Expert: Gordon Cook - 10/25/2008

Question
Why is it that JWs don't believe in supporting the government through political venues nor military as well as the plegge and singing the national Anthem?  Does this also prohibit them from accepting government assistance?  If they are not of the world and only seeking the kingdom -- then shouldn't their congregation support themselves instead of seeking government funding?  By prohibiting one and not the other that seems to be contradictory -- don't you think?  

I think it is sad that people think by being neutral that they are not being of the world but if JWs receive government assistance (food stamps, medicaid, Social Secutiy and so on) -- does that count as being 'neutral' -- no, they are participating in a government system -- so therefore, they are breaking a rule because they are being worldly by accepting these funds!  

Answer
Here you have hit on one of the shall we say anomalies of JWs.
Though it could be argued that as JWs also pay their taxes like everyone else they are entitled to the benefits that that governments give. Would you agree for them not to received benefits from governments that they also stop paying taxes?
Where JWs are supposedly "neutral" and "not being part of the world"  is in politics and military side. Though even this is open to debate. Especially as became known that they were a non-governmental organisation (NGO) within the United Nations for many years. The UN an organisation they condemned as  being the "scarlet beast of Revelation and a Satanic run organisation.
Even their own members did not know they were an UN-NGO not until it was revealed in a newspaper then they suddenly withdrew from being a member. Giving a stupid excuse that they became a NGO to get a "library card" for the UN library. Not saying that to be a NGO they had to sign saying they uphold and support the charter of the UN.
Something which if an ordinary JW had done they would be kicked out from the Watchtower immediately.
Again the Watchtower has always said that a JW must be neutral and not pledge alleigance to any government. While their members suffered for refusing to salute the flag or say the oath, many JW school children suffered through this. The higher members of the Watchtower had been taking the oath, when they applied for a passport. It has always been a case of "do as we say not as we do" within the Watchtower organisation.