Jehova's Witness?

Question

So, I started talking someone recently who is Jehovas Witness. I know a lot about religion, but very little about this one. I am seeking information from non-bigoted open-minded individuals who are either in this religion or know a lot about it? What's it all about? Please no religion bashing!!!

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired word of God.They hold to the Bible as a standard for all thier beliefs.
They worship Jehovah as the only true God(Psalms 83:18 Exodus 6:3
They believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, the first of all God's creations, that he sacrificed his life for imperfect humans so that we have the chance to receive everlasting life,something that our first parents Adam & Eve lost.
They believe that God's Kingdom is the only hope for mankind; that it is a real government; that it will soon destroy the present wicked system of things, including all human governments, and that it will produce a new system in which righteousness will prevail.
They believe that God's original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of the true God and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be brought back to life with an opportunity to also share in those blessings.
They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure, that they exist in God's memory, so hope for their future lies in a resurrection from the dead.
They believe that we are living now,since 1914 in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some living today will also see the destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a paradise earth.
They remain separate from the world just as Jesus commanded them to do.They remain neutral when it comes to politics or warfare against their fellowman.
They strife to apply Bible counsel in every aspect of life.

Answer 2

Who better to ask than Jehovah's Witnesses themselves? Have you ever had someone else tell what they understand you said or did to others, & those they told came away with completely erroneous ideas? That's what happens ... a Lot! So it's safest to go to the source in the first place ... Much Easier than later attempting to weed out Fact from fiction! (:

"This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." 1 Timothy 2:3,4


Jehovah's Witnesses
Who Are They? What Do They Believe?
~ Who Are They?
~ Their Modern Development and Growth
~ What Do They Believe?
~ The Good News They Want You Tto Hear
~ Ways They Use to Share the Good News
~ Practical Value of the Good News to Your Community
~ Their Worldwide Organization & Work
~ Questions Often Asked by Interested People
~ Our Invitiation to You
http://www.watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm

Should You Believe Everything You Hear? :
~ Propaganda Can Be Deadly
~ The Manipulation of Information
~ Do Not Be a Victim of Propaganda!
~ Is the Work of Jehovah's Witnesses Propagandistic?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2000/6/22/article_01.htm

Christianity in Action-Amid Turmoil
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/1/15/article_01.htm

"Make Sure of All things; Hold Fast to what is Fine!" (1Th5:21)

Answer 3

Im sure you have realised many here have ignored your request to avoid religion bashing. I am studying with Jehovah's Witnesses and it is very refreshing. Anything they teach, they can back up with scriptures from the Bible. The comment above mine (Bill) has very accurate knowledge on this religion. Some of the people who have had negative comments on this topic so far know absolutely nothing about the religion. Truth be told, Ive heard on more than one account where someone has claimed that Jehovah's Witnesses believe everyone else in the world will go to hell; which is a perfect example of how misinformed they are, because Jehovah's Witnesses do not even Believe in a hell. One reason people hate Witnesses is because they are different; they ARE Christians, and do have a very high respect for Jesus Christ, although they DO NOT WORSHIP HIM. (Luke 4:8) "In reply Jesus said to him: 'It is written, 'It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service''" They also do not believe in the Trinity because that pagan doctrine wasnt introduced into Christianity until about AD 325. Just as others have said, next time Witnesses come to your door, just take the few minutes to listen to their message if you have the time.. if you dont, just tell them. :)

Answer 4

Bravo John, good description in a nut shell.

Honestly, I have met and know many JW that are the nicest people that you would ever want to know.

I am currently scrutinizing their book "Reasoning from the Scriptures" comparing it to the Bible. I have read many "Watchtowers" magazines.

I can tell you this, they are not a Christian cult. They do not believe that Christ is God. They do not believe that the only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ. And that was all it took for me not to consider the JW as a viable avenue in support of Christian Salvation. Christian is not a description of the JW.

There are many points where their doctrine differs from that taught by the Bible. There are also many minor points that they expose in their doctrine that are absolutely true. And this is how a cult works. It takes some truths and mixes it in with their beliefs that don't follow the truth and make it look desirable and righteous.

The best way to approach the teaching of any church, religion or cult is to compare their teachings against that of the Christian Bible. If it is truth embrace it. If it is false abhor it.

This cult is similar to the World Wide Church of God in many respects of doctrine.

If the Truth is bashing then I apologize for ignoring your request

Answer 5

One was just out my house a couple of days ago. I was laying out pretty well naked on my deck. I told him I was half naked and he said oh I am sorry. Then I said--Well maybe I need a bible. He spoke with my husband in the driveway and he said that he would be back. Well, I know a little about their religion but not enough to accurately tell you for sure. One of my friends use to be apart of that and also this one lady use to call me and we read scripture from the bible--not their extra book. She tried to explain that God will not destroy the Earth and that people and animals will live in harmony. They do not believe in celebrating holidays--Christmas, Halloween, birthdays--nothing. They think those are pagan traditions. Some of their children are even kept home from school or taken out of the classroom when the holidays are celebrated. Also they are totally against blood transfusions. I guess I have known a lot of people in that religion but I really do not understand much of it. I know that they have one or two extra books to go along with the actual bible I do have those--my friend gave them to me--but I never read them b/c I am not in that religion and I really do not want to learn much about it. But it is interesting, but I think that they twist the scripture around a bit and that is why people think it is a cult. However they are very adament about their beliefs and spend a lot of time trying to witness to others, so they are dedicated. Most people where I live hate them and their religion mostly. But I truly think that every religion interprets the bible differently, however I don't think that people should add to the actual-real bible b/c that just seems like people are making it up to suit themselves. So I don't know what to really think about it. I guess that most religions --not all-- have some good points but I am not for sure which is right. I am protestant and I still do not agree with some of the pastor's messages that I have heard. I tried to but some just seemed to cruel or contradictory. It is hard to understand it all. I mean like for example if holidays are really bad, then most people are sinning by taking part in it. And most religions are against homosexuality and adultery, etc. and then they tell us to not judge other people. So what the heck should we do? It is so stressful to consider all that stuff. Anyway, I am getting way off track now. Sorry. Hope this helps though.

Answer 6

None of this is associated with our beliefs and customs. Everything we do or say is from the bible. So why do so many say this?

Many, not all of your negative answers, are from disfellowshipped or apostates, a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion.

"whynotaskdon" is suppose to be a "answer man" for some religion, but all he does is spread hate & tear down other religions. We have young children in our organization that knows more about the Bible than he does. Take my advice, don't listen to these people, if you really want to know about JW's ask one, we do not charge for anything, everything we offer is free.

Last year 2005, 247,631, became Jehovah's Witnesses and everyone of these had to change their minds pertaining to the false teachings that they had been taught, these were people that used their own Bible, King James, etc., 28,384 were from the United States.

During the service year, 2,340 Kingdom Halls were completed around the world. This represents an average of 195 halls per month, or just over 6 per day! Since November 1999 when the construction program in lands with limited resources began, 11,467 Kingdom Halls have been built. In many areas, once a hall is finished, meeting attendance soars and halls are soon filled to capacity. World wide, Jehovah's Witnesses have over 98,000 Congregations, we believe, teach the very same thing regardless of what country we are in. We are Brother & Sister, unlike these other religions.

Recently a clergyman in Brooklyn, New York, obtained a copy of the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. He was so impressed with the chapter dealing with prayer that he used the book to teach members of his church this chapter in a special meeting. Later he was asked by one of them, “Are you teaching us out of those Jehovah’s witnesses’ books?”

He replied: “It is the truth, isn’t it? When you want Sunday-school literature, you buy it from several sources, don’t you? Well, Jehovah’s witnesses teach the truth. Furthermore, when you see Jehovah’s witnesses with the Watchtower magazine, you ought to take it, because they print the truth.”

Has your minister, priest or religious leader mentioned this wonderful hope to you? Of course they have not, most clergymen say nothing about it. In fact, many do not even believe the Bible. This is an important reason why Jehovah’s witnesses call at the homes of people of other religions.

The efforts of Jehovah’s witnesses to approach people in public and at their homes are rooted in the Word of God. Jesus himself went directly to the people, and he instructed his apostles and disciples to do likewise.

The Witnesses’ beliefs, based entirely on God’s Word, the Bible, prevent them from falling into the trap of becoming a sect or a cult. They take a kindly interest in all other people, of whatever religious persuasion. No, they do not try to force these people to change their viewpoint. They endeavor to imitate their Leader, Christ Jesus, by presenting Scriptural evidence of the trouble-free Paradise that will soon be established on earth. Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Peter 2:21.

Answer 7

Jehovah's Witnesses have the true religion. It seems signficant that the relatively small religion of Jehovah's Witnesses are the ones best known for their worldwide preaching work. Yet Jesus commanded that ALL who would call themselves "Christian" perform this public work:

(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.

Learn more from the official website of Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://www.watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm

Answer 8

It is a cult and once members really become involved with it, they are usually hooked. If you want out they even try terror tactics.

A relative of mine was a Witness and nearly died during a surgery because if their 'rule' that it is eating blood and is vile! There is a blood substitute now, but the practice is inexcusable and I'm sure it has caused suffering and death, Especially to children who could not choose.
When this relative quit the Witnesses, they made her life a hell for months. Repeated threats, unwanted visitors that frightened her , plus mail and phone calls trying to coerce her into coming back to them.

No one is allowed to celebrate birthdays or Christmas and the threat of Jehovah hangs over their heads like a sword.

Answer 9

What are the doctrines of the jehovah's witnesses ?
--

The Jehovah's Witnesses are a sect that believes that

(a) Jesus Christ is a created being;
(b) Jesus was and is Michael the Archangel;
(c) Jesus is not God;
(d) Jesus was created by God;

(e) We do not have an immortal soul;

(f) when we die, we cease to exist, until we are re-created by God at the Resurrection, in time for the Judgment;

(g) only 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses will make it to heaven;

(h) the rest of the Jehovah's Witnesses who were faithful to the Jehovah's Witness gospel and leaders will live for ever on earth (not in heaven).

For articles that evaluate the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/jw/jw00.ht...

Cordially,
John

Answer 10

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and I am going to provide you with a link to the official site so that you can get the truth about our beliefs. As you can imagine, most of the answers you got were "religion bashing" at it's best, or should I say worst. Anyway, here is the link to the article that tells all about Jehovah's Witnesses and what we believe.
http://www.watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm?article=article_04.htm