no to politics

[Fidei]

What sparked this zeal so much to disassociate themselves from this “worldly” government?

The JW’s highly discourages its members into governmental offices because it’s only human government therefore we should yearn for God’s government because the current system is of Satan’s. what entices this pessimistic attitude and neutrality towards the world? most assuredly the CC doesn’t think so for it advocated to the right of every human being on this planet and for the betterment of the world’s political system.

I see a lot of their publications showing images about the “problem of the end times”, showing a mother and her malnourished child in Africa asking for alms. I can only imagine the JW readers saying; “It’s so sad that this is happening around the world! but it’s alright for me if they die, rather than I becoming an activist for the benefit of these unfortunate ones because it’s not what Jehovah and the bible wants us to do”

 

[D0UBTFIRE]

Well, if I remember correctly, there’s a bible verse that talks about Christians not being “of this world”…so it’s not just politics that JWs have a problem with, it’s also being friends with “wordly people” (anyone who’s not a devout JW) that is a problem.

 

[InSearchofGrace]

To JWs, all non-JW organizations (political and all other religious organizations) are controlled by Satan (the god of this system of things), the way they interpret 2 Cor 4:4. Everything that’s non-JW in practice is paganistic, as 2 Timothy 3:13 and Acts 20:29 are read. Association with non-JWs is a “no-no”, as they understand 2 Cor 6:14-17.

It took me a long time to realize the last part. I thought this JW lady and I were forming a nice friendship over the course of two years. But it became apparent that the only way she would entertain a “social” meeting with me was if it included Bible study and/or discussion of what is taught in their publications. It became like too much work. There was no going to the movies or seeing a play, or just hanging out. I was just an avenue for her to log evangelization hours in her weekly report.

As with the OP, I ask the same question: what could have sparked the zeal of JWs? And what makes JWs continue to disassociate from all that they consider “worldly”? It is difficult to appreciate that Jehovah and the Bible would preclude the faithful from taking part in real, tangible solutions to the problems of society, without forsaking Christ’s teachings on love of our Heavenly Father and our neighbors.

While Jesus Christ spoke against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, He followed the laws, practice and customs in His day. He did not like the tyranny of Rome, but He advised that Jews “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”. He must not have been against attending parties, because He went to the wedding in Cana, as He entered His public ministry. He even provided the wine! Seriously, Jesus understood that life needs to be balanced; otherwise, it would be an utterly disorganized and chaotic world.

Further questions in line with the OP: When not working or earning a living, or going to the store to buy groceries, why or how do JWs let their pre-occupation with eschatology consume their days and their consciousness when they step outside of their homes? Could JWs not see that it would take more than honing speaking skills in KH assemblies, “door to door” evangelizing, and visiting nursing homes to distribute beautifully illustrated magazines?

It would be nice if JW posters like djdave would give answers without simply giving a list of scripture, or just citing Matthew 12:34-37 as he did on another thread. No offense to djdave here. If he does not submit a reply to this post, would other JWs who read or participate in this forum provide answers, please? This would help us non-JWs understand JWs better.