Source recordPrimary JW publicationverified1980sDoctrine changes

Source record · Primary JW publication

The Watchtower, “Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World”

1 September 1986pp. 17-22Source ID src-w-1986-0901-christian-neutralsAccessed 19 September 2026
Primary JW publication Verified

The Watchtower, “Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World”

1 September 1986 · pp.17-22 · par. 16 (p. 20) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground.”

Describing the stand of Witnesses under the Nazi regime and elsewhere; alternative service is listed alongside military service as something faithful Christians refused.

Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower, Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World

Confidence note. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording confirmed; page 20 from page marker.

Corroborated by. src-w-1998-0815-suffered-needlessly

Notes. Best pre-1996 Watchtower anchor located for the earlier stance; not a formal ruling.

Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-w-1986-0901-christian-neutrals