What is the diffrance between someone who is Christian and someone who is Jehovah Witness?

Question

I was wondering because my family always went to Church of God. I haven't been in a long time. Anyways-These two very nice ladys keep coming to my house and telling me about god and today they asked me if i want to do a bible study with them. I told them I would like to talk to one of my aunts first and Now they are coming back soon to talk to me. I asked them what the diffrence was between the two and they said I have to see for myself. They also said that Jehovah Witness's are telling about God's words,not what he supposedly said to the people. I don't know. I don't want to turn these people away from my door,but I don't think I am ready to live this way yet. I may sound selfish,but I know me better than anyone else and I don't want to be a hippocrite and go to church and them come home and live how I am living now. I am not a bad person,but I know that I am not living a "Christian lifestyle." Please tell me the diffrence between these to religions anyway. Thank you.

Answer 1

Joyfilled gives the best reason not to listen to, or join the Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Watchtower (or Watch Tower) Bible and Tract Society makes the claim that it holds the office of Prophet. As their own literature says, "Is not the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society the one and only channel which the Lord has used in dispensing truth continually since the beginning of the harvest period?" (Watchtower 4/1/1919, pg 6414)

And Deuteronomy 18:20-22 clearly says, "But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. "

Yet, throughout the history of this organization, it has taught doctrine that has changed over the years. Originally, the Jehovah's Witnesses were encouraged to celebrate Christmas. (Watchtower 12/15/1903, pg. 3290; and 12/1/1904, pg. 3468; and 12/15/1926, pg. 371.)

This changed however, and in the Watchtower, dated 12/15/1979, they said, "Jesus was not born on December 25...Hence, celebrating his birthday through Christmas observance on December 25th is totally inappropriate for those guided by the Holy Scriptures.

Many, many other examples, including the date of Christ's return have been prophesied, and then changed, when the prophecy failed to come to pass. And later, when Jesus didn't come again on a date set, they said He came "invisibly." This flies completely in the face of the Scripture that states, "Look! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him. So be it! Amen." (Revelation 1:7)

Other issues about the Jehovah's Witnesses include denying the deity of Christ, and even stating that He was the Archangel Michael. This directly opposes the Scripture in Hebrews 1:5, which says, "For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?"

Consider carefully the steps you are about to take.

Answer 2

I strongly encourage you to start a study with the witnesses...First off, we do not charge for our meetings or Bible based studies...why? Jesus said at Rev.22:17...come take life's water free...(so if you are spiritually thirsty...you can quench that thirst through use of the Bible and applying what you learn...and it is free...nobody should demand money from you or charge you...all our work is supported by voluntary donations) and also as Acts 10:34, 35 says:"...God is not partial..."...if God isn't why should any of us be? Jehovah God does not look at your race, your economic standing, your health, but he looks at people's heart condition(their inner thoughts and true motives)...1 Samuel 16:7 brings this out. Honey, everything we do and teach is based on the scriptures...and let me tell you...this will be a big stepping stone for you as any other JW, especially if you were not raised as one or have any family that is a JW...look up the following scripture up when you have a chance...Mark 13:12,13...so you may face opposition from family and some friends, but you will have the love and support of not only the congregation, but of Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ...they are a spiritual family for you...and you will become a daughter, a sister, and a close friend to many....I wish i could express more in words how i feel...but i know for a fact that this is the truth...and if there is any scripture you read from this let it be the next one...1 John 4:1...i emphasize for you to do your research...do your research...do your research...make the truth your own...do not go by what this one says or that one says...unless it is coming DIRECTLY from God's Word, the Bible....and let me tell you...changes don't happen overnight...i know...it is a gradual process...and everybody learns and makes adjustments at different rates...and don't worry about making mistakes either...we all do...and i have...more than once and serious too...but you know what...when you fall do you stay on the ground? no...you eventually get up...so if you make a mistake there will be those to help you get back up and on track...just give it a try...and the difference between a Christian and a JW is...there is no difference...we are TRUE Christians because we follow Christ...and that is what is a Christian is...i wish you the best...and don't give up...when in doubt or you have any concern...just pray your heart out....

Answer 3

Please take some time and do some research on this extremely important decision, BEFORE you mistakenly jump into it.! I have a very close cousin who has been a witness for over 40 years, and SHE IS BRAINWASHED! She doesn't know it, but of course a person doesn't know that they are! (personal experience in another similar group, I was a member of the Church of God, too) ) Those who answered truthfully here, know what they're talking about, and may have had some personal experience in this group.
In my opinion, some of the witnesses are sincere, fine people who really mean well...BUT...it is not their job to convert the World, and they shouldn't even try! It is Jesus Christ who will turn the hearts of people to follow him, and for some people, that may not be until later.
Don't let them convince you to become a witness; tell them you need time to study and to prove it to yourself, one way or the other. You are not being selfish. It is your Christian right to decide for yourself whether you could live this way!
Think about having alot less joy in your life, because your immediate family will be pushed aside, in favor of meetings at the Kingdom Hall, there will be lots of meetings every week, there will be less family gatherings ,and you will feel guilty for even saying "happy birthday" to someone you love!There are many other things that will be taken away, too...and for what??? A false religion!!!
God wants us to be spiritual, not "religious"..there is a difference, and you can love God, worship God and Jesus, by prayer, studying the Bible, and living as Christ came to show us. You do not need to get tangled up in a group that will dictate your every move; that is the opposite of what God wants for us! God wants us to come to Him and to Jesus of our own free will.
I'm sorry if this truth offends any fine, sincere witnesses; but that church does NOT have all the truth! I know from personal experience. Witnesses need to step outside the obedient, conforming mode, and check on it's doctrines, and get a real personal relationship with Christ. It really doesn't matter how well you can quote Bible verses, what matters is whether you have proved what God says; not using only the witnesses interpretation!

Answer 4

Be VERY careful. I would do a good research on JW before you make up your decision. Hear both sides & pray the Lord shows you His truth.
Here is Ex Jehovah Witnesses testimonies & why they left.
http://www.witforjesus.org/jehovahs_witness/testimonies/jw_ex-jw.php

The JW may mean well but they are a cult. They will tell you that you can't celebrate your birthday & not to be around anyone that isn't JW. They will even tell you to not speak to your family members if they're not JW. They might not tell you from the beginning but it will come up. You will feel more in bondage and Jesus says His truth will set you free. I encourage you to read the ex-jehovah witness testimonies.

If you want to learn more about Jesus & study the Bible it is better to find a Christian church that preaches all about Jesus & His Word. Or better yet pray that God directs you to the church He wants you at.

I pray the best for you.

Answer 5

The simplest way to put it - Jehovah's Wittnesses do not believe Jesus Christ - Son of God, is God Himself.

For extensive comparisons between Christianity and Jehovah's Witnesses, there is an Apologetics site:

(What is apologetics? It comes from a Greek word; The word "apologetics" comes from the Greek word "apologia," pronounced, "ap-ol-og-ee’-ah." It means, "a verbal defense." It is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Cor. 9:3; 2 Cor. 7:11; Phil. 1;7; 2 Tim. 4:16, and 1 Pet. 3:15. But it is the last verse that is most commonly associated with Christian apologetics.

Apologetics is the defense of the Christian faith. It is what every Christian is supposed to do.)

http://www.carm.org/witnesses.htm -- is the link to the site with information comparing the religions.

Peace dear one.

Answer 6

Jehovah's Witnesses are true Christians who worship one God and give honor to his Son, our now reigning King, Christ Jesus. Pray for Jehovah's holy spirit to help you in gaining accurate knowledge of him and his wonderful purposes for all meek ones interested in having a share in these promises.
We have the same faith that the Hebrew prophets and the 1st century Christians had. Jehovah our God is one God. He is the God of faithful Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

"For all the peoples walk every one in the name of his god; and we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God for ever and ever." Micah 4:5

Answer 7

Please talk to your aunt first! Please choose the Church of God! Stay with what is familiar! I know a couple of J.W. and they have some very different thoughts.
they deny the physical resurrection of Jesus, and they think that Jesus was the archangel Michael.They teach that only 144,000 people will make it to heaven while the rest of us will live apart from Christ on earth. You would never be able to wish your Mother a "Happy Mother's Day" You will never be able to have another Birthday card.You Will never be able to celebrate Christmas, or Easter. Please give this thought and do research before joining the J.W.I do believe that they are kind people but in my opinion misguided.

"If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.That prophet has spoken presumptuously." Deuteronomy 18:22

That false prophet would be Charles Taze Russell!

Answer 8

The Jehovah's Witnesses are true Christians.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for the fact that they reject firmly everything that has pagan origins and false teachings such as Christmas, Easter, trinity, afterlife, immortality of the soul etc.

http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1999/3/15/article_01.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/rq/article_11.htm

They are the only ones who go from door-to-door in an organized way respecting Jesus' and his apostles' example.

"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

"Now he summoned the twelve, and he initiated sending them out two by two, and he began to give them authority over the unclean spirits." -- Mark 6:7


It is impossible for someone to make important changes in his way of life in a short time. Begining a Bible study helps a lot. How could someone change if he doesn't study constantly the Scriptures?

"You should put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but that you should be made new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty." -- Ephesians 4:22

"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 Thimothy 2:3,4


For more information go to:
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/7/1/article_01.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/7/1/article_02.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2004/2/1/article_02.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/10/1/article_02.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/jt/article_05.htm

Answer 9

These two ladies are very nice and sincere, I'm sure. They are also members of a religion that, should you join it, you can never leave without them shunning you and accusing you of "going off to the things of the world," no matter how innocent and moral you are.

They have created a mythology in which they are the reason the Bible was written and they are the ones for whom Jesus died. A tiny group of them decide what you can and cannot do. In recent years, under political pressure (including threats of losing their tax-free status) in many countries, they have tried to claim that no one is forced to comply with their rules about blood (which are a real joke - see ajwrb.org) or their rules about political neutrality. They refer to other Christian churches as "Christendom," while they think they are "true Christianity."

Did you know that JWs are not supposed to vote, salute the flag or stand for the national anthem? They will convince you that holidays and birthdays are pagan and displeasing to God. You won't be able to tell your child happy birthday or your mother happy Mother's Day.

These are people who will, indeed, tell you how to live a "Christian lifestyle." But they will go further. And they will change some of these rules over time. They've done it before. They're doing it now. They'll do it again. They will predict criticism and call it "persecution." Why look! Here it is now.

Sweetie, if you think you're doing something that you shouldn't, just stop it. Don't go looking for these people to reinforce it for you. They have a whole enforcement structure in place. If you make a mistake, they will make you think you have to go confess it to them. Not privately, like other religions. If they don't like your attitude, or just don't like you, they can "disfellowship" you and have you shunned by every last one of those nice friends that you've made. And if you follow their lead to the letter, you'll have cut off most of your non-witness relationships by then.

Reeeeeaaaaally wanna do this?

Answer 10

You could say they are a copy of the Jewish Cult that separated themselves some 1900 years ago

Talking to one of my regular passengers, whose a Rabbi, I would say most Christians have much the same problem with JWs that ancient Jews had with the first Christians who they viewed as having been started by an uneducated ex-carpenter of the Jewish Lower Class who was executed for cause by the governing authority. The only education he had was by Mary and Joseph, in the view of the Jews, he made up most of what he said.

He recruited other uneducated, lower class individuals, such as a failed fisherman (Peter) and a hated tax collector (Matthew).

Lacking any formal education, they were easy to manipulate into believing he was the Messiah, something that was impossible, as he did not bring about the destruction (Armageddon) of the enemies of the Truly Blessed People of God, the Israelites, as was prophesied.

After his lawful execution, these clearly brainwashed followers began going door to door telling their brethren that the traditional beliefs, rituals, and observances (holidays), dating back hundreds of years, were no longer valid.

They began creating their own scriptures, to support their false beliefs, instead of relying on the Holy Torah, which had sustained God’s People for hundreds of years.

Finally, there were highly educated individuals, especially in the religious arts, such as Saul of Tarsus, who could clearly prove that they were a false cult, bent on leading God’s People down a false path to destruction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_of_Tarsus

What happened to them, as a result of their false teachings, and their door to door work, was only to be expected of people who have lost their way.

Clearly, what you may or may not think of JWs is reliant on your point of view, just as it was in those first years. Having an advanced education in religion does not mean that you are right, only that you sound that way.

JWs may have come from a simple, and some times, erratic beginnings, but at least they are making a valid effort to do better. You cannot say that for other religions who:

Continue to get involved in politics;

Lie to the IRS about not doing so in order to get their non-profit status;

Avoids paying taxes on retail sales within the church;

Allows immorality to creep into the church;

Immortalizes their founders through the observance of a birthday, death, and/or anniversary of the founding of the church;

Places a pictures of the founders in all their churches, so that all can see and pay obeisance;

Gives tacit approval to the Theory of Evolution; and

Doesn’t teach their followers to preach and teach the Bible, as Christ instructed.