curious....anyone know why Jehovah Witnesses' don't vote (for religious reasons?)

[phoenixrrt62]

-this was a discussion we were having @ work this AM b/f I left. We were wondering about the WHY of it…not that it’s wrong, right, or anything. I’m just curious. Anyone know?
(if it’s true, that is…I may not even be right about this…)

 

[Publisher]

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. The Witnesses don’t vote as they do not in being involved in “the systems of this world”…which is headed by Satan to the ruin of man. “Christendom” is also of this “world system” headed by Satan to fool people with “false doctrine”.

They are among a handful of “Christian sects” that do not invlove themselves in politics.

 

[Georgia]

As I understand it, the JW organization claims neutrality in matters of the state. Voting, they think, would not be neutral.

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. The Witnesses don’t vote as they do not in being involved in “the systems of this world”…which is headed by Satan to the ruin of man. “Christendom” is also of this “world system” headed by Satan to fool people with “false doctrine”.

They are among a handful of “Christian sects” that do not invlove themselves in politics.

This is pretty accurate. They interpret the temptation of Jesus where Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would bow down to Satan very literally. Their reasoning is that if the kingdoms of the world were not Satan’s to offer, then Jesus would have rebuked him. Additionally, they consider the rejection of Jesus in partaking of politcal life to further reinforce this. Therefore, they do not involve themselves in anything nationalistic (pledge of allegience, singing of anthems, saluting or waving national/state flags, participating in politics either by voting or running for office and military service of any kind) to keep from tainting themselves. They view such activiities as worship which is due to Jehovah alone and not any nationality or state. However, they do believe that they should obey and honor the leaders and law of the land within the bounds that such laws do not break Jehovah’s higher laws (ie., compulsory military service, partaking of blood, etc) Hope that helps.

 

[Regardless]

-this was a discussion we were having @ work this AM b/f I left. We were wondering about the WHY of it…not that it’s wrong, right, or anything. I’m just curious. Anyone know?
(if it’s true, that is…I may not even be right about this…)

Hey Pheonix.

Did you get an answer to your question?

You are right, we do not vote.

Jehovah’s Witnesses think the evidence proves the Bible is God’s word. So they take what it says pretty seriously.

In the bible book of John, chapter 18, Jesus was pulled before Pilate , (the Roman Governor) and Pilate demanded to know if Jesus thought he was a king. (That’s what the religious leaders were accusing him of to get the Romans interested.)
Jesus answer was pretty interesting: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If it was, my attendants would have fought… But as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” (John 18:36.)
So Jesus wasn’t involved in the politics of his day.
He said his followers would follow suit: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:16.)

So if Jesus wanted nothing to do with politics, what business would his disciples have in trying to sway politics right or left? They would obey the law unless it conflicted with God’s instructions. (see Romans 13:1, 5-7) but would stay neutral otherwise.

After all, Satan said he was in control of the earthly governments: Luke 4:5-6 says: “He (Satan) showed him (Jesus) all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time and the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority… because it was delivered to me, and to whoever I wish i give it.”” - And Jesus didn’t disagree.

So what business would true Christians have in voting and trying to sway governments if they believe Satan has the reins?

I see you are an atheist so probably think that is all a lot of superstition, but that is the reason you asked after.

I hope it made sense.

 

[Publisher]

Hey Pheonix.

Did you get an answer to your question?

You are right, we do not vote.

Jehovah’s Witnesses think the evidence proves the Bible is God’s word. So they take what it says pretty seriously.

In the bible book of John, chapter 18, Jesus was pulled before Pilate , (the Roman Governor) and Pilate demanded to know if Jesus thought he was a king. (That’s what the religious leaders were accusing him of to get the Romans interested.)
Jesus answer was pretty interesting: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If it was, my attendants would have fought… But as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” (John 18:36.)
So Jesus wasn’t involved in the politics of his day.
He said his followers would follow suit: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:16.)

So if Jesus wanted nothing to do with politics, what business would his disciples have in trying to sway politics right or left? They would obey the law unless it conflicted with God’s instructions. (see Romans 13:1, 5-7) but would stay neutral otherwise.

After all, Satan said he was in control of the earthly governments: Luke 4:5-6 says: “He (Satan) showed him (Jesus) all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time and the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority… because it was delivered to me, and to whoever I wish i give it.”” - And Jesus didn’t disagree.

So what business would true Christians have in voting and trying to sway governments if they believe Satan has the reins?

I see you are an atheist so probably think that is all a lot of superstition, but that is the reason you asked after.

I hope it made sense.

As a Friend I would look at this passage and come to the conclusion that those of us who dwell in the Kingdom of God do not bear arms and defend ourselves in this Kingdom. Friends see Jesus telling us not seek to further his Kingdom by force nor participate in violence and strife as we are members of a different Kingdom.

 

[Regardless]

As a Friend I would look at this passage and come to the conclusion that those of us who dwell in the Kingdom of God do not bear arms and defend ourselves in this Kingdom. Friends see Jesus telling us not seek to further his Kingdom by force nor participate in violence and strife as we are members of a different Kingdom.

You are right.
Jehovah’s Witnesses draw exactly that conclusion from this scripture. (among others).
Therefore, if my country went to war,I would not take part.
In Nazi Germany they were the only religion that had it’s own concentration camp badge (purple triangle). Mainly because of their neutral political stand.

Excuse my ignorance, but do the Quakers have a similar view?

 

[benidict]

Hey Pheonix.

Did you get an answer to your question?

You are right, we do not vote.

Jehovah’s Witnesses think the evidence proves the Bible is God’s word. So they take what it says pretty seriously.

In the bible book of John, chapter 18, Jesus was pulled before Pilate , (the Roman Governor) and Pilate demanded to know if Jesus thought he was a king. (That’s what the religious leaders were accusing him of to get the Romans interested.)
Jesus answer was pretty interesting: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If it was, my attendants would have fought… But as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” (John 18:36.)
So Jesus wasn’t involved in the politics of his day.
He said his followers would follow suit: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:16.)

So if Jesus wanted nothing to do with politics, what business would his disciples have in trying to sway politics right or left? They would obey the law unless it conflicted with God’s instructions. (see Romans 13:1, 5-7) but would stay neutral otherwise.

After all, Satan said he was in control of the earthly governments: Luke 4:5-6 says: “He (Satan) showed him (Jesus) all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time and the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority… because it was delivered to me, and to whoever I wish i give it.”” - And Jesus didn’t disagree.

So what business would true Christians have in voting and trying to sway governments if they believe Satan has the reins?

I see you are an atheist so probably think that is all a lot of superstition, but that is the reason you asked after.

I hope it made sense.

interesting. the apostle paul, certainly had no problems using his roman citizenship to get a better trial. he certainly had no problems using the political system of the day to get his message out. he went to rome because he wanted to appeal his case to ceaser did he not? he also attempted to sway political leaders with his message. more to come. i just got busy. Peace

 

[Publisher]

You are right.
Jehovah’s Witnesses draw exactly that conclusion from this scripture. (among others).
Therefore, if my country went to war,I would not take part.
In Nazi Germany they were the only religion that had it’s own concentration camp badge (purple triangle). Mainly because of their neutral political stand.

Excuse my ignorance, but do the Quakers have a similar view?

Friends, Mennonites and Brethren practice “non-resistance”. We believe when Jesus said “Love your enemies”…“Turn the other cheek”…“Put up your sword, he that lives by the sword shall perish by the sword”…when Paul stated…“Be at peace with all men…” they were serious.

The Quaker Peace Testimony states…"“We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world. The spirit of Christ, by which we are guided, is not changeable, so as once to command us from a thing as evil and again to move unto it; and we do certainly know, and so testify to the world, that the spirit of Christ, which leads us into all Truth, will never move us to fight and war against any man with outward weapons, neither for the kingdom of Christ, nor for the kingdoms of this world.”

Quakers do not shy from participation in government offices nor do they refuse to vote…I know some Mennonites and Brethren…and some Friends…do not do so…most of us feel we need to be leaven in our world and if we can influence governments toward peaceful means to resolve conflicts we will. “Friends Committe on National Legislation” is a Quaker lobby group in Washington to such an end.