They don't ask the congregation amy more to raise their hand to approve a payment to say the CO, maybe they don't want the R&F to think they are VOTING.
Can JWs really vote now , since when?
by Crazyguy 22 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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steve2
Thanks Blondie for the references and shepherdless and others for details on voting in Australian elections.
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BluesBrother
In recent years I asked an elder if they had had instruction on this in view of some ambiguous statements in print. He said not and did not know the answer????
This is the "God's Love book p 212/213 printed 2014 & included in the 2016 "Research Guide": I take the answer to be "NO"
Voting in political elections. True Christians respect the right of others to vote. They do not campaign against elections, and they cooperate with elected authorities. However, they remain resolutely neutral with regard to the political affairs of the nations. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) What should a Christian do in lands where voting is compulsory or in a situation where feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth? Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits. However, he will take care not to violate his neutrality. He should take into account the following six principles:
Jesus’ followers are “no part of the world.”—John 15:19.
Christians represent Christ and his Kingdom.—John 18:36; 2 Corinthians 5:20.
The Christian congregation is united in belief, and its members are bound together by Christlike love.—1 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 3:14.
Those who elect a certain official share responsibility for what he does.—Note the principles behind the words recorded at 1 Samuel 8:5, 10-18and 1 Timothy 5:22.
Jehovah viewed Israel’s desire for a visible ruler as a sign that they had rejected Him.—1 Samuel 8:7.
Christians must have freeness of speech when speaking to people of all political persuasions about God’s Kingdom government.—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:35.