the example of Jesus. He refrained from commenting on questions for which the proper time for answering had not arrived. He explained: “I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present.” (John 16:12) He also admitted that some things he himself did not know at that point.—Matthew 24:36.
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What does the BIBLE say about this?
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures:
Luke 3:9-14: Indeed, the ax is already in position at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not producing fine fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds would ask him [John the Baptist]: “What, then, shall we do?” In reply he would say to them: “Let the man that has two undergarments share with the man that has none, and let him that has things to eat do the same.” But even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him: “Teacher, what shall we do?” He said to them: “Do not demand anything more than the tax rate.” Also, those in military service would ask him: “What shall we also do?” And he said to them: “Do not harass anybody or accuse anybody falsely, but be satisfied with YOUR provisions.”
My Comment: John the Baptist DID NOT tell those people in Military Service to leave the Military!
Matthew 5:41: and if someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles.
My Comment: The Watchtower Society has been DISOBEYING THIS CLEAR COMMAND from Jesus for over 50 YEARS.
Mark 15:20-21: Finally, when they had made fun of him, they stripped him of the purple and put his outer garments upon him. And they led him out to impale him. Also, they impressed into service a passerby, a certain Simon of Cy·re´ne, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Ru´fus, that he should lift up his torture stake.
Matthew 27:32: As they were going out they found a native of Cy·re´ne named Simon. This man they impressed into service to lift up his torture stake.
Luke 23:26: Now as they led him away, they laid hold of Simon, a certain native of Cy·re´ne, coming from the country, and they placed the torture stake upon him to bear it behind Jesus.
Romans 13:1-7: Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves. For those ruling are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you, then, want to have no fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; for it is God’s minister to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad. There is therefore compelling reason for YOU people to be in subjection, not only on account of that wrath but also on account of [YOUR] conscience. For that is why YOU are also paying taxes; for they are God’s public servants constantly serving this very purpose. Render to all their dues, to him who [calls for] the tax, the tax; to him who [calls for] the tribute, the tribute; to him who [calls for] fear, such fear; to him who [calls for] honor, such honor.
Titus 3:1: Continue reminding them to be in subjection and be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, to be ready for every good work
1st Peter 2:13-17: For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior or to governors as being sent by him to inflict punishment on evildoers but to praise doers of good. For so the will of God is, that by doing good YOU may muzzle the ignorant talk of the unreasonable men. Be as free people, and yet holding YOUR freedom, not as a blind for badness, but as slaves of God. Honor [men] of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, have honor for the king.