by VM44 73 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Did the Watchtower Society ban JW's from owning handguns for self defence?
If they did, when did they issue the ban?
Didn't some of Jesus's apostles carry a sword when the group traveled, to protect agains wild animals AND human thieves?
How does the WTS explain that (away)?
--VM44
Again, I believe this to be a "local issue". Growing up in the midwest where people hunt for deer, elk, pheasent, etc.... guns are not that big of a "hot topic".
"Those who live by the sword die by the sword"???
I also am in the Midwest and alot of Witnesses here hunt and have guns, some have huge gun collections. I am not sure about using one for self-defense, although I know some brothers would shoot someone to protect their family if they were in harm.
Watchtower 84 3/1 pg 14
Christians today likewise abstain from trusting in weapons such as guns and knives?even during these dangerous, ?critical times hard to deal with.? (2 Timothy 3:1) They take seriously the Bible?s command to ?beat swords into plowshares,? and they do not seek to harm their fellowman. (Isaiah 2:4) Because they do not carry weapons for purposes of self-defense, instead of resorting to violence they are more inclined to try to reason with people who would do them harm. ?If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men,? is the counsel they follow. (Romans 12:18) Nevertheless, it is not always easy to refuse to ?live by the sword.? Situations can develop that severely test a Christian?s desire to ?be peaceable with all men.?
This sounds like a ban on self-defense to me.
20 For example, when the July 15, 1983, Watchtower magazine pointed out that guns were not for Christians, Jehovah?s Witnesses in New Caledonia got rid of their firearms. Shortly thereafter, a local political group searched through a town, burning down every house where they found firearms. But no Witness houses were destroyed. Known neutrality is often the best defense, as has proved true in Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and other lands.
Watchtower 85 7/1 pg 23
Here is an overt ban on guns.
Violence is striking fear in the hearts of people of the large cities of the earth. According to a recent Gallup poll, 45 percent of Americans are afraid to go out alone at night within a mile of their home. Many carry guns. But is this the road that Jehovah?s Witnesses should take?to meet possible violence by preparing to be violent? The many accidents involving "weapons of self-defense"?with young children even killing other youngsters?should cause us to pause and examine the situation. It is well known that a professional gunman, when he sees another gun, will shoot?and shoot to kill. What chance then does the gun-toting amateur have!9
The Christian will find protection, not in possessing firearms, but in ?seeking peace and pursuing it.? (1 Peter 3:11) Trust in Jehovah. If you are confronted by a criminal, make it known that you are one of Jehovah?s Witnesses. Do not resist the one who threatens violence; give him the material belongings that he demands. Your life is more valuable than these. When cornered and threatened, call on Jehovah for help. Remember: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection."?Proverbs 18:10.10
However, would there not be occasions, such as in traveling through dangerous insurgent territory, when Jehovah?s Witnesses might be better off carrying firearms for self-defense? The answer emphatically is No. (Compare Ezra 8:21-23, 31; 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.) Take for example our traveling overseers in a certain African country. In recent years these brothers often were required to pass through war zones when serving the congregations. At times they were accosted by guerrillas or by security forces. If firearms had been found on them it would have cost them their life. With few exceptions, their identity as Jehovah?s Witnesses, along with the absence of any weapons of violence, gave them passage to their destination. It is the same in strife-torn Northern Ireland, where it has been said that "death is part of the landscape." The neutrality of Jehovah?s Witnesses is well known, and as peace lovers they find protection in both Catholic and Protestant areas.11
The Scriptures, backed up by the modern-day experience of Jehovah?s Witnesses, make it plain that it is inadvisable for individual Christians to carry, or have in their possession at home or in other locations, a firearm or other lethal weapon for use against human attackers or intruders. (Isaiah 2:4; 1 Peter 3:11) One who prepares for violence invites violence. Rather, the Christian?s main trust should be in Jehovah, his God.?Psalm 18:48; 140:1, 4; Proverbs 3:5-7.12
In line with Romans 13:1, 4, the worldly "superior authorities" may set up certain peace-keeping agencies, such as police, that are armed officially to protect citizens and property. Since such arrangements permitted by God are described as "God?s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," it would be in order for the Christian to request and receive protection from such an agency. But even if he finds it necessary to defend himself or his loved ones by whatever is at hand, he should not use firearms. Nor would he take the law into his own hands. In many countries it is illegal even to possess firearms for self-defense.?Matthew 22:21; compare Exodus 22:2.13
However, for private self-defense, might not the Christian take training in the martial arts, such as the Chinese Kung fu? Let it be noted that this most lethal of the Oriental arts was developed more than 1,400 years ago by Zen Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Monastery on the slopes of Songshan, one of China?s sacred mountains. From this religious source came also the martial arts of Japan?Bushido, meaning, literally, "The Way of the Warrior." Many experts in the arts of judo, kendo and karate still draw inspiration from religious meditation. Karate has as its objective incapacitating the victim, which could result in serious injury or death. Surely, those who trust in Jehovah would not turn to the martial arts for defense!?Proverbs 3:31.14
Would it be fitting for the Christian to possess firearms for the purpose of hunting animals for food? Since the Flood, God has permitted the killing of animals for food, though the blood must be poured out on the ground, not eaten. (Genesis 9:3, 4; Deuteronomy 12:23-25) When allowed by local law, some Witnesses keep guns for protection against wild animals or for shooting game. (Matthew 22:21) To them this may be an important or practical source of food. But never should anyone think that Jehovah would approve of taking animal life for sport, for the thrill of killing?as has been the way with ancient and modern "Nimrods." Since "the soul of the flesh is in the blood," this is precious in Jehovah?s sight.?Leviticus 17:11, 14.15
If a sizable number of Witnesses in a congregation should be disturbed in that someone is hunting animals merely for sport, and not for obtaining food, he might not be in position to receive special service privileges, because of his offensive reputation.?1 Timothy 3:2.16
It is similar if one of Jehovah?s Witnesses insists on carrying or having firearms for protection against humans, or on learning the martial arts. The spiritual elders should take immediate steps to counsel and help him to remedy the situation. (Micah 4:3) Anyone who thus continues to carry personal arms or otherwise equips himself to become "a smiter" would cease to qualify for special privileges in the congregation.?1 Timothy 3:2, 3.Use
of Arms in Civilian Employment17
If someone has employment that involves carrying a weapon for use against other humans, or if he is required to be trained in the martial arts, such as judo and karate, what should he do? In making his personal decision he must bear in mind that a follower of Jesus is to pursue peace. (Romans 12:17, 18) In view of what is stated at Isaiah 2:4, most of Jehovah?s Witnesses avoid such employment. Even though the employment may be for the purpose of protecting the public (or property) in harmony with Romans 13:4, experience has shown that there is always the danger of incurring bloodguilt by taking life with the weapon, with harm to the individual?s conscience, as well as there being a danger of injury or death to oneself due to retaliation. (Psalm 51:14; compare Numbers 35:11, 12, 22-25.) Certainly it is best to avoid such dangers by selecting employment where they do not arise.18
During these "last days," many employees are expected to carry a firearm. Bank or security guards, watchmen and policemen may even be required to do so to hold employment. But what of the Christian, who is obligated to "provide for those who are his own"? (1 Timothy 5:8) His Bible-trained viewpoint would be different from that of worldly persons, who feel free to carry such weapons and to use them as they see fit in any dangerous situation that may arise. (Ephesians 5:15-17) He will want to avoid bloodguilt, having in mind Jehovah?s viewpoint on the sanctity of blood. (Genesis 9:6; Psalm 55:23) A mature Christian should try to find unarmed employment. Some Witnesses by talking with their employer have been successful in changing to a job that does not require carrying a weapon.19
As the world becomes increasingly violent we can no longer regard as exemplary a brother who continues in armed employment. He could be allowed six months to make a change. If he does not make a change, he would not be in a position to hold special privileges of service and responsibility in the congregation.?1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:5, 6.Let
All of Us Pursue Peace20
In pursuing the path of peace Jehovah?s Witnesses have so many times found protection?physically, morally, spiritually! Clearly this Scriptural course is the one to be followed. In the few cases where there have been casualties among faithful Christians, their fearlessness to the death has placed them in line for an early resurrection. (Hebrews 11:36-40; Revelation 2:10) At times Jehovah permits Satan to place severe tests on His people, as in the case of Job, though the final outcome to that integrity keeper was a happy one. (Job 1:18, 19; 42:12-15) But whatever may come in these violent times, let it never sway us from our integrity. Let us trust in God. "For, as regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.
wt 15 july 1983
Times Change Get with It.
We don't need to carry swords anymore, we don't pack six-shooters on our hips like some did in the Old West and private handgun ownership is also a relic that needs to die with the past.
The 2nd Amendment doesn't protect the right to private gun ownership without qualification and even assuming that we concede the argument to say that it does the Founding Fathers only conception of guns were single-shot muskets that had to packed, rammed and shot a soft lead ball. They never conceived of a world of automatic and semi-automatic weaponry. If they had such technology it is very unlikely that they would have written the 2nd Amendment as they did.
The bottom line is that if the 2nd Amendment is the problem then it should be changed. The Founding Fathers made such provision to allow changes to the Constitution because they understood that they didn't know everything and because they understood that they were neither omniscient nor setting down sacred scripture that would never be changed.
-Eduardo
Well the thread topic was do they ban guns...
No it seems to be a selectively enforced rule if at all. I'm sure most Dub's aren't advocating to the elders that they would shoot someone dead if they broke into the house, but I'm sure some feel this way.
I would consider the JW's stance on blood a ban. As, they will enforce this rule 95% of the time. Guns...less than 10% so is it a ban. No.
