What are the core beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses?
To understand the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses, we must first have a basic understanding of the Bible. Because their faith, organization and hope are based on what the Bible says.
Are Jehovah's Witnesses Christians? Some say no because they reject the teachings of the Trinity, but Christian means being a follower of Christ, which means accepting Christ as your guide and following His teachings, both of which were made by Jehovah's Witnesses so that they can be considered Christians.
Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses:
Like many Reformed churches, the Witnesses base their lives and faith on the example of the early Christian church and the words of the Bible.
His Bible:
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible is inspired by God and historically accurate.
They see the Bible as the primary way in which God communicates His will to man, and they interpret it literally (except for passages that are obviously symbolic or poetic in nature).
Witnesses compare any religious idea or doctrine with the Bible; If an idea or teaching doesn't agree with the Bible, they think it's wrong.
Jehovah's Witnesses have their own translation of the Bible: the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. They refer to the "New Testament" as the Christian Greek Scriptures and call the "Old Testament" the Hebrew Scriptures.
Though they do not regard it as scripture, the Witnesses have great respect for the various teaching articles published in The Watchtower. Books by Charles Taze RussellStudies in the ScripturesThey are respected but no longer publicized or trusted.
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Jehovah's Witnesses believe that:
- God the Father (whose name is Jehovah) is “the only true God.”
- Jesus Christ is his firstborn son, inferior to God and created by God.
- The Holy Spirit is not a person; it is the active power of God.
Jehovah's Witness beliefs about God are detailed below.
God Father):
- God is a single being whose personal name is Jehovah
- they also accept the name Yahweh and other transliterations
- Jehovah is alone and above all other beings
- Jehovah created everything that exists
- Jehovah has a son named Jesus Christ
- Jesus is not God
- Jesus is not equal to God
- Jesus was God's first creation
- So Jehovah created everything through Jesus Christ
- Jehovah's outstanding attributes are love, justice, wisdom, and power.
Jesus Christ:
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that:
- Jesus Christ is a powerful being, but he is not God
- Jesus Christ is a lesser and separate spiritual being
- Jesus Christ is not equal to God in power or eternity (ie age).
- Jesus Christ never saw himself as God or equal to God
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God
- Jesus Christ was created by Jehovah as his first creation
- So Jesus had a beginning and therefore cannot be eternal.
- Jesus Christ is inferior to Jehovah but superior to angels
- Jesus Christ reigns as part of God's celestial kingdom
- Jesus Christ is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament
- Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth
- When Jesus was on Earth, he was a perfect human, but he was in no way divine.
- Jesus Christ gave His human life as a sacrifice to enable man's salvation
- Witnesses believe that Jesus did not die on a cross, but on a single pole or stake.
- Witnesses Believe Jesus Had a Spiritual Resurrection, Not a Physical Resurrection
- Jesus Christ was appointed by God to judge every human being and decide his destiny.
- Jesus Christ is used by God to raise the dead
The Holy Spirit:
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that:
- Holy spirit is Jehovah's active force, which he uses to do his will
- The Holy Spirit is not a person.
- The Holy Spirit is not part of a Trinity
The Trinity:
- The traditional Christian idea that God is a "trinity" of Father, Son and Holy Spirit is false and based on pagan ideas.
- The doctrine of the Trinity is inconsistent with the Bible
- The Trinity doctrine contradicts what the prophets, Jesus, the apostles and early Christians believed and taught.
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Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus did not die on a cross, but on a single tree.
This belief is based on the Greek words used in the Bible for the cross, literally translated as "stake" and "tree".
Modern Jehovah's Witnesses consider the cross a pagan symbol and do not use it, although the movement accepted it until 1931.
death, heaven and hell
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when a person dies, his existence ceases completely.
For the Bible makes it clear that human beings do not have an immortal soul that survives when the body dies.
Witnesses believe that Hell (as traditionally portrayed) does not exist. There is no place where sinners are tormented after death; since their existence is over, nothing can be done for them or for them. Witnesses also argue that torturing people for all eternity is totally contrary to God's nature.
However, death is not the end of everything: every human being can be remembered by God and eventually resurrected.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Children By John W. Scott:
Jehovah's Witnesses take care of the children. They work hard to produce literature in their magazines and books to help parents effectively and successfully raise and protect their children. From 1974 to the present, the Watchtower magazine alone contains over 10,000 references to children. The modern publications of Jehovah's Witnesses contain a total of 41,662 references to children. Books like My Book of Bible Stories have helped millions of Jehovah's Witness children gain a foundation of love for God, as well as millions of non-Witness children. The 2003 publication The Greatest Teacher teaches children valuable lessons about honesty, charity, love of God, kindness, avoiding prejudice, not complacency, and hope for the future.
Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses also produces books for young people, such as B. Young People Ask, Answers That Work, now available in two volumes. This book helps teens gain practical guidance in important areas of life, including relationships, romance and sex, drugs and alcohol, managing finances, parenting and learning, and dealing with the media. and how to develop a relationship with God.
Additionally, the Watchtower and Awake magazines, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, published dozens of articles throughout the year dealing with the issue of child abuse. There have been nearly a thousand references to this sensitive issue in Jehovah's Witness publications since the 1970s, and the Jehovah's Witnesses' public statement on child abuse is recorded. Many Jehovah's Witnesses, like the author of this article, are teachers in public and private schools and are very concerned about the safety and well-being of children. Jehovah's Witnesses value and support the work of educators and organizations dealing with children and child abuse, and frequently cite authorities on this and related issues in their literature.
According to Awake magazine in October 2007, “The primary responsibility for protecting children from abuse rests with parents, not children. Parents' education comes before children's education." Both children and especially parents need to be educated about child abuse. The Greatest Teacher book helps children understand this issue to combat possible abuse by predators or others.
The Jehovah's Witnesses media website says about parenting: “In the home, parents have the primary responsibility for giving their children the love and care they need. (Titus 2:4; Ephesians 6:4) They should teach their children Bible values and raise them in love. The Bible does not condone severe corporal punishment. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Ephesians 6:4; Titus 2:4.) Parents also provide for their physical needs, such as food, clothing, housing, education, and medical care. Children learn from the Bible to obey and honor their parents, regardless of their parents' religious beliefs. Children are also encouraged to show respect for their grandparents and other family and community elders (Leviticus 19:32).
Parents should teach their children biblical values and discipline them in love. The Bible does not condone severe corporal punishment."
Therefore, this article encourages the reader to educate themselves about children and their special needs at this difficult time in human history. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to like-minded people.” Matthew 19:14.
The Watchtower - Be a Jehovah's Witness or Be Destroyed by Darrin Hart:
The common belief of Jehovah's Witnesses is motivated by a significant amount of fear.
Every Witness is taught from the beginning that there are only two organizations in the universe: that of Jehovah God and that of Satan the Devil. Even if you consider life outside the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, that means turning your back on Jehovah God and giving tacit support to the most evil and vile creature of all time, the devil.
“If we stop actively supporting Jehovah's work, we will start following Satan. There is no middle ground.” Watchtower 2011, July 15, page 18
The Watchtower Society commands the elders of the congregation to constantly emphasize this fact. "Either you are with us or you are against us." However, the fear does not come from leaving Jehovah's Witnesses behind, but from two main sources:
1. You are immediately rejected by family, friends, etc.
2. You have been constantly fed how much God hates you and you can no longer relate to Him on any level.
All of this is directly linked to their unwavering loyalty to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, whose leaders, the Governing Body, demand absolute devotion and obedience. Most Jehovah's Witnesses would argue that they are God's appointed representatives on earth, ignoring the admonition to "never trust the children of earthly men who have no right to salvation". (Psalm 146:3)
As mentioned above, every witness must believe everything that comes from the WT and the Governing Body. This may sound simple enough to many spiritual people, essentially "obey your elders/leaders", but the idea that you must be faithful to an editor and everything he teaches goes against the idea that the Bible, as well as the living example of Jesus Christ, are all it takes for a Christian to succeed.
At no time during Christ's ministry were books, publications, magazines, etc. sold. not one selected organization was approved. And I certainly didn't pass false information!
Despite the Watch Tower Society's well-documented prophetic errors, particularly around 1914, the "last days", and its teaching of "generations", everyone within its ranks must remain loyal to the "organization" at all times. .or... be destroyed. .
Occasionally you will find a Jehovah's Witness saying that this is not true, that they are not saying that all non-Jehovah's Witnesses are doomed. However, their posts tell a very different story. Consider some examples:
"But if we turned away from Jehovah's organization, there would be nowhere else to go for salvation and true joy." Watchtower 1993, September 15, p. 22
"But Jehovah's servants are already among the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things." Watchtower 2007, December 15, p. 14
reputation of Jehovah's Witnesses
The denominations of Jehovah's Witnesses are known around the world for their zealous door-to-door preaching work. You are loved and despised by many. In part because of their zeal in preaching and arriving unannounced, they have drawn the ire of both religious leaders, who may have a hidden fear of losing their flock to the zealous evangelistic efforts of the Witnesses or other opponents, some of whom may being of the fallen from religion for one reason or another. As a result, a plethora of anti-JW propaganda and websites have emerged, many of which contain undocumented or false information designed to discredit Jehovah's Witnesses at all costs (the end justifies the means).
At the same time, the Jehovah's Witness religion or organization was not without its flaws, and distinguishing between truth and fiction can be difficult for the average reader or the casual researcher. The Knocking PBS documentary does an excellent job of presenting a multifaceted and humane view of Jehovah's Witnesses. It's a site that helps separate the wheat from the chaff in terms of belief and controversy. It includes footage about medicine and the eyewitnesses showing a live stream of a liver transplant with a father making a donation for his son, who is also an avid hard rock guitarist.
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FAQs
Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses | What are the core beliefs? ›
What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? Witnesses believe in one God, not the Trinity. Like most Christians, they believe that Jesus Christ died for humankind's sins, and was resurrected after his crucifixion. One of the key elements of the Jehovah's Witness faith is their belief that the end of the world is coming soon.
What do Jehovah Witnesses believe differently than Christians? ›Religious beliefs and practices
Jehovah's Witnesses identify as Christians, but their beliefs are different from other Christians in some ways. For instance, they teach that Jesus is the son of God but is not part of a Trinity.
Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity.
What Bible do Jehovah Witness use? ›The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a translation of the Bible published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society; it is used and distributed by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Who wrote the Jehovah Witness Bible? ›Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870 when Charles Taze Russell led Bible studies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Jehovah's Witnesses movement came out of the Bible Student movement, also founded by Russell.
What things Jehovah Witness don't believe in? ›The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral code, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning, adultery, smoking, drunkenness and drug abuse, and blood transfusions.
What religion says Jehovah instead of God? ›Jehovah is the name of God, and devout Jews, out of reverence for Him, never say His name. Instead they substitute Adonai, a Hebrew title meaning “Lord.” 2 So whenever they speak of Him or read aloud His name from scripture, they substitute Adonai (Lord).
Is Jehovah's Witnesses a true religion? ›Although many of their eschatological teachings have changed over the years, Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion.
What makes Jehovah Witnesses different from other religions? ›Witnesses hold a number of traditional Christian views but also many that are unique to them. They affirm that God—Jehovah—is the most high. Jesus Christ is God's agent, through whom sinful humans can be reconciled to God. The Holy Spirit is the name of God's active force in the world.
What other religion is similar to Jehovah Witness? ›- Anabaptists, Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites.
- Branch Davidians.
- Brook Farm.
- Children of God.
- Christian Scientists.
- Fruitlands.
- Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Mormons.
Do Jehovah Witnesses accept Jesus? ›
What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? Witnesses believe in one God, not the Trinity. Like most Christians, they believe that Jesus Christ died for humankind's sins, and was resurrected after his crucifixion.
Do Jehovah Witnesses believe in life after death? ›Beliefs & Teachings about Death
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when a person dies, their existence completely stops. This is because the Bible makes it clear that human beings do not have an immortal soul that survives when the body dies. Witnesses believe that Hell (as traditionally portrayed) does not exist.
- I'm so sorry to hear of your sister's passing. Please know I'm here for you. ...
- Your brother was a wonderful teacher. ...
- I'm glad I got to know your sister during our first year at university. ...
- Kaylin, please know how sorry I am to hear about your loss.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that: God the Father (whose name is Jehovah) is "the only true God". Jesus Christ is his firstborn son, is inferior to God, and was created by God. The Holy Spirit is not a person; it is God's active force.
What is the pastor of Jehovah Witness called? ›Jehovah's Witnesses have no professional clergy, so there is no distinction between clergy and lay people. All baptised members are considered ordained ministers.
Is God called Jehovah in the Bible? ›In Genesis 14:22, Abram said he had raised his hand to Jehovah. Abraham actually called God Jehovah numerous times, as did Isaac and Jacob. The point being made to Moses, in Exodus 6:2, isn't that the Patriarchs didn't know the name Jehovah, obviously they did.
Do Jehovah's Witnesses go to doctors? ›BELIEFS RELATED TO HEALTH CARE
Jehovah's Witnesses accept medial and surgical treatment. They do not adhere to so-called “faith healing” and are not opposed to the practice of medicine.
Additionally, the Witnesses hold the belief that Jehovah was the creator of all. Furthermore, they do not celebrate birthdays or religious and national holidays. The major Jehovah's Witnesses holiday memorializes the day when Jesus Christ died comes around Passover and Easter moments.
Can Jehovah Witness be friends with non Jehovah? ›6. They limit contact with non-Jehovah's Witnesses. Followers are discouraged from having close relationships with those who are not part of the faith. People who are “worldly” are seen as bad influences or “bad associations.”
What are the 7 names of Jehovah? ›- YHWH.
- Adonai.
- El.
- Elohim.
- Shaddai.
- Tzevaot.
- Ehyeh.
Why do Christians refer to God as Jehovah? ›
Jehovah, artificial Latinized rendering of the name of the God of Israel. The name arose among Christians in the Middle Ages through the combination of the consonants YHWH (JHVH) with the vowels of Adonai (“My Lord”).
What was Jesus real name? ›Jesus' name in Hebrew was “Yeshua” which translates to English as Joshua.
What do Jehovah Witnesses believe about the 144,000? ›Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians from Pentecost of 33 AD until the present day will be resurrected to heaven as immortal spirit beings to spend eternity with God and Christ. They believe that these people are "anointed" by God to become part of the spiritual "Israel of God".
How is the Bible different for Jehovah's Witnesses? ›Instead they believe that parts of the Bible are written in "figurative or symbolic language." Witnesses follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as their savior and the son of God. But they believe that Jesus is not God and that there is no scriptural basis for the trinity doctrine.
What is a Jehovah Witness in simple terms? ›: a member of a group that witness by distributing literature and by personal evangelism to beliefs in the theocratic rule of God, the sinfulness of organized religions and governments, and an imminent millennium.
Are there any famous Jehovah's Witnesses? ›Tennis champion Serena Williams was raised in the Jehovah's Witness faith and continues to practice many of her beliefs stemming from the religion today. The Jackson family was raised in the Jehovah's Witness faith, but several of the family members, including sister Janet, no longer practice the religion.
Are Jehovah Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists the same? ›A: While the Seventh-day Adventist and Jehovah's Witness faiths both give special emphasis to the Second Coming of Christ, they are different denominations with separate histories and discrete practices.
What religion is closest to Christianity? ›Christianity and Druze are Abrahamic religions that share a historical traditional connection with some major theological differences. The two faiths share a common place of origin in the Middle East, and consider themselves to be monotheistic.
Do Jehovah Witnesses believe in purgatory? ›— Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in purgatory, and also believe that after one dies, one's existence completely stops, with the possibility of being resurrected by God.
How do Jehovah Witnesses get to heaven? ›Jehovah's Witnesses teach that salvation is possible only through Christ's ransom sacrifice and that individuals cannot be saved until they repent of their sins and call on the name of Jehovah. Salvation is described as a free gift from God, but is said to be unattainable without good works that are prompted by faith.
Do Jehovah Witnesses visit graves? ›
Jehovah's Witnesses scorn these memorial events because they imply that something in a person survives death, which is a patently false notion according to the religion. However, it is acceptable for family and friends to visit the grave of the deceased in years to come, so long as the visit is made for their own sake.
Do Jehovah Witness celebrate Jesus death? ›Jehovah's Witnesses consider themselves to be Christian and as such recognize that Jesus Christ is the son of God and commemorate the Memorial of Jesus' death. The purposes of the Memorial evening meal are to remember Jesus and show gratitude for the sacrifice that he made on behalf of humanity.
How do Jehovah Witnesses believe the world will end? ›Current beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses teach the imminent end of the current world society, or "system of things" by God's judgment, leading to deliverance for the saved. This judgment will begin with false religion, which they identify as the "harlot", Babylon the Great, referred to in the Book of Revelation.
How soon do Jehovah Witnesses bury their dead? ›The Jehovah's Witnesses funeral service is similar to other Christian faiths but lasts only 15 or 30 minutes. The funeral usually takes place within a week after death. At the service, men wear a suit and tie, and women are expected to dress modestly, but neither needs a head covering.
What do Jehovah Witness believe about cremation? ›According to Jehovah's Witnesses, cremation is permissible. Whether a dead person is cremated or not, Jehovah is not limited in his ability to restore the person to life with a new body.
What do Jehovah Witnesses believe about marriage? ›Jehovah's Witnesses adhere to the Bible's view of marriage and divorce. Monogamy between one man and one woman and sex only within marriage are requirements in the Witness religion. But Witnesses do permit divorce in certain cases, believing that the only valid ground for divorce and remarriage is adultery.
Is it OK to give a Jehovah Witness a sympathy card? ›We have seen people online questioning if you can send a Jehovah's Witness a sympathy card when they suffer a loss, and the answer is yes, certainly; just be careful to avoid sending a card featuring Christian imagery — such as a cross — or bearing a Christian message.
Can Jehovah Witness say bad words? ›How do the Jehovah's Witnesses feel about cussing? It's frowned upon. The Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian group that believes Armageddon is imminent, discourage members from any sort of foul language on the grounds that it's expressly forbidden in the Bible.
Why do Jehovah Witnesses go door to door? ›"The reason why we did that is the reason we go from door to door: We consider life sacred," Hendriks said. "By giving people a powerful message and by loving our neighbors, these two principles drive our ministry. We had to put principle ahead of personal preference."
What do Jehovah's call their church? ›— Jehovah's Witnesses do not call their place of worship a church, but “Kingdom Hall.” This is because they believe the Bible refers to worshippers -- not the building -- as the church.
What is the name of Jehovah Judge? ›
Jehovah-Jashopet is the name of God that means “The Judge.” The adjective “righteous” describes His most important attribute as a judge. In the Bible, the words for righteousness and justice are closely related. The name “Righteous Judge” includes the idea that God judges justly.
Who is head of the Jehovah Witness today? ›Name (Born-Died) | Tenure began | Tenure ended |
---|---|---|
Guy Hollis Pierce (1934-2014) | 2 October 1999 | 18 March 2014 |
David H. Splane (born 1944) | Incumbent | |
Geoffrey William Jackson (born 1955) | 1 September 2005 | Incumbent |
Anthony Morris III (born 1950) | 22 February 2023 |
The derived forms Iehouah and Jehovah first appeared in the 16th century. The vocalization of the Tetragrammaton Jehovah was first introduced by William Tyndale in his translation of Exodus 6:3, and appears in some other early English translations including the Geneva Bible and the King James Version.
Is Yahweh the same as Jehovah? ›The name Yahweh comes from the Hebrew word for "I am," which was eventually translated as "Jehovah." Yahweh is the name of the God of Israel in both the Jewish scriptures and Old Testament.
Is the name of Jesus above the name of Jehovah? ›The name of Jesus stands out as a name above all other names. Paul declares that God gave Jesus the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (vs.
Why do Jehovah Witness not accept blood products? ›Jehovah's Witnesses believe that a human must not sustain his life with another creature's blood, and they recognize no distinction "between taking blood into the mouth and taking it into the blood vessels." It is their deep-seated religious conviction that Jehovah will turn his back on anyone who receives blood ...
Why do Jehovah Witnesses not celebrate birthdays? ›The Witnesses refrain from celebrating birthdays because they believe that birthday feasts have pagan roots. Jehovah's witnesses believe that evil influences and spirits get the opportunity to attack the celebrant during birthdays. Also, Jehovah's witnesses argue that early believers never celebrated their birthdays.
What do Jehovah Witnesses believe about medical treatment? ›BELIEFS RELATED TO HEALTH CARE
Jehovah's Witnesses accept medial and surgical treatment. They do not adhere to so-called “faith healing” and are not opposed to the practice of medicine.
Based on their understanding of scriptures such as Revelation 14:1-4, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians go to heaven to rule with Christ in the kingdom of God. They, with Jesus, will perform priestly duties that will bring faithful mankind to perfect health and 'everlasting life'.
Are Jehovah's Witnesses the true religion? ›Although many of their eschatological teachings have changed over the years, Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion.
Why can't Jehovah Witnesses go to college? ›
Witness leadership also discourages higher education because they believe it's a waste of time. Jehovah's Witnesses have been predicting the end of the world since the religion's founding at the end of the 19th century.
Do Jehovah's eat meat? ›DIET - Jehovah Witnesses believe it is forbidden to eat blood or blood products. Although meat is usually acceptable, because animals are bled after slaughter, some Jehovah Witnesses may be vegetarian. Patients may wish to pray silently before eating and at other times.
Can Jehovah Witnesses be friends with non? ›They limit contact with non-Jehovah's Witnesses
Followers are discouraged from having close relationships with those who are not part of the faith. People who are “worldly” are seen as bad influences or “bad associations.”
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate holidays that they believe do not fit true Christianity. These include Christmas, Easter, and even birthdays. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Christ did not command his birth - or any birth - to be celebrated; he just wanted his death to be remembered.
What is the diet of a Jehovah Witness? ›Diet. Jehovah's Witnesses reject foods containing blood but have no other special dietary requirements. Some Jehovah's Witnesses may be vegetarian and others may abstain from alcohol, but this is a personal choice. Jehovah's Witnesses do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
Can Jehovah Witnesses have chemo? ›Since Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients diagnosed with leukaemia refuse blood transfusions, they are often denied intensive chemotherapy for fear they could not survive myeloablation without blood transfusion support.
Do Jehovah Witnesses salute the American flag? ›Jehovah's Witnesses believe their allegiance belongs to God's Kingdom, which they view as an actual government. They refrain from saluting the flag of any country or singing nationalistic songs, which they believe are forms of worship, although they may stand out of respect.