Former JWs who attempt to deny reality on this do themselves no favours. It’s a sign of being in a bubble. Not everything about JWs is bad. - Slimboyfat
Yes, the Jehovah's Witnesses were notably the only religious group that publicly opposed the Nazis. As a result, about one-third were imprisoned, and by the end of the war, around 1,500 were killed. Remarkably, they did this peacefully!
Martyrdom is a powerful story—one that inspires and captivates. The willingness to die for one’s beliefs is a narrative celebrated on monuments, war memorials, and museums throughout the Western world. People need inspiration, and what could be more courageous than a virtuous death?
However, the situation is more complex. Before the Nazi era, there were between 25,000 and 30,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany. By the end of the war, about 20,000 remained. To account for this:
- About 1,500 were killed.
- Between 1,000 and 2,000 signed a loyalty declaration to the Nazis, renouncing their faith. (historians' estimate)
- Let's estimate around 1,000 fled Germany.
This means that by the war's end, between 500 and 6,500 individuals stopped practicing and did not return to the JWs.
Consider that between 1939 and 1945, 13,000 to 20,000 Jehovah's Witnesses managed to stay free despite the Nazis systematically targeting them. This was no small feat, given their beliefs, which included not saluting Hitler, reciting loyalty oaths, or participating in holidays and political events. It’s likely that some may have compromised their beliefs to remain undetected.
So, when you say, “The overwhelming majority of JWs resisted the Nazis,” that’s not entirely accurate. The actual numbers suggest that between 75% and 94% resisted.
Interestingly, while historians have made estimates, the Jehovah's Witnesses likely know the exact figures but choose not to share them. Anything less than 99% would cast a slight shadow on their heroic narrative against the Nazis.
Again, this is not to diminish their sacrifice, which is indeed commendable. However, absolutes rarely exist. The JWs were not entirely good, just as Catholics and other religions were not entirely bad. Millions of other Christians also died in war and resistance efforts, and many suffered in various ways. Ultimately, evil was defeated through the efforts of countless soldiers and fighters. The sacrifices made by Jehovah's Witnesses are no less significant than those of others who fought for justice.