Loyalitet and Obedience

Loyalty is a central concept within the movement, and as far as I can analyze Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is closely associated with two other concepts: Love and obedience. While these three concepts are not identical, they are closely intertwined. Love precedes loyalty. Loyalty is not the same as allegiance, as allegiance can be based on fear rather than love. To avoid fear-based loyalty, an emotional aspect is attached to loyalty; “In the Bible, the word ‘loyalty’ is connected with warm emotions.” ^[1] 1376. The same image is also used in CL p.281 . The moon is an example of something happening faithfully without expressing loyalty.

Loyalty is, as used in the Hebrew Scriptures, a kindness or goodwill directed towards the subject of this emotion, motivated by love, until the purpose of it is achieved.

Loyalty in Bible Translation

The term “loyal” is used in several places in the New World Translation of the Bible:

“Who should not fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, for you alone are loyal.” (Revelation 15:4)

“You may be sure that Jehovah will do something special for his loyal one.” (Psalm 4:3)

“I trust in your loyal love.” (Psalm 13:5) “You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.” (Psalm 16:10)

“You will act loyal toward the one who acts loyally.” (Psalm 18:25)

“He is showing loyal love to his anointed one.” (Psalm 18:50)

“Put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.” (Ephesians 4:24)

“Both you and God are witnesses of how loyal, righteous, and blameless we were in our dealings with you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:10)

“Such a high priest as this is what we needed—loyal, innocent, undefiled.” (Hebrews 7:26)

Object of Loyalty

Loyalty has a dual object:

It is directed towards God. It is directed towards His organization. ^[2] See for example: 1395 p. 32, 1396 p. 27, 1397 p. 298

This makes the organization play a crucial role. God and the organization become targets of the same loyalty.

Loyalty and Obedience

In 2020, an analysis was published on how Jehovah’s Witnesses use the term. ^[3] Mikkelsen, Venke Sande “An analysis of the theological construction of Jehovah and the witness’s soteriological relationship to him”, Axis Mundi No.2, Spring 2018, pp. 29-40 It points out that obedience is a central element in the movement.

Obedience is closely linked to the description of God as a father. The relationship between God and the individual witness is described as a parent-child relationship. According to Mikkelsen, it is primarily an authority relationship; the child needs guidance. ^[4] Mikkelsen “An analysis of the theological construction of Jehovah and the witness’s soteriological relationship to him”, 37

When the biblical narrative deals with the great controversy between God and Satan, and on which side of this conflict humanity stands, obedience once again plays a significant role. Mikkelsen argues that obedience is connected to the idea of Jesus’ work primarily as redemption rather than a gift of grace and sacrifice.

Loyalty and Emotions

As mentioned, warm emotions are attached to loyalty. It includes “goodness that stems from love.” ^[5] 1410 p. 32 In 1991, the concept is defined in the Old Testament as “a feeling nurtured in love and with a purpose for a person.” ^[6] 1411 p. 199 In the Insight on the Scriptures reference work, it is said to be translated as “loyal love” ^[7] it-2 p. 179 . In the book “Draw Close to Jehovah” from 2014, it is defined as “a kindness or goodwill directed towards the subject of this emotion, motivated by love, until the purpose of it is achieved” ^[8] CL p. 281

Possibly, this explains a quantitative aspect within the movement. In 2015, Hilde Sjo Førre wrote a master’s thesis titled “Being a Jehovah’s Witness.” The study is based, among other things, on interviews with young people within the movement. The phrase “I feel” appears very often in the parts of the interviews that are included. I find this striking because I have encountered similar formulations among Danish Jehovah’s Witnesses, and it is interesting how a movement that on one hand emphasizes rational consistency often speaks about emotions. Looking at the use of the term “feel” in the movement over the last 70 years, there is a slight increasing trend. This would make sense, given that loyalty is indeed a fundamental element of being a Jehovah’s Witness.

Loyal in Faith and Deed

At times, one gets the impression that the concept of loyalty has replaced the classical concept of faith among Jehovah’s Witnesses. This would actually make sense within their belief system. At a fundamental level, this aligns well with the theme of the great controversy. If the central question is not about how one is saved, but rather about whether God’s name is honored, then the question of salvation by faith or works loses some of its importance. Additionally, when the focus is on loyalty, the emphasis also shifts to deeds, as it is through deeds that one demonstrates which side of the great controversy they stand on. Faith is essentially loyalty, and this loyalty can only be expressed through actions.

There are formulations in the Watchtower where the three concepts seem to mean the same. In a description of Witnesses’ abstaining from certain rituals in an African country, it is stated: “How touching it was to see their loyalty to Jehovah! Our African brothers and sisters taught us so much about faithfulness, loyalty, and endurance, and it made our own faith even stronger.” ^[9] 1501, p. 28 my emphasis Here, one group’s loyalty is juxtaposed with “our own faith.” It is difficult to understand this differently than faith and loyalty being two sides of the same coin.

In an article a few years earlier, discussing congregation discipline, it is stated, “By showing courage and determination when situations in the congregation demand it, elders set fine examples of faith and loyalty.” ^[10] 1502, p. 32