Jehovah's Witnesses oppose several practices and beliefs based on their interpretation of scripture. Four key areas they commonly object to include military service, national anthems, voting, and blood transfusions.
Key Oppositions of Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses maintain a position of neutrality in worldly affairs and uphold specific religious tenets that lead them to abstain from certain widely accepted practices. These abstentions are deeply rooted in their faith and understanding of biblical principles.
Here are four specific things Jehovah's Witnesses oppose or abstain from:
| Area of Opposition | Description |
|---|---|
| Military Service | They do not participate in military service, including combat or non-combat roles, due to their belief in neutrality regarding international conflicts and their commitment to pacifism. |
| National Anthems | Jehovah's Witnesses refrain from saluting flags or singing national anthems, viewing these as acts of worship directed towards the state rather than God. |
| Voting | They choose not to participate in political elections or vote, maintaining strict political neutrality and believing that God's Kingdom is the only true solution for humanity. |
| Blood Transfusions | They refuse whole blood transfusions or primary blood components (red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma) based on their interpretation of biblical commands regarding the sanctity of blood. |
Their stances on these matters are fundamental to their identity and religious practice.
