Each congregation has an assigned territory and each Witness a particular neighbourhood to canvass. [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. [88] Because no other religion uses the name Jehovah with the same prevalence, they believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses are making God's name known. [215] Author James Penton's major study of the Witnesses, Apocalypse Delayed, noted that of those Witnesses who do progress to university level, few are likely to take studies in such areas as the humanities and the social sciences, "disciplines that are most threatening to the Witness world-view". Looking like a jerk when someone sneezes. Know this: The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses must be accepted and followed by each and every member. [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. Zavada, Jack. The Trinity. Jehovah's Witnesses do believe in resurrection of the soul, however. How long after death is a Jehovah's Witness funeral? They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914. We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. Individuals who are inactive discontinue their preaching work and distance themselves from the congregation. [214][215] Because evangelistic activities take priority over educational success, young Witnesses rarely progress to college or university,[216] which Holden describes as a source of regret in subsequent years among those who are raised in the organization and later choose to leave. Special pioneers are full-time salaried employees of the society. "Jehovahs Witnesses remain politically neutral for religious reasons, based on what the Bible teaches. Work is carried out throughout the world by more than eight million Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that rejecting the teachings or instructions of the leaders means to reject God himself. What Is Protestantism & Why Is it Important? (1Corinthians 1:10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions. Share Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. [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. What Do Jehovahs Witnesses Believe? Jehovah's Witnesses (hereafter JWs) consider themselves to be Christians ( but not Protestants ), even though they reject the doctrine 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. Regarding the Jehovah's Witnesses and their Organization. The Holy Spirit is a real independent Person, who is the Third Member of the Trinity. [80] They believe God is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[81] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[82] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people. Ex-Jehovah witness religion or personals for ex-jehovah's witnesses - is, and. Trinity - Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs reject the doctrine of the Trinity. (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. They affirm that GodJehovahis the most high. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. [44][45] The organization is said to be theocratic, "ruled from the divine Top down, and not from the rank and file up". For example, we dont accept blood transfusions because the Bible forbids taking in blood to sustain the body. [56], Disagreement with the Watch Tower Society's concept of God's organization, figured prominently in events that led to a 1980 purge of high-level members at the group's Brooklyn headquarters. Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses also differ in their beliefs about the Bible. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.. As Jehovahs Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. Heaven. [105][106] Instead of destroying Satan, God decided to test the loyalty of the rest of humankind and to prove to the rest of creation that Satan was a liar. While many Jehovahs Witnesses will tell you they have faith in Jesus, they have a wrong view of having faith in Jesus. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, which means that they do not place faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. (John 13:34, 35) We avoid practices that displease God, including the misuse of blood by taking blood transfusions. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:4) Our unity allows for personal choice, though. An elder, one of the group's leaders, anxiously shares an . Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims and others say Jesus was merely a human prophet, an angel, or some other created being. She was convinced she'd lost me and that I'd be changed for ever now, no longer the daughter she'd always loved and cherished. We recognize that parts of the Bible are written in figurative or symbolic language and are not to be understood literally.Revelation 1:1. God created the earth to be mankinds eternal home. Instead of seeing Him as God, Jehovahs Witnesses view the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force of God. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. The Jehovah's Witnesses are quite forthcoming about their religious beliefs. Is the number one destination for online dating with more . [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. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics | Pew Research Center Explore the geographic distribution and demographics of America's major religious groups. According to their website, "Jehovah is the personal name of God, as found in the Bible. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. [203] It is grounds for expulsion from the group and subsequent shunning. 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. Sylviane is a relationship coach for women . They affirm that GodJehovahis the most high. Jehovah's witnesses teach that he'd become a jehovah witness is an interfaith marriage 1 corinthians 7: 39. Jesus Christ is Gods agent, through whom sinful humans can be reconciled to God. We do not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates, run for government office, or participate in any action to change governments. [158] Only those claiming to be anointed partake of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, or Memorial. [161][162] Those destroyed at Armageddon and other specific judgments by God are not resurrected. People who die pass out of existence. 9. Phil. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/kevinschreiber, Similar to their view of Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father. [100] Witnesses reject the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, who they believe bore more children after Jesus. (Exodus 15:8, 10) A craftsmans hands cannot function independent of his mind and body; likewise, Gods holy spirit operates only as he directs it. Congregations . Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity. [153] They believe that most of those are already in heaven, and that the "remnant" at Revelation 12:17 (KJV) refers to those remaining alive on earth who will be immediately resurrected to heaven when they die or during the Great Tribulation. Yet again, this is another wrong belief being taught by Jehovahs Witnesses. The word for "fullness" (Gk. [62], Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 4:12) To benefit from that sacrifice, people must not only exercise faith in Jesus but also change their course of life and get baptized. No more than four-in-ten members of the group belong to any one racial and ethnic background: 36% are white, 32% are Hispanic, 27% are black and 6% are another race or mixed race. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible-trained conscience.Romans 14:1-4; Hebrews 5:14. [104], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God. What is the condition of the dead? We're a post and chat jehovah's witnesses of this reason the preferred religious beliefs and proper etiquette. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in Hell but do believe in Heaven. Some of these programs are by invitation only.[219]. [1] They have their own literature including a Bible and Watchtower Magazine. Using a variety of Bible translations can enhance your study of the Bible. Per current Watchtower doctrine, society members are "modern day servants of Jehovah, a people intent on living in the light of . Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. 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. In their booklet entitled Jehovah's Witnesses in the Twentieth Century, for example, may be found a chart titled "What Jehovah's Witnesses Believe . Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities used to further our worldwide Bible educational work.Psalm 127:1. Great pains are taken to keep records of the number of visits, return calls, Bible classes, and books and magazines distributed. Baptist Church: History & Beliefs Below are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox Christianity in the late 1800's. Article based on the Christian Today article titled "Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. Pimo - please contact jehovah s witness friend owen duncan and find single site, jw friends to join to mold blogger. Jehovah's Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. [125] The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth,[126][127] bringing about a world free of crime, sickness, death and poverty, and ultimately transforming the earth into a paradise. These practices have brought them under the scrutiny of government authorities. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? "Some treatments conflict with Bible principles, though, and we reject these. What Do I Need to Know about the Anglican Church? 10. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. [103] According to the Watch Tower society, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted or killed for not venerating a cross. Jehovah's Witnesses hold the controversial view of rejecting blood transfusions, even in life or death situations. "[210] Apostates must be shunned and Witnesses are warned that those who greet one become "a sharer in his wicked works". Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine . [24][25][26] The view is based on their interpretation of Proverbs 4:18, which they believe refers to a continuous progressive advancement in doctrinal knowledge and scriptural understanding for "righteous ones",[27][28] with the holy spirit helping "responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood". [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. This is the Great Commission commandment established by Jesus. Members believe that, 3 years after 1914, Jesus came to "inspect and cleanse" the Watchtower Society, choosing it as the only organization . The Holy Spirit is the name of God's active force in the world. They say it's to maintain unity. [5], Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present world order, which they perceive as being under the control of Satan, will be ended by a direct intervention of Jehovah (God), who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and non-Witnesses,[6][7][8] and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers who will live forever. The present study of 50 Jehovah's Witnesses admitted to the Mental Health Service facilities of Western Australia suggests that members of this section of the community are more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital than the general population. [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". Jesus died on an upright stake and not the cross They believe that Jesus, as St. Michael the archangel, was God's first . (Acts 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:19-21) We are peaceful and do not participate in warfare. [157] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that being "anointed" involves a personal revelation by God's spirit which "gives positive assurance of adoption" to the individual alone. They continue to face persecution in several countries, however, particularly for their refusal to serve in the military, and they are often publicly derided for their door-to-door evangelism. To know what we believe and why requires a bible study with one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Be in any employment that "makes one an accomplice, or a promoter" of any other church or religion. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.Exodus 3:6; 32:11; John 20:17. Would you like to read this article in %%? The m. They believe and teach that Jesus was then recreated by the Father in spirit form, and before going to heaven . (Acts 15:20) Likewise, the Bible prohibits health treatments or procedures that include occult practices.Galatians 5:19-21," explains JW.org. Jehovahs Witnesses are a very dangerous culture that nobody needs to be involved in. Jesus also proved Himself to be God through His many signs and wonders. However, the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried. Jehovah's Witnesses are strictly non-violent and refuse participation in warfare. The terms "little flock" and "other sheep" are drawn from Luke 12:32 and John 10:16 respectively. 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. Only those thought to be among the 144,000 corulers eat and drink the bread and wine. They don't believe in hell. [31] However, the Governing Body disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration. [79][107] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan is God's chief adversary[107] and the invisible ruler of the world. Should Christians Seek Revelation from God Apart from the Bible? [195] Individuals who choose to depart and announce their decision to terminate their membership are regarded as abandoning God's organization and protection. This is wrong because the Holy Spirit is God, and He is divine. Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870 when a man named Charles Taze Russell led Bible studies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Henschel. [70] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[71] and interpret much of it literally, while also accepting it contains much symbolism. [105][106] They believe that demons were originally angels who rebelled against God and took Satan's side in the controversy. 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:
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