G'day you guys from Canada, (Alright to call you Canucks?)
I see from my international style Diary that you're having a holiday today. So here in the far flung parts of the southern climes, we'd like to wish all our Canadian fellow posters all the best for today.
Do you guys remember when we couldn't do that? The JW brochure said:
Other holidays are somewhat different in nature. These are not so universally celebrated, but may be unique to a particular country. For example, there may be national days of thanksgiving. In some places there may also be a certain day set aside to memorialize a nation’s war dead, or a day to remember the birth of a country or certain prominent presidents, rulers or national heroes.So I guess we didn't celebrate 'cos were neutral. Is that what you said too? Notice that this brochure stated "respectfully refrain". Sounds so much better than what we know they really thought! That can be found in the "Reasoning" book. You remember, it's the field service manual. Not for public consumption. It states:
Jehovah’s Witnesses also respectfully refrain from participating in such national holidays. Though we respect the authorities in whatever country we may reside, for conscientious reasons we do not give them what we view as worshipful honors. We remain neutral toward all such celebrations. This is in keeping with Jesus’ words regarding his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”—John 17:16.
What Bible principles explain the viewpoint of Christians toward ceremonies commemorating events in a nation’s political history?Guess that puts it a bit closer to what they really think, eh?
John 18:36: “Jesus answered [the Roman governor]: ‘My kingdom is no part of this world.’”
John 15:19: “If you [Jesus’ followers] were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.”
1 John 5:19: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (Compare John 14:30; Revelation 13:1, 2; Daniel 2:44.)
Other local and national holidays
There are many. Not all can be discussed here. But the historical information provided above gives indications as to what to look for in connection with any holiday, and the Bible principles already discussed supply ample guidance for those whose foremost desire is to do what is pleasing to Jehovah God.
Anyhow, that was then, and this is now. Ain't it just grand to be able to be free to make your own decision about whether you do or don't? Guess that's really "neutral", ain't it? i.e. you make the decision based on your own "Bible trained conscience".
So from this ozzie downunder I'd like to wish you guys a most pleasant day.
How is it celebrated? In Oz we have Australia Day on January 26. Nothing out of the ordinary happens. We just like to go to the beach or the river and picnic. Near Sydney, if you go to a beach named Austinmer you're sure to come across the JDub picnic. Even have a pennant flying to identify the site. Hundreds go. Of course, they wouldn't dream of celebrating Australia Day!
Happy Canada Day.
Cheers,
Ozzie
"Truth persuades by teaching, but does not teach by persuading."
TERTULLIAN, Adversus Valentinianos