The ONE thing that keeps JW's worshiping the Watchtower Corporations more than (or as much as) anything else is the issue of neutrality. Neutrality is such a benign sounding word isn't it? It even sounds religious. It certainly has an aire of high sounding morality to it does it not? It makes one feel superior to others that are not neutral does it not?
The only problem with this doctrine is that IT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE, NOR WAS IT TAUGHT BY JESUS OR THE EARLY DISCIPLES!
1. The first non-Jewish convert recorded in the bible is Cornelius, an active duty Roman army officer. No where is he told to lay down his weapons, quit his job, and become neutral before he accepted Christ as his personal savior!
2. The watchtower is fond of quoting Jesus when he told Pilot, “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 delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” (John 18:36). BUT, they rarely if ever quote Jesus when he said, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." - Luke 22:36
3. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. - Romans 13:1-7
4. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers - 1 Peter 2: 13
I once asked a respected elder if he would take up whatever weapons that he had at his disposal to help defend his next door neighbor (who happened to be a widow) if she was being attacked. He said cautiously, "Yes". I then asked him what difference would it make if the neighbor lived a few streets away? Or, in another state, or in another country. He said nothing and just shook his head as if I was trying to trap him.
It was a valid question.
