Jehovah’s Witnesses: Faith, Beliefs, and Practices

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Have you ever thought about why millions of people around the world knock on doors, sharing their faith? This question takes us to the core of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian group known for its unique beliefs and actions. Starting in the late 1800s, this movement has spread globally, now with over 8.6 million members as of 2023¹.

Jehovah’s Witnesses began with the Bible Student Movement led by Charles Taze Russell. In 1884, Russell started the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in Pennsylvania. This group would become the faith’s legal and publishing center². They took the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931, a key moment in their identity².

At the heart of their beliefs is the worship of Jehovah, their term for God, and a deep focus on the Bible. They are famous for their door-to-door preaching and giving out literature like The Watchtower magazine. They have unique views on God, Jesus Christ, and the end times.

Recently, the Watchtower Society has seen changes in leadership and location. In 2016, they moved their headquarters to Warwick, New York, starting a new chapter². Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses keep growing, with 118,117 congregations worldwide in 2023¹.

Key Takeaways

• Jehovah’s Witnesses began from the Bible Student Movement in the 19th century
• The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society was founded in 1884
• The name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was chosen in 1931
• There are over 8.6 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide
• Door-to-door evangelism is a major part of their faith
• Jehovah’s Witnesses have distinct beliefs about God, Jesus, and the end times
• Their headquarters moved to Warwick, New York in 2016

The Origins of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The story of Jehovah’s Witnesses began in the 1870s with the Bible Student movement in the United States. Charles Taze Russell, a dedicated Christian minister, led this group³.

Charles Taze Russell and the Bible Student Movement

Russell focused on Bible study and started the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania in 1884. This group was key to the creation of Jehovah’s Witnesses⁴. He wrote “The Object and Manner of Our Lord’s Return” and “Studies in the Scriptures”³.

Joseph Franklin Rutherford and the Watchtower Society

After Russell died in 1916, Joseph Franklin Rutherford took over the Watchtower Society. He made big changes, causing many members to leave³. Rutherford changed the society and introduced new ways to spread the message, leading to growth in the 1930s³⁴.

Adoption of the Name “Jehovah’s Witnesses”

In 1931, Rutherford named the group “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” This name set them apart from Russell’s followers³. They believe in one God and reject the Holy Trinity⁴.

Jehovah’s Witnesses faced bans and persecution in countries like Canada, Germany, and the Soviet Union. They fought for their rights in courts in the late 1930s and 1950s³. Today, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are a distinct Christian group, known for evangelism and their unique Bible views.

Core Beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian group with beliefs based on their own reading of the Bible. They have over 8.68 million members worldwide who follow these beliefs closely⁵.

At the heart of their beliefs is the name Jehovah. They see Jesus as the Son of God and savior, but not as part of a Trinity. This makes them different from many other Christians.

They have a special view on death and what happens after. They think death ends a person’s life completely, not believing in an immortal soul⁶. This belief affects how they see salvation and life after death.

The end times are very important to them. They think the last days started in 1914, when Christ’s invisible presence began⁶. They also believe 144,000 people will rule with Christ in heaven.

“Anointed individuals among Jehovah’s Witnesses know directly from God that they have been chosen and can partake of the bread and wine at the annual Memorial of Christ’s death.”

This belief guides their worship and how they see being chosen by God⁶.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have beliefs that set them apart as a Christian group. Their faith shapes their daily life and how they see the world and its future.

The Importance of Jehovah’s Name

Jehovah’s Witnesses give a big role to the divine name in their beliefs. They use Jehovah’s name more than other religious groups do. Let’s look at why this is important and how it’s different from what other Christians believe.

Significance of the Divine Name in JW Theology

Jehovah’s Witnesses think God’s name, Jehovah, is key to their faith. They use the Hebrew name YHWH from the Old Testament. They use Jehovah a lot in their teachings and worship⁷⁸.

For them, using God’s name is a must, not just a choice. They point to Isaiah 43:10, “You are my witnesses.” This verse and other interpretations show why they focus on Jehovah’s name.

Contrast with Traditional Christian Views

Jehovah’s Witnesses stand out by focusing on Jehovah’s name. Mainstream Christianity uses many names for God, but Jehovah’s Witnesses mainly use Jehovah⁷.

Traditional Christianity often uses “Lord” or “God” instead of Jehovah. This comes from different views on the Bible and historical changes in theology.

The name Jehovah became known in English in 1901, say Jehovah’s Witnesses. The original YHWH doesn’t appear in the New Testament. This Testament has over 5,700 old manuscripts without it⁷⁸.

Knowing how Jehovah’s Witnesses see the divine name can help you understand their beliefs better. It shows their unique spot among Christian groups.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ View on the Trinity

Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian group, don’t believe in the Trinity. They say the word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible. So, they think this idea was made up⁹. This makes them different from most Christians.

They use about 8 verses to explain their Trinity view¹⁰. They focus on monotheism, pointing to John 17:3 to show there’s only one true God⁹. They also use Colossians 1:15 to say Jesus was made, but He’s the first of God’s creations¹⁰.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus wasn’t God in flesh. Instead, He was a perfect man, made first by Jehovah God¹¹. They use John 14:28 and 1 Corinthians 11:3 to say Jesus is less than God¹⁰.

The Watchtower Society says the Trinity comes from old beliefs, not Christianity⁹. This idea is very different from what most Christians believe. They say Jesus and God the Father are equally divine¹¹.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are good at memorizing verses, but they might not fully understand the Bible¹⁰. Their view on Jesus and the Holy Spirit being divine is not the same as what most Christians believe.

Jesus Christ in JW Theology

Jehovah’s Witnesses have a unique view of Jesus Christ compared to other Christians. They see Jesus as a created being, not the same as God. This belief is central to their faith.

The Nature of Christ According to JWs

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus was once the archangel Michael before he came to Earth. They think he was created and is separate from God. This idea comes from their special Bible translation, the New World Translation (NWT)¹².

The NWT was made by five Jehovah’s Witness men in 1950. It changes some verses about Jesus, showing he’s not fully divine¹². For instance, John 1:1 says “the Word was a god” instead of “the Word was God”¹².

Differences from Mainstream Christian Christology

Traditional Christianity says Jesus is both God and human. Jehovah’s Witnesses disagree, believing Jesus was only human on Earth.

They also see Jesus’ resurrection as spiritual, not physical. This view sets them apart from other Christians. Their Bible translation backs up these beliefs.

The group’s leaders, the Governing Body, make all the rules¹³. They see their teachings as “the Truth” and expect followers to agree without question¹³.

Knowing how Jehovah’s Witnesses see Jesus is key for talking with them and understanding their beliefs.

The Holy Spirit: Force or Person?

Jehovah’s Witnesses see the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force. They liken it to electricity, which helps with healing and empowering people¹⁴. This idea is different from other Christians who believe the Holy Spirit is a person in the Trinity¹⁵.

The Watchtower Society believes the Holy Spirit can’t be a person because it can be in many places at once. They say it doesn’t have a personal name like the Father and Son¹⁴. But, other Christians argue that Matthew 28:19 shows the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one¹⁴.

The Bible suggests the Holy Spirit is a person. It talks about the Spirit speaking, teaching, guiding, and making choices¹⁵. It’s seen as having a mind, feelings, and will, showing it’s intelligent and has a personality¹⁵¹⁴.

Christians see the Holy Spirit as key to their faith. It gives them confidence in their salvation, gives spiritual gifts, connects believers, produces spiritual fruit, and helps with sharing the gospel¹⁶. Many people share stories of the Holy Spirit leading them to accept Jesus Christ¹⁶.

This difference in how the Holy Spirit is viewed highlights a big gap between Jehovah’s Witnesses and other Christians¹⁵¹⁶.

Eschatology: The End Times and Armageddon

Jehovah’s Witnesses have unique beliefs about the end times and Armageddon. They focus on specific dates and events in their view of the future.

The Significance of 1914

For Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1914 is a key year. They believe Jesus Christ started ruling in heaven as king in 1914, as predicted in Scripture¹⁷. This year is seen as the start of the ‘last days,’ marked by war, disease, famine, earthquakes, and moral decay¹⁷¹⁸.

Expectations for Armageddon

Armageddon is a key part of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs about the end times. They see it as the time God will destroy all earthly governments and false religion¹⁹. Only Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to survive this event, with about 8 million Witnesses left on earth to go through the Great Tribulation¹⁹.

The Millennial Reign of Christ

After Armageddon, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus will rule over earth as king for 1,000 years¹⁷. During this time, they expect billions who died before Armageddon to be brought back to life with physical bodies to return to earth¹⁹. After this millennial reign, faithful Witnesses look forward to living forever on a paradise earth¹⁹.

These beliefs have changed over time, with past predictions not coming true. Yet, Jehovah’s Witnesses still see 1914 as the start of the ‘last days’ without a set end date¹⁸. This eschatology is a key part of their faith.

Salvation and the Afterlife

Jehovah’s Witnesses have their own beliefs about salvation and the afterlife. They believe in saving faith through Christ’s sacrifice, repentance, and calling on Jehovah’s name²⁰. They also think good deeds show true faith, not just a simple gift²⁰.

They don’t believe in universal salvation. Instead, they think your choices decide your future²⁰. Getting baptized as a Witness is key to saving your soul²⁰. The afterlife is not what many think. There’s no eternal conscious existence after death. Instead, the wicked will be destroyed, not sent to hell²¹.

• The “anointed” 144,000 who’ll rule with Christ in heaven²⁰
• The “other sheep” or “great crowd” destined for eternal life on a paradise Earth²⁰²¹

Most Witnesses think they’re part of the “other sheep.” If they stay faithful, they’ll be brought back to life on a paradise Earth²⁰. Those who make it through Armageddon are known as the “great crowd.”²⁰

“The concept of hell as a place of torment is not based in reality but has been devised by Satan to slander God.”

This unique view on salvation and the afterlife makes Jehovah’s Witnesses stand out from other Christian groups. It influences their beliefs and drives them to spread the word.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Practices and Lifestyle

Jehovah’s Witnesses stand out with their unique way of life. They live differently because of their strong faith. This faith guides their daily actions and how they interact with others.

Door-to-Door Evangelism

One key activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses is going door-to-door to spread their message. They share The Watchtower and Awake! magazines and offer Bible studies at home. In 2019, over 8.5 million Witnesses worldwide took part in this effort²².

Kingdom Halls and Meetings

They meet in Kingdom Halls for religious services. These include a weekend and a weekday evening meeting. The focus is on studying the Bible and applying its teachings to everyday life.

The Memorial of Christ’s Death

Jehovah’s Witnesses have a special event each year: the Memorial of Christ’s Death. In 2023, around 20.5 million people joined this event globally. About 22,300 members took part in the bread and wine ceremony²³.

Jehovah’s Witnesses live by strict rules. They avoid blood products, shun certain individuals, and skip traditional holidays. These rules are for all members. Breaking them can lead to serious consequences²⁴.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

Jehovah’s Witnesses have a clear leadership under the Governing Body. This group of experienced elders leads the Christian faith worldwide. The Watchtower Society, in Warwick, New York, is the main center for this global faith.

The Governing Body has eight members, seen as part of the 144,000 ‘anointed class’²⁵. They guide the faith’s activities, teachings, and publications. Since starting in 1870, the Watchtower Society has grown to over 200 countries²⁶.

The faith’s structure starts with the Governing Body and goes down to local groups. Each branch office looks after about 20 congregations²⁵. Circuit overseers visit these groups twice a year, offering spiritual advice and support²⁷.

Local congregations are the heart of the organization. They have fewer than 200 members and are run by elders²⁷. These elders take care of the spiritual needs and lead the preaching work.

“We are an association of brothers, not an earthly organization.”

Charles Taze Russell once said this, stressing equality among believers and avoiding a clergy class²⁶. Even today, Jehovah’s Witnesses keep their spirit of brotherhood but have a structured organization for their global work.

The Watchtower magazine reaches 27 million people, helping spread teachings and unite the faith²⁷. This structure keeps the faith’s teachings consistent and helps coordinate its global work.

Controversial Aspects of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian group, started near Pittsburgh in the 1870s. They have beliefs that cause debate²⁸. These beliefs lead to social and legal issues in many countries.

Blood Transfusion Refusal

In 1945, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society said blood transfusions go against divine law²⁸. Jehovah’s Witnesses won’t accept whole blood, red and white cells, platelets, or plasma²⁸. This has caused tough medical and legal problems.

Political Neutrality

Jehovah’s Witnesses stay out of politics. They don’t vote, join the military, or show patriotism. This fits their view of the Bible on staying away from worldly things.

Rejection of Holidays and Birthdays

Jehovah’s Witnesses skip holidays with pagan roots or birthdays. This makes them stand out and can cause confusion with people who aren’t members.

These beliefs, key to their faith, have caused a lot of controversy. The refusal of blood transfusions has led to legal arguments over patient rights and medical ethics²⁸. Yet, Jehovah’s Witnesses keep growing, with about 8.7 million members in over 120,000 groups²⁹.

The Bible and Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses use their own Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. It was first published in 1961 and updated in 2013. This version is key to their faith and how they understand the Bible.

This translation is special because it changes some passages to match Witness beliefs. They really focus on the name Jehovah, using it a lot in both the Old and New Testaments.

Jehovah’s Witnesses see the Bible as God’s inspired word. They study it a lot, using materials from the Watch Tower Society. They believe in worshiping God the Father, whom they call “Jehovah.” They also don’t think Jesus is God³⁰.

They have a unique view on prophecy and time, especially about the year 1914. This year is very important to them. They believe only 144,000 members will go to heaven, and the rest will live on earth forever³¹.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have a different way of understanding the Bible compared to mainstream Christianity. This shapes their unique beliefs and actions³¹.

Global Presence and Growth

Jehovah’s Witnesses have a big global membership as a Christian group. They reach out to many cultures and languages, showing their dedication to sharing their beliefs. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Philadelphia’s 2010 Report highlighted their wide reach and growth³².

Even with their wide reach, Jehovah’s Witnesses face challenges in many places. In November 2020, many countries jailed Witnesses, like Eritrea with 52, Russia with 49, and Singapore with 12³³. These issues often come from being seen as extremists or refusing to join the military.

The Witnesses are growing and adapting to different places while keeping their beliefs the same. Their way of handling healthcare is getting attention, especially how they care for those who won’t accept blood transfusions. A 2008 Journal of Trauma study showed a new way to help Witness patients³².

Jehovah’s Witnesses are growing, especially in Africa, Asia, and South America. They’re growing mainly through new members, not just more births. This shows how well they reach out to different cultures and languages.

Impact on Popular Culture and Society

Jehovah’s Witnesses have made a big impact on American society. They are known for their diverse membership. In the U.S., 36% are white, 32% Hispanic, 27% black, and 6% another race or mixed race³⁴.

Their influence goes beyond just demographics. They are deeply committed to their faith. A huge 90% say religion is very important to them, and 94% believe the Bible is God’s word³⁴.

They are active in their faith too. 85% go to religious services every week, and 76% share their beliefs with others at least once a week³⁴.

On social issues, they often have conservative views. 75% think abortion should be illegal most of the time, and 76% don’t support same-sex marriage³⁴. They also lean towards creationism over evolution, with 74% rejecting evolution³⁴.

Their beliefs have a big impact on laws, especially on religious freedom and medical ethics. Their choice not to accept blood transfusions has led to debates on patient rights and medical freedom. Despite these debates, they have over 8 million members worldwide in 240 countries³⁵.

But, their influence is not without controversy. Their practice of shunning former members has been linked to negative mental health effects³⁵. The group’s patriarchal structure and strict rules also affect family life within the community³⁵.

Despite these challenges, Jehovah’s Witnesses still play a unique role in the American religious scene. They contribute to discussions on faith, personal freedom, and societal norms.

Conclusion

Jehovah’s Witnesses stand out in the Christian world with their unique beliefs. They focus on the name Jehovah and reject the Trinity, making them different from other Christians. These beliefs lead to deep discussions with others, especially about Jesus Christ³⁶.

Their way of spreading the word, through door-to-door evangelism, and their stance on blood transfusions, sparks both praise and debate. For example, a 16-year-old Jehovah’s Witness chose not to have blood transfusions after an accident. This choice raised ethical questions³⁷. Despite these debates, Jehovah’s Witnesses keep growing worldwide, staying true to their beliefs.

Thinking about the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ impact shows how their beliefs affect society and people’s lives. Their interactions with other faiths spark interesting talks on faith, free will, and God’s nature. Over time, they’ve made changes, but their core teachings still guide millions globally³⁸. Whether you support their views or not, their dedication to their faith shapes religious and social life worldwide.

Source Links

1. Jehovah’s Witnesses – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah’s_Witnesses
2. Jehovah’s Witness | History, Beliefs, & Facts – https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jehovahs-Witnesses/Beliefs
3. History of Jehovah’s Witnesses – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jehovah’s_Witnesses
4. Jehovah’s Witnesses — Dialogue Institute – https://dialogueinstitute.org/jehovahs-witnesses
5. The 11 Beliefs You Should Know about Jehovah’s Witnesses When They Knock at the Door – https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-11-beliefs-you-should-know-about-jehovahs-witnesses-when-they-knock-at-the-door/
6. BBC – Religions – Witnesses: Beliefs – https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/witnesses/beliefs/beliefs.shtml
7. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses Emphasize God’s Name? – https://biblicalworldviewacademy.org/why-do-jehovahs-witnesses-emphasize-gods-name/
8. Should we call God Jehovah as Jehovah Witnesses’ claim? – https://beardeddisciple.com/2017/04/24/should-we-call-god-jehovah-as-jehovah-witnesses-claim/
9. Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Doctrine of the Trinity – JA Show Articles – https://jashow.org/articles/jehovahs-witnesses-and-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity/
10. Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Trinity – https://bible.org/article/jehovahs-witnesses-and-trinity
11. Microsoft Word – DJ535.doc – http://www.equip.org/PDF/DJ535.pdf
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13. Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah’s_Witnesses_beliefs
14. Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit – JA Show Articles – https://jashow.org/articles/jehovahs-witnesses-and-the-doctrine-of-the-holy-spirit/
15. Conversations with a Jehovah’s Witness (page 9) – https://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/jehovahh.htm
16. A Holy Spirit Encounter with a Jehovah’s Witness – Christian Research Institute – https://www.equip.org/articles/holy-spirit-encounter-jehovahs-witness/
17. Eschatology of Jehovah’s Witnesses – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology_of_Jehovah’s_Witnesses
18. Jehovah’s Witnesses and the End of Days (2/3) – https://www.dawahskills.com/jehovahs-witnesses-and-the-end-of-days-23/
19. What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about the end times and eternal state? – https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovahs-Witnesses-end-times.html
20. Jehovah’s Witnesses and salvation – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah’s_Witnesses_and_salvation
21. What is the afterlife in Jehovah’s Witnesses? – https://strivingforeternity.org/what-is-the-afterlife-in-jehovahs-witnesses/
22. Factsheet: Jehovah’s Witnesses – Religion Media Centre – https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/jehovahs-witnesses/
23. Jehovah’s Witnesses practices – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah’s_Witnesses_practices
24. Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Rules  – avoid jw.org – https://avoidjw.org/faq/jehovahs-witnesses-rules/
25. Structure and Authority – RE:ONLINE – https://www.reonline.org.uk/knowledge/jehovahs-witnesses/structure-and-authority/
26. Development of the Organization Structure — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY – https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101993018
27. BBC – Religions – Witnesses: Organisation – https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/witnesses/structure/structure.shtml
28. Ethical and legal aspects of refusal of blood transfusions by Jehovah’s Witnesses, with particular reference to Italy – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3934270/
29. Jehovah’s Witnesses and Their Compliance with Regulations on Smoking and Blood Treatment – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8751198/
30. I am a Jehovah’s Witness. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? – https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovah-Witness-Christian.html
31. Who Are the Jehovah’s Witnesses? – https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/field-guide-on-false-teaching-jehovahs-witnesses
32. Preanesthetic Assessment of the Jehovah’s Witness Patient – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307508/
33. Issue Update: The Global Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses – https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2020 Issue Update – Jehovahs Witnesses.pdf
34. A closer look at Jehovah’s Witnesses living in the U.S. – https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/04/26/a-closer-look-at-jehovahs-witnesses-living-in-the-u-s/
35. What Happens to Those Who Exit Jehovah’s Witnesses: An Investigation of the Impact of Shunning – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9803876/
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37. The Case of Jehovah’s Witness: A Minor Requiring Blood Products – Center for Practical Bioethics – https://www.practicalbioethics.org/religion-and-morality/the-case-of-jehovahs-witness-a-minor-requiring-blood-products/
38. Reasons Why I Left the Jehovah’s Witnesses – https://incmedia.org/reasons-why-i-left-the-jehovahs-witnesses/