Jehovah's Witnesses: How do you reconcile Romans 13?

Question

I understand that you do not consider yourselves to be under authority or loyal to civil authority. I understand that you do not voluntarily serve in the military or serve on civil juries. How do you reconcile this stand with Romans Chapter 13, verses 1-7?

Please clarify this for me. Thanks

New World Translation
Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. 2 Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves.


Contemporary English Version
Rom 13:1 Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power.
Rom 13:2 People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished.

Answer 1

Isaiah 2:4 States "And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."
To join a armed forces of any nation would violate the above. Example: Two countries go to war against one another. People of the same faith/religion live in both countries. Both countries religious leaders take sides with each of the respective countries in which they live. During the conflicts that insue what happens? People of the same faith/religion kill one another. Is this showing brotherly love for one another? NO!!

Below are some scriptures that will help clarify the stance Jehovah's Witnesses take on the subject of neutrality.

A Christian should keep separate from world James. 4:4; 1 John 2:15; John 15:19; 17:16

Obey human laws that do not conflict with God's laws Matt. 22:20, 21; 1 Pet. 2:12; 4:15

If you continue to have questions about what and why Jehovah's Witnesses believe as we do the link below will help you understand "Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?"

Answer 2

This question is based on a number of erroneous assumptions:

1.
Jehovah's Witnesses actually *DO* believe and teach that Romans chapter 13 refers to subjection to governmental authorities.
(Romans 13:1) Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.

2.
Jehovah's Witnesses actually *DO* consider themselves to be under governmental authority.

3.
Jehovah's Witnesses actually *DO* serve on juries.


Jehovah's Witnesses recognize that the subjection they owe to governmental authorities is secondary to the subjection they owe firstly to Almighty God.
(Romans 13:1) The existing authorities stand placed in their RELATIVE positions by God. [caps added]

While a Jehovah's Witness would obey any legitimate government demand for community service, Witnesses view military service as contrary to God's greater demand:
(Isaiah 2:4) And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.
(Matthew 5:44) However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU

Learn more:
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/1/15/article_01.htm

Answer 3

I used to be a Jehovah's Witness, so I think I can answer this question for you. Jehovah's Witnesses do not take a stand against authority, they passively do nothing. They pay taxes, they consider themselves to be in subjection to authorites as long as it does not cross their religious beliefs. When it does, they calmly and passively say no, accepting the consequences for their actions.

Answer 4

we follow the rules of the road, if we didn't we would get a ticket, we pay taxes. we don't go to war because we are suppose to love our neighbor as ourselves. we don't worship the flag, because we are only to worship Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Jehovah is jealous. so we do follow the law of the land as long as it does not go against Jehovah God.

Answer 5

im not a JW but that is a good questions. the only answer i can think of is that did not come out of jesus or god's mouth but it came out of paul's mouth

Answer 6

im Jehovah, and you didnt witness sh*@