[190] Then Satan is released for a final opportunity to mislead perfect mankind;[191] Satan, his demons, and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race who will live forever. [123], Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, established in 1914,[124] ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven. [77][87] The title, LORD (Greek: Kyrios), is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God. [67] Based on their interpretation of Revelation 18:2-24, Jehovah's Witnesses believe all other religions are part of "Babylon the Great", a "world empire of false religion" under the control of Satan. [204] Watch Tower Society literature says apostates are motivated by vitriolic bitterness and that their writings are poisonous, distorted and false, display the characteristics of "cunning, contrived error, prideful intelligence, lack of love and dishonesty" and are designed to undermine the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses. The Holy Spirit is in charge of administering spiritual gifts, which this shows the Holy Spirit has an independent will of His own (1 Corinthians 12:11). Jesus. According to TowerWatch.com: "The New World Translation of the Bible is Jehovah's Witnesses own translation, no other religious group uses this Bible and Jehovah's Witnesses make very little use of other Bibles. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when Jesus was born on earth, he was a mere human and not God in human flesh. They only see Jehovah as being God. Christians believe Jesus was and is the eternal God, the second person in the Trinity, equal in nature with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. As believers, we need to help them know the truth of Jesus and the gospel. Outside of Jesus, there is no way to salvation. This is the Great Commission commandment established by Jesus. | [188][192], Watch Tower Society publications assert that members of the group are not compelled to remain part of the congregation. What Do You Know About Jehovahs Witnesses? Seventh-Day Adventists & Their Beliefs Since 1976, all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders at the denomination's headquarters. We answer the questions of how they got their start, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today below. They consider the cross to be of pagan origins and an object of idol worship. [105][109] Witnesses believe that Satan and his demons influence individuals, organizations and nations, and that they are the cause of human suffering. ", The answer to this is no. In the early years of the movement, members met in rented halls, but under Rutherford the Witnesses began to purchase facilities that they designated Kingdom Halls. Work is carried out throughout the world by more than eight million Witnesses. The Lord also ate food multiple times after His resurrection, which proved His body was physically resurrected (Luke 24:30; John 21-12-13). Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. Help them understand the truth of the Bible and how the Jehovahs Witnesses' beliefs do not align with the truth of Gods Word. [38][42][43], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God uses an organization both in heaven and on earth, and that Jehovah's Witnesses, under the direction of their Governing Body, are the only visible channel by which God communicates with humanity. "Some treatments conflict with Bible principles, though, and we reject these. Instead of seeing Him as God, Jehovahs Witnesses view the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force of God. [29], Watch Tower literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[30] the guidance of holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels. As Jehovahs Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. [202], Jehovah's Witnesses regard secular education as fundamental, but they emphasize their preaching work as the top priority in their life. A summary by a Governing Body committee of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings" included the suggestion that God did not have an organization on earth. Answer (1 of 14): In their defense, I could argue that every religion has its own peculiarities and "weird" beliefs (transubstantiation [1]anyone?). Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. (Acts 15:20) Likewise, the Bible prohibits health treatments or procedures that include occult practices.Galatians 5:19-21," explains JW.org. According to The Watchtower, "the Governing Body does not keep a list of all partakers, for it does not maintain a global network of anointed ones. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? Those with an earthly hope are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant. JW.org explains, " [W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' [173] Witnesses believe their doctrine is confirmed by world events since 1914, including wars, famine, earthquakes and increasing lawlessness, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence. [83] Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on people, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm. Per current Watchtower doctrine, society members are "modern day servants of Jehovah, a people intent on living in the light of . They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. [216] Watch Tower Society publications advise parents to recommend alternatives to university education for their children, suggesting associate degrees from community or technical colleges or short courses in subjects. What Do I Need to Know about the Anglican Church? Here are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox Christianity in the late 1800's. We answer the questions of how they started, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today. The Witnesses teachings stress strict separation from secular government. b Wicked angels have been cast out of heaven, although they continue to exist in the spirit realm.Revelation 12:7-9. We provide these articles to help you understand the distinctions between denominations including origin, leadership, doctrine, and beliefs. They do not believe in the Trinity. [86][89], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only-begotten Son", and that his life began in heaven. In Germany prior to World War II, the Nazis sent Witnesses to concentration camps, and Witnesses were also persecuted in Britain, Canada, and the United States. Answer (1 of 6): Three questions here. 2:6-7). Basically, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that their own members will survive Armageddon, and live on earth after everyone else dies in the day of destruction. These short video lessons answer key Bible questions, such as: Why did God create the earth? [111][112][113][114] Watch Tower Society publications state that Witnesses need not harbor dread or superstitious fear of demons, because their power over humans is limited. Since they do not place faith in Jesus, they are not saved. Baptist Church: History & Beliefs [139][140], Jehovah's Witnesses' believe that faith in Jesus' ransom sacrifice is essential for salvation. Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine, Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1980 purge of high-level members at the group's Brooklyn headquarters, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, "Bioethics of the Refusal of Blood by Jehovah's Witnesses, Part 1", "Sect-State Relations: Accounting for the Differing Trajectories of Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses", "Eternal Torment Why a Disturbing Doctrine? (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) They do not suffer in a fiery hell of torment. Their religion, unlike Mormonism, isn't an esoteric one with secret doctrines known only to an initiated few. Buddhism places strong emphasis on "mindfulness," so patients may request peace and quiet for the . Yet again, this is another wrong belief being taught by Jehovahs Witnesses. [201] Apostate behavior is said to include the rejection of biblical teachings or requirements, the rejection of Jehovah's organization, association with or support for another religious group[202] and celebration of religious holidays. Using a variety of Bible translations can enhance your study of the Bible. - Their History, Beliefs and Practices. Special pioneers are full-time salaried employees of the society. Family. The leaders of some mainstream Christian churches have denounced the Witnesses for doctrinal deviation (especially their non-Trinitarian teachings) and have condemned them as a cult.. [54] Loyalty to the organization is said to require full involvement in public preaching[55] and regular meeting attendance. 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Jehovah's Witnesses and Their Beliefs. [132] They believe that 144,000 people will be resurrected to life as spirit creatures in heaven to be priestly rulers under Christ, but the vast majority, to physical life on earth. Some of the distinct beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses set this religion apart from other Christian denominations, such as limiting the number of people who will go to heaven to 144,000, denying the Trinity doctrine, and rejecting the traditional Latin cross. The terms "little flock" and "other sheep" are drawn from Luke 12:32 and John 10:16 respectively. They believe that Jesus can be called a deity or a god, but only in the sense that an angel can be thus called. They affirm that GodJehovahis the most high. Our organization. [97][98][99] Even as king of God's kingdom, Jesus remains subordinate to God. The Holy Spirit is a real independent Person, who is the Third Member of the Trinity. [92] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Archangel Michael, "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence and that he resumed these identities after his ascension to heaven following his death and resurrection. While we accept the entire Bible, we are not fundamentalists. The Governing Body, a small group of mature Christians who serve at our world headquarters, provides direction for Jehovahs Witnesses worldwide.Matthew 24:45. Now, try the right place. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible is a good . [148][149] Watch Tower Society publications state that salvation at Armageddon is also contingent on baptism, accurate knowledge of Bible truth, adherence to God's standards of conduct and morality, use of the divine name "Jehovah" in worship,[150] membership of God's "organization",[151] and active support of anointed Christians. Hell is a real place. [117] It dismisses Young Earth creationism as "unscriptural and unbelievable",[118] and states that Jehovah's Witnesses "are not creationists" on the basis that they do not believe the earth was created in six literal days. [9][10] All members of the denomination are expected to take an active part in preaching. [59], He also claimed that The Watchtower has repeatedly blurred discussions of both Jesus Christ's loyalty to God and the apostles' loyalty to Christ to promote the view that Witnesses should be loyal to the Watch Tower Society. (Luke 11:13) The Bible also compares Gods spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. Only God in the flesh could do all these things. Lutheran History & Beliefs. Looking like a jerk when someone sneezes. Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities used to further our worldwide Bible educational work.Psalm 127:1. They also believe that the soul dies when the body dies and must wait until the resurrection before Jehovah "remembers" the personality of the deceased and . 3. History of The Watchtower Organization: 1852 Founder Charles Taze Russell was born; 1870's Russell studied the doctrines of Second Adventists: George Storrs, Jonas Wendell, George Stetson and Nelson Barbour They disavow terms such as minister and church. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus was physically resurrected. The Pentecostal Church: History & Beliefs Our relationships with others. TERMS OF USE [217] According to Carrie S. Ingersoll-Wood, "By eliminating access to external knowledge, the congregation as a whole surrenders autonomy and willingly subjects themselves and their children to the external regulation of the religion. We do not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates, run for government office, or participate in any action to change governments. Its chief publications are a semimonthly magazine, the Watchtower, and its companion magazine, Awake!. [1] They have their own literature including a Bible and Watchtower Magazine. Why Do Cults Use God Falsely in Their Mission? [176][177] Witnesses teach that in 1918, Jesus resurrected those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death to serve as kings alongside Christ in his heavenly government. Meditating on what we learn from the Bible.Psalm 77:12. [205] Apostates are described as proud, independent, ungrateful and presumptuous,[204] mentally diseased,[206][207] displaying jealousy, fits of anger and other unchristian conduct and are said to often fall victim to drunken bouts, loose conduct and fornication. An elder, one of the group's leaders, anxiously shares an . This is wrong because the Holy Spirit is God, and He is divine. The word for "fullness" (Gk. They also don't celebrate other national holidays or birthdays in an attempt to remain separate from the world. Pimo - please contact jehovah s witness friend owen duncan and find single site, jw friends to join to mold blogger. For example, we dont accept blood transfusions because the Bible forbids taking in blood to sustain the body. They affirm that GodJehovahis the most high. The BBC reports that Witnesses believe the end times began in 1914. Jehovah's Witnesses (hereafter JWs) consider themselves to be Christians ( but not Protestants ), even though they reject the doctrine of the Trinity. If any Jehovah's Witness is deemed to be an apostate, she or he will be disfellowshipped. The impulse to sin is in the blood. Jehovah's Witnesses refer to the fact that the Bible never explicitly mentions the term "trinity." Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. [72] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[73]. JWs claim that Jesus was not divine and that the Holy Spirit is an " active force " and not a person. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:4) Our unity allows for personal choice, though. This contradicts Scripture, which declares salvation to be received by grace through faith ( John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 ). Witnesses also oppose certain medical practices that they believe violate Scripture. We recognize that parts of the Bible are written in figurative or symbolic language and are not to be understood literally.Revelation 1:1. Jehovah's Witness - Beliefs | Britannica Beliefs Witnesses hold a number of traditional Christian views but also many that are unique to them. The Trinity is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. However, Penton also notes that avoidance of "demonistic practices" has released many people in Africa and Latin America from fear of spirits. [211] Higher education is discouraged,[212][213] based on their belief that it is futile to plan for secular advancement in a world that faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to greed, corruption, and materialism. [68][69], The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God. Before this translation was released specifically by and for Jehovah's Witnesses, most relied on the King James Version. [186], Most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20. [161][162] Those destroyed at Armageddon and other specific judgments by God are not resurrected. ( Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4: 11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. They believe God, who's name is Jehovah (Ps. 9. [164], Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven invisibly as king in October 1914. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. [35], The leadership makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings. [78][79] They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. The "identifying marks" of apostates are said to include attempts to gain followers, disregard for the Witnesses' preaching activity, rejection of God's visible organization, public criticism of other Witnesses and attempts to hinder their work. What Do Jehovahs Witnesses Believe? (2Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations. Jesus is said to have been used by God in the creation of all other things. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, which means that they do not place faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. "Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs." In addition to denying the divinity of Jesus, Jehovahs Witnesses also deny the Trinity. This is an erroneous belief because Jesus was physically resurrected from the grave. [32][33][34] Robert Crompton, author of a book on Watch Tower eschatology, has noted that it is difficult to trace the development of doctrines, because explicit changes are often not identified in Jehovah's Witness literature, leaving readers to assume which details have been superseded. [189] At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. We strive to show unselfish love in all our actions. Jehovahs Witnesses deny the existence of hell; therefore, they believe God simply annihilates anyone who never becomes a Jehovahs Witness during their life. The U.S. government sent Rutherford and other Watchtower leaders to prison for sedition during World War I. Jehovah's Witnesses hold the controversial view of rejecting blood transfusions, even in life or death situations. (James 2:24, 26) However, salvation cannot be earnedit comes through the undeserved kindness of God.Galatians 2:16, 21. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in going to people's homes to spread the word of their religion and make disciples of all people. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. They deny that are about things in 2003, all of recreation or easter. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/NexTser, There are reportedly 8.3 million Jehovah's Witnesses around the world and nearly 120,000 congregations. (1Corinthians 1:10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions. Jesus commanded: You must love your neighbor as yourself. He also said that Christians are no part of the world. (Matthew 22:39; John 17:16) So we try to work what is good toward all, yet we remain strictly neutral in political affairs and avoid affiliation with other religions. 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Seventh-Day Adventists and Their Beliefs, 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Mennonites and Their Beliefs, 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Baptists. Is the number one destination for online dating with more . Jehovah's Witnesses don't say "god bless you" when someone sneezes, because that practice supposedly has a pagan origin. Witnesses believe that they are living in the last days, and they look forward to the imminent establishment of Gods kingdom on earth, which will be headed by Christ and jointly administered by 144,000 human corulers (Revelation 7:4). Discuss a Bible question, or learn more about Jehovahs Witnesses. Sylviane is a relationship coach for women . Regarding the Jehovah's Witnesses and their Organization. My interests include staying up late and taking naps. Instead of believing Jesus to be God, Jehovahs Witnesses believe that Jesus was created by Jehovah as Michael the archangel at some time prior to the creation of the world. [47][48] Watch Tower publications teach that the Bible is an "organizational book" that does not belong to individuals and that the Bible cannot be properly understood without guidance by "Jehovah's visible organization". [136] They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person is not conscious. After the war the Witnesses brought several suits in American courts dealing with their beliefs and practices, resulting in 59 Supreme Court rulings that were regarded as major judgments on the free exercise of religion. Instead, Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus has opened the way to salvation and that by following the rules of Kingdom Hall, anyone can also become a Jehovahs Witness. Jehovahs Witnesses are a very dangerous culture that nobody needs to be involved in. [169], Witnesses base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on the Watch Tower Society's interpretation of biblical chronology,[170] based on their belief that the destruction of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity both occurred in 607 BCE. God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection. (Matthew 10:8; 23:8) We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/luchschen, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the faithful angels reside in the spirit realm. [195], Watch Tower Society publications define apostasy as the abandonment of the worship and service of God by members of the Christian congregation, and equate it with rebellion against God. [101], The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society used the Cross and Crown symbol on tombstones, and on its publications until 1931. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe and teach, that the body of Jesus was buried in a tomb, where it was not raised to life again after three days and three nights, as according to scripture, but rather totally destroyed by God forever. [23], Jehovah's Witnesses are directed to welcome doctrinal changes, regarding such "adjustments" as "new light" or "new understanding" from God. The Kingdom of God. [196] They believe the congregation must "maintain God's favor in order to be used by him and to represent him" or else the whole congregation would lose God's approval. As previously mentioned, Jehovahs Witnesses have a false view of the Holy Spirit. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible-trained conscience.Romans 14:1-4; Hebrews 5:14. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. Meeting together to pray, study the Bible, sing, express our faith, and encourage fellow Witnesses and others.Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:23-25. Like the Quakers, another Christian religious group, they are conscientious objectors regarding military. Heaven. (BX 8526 .J44 1993) [Find in a library near you] Describes the teachings, beliefs, and history of Jehovah's Witnesses, including a section on instances of religious persecution. and Why does God allow suffering? This is an erroneous view of salvation because salvation is only by placing faith in Jesus by believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (John 3:16-17: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10) It will take these actions soon, for Bible prophecy indicates that we are living in the last days.2Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:3-14. God. The Jehovah's Witnesses are quite forthcoming about their religious beliefs. [137] Based on this, they believe that parables such as that of "the rich man and Lazarus" should not be interpreted literally, and that such references are speaking of symbolic death, not the physical death of actual individuals. As previously mentioned, Jehovahs Witnesses view Jesus as a lesser god. The Holy Spirit is not seen as God either as Jehovahs Witnesses teach the Holy Spirit is just a force.. They believe that all intelligent creatures are endowed with free will, and that salvation is dependent on God's "undeserved kindness", but also requires faith in God and in the "ransom sacrifice" of Jesus Christ,[142] demonstrated by "zealous" preaching activity. Marriage is considered a holy covenant, and divorce is disapproved of except in cases of adultery. Presbyterians: History & Beliefs Influenced by Restorationism in the 19th century, Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles". The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that there are 144,000 individuals whom God has chosen to be resurrected as "spirit creatures" or angelic beings and who will reign in heaven as the "kingdom of God" in the age to come while all other Jehovah's Witnesses will live on a paradise earth: Jehovah's Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. [195] Individuals who choose to depart and announce their decision to terminate their membership are regarded as abandoning God's organization and protection. (Matthew 28:19, 20; John 3:16; Acts 3:19, 20) A persons works prove that his faith is alive. [171][172], They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations", a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. The Lord wants you to come to Him and trust in Him as your Savior and Lord. They affirm the deity of God the Father, and specifically deny the deity of Jesus Christ. No mere man could live a sinless life, die for the sins of the world, and rise up from the grave. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 persons since the time of Jesus can ever go to heaven, there to be co-rulers with Christ Jesus over the inhabitants of a paradise earth. [6] The group reports a worldwide membership of approximately 8.5 million adherents involved in evangelism and an annual Memorial attendance of over 19.7 million. [160] Those who die without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). They don't believe in serving in politics or in the military, mainly as another way for them to distance themselves from the culture. (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12) In order to settle the moral issues raised by Satan, God has allowed evil and suffering, but He will not permit them to continue forever. Consequently, they refuse all ecumenical relations with other religious denominations. Looking for an old soul like myself. This period will conclude with Judgment Day, the 1,000 year reign of Christ with the 144,000 "anointed" resurrected people who are chosen by God. JW.org explains, "[W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' The Watch Tower Bible and Tract This belief, which is contrary to standard medical practice, remains an additional point of controversy with authorities, especially in cases concerning children. Jehovahs Witnesses believe in a myriad of unbiblical ideas. ", "The Pessimistic Sect's Influence on the Mental Health of Its Members", "War of Words Breaks Out Among Jehovah's Witnesses", "The Educational Identity Formation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Religion & Education", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jehovah%27s_Witnesses_beliefs&oldid=1141650652, Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 03:23. This violates the biblical teaching that in the incarnate Jesus, "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col. 2:9; cf. Should Christians Seek Revelation from God Apart from the Bible? Jehovah's Witnesses. Although they are generally law-abiding, believing that governments are established by God to maintain peace and order, they refuse on biblical grounds to observe certain laws. Phil. Jehovahs Witnesses Denomination Overview, Christian Reformed Church Beliefs and Practices, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated.