Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Vote, Pledge Allegiance Or Support The Military?

"In reply Jesus said to him: `It is written, "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service."' - Luke 4:8

Jesus also said, "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:15, 16) Separateness from the world is important because Satan is this world’s ruler. Christians would not want to become part of a world that is under his control. -Luke 4:5-8; John 14:30; 1 John 5:19

This also included Jesus avoiding the world’s politics. Jesus explained why by saying: “My kingdom is no part of this world." (John 18:36) So true Christians would follow Jesus' example and remain separate from the world, only being loyal to God’s heavenly Kingdom.

The apostle Paul did write that Christians should “be in subjection to the superior authorities [political rulers], for there is no authority except by God.” -Romans 13:1-7. However, subjection to political rulers is to be relative, not unlimited. When there is a conflict between God’s laws and man’s laws, those who serve Jehovah are to obey His laws.

Concerning this, notice what the book On the Road to Civilization—A World History says of the early Christians:

“Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens. The Christians . . . felt it a violation of their faith to enter military service. They would not hold political office. They would not worship the emperor.” When the Jewish high court “positively ordered” the disciples to stop preaching, they answered: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” -Acts 5:27-29.

It is a fact of ancient and modern-day history that in every nation and under all circumstances true Christians have endeavored to maintain complete neutrality as to conflicts between factions of the world. They do not interfere with what others do about sharing in patriotic ceremonies, serving in the armed forces, joining a political party, running for a political office, or voting (See below video). But they themselves worship only Jehovah, the God of the Bible; they have dedicated their lives unreservedly to him and give their full support to his Kingdom.

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