Why do people despise Jehovah's Witnesses?

Question

And don't say, "OH they said the world was going to end here here and here. But what you fail to realize is that we were going from the creation of Adam. In fact it should be after the creation of Eve and when they ate the fruit. There could have been thousands of years in between there.

Answer 1

Hated for Their Faith

Jehovah’s witnesses have suffered a great deal in modern times. They were violently hated in Nazi Germany. A newsletter published for the Commission for Ecumenical Affairs of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, recognizes this fact, saying: “The German Jews . . . were not the only victims in Hitler’s concentration camps. All known [Jehovah’s] witnesses in the fatherland were also imprisoned. They were then offered freedom if only they would bow down and recant. . . . Not hangings, not shootings, not cruel bodily or mental torture would sway them. The anger of their SS captors was diabolical because the witnesses would not stifle themselves.”

AN HONEST shopkeeper from the island of Crete is arrested dozens of times and is brought before Greek courts repeatedly. Altogether, he serves more than six years in prison, away from his wife and five children. In Japan a 17-year-old student is expelled from school, although he is well-behaved and at the top of his class of 42 students. In France a number of people are summarily discharged from their employment, even though they have excellent records of diligent and conscientious work. What is the common thread in these real-life experiences?

All the individuals involved are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their “crime”? Basically, practicing their religious beliefs. In obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the shopkeeper had been sharing his faith with others. (Matthew 28:19, 20) He was convicted largely under an archaic Greek law that makes proselytism a criminal offense. The student was expelled because his Bible-trained conscience would not permit him to participate in compulsory kendo (Japanese swordsmanship) drills. (Isaiah 2:4) And those discharged from their employment in France were informed that the sole reason for their dismissal was that they identified themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Such hard experiences are typical of what Jehovah’s Witnesses in some countries have recently endured. For most of Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, great suffering at the hands of other humans is a relatively rare occurrence. Jehovah’s people are known worldwide for their fine conduct—a reputation that gives no valid reason for anyone to want to harm them. (1 Peter 2:11, 12) They do not plot conspiracies or engage in hurtful behavior. (1 Peter 4:15) On the contrary, they try to live by the Bible’s counsel to be in subjection first to God, then to secular governments. They pay the taxes required by law and endeavor to “be peaceable with all men.” (Romans 12:18; 13:6, 7; 1 Peter 2:13-17) In their Bible educational work, they foster respect for law, family values, and morality. Many governments have praised them for being law-abiding citizens. (Romans 13:3) Yet, as the opening paragraph indicates, they have at times been targets of opposition—in some lands, even of governmental bans. Should that surprise us?

Jesus Christ left no doubt about what being his disciple would involve. “A slave is not greater than his master,” he told his followers. “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Jesus was hated “without cause.” (John 15:18-20, 25; Psalm 69:4; Luke 23:22) His disciples could expect the same—opposition without justifiable basis. On more than one occasion, he warned them: “You will be objects of hatred.”—Matthew 10:22; 24:9.

In prayer to Jehovah, his Father, Jesus answers: “The world has hated them [footstep followers of his], because they are no part of the world, . . . Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. Just as you sent me forth into the world, I also sent them forth into the world. . . . the world has, indeed, not come to know you; . . . these have come to know that you sent me forth.”—John 17:14, 17, 18, 25.

“You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name.”—MATTHEW 10:22.

Answer 2

Consider the nation of Spain.

During WWI, they were so hated that a world wide plague was named after them, the Spanish Flu Pandemic.

Did they start the Spanish Flu, or did it start with them? No, it came from American Military bases and was transferred from horses to human as a result of the burning of horse dung for heat in the barracks.

So, why was it named the Spanish Flu?

Because only Spain tried to warn the world of this pandemic, both directly and through their press. All other countries banned the reporting and even the mention of the disease, as it was killing more solders, than battle, and long before they reached the reached the shores of Europe. It was feared that people would not send their sons to war if they believed 2/3 would die horribly and without the honor of battle.

The carriers of unwanted news are condemned for their actions.

Answer 3

we follow Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ. we are not in darkness. if you will read your bible you will see that the meek shall inherit the earth. revelation 21 verse 3 and 4. no more sickness and no more death. we are not soliciting, soliciting is selling something. we give our books for free, our watchtowers and awakes are also free. also our bible studies are free. Jesus said that they hated him and they would hate us. learn what we are all about. www.watchtower.org. we have feelings just like anyone else. why would we celebrate xmas. Jesus was not born in dec. it is the cold and rainy season and the Shepard's would not be in the field. Jesus told us to celebrate his death, he died on Nisan 14, the last supper or the passover. since passover is once a year, that is when we celebrate it all around the world in 235 lands. we are a worldwide brotherhood. if you would read your king james bible you would see that what the Jehovah Witnesses are saying is the same thing that Jesus Christ said.

Answer 4

I think it have a little to do with the witnessing. I understand the level of excitement and the effort needed to get the word out but it seems just wrong when someone come knocking on your door or ringing your bell when you are trying to get some rest or just want some private time. People just want their privacy. I think they should re-think their blogging efforts and just do something simple like being more active in the community as far as being visible in a positive light. Sponsor gospel concerts and invite everyone and when they come don't force your version of the gospel upon them. Have an area with flyers telling ppl about you and inviting them to your church. Once they are there allow them to make a choice. If they go there thinking that they are going to have to knock on doors they will not come.

Answer 5

Christians do not despise JW's. They love them and pray for them, especially that they will come out of the darkness and into the light because they have been deceived and misled.

All this stuff about end-time matters and predictions on dates when Jesus will come again detract from the true Gospel message. The fact that JW's keep having to change the date simply proves that they are false prophets.

Instead of JW's focusing on Armageddon, they would do better to focus on their relationship with Jesus and stop believing every thing that their elders tell them - if they looked into the history of that organisation and did some basic research, they would begin to see how they have been duped.

I pray for them because I used to be one and I know they do not understand the Gospel message. They are more to be pitied than despised.

Answer 6

Religion is not about what we "know", it's about what we "believe", and by that very definition no one has the inside track --- no one "knows" anything --- we each believe as our mind and heart tells us.

I have no problem with anyone's religious beliefs. How can I? Since it's based on belief and not facts, how could I be so arrogant and elitist as to feel that my beliefs are unrefutably correct? So, I criticise no one, keep an open mind, and allow for other points of view.

With this in mind, I can now answer your question.

I find it infuriating that someone would be so smug as to invade my space to preach to me, to thrust their religious beliefs in my face. What nerve that a Jehovah's Witness (or anyone for that matter) would approach me, or come to my door, to tell me about Christ or God.

I'll defend anyone's right to believe in whatever God makes them happy --- but you'd better stay out of my face with it.

Answer 7

Just whatever there Guy.
The end is coming regardless who may be right about when.

The world is indeed getting in very sad condition as prophecied.

If the end doesn't come in my lifetime, my kids or grandkids will see the introduction of the new earth and the Kingdom of God.
It's near.

Answer 8

I don't despise them, I embrace them as friends because they are trying to win souls. But my religion or rather relationship with my creator is a little different from the Witnesses worship.

Answer 9

I don't despise them. One of my best friends is a Jehovah Witness. I do get very annoyed when they come to the house. I don't want anyone coming to my home to tell me about god or try to sell me anything of anykind. I can't stand telemarketers either.

Answer 10

John 15:20-21 "Bear in mind the word I said to you, A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me they will persecute you also;

But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know him that sent me.