In recent years, some Witnesses in former Soviet territory got their names in the papers
for supposedly trying to bribe officials to stop harassing them. In response, the Watchtower
printed one of their nice propaganda pieces called "Simply a Custom or Bribery?" about
students in Poland who gave gifts to teachers, with some hope of favor on grades.(WT 6/15 '03)
and the stalwart Witness who wouldn't.
Anyhow, this subject is a continuing dilemma for them - particularily as their growth is
primarily in third world countries where bribery is part of their way of life.
It was with some amusement that I read the latest "Questions From Readers" that asked,
"Should a Christian give a government employee a tip or gift for his services, or would that
be viewed as bribery?". While sternly warning against "bribery", the article makes allowance
for Witnesses to give gifts or tips to government workers to get legitimate services accomplished.
Of course, (nudge, nudge, wink, wink), it's up to you to figure out what is "legitimate" - and I
note that a "tip" is usually defined as something given AFTER a service is performed, rather
than before.
Actually, this subject of "tipping" government officials may have extended beyond the
third world ( according to past rumors). After all, the Society has been based in Brooklyn
for many years and those OSHA and Building inspectors can be down right mean.
A case of Scotch might help sometimes.
In the end, the Society realizes that missionary passports must be stamped and Kingdom
Halls have to get built, with all that entails.
metatron