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Jehovah's Witnesses and War

"Who are no part of the world and learn war no more? Again, the historical record of the 20th century testifies: only Jehovah's Witnesses." Watchtower 1992 Apr 1 p.12

The Watchtower is quick to point the finger at other religions for their involvement in war, labelling their followers as "children of the Devil slaughtering their spiritual brothers" (Awake! 1985 Dec 22 p.10). Witnesses are proclaimed as unique, the only loving religion on earth and the only one abstaining from particpation in warfare.

"In our century, which religion has obeyed this law of love? Surely not the religions of Christendom, for they have slaughtered one another by the tens of millions in two world wars and other conflicts. Jehovah's servants are unique in obeying the rule spoken by Peter and other apostles to a high court: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Acts 5:29)" Watchtower 1990 Feb 1 p.22

Who in our time demonstrate such obedience to Gods commandments on love? Who have been persecuted, imprisoned, thrown into concentration camps, or executed because they would not take up weapons against fellow believersor even unbelieversof other nations? The record of this centurys history answers: only Jehovahs Witnesses. Watchtower 1989 May 1 p.28

This self-proclamation of uniqueness is far from correct; numerous religious organizations do not participate in warfare. These statements are another area that highlights the dishonesty of the Watchtower in attempting to convince their followers that they are unique and alone are acceptable to God.

What most Jehovah's Witnesses do not seem to be aware of is;

• There are a number of religions that do not participate in war
• Witnesses are neutral but not pacifists
• There is Biblical support for engaging in war

Religions not engaging in War

The best known religions for their stance against war are the historic peace churches - Society of Friends, Mennonites and Brethren. In addition are a number of nineteenth century groups that share a similar historical background to the Watchtower Society. Every major Christian denomination also contains pacifist factions. Christian churches known for their stance against war include:

• Moravians (one of the very first Protestant religions dating back to the 1500's)
• Brethern (Dunkards) groups, including
• Church of the Brethren
• Anabaptist groups, including
• Mennonites (16th century group numbering 1.5 million)
• Hutterites
• Schwenkfelders
• Bruderhof Communities
• Amish (numbering approximately 200,000)
• Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Doukhobors - 17th century breakaway from Russian Orthodox
• Molokans - 17th century breakaway from Russian Orthodox
• Some Pentecostal groups such as the Pentecostal Charismatic Peace Fellowship
• Seven Day Adventists
• Community of Christ
• Christadelphians
• Worldwide Church of God
• Pax Christi - A Catholic peace movement
• Fellowship of Reconciliation - A group formed in 1914 to unite pacifists regardless of denomination. All major religious denominations have affiliated associations including
• Anglican Pacifist Fellowship
• Methodist Peace Fellowship
• Baptist Peace Fellowship
• Orthodox Peace Fellowship
• Lutheran Peace Fellowship
• Presbyterian Peace Fellowship

In addition to this list are other peace churches that have become extinct or almost extinct such as Shakers.

The Peace Churches have suffered greatly for their stance against war, with members being subjected to persecution, imprisonment and death. For example, Hutterites were subjects of persecution in America during World War 2 and when two Hutterites died in prison after refusing the military draft many Hutterite colonies moved to Canada.

Pacifists

There is variance amongst the listed groups as to whether physical force can ever be justified in self-defense, as well as differing opinions regarding non-combatant military roles, such holding medical positions, or performing non-battlefield services that assist in war. True peace churches adhere strictly to nonresistance even when confronted by violence.

The best known Pacifist writing is the Friends Peace Testimony from 1651. Some Friends extend the Peace testimony to even refusing to pay the "War Tax" component of income tax in the United States. (See Minute on Conscientious Objection to War approved by FCNL's General Committee 11/14/04 as displayed at www.fcnl.org/priorities/war_109th_printer.htm 25th February 2007) Quakers were instrumental in establishing the option to avoid conscription as conscientious objectors during the United States Civil war.

Pacifism is "opposition to war or violence as a means of resolving disputes" (American Heritage Dictionary). Quite significantly, the Watchtower Society is not a peace church. Despite being neutral in war, Jehovah's Witnesses are not pacifists. A Witness may draw arms in self-defence. Jehovah's Witnesses are only forced to stay neutral until they are in the situation where they are required to defend themselves.

"The situation may be such that the only thing a person can do is to use whatever is at hand to protect himself or others. As a result, the attacker may receive a fatal blow. From the Scriptural standpoint, the one acting in self-defense would not thereby incur bloodguilt." Awake 1975 Sep. 8 p.28 Should You Defend Yourself?

"True Christians love peace. They stay completely neutral in the world's military, political, and ethnic conflicts. But, strictly speaking, they are not pacifists. Why? Because they welcome God's war that will finally enforce his will on earth-a war that will settle the great issue of universal sovereignty and rid the earth of all enemies of peace once and for all." Awake!1997 May 8 p.23

Furthermore, pacifist churches such as Quakers are against the death penalty, which the Watchtower Society is not. The Watchtower Society "recognize the right of governments to do as they wish" in regards to the death penalty, noting that the Mosaic Law advocated the death penalty. (g 96 3/8 p. 23).

Changes

Stances against war change over time. For instance, whilst the Church of Christ had a large pacifist faction this is now limited predominantly to followers of the teachings of David Lipscomb. Likewise, changes have occurred within the Watchtower Society. Originally, Bible Students participated in non-combatant duty and even went to the trenches.

"There is no command in the Scriptures against military service. It would be quite right to shoot, not to kill." Zion's Watch Tower 1898 Aug 1 p.231 (see also jv p.191)

"There could be nothing against our conscience in going into the army. Wherever we would go we could take the Lord with us, the Captain of our salvation, and wherever we would go we could find opportunities to serve him and his cause." Zion's Watch Tower 1903 Apr 15 p.120

The Watchtower requested prayers for America to defeat Germany during World War One.

"In accordance with the resolution of Congress of April 2nd, and with the proclamation of the president of the United States of May 11, it is suggested that the Lord's people everywhere make May 30th a day of prayer and supplication. ... As says the spirit through the Apostle Paul: "I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." (I Timothy 2:1-3) Let there be praise and thanks-giving to God for the promised glorious outcome of the war, the breaking of the shackles of autocracy, the freeing of the captives (Isaiah 61:1) and the making of the world safe for the common people--blessings all assured by the Word of God to the people of this country and of the whole world of mankind." Watchtower 1918 Jun 1 p.174

Under Rutherford refusal to participate in war or civilian service was enforced. This resulted in the jailing and even murder of Jehovah's Witnesses. In 1996, the Watchtower softened their stance, now allowing military service and civilian duty as a matter of conscience, presumably only in non combatant roles.

"What, though, if the Christian lives in a land where exemption [from military service] is not granted to ministers of religion? Then he will have to make a personal decision following his Bible-trained conscience. What, though, if the State requires a Christian for a period of time to perform civilian service that is a part of national service under a civilian administration? That is his decision before Jehovah." Watchtower 1996 May 1 pp.19-20

It is sad to think of the many Jehovah's Witnesses that languished in prison during their youth, were persecuted and even killed at Watchtower direction, only to find that civilian service is now considered an acceptable option.

Is War Justifiable?

Christian engagement in warfare is an issue beyond the scope of this book. Warfare is one of humanities greatest evils, and we can only long for a time when all are pacifists. However, Pacifism and Neutrality are untenable positions. We cannot overlook the constant rise of political despots, and Pacifism simply allows thugs to dominate our world. Pacifism and Neutrality can only work for smaller religions, which need to be grateful for the protection afforded them by national armies and police forces, without which they would not exist. When a religion grows to the point of becoming the state religion it is required to defend itself militarily.

The Law of Love is at the centre of reasoning against war. This raises an emotive issue - does love of God and neighbour allow unchristian tyrants to run unchecked through the world, or does love require defending ones beliefs and loved ones?

The other line of reasoning is that "The sixth of the Ten Commandments also declared, "You must not murder."" (w86 9/1 p.18) However, Old Testament support of Israelite war and the death penalty shows killing under these circumstances do not fall within the Biblical definition of murder.

One of the principle arguments against war is to quote Jesus warning at Matthew 26:52 "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." John shows the reason for these words was that Peter was not to prevent Jesus arrest, saying at John 18:11 "Put the sword into [its] sheath. The cup that the Father has given me, should I not by all means drink it?" Peter's carrying a sword during Jesus last hours indicates Jesus accepted being armed.

The Bible supports warfare.

Ecclesiastes 3:8 "[There is] a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace."

The entirety of Israelite history is steeped in brutal warfare. Over 250 times the Bible refers to God as "Jehovah of Armies" and he regularly commanded that his followers execute all that did not worship him.

Joshua 6:21 "And they went devoting all that was in the city, from man to woman, from young man to old man and to bull and sheep and ass, to destruction by the edge of the sword."

Numbers 31:15-18 "So Moses said to them: "Have YOU preserved alive every female? Look! They are the ones who, by Balaam's word, served to induce the sons of Israel to commit unfaithfulness toward Jehovah over the affair of Peor, so that the scourge came upon the assembly of Jehovah. And now kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has had intercourse with man by lying with a male. And preserve alive for yourselves all the little ones among the women who have not known the act of lying with a male."

The Watchtower justifies Old Testament Jewish war as necessary to cleanse the promised land of infidels. In the same manner, Christian Churches that engage in war see this as a role ordained by God. The very existence of Jehovah's Witnesses is a result of the global expansion of Christianity at the end of the sword.

The New Testament never specifically forbids Christian engagement in war, which, as a significant aspect to history, it should if this were an unacceptable practice. Several passages indicate acceptance of war.

When military officers came to John for baptism John did not direct them to leave the service.

Luke 3:14 "Also, those in military service would ask him: "What shall we also do?" And he said to them: "Do not harass anybody or accuse anybody falsely, but be satisfied with YOUR provisions."

At Matthew 8:5-13 Jesus did not turn the soldier away when asking to heal his manservant, rather commending him saying "I have not found anyone In Israel with such great faith" In the account at Acts 10 Cornelius was not required to step down as commander of Roman soldiers before being baptised.

Paul shows that governments have a right to use the sword to prevent bad, and that we should be in subjection to what they demand of us. This includes going to war when called for.

Romans 13:1-4 "Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves. For those ruling are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you, then, want to have no fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; for it is God's minister to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God's minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad."

Russell recognised that this scripture required early Witnesses to engage in civilian service and even attend the front line.

"The early Bible Students took this scripture to mean that if a Christian was drafted in wartime, he would be obligated to put on a uniform, shoulder a gun, and go to the front, to the trenches. It was felt that since a Christian could not kill a fellow human, he would be compelled to fire his gun into the air if worst came to worst." Watchtower 1995 May 15 pp.21-22

Though claiming to be the only religion to show neutrality and love, the Watchtower message of Armageddon makes war atrocities pale in comparison, with the claim that "billions" (w93 10/1 p.19) will be slaughtered at the hand of Jehovah, never to receive a resurrection. Witnesses take scriptures such as Isaiah 13 as applying literally to anyone not associated with their Organization.

Isaiah 13:9-16 "Look! The day of Jehovah itself is coming, cruel both with fury and with burning anger, in order to make the land an object of astonishment, and that it may annihilate [the land's] sinners out of it. Every one that is found will be pierced through, and every one that is caught in the sweep will fall by the sword; and their very children will be dashed to pieces before their eyes. Their houses will be pillaged, and their own wives will be raped."

If the Watchtower interpretation of Armageddon were correct, then Witnesses would be engaged in an act of love by killing "worldly" people in warfare prior to this gruesome event. At least those who die in warfare will be in line for a resurrection and perfect eternal life in paradise, a far better option than be destroyed by God at Armageddon, the most horrifying event of human history.

I have heard many Jehovah's Witnesses indicate the key reason they believe the Watchtower Society represents the only true religion is their refusal to participate in warfare. What most Jehovah's Witnesses do not seem to be aware of is that a number of religions do not participate in war. I admire the strength of individuals that suffered refusing to go to war. If every person followed this ideology, the world would be a better place for it. But for as long as tyrannts start war, there will be the need for armies to defend themselves and their countries inhabitants.

A related topic is the Watchtower's claim of being politically neutral. Though members are forbidden from voting, the Watchtower Society is actively involved in political engagements, as discussed at Watchtower Political Involvement.

   Paul Grundy  2005 - 2011