just wondering
2007-02-10 09:50:18 · 4 answers · asked by Melanie Wood 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Technically, the decision regarding whether or not to stand for a particular performance of any national anthem is a personal decision for each Jehovah's Witness. During circumstances when standing for a national anthem would seem likely to imply an agreement with the anthem's sentiments or a position of allegiance to a human government, most Jehovah's Witnesses will choose not to stand.
Around the globe, Jehovah's Witnesses respect the governments and flags under which they live. However, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the flag salute is an act of worship, and that a "pledge of allegiance" can only made to God. Ceremonies involving national anthems can also approximate "worship" and non-neutrality.
Jehovah's Witnesses understand the bible to teach that Almighty God requires exclusive devotion; that is, he requires that worship and unrestricted allegiance belong to Him alone.
(Exodus 20:5) I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion
(Matthew 4:10) Then Jesus said... ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’
Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses are well-known as law-abiding persons. The Scriptures also teach that obedience is owed to secular governments, which the bible calls "the superior authorities". Of course, such subjection is RELATIVE to the unrestricted allegiance which is owed to God.
(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
(Acts 5:29) We must obey God as ruler rather than men
It may be helpful for non-Witnesses to read all of Daniel chapter 3, and note the connections between the ceremony described there and modern pledge of allegiance.
http://watchtower.org/bible/da/chapter_003.htm
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_10.htm
http://www.jw-media.org/edu_videos/vcfi_e.htm
http://www.jw-media.org/edu_videos/vcut_e.htm
http://www.jw-media.org/vnr/5263723221/22812301.htm
2007-02-10 16:30:03 · answer #1 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They believe they are worshipping the flag and the song. They represent allegiance. And that is against their beliefs. They only worship God. Sometimes A witness may already be standing when the song is started. They can choose to sit or may stand quietly.(not singing)
btw: you could ask why? they'd love to tell you.
its not a religion for me...but some just love it
2007-02-10 18:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by Chef Susy--Cookin it up! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses do not pledge allegiance to any Nation
or flag.Our allegiance is to Jehovah God and his son Jesus
Christ.And like Jesus we are no part of this World.We do not
participate in any political or religious activities associated with
this system of things.We obey God as ruler rather than men.
2007-02-10 19:37:40 · answer #3 · answered by OldGeezer 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they look to God's perfect government as their salvation, not any government under the rulership of imperfect men. Although, you would probably not be surprised to learn that they are also very respectful and obedient of these governments as they rule as long as what they require does not go against God.
2007-02-10 17:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋