by minimus 40 Replies latest jw friends
It's horrific that one man's narcissism and resentments toward his own government at a particular period in time should affect the choices and responsibilities of so many people at different times and in different eras (I'm thinking Malawi is a particularly egregious example).
Unfortunately the outcome of their neutrality during WW2 compounded this veiw - though we now know it was pure chance they ended up on the right side of history (see Rutherford's "Statement of Facts").
There's a lot to this situation that puts the Watchtower in a bad spot. The Watchtower states Christians must stay out of politics because, by voting, a person is saying they believe that human government can help mankind. As such, it is in a sense saying "We don't need God."
Yet, Jesus, and even the Watchtower, tells people to 1. Be in subjection to "earthly authorities" and 2. pay taxes. Taxes are the lifeblood of human government. Paying your taxes supports government at least equally as voting. Try going to your local body of elders as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and tell them you don't pay your taxes. Just see what happens. At a minimum you will lose every "privilege" you have in the congregation.
Next we have the concept that a person who does not vote is basically stating "Whomever wins the election is the candidate I support". This is an argument used by persons politically active. The Watchtower might say something like "Correct! No matter who the elected candidate is, we obey them as long as they do not ask us to violate God's commandments. We obey any law passed the same way." Great! So what happens when there is a candidate running for office or a voter ballot initiative that has legislation stating that there will no longer be tax exemptions for religious organizations?
Finally, what about all the letter writing campaigns the Watchtower asked it's member to participate in regards to the Russian ban on Jehovah's Witnesses? Add to that all the lawsuits the Watchtower uses to fight governments such as the Australian Redress Scheme? Why didn't the Watchtower simply obey rather than use the government (the courts) to fight such things?
If Trump runs against Biden in 2024---------- and;
Biden promises to disband Jehovah's Witnesses for good.
But;
Trump promises to support Jehovah Witness and give them lots of tax money for Kingdom Interest.
Will Jehovah Witnesses Vote in 2024???
Thanks to JWFacts
The understanding of the “Superior Authorities” of Romans 13:1 is a teaching where Watchtower doctrine has see-sawed back and forth in clear violation of the principle of the light getting brighter.
| Up to 1929 | 1929 to 1962 | 1962 onwards |
| “Evil as these Gentile governments have been, they were permitted or “ordained of God” for a wise purpose. (Rom. 13:1)” Studies In the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages p.250 | “The Superior Authorities are the Most High God Jehovah and his exalted Son Jesus Christ.” This Means Everlasting Life (1950) p.197 | “The Expression “superior authorities” means the political governments or authorities.” Life everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God (1966) p.189 |
Romans 13:1-2 is simple to understand, describing the Christian obligation to follow the laws of the country. This is how it is interpreted by most Christian religions and how Russell explained the Scripture.
LIGHT NOT GETTING BRIGHTER BUT BLINKING ON AND OFF
There is no instruction or warning of participating within governments in the bible.
Jesus said " He " is not part of this world, but didn't say his followers couldn't or shouldn't.
Rocket man we are supposed to be like Jesus
It's funny how they want to be no part of politics when it suits them but when it comes down to their "rights" they are all political. Put the rank and file have no rights if you decide to leave.
The witnesses have been known to schmooze with city or town planning officials so that they can get a property or building approved
minimus - "Are Jehovah’s Witnesses wrong regarding staying out of politics?"
Well, considering how wrong they've been about everything else... 
Governmental authorities are ministers of WHOM? A big question that JWs run away from as it concerns Romans 13:4,6.😀😀😀🤔😀
One can only imagine how they easily call government authorities AGENT OF SATAN even in the presence of Romans 13: 4,6
