Can a Jehovah's Witness have facebook?

Answer 1

There are obviously dangers involved. First of all honestly ask yourself, why do you feel the need to have a Facebook profile? In the multicultural and worldwide brotherhood that we are a part of do you need one in order to connect with people, or to make new friends.

There is no rule saying that you should or should not, but one thing I have found helpful is looking at whether or not it's the popular thing to do. I'll think you'll agree it is fairly popular especially with youths. The Bible tells us to be no part of the world as well as not to use the resources of the world to the full. (John 15:19; 1 Cor 7:31) If we create a Facebook profile because our friends are doing it and because everyone else seems to be doing it, are we really being separate from the world?

Having said that though, there are no black and white rules about this and you must use your discernment. You may find the July KM, 2007, to be of assistance in making your decision.

I should also add to my answer by saying that i was assuming that the person asking is a Jehovah's Witness as I am. If not, I still stand by my answer.

EDIT:

there's no rules as to whether you can have one or not. but, it is strongly advised against having one as this can build online friendships with people you do not know. I'll be honest, i did have up a facebook account, along with many other social accounts. but i either took them down or don't use them. this is due to unsavoury characters which i found on there. if you are using facebook to keep in contact with family and friends you haven't seen in a long while then go ahead. but if you are using it to meet new people I'll advise against it. take it from personal experience, you'll end up in a situation which is tricky to get out of. also too, if you under the age of 18 you should ask your parents first about having a facebook account.

Answer 2

Yes, however if they are minors they should have the permission of their parents. Jehovah's Witness literature has repeatedly urged its readers to show proper caution with their use of the internet and drawn attention to the dangers of social networking sites, especially for young ones.

If an individual Witness wants to have a Facebook account, that is their choice. Our organization does not condemn a person for doing this, however, there are warnings about this type of thing that our organization emphasizes. It should not be overlooked that there have been cases where young people, and even adults have been lured into the presence of sexual offenders by using Facebook and other social networking sites. There have even been cases where unscrupulous individuals have tracked down where potential victims may live. There are dangers. Like a responsible watchman, our organization warns people as to such dangers. If the person chooses to ignore the warnings and go ahead anyway, that is their individual choice.

The Bible tells us to be no part of the world as well as not to use the resources of the world to the full. (John 15:19; 1 Cor 7:31) If we create a Facebook profile because our friends are doing it and because everyone else seems to be doing it, are we really being separate from the world?

Having said that though, there are no black and white rules about this and you must use your discernment. You may find the July KM, 2007, to be of assistance in making your decision.