What do Jehovah Witnesses believe that is different from other Christian Religions?

Question

I read that they have a different perception on the concept of the Trinity, but I am not versed on the details.

thanks to all who have answered. i appreciate your thought...
v

Answer 1

When you ask a ??? pertaining to Jehovah's Witnesses, unless a Witness answers your ???, all you receive is a bunch of utter nonsense, lies, they know very little about JW's.

Who are most of these people? Some just hate the teaching of JW's, but many are disfellowshipped, apostates, a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion. Why did they leave or were disfellowshipped? Some of the offenses that could merit disfellowshipping from the Christian congregation are fornication, adultery, homosexuality, greed, extortion, thievery, lying, drunkenness, reviling, spiritism, murder, idolatry, apostasy, and the causing of divisions in the congregation.


What beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses set them apart as different from other religions?

(1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs.

(2) God: They worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. Anyone who publicly witnesses about Jehovah is usually identified as belonging to the one group—“Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

(3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity, but that, as the Bible says, he is the Son of God, the first of God’s creations; that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin, Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith; that Christ is actively ruling as King, with God-given authority over all the earth since 1914.

(4) God’s Kingdom: 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.

(5) Heavenly life: They believe that 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, ruling as kings with him. They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is “good.”

(6) The earth: They believe that God’s original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings.

(7) Death: They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm; that they do not exist except in God’s memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead.

(8) Last days: They believe that we are living now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some who saw the events of 1914 will also see the complete destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a cleansed earth.

(9) Separate from the world: They earnestly endeavor to be no part of the world, as Jesus said would be true of his followers. They show genuine Christian love for their neighbors, but they do not share in the politics or the wars of any nation. They provide for the material needs of their families but shun the world’s avid pursuit of material things and personal fame and its excessive indulgence in pleasure.

(10) Apply Bible counsel: They believe that it is important to apply the counsel of God’s Word in everyday life now—at home, in school, in business, in their congregation. Regardless of a person’s past way of life, he may become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses if he abandons practices condemned by God’s Word and applies its godly counsel. But if anyone thereafter makes a practice of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, drug abuse, drunkenness, lying, or stealing, he will be disfellowshipped from the organization.

The above list briefly states some outstanding beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses but by no means all the points on which their beliefs are different from those of other groups.

Answer 2

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. People think that we do not believe in Jesus Christ - that is a myth - we do. Because of what the Bible says we know that God (Jehovah) and Jesus and the Holy Ghost are NOT one in the same.
The scriptures, other references and logical reasoning can confirm it.
The New Encyclopædia Britannica says: “Neither the word Trinity, nor the explicit doctrine as such, appears in the New Testament, nor did Jesus and his followers intend to contradict the Shema in the Old Testament: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord’ (Deut. 6:4). . . . The doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies. . . . By the end of the 4th century . . . the doctrine of the Trinity took substantially the form it has maintained ever since.”—(1976), Micropædia, Vol. X, p. 126.
John L. McKenzie, S.J., in his Dictionary of the Bible, says: “The trinity of persons within the unity of nature is defined in terms of ‘person’ and ‘nature’ which are G[ree]k philosophical terms; actually the terms do not appear in the Bible. The trinitarian definitions arose as the result of long controversies in which these terms and others such as ‘essence’ and ‘substance’ were erroneously applied to God by some theologians.”—(New York, 1965), p. 899.

Acts 7:55, 56 reports that Stephen was given a vision of heaven in which he saw “Jesus standing at God’s right hand.” But he made no mention of seeing the holy spirit.

Matt. 26:39, RS: “Going a little farther he [Jesus Christ] fell on his face and prayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.’” (If the Father and the Son were not distinct individuals, such a prayer would have been meaningless. Jesus would have been praying to himself, and his will would of necessity have been the Father’s will.)

Mark 13:32, RS: “Of that day or that hour no ones knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Of course, that would not be the case if Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were coequal, comprising one Godhead. And if, as some suggest, the Son was limited by his human nature from knowing, the question remains, Why did the Holy Spirit not know?)
John 14:28, RS: “[Jesus said:] If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.” How can they be equal if Jesus stated that the father is greater than him?

One other point is that the Bible states that no man has seen God, and yet if Jesus were God, then he would have been seen, wouldn't he?

Answer 3

Jehovah's witnesses teach exactly what Jesus Christ taught, the Will of his Father, Jehovah. There is a misconception that they do not believe in Jesus Christ, but that is not the truth. The bible really teaches us that Christ was Jehovah's first creation, thus his son. Jesus himself tells us that "the father is stronger than I am", "I do nothing on my own initiative, I came to do the will of my father who sent me", and there are many other scriptures that prove this to be so. Some religions argue that when he said "me and the father are one" means they are the same, but if you read the whole passage you will see that it means that he and the Father are in agreement. Another scripture that is used is found in Revelation-"I am the first and the last", this means that Jesus was the first to be resurrected by Jehovah and the last to be resurrected by him, since Jesus will be the one to resurrect both the righteous and the unrighteous after the great tribulation. Another misconception is the holly ghost, which in fact is God's active force, with which He can do all things. God's holly spirit can operate in individuals or in any way in which God wants it to operate to accomplish any task. The trinity is in fact a pagan teaching which originated in ancient Babylon, along with hell, the Easter egg, the cross, saints, idols and idol worship and many other doctrines found in many of todays religions. I have been studying with Jehovah's Witnesses for one year now and I have learned more anout the bible and true worship than I did in over 50 years. I like that they do not teach from their own initiative or the doctrines of men, but they do so straight from the bible. Also, the New World Translation of the Holy scriptures is the most acurate translation of the Holy Scriptures, that is a well known fact that most religions twist around. Thay have put God's name, Jehovah, back in the bible-it apears nearly seven thousand times in the ancient translations. Also the words hell, trinity, saint, cross, purgatory were properly translated, since none of them apear in the ancient writings........KECK

Answer 4

For details on JW's understanding of the Trinity doctrine, the following on-line brochure covers their beliefs while providing links to Scriptures referred to in support:

The Trinity--what are the facts about it?
http://watchtower.org/library/ti/article_01.htm

Is the Trinity Clearly a Bible Teaching?
http://watchtower.org/library/ti/article_03.htm

How Did the Trinity Doctrine Develop?
- Constantine's Role at Nicaea
- Further Development
- The Athanasian Creed
- Apostasy Foretold
- What Influenced the Teaching
- Platonism
- Why Did God's Prophets Not Teach It?
http://watchtower.org/e/ti/article_04.htm

How Is the Trinity Explained?
http://watchtower.org/e/ti/article_02.htm

What About Trinity "Proof Texts"?
http://watchtower.org/e/ti/article_08.htm

Answer 5

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians. They base their 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


*They worship Jehovah as the only true God. They address their 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


*They freely speak to others about God's purpose concerning the mankind. They 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


*They 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


*They 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


*They 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


*They believe that men don't have an immortal soul, but that they 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


*They don't get involved in politics or war following Jesus' example.

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


*They 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/library/jt/article_03.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2004/3/1/article_02.htm
http://www.watchtower.org/library/rq/article_13.htm

Answer 6

You could start by checking out some of the segments on You Tube taken from the PBS feature “Knocking” which gets shown in May. Here’s the web link:
http://www.knocking.org/

Check the link for previews. Some survivors from the German Holocaust will be speaking at them.

Aside from being the most Christ like people, if you set aside any Bible issues, my guess is that some of the irritating issues people have with them could be:

They believe in obeying the law, even the inconvenient ones, such as speed limits when late for work.

They believe in paying taxes, even though there are many ways they could avoid them, as most religions do.

They believe in keeping their word, such as to the IRS that they will not promote politics in the church, and they actually mean it.

They teach their youth that waiting until marriage is preferable to using protection, and for the most part, the youths actually believe it. As a result, they have the lowest rates of out-of-wedlock births and STDs. Yes, there is the occasional ones who would rather have their fun now than wait, but there are far more who choose to wait.

They treat their youth with respect, not just "do what you're told!"

Youths are taught side by side with the adults, the Bible as a whole, and not just Bible stories. The very young may not understand what they are being taught, but by the time you reach the age of understanding, they have a good basic knowledge of the scriptures.

The congregations never get so large that the individual gets lost in the crowd. Since everyone is taught the same, it is easy to start a new congregation, with a set of elders.

Everyone knows everyone, whether in their congregation, or in their circuit. When Katrina happened, every Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with neighbors, living in New Orleans could be found in Texas, with every witness accounted for. How many other religions could say for certain they knew that none of those left behind belong to one of their churches?

They believe their Kingdom Halls should compliment a neighborhood, and not overwhelm it, so they are small and don’t include a lot of expensive decorative features. Each KH can hold up to four congregations.

They encourage all their members to read the Bible and submit their thoughts. This was before the NWT and when they were using the KJV, or Authorized Version. It should be noted that this version of the KJV was not the first, but the fifth. It took four revisions over a 150 year period, before it was approved by the Church of England.

JW may have their own Bible, but it came about as a result of reading the KJV by thousands of people and noting the contradictions as a result of errors in translation. A good example is the scripture that says “The Word” is a Mighty God. A Mighty God gets its power and existence from an Almighty God. As for revisions, to my knowledge, it had not been revised since it came out in the 50s. My mother still has her first JW Bible, though it is worn like all the others she has used since them. Witnesses generally wear out a Bible every few years, whereas those in Christendom may have the same Bible for generations.

The greatest difference between JWs and the rest of Christendom can be answered with just one question.

WHAT DAY DO YOU OBSERVE THE MEMORIAL ON?

Everyone else will falter around and perhaps come up with a day in May, but all JWs will say at sunset on Nasin 14, which falls on the first full moon after the vernal equinox, the Memorial of the Last Supper. This is the only day, aside from wedding anniversaries, that Christ said to continue keeping, yet Jehovah's Witnesses are the only Christian organization that does.

Whatever you may say about whether it is right or wrong to observe the man-made holidays created since the first congregations, the fact remains that Christendom does not observe the one day Christ said to keep. What does that say for the leaders of Christendom, that they ignore that one important day of the year, and don't even know what day it falls on?

The question of holidays gets asked a lot, yet the facts of why are clearly evident. Even the Churches of Christendom recognize that the holidays and observances are not in keeping with Bible teachings, yet they fear that doing anything about it will jeopardize their positions and power. Check any religious encyclopedia about the holidays and their history.

So the question is not why don't witnesses celebrate the holidays, but why does Christendom celebrate something not taught in the Bible? Further, why don't they know what day Christ said to observe and why don't you observe it on that day?

Whatever you may think of any of the other beliefs of JWs, you have to ask yourself is the need to observe these holidays more important than observing the day Christ said to keep?

Answer 7

they're in basic terms dissociating from you by way of fact the cult leaders are telling them to take action. The governing physique of JW do no longer save on with those self same standards as element with the help of persons who have been at that time and desperate to end. those people interior the top echelons choose develop and money to stay it up of their greater ranks, they could deny it, and their member could combat you tooth and nail to the take care of the so call trustworthy and discreet slave which they do no longer seem to be,. it extremely is a clean faith or cult. It has in basic terms over ninety years by way of fact the inception. alongside the way they have made countless prophecies that have fail. They deciphered revelation with flaws of all varieties. subsequently, your father and mom are following blind courses quite than easily helping you. they could desire to no longer assume you to make that non-public decision devoid of ultimatums or putting concern on your strategies such by way of fact the top is coming and you're no longer in high-quality condition to make. no one can utter those words with finished actuality by way of fact all fall in need of the know on an popular basis interior a similar way they provide thought to severe incorrect doing: mendacity, cheating, shady corporation practices, roving eyes to the different intercourse, could disqualify a guy or woman for the dominion. each and all of the JW have prepare those characteristics and are practising it precise now. additionally they have further those pointless magazines and books to assist others to comprehend the Bible. The Bible became written for all to ascertain and comprehend at their own time and velocity. Why could yet another magazine and extra books could be mandatory while the Bible is the gadget that he presented for persons? they think of the bible isn't finished so they experience their magazines make finished? uncertain. JW could desire to many flaws. they do no longer choose to admitted. they're smug as they walk on the line coming near people condescendingly so they are able to extremely comprehend the way, yet no physique needs them. you may desire to make your judgements and look at the Bible for your self if that's what you elect. The Bible is the genuine word and existence giver, no longer Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer 8

We do not believe that the trinity doctrine is a bible based belief. This of course is not something that was taken lightly, as the minority of Christain religions view God as a triune God. After intense study, research and prayer, relying only on the bible, and not preconceived doctrines of man, it was found that Jehovah is the Almighty God as Psalms 83:18 brings out "That nations may know that you whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the most high over all the earth."
And that Jesus is his only begotten son.

Matt. 3: 17 "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."

1 John 4:9 "By this the love of God was made manifest in our case, because God sent forth his only begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him."

John 14: 28 "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 6:38 "because I have come down from heaven to do, not my will, but the will of him that sent me."

John 7: 16 "What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me."

John 17: 3 "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent forth Jesus Christ."

Matt. 24: 36-39 "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neigher the angles of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father."

John 10: 30 "I and the Father are one."

John 17: 21 & 22 "in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth."

Acts 7: 56"Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God's right hand."

We believe that the holy spirit is God's active force that he uses to do his will.

Luke 11: 20 "by means of God's finger I expel demons"

2 Cor. 6:6 "by purity, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by holy spirit, by love free of hypocrisy"

You also need to consider the history and origin of the Trinity Doctrine.

The New Encyclopoedia Britannica says: "Neither the word Trinity, nor the explicit doctrine as such, appears in the New Testament, nor did Jesus and his followers intend to contradict the Shema in the Old Testatment: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord' (Deut 6:4)...The doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies...By the end of th 4th century..the doctrine of the Trinity took substantially the form it has maintained ever since." (1976), Micropaedia, Vo. X, p. 126

The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: "The formulation 'one God in three Persons' was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective." (1967), Vol. XIV, p. 299

Where did it come from? According to the Nouveau Dictionnair Universal, "The Platonic trinity, itself merely a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christain churches...This Greek philosopher's (Plato, fourth century B.C.E.) conception of the divine trinity...can be found in all ancient (pagan) religions." (Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M.Lachatre, Vol. 2 p. 1467

John L. McKenzie, S.J., in his Dictionary of the Bible says: "The trinity of persons within the unity of nature is defined in terms of 'person' and 'nature' which are Greek philosophical terms; actually the terms do not appear in the Bible. The trinitarian definitions arose as the result of long controversies in which these terms and others such as 'essence' and 'substance' were erroneously applied to God by some theologians." (New York, 1965), p. 899

Many of what is said by non-witnesses is based on lies or half truths, Such as the comments by CR, I didn't read the whole thing, but his saying the JR Rutherford was in prison. That is true along with nine other members back in 1918, which all nine where arrested under false charges and the charges were dropped. Which he forgot to mention.
A lot of what he said was a bunch of nonsense, Charles T. Russell did not start Jehovah's Witnesses, there was a group of bible students that wanted to find the truth in the bible. As a religious organization to be legal, it need to be incorporated and have a president. He was the first president. Nathan Norr died along time ago, he was President back in the 70's. So his information is very out dated.

Basically, if you want the truth about Jehovah's Witnesses, you need to get your information from Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer 9

(1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs.

(2) God: They worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. Anyone who publicly witnesses about Jehovah is usually identified as belonging to the one group—“Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

(3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity, but that, as the Bible says, he is the Son of God, the first of God’s creations; that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin, Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith; that Christ is actively ruling as King, with God-given authority over all the earth since 1914.

(4) God’s Kingdom: 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.

(5) Heavenly life: They believe that 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, ruling as kings with him. They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is “good.”

(6) The earth: They believe that God’s original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings.

(7) Death: They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm; that they do not exist except in God’s memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead.

(8) Last days: They believe that we are living now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some who saw the events of 1914 will also see the complete destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a cleansed earth.

(9) Separate from the world: They earnestly endeavor to be no part of the world, as Jesus said would be true of his followers. They show genuine Christian love for their neighbors, but they do not share in the politics or the wars of any nation. They provide for the material needs of their families but shun the world’s avid pursuit of material things and personal fame and its excessive indulgence in pleasure.

(10) Apply Bible counsel: They believe that it is important to apply the counsel of God’s Word in everyday life now—at home, in school, in business, in their congregation. Regardless of a person’s past way of life, he may become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses if he abandons practices condemned by God’s Word and applies its godly counsel. But if anyone thereafter makes a practice of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, drug abuse, drunkenness, lying, or stealing, he will be disfellowshipped from the organization.

Answer 10

What beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses set them apart as different from other religions?

(1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs.

(2) God: They worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. Anyone who publicly witnesses about Jehovah is usually identified as belonging to the one group—“Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

(3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity, but that, as the Bible says, he is the Son of God, the first of God’s creations; that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin, Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith; that Christ is actively ruling as King, with God-given authority over all the earth since 1914.

(4) God’s Kingdom: 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.

(5) Heavenly life: They believe that 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, ruling as kings with him. They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is “good.”

(6) The earth: They believe that God’s original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings.

(7) Death: They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm; that they do not exist except in God’s memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead.

(8) Last days: They believe that we are living now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some who saw the events of 1914 will also see the complete destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a cleansed earth.

(9) Separate from the world: They earnestly endeavor to be no part of the world, as Jesus said would be true of his followers. They show genuine Christian love for their neighbors, but they do not share in the politics or the wars of any nation. They provide for the material needs of their families but shun the world’s avid pursuit of material things and personal fame and its excessive indulgence in pleasure.

(10) Apply Bible counsel: They believe that it is important to apply the counsel of God’s Word in everyday life now—at home, in school, in business, in their congregation. Regardless of a person’s past way of life, he may become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses if he abandons practices condemned by God’s Word and applies its godly counsel. But if anyone thereafter makes a practice of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, drug abuse, drunkenness, lying, or stealing, he will be disfellowshipped from the organization.