AboutDerrick Holland Expertise I was raised in the religion known as Jehovah`s Witnesses for 13 years. Since becoming a born-again Christian, I have researched extensively this religion, especially their doctrines and their history. I can answer questions about their doctrines from the perspective of Biblical Christianity.
Experience 23 years of Biblical research into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and how they differ from the teachings of the Watchtower.
Question My father in law who lives in another state is facing possibly having to move into a nursing home. My brother in law who is a Jehovah Witness lives close to his father. All of the responsibility for the care of my F-I-L has fallen on my husband and me (we are not of the JW faith). Being out of state makes this nearly impossible. My B-I-L feels that because his father was absent from the time he was 13, does not feel he loves his father and his father is emotionally distant that he has no responsibility in the care of his father. To be fair, my b-i-l lost his wife 18 months ago and is still grieving. What is the JKW stand on caring for elderly parents?
Answer Hello Rosemary. Let me first apologize for the long delay in getting back to you. Our church was busy with youth activities all week-end, and I am just now able to sit down on the computer and get caught up.
I do not believe your brother-in-law is doing this because of any JW teaching regarding the care for elderly parents. He has a Scriptural responsibility towards his father, whether he thinks he loves him or not. The Bible commands childrent to HONOR their parents, and this would certainly include caring for an elderly parent. I think that the JW stand would pretty much reflect this attitude as well, although I have never heard any official teaching on this subject specifically.
If your brother-in-law is really interested in finding out whether or not he has a Scriptural responsibility towards his father, he might wish to consider the following passages....
Matthew 15:4-6...."For God commanded, saying, Honour they father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God on none effect by your tradition."
This Scripture refers to the Pharisee's practice of withholding care for parents by claiming that whatever would meet their needs was actually a "gift" which had been dedicated to God, and therefore making it unavailable to the needy parents. That was like the son saying to his parents...."I have dedicated to God that which would have relieved your need", and this would make it unavailable to his father or mother for their help. Jesus said this was a violation of God's commandment.
Another passage that is very clear on this matter is found in 1 Timothy chapter 5. While the first 16 verses deal with this subject, verse 8 is especially clear on a child's responsibility to his parents, or any relative to another, for that matter....
1 Tim. 5:8...."But if any provide not for his own, and SPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF HIS OWN HOUSE, he hath DENIED THE FAITH, and is WORSE THAN AN INFIDEL."
These are pretty strong words, and I think it clearly shows the importance that God places on children honoring their parents, and even taking care of them when they can no longer take care of themselves.
It seems to me that your brother-in-law has alot of bitterness against his father, because of his father's failures. And maybe he feels he has reason to be, but his responsibility before God is to honor his father, nonetheless.
In closing, I know of no JW stand that would justify this man's actions. I do recommend that you might also consult a JW "expert" on this board also, and they can probably give you some statements from their organization on this matter.
I hope this has helped. Thanks, and have a great day.
