? for any JWs... I am wondering, what is the doctrine of your religion, what exactly makes it different?

Question

from other Christian religions? Only serious answers please. I am very interested in learning about beliefs other than my own

Answer 1

*We base our beliefs only on the Bible (not on traditions like other religions) which is the inspired Word of God.

"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." -- 2 Thimothy 3:16, 17


*We worship Jehovah as the only true God. We address our prayers only to Him through Jesus Christ (not through an icon).

“I am Jehovah. That is my name; and to no one else shall I give my own glory, neither my praise to graven images." -- Isaiah 42:8

"Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -- John 14:6


*We freely speak to others about God's purpose concerning the mankind. We are famous for going from door to door following Jesus' and his disciples' example spreading "the good news".

"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." -- Matthew 28:19

"And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus." -- Acts 5:42


*We believe that there is only one true God, Jehovah, that Jesus is His Son, the firstborn of all creation, that the holy spirit is God's active force.

"....If YOU loved me, YOU would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am." -- John 14:28

"When the helper arrives that I will send YOU from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me." -- John 15:26


*We believe that God will soon destroy the human governments;
they will be replaced by God's Kingdom in a new system in which people will live on an earthly paradise.

"Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." -- Matthew 6:10

"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." -- Revelation 21:4


*We believe that the only ones who have a heavenly hope are the 144,000 (the anointed) who will rule as kings with Jesus.

"And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads... And they are singing as if a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to master that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been bought from the earth." -- Revelation 14:1, 3


*We believe that we don't have an immortal soul, but that we are a soul. The dead are conscious of absolutely nothing. They exist only in God's memory who at the right time will resurrect them.

"For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten." -- Ecclesiastes 9:5

"I have hope toward God, which hope these [men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." -- Acts 24:15


*We don't get involved in politics or wars following Jesus' example.

"They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." -- John 17:16


*We offer free Bible studies to those who are interested.

"Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” He said: “Really, how could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?” And he entreated Philip to get on and sit down with him." -- Acts 8:30, 31


For more information go to:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm

Answer 2

First of all, let me warn you that you're going to get a lot of "haters" try to answer this question and say we're a cult, we made up our own bible, blah, blah, blah. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT!!! If you are a respectful person, then only ask a JW about JW's. We'd very much appreciate that. Asking anyone else would be like asking Hitler about Jews. Jesus said we'd be treated this way in 1 John 3:13-15- "Do not marvel, brothers, that the world hates YOU. 14 We know we have passed over from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer, and YOU know that no manslayer has everlasting life remaining in him." See also John 15:18-19, Luke 21:12, John 15:20.
As far as doctrine- in a nutshell, we do not mix ANY pagan or man- made belief or tradition into our worship. We go strictly "by the book", as it were. This means we don't worship a trinity, we worship God alone. We don't participate in pagan festivals or celebrations such as birthdays or "Easter" or Christmas (which is the winter solstice festival disguised as something "Christian"). We teach precisely what the bible teaches. My original purpose for studying JW doctrine was to find fault with it and after 12 years of trying I became one instead because it's right on the money, so to speak. As you will see by some of the answers you are likely to receive, it isn't easy to be a JW. So ask yourself why we do it!? It's the truth, that's why! You can find OFFICIAL info here, not some website designed to bash us;
http://watchtower.org/e/beliefs_and_activities.htm
Thanks for asking!

Answer 3

I am one of JWs “To us belongs nothing, O Jehovah, to us belongs nothing, but to your name give glory according to your loving-kindness, according to your trueness.”—Ps. 115:1. We live in an era in which religious untruth abounds. As foretold by the apostle Paul under divine inspiration, many people in these “last days” have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power. Some resist the truth, being “completely corrupted in mind.” Furthermore, “wicked men and impostors . . . advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.” Though such people are always learning, they never come to “an accurate knowledge of truth.”—2 Timothy 3:1, 5, 7, 8, 13. Jehovah’s Servants Proclaim For They Know the Truth In a description of “the time of the end,” the prophet Daniel foretold quite a different development among God’s people—a revival of religious truth. He wrote: “Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.” (Daniel 12:4) Jehovah’s people are not confused or blinded by the great Deceiver. Roving through the pages of the Bible, they have come to acquire true knowledge. In the first century, Jesus enlightened his disciples. He “opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45) In our day, Jehovah has acted similarly. Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he has enabled millions throughout the earth to understand what he already knows—the truth.

Answer 4

I just had to add that the first guy said that we believe in the rapture. This is not true.

Could go on but the other brothers and sisters gave good answers so there isn't a need for me to give you the same information. I would like to thank you. Most people don't ask they just assume that they know what we are all about. Yet never take the time to see with there own eyes.
Have a good day.

Answer 5

We strive to follow the Bible. All our religious beliefs come from it. We firmly believe that one must read the Bible. This is where allot of the differences come in. Through studying the Bible we learned that such things as Christmas are not Christian. If you want a more succinct answer (thank you spell check) you should call your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. That way you can know that the answers you get are coming from a Witness.

PS Thank you for the well written query. Also, in case the idea of Witnesses coming to your house makes you uncomfortable, you can make arrangements, if you wish, to meet neutrally, get your answers, and then go:D

Answer 6

They believe in no Trinity which is God, The Son, and Holy Ghost.
They do not believe in a tormenting hell but the Bible states there is.
They believe Jesus rose spiritually and not physically. When he returned the apostles touched and handled him. Jesus ate with them after he rose. I never heard of a spirit eating. He said he was flesh and bone... Note if said nothing about blood.
If there is no resurrection then Jesus never rose from the dead.
When he talked about the temple he is referring to his body. The Bible says the temple is the body. His temple rose in three days just like he said he would.
If there is no burning hell then what about the rich man who died, lifted up his eyes in hell and stated he is tormented in a flame. He could feel, he had desire for water, he spoke with Abraham, he could see, hear etc.... Sounds like to me if had all his senses. JW do not rightly divide the word of God

Answer 7

Anna is correct - The bible says that Jesus Christ is God's 'son.' Jesus prayed to his father while on Earth. His father blessed him after his baptism. There is no shame in the truth as Anna seems to imply. Trinitarian beliefs stem from ancient Egyptian/Babylonian religions - pagans. Historical Research will also prove this. http://watchtower.org/e/beliefs_and_activities.htm And Mrs Mom says it very well. if you follow the official links and not those that are simply propaganda you will find tons of clear non-contradictory information.

Answer 8

Anomaly gave a great link to other links to get started with.

Home Page of Jehovah's Witnesses Official [Public] Web Site
http://watchtower.org/cgi-bin/lib/ProcessForm.pl
Here^ there is an On-site Search Engine, for if you are looking for a particular subject. Or, an Index of Article Series & Brochure names, (but not their sub-titles). The contents are merely samples of our library, which seem to be added to at least weekly.

JW-Media Site Map
http://jw-media.org/sitemap.htm
This site gives some information that is not on the public site, like what our meetings consist of, & what activities we engage in besides directly teaching the Bible, & our 'population', world wide & by country, current news, etc.

Many make the claim that we are not Christian, however, please note ...

"You alone, Jehovah, are the God above all other gods in supreme charge of all the earth." (Psalms 83:18)

"You are my witnesses", says Jehovah, "that I am God." --Isaiah 43:12

"Jesus Christ, 'the Faithful Witness,' 'The firstborn from the dead ... '" --Revelation 1:5

... that even Christ himself is called a Witness.
What does that tell you?

Answer 9

Since this question has been answered so WONDERFULLY........I would only like to add 1 little thing.....the fact that we are unified and there is no division within our organization as with the "churches" There is much evidence to this by examining the answeres that each and every person gave whom i am assuming to be a withness as well. Look!!!!!!!!!!! they are ALL somewhat the same.....That ALONE ahould say a million words! I am hoping that you have recieved your answeer and now you may be comsidering studying the bible......????????

Answer 10

My brothers and sisters gave you facts of why we are different. I will add that we also show agape love for one another unlike the churches of Christendom who condone going to war and killing people who could be of their own faith. We will never take up arms against anyone, We must love our enemies and pray for those who hate and persecute us, just as Jesus said to do.
We do not involve ourselves in politics, but show respect for the ruling authorities that are here temporarily until they are replaced by God's government. (Daniel 2:44)
We obey God's rule over man's. Our faith and our trust belong to God and his righteous rulership. We will not put our trust in any imperfect human to govern us, for they can never bring us salvation.