The Holy Spirit is the name of God's active force in the world. Only God in the flesh could do all these things. [15][21][22] At the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Society, the "faithful and discreet slave" was defined as referring to the Governing Body only. The Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus is a lesser god, but not the God of the universe. They affirm that GodJehovahis the most high. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are God. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was Jehovah's first creation, that Jehovah then created everything else by means of Jesus, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's 'only-begotten Son'. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine . The terms "little flock" and "other sheep" are drawn from Luke 12:32 and John 10:16 respectively. Jehovah's Witnesses hold services on Sunday and twice during the week, in a Kingdom Hall, an unadorned building. [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. They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. God (the Father): God is a single being whose personal name is Jehovah they also accept the name Yahweh and other. [187][188] This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than past deeds. Evil and suffering. [38][39][40][41] Members who promote privately developed teachings contrary to those of the Governing Body may be expelled and shunned. Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses also differ in their beliefs about the Bible. Because Jehovah's Witnesses is the only true religion, anyone not part of this society is just another cog in Satan's scheme. 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. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus was physically resurrected. [86][89], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only-begotten Son", and that his life began in heaven. 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. Using a variety of Bible translations can enhance your study of the Bible. "[21], Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope. Henschel. [1] They have their own literature including a Bible and Watchtower Magazine. [195], Watch Tower Society publications define apostasy as the abandonment of the worship and service of God by members of the Christian congregation, and equate it with rebellion against God. What Do I Need to Know about the Anglican Church? [167][168] They believe that when Jesus became king, Satan was ousted from heaven to the earth, bringing a period of "woe" to mankind. (John 17:17; 2Timothy 3:16) We base our beliefs on all 66 of its books, which include both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that Jehovahs Witnesses built their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there.a. The basis for this belief originates from several sources: primarily, they believe the celebration of birthdays stems from pagan rituals. b Wicked angels have been cast out of heaven, although they continue to exist in the spirit realm.Revelation 12:7-9. Preaching the good news of the Kingdom.Matthew 24:14. They believe Jesus died for humankind's sins, however they do not believe that he was physically resurrected after his crucification. Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. [18][19][20] The Governing Body seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses, other than high-ranking members at the Brooklyn headquarters. In 1876, Russell encountered Nelson H. Barbour; later that year, they together produced the book Three Worlds, which combined restitution views with end-time prophecy. The Watch Tower Society publishes millions of books, tracts, recordings, and periodicals in more than 700 languages. [136] They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person is not conscious. Discuss a Bible question, or learn more about Jehovahs Witnesses. Lutheran History & Beliefs. 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. When Taze began disputing some of the traditional views within Christianity, the Jehovah's Witnesses were born. [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. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502015242/univ/art/502015242_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. 10. This article will begin with a brief description of the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and will then recommend spec Main Differences Between Jehovah's Witnesses and Christianity. The Pentecostal Church: History & Beliefs Jehovah's Witnesses are a religious group with more than eight million members around the world. This belief, which is contrary to standard medical practice, remains an additional point of controversy with authorities, especially in cases concerning children. [137] Based on this, they believe that parables such as that of "the rich man and Lazarus" should not be interpreted literally, and that such references are speaking of symbolic death, not the physical death of actual individuals. [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. [44][45] The organization is said to be theocratic, "ruled from the divine Top down, and not from the rank and file up". He began ruling in 1914.Revelation 11:15. 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. 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. 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. [189] At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that: Jesus Christ is a mighty being, but he is not God Jesus Christ is a lesser and separate spirit being Jesus Christ is not equal to God in power or eternity (i.e. [60] Sociologist Andrew Holden has observed that Witnesses see no distinction between loyalty to Jehovah and to the movement itself,[61] and other researchers have claimed that challenging the views of those higher up the hierarchical ladder is regarded as tantamount to challenging God himself. [128] The kingdom is said to have been the focus of Jesus' ministry. He is the bible highly discourages an interfaith . If you are a Jehovahs Witness, you can come to know Christ today and experience His saving grace by placing faith in Him. 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. It is a religion where people believe in one god. [121][122] The Society teaches that the first human, Adam, was created in 4026 BCE. 3. [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. Jesus died on an upright stake and not the cross [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. These practices have brought them under the scrutiny of government authorities. 2. (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. The Bible teaches that if a person places faith in Christ, they are given forgiveness of sins, redemption, and eternal life. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. The Witnesses distrust of contemporary institutions extends to other religious denominations, from which they remain separate. | 1. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Regarding sin. JWs believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, "the firstborn of all . (Acts 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:19-21) We are peaceful and do not participate in warfare. 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. What Are Familiar Spirits and What Does the Bible Warn about Them? This judgment will begin with the destruction by the United Nations of false religion, which they identify as "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17. (Luke 11:13) The Bible also compares Gods spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. Like the Quakers, another Christian religious group, they are conscientious objectors regarding military. The BBC reports that Witnesses believe the end times began in 1914. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? [68][69], The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God. Jehovahs Witnesses also hold to the belief of annihilationism. While their practices broke with the Adventists . Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/kevinschreiber, Similar to their view of Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father. 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. As believers, we need to help them know the truth of Jesus and the gospel. [77] The name is a common modern Latinized form of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, or four-letter name, transliterated as YHWH. Jehovah's Witnesses refer to the fact that the Bible never explicitly mentions the term "trinity." As believers, we need to share the truth of Jesus and the gospel. 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. [105][109] Witnesses believe that Satan and his demons influence individuals, organizations and nations, and that they are the cause of human suffering. Members of local congregations, known as publishers, meet at Kingdom Halls and engage in doorstep preaching. [143][144][145] According to Watch Tower Society theology, salvation requires Christ's mediation as part of God's purpose to grant humans everlasting life, either in heaven (for 144,000 "anointed" Christians, or the "little flock") or on earth (for the "other sheep", the remainder of faithful humanity). We believe that the Bible gives solid reasons for following this course," states JW.org. The Jehovah's Witness Organization is the prophet of God. [196] They believe the congregation must "maintain God's favor in order to be used by him and to represent him" or else the whole congregation would lose God's approval. [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. People who die pass out of existence. Share any teaching or belief that is contrary to what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught. Those with an earthly hope are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant. At Armageddon, Satan is to be bound for 1,000 years, and then given a brief opportunity to mislead perfect humanity before being destroyed. 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. Definition of a Jehovah's Witness. [161][162] Those destroyed at Armageddon and other specific judgments by God are not resurrected. [36] All Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body. [65], Although many of their eschatological teachings have changed over the years,[66] Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion. [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. Jehovah's Witnesses believe Christianity died soon after Christ, but was resurrected under Russell. They affirm the deity of God the Father, and specifically deny the deity of Jesus Christ. They don't believe in hell. This article is about Jehovah's Witnesses' core beliefs. They only see Jehovah as the true mighty God, not Jesus or the Holy Spirit. 726 Followers. Buddhism places strong emphasis on "mindfulness," so patients may request peace and quiet for the . (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. Catholic Church: History, Tradition & Beliefs Well-wishes made on a person's birthday were historically meant to ward off evil spirits that are non-canonical to the Witnesses' theology; secondarily, they . They affirm that GodJehovahis the most high. [83] Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on people, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm. They urge young Witnesses to pursue higher education only to gain skills to obtain a reasonable living while maintaining flexibility to pursue their "true" vocation, serving God. [164], Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven invisibly as king in October 1914. They believe they have the only true religion and that all other religions are under Satan. They believe it is God's will to "abstain from blood" (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10;. 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. Now, try the right place. [117] It dismisses Young Earth creationism as "unscriptural and unbelievable",[118] and states that Jehovah's Witnesses "are not creationists" on the basis that they do not believe the earth was created in six literal days. plrma) carries the idea of the sum total. They deny that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. [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". They believe having faith in Jesus means believing in Him, but they do not see Him as being sufficient to give them salvation. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when Jesus was born on earth, he was a mere human and not God in human flesh. [181] Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed. Here are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox Christianity in the late 1800's. We answer the questions of how they started, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today. [84], Witnesses teach that God must be distinguished by his personal nameJehovah. Matthew 28:19-20 says, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. (Matthew 10:8; 23:8) We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. Three distinct Persons, yet one God. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/luchschen, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. [110], Writers including James Beckford and former members James Penton and Barbara Grizzuti Harrison have stated that Jehovah's Witnesses' have a fear of demons, which Penton says is "sometimes so extreme that it becomes quite superstitious". Special pioneers are full-time salaried employees of the society. They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. Deliverance from sin and death is possible through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. Annihilationism teaches that when a person dies, they cease to exist. They say it's to maintain unity. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. 2. For example, we dont accept blood transfusions because the Bible forbids taking in blood to sustain the body. Witnesses believe that they are living in the last days, and they look forward to the imminent establishment of Gods kingdom on earth, which will be headed by Christ and jointly administered by 144,000 human corulers (Revelation 7:4). [101], The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society used the Cross and Crown symbol on tombstones, and on its publications until 1931. After the war the Witnesses brought several suits in American courts dealing with their beliefs and practices, resulting in 59 Supreme Court rulings that were regarded as major judgments on the free exercise of religion. [193][199], Jehovah's Witnesses claim the purpose of denying fellowship to a wrongdoer safeguards the congregation's moral and spiritual cleanliness and protects its name. In countries throughout the world, many have faced imprisonment and even death for their conscientious objection to bearing arms in war. We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/NexTser, There are reportedly 8.3 million Jehovah's Witnesses around the world and nearly 120,000 congregations. (John 8:44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called Satan and Devil, persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. Ephesians 4:30 urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit, which demonstrates that the Holy Spirit has emotions. Members believe that, 3 years after 1914, Jesus came to "inspect and cleanse" the Watchtower Society, choosing it as the only organization . In the 1870s Russell organized the Watchtower Society, which directs, administers, and disseminates all doctrine. [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 issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe. Bible. The Kingdom of God. Witnesses also oppose certain medical practices that they believe violate Scripture. [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. The Holy Spirit is a real independent Person, who is the Third Member of the Trinity. Therefore, they promote moral and spiritual education over secular education. During their Wednesday night meeting, Victoria's congregation ruminates over medical researchers' various efforts to fight COVID-19. [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. and Why does God allow suffering? Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity. https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792 (accessed March 4, 2023). [186], Most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20. 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. Audio download options Looking like a jerk when someone sneezes. In the mind of Jehovahs Witnesses, there is not a Trinity. The lists below address select points for the care of patients from Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu , Jehovah's Witness , Jewish , Muslim and Pentecostal traditions. This is the Great Commission commandment established by Jesus. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible-trained conscience.Romans 14:1-4; Hebrews 5:14. Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. These short video lessons answer key Bible questions, such as: Why did God create the earth? Jehovah's Witnesses cite the Old and New Testaments as the Biblical basis for refusing transfusions. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in Hell but do believe in Heaven. [5] [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". [171][172], They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations", a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. Jehovah's Witnesses use a Bible translation called the New World Translation. Witnesses participate in the annual commemoration of Christs death, celebrated on 14 Nisan of the Jewish calendar (March or April of the Gregorian calendar); Witnesses pass around bread and wine, symbols of the body and blood of Christ. 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. The Meaning of Angel Numbers: Are They Biblical or Demonic? 83:18), will end crime, violence, sickness and death by destroying all wickedness in the world. There are many false teachings and false doctrines that the Jehovah's Witnesses have been taught to believe about God, the Trinity doctrine, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel. According to The Watchtower, "the Governing Body does not keep a list of all partakers, for it does not maintain a global network of anointed ones. Sierra leone family of jehovah's witnesses dating network for true faith to use your phone. Jesus Christ is God's agent, through whom sinful humans can be reconciled to God. [205] Apostates are described as proud, independent, ungrateful and presumptuous,[204] mentally diseased,[206][207] displaying jealousy, fits of anger and other unchristian conduct and are said to often fall victim to drunken bouts, loose conduct and fornication. [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. [77][87] The title, LORD (Greek: Kyrios), is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God. (BX 8526 .J44 1993) [Find in a library near you] Describes the teachings, beliefs, and history of Jehovah's Witnesses, including a section on instances of religious persecution. [67] Based on their interpretation of Revelation 18:2-24, Jehovah's Witnesses believe all other religions are part of "Babylon the Great", a "world empire of false religion" under the control of Satan. This, of course, is a major diversion from orthodox Christianity. (The secularly accepted date for the fall of Jerusalem is within a year of 587 BCE; exiles were taken in various years, with most Jews exiled to Babylon following the siege of Jerusalem of 597 BCE.) Rather than believing Jesus was physically resurrected from the dead, Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus was only spiritually resurrected. They believe God, who's name is Jehovah (Ps. [35], The leadership makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God. This cannot be answered with a brief comment. 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. As Jehovahs Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. One who has been baptized as a JW and is still loyal to the organization. Recently, Russia banned Jehovah's Witnesses and this issue was one of the reasons stated for their doing so. They do not believe in the Trinity. One as becoming inactive, one as becoming disassociated, and one as becoming disfellowshipped. [196], They are still visited by church elders yearly and encouraged by congregation members. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is a lesser "god," but not the God of the universe. [152], Based on a literal interpretation of scriptures such as Revelation 14:14, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians go to heaven as spirit creatures to rule with Christ in the kingdom of God. age) Jesus Christ never thought of himself as God or equal to God Jesus Christ is the son of God Jesus Christ was created by Jehovah as his first creation We strive to show unselfish love in all our actions. Jesus served as a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of all humankind. If a person fails to place faith in Christ, they go to hell and ultimately the lake of fire. (Matthew 5:9; Isaiah 2:4) We respect the government where we live and obey its laws as long as these do not call on us to disobey Gods laws.Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29. Jehovahs Witnesses try to claim that they are Christians, but they are not. Instead, they emphasize citizenship in God's heavenly kingdom. What is the condition of the dead? [190] Then Satan is released for a final opportunity to mislead perfect mankind;[191] Satan, his demons, and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race who will live forever. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. 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. This date is said to also mark when the Last Days began.
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