Hi there Julia.
I agree with yourmomma's opinion above and here's a bit more to consider if you care to read it.
Given the right circumstances, virtually every rational, moral person will "lie". The only disagreement I have with the WT policy on "lying" is semantics.
The WT says that it is ALWAYS wrong to lie. Therefore, in order for a JW to not tell the Nazis where the Bibles are hidden, the WT comes up with an unothodox definition of the word "lie". They say that it's not lying to withhold the truth from someone who isn't "entitled" to know the information.
I hate to admit it, but I actually agree with most of the Watchtower's policy on lying. There are only two key differences between my approach and the Watchtower's.
1. The definition of "lie". I think it's best to try to use language accurately to help facilitate good communication. Most people would probably agree with these two dictionary definitions:
*to make an untrue statement with the intent to deceive
*to create a false or misleading impression
So when the JW tells the Nazi Gestapo officers that they don't know where the Bibles and Watchtowers are, most people would call that a lie. It's a morally justifiable lie, but still a lie. But since JWs tend to prefer their world view in black and white, they redefine "lie" so that they can in good conscience say that they didn't lie.
2. What circumstances does it take to make a lie morally justified?
It would be a pretty rare person who would feel morally obligated to tell the Nazis that the Jews are in the attic. Now it's just a big gray slippery slide to where you individually draw the line as to what circumstances would justify lying.
Here's my justification for lying to the elders, should that showdown ever occur. The Watchtower has created a system that violates a basic human need: access to family and/or friends. Therefore, I would have zero moral compunction in telling the Watchtower's company men what they want to hear.
If you feel that you are morally obligated to continue to refuse to answer their "loyalty oath" question, it will very likely result in you eventually getting DFed, IMO.
Just my $.02 for your consideration.
You're the one who has to live with the fallout, not us.
All the best to you and your husband,
om
