I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses and we believe it is wrong to fight wars or engage in any nationalistic or political activities. However, I see many so-called Christians who believe those who don't take up arms are seditious and a threat to society. I would also like to point out that I am NOT afraid to die for my beliefs, but I will not KILL for them because of my belief in nonviolence and neutrality in war.
2006-09-20 05:18:34 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To Fatboy, telling a Jehovah's Witness they need to "reread their Bible is like telling the Pope he's wrong." If there is one thing and one thing only that Jehovah's Witnesses KNOW, its the Bible.
Also AS FAR AS JONATHAN AND DAVID GOES, they were part of GOD'S NATION, ISRAEL. Now, God "has no set nation." So, they (Jonathan and David could kill and not worry about killing another "honest" Israelite because they were one nation. Whereas Christians are spread all over the world today. So, the only way to avoid killing your brother today is simply to avoid WAR and be like Christ Jesus, BE NO PART OF THIS WORLD.
And THAT BIBLE SAYS, "obey the laws, UNLESS IT CONFLICTS with the laws of God" and later "render unto Ceaser what is Ceaser" (or pay your taxes and obey the law). So, God's law always takes precedent when it comes to the "law of the land and God's law." And "serving in the military, whether as a medic or code breaker is still aiding against your fellow christian soldiers on the other side. And THAT is tantamount to murder in God's eyes, a believer killing another believer over secular belief's. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Die for your beliefs before you kill another Witness to "prove" your loyalty to your "government."
Witnesses in other countries are subject to death because of this and they often choose death. This is not something that "used to happen, but still is happening today." One country has a 3 year prison sentence for Conscientous Objectors in Hard Prison Labor and Torture camps, then when they are released they are "put in the army AGAIN" and if they "object" again, they are thrown, ONCE AGAIN back into the Camp for another 3 years. Starting all over again! Today!
So, it may seem quaint and cute, but for some its hell. They are dying for their principals, what would YOU DO?
2006-09-20 05:51:06 · answer #1 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is a great conflict there. As a believer you refuse to fight in wars and take part in the government. that I do understand. On the other hand if people did not take part in these activities then how could you ever form a nation and how could you defend it. This brings a problem doesn't it? you live in a nation of people so that nation needs to have a government of some kind. There are times when a nation must defend itself against others so that brings another problem. What is more important to you, your church or your nation? It may just be that without the nation you live in you would not be able to even have such a choice. Many nations require all males to serve in the military no matter what their beliefs are. Also you can be part of the military and not be the one to do the fighting. there are many jobs in the military. Those that have a strong alliance to the nation will definitely criticize you and they should.
2006-09-20 05:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO ONE says that you're going to fight but you can serve in non-combat capacity. It simply a way for you to pay back society for all that you're received, like everyone else. It also sounds like a b/s excuse, really. But, that's between you and whatever you believe. Whenever there are wars, there seems to be a lot of religious individuals sprouting all over the place that couldn't even find a Bible in their homes before... how do I KNOW you're not just a punk coward? Yeah, you're "not afraid to die" for your "beliefs" until someone grabs you by the neck and tries to kill you... then you'll "remember" how to fight! Or if you catch some criminal trying to rape your daughter or your mother, I think you'll remember how to fight. You'll soon forget your "religious principles" and your "belief in nonviolence and neutrality in war." Did you not learn about David and Goliath?
Sorry. If you don't serve, you don't deserve to receive the many freedoms, liberties and rights of this country. YOU say you can't fight, go serve in a non-combative capacity (go clean toilets or something since you're a "Christian" and you have no pride or vanity). You also do not deserve to involve yourself in matters of politics; you don't deserve the right to vote or use tax deductions!
You have YOUR opinion and I have mine. You can believe what you want and I will believe in what I want. The only reason you have those rights, freedoms and liberties is beause others have died for you to enjoy these.
What gets my gull is that those that contribute the least to any society are always the ones that scream and shout the most making demands!
2006-09-20 05:28:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's nice to say that you are non-violent and neutral but you have the ability to exercise these freedoms because someone has gone to war on your behalf.
If you were living in a nation were it was forbidden to a Jehovah's Witness and the punishment was a violent death, would you still be non violent and neutral and calmly accept your fate, or would you defend yourself from the violence.
The US military isn't engaging so much in nationalistic or political activities as much as defending it's citizens. There is a large group of people and some angry leaders urging "Death to America". So, the US can sit back and watch more planes hit buildings or seek out those who would do harm.
2006-09-20 05:25:49 · answer #4 · answered by grandbendbeachboy 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
hey bro
you sure have strong faith and undue obligations to what you're believing and that's really nice but or the other hand does your religion says something about obligations to your country's belief
and the country belief is a kind of religion too that sees and believes how things should be on a larger scale.
for example, everyone has their own godgiven defense system to stay healthy and be able to live life so do you think not that a nation should have one too so that every citizen could be able to live on?
a religion is just a matter of opinion,ideas,advises and i would agree that your religion has a good point about no violence
but can't imagine if all or most of their citizens thinks like you?
what will happen to that country?
and what if you're made a god victim to kill someone?
think about it man?
2006-09-20 05:46:10 · answer #5 · answered by St.Jon A 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this is your right as you are a U.S.citizen and have free will and the freedom to choose. however, remember there are also areas in the military service which you can join without having to bear arms. you can serve in the hospital, do paperwork, become an instructor for teaching others as a few examples. if you want to serve in the armed forces talk to the recruiter and explain your religious convictions.
2006-09-20 05:23:57 · answer #6 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Then you need to re read your Bible. It says to obey the laws of the land and those who rule over you. By refusing to obey the rulers that God has put in place you are sinning against God! The only exception is where it goes against the Word of God and joining the military is not against what Gods says in either the Old or New Testament. Sorry if you have been told otherwise.
David a man after Gods own heart was a warrior! Moses, Joshua, Calab, Abraham,Isaac, and so on fought in wars and did not think that they were wrong in doing so. Are you saying that these men of God were wrong?
2006-09-20 05:23:02 · answer #7 · answered by fatboysdaddy 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
There are lots of ways you could serve in the military without having to kill. What about being a medical technician, or a mechanic working on cars, planes, ships or tanks? What about being a communications specialist and learning codes? What about being a cook/chef or the person who orders the supplies (quartermaster)?
You could easily serve in the military without having to kill or be in combat yourself.
2006-09-20 05:22:17 · answer #8 · answered by Leah 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
there's an prolonged and valid path of conscientious objectors interior the historic previous of the USA militia. that's a valid excuse for paying for out of the draft. human beings think of that's user-friendly to get labeled as a conscientious objector, in spite of if it takes numerous months to end a historic past examine. once you're granted that status, you have shown you deserve it.
2016-10-15 05:22:17 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quakers have the same feelings. In times of war and during the draft, Quakers would serve as medics and help the injured.
2006-09-20 05:21:45 · answer #10 · answered by ZombieTrix 2012 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋