All the big changes for JWs since this last fall brought me back to this site, and got me and the wife talking. Just HOW MANY things were we not allowed to do growing up as Jehovah's Witnesses? We were so used to all the rules, customs, and traditions, that we became used to them.
One site I found claims there are 141 unique rules!! I didn't believe THAT so I went over them with 3rd Gen...DANG! !!!!! What do you think...did the writer forget any??? lol :)
141 Rules. Things Jehovah's Witnesses Can't Do.
http://thejehovahswitnesses.org/things-jehovahs-witnesses-cant-do.php
The religion has many rules but these are learnt by Jehovah's Witnesses over a long period of time
instead of all at once. Even though the rules can seem overly restrictive, Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's)
don't see it that way.
1. Belong to another organization or club for the purpose of socializing with nonbelievers. See Religion First
2. Have best friends and activity buddies who are not Jehovah's Witnesses. See Friendship with Nonbelievers
3. Associate with people outside their organization when it is not necessary. See Friendship With A Jehovah's
Witness
4. Attend social functions sponsored by their employer unless attendance is required
5. Associate with coworkers after business hours in a social settings
6. Disagree with their organization's rules and code of conduct. See Can Jehovah's Witnesses Disagree?
7. Disagree with their organization's doctrines. See Can Jehovah's Witnesses Disagree?
8. Contribute to the Presidential Campaign Fund on their tax return
9. Join the armed forces and defend their country
10. Say the Pledge of Allegiance
11. Salute the flag
12. Vote
13. Run for leadership in their organization. (JW's are 'appointed' and invited to be leaders.)
14. Run for leadership in any organization
15. Take a stand for any political issue inside their organization
16. Take a stand on any political or 'worldly' issue outside of their organization
17. Campaign for a political candidate
18. Hold political office
19. Discuss politics
20. Be a union steward or shop steward
21. Actively be involved in a union strike
22. Use a gun for protection against humans
23. Become a police officer if a gun is required
24. Wear military uniforms or clothing associated with war
25. Take yoga classes and practice the discipline of yoga. See Is Yoga For Christians?
26. Smoke tobacco and cigars
27. Work full time selling tobacco and cigars
28. Attend Alcoholics Anonymous
29. Donate blood
30. Have blood transfusions
31. Read books, magazines, publications, and literature from other religions.
32. Buy anything from a church store
33. Buy something at a church garage sale
34. Donate items to a church run store
35. Shop at the Salvation Army
36. Work for the Salvation Army
37. Work for another church
38. Play competitive sports on a school team
39. Play competitive sports professionally
40. Run for class president
41. Become a cheerleader
42. Go to the school prom or school dance.
43. Attend class reunions
44. Be hypnotized
45. Accept Jesus as their mediator, 1 Timothy 2:5. See Mediator
46. Join the Boy Scouts
47. Join the Girl Guides
48. Join the YMCA
49. Serve on jury duty
50. Study psychology, philosophy, sociology, and viewpoints that might shake their faith
51. Attend other Christian churches
52. Attend nondenominational churches
53. Attend non Christian churches
54. Get married in another church
55. Dating non believers is discouraged
56. Casual dating is discouraged
57. Dating someone without the intent of getting married
58. Having sex before marriage
59. Breaking an engagement, separation, and 'unscriptural' divorce may result in disciplinary action
60. Marriage to non believers is not recommended
61. Be gay or lesbian. Homosexuality is not acceptable.
62. Throw rice at a wedding
63. Get divorced unless the reason is adultery
64. Can't remarry unless their ex commits fornication first
65. Toast drinks
66. Buy a raffle ticket
67. Play bingo
68. Gamble
69. Sing any holiday songs
70. Sing the National Anthem.
71. Celebrate Christmas - Why?
72. Celebrate New Years Eve - Why?
73. Celebrate Easter - Why?
74. Celebrate Mother's Day - Why?
75. Celebrate Father's Day
76. Celebrate birthdays - Why?
77. Celebrate Thanksgiving
78. Celebrate Flag Day
79. Celebrate Veteran's Day
80. Celebrate Independence Day. Why?
81. Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day
82. Celebrate Valentine's Day
83. Celebrate Halloween - Why?
84. Celebrate Hanukkah
85. Accept holiday gifts - Why?
86. Celebrate any holiday except the death of Jesus - Why?
87. Partake in the bread and wine that represents Christ unless they are part of the 144,000
88. Make holiday artwork for school
89. Engage in holiday parties at school
90. Take on a leadership role in school