Christians Must Be Politically Neutral
JWs teach that true Christians must not vote, hold political office, serve in the military, salute the flag, or sing national anthems. They claim to be 'no part of the world' () and view any civic participation as allegiance to Satan's system of government. Conscientious objection to military service is mandatory, and members have historically been imprisoned or killed for refusing alternative civilian service — even when the Watchtower later changed its position to allow it.
Jesus said 'render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's' (), explicitly distinguishing civic duty from divine worship. Paul called governing authorities 'God's servant for your good' () and told Christians to 'be subject to the governing authorities' (). Daniel served in the Babylonian and Persian governments. Joseph governed Egypt. Nehemiah served the Persian king. The apostles cooperated with Roman legal systems (). The Watchtower's total withdrawal from civic life has no biblical precedent — and its shifting policy on alternative service (banned until 1996, then allowed) proves the stance is organisational, not scriptural.