Differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and other religions: Political Neutrality
Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide remain politically neutral. The reasons for the Neutrality of Jehovah’s Witnesses is based on what the Bible teaches. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t go to war. Don’t participate in any action to change governments. And not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates or run for government office.
Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the example of Jesus
Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the example of Jesus, who refuse to accept political office (John 6:15).
“(John 6:15) Then Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.”
Jesus taught his disciples to be no part of the world and made clear, that they should not take sides in political issues (John 17:14,16; 18:36; Mark 12:13-17).
(John 17:14) I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.
(John 17:16) They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.
(John 18:36) Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.”
(Mark 12:13-17) Next they sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the party followers of Herod in order to catch him in his speech. 14 On arriving, these said to him: “Teacher, we know you are truthful and you do not seek anyone’s favor, for you do not look at the outward appearance of people, but you teach the way of God in line with truth. Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay, or should we not pay?” Detecting their hypocrisy, he said to them: “Why do you put me to the test? Bring me a de·narʹi·us to look at.” 16 They brought one, and he said to them: “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to him: “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus then said: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” And they were amazed at him.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are an international brotherhood
Since Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid political divisions, they are united as an international brotherhood (Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 2:17). In contrast to that what Jehovah’s Witnesses do, religions that meddle in politics divide their members (1 Corinthians 1:10).
(Colossians 3:14) But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.
(1 Peter 2:17) Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the king.
(1 Corinthians 1:10) Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.
Jehovah’s Witnesses respect governments
Jehovah’s Witnesses respect the authority of the governments under which they live. In harmony with the commandment from the Bible: (Romans 13:1) “Let every person 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.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses obey the laws, cooperate with efforts of the government to provide for welfare and pay taxes
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t participate in any attempt to subvert the government. But follow the counsel of the Bible, what we can find in 1 Timothy: (1 Timothy 2:1, 2) “ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made concerning all sorts of men, 2 concerning kings and all those who are in high positions, so that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with complete godly devotion and seriousness.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses respect the rights of others
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t disrupt elections or interfere with those who choose to vote. So Jehovah’s Witnesses show respect to the rights of others to make their own decisions in political matters.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are politically neutral like the first century Christians
Also the first century Christians and the apostles were political neutral. We can read in the book Beyond Good Intentions: “Though they believed they were obligated to honor the governing authorities, the early Christians did not believe in participating in political affairs.”And in the book On the Road to Civilization we can read, that early Christians “would not hold political office.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses are peace loving and law-abiding citizens
Jehovah’s Witnesses have the goal to follow Jesus Christ. And obey the commandments of the Bible. Which Jehovah’s Witnesses consider as God’s word. This is also the reason, why Jehovah’s Witnesses remain politically neutral. The politically neutrality of Jehovah’s Witnesses make Jehovah’s Witnesses different to other religions.
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