Can Jehovah Witnesses become policemen?

Question

I believe they can not go to war because they should not kill. Policemen sometimes have to kill.

Answer 1

The doctrines of the Jehovah's Witness religion do not forbid employment as a policeman (per se), but that tolerance does not apply to specialities such as SWAT and executioner that directly involve killing.

A Witness may not have special privileges (such as elder or fulltime minister) if his employment requires carrying a firearm for potential use against other humans.

Answer 2

It's a conscious matter.
Their religion teaches that God views life as sacred and only HE has the right to decide when such should be taken away from anyone. Yet at the same time, they are taught that enforcement of laws,discipline and punishment IS necessary to keep order.
But like you stated-- "Policemen sometimes have to kill."
Think of it this way ; if you have a gun in your house and somebody breaks in......what would you grab FIRST if you could?? I know what I'D be reaching for.....most likely somebody would die in that scenario.Break in MY house???..I don't tHINK so!!
On the same boat, if one of Jehovah's Witnesses was a cop and someone was threatening their life, their partners or anybody else's....don't you think they'd put that gun to use??....

Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to use their thinking abilities in this way whenever they are facing questions like the one you've asked. In the end...they have to make their OWN decision. Everyone is judged by God for their OWN actions and nobody else's.

Answer 3

We all have free will. So yes they can choose to do anything. Should a Witness be a cop? That is another matter. The Bible teaches that the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. Choosing to be cop is taking a side. We are supposed to remain neutral. If you have more questions please contact your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. We are usually listed in the phone book.

PS To the person who mentioned we are to riding around on our bikes. I believe you are thinking of the Mormons.

PPS To the person who said that if a JW was a cop and the person said I am sorry they would let them go. One Jehovah God's main attributes is Justice. The Bible is filled with accounts showing that if a crime is committed the one perpetrating said crime should be punished

PPSS To the person who said yeah but someone has to work on Christmas. We do not celebrate Christmas. Fact is I do not mind working on holidays. It is not my holiday and I can always you the time and a half pay.

Answer 4

They "can not go to war, because they could be killing their BROTHERS IN JEHOVAH" AND they refuse to do that. They do as Christ did and want to be "no part of this world." They do not vote, run for office, talk politics, fight in wars, etc. Why? Because they know the only way for peace to ever be on earth is for the ruler of the world (satan) to be thrown in the pit (Rev. 20) and Christ Jesus's Kingdom under God to be established on Earth. They know without Christ's sacrifice and rule, they have no hope. So that is what they wait for, Christs return, as "all" christians are doing now.

They can be policemen because policemen do not kill except in self-defense or in protecting "the innocent."

Answer 5

Would it be appropriate for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to choose this occupation? I assume that if a fight ensued, you might have to pull a gun and use it, possibly killing someone.

. Most of Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid employment that would require them to carry a weapon, since they do not want to incur bloodguilt by taking a life. (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 26:51, 52) It should be noted, however, that there are many people employed by law-enforcement agencies who do not have to carry any kind of weapon, and in some countries most policemen do not carry guns.

If someone has employment that involves carrying a weapon for use against other humans, or if he is required to be trained in the martial arts, such as judo and karate, what should he do? In making his personal decision he must bear in mind that a follower of Jesus is to pursue peace. (Romans 12:17, 18) In view of what is stated at Isaiah 2:4, most of Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid such employment. Even though the employment may be for the purpose of protecting the public (or property) in harmony with Romans 13:4, experience has shown that there is always the danger of incurring bloodguilt by taking life with the weapon, with harm to the individual’s conscience, as well as there being a danger of injury or death to oneself due to retaliation. (Psalm 51:14; compare Numbers 35:11, 12, 22-25.) Certainly it is best to avoid such dangers by selecting employment where they do not arise.

Answer 6

As with any decision,it has to be a conscience matter.
More often than not,I can't see too many following that professions.As there can be alot of violence,and as you said killing sometimes.Alot of what is required from being a Police person is in conflict with God's standards and requirements.But ideally it is still a conscience matter for the individual.

Answer 7

No, but for a different reason. Anybody with half a brain can say, "Oh yes, Lord, you've made me see the light" and what's the Jehova's Witness cop going to do then? They'd have to let them go. Zero percent conviction rate.

Answer 8

There are positions within police departments that would be appropriate, however, when you are a police officer, you are sworn in, and at that ceremony you have to make affirmations that no Jehovah's Witness is going to make concerning loyalties. Why, because our single loyality is to God alone. Also, as you pointed out, they at some point could be called upon to take a life.

Acts 5:28, 29: “[A spokesman for the Jewish high court] said: ‘We positively ordered you [the apostles] not to keep teaching upon the basis of this name [of Jesus Christ], and yet, look! you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.’ In answer Peter and the other apostles said: ‘We must obey God as ruler rather than men.’” (When there has been a direct conflict between the commands of human rulers and the requirements of God, true Christians have imitated the example of the apostles by putting obedience to God first.)

Luke 6:27, 28: “I [Jesus Christ] say to you who are listening, Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you.”\

Matt. 26:52: “Jesus said to him: ‘Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Could there have been any higher cause for which to fight than to safeguard the Son of God? Yet, Jesus here indicated that those disciples were not to resort to weapons of physical warfare.)

Answer 9

What does being a Jehovah Witness have to do with being a cop?

Answer 10

JW's do not recognize the government and refuse any military service. Of course they like the protection the government provides but do not want to pay the price.