Beliefs—Role in Society
Respect for Authority
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is their Christian responsibility to be model citizens. For this reason, they honor and respect governmental authority. Only on those rare occasions when a government demands what is in direct conflict with what God commands do Jehovah's Witnesses decline to comply. Their publications and public ministry encourage everyone to be law-abiding.—Matthew 22:17-21; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-7.
Relationship to Society
Jehovah's Witnesses are found at all levels of society, and they do not physically separate themselves from those who do not share their beliefs. They live, work, and go to school with people of different religious beliefs, and they enjoy cordial relationships with them. Jehovah's Witnesses follow Jesus' example of being "no part of the world" by avoiding the unchristian prejudices and controversies that divide mankind today. Although not ascetics, they avoid being excessive in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, or prominence.—John 17:15, 16; 1 John 2:15, 16.
Neutrality
Following the examples set by Jesus and first-century Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses do not share in the politics or wars of any nation. Their stand of Christian neutrality is well documented in history. They firmly believe that they must "beat their swords into plowshares" and not "learn war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4) At the same time, Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the authority of nations to raise armies and defend themselves, and they do not interfere with what others choose to do.—John 18:36.
Copyright © 2003 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.
