Puzzled - why are they objecting?

by ozziepost 5 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • ozziepost
    ozziepost

    Yep, I'm puzzled.

    I checked the JW-Media site (well, it doesn't hurt to see what they're up to now, eh?) and I came across this item:

    Armenia's Unresolved Issue of Conscientious Objection to Military Service

    I can't say I 'get it'. Maybe I've been away from the borg too long to know but I thought that there was a QFR in a WT which stated that dubs were now 'allowed' to take alternative service??

    If so, it makes this 'crowing' by the 'official' site rather suspicious.,doesn't it?

    So, have I got it wrong? Anyone have the facts?

  • fokyc
    fokyc

    If you watched the video, I think you would understand,

    http://www.jw-media.org/vnr/2172613262/236372.htm

    the alternative service IS controlled by the military.

    fokyc

  • ozziepost
    ozziepost

    Well, not really.

    Look at it this way, all alternative service is in some way controlled by "superior authoruty" and in some places is more overtly military than in others. I can see that they have a right to avoid military service, as in combat oriented service but anything else is, well....

    Seems like they're 'splitting hairs' to me.

  • LovesDubs
    LovesDubs

    Seems like they're 'splitting hairs' to me.

    Well they also say you cant have a job that requires you to change lightbulbs in the Catholic church, even tho that's not in theory "attending" and they wont let you join the YMCA to use their pool tho that's not technically becoming a member of a religious organization, and they will let you nurse your child thus giving them leukocytes but they wont let you get leukocytes to be treated for anything because they're on the "banned blood products" list...

    Splitting hairs? Oh they are the split end Queens of Brooklyn.

  • blondie
    blondie

    *** w96 5/1 pp. 19-20 Paying Back Caesar’s Things to Caesar ***

    Civilian Service

    16

    However, there are lands where the State, while not allowing exemption for ministers of religion, nevertheless acknowledges that some individuals may object to military service. Many of these lands make provision for such conscientious individuals not to be forced into military service. In some places a required civilian service, such as useful work in the community, is regarded as nonmilitary national service. Could a dedicated Christian undertake such service? Here again, a dedicated, baptized Christian would have to make his own decision on the basis of his Bible-trained conscience.

    17

    It seems that compulsory service was practiced in Bible times. One history book states: "In addition to the taxes and dues exacted from the inhabitants of Judea, there was also a corvée [unpaid labor exacted by public authorities]. This was an ancient institution in the East, which the Hellenistic and Roman authorities continued to maintain. . . . The New Testament, too, cites examples of corvée in Judea, showing how widespread it was. In accordance with this custom, the soldiers pressed Simon of Cyrene into carrying Jesus’ cross [torture stake] (Matthew 5:41; 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26)."

    18

    Similarly, citizens in some countries today are required by the State or by local authorities to participate in various forms of community service. Sometimes this is for a specific task, such as digging wells or building roads; sometimes it is on a regular basis, such as weekly participation in cleaning up roads, schools, or hospitals. Where such civilian service is for the good of the community and is not connected with false religion or is not in some other way objectionable to the consciences of Jehovah’s Witnesses, they have often complied. (1 Peter 2:13-15) This has usually resulted in an excellent witness and has sometimes silenced those who falsely accuse the Witnesses of being antigovernment.—Compare Matthew 10:18.

    19

    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? Here again, Christians must make their own decision based on an informed conscience. "We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God." (Romans 14:10) Christians faced with a requirement of Caesar should prayerfully study the matter and meditate on it. It may also be wise to talk the matter over with mature Christians in the congregation. After this a personal decision must be made.—Proverbs 2:1-5; Philippians 4:5.

    20

    While engaged in such research, Christians would consider a number of Bible principles. Paul said that we must "be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, . . . be ready for every good work . . . be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men." (Titus 3:1, 2) At the same time, Christians would do well to examine the proposed civilian work. If they accept it, will they be able to maintain Christian neutrality? (Micah 4:3, 5; John 17:16) Would it involve them with some false religion? (Revelation 18:4, 20, 21) Would performing it prevent or unreasonably limit them from fulfilling their Christian responsibilities? (Matthew 24:14; Hebrews 10:24, 25) On the other hand, would they be able to continue to make spiritual progress, perhaps even sharing in the full-time ministry while performing the required service?—Hebrews 6:11, 12.

    21

    What if the Christian’s honest answers to such questions lead him to conclude that the national civilian service is a "good work" that he can perform in obedience to the authorities? That is his decision before Jehovah. Appointed elders and others should fully respect the conscience of the brother and continue to regard him as a Christian in good standing. If, however, a Christian feels that he cannot perform this civilian service, his position should also be respected. He too remains in good standing and should receive loving support.—1 Corinthians 10:29; 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 3:16.
    I take it that this means if the civilian service is under the jurisdiction of a military or religious agency, that JWs would refuse to do it.

    One, Arman Agazaryan, a 28-year-old dentist, is the only breadwinner in his extended family of six, his lawyer Rustam Khachatryan told Forum 18 News Service. Khachatryan also complains of the treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses who have opted for the alternative military service, saying they remain under military control, have to serve far longer than those in the army and are banned from joining their fellow Jehovah's Witnesses for worship. There is no civilian alternative service.

    http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=528

  • yaddayadda
    yaddayadda

    The UN charter refers to the UN using armed force if necessary. The Society agreed to uphold that charter when it signed up with UN in 1991.

    <br><br>Yet they can't see that alternative service, whether or not it is organised by the military, in no way conflicts with Jesus command to put away the sword.

    Hypocrites!

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