Some Christian organizations have conscientious objections to military service which involves the shedding of blood. Our friends the Jehovah's Witnesses and we Seventh-day Adventsits share these convictions. However, in most countries, other alternatives are offered by their respective governments to such religious groups. These alternatives include medical work, etc., which Adventists happily accept. On the other hand the Watchtower Society will not allow the Jehovah's Witnesses ANY alternative service, believing it would be a "compromise" that would break their integrity with God. The Witness position is one that has caused it's people much suffering and imprisonment.
1. What are some basic reasons as to why the Watchtower Society objects to such alternative service?
a. A Christian should have nothing to do with military service or war, otherwise, it would be a "compromise."
b. Such work would be assisting the "war machine."
c. Healing the wounded would enable them to return to the battlefield and shed more blood for which the medic would be partly responsible.
Each one must decide according to his own conscience what he must do in time of war. However, let us examine Christ's example in the Scriptures. In Christ's day, Rome had conquered the then-known world. Its army of occupation was in Israel, and the Jews deeply hated the Romans involved in military service. So with this background it is interesting to see what Jesus did and the directives He gave on this subject. But what does the Bible say, should we help the wounded during time of war?
2. When an officer commands you to carry something for him for a mile, what should you do [if it is not in disobedience to God's commandments, of course!] ?
Matthew 5:41 (NWT)
Answer: "...and if someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him _________ ________________." Matthew 5:41
The Romans were empowered to make a Jew carry his equipment for a mile. This would be obviously helping the Roman army, but what did Jesus say? He told His followers to carry it for two miles! In the light of the Watchtower Society's arguments, this would have to be considered "compromise" to have anything to do with the army!
3. Did Jesus heal the servant of an army officer, even though that servant may some day have to carry out a command of the army officer to shed blood?
Matthew 8:5-13 (Read the whole passage)
Answer: "Then Jesus said to the army officer: 'Go. Just as it has been ________________ __________________, so let it _____________ to _________________ for you.' And the manservant was _________________ in that _______________." Matthew 8:13
In this account an army officer, a Roman centurion with a hundred soldiers under his command, came to Jesus and asked for healing for one of his slaves/servants. The officer was quite open with Christ that this servant was also part of the Roman military "war machine" to carry out his commands. Jesus could have refused to have had anything to do with this Centurion, but Jesus complied with his request and healed the servant. Adventists believe that they comply with the requests of governments to be medics and follow the example of Jesus in doing a work of healing.
If that Roman servant later would have had carried out his master's command to put some Jewish malefactor to death, would Jesus then have been responsible for the blood shed, for having healed this servant? No! Adventists take the same attitude today, which is the example Jesus set.
4. When the servant of the High Priest had his ear cut off by one of Jesus' own disciples when the military escort along with the mob came to arrest Jesus, did Jesus let the man suffer?
Luke 22:50-52 and John 18:10, 11.
Answer: "A certain one of them even did strike the slave of the high priest and took off his right ear. But in reply Jesus said: "Let it go as far as this." And he _______________ _________ ____________ and _______________ ____________." Luke 22:50, 51
Jesus became involved in a conflict when He was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. On one side was Judas's crowd armed with swords etc... and Jesus own disciples on the other side. Peter, determined to defend Jesus, lurched at Malchus, the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter for this and told him to put his sword up. Jesus then moved forward and took the time and trouble to heal Malchus's ear. Once again the example of Jesus Christ is clear for his people not to use arms, but to do a work of healing.
Seventh-day Adventists believe the position they take is completely scriptural. The position of the Watchtower Society is not only unscriptural, but it is so extreme it has caused sincere Witnesses around the world much hardship, suffering, imprisonment and even death.
Extremes and inconsistencies
In his book, Crisis of Conscience, the author, Raymond Franz tells how on a number of occasions a majority in the Governing Body of the Society wanted to change the position of the Society to "alternative service." However, each time the move failed as a "hard core" felt such a change would be embarrassing, a compromise, or it would be unfair to those who had already suffered for their previous stand.
Franz also tells a heart-rendering story of the needless persecution of thousands of Witnesses in Malawi because of the directive by the Watchtower Society's Governing Body not to buy a required government membership card. However, in his chapter, "Double Standard," he gives documented evidence that at the same time Witnesses in Mexico were allowed to obtain falsified documents of military service by bribery.
The Bible Alternative
A large proportion of Christ's ministry was devoted to
healing and relieving suffering. This example can be followed in war or in peace. A Christian can do this work and not "shed blood." It is an excellent alternative, and it is Scriptural.
The Watchtower Society has changed so many of its teachings down through the years, we can hope and pray this may become another. Then the needless suffering of so many of its people would be stopped. Perhaps if the members of the Governing Body lived in countries which did not enjoy the privileges and freedom of the United States, they might be more "encouraged" to look for these "alternatives" which Christ gave as an example!
ATTITUDES TO GOVERNMENTS
5. What is the whole Bible teaching on how we should live in this world?
John 18:36 and Romans 13:1-7
Answer:
a. "My kingdom is __________ ___________ of ____________ _________________." John 18:36
The Watchtower Society encourages its members to adhere strictly to a position of neutrality, not only in regards to war, but also to politics. Because Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world," the Watchtower Society interprets this to mean that Christians should not vote for anything to do with governments at any level.
b. "Let ____________________soul be in _______________ to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except ___________ _______________...." Romans 13:1
Christians are to support such institutions of the government except in cases where the Ten Commandments would be violated, such as bowing to idols, being forced to work on the Sabbath, killing, lying, stealing, etc (see: Exodus 20:1-17). Voting is one of the ways we can support the government; it is a privilege and duty for all Christians who choose to do so.
The Society has altered its teaching on the "higher powers" at least twice. Its attitudes to governments has suffered as a result, and this includes its attitude to voting. It is interesting that a Witness is allowed to be a member of a militant trade union, and yet not allowed to vote for a political party even though they are members of the union! John the Baptist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said that we should be satisfied with our wages, therefore, by implication, do not belong to trade unions: "....Do not harass anybody or accuse anybody falsely, but be satisfied with your provisions." Luke 3:14.
The positions generally taken by the Watchtower Society are ones that are extreme, inconsistent and unscriptural. These include not only voting, but attitudes to those in authority and saluting flags.