What if JWs voted in elections?

by Las Malvinas son Argentinas 26 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Las Malvinas son Argentinas

  Rutherford was a supporter and campaigner for Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan

  I had to google that name - interesting. Bryan is described generally as a liberal for that era - anti-war, against big business, but maintained his support for prohibition of alcohol, held deep religious beliefs and campaigned against the teaching of evolution.

  Actually sounds kind of MAGAish.

  I can see why Rutherford was attracted to him though. Known as a “great orator”, it would seem the Judge shared just about every ambition of Bryan’s with the exception of Prohibition and support for women’s right to vote.

  Knorr and FW Franz are 1950s era Republicans imo. True, they hated the clergy as much as Rutherford did, but they were high on their own hierarchy and self-righteousness. Both despised the 60s counter-culture and tightened the rules on sex and dating.

  I find JWs a curious mix of the two sides of the political spectrum. They can and do share some progressive ideals but they’d have big problems with where the left lands on the culture wars. I spoke to my JW brother a few months ago and he was going on and on about transgenders and “Sodom and Gomorrah”. Still plenty of those types of JWs still in.
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  no-zombie

  Overall this is an interesting question, which could be answered one of two ways.

  Firstly, we would have to ask if the Brotherhood as truly 'free' to vote, without the local branch providing 'recommendations' to faithful Christians. And if it was like that, I would imagine that the local branch would instruct Witnesses to vote for the political party, the political philosophy or the political candidate that offered the best set of kick-backs for the Organization. Which actually could change from country to country.

  However If Witnesses were free to vote according to their own consciences, then I feel that most would vote for left or socialist parties because, as most of the Brothers are in the low income bracket, any direct and immediate financial support (as typically offered by these parties) would be highly desirable. In a similar vein, Witnesses are typically the kind of people who want instant help, rather than a people who would be happy to the government's long term strategic planing projects to help the economy, like the investing in ports, bridges or cleaning up the environment.

  Thus ... not right, not center, not green ... but left political parties, would be my guess here.
  
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  StephaneLaliberte

  [...] most of the Brothers are in the low income bracket, any direct and immediate financial support (as typically offered by these parties) would be highly desirable. [...] Witnesses are typically the kind of people who want instant help, rather than a people who would be happy to the government's long term strategic planning projects to help the economy, like the investing in ports, bridges or cleaning up the environment. - no-zombie

  When I first read your comment, I disagreed, thinking that JWs don't typically respect laziness and often help one another whenever possible. But after giving it more thought, you're right. Despite not being lazy, I've seen many of them, including myself and my family, benefit from low-income housing projects and other assistance programs. They encourage hard work to support one's family, but since they frown upon business success and higher education, many JW parents end up in low-paying, hard-working jobs. They work hard for little reward, often for most of their lives. As they dedicate so much time to their religion (10 to 20 hours per week), they don't have the time to invest in themselves through training or exploring job opportunities outside their core trade. Some managed to do so anyway, but they did it against the current.
  

  As for long term strategic plan, they don't really have any as Armageddon is just around the corner.

  
  
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  blondie

  I remember a discussion on here regarding compulsory voting. I didn't realize that other countries had that. One that was mentioned was Australia, but there are other countries too. https://www.aec.gov.au/About_AEC/publications/voting/ https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/vote/failure-vote
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  Beth Sarim

  One such country comes to mind is that of Malawi.

  Only one political party existed there at a time,,,I'm not sure if that is still the case or what but.....

  You were expected to carry a political card with you,,,,even with only one political party in charge.

  But,,,JWs were prohibited from even carrying a political card with them,,,,even with only one political party. Resulting all kinds of persecution,,,atrocities & horror stories!!!!
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  peacefulpete

  Realistically, I suppose if the church presses them to vote against social issues like gay rights and reproductive rights, most would toe the line. If not, then it probably would fall about50/50 like the rest of the population.
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  NotFormer

  It's arguably compulsory here, but I think you can get an exemption on religious grounds from the AEC (Australian Electoral Commission). The penalty is a small fine; I've never known anyone who's paid it. People usually don't vote because they forget. We've got local council elections this Saturday here in NSW. They're compulsory too.