Why do Jehovah Witnesses think they are above the law?

Question

Mormons are taught to follow ALL the laws

Poligamy has been AGAINST mormon rules since 1890

A plice officer told me this note about J.W.s

Answer 1

Actually, true Christians (such as Jehovah's Witnesses) believe the bible to teach that true worship calls for its adherents to demonstrate subjection to BOTH divine law AND secular law.

(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. [caps added]


It is only when a human law conflicts with God's law that a Christian resolves the matter as the apostles did.

(Acts 5:29) Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.

(Acts 4:19) Peter and John said...: “Whether it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves.


Of course, this principle of relative subjection was not new to Christianity. The questioner might choose to re-read the account of Daniel's three Hebrew companions.
http://watchtower.org/bible/da/chapter_003.htm

(Daniel 3:18) Let it become known to you, O king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will not worship.


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

Answer 2

I was trying to think of a polite way to say this, but I really can't. This question is uncalled for and antagonistic. As a fellow Mormon, how would you like the exact same question asked about us if a police officer told someone that Mormons don't obey all the laws? Remember the old analogy, if you want to get a car, don't go to a vacuum cleaner salesman.

Maybe you could rephrase the quesiton to something along the lines of "Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe they are above the law? I was told this by a police officer and was wondering if it was true."

Answer 3

Jesus Christ and the early Christians did nothing to interfere with human governments of their day. (Joh 6:15; 17:16; 18:36; Jas 1:27; 4:4)

They recognized the fact that some form of government is necessary for the existence of society, and they never fomented revolution or civil disobedience. (Ro 13:1-7; Tit 3:1)

Jesus set forth the guiding principle for true worshipers of God to follow when he said: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Mt 22:21) This principle enabled the early Christians (and Christians since then) to maintain a right balance as to relations with the two authorities, that of the civil governments and that of God.

Jesus showed further that his position while on earth, and therefore that of his disciples, was not one of fighting against the “Caesar” governments but, rather, one of compliance with their regulations that did not conflict with God’s law.

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.”

Answer 4

They don't. They adhere the scripture at Romans 13:1 which says: Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities. In other words, it's telling us to obey the law. The only time one shouldn't obey the law is if the law conflicts with God's word, the Bible. Acts 5:29 says: In answer Peter and the [other] apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men. I don't know what JWs you're referring to, but they're commanded to obey the law, and they do just so.

Answer 5

First let me say that I am not a Jehovah's Witness, but 2 people whom I love dearly are.
They are the most humble, loving, law abiding people I have ever known.
It hurts me to hear people slander them because of their beliefs. But there is not much I can do about it.
People will always judge. Let God judge.

Answer 6

Give an example please. We strive to abide by the Bible, where in, if you have read it you know doubt recall Christ Jesus telling us to pay what is owed to it's rightful owner, to Ceaser Ceaser, and to God God. We pay our taxes, etc.

It is true we don't pledge our alliegance to the flag, but as far as I know there is NO law saying we have to, so where do you base your claim??

If you want you can talk to one of us, and ask us anything, while there are some questions we might not answer, like how big is the sun:D, we will try to answer all your questions.

Answer 7

Yes the JWs do believe they are above human governmental laws.

The most outstanding and unpatriotic is the refusal to participate in mandatory armed services or a substitution that can be made for conscientious objectors.

They believe that all government is of Satan and that is contrary to what is stated in the bible.

They perform no civic duties, responsibilities, or contributions to help anyone in need. They sponsor no outreach groups to help people that are in great need for any of many reasons.

All excess funds that are not used to run their congregation is given to the WTB&TS.

The only way they help another person, except for maybe a flat tire like event, is to go door to door so they can convert more contributors.

Answer 8

That's the problem with so many religions. They cast judgment to one another, but still pray to God.

That's why some people don't believe in God because of this.

God is Love. Not who is better than who.

What a crying shame and I can't do anything about it.

Answer 9

So you thing Witnesses are above the law, and you're below the law. Great, I think that you're below a lot of other things too.

Answer 10

Witnesses here know me pretty well....I am VERY hard on them, but I have to admit that most of them are pretty dedicated and law abiding....They have their consciencous objections, which is a right protected by law........maybe I will get a few thimbs up this time..lol