Russia's reason for banning Jehovah's Witnesses is said to be due to EXTREMISM. But what exactly does that mean, or refer to? Specifically, what practice (or practices) of Jehovah's Witnesses does Russia consider to be EXTREME? I am asking this because I have yet to read an article on the subject that sheds enough light. I am always left wondering WHICH of the many practices of Jehovah's Witnesses is it that has caused the Russian Authorities to take such a stand against them and to confiscate all of their properties.
Do any of you here have a clue about this? If so, I'd appreciate hearing about it.
Was it because of any of the following reasons?
- JWs refuse to do military service.
- JWs do not get involved in politics.
- JWs refuse to salute a national emblem.
- JWs teach that the worldwide political system is under the control of Satan.
- JWs consider the Russian Orthodox Church (which Putin happens to be a member of) to be a false religion.
- JWs believe that they alone have the truth.
- JWs peculiar stand regarding "blood".
- JWs don't celebrate birthdays or holidays.
- JWs disciple-making work, going door-to-door.
- JWs have a disfellowshipping policy that sometimes "divides families".
Was it because of ALL of the above?
Was it because of SOME of the above?
Was it because of NONE of the above?
Thanks for any help that you can provide.
Paul