Jehovahs Witnesses?

Question

This is more of a staw poll than a question, because I actually know a bit about Jehovah's Witnesses in terms of who they are and how they do their religion. I hasten to add, though, that I am not a Jehovah's Witness myself - I'm an atheist and remain more than happy to stay that way.

What I am after - and what I would very much appreciate - is an insight in to what you personally know about Jehovah's Witnesses right now. A pop quiz, if you like. And preferably answers based solely on your own knowledge of the religion. In others words PLEASE don't look them up on the net before answering.

I'm not as interested in the actual facts about Jehovah's Witnesses so much as your understanding of them. The reason for this?

I am told by a Jehovah's Witness that they are well known right around the world and most people will know what they stand for. I would like to gather some answers from people all around the world (or at least within Yahoo Q&A) to put this to the test.

Answer 1

It never ceases to amaze me that people actually think we as Witnesses do not believe in Jesus. It's laughable for the simple reason that without Jesus Christ, we would not be able to have a hope for the future. We do not believe in the Trinity, because we believe, as is stated in the bible, that God created Jesus first, therefore becoming God's firstborn son. God's holy 'ghost' , or as the bible also refers to it his holy spirit, is not a person, but God's active force.
To the person who says they studied and that we use our own version, I find this just as laughable.
Most religions do indeed use a version of the bible. However, there is a HUGE difference between a TRANSLATION and a VERSION.
Bible Students (as they were then known) actually used the King James Version. This was used until they were able to actually translate the scriptures from the ORIGINAL hebrew and greek languages into modern english. It was translated this way because people had such a hard time with the 'thee' and 'thou' that other versions used. Also, when it was translated, it was done so without actually changing Gods name (in the book of Psalms he says, 'My name is Jehovah' literaly translated from the word YHWH or..Yaweh), or without chaning Jesus' name to Lord. In which by changing every name (Jehovah or Jesus) to Lord, other versions of the bible then make it possible for people to believe in the Trinity.
People have an interesting idea of Charles Russell.
You have a question about Witnesses being well known. They are, for many different reasons. I have in my life had strangers walk up and ask while we were going door to door if we were witnesses. I have heard people say, there is a look on our faces of peacefullness and joy that they don't normally see. Being of that group has enabled me to find jobs. One of the popular types of jobs that Witnesses frequently end up in is janitorial or housecleaning. You would imagine well that people want someone in their home they can trust. I did this for 13 years and was told at nearly every one I had that they would have me do it on the simple basis that I was one of Jehovah's Witnesses because of how honest and hardworking we are. We don't avoid regular jobs, but these sort of odd jobs make it easier to spend more time in the ministry since our main goal is to 'preach the good news in all the inhabited earth'.
I think that if people are truly interested in keeping their facts straight then go to the source! I grew up being raised as a Witness, and I have no regrets. I don't think I have missed out on anything. I think my family was spared the greed that is associated with holidays and birthdays, and I have always personaly felt that it was so much better to recieve a gift when it was unexpected, because it came truly from someones heart, and meant more.
And I'm sorry, but yes, we do study the bible, we don't run around translating it as we see fit. There have been studies on studies and more research than most people can imagine to find the truths and meanings that are in the bible.
It has taken the many years since we began as Bible Students to come to a more accurate understanding of what we ourselves believe. For example, smoking. Bible Students were not told to not smoke. It was not considered a bad thing back then. As more understanding came from what was in the bible, then it became understood that smoking would be included in the things a Witness should avoid to keep their bodies as a 'temple' before God. We are imperfect yes, but that doesn't mean that we should ruin what it was that God created. It was an amazing gift he gave us. But also in order to take advantage of Jesus' loving sacrifice, in which he died to pay the price for our sins, all we have to do to take advantage of that, is to follow what guidlines are set out in the bible. In order to do that, you would need to come to a deeper understanding, in which you immerse yourself in what is written in the bible. There is more involved in coming to that understanding that the largest part of that is prayer to God. He gives us his holy spirit to help us to understand these things. That is the purpose of the Governing Body, to help provide this understanding. But in truth the best understanding comes between you and God, and the personal study that you do yourself.
I could sit here and day and try to explain to people who think they understand what we are about, and definatly not a cult! I once heard from someone that they want to know what we do in the Kingdom Halls because our buildings never have windows. The newer ones usually don't, for the simple reason that they are quicker to build without the windows. Inside they are very nice, simple. Little known - yes people can walk in!
Like I said, if you are truly interested then take the time one day when one shows up at your door and ask them. They don't mind the questions. It doesn't mean you have to convert, but our goal is actually to help people come to an accurate understanding. So the choice is up to you.
Oh, and yes...we do get baptized. Baptism is very important, so we do not baptize infants. The purpose of baptism is to symbolize your change. It is to symbolize your spiritual cleansing and you actually need to be able to answer some very in depth questions before you are qualified for baptism. Its a process, and every individual must do as they feel is right. For some this comes sooner rather than later. As long as they understand what they are dedicating their lives to, they qualify for baptism.

I really wish I could keep going with the explanations of our beliefs, but this is going to be a lot of info as it stands. If anyone is truly interested then feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

They are a cult that are not filled with the Holy Spirit. I would assume then that they are not baptized either. They are extremely sensitive of 2 areas. 1. the 144,000 being saved and 2. trying to convert everybody to their religion. The whole worldwide sect study the same scriptures at the same time as everyone else. They only all ever study the same Scriptures on the same days so every one of them is like a clone, only they look different. They think they know the truth but are miles off the bullseye.
Just so it looks like I am not here to bag them
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Peace to all

Answer 3

Ok.......

There founder was a man by the name of Charles taze russell.. He was a man who did not believe in a literal burning hell and founded this group originally called the russellites...I don't know all the dates just the info...
Anyways part of his doctrine was that there would only be 144,000 people who would go to heaven and somewhere along the line they made Micheal the archangel to be Jesus..because they don't believe Jesus is God in the flesh ..although they do believe he is the son of God
They believe that the grave is hell or sheol and that would be the final place till the ressurection where we would be judged then i guess you would end up back on earth or just dead..forever that part gets a little shady for me..cause I never get that far in the conversation
But they still hold on to the belief that only 144,000 will get to go to heaven...but to those who were faithful but didn't make it...they get to live here on a refubished earth...sigh
anyway that's all I pretty much know ..God bless

Answer 4

Well. they are witnessing for Jehovah. They try to spread the message to other people, that is their mission.They have jobs and live normal lives just like everyone else. God (Jehovah) is uppermost important to them and witnessing (spreading the message about Jehovah) is their goal. They worship at Kingdom Hall. Even though I am not a Jehovah's Witness, I see that they are a non violent religion and some things they say makes sense.

Answer 5

They have a scissors-rock-paper style of circular thinking that keeps them on the path. It would be very difficult for one to deconvert, even with help - they are pretty much incapable of wanting to. Because to even consider such thoughts is a sin, And they certainly do not want to be sinners. Because God would forget about them. And they don't want that.

It's all very 'fundie', though their particular brand of Christianity has it's own unique take. Christmas is not a time to celebrate though it is recognized - as a very serious event - for example. They have the no-blood rule (no transfusions) based on some obscure bible verse. Most religions brand themselves using similar tactics, so only their particular choice of obscurities makes thems seem stranger than most.

Their exec have a long history of making end-of-the-world predictions, all of which have come and gone without incident. With each failed prediction they lose a bunch of members. But in the intervening years, manage to recruit a bunch more who do not know their history.

Answer 6

Jehovah's Witnesses understand the Scriptures to teach that God's Kingdom will soon replace all earthly governments.
(Daniel 2:44) God of heaven will set up a kingdom... It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite

That Kingdom will rule over the vast majority of mankind, most of whom will have been raised from the dead after Armageddon.
(John 11:23,24) Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”
(Acts 24:15) There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Until that resurrection, there is no suffering in "hell", or the grave. Sometime after the resurrection, death and "hell" will themselves be destroyed.
(Ecclesiastes 9:5) For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol ["hell"]
(Revelation 20:14) And death and Hades ["hell"] were hurled into the lake of fire

While a limitted number of humans will be resurrected to heaven to share in ruling over mankind, the vast majority (literally more than 99.9%) of Jehovah's Witnesses expect an EARTHLY hope, the same hope given to Adam and Eve.
(Genesis 1:28) God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill THE EARTH and subdue it [caps added]
(Genesis 2:17) You must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die [so never eating from that tree means never dying]

Interestingly, the Scriptures are full of references to this earthly hope.
(Psalms 37:11) 'the meek will possess the earth'
(Proverbs 2:21) 'upright will reside in the earth'
(Isaiah 45:18) 'God formed the earth to be inhabited'
(Matthew 5:5) 'the mild will inherit the earth'
(Revelation 21:3) The tent of God is with mankind

Jehovah's Witnesses' official website:
http://watchtower.org
http://watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm

Answer 7

They believe that they are the one true religion, just like all other religions, they believe only a set number of people go to heaven, they are a Christian sect, and I think they don't believe in sharing blood, though this could be some other religion. They also go door to door and leave little brightly colored pamphlets depicting people of all colors wearing clean clothing and working in a beautiful and productive farm together.

Answer 8

They study the Bible, They do not accept the doctrine of the Trinity, they do believe in Jesus, There are more than 6 million world wide, They tend towards pacifism, they do not believe in hell. Those who do not obtain heaven cease to be. They be live in evangelizing and Bible study. Do not celebrate holidays and do not accept blood transfusions. They hold the name of Jehovah as sacred and Gods name.

Answer 9

All I know is that speaking and debating with a few, they tend to open this little book and point out the answers in little prints that I cant see.

Not gonna judge them but nyo, not impressed yet.

Answer 10

A few factoids--According to the JW's, only 144,000 out of all who have ever lived on earth will go to Heaven. (A cult) I've studied with them, and they butcher the Bible. They have their own version of the Bible. They add to it and take away from it---which in Revelations it warns of many curses to befall on those that do this. They believe that Jesus is a "lesser" god. They refuse to serve in the military.

Answer 11

Hi there! I know a few things here.

Jehovah's witnesses are a Christian group that believe Jesus was God's son. He was sent to Earth and was killed because of our sins in order to save us. While they believe there is a Father, Son and Holy spirit, they do not believe in the holy trinity (that they are all One being).

They do not believe there is a Hell, they believe once you are dead, you are dead until you are ressurected on judgement day. If you are not ressurected, then you just no longer exist. If ressurected you will live in a restored paradise, the ultimate Eden so to speak. It is said that lions will live in peace with lambs. There is no sadness etc... People do not generally go to heaven. This is where Jehovah lives, and only the chosen will go to live with Jehovah in Heaven (there will only be 1 44 000 chosen from mankind in whole).

They go door to door because this is what Jesus said that Jehovah wanted. The whole world needs to know about God's love, and what he is offering to us inperfect humans, dispite our evil sins. He would not punish (by not resurrecting them) people if they did ot know about him and choose him, only those who know and reject will be punished. Redemption is possible, but it has to be with the whole heart, not just with words...and He truely knows your heart.

They do not stand for national anthems, nor salute flags, pledge aligence (can't spell sorry) or go to war. All because to praise something/someone other than God is wrong. And God would not want killing. They do not want to be a part of this world, it makes obeying Jehovah harder. By sheilding themselves from the temptations of this world it is easier do do what God wnats.

Everyone is usually shocked about the no blood transfusion thing, but there is a method to their madness (I would personally accept/ consent to blood transfusion, but that is a personal choice): they are told in the bible to abstain from blood...I think its in Acts 15: something....Many Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God knew when he commanded this about the diseases that can be transfered with blood transfusions. Maybe the people in earlier times did not know how to transfer blood, but God tried to give commandments for all of mankind, forever. Also they are told in the bible not to consume blood. The people of earlier times took this to mean to bleed the animals thoroughly, today they take it to mean blood transfusion. If you consumed alcohol by drinking it orally, you would still technically be consuming it if you injected your self with it (that is part of their reasoning. Also Blood is obviously a holy thing in pretty much every Christian faith...blood is someone's life force, something holy in them, people shouldn't be consuming others'. Those are just some basic arguements they have.

Anyway, there are so many things to say about Jehovah's witnesses and what they believe. But to save my self from hand cramps I'll stop here. I still have lots of information and material on Jehovah's witnesses if anyone wants to know more.

By the way, they are baptised. But they believe one should not be baptised until they can conciously accept and choose God, and they are baptised in a pool of water so they may be fully submerged as Jesus was.

And the reason they have their own bible is so that they could use God's real name. If you look in the front of many non-Jehovah's witness bibles it says that the name Jehovah was removed from it. There are two places that most bibles leave it in though (somewhere in Exodus<6:3 or 3:6?> and Isaiah 42:8 ). The Jehovah's witnesses believe this is God's true name (as do many other Christian religions), but they think God wants us to use it. In older times people thought his name was so sacred they should never use it, so they began to use a title (God, Father, Almighty etc...) instead. They just put his name back in to feel closer and on a name-basis with their best friend and father. That is all that is different from the JW bible and any other. There are many different versions of non-JW bibles, the wording is abit different in each, but they have the same meaning....would you constitute this as completely changing the bible?

they do not celebrate holidays like other christians. Christmas time is not the true date of Jesus' birth, it was chosen so that it would be around the same time as winter solstice (interesting more pagan people)...this is what they believe. It is the same with Easter etc... also, people of Jesus' day did not celebrate b-days, most people did not know the exact date of their birth and age! The oly b-day celebrations mentioned in the bible ended in dissaster (death to be exact)....it is considered vain to celebrate your birthday (we're human, what is there to celebrate right??) Passover is the only holiday celebrated, and it is a very important celebration to them.

Also they do not all have to be studying the same books of the bible at the same time!! there are sort of like sermon guides for the elders who hold the services, but the home bible studies just focus on one book at a time (it is not chosen by some head cult leader!) . Catholics have service books and prayer books...they never change, one could almost go through a catholic service in their sleep (I grew up in the catholic church), so its not like pre-writen services are bad (even though JW don't really use that method).