Political Neutrality and Jehovah’s Witnesses

[@tonyblock84]

Nothing to stop The Nazis and nothing to push for desegregation. What a wonderful track record. Truly the only organization chosen and guided by God.

[@briezchannel]

This is a masterpiece. Also, shout out to the elder's wife that told me that her "apostate" family member quipped that the organization is very political. Really got my wheels turning. Thanks, sis!

[@jdos5643]

JW are non political. They take no sides in any form of politics. How the Bible describes the way the beast will implement its mark on people is to those who follow it. Today there is a rise in nationalism and patriotism. Even Christian base nationalism all which are not supported by the Bible. The beast in revelation has always been powerful nations political leaders who rule over citizens. This makes sense why Jw stay away from all that. Jesus said his true followers would be no part of the world. They don’t even partake in pagan worldly festivities

[@anniioakley9765]

This man’s brain is a masterpiece… plain and simple… does he have a patreon? Sign me up…

[@LE-pq3lu]

Fantastic video! I'm voting for the first time ever next month.

[@timpgpilot2530]

An elder here in the UK who gave talks at both circuit assemblies and conventions, and also being an HLC elder, during the weekends, while during the working week he worked for the United Nations as an expert advisor and promoter for them by being vice chair of STAP-GEF (UN).

[@ready2danceagain]

Thx for the insight!

[@mariuna5473]

That is frustrating. I’m really good at learning languages and I wanted to work as a translator for the UN when I “grew up” I got such a bad rep for just mentioning what an ideal job that would be.

[@m.arnold717]

Jake - excellent points and excellent timing! The JWs are only politically neutral on issues that don't impact them. If their free speech or $$$ were at risk, you bet their stance on neutrality would change overnight.

[@jdos5643]

Money is needed to run the distribution of publications. JW are known to be the largest publishers in the world of free bibles and bible based literature in the world. JW have invested over billions of works in the preaching work being unsalaried. Being people like you and me getting out of their confront of home to go to witness to people all over the world.

[@jdos5643]

JW are expecting the tribulation to come. Which means their way of religious freedom may be affected as it will for all other religions of the world. They don’t expect to change politics on such when it comes. Their beliefs mean they wait for this system to be over with.

[@m.arnold717]

@@jdos5643 You should watch this video again.

[@allysonbeaulieu7351]

as a politically obsessed freak, this made my little pomo heart sing

[@DushawnxDaisy]

“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor never the tormented.” … That’s a great quote to keep in mind !

[@ellengarr9781]

Thank you for showing us all jehovah's witnesses's grand hypocrisy.

[@jdos5643]

What hypocrisy? JW are not political. There’s not much to it.

[@larrypilcher3791]

They really reamed me out for attempting to save our local large natural wetland. Shunned inside the Cong for so many years. As the wetland was destroyed, they happily bought lots in the subdivisions responsible for this degradation. Hypothetically correct! It just about the 💰 money.

[@jasonuren3479]

Always thought it was funny when, although they say they're politically 'neutral', they were encouraged to write letters to the Russian government complaining about that governments treatment of JW's some years back. Surely that's getting involved in politics? 🤔

[@jdos5643]

If only you knew the oppression JW face in Russia you too would seek help. JW have been heavily persecuted. Some members have described torture conditions they endured simply for practicing their faith in their congregations. They even had videos of the Russian authorities breaking into their meeting places and taking everything. Some members have had their homes burned by Russian fanatics and citizens alike. Because JW do not retaliate they seek the best form of help there is…..JW throughout their forming have been the most oppressed hated groups within Christianity. Jesus said his followers would be hated we see that now as during the Holocaust

[@LittleRadicalThinker]

They were encouraged to write to Putin, only to find out millions letters go to same address, like ten 747 airplanes volume of first class mails go to one single address in the range of only several days. Think Putin would swim in millions JW mails accusing him? With the logical conclusion that Putin administration would view such letter writing campaign as an attack to the government, a terrorist attack maybe. The Russian post office of that address certainly would need days to clean up the mess left by such letter writing campaign before doing the actual post office jobs, like medicine delivery to the people.

[@RiverDanube]

The org keeps publicising the treatment of JWs in Russia making us aware of it. The letter writing campaign was designed to anger the Russian Government. You need to look at the timing of the campaign, who it was directed at, how many letters JWs were asked to write and so on. It was not a neutral activity or peaceful, it was aggressive. The bible says that if you are persecuted in one place then move to another. There was little focus on this by the Watchtower, a multi million dollar, non profit business.

[@RiverDanube]

The org keeps publicising the treatment of JWs in Russia making us aware of it. The letter writing campaign was designed to anger the Russian Government. You need to look at the timing of the campaign, who it was directed at, how many letters JWs were asked to write and so on. It was not a neutral activity or peaceful, it was aggressive. The bible says that if you are persecuted in one place then move to another. There was little focus on this by the Watchtower, a multi million dollar, non profit business.

[@jdos5643]

@@RiverDanube you don’t get it do you….how are they going to move to another place if they are being persecuted? First of all they are de citizens of Russia. Second they are preaching worldwide to everyone and anyone. The good news has to be told everywhere so everyone can hear. This is as say a warning from God himself. So if they move elsewhere who is going to preach in Russia?

[@KaiNatalya]

I remember the night Obama won the 2008 Election and I told my dad I was happy he won and he said “don’t say that. We’re not supposed to say those kinds of things” Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[@Lookatmedonnad]

back in the day I did not know the difference. I live in MS work in TN so I knew that most everyone I worked with voted for Bush. I did not pay any attention. When I woke up I was drawn to democrats because they have more empathy and are not as hatefull.

[@Lookatmedonnad]

I guess thinking some of them were ass wholes. so I guess that is political

[@SystemFailing]

I’m still figuring out the teleprompter, but man I’m excited about it! I feel so much more comfortable in front of the camera already

[@mariuna5473]

Nice use of Hamilton reference. The first time I posted a picture of myself with an I voted sticker I captioned it with: When you got skin in the game, you stay in the game But you don't get a win unless you play in the game Oh, you get love for it You get hate for it But you get nothing if you Wait for it, Wait for it.

[@danielwiebe2123]

Your thoughts about cult survivors initially being drawn to “Centrism” is spot on.

[@FallenGrace-rj1iu]

This is great! My hubby and I were just discussing this and you helped clear any added struggle I had from my upbringing. Very well done Thank You!

[@samueloliver8799]

Hey man! Love the videos. It was so amazing knowing I wasn’t alone in the world after so many years of thinking as myself as the black sheep of the world. All thanks to the Jdubs. I would love to talk about this in depth. I come from an upbringing of family in JW what the impact it’s had on me and my families lives are crazy. Being disfellowshipped without even being baptized was a huge slap In the face and so damaging to someone so young. Let’s talk! I just would love to get opinions from others on situations I have seen within the organization

[@rebella5769]

You so Clever and Hilarious. Love your video so much, Thanks a bunch for brightening my day!!!!!

[@ScottyKirk1]

Thank you for exposing these things. The JWs ruined my fiancée's family.... *side note, great editing and sense of humor you have. 😉 👌You have to have one honestly to not let your mind go to dark places. When asking her about this subject, she said none of her family ever voted also.

[@opietwoep1247]

The elder who would come by to encourage us to return to the hall when we started to fade spent the whole time saying who Great the democrat party was and that unions are the greatest thing in the world.

[@positiveendtimes]

That’s wild

[@dand3329]

I agree, getting involved is crucial. I won't repeat the whole thing but it ended with , when they came for me there was no one to speak up 🙉🙈🙊

[@bryanhill6095]

I love being part of the ex-jw community, gems like this always make my day

[@SallieB196]

Being politically neutral is like watching on the sidelines seeing a store getting robbed. You know it’s wrong and you say what you saw was terrible but you don’t bother to step in or do anything to stop a bad thing from occurring.

[@hankkhan5844]

Political neutrality always ends up supporting the status quo, and often ends up being pretty reactionary.

[@wendyh2708]

Glad to see you back. I hope you're feeling better now.

[@BluetheRaccoon]

Dude, was that Paul McCartney you tossed up when you said Jesus? I love it!

[@LOH__]

A Jean jacket?? Dude how are we supposed to dress up as you for Halloween when you’re so fashion fluid.

[@LOH__]

White undershirt, glasses, cat, fabulous hair… hmmmm

[@americanfootball8194]

Yo I'm digging the jacket

[@LOH__]

Stood up and put my hand over my heart during your conclusion. Hahahahaha.

[@mikahbee]

Thank you for quoting Eli!

[@concamon1364]

Great video! The segregation issue is one of the most blatant example of politics in watchtower. I also found it hypocritical and sketchy how our "impartial loving god" would be fine with his "one true organization" upholding segregation just like all the other churches. My grandparents were part of the first wave of people at the newly integrated bethel and they spoke about it alot.

[@sherylstotts3819]

Mirriam is indeed a great lady. Especially at parties. She makes the most enviable charcuterie boards.

[@nazahmad2374]

I Love it. Great points. Keep spreading the truth.

[@Stargatefan1236]

Wow Jake really said "do something" bold take Jake. Bold take.

[@altworldly]

They don’t call me bold take Jake 4 nothin

[@Joeandfran]

Fabulous presentation, by the way!

[@scoobyldt]

I find it interesting that they rarely use the term racism, but things like “racial segregation” and “discrimination”, almost as if they consider saying something is racist directly is… wait for it… too political

[@moviefiend44]

You know, I never noticed that until you mentioned it, but you're right. Now that I think about it, I can hardly remember JW literature ever explicitly saying that something was racist. They would discuss “racial segregation” and “discrimination”, but that's quite different from actively saying that something was racist (i.e. that it's wrong). That lets them have the best of both worlds. They appear progressive by discussing racial and ethnic bigotry without explicitly taking a stance against actions reflecting those attitudes.

[@grammargoddessNYC]

Award winning content here!!! 🎯🎯🎯🏆🏆🏆

[@anndessert-webb7590]

Your best presentation yet

[@rccollins2685]

These are some really good points

[@Rupunzelsawake]

Yay Jake!! Yes! Law change is needed. That's what I'm working at.

[@motorway2roswell]

Such a great video 💯

[@deenadamico2673]

I was always so annoyed by the claims of neutrality when I was in. JWs could regularly be heard bashing political figures, throwing around "Dumbocrats and Repooplicans" (very mature), and commenting on elections and legislation. Neutral doesn't mean free to share negative opinions; it literally means No opinion. And everybody has those. 🙄

[@cubonefan3]

You are currently the best exjw KZbinr!!!! (Besides Wally of course 😉)

[@sherylstotts3819]

I didn't realize there are pieces of paper that aren't simple. I'd like to meet a complex piece of paper in a dark alley one day.

[@deenadamico2673]

"Jesus apostrophe" is my new favorite 😄

[@mannyguyson]

Proud member of the Woke Mob voting according to the right side of history

[@nuniegomez2970]

Once in a conversation with black and white brothers on this subject I asked this question. If we were sent to prison when we hit the yard what would you brothers do? When they didn’t answer I said I would look for the Mexican guys and go with them. They looked surprised at me. If I were to stay with them I’d be in a world of shit.

[@johannpascher]

Very much on point!

[@RCCurtright]

The last 5 seconds was gold.

[@vivvvn9801]

New subscriber, ExJW 20+yrs & FREE

[@ladyspyre]

Growing up JW, ostensibly I obeyed political neutrality, but truthfully I was too young to understand the full scope of what is considered "political" and why. I often saw the hypocrisy without being able to pinpoint it like this. I simply thought not being political = not voting for or idolizing politicians. But I was always a little feminist getting in trouble for being well read and having opinions. And hating being forced to wear skirts. I didn't understand yet that my body is political, but I knew I'd have been a suffragette if I'd been born back then. Sure I wasn't allowed to vote anyway, but women's rights as a whole are tied to gaining the right to vote. Because the right to vote is part of being a full citizen and having autonomy over yourself. Even down to the right to wear PANTS. I grew up during the AIDS crisis and couldn't fathom my father's hatred for queer people to the point I wasn't even allowed to listen to Queen. (I had to sneak it at grandma's, along with Michael Jackson and Madonna) I couldn't fathom that the images you'd see on TV were God's will. I didn't know it was political. I never understood back then why my opinions about HUMAN RIGHTS always got me chastised, and it never occurred to me back then that, for instance, participating in a sit-in for integration would've even been considered political for a JW in the 60s. Or protesting a WAR. But of course JWs have political views. Like you said, it's just that if they have an opinion about it, it's not "politics"-- to them it's just Jehovah teaching 🙃 So the governing body being completely hypocritical on this too is unfortunately not surprising. It's also not surprising that their particular political participation involves covering for the ways they perpetuate trauma.

[@banananananananananananana.]

I remember when I was in 7th grade, I was an art kid. My best friend was pansexual (later found out he was trans and aroace) and I was surrounded by gay people. After that year I honestly tried really hard to say that it was wrong, until I one day I was playing Hatsune Miku : Colorful Stage and went, “dang, her boobs look nice” and all I can say is that I’ve met multiple exjws and exmormans, and the homophobic cultist to trans pipeline is real.

[@altworldly]

Love this ❤️

[@checkthefacts.]

If Jehovah's law is meant to come before mans law when there is a clash then surely meeting together as one regardless of colour would be obeying Jehovah's law but segregation would be a bad act in a decent deities eyes

[@TheVillainOfTheYear]

Great points, but where is Declaration of Facts?! Or did I miss it?

[@altworldly]

It’s not meant to be a comprehensive history of WT’s political involvement, just a rundown of the idea of political neutrality generally

[@TheVillainOfTheYear]

@@altworldly right on, right on

[@alexanderx33]

Hello Jake, Just had a thought and was wondering your opinion. What percentage of the time do you think they spend on different types of retoric? My guess is as follows. 30% Self Praise 20% Fear Mongering 19% Speculating on the bible 15% chiding 10% reading the bible 1% singing.

[@Ojewel]

Was the king from Hamilton? 😂

[@danielmiraziz1093]

Excellent video. One difference of opinion, however, was the progession of ex witnesses from centrist to left leaning. I've found ex witnesses who understand cult manipulation shy away from any group who employs this tactic. Unfortunately this usually leads people to feeling completely unrepresented in the political arena.

[@altworldly]

“Any group who employs this tactic” What’s the group and what’s the tactic?

[@danielmiraziz1093]

@@altworldly Any of the tactics in Hassan's BITE model. Politics is often about persuasion. In an attempt to persuade politicians frequently use cult like tactics. There is also a lot of black and white thinking in politics on nearly every topic accompanied by purity tests. If you don't share all the correct views you are quickly shunned. Ex Muslims commonly experience this in liberal communities.

[@yvonne3903]

They also lobbied Hitler

[@superdave1921]

If you don’t think that JW’s were not prejudiced, go watch an early video showing that the organization didn’t think blacks were intelligent enough to give public talks. You can find it on KZbin.

[@superdave1921]

While regular pioneering and serving as an elder, I wasn’t politically neutral in my heart, I was rooting for the Republicans. How could I be when the JW’s were a part of the U.N.

[@melvinkumar89]

Excellent video my brother, (not spiritual brother, more of a homie brother vibe) :D

[@Joeandfran]

Very shortly, we may very well be facing a politically landscape that is dominated by radical conservative ideals, bolstered by toxic religious mandates. We could find ourselves wishing for the “good old days” of left leaning socialism which we are presently experiencing. Expect regrets.

[@thatsmesothere]

For the algorithm

[@angelparedes920]

Gotta say I prefer this more structured videos than the rambling hour and a half ones

[@NIL0S]

Being apolitical is a political choice... The same way that being asexual is a sexual choice.

[@altworldly]

You think sexuality is a choice?

[@kyledenson1287]

Simply wanting freedom to speak about your faith is political 🤨, bruh you reachin!

[@TechyBen]

I am "politically" neutral. But as you say it's broad. I don't take group sides or leader sides. Other than like if Benjamin Franklin was attacking me with an axe, I'd say he was an ass... I've left a cult, I'm not joining another one who gives themselves a colour/animal as a leader. ;) But I do have "opinions" on their decisions. :)

[@pearlytiger564]

This stance on politics never made sense to me. Soooo someone else is supposed to solve or decide on your social issues for you and you don’t say anything about it? Make it make sense 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@sarahenchanted]

This isn't just JWs but anyone who says they're politically neutral or don't get involved are full of shit. You can abstain from voting and whatnot, sure but literally anything any branch of government, federally, state wide, locally, etc passes will likely impact you positively or negatively and you will feel some sort of way toward it. Also, JWs who genuinely think they're politically neutral were 100% hooting and hollering (in a good way) when stimulus checks were a thing (and we should've gotten more) and probably were thrilled when Roe was overturned so cut the "I don't do politics teehee" shit.

[@davidxbeats]

oh, come on......now you're just being all "reasonable" and stuff! 🤣🤣🤣

[@antonijofadljevic6120]

About vaccination: Do not be like JW's 😂 Educate yourself about mRNA vaccines and you will be surprised. Do not go with government's narrative, just take a look what objective scientists have said. 🙋

[@SkywalkerWroc]

Some of these examples/positions are rather poor, IMHO. @Segregation - they could easily say that it's not a political stance, but rather compliance with the local laws. Also, by your logic, there was no non-political stance, so they did the most neutral thing possible. @Abortion - they could easily say that it's simply following the scriptures, regardless if if or how it aligns politically in any given country (abortion is not a present political issue in every country JWs are in, please, stop looking at everything purely from US point of view) @Centrism - centrism doesn't mean that "all sides are created equal" or that "all ideas are equally good". That's some completely skewed outlook. Centrism is about seeking balance in change, not going for nationalism, but also not going for a full-on socialism. It's about evolutionary progress rather than revolutionary change. Centrism in face of justice vs injustice always seeks justice, but never seeks to kill the unjust. @Norway and US Supreme Court - with that I fully agree, this is very much seeking for a political change. But I would still say that the cases where they seek to (what they see as) compliance with the scriptures is not politically motivated, but rather scripture-motivated (e.g. having a right to refuse blood transfusions, which they view as scripture teaching, regardless of what we think about it). The case of seeking the Norwegian money though... that's 1000% politics.

[@altworldly]

Well, I was just using abortion as an example because they publish anti-abortion literature. But abortion is an issue in literally every country, because women exist in every country. The right to bodily autonomy without government intervention effects everyone. Segregation involved them taking a stance because they explicitly say Jehovah doesn’t agree with it. And when “Cesar’s law” contradicts God’s law, supposedly they’re supposed to go with God’s law. But they didn’t. Compliance in this case is complicity. I wasn’t saying that centrism itself mandates that a person be in the middle of everything, but rather that there are some issues where one shouldn’t be a centrist.

[@positiveendtimes]

Red wave baby!!!

[@SuperSeaRocket]

No thank you!

[@juliehigbee7398]

While I disagree with who to vote for, I respect those who exercise their vote!

[@altworldly]

I didn’t say who to vote for 😉

[@juliehigbee7398]

@@altworldly 😉

[@sacboy7080]

Enjoyed this video