Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, raising the issueoften referred to as a "controversy"of whether people, having been granted free will, would obey God under both temptation and persecution. [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. The Trinity. Only those thought to be among the 144,000 corulers eat and drink the bread and wine. [57] Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who was expelled as part of the purge, subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization,[58] claiming the conceptwhich posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organizationhas no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the group's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority. As previously mentioned, Jehovahs Witnesses have a false view of the Holy Spirit. [31] However, the Governing Body disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration. Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World NewslettersPressDonateMy Account Read our research on: Congress| Economy| COVID-19 Research Topics [178], The current world era, or "system of things", is considered to be in its "last days",[179] facing imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably. 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. [171][172], They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations", a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. They also identify him with the "rider of the white horse" at Revelation 6 and 19. Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you . [200] Sociologist Andrew Holden claims his research indicated many Witnesses who would otherwise defect because of disillusionment with the organization and its teachings remain affiliated out of fear of being shunned and losing contact with friends and family members. In addition to all of these things, the Holy Spirit can do things that a person can do such as giving commands (Acts 8:29), interceding for others (Romans 8:26), teaching (John 14:26), and testifying of the Father (John 15:26). 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. 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. Lutheran History & Beliefs. Jesus acts as the mediator of a "new covenant"[96] referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, mediating between the parties of that covenant (God and the "144,000"). [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. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/luchschen, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. [90] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[91] but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. [11] Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth". (Matthew 10:8; 23:8) We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. [203] It is grounds for expulsion from the group and subsequent shunning. Members of local congregations, known as publishers, meet at Kingdom Halls and engage in doorstep preaching. (Acts 24:15) However, those who refuse to learn Gods ways after being raised to life will be destroyed forever with no hope of a resurrection.Revelation 20:14, 15. Jesus is said to have been used by God in the creation of all other things. The Jehovah's Witnesses movement came out of the Bible Student movement, also founded by Taze. The Lord declared Himself to be God through His seven "I AM" statements ( John 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15). Recently, Russia banned Jehovah's Witnesses and this issue was one of the reasons stated for their doing so. The Holy Spirit is the name of God's active force in the world. This is wrong because the Holy Spirit is God, and He is divine. [183] After Armageddon, Satan will be cast into an abyss and unable to influence humanity, then God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth,[184][185] which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden. Jesus died on an upright stake and not the cross Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. [86][89], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only-begotten Son", and that his life began in heaven. In addition to denying the divinity of Jesus, Jehovahs Witnesses also deny the Trinity. Jehovahs Witnesses try to claim that they are Christians, but they are not. The impulse to sin is in the blood. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18) A witness is a person who proclaims views or truths of which he is convinced.". Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. and Why does God allow suffering? While their practices broke with the Adventists . Jehovahs Witnesses are wrong because Jesus is God. They affirm the deity of God the Father, and specifically deny the deity of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible gives solid reasons for following this course," states JW.org. [208] Witnesses are told they must loathe and hate in the "biblical sense of the word" those who are defined as apostates and show no curiosity about their ideas,[209] and that apostates' "whole purpose is to tear down God's people and to distort the truth. ", The answer to this is no. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in Hell but do believe in Heaven. [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. The Jehovah's Witness Organization is the prophet of God. [76] The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scripturesthe main translation used by Jehovah's Witnessesrenders the name of God as Jehovah, rather than .mw-parser-output span.smallcaps{font-variant:small-caps}.mw-parser-output span.smallcaps-smaller{font-size:85%}God or LORD as found in English translations such as the King James Version. The Witnesses understand Jesus' words at John 3:3"except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"to apply to the 144,000 who are "born again" as "anointed" sons of God in heaven. [138], Witnesses teach that wicked angels (demons) sometimes pretend to be spirits of the dead, and that their deception is the basis for many beliefs about ghosts. Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. We are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders. Mennonites & Their Beliefs JW.org explains, " [W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' [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. "Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs." 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 the Bible is a good . Those with an earthly hope are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant. 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. Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate any holidays, a category which they believe includes birthdays.. "When a person dies, he ceases to exist. (Acts 11:26) However, we have learned from the Bible that Jesus is not Almighty God and that there is no Scriptural basis for the Trinity doctrine.John 14:28. [136] They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person is not conscious. Jehovah's Witnesses cite the Old and New Testaments as the Biblical basis for refusing transfusions. A Jehovah's Witness must become worthy of salvation. One as becoming inactive, one as becoming disassociated, and one as becoming disfellowshipped. [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". The issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe. Evil and suffering. Jehovah's Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. [77] The Holy Spirit is described as God's "active force", rather than the third part of the Trinity. What Do You Know About Jehovahs Witnesses? The Meaning of Angel Numbers: Are They Biblical or Demonic? Know this: The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses must be accepted and followed by each and every member. Presbyterians: History & Beliefs (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.Exodus 3:6; 32:11; John 20:17. The Watch Tower Society publishes millions of books, tracts, recordings, and periodicals in more than 700 languages. Bible. 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. The Trinity is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a real independent Person, who is the Third Member of the Trinity. Mormons: The Church of Latter Day Saints & Their Beliefs Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. They claim that the Holy Spirit is "impersonal": "By referring to Gods spirit as his 'hands,' 'fingers,' or 'breath,' the Bible shows that the holy spirit is not a person. 5 things you should know" and the ChristianHeadlines.com article "10 Things You Should Know about Jehovah's Witnesses.". Annihilationism teaches that when a person dies, they cease to exist. [164], Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven invisibly as king in October 1914. [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. I'm still here, and I'm still the . The Jehovah's Witnesses are quite forthcoming about their religious beliefs. (1Corinthians 1:10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions. In this article, we are going to discover what Jehovahs Witnesses believe. What Is Protestantism & Why Is it Important? Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. 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. [49], Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization",[50] thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system. If you are a Jehovahs Witness or you know one, share these truths with them. 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. We adhere to Gods original standard of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, with sexual immorality being the only valid basis for divorce. The lists below address select points for the care of patients from Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu , Jehovah's Witness , Jewish , Muslim and Pentecostal traditions. The group was initially called the Watch Tower Society because founder Charles Taze Russell published Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence magazine. [166] As such, the Second Coming is considered an invisible presence, lasting for an extended period of time, and ending with Jesus' "coming" to separate the Sheep and the Goats. Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. They think the Holy Spirit is an "impersonal force" and not actually God and Lord Himself. [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. However, to deviate from the beliefs would be to position oneself in a light of apostasy. 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. Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792 (accessed March 4, 2023). [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. 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.. (James 2:24, 26) However, salvation cannot be earnedit comes through the undeserved kindness of God.Galatians 2:16, 21. (Luke 11:13) The Bible also compares Gods spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. Three distinct Persons, yet one God. [79][107] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan is God's chief adversary[107] and the invisible ruler of the world. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? They say that God's Kingdom (mentioned (thy Kingdom come) in the Lord's prayer) will restore God's original purpose for the Earth: bringing about peace for . Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/kevinschreiber, Similar to their view of Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father. They will be given the opportunity to join Jesus' "other sheep" and live forever on a paradise earth. They reject the concept of universal salvation[141] and the concept of predestination. We're a post and chat jehovah's witnesses of this reason the preferred religious beliefs and proper etiquette. This violates the biblical teaching that in the incarnate Jesus, "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col. 2:9; cf. [158] Only those claiming to be anointed partake of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, or Memorial. He is the bible highly discourages an interfaith . Ex-Jehovah witness religion or personals for ex-jehovah's witnesses - is, and. Hell is a real place. [77][87] The title, LORD (Greek: Kyrios), is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God. 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. During their Wednesday night meeting, Victoria's congregation ruminates over medical researchers' various efforts to fight COVID-19. Heaven. Why Do Cults Use God Falsely in Their Mission? Its chief publications are a semimonthly magazine, the Watchtower, and its companion magazine, Awake!. [77][85] The use of his personal name is regarded as vital for true worship,[86] and Witnesses usually preface the term God with the name Jehovah. Salvation. This is the Great Commission commandment established by Jesus. 2. They say it's to maintain unity. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are God. The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings of Charles Taze Russellfounder of the Bible Student movementand successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and Nathan Homer Knorr. [154] They associate the terms "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), "little flock" (Luke 12:32), and "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 21:9) in the New Testament with the "anointed". (John 13:34, 35) We avoid practices that displease God, including the misuse of blood by taking blood transfusions. I'm a woman. "[218], Jehovah's Witnesses provide religious training programs for their members, focusing on improving skills for their ministry. Jehovahs Witnesses Denomination Overview, Christian Reformed Church Beliefs and Practices, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. (Acts 15:20) Likewise, the Bible prohibits health treatments or procedures that include occult practices.Galatians 5:19-21," explains JW.org. How Should 'Jihad' (Muslim Holy War) Be Understood Properly? At Armageddon, Satan is to be bound for 1,000 years, and then given a brief opportunity to mislead perfect humanity before being destroyed. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. 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". [174][175] They believe that their preaching is also part of that sign, citing Matthew 24:14. We do not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates, run for government office, or participate in any action to change governments. This is a real government in heaven, not a condition in the hearts of Christians. These include literacy classes, Pioneer Service School, School for Kingdom Evangelizers and Gilead School. TERMS OF USE Worship services begin and end with prayer and may include singing. As believers, we need to help them know the truth of Jesus and the gospel. [74] They believe that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) contain prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ,[75] and that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) are primarily directed to the 144,000 chosen by God for life in heaven. Witnesses - knowing what /r/exjw is the group reports a good. no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions, speak to one of the Witnesses in your area. Instead, they emphasize citizenship in God's heavenly kingdom. This date is said to also mark when the Last Days began. Rather, unbelievers spend eternity separated from God in hell and later in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). 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. [204], Apostates are said to have become part of the antichrist and are regarded as more reprehensible than non-Witnesses. [94] While on earth, Jesus was executed as a sacrifice to atone for mankind's sins, becoming the "eternal father" to the human family. It is important that as a future healthcare provider, you have some background knowledge about the medical beliefs among prominent religions in the United States in the likely event that one of your future patients follows them. Share 2. [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". [72] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[73]. [195] Watch Tower publications define three different types of defection. Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs include works such as learning about Jehovah, living a moral life, regular witnessing to others and obeying God's commandments as part of the requirements for salvation. Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses also differ in their beliefs about the Bible. They deny that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. Similar to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, previously known as the Mormon Church, the Jehovahs Witnesses are a cult. God. What Do Jehovahs Witnesses Believe? Therefore, they promote moral and spiritual education over secular education. They are also known for their evangelical work going door-to-door attempting to make converts. For example, we dont accept blood transfusions because the Bible forbids taking in blood to sustain the body. [129], Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" (MKJV)[130] and thus believe the soul does not continue to live after one dies. We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. [1] They have their own literature including a Bible and Watchtower Magazine. 5 things you should know, 10 Things You Should Know about Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholic Church: History, Tradition & Beliefs, Mormons: The Church of Latter Day Saints & Their Beliefs, United Methodist Church: History & Beliefs, The Pentecostal Church: History & Beliefs, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. [128] The kingdom is said to have been the focus of Jesus' ministry. Moreover, governments are the preferred tool of the devil and this is why members are forbidden to get involved in any political action. Should Christians Seek Revelation from God Apart from the Bible? 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. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is a lesser "god," but not the God of the universe. If you have further questions about the beliefs of Jehovahs Witnesses, you can read more about us on our website, contact one of our offices, attend a meeting at a Kingdom Hall near you, or speak to one of the Witnesses in your area. Zavada, Jack. One who has been baptized as a JW and is still loyal to the organization. Jehovah's Witnesses use a Bible translation called the New World Translation. This is an erroneous belief because Jesus was physically resurrected from the grave. [134] Gehenna, the Bible word commonly translated as "hellfire", is said to describe a judgment of complete destruction,[135] from which resurrection is not possible. They only see Jehovah as being God. Trinity - Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs reject the doctrine of the Trinity. [198] Individuals who commit serious sins and are unrepentant are considered disfellowshipped. They deny that are about things in 2003, all of recreation or easter. The Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus is a lesser god, but not the God of the universe. The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit has a personality and the Bible describes the Holy Spirit with personal pronouns (Acts 13:2). Individuals who do not place faith in Christ are not annihilated. Answer (1 of 14): In their defense, I could argue that every religion has its own peculiarities and "weird" beliefs (transubstantiation [1]anyone?). [46] Witnesses teach that people must choose between God's organization and Satan's. Article based on the Christian Today article titled "Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? 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. [5] Jehovah's Witnesses - Religion in America: U.S. In this statement, the Lord is telling His disciples to baptize others in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, thus equating each of the three Members of the Trinity. Like the Quakers, another Christian religious group, they are conscientious objectors regarding military. Jehovah's Witnesses believe Christianity died soon after Christ, but was resurrected under Russell. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is the Christian's duty to remain "neutral" during warfare.