JW Voters: Post Election-Day Fallout?

by Room 215 13 Replies latest jw friends

  • Elsewhere
    Elsewhere

    [Witnesses] can go to the polls and enter the voting booths. It is here that they are called upon to mark the ballot or write in what they stand for.

    Jehovahs Witnesses believe that Christ Jesus is the enthroned King of Gods heavenly Kingdom, and they, like ambassadors, must announce this to the nations.

    It is not our responsibility to instruct them what to do with the ballot.

    [Cough] Double speak

    It is not our responsibility to instruct them what to do with the ballot.
    Jehovahs Witnesses must announce [that Christ Jesus is the enthroned King of Gods heavenly Kingdom]

    Translation: Jehovah's Witnesses that are compelled by law to vote in a political election must write in "Jesus Christ".

  • BluesBrother
    BluesBrother

    Anybody that voted would be announced as dissassocated. The original purpose of that arrangement was to deal with situations where they want to d/f people but cannot by law prevent people voting ot taking up millitary arms.

    the article makes that clear

    "As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovahs Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) In making this personal decision, the Witnesses consider a number of factors.

    First, Jesus Christ said of his followers: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." (John 17:14) Jehovahs Witnesses take this principle seriously. Being "no part of the world," they are neutral in the political affairs of the world.John 18:36.

    Second, the apostle Paul referred to himself as an "ambassador" representing Christ to the people of his day. (Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) Jehovahs Witnesses believe that Christ Jesus is now the enthroned King of Gods heavenly Kingdom, and they, like ambassadors, must announce this to the nations. (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 11:15) Ambassadors are expected to be neutral and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries to which they are sent. As representatives of Gods heavenly Kingdom, Jehovahs Witnesses feel a similar obligation not to interfere in the politics of the countries where they reside."

    The comment about "Personal decision" is entirely for the public. The congregation know exactly where they stand.

  • Pork Chop
    Pork Chop

    Since the QFR I know of one case where the Elders became aware of an invdividual voting. They contacted Brooklyn and were told to leave the individual alone, just not give them any privileges. I believe there was a threat of a law suit if any judicial action was taken.

  • ozziepost
    ozziepost

    G'day Roomie,

    You may be interested in this thread:

    http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=19584&site=3

    Cheers, Ozzie

    Edited by - ozziepost on 7 November 2002 18:8:10

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