The above thread got me thinking. One of the main reasons dub's don't get involved with the military is that they do not want to "support" the government to which it serves. Ok, how about working for the government? Is that not showing support as well. Here a few very prominent dub's have state and federal jobs. And some very good government jobs. I find it interesting how they play with words and pick and choose what they can or can not do.
Working for the State or Government
by jula71 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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RichieRich
Well they say no to the Army because its killing.
I mean we have to follow god's example right... remember how he never killed anyone?
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mrsjones5
Do postoffice jobs count? I've known a few jws who worked for the US postal service.
Josie
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opr83
I was (am) a JW, and while a MS in the late 70's, decided to become a police officer. Of course that was frowed upon during that time, but it was a personal choice. In July of '83, the WT came out with an article on "be peacable" which basically said that if you held a position that required you to be armed, you could no longer hold any "privileges in the congregation. I weighed the matter, and decided to resign my police commission. Shortly after, I was appointed an elder.
I still worked for goverments (local) until changing to the private sector in 2000.
The issue about working in government does not have to do with the "supporting" governments. It has to do with what you are persieved to incourage. For instance, being armed and talking "peace" at the door really made no sense. As an example, if I were to take a job with a "military" manufacturer it would have been a violation of consciense to continue that job and go door-to-door.
This brings up a whole range of questions now for me. However, the decisions I made back then were based upon what I believed to be true and correct, and where I would be most used by Jehovah. It is a sad reality that - if I would have made other choices - I still could have been effective in being used by Jehovah, though not as a servant. I am no longer a servant in the congregation, having resigned about 3 years ago for a number of reasons.
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Scully
I was (am) a JW, and while a MS in the late 70's, decided to become a police officer. Of course that was frowed upon during that time, but it was a personal choice. In July of '83, the WT came out with an article on "be peacable" which basically said that if you held a position that required you to be armed, you could no longer hold any "privileges in the congregation. I weighed the matter, and decided to resign my police commission. Shortly after, I was appointed an elder.
Since women cannot become elders or ministerial servants (ie, Have Privileges™) there's a loop-hole for all the Sisters™ lurking: become police officers!! They can't take away a Privilege™ that they are never going to give you in the first place.
It's interesting that (at least where I live) while police officers carry a weapon, they are required to follow certain rules of engagement with respect to using that weapon. They can't even remove it from the holster unless certain conditions are met (imminent danger to life) and are required to make all necessary attempts to negotiate a possible situation before resorting to force. To me, that is the more "peaceable" approach. It's not like police officers are out there firing off their weapons willy-nilly for the fun of it.
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jula71
opr83 thank you for your viewpoint and openness and welcome to the board. One major problem I have is the use of certain catch-phrases, this one being "no part of the world." The GB have attached such wide use of this phrase.From politics:
*** w03 3/1 p. 5 They Triumphed Over Persecution ***In March 1933 the German government called a general election. Dr. Detlef Garbe, head of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial near Hamburg, explains: "The National Socialists wanted to force a large majority for their chancellor and führer, Adolf Hitler." Jehovah’s Witnesses followed Jesus’ admonition to stay politically neutral and to be "no part of the world," so they did not vote. The result? The Witnesses were banned.—John 17:16.
social activities:
*** w03 4/15 p. 14 Youths Who Make Jehovah’s Heart Rejoice ***
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In stark contrast with Satan, who has "great anger," Jehovah has "tender compassion." (Luke 1:78) He is the very epitome of love. In fact, this grand quality so characterizes our Creator that the Bible says: "God is love." (1 John 4:8) What a difference between the god of this system of things and the God you are privileged to worship! While Satan seeks to devour, Jehovah "does not desire any to be destroyed." (2 Peter 3:9) He views every human life as precious—including yours. When Jehovah in his Word exhorts you to be no part of the world, he is not trying to stifle your enjoyment of life or restrict your freedom. (John 15:19) On the contrary, he is watching over you because of the wicked one. Your heavenly Father wants you to have something far better than the fleeting pleasures of this world. His desire is that you attain to "the real life"—everlasting life on a paradise earth. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Jehovah wants you to succeed, and he is urging you on toward that goal. (1 Timothy 2:4) Furthermore, Jehovah extends to you a special invitation. What is it?even to jobs and the secular world:
My main issue is towards Governments. For example, the current thought is not to work work for a tobacco company, doing so would be supporting the tobacco industry. In that context I would agree, working for them, you naturally want them to succeed, if the do well you will benefit. It makes sense. Using that same principle, working for a government office, are you not supporting the government? I know many that work in the state university system, government and state inspectors, post office, etc. aren't they giving support?*** w02 11/1 p. 12 "Maintain Your Conduct Fine Among the Nations" ***
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Do we have other responsibilities toward those who are not fellow believers? Definitely. We recognize, of course, that "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) We know that Jesus said of his disciples: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." Still, we live in the world, earn a living in it, and receive services from it. (John 17:11, 15, 16) So we have obligations in the secular world. What are they? The apostle Peter answered that question. Shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem, he wrote a letter to Christians in Asia Minor, and a passage in that letter helps us have a balanced relationship with the world. -
rebel8
Hi op83, and welcome to the forum!
I were to take a job with a "military" manufacturer
I'm wondering--were you aware that the Watchtower Society owned stock in a military manufacturing company in 2002? Here is the document from the Securities and Exchange Commission that lists them as a major stockholder and clearly indicates what the company is in the business of doing: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/922330/000106299302000371/form10k.txt
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greendawn
I knew jws that worked in the post office, tax office, and social security departments. Nothing wrong with that.
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VM44
If the Watchtower says Christians must "be peacable" towards all, how do they explain that the apostle's carried a sword or two with them when they traveled? --VM44
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VM44
I hope they don't try to say that the sword was to protect against wild animals on the road!! --VM44