Only?
Well, Jehovah's Witnesses certainly seem to be special.
Jehovah's Witnesses are Christian (of course), but they are unique for their rejection of paganisms, use of God's personal name, and global preaching by every active adherent. No other religious organization can claim such purity of worship.
These facts about Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps relevant to this question. The more one compares this Christian religion with others, the more remarkable it is shown to be.
1. Jehovah's Witnesses have no paid clergy. Yet they remain tightly organized with more than 6.5 million active Jehovah's Witness preachers (about 16 million associate themselves with the religion). Even fulltime preachers and workers at their branch offices are unpaid volunteers.
2. There is no elite class among Jehovah's Witnesses. Even the few 'anointed' among them enjoy no special privileges in their congregations on earth. An anointed person (one of those relative few with a heavenly hope) is not elevated above his fellow congregants in any way, and he may not even qualify for appointment as a simple 'deacon' or elder. There are no titles; EVERYONE is addressed as 'brother' or 'sister'.
3. No person benefits economically from the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Even the 8 to 20 men who serve on their Governing Body receive simply room, board, medical care, and reimbursement for certain personal expenses according to the exact same provision as every other branch volunteer.
4. About a hundred men have served on Jehovah's Witnesses' Governing Body committee during the past 125 years or so. The vast majority of them have spent the vast majority of their adult lives volunteering for their organization's purposes, and the vast majority have died faithfully and near-pennilessly while still under their legal 'vow of poverty'.
5. Amazingly, Jehovah's Witnesses did not splinter as a sect from some other religion. Instead, a truly tiny but sincere group of bible students studied only the Scriptures to determine the will of God. Thus their religion remains absolutely independent of and not carrying the sins of Christendom's history, yet carries the authority of Christ's teachings.
6. Despite the distortions of anti-Witnesses, throughout their modern history Jehovah's Witnesses have refused to claim divine inspiration or infallibility for their teachings. They have pointed to the bible (and not any particular translation) as the only inspired infallible means of knowing God's thoughts. For over 125 years, their teachings have been presented as merely the results of sincere bible research by imperfect but godly humans.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_07.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20040601/article_02.htm
http://jw-media.org/people/who.htm
http://jw-media.org/people/statistics.htm
2007-08-02 08:19:17
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answer #1
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answered by achtung_heiss 7
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Here, read their "Rules": 1. You cannot celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Father’s day or national holidays. (Awake 11/22 p. 8-10; WT 1997 12/15 p. 5-6; Knowledge 1995 p. 49-50, 126 Yearbook 1975 p. 147) 2. You must NOT take an oath of allegiance to your country, join the military, vote, or support any political party. (WT 1997 8/1 p. 12-13; WT 1990 8/15 p. 13-15; WT 1987 6/1 p. 21) 3. You can if you wish collect unemployment or welfare benefits. This is encouraged if possible because you will have more time to go door-to-door with the Society's magazines. (WT 1983 4/1 p. 8-9; WT 1966 2/1 p. 96) 4. You cannot celebrate birthdays. (WT 1998 12/15 p. 30; WT 1995 5/15 p. 8,19) 5. You cannot clink glasses together. (WT 1968 1/1 p. 31) 6. You cannot throw rice or confetti at weddings. (Awake 1973 3/8 p. 5; Yearbook 1986 p. 77; WT 1986 7/1 p. 4) 7. Large gatherings are frowned upon by the Watchtower Society unless organized by them for Bible studies. [Usually the Bible is not used much, their other books are claimed to be "better] (WT 1999 4/1 p31 + 9/1 p. 9,15; WT1992 8/15 p. 15-19; WT 1994 1/15 p. 17; WT 1981 8/15 p. 28-29; WT 1981 12/1 p. 27) 8. You must not associate socially with anyone not a Witness except to conduct a Bible (book) study. (WT 1957 4/15 p. 244; WT 1979 6/1 p. 13-14; WT 12979 5/1 p. 4; WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1980 6/15 p. 8; Insight 1988 vol.1 p. 200) 9. Your children must not associate with other children unless they are Witnesses. (WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1998 2/15 p. 12; WT 1996 8/1 p. 18; WT 1993 8/1 p. 20; WT 1995 5/1 p. 27) 10. Your children cannot join organizations such as the Boy Scouts & Girl Guides clubs, Red Cross, S.P.C.A, Boys or Girls clubs, teem sports at school or elsewhere. Time is considered better spent distributing the Society's magazines and books. (WT 1997 6/1 p. 4; WT 1992 8/15 p.18; WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1979 1/1 p. 31; WT 1973 2/1 p. 73; WT 1966 7/15 p. 421) 11. Adults may not join groups such as volunteer fire brigades, the YMCA etc. or service, secret or sports clubs, in order to avoid "worldly associations." (WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1997 6/1 p. 4; WT 1996 2/1 p.25 + 2/15 p .4) 12. A minimum of 10 hours a month is encouraged for door-to-door selling of the Society's books and magazines on contribution basis. Monthly reports must be filled in (Jehovah will apparently consult these to see if you are worthy to survive Armageddon). (WT 1963 3/15 p.190; WT 1992 6/15 p. 25; WT 1990 4/15 p. 25; WT 1986 1/1 p. 19; WT 1982 3/1 p.18; WT 1971 1/1 p25 + 6/1 p. 336; WT 1998 4/1 p. 21) 13. On public holidays you must still attend meetings and sell literature where possible. (Kingdom Min.1971 8/71 p.4; WT 1998 9/1 p.21) 14. You must not read literature published by Christian churches or other religious organizations. These are claimed to be from Satan. (WT 1996 1/15 p.17; WT 1994 8/15 p. 30; WT 1987 2/1 p. 5; WT 1986 3/15 p.12; WT1984 5/1 p. 31) 15. You must not acknowledge the Cross as a Christian symbol. It is considered to be of pagan origin.(WT 1996 4/1 p.4; WT 1996 4/1 p. 24 + 6/1 p.18; WT 1995 5/15 p. 20) [But what about stakes/polls? 1 Kg.14:22-24 WT 1997 3/15 p. 29 You Can Live Forever.; WTS 1982 p.45-46] 16. Jehovah Witnesses provide no Sunday school for your children. You must provide four hours per month studying with them from the Watchtower Society's publications.(WT 1999 11/15 p. 32; WT 1990 8/1 p. 3; WT 1983 3/15 p. 15; WT 1994 12/15 p. 30) 17. You must make sure you have time off from your job to attend all the Watchtower conventions, held three times a year. If you miss them, it's frowned upon. (WT 1995 1/1 p. 17; WT 1989 1/1 p.8 + 3/1 p. 7-10, 14, 19) 18. There are certain rules of conduct to follow in your bedroom. You may check with the elders for more information. If you disobey you may be disfellowshipped (expelled). (Awake 1995 1/8 p. 28; Awake 1993 2/22 p. 9; Awake 1975 1/8 p. 75; WT 1999 1/15 p. 14; WT 1998 2/1 p. 30; WT 1991 6/15 p. 20) 19. Certain forms of birth control are unacceptable . This is not your decision, check with the elders first. (WT 1999 6/15 p. 27; WT 1969 12/15 p. 765; Awake 1996 10/8 p. 14; Awake 1993 2/22 p. 8) 20. Beards are frowned on as they reflect a rebellious and independent attitude. Moustaches are acceptable. (WT 1975 8/15 p. 501) 21. If your family members are not J.W.'s you must have little to do with them. Those expelled, have NOTHING to do with them or you will be shunned too. (WT 1995 7/15 p. 27; WT 1998 9/15 p. 25; WT 1988 4/15 p. 29) 22. Make sure all your magazine and book studies are done each week. (WT 1954 2/15 p.102; WT 1995 5/1 p. 19; WT 1964 1/1 p. 27; WT 1959 1/1 p. 3; WT 1954 1/15 p. 50) You cannot understand the bible without them. (WT 1981 2/15 p.19 last sentence) 23. All meetings must be attended. There are only five per week, on three different days. If you don't attend you must have good reason. Sickness is NOT always a good reason. (WT 1971 3/1 p. 149; WT 1998 10/1 p. 30; WT 1995 1/1 p. 8, p. 17; WT 1993 iv. p. 292, 18; WT 1998 6/15 p. 21) 24. You must view all people who are not J.W's as 'worldly’ and part of Satan's organization. They will all perish at Armageddon and only JW's will be saved, so why bother associating with them? (WT 1992 5/1 p. 15 + 11/15 p. 6; WT 1995 1/15 p. 28; WT 1958 1/1 p. 13; You Can Live Forever, WTS 1982 p.188, p. 202) 25. You must not attend any 'Christian' church. All churches are considered evil and corrupt. (WT 1994 3/1 p. 9-11; WT 1991 6/1 p. 19-20; WT 1995 12/1 p. 5; WT 1983 6/15 p. 26 + 9/15 p. 10-15; WT 1958 1/1 p. 13) 26. If you join and ever decide to leave, all your new 'friends' will shun you, even if you are not "disfellowshipped". You might get frequent calls of “encouragement” if you attend a Christian church for any reason (including family weddings, funerals, etc.) you will be automatically disfellowshipped. (WT 1988 4/15 p. 26; WT 1986 3/15 p. 18) 27. You must NEVER disagree with the Society or it will be said that you are disagreeing with God. (WT 1983 1/15 p. 98; WT 1986 3/15 p. 18; United Worship 1983 p. 11; WT 1955 6/1 p. 351; Proclaimers 1993 28 p. 628) [The Watchtower Society claims to be the ONLY organization on earth that has been chosen by Him to guide his people. The Society president has claimed more power to speak for God than the Pope.] 28. You will not have the free choice of conscience. You give up that right when you become a Witness. The Society will make almost all decisions for you. (WT 1983 1/15 p. 98; WT 1994 7/1 p. 23; WT 1958 4/1 p. 217; United Worship 1983 p. 10; Year Book 1988 p. 127) 29. You will be forbidden to give or take a blood transfusion or blood products. You must not even store your own blood for a transfusion, it's said that belongs to God. If your child requires a transfusion, your duty is to try to prevent doctors from transfusing, even if stealing the child from hospital to die. (WT 1998 12/1 p. 14; WT 1970 9/12 p. 249) 30. You may not partake of the bread and the wine during communion (or Eucharist), unless you are one of the 144,000 who are the only ones who may go to heaven. (WT 1998 2/15 p. 20; WT 1997 1/1 p. 10) 31. All above rules are subject to change without notice and without recourse. Be in constant expectation of "New light" which could reverse everything. (WT 1964 5/1 p. 278; WT 1955 5/15, p. 313; WT 1954 9/15 p. 552). [There were about 148 changes to official WT doctrine from 1917 to 1928. How do you know what's declared true today won't be denied tomorrow?] 32. If you disobey any of the above rules, and refuse to turn around from your rebellious course, you will be disfellowshipped, and an announcement will be made to the whole congregation. All members worldwide will shun you even family members, so expect no invitations to family weddings, funerals or reunions etc. (WT 1956 4/15, p. 242; WT 1988 4/15, p. 26; WT 1986 3/15, p. 18; Awake1987 8/12, p. 13) 33. If you wish to be reinstated, you must do as the elders say: attend all meetings, coming in after the opening song and prayer, sitting at the back of the hall talk to no one, have no participation, leave before the final song and prayer and have no contact with other members. You may have no part in field ministry until reinstated. Depending on your offence the time of punishment may last up to a year or more. (WT 1998 10/1 p. 17-18; WT 1991 4/15, p. 23) 34. You must not pray for disfellowshipped ones. They are dead in God's eyes. (WT 1983 1/1, p. 31; WT 1979 10/15, p. 31) 35. The WatchTower Society can tell lies. It's acceptable to lie to those who are not entitled to know the truth. Elder's of the local Kingdom Hall and the hierarchy of the 'Society' will lie to the police about child sexual abuse to protect an elder who committed abuse. It's called "justified lying". The 'Society' can also lie to members. (WT 1960 6/1 p. 352; WT 1997 1/1 p. 29)
2016-05-20 23:33:28
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answer #2
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answered by ? 3
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Yes - if you are a Jehovas Witness. For most of the major religions of the world especially those from the Abrahmic root each consider themselves to be the only true faith and this is written into their religious law.
This has caused considerable conflict throughout the ages and is often the excuse given for conflict caused by greed.
If you are interested in non-dogmatic religions look into the Pagan paths. Most of these accept the right of the individual to believe and worship according to their own understanding of their religion. Unlike mainstream religions, Pagans are encouraged to question and develop their religions in a manner that can result in changing paths and adaption throughout life.
Want to know more start with www.paganfed.org.
2007-08-09 21:17:05
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answer #3
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answered by jj 1
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Let's take a real close look at the name "Jehovah" and see if it is in fact the true name of God. The term "Jehovah" is actually a false reading of the Hebrew pronunciation of God, or YAHWEH. Allow me to explain where the word "Jehovah" comes from. The words in the Hebrew Old Testament contained no vowels. The words were constructed of consonant letters only. The Scribes knew what vowels to use in the pronunciation of the words by the construction of the consonants, the context, and memory. It was written this way until the fifth century when the Masoretes added the vowels under the consonants in their version of the Old Testament known as the Masoretic Text. In the New Testament we see a passage that demolishes this insistance on the name Jehovah...Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Note that there is no other name than the Name of Jesus Christ whereby we must be saved.
2007-08-09 16:06:33
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answer #4
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answered by cowboy_christian_fellowship 4
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Jehovas witness is not a true faith at all. They do not believe that a person needs to be born again. Jesus says that in order to have life and life in all its fulness one must be born again by the Holy Spirit.
Jehovas witness is false teaching and will lead people to hell.
2007-08-09 22:10:44
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answer #5
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answered by Angel_Daisy 2
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This reply is to Sarah Notion:
The devil's job is to seek and destroy.....it's nothing new, he started this game in the Garden of Eden when he led Adam and Eve down the wrong path.
He's still doing this today......when complaints go out against the JW's for preaching God's Kingdom as mankind's only salvation as Jesus did........Satan steps in, in an attempt to halt the work.....but this work CANNOT be stopped!
Jesus Christ said at Matthew 24:14...." this good news of the kingdom will be preached in ALL the inhabited earth, for a witness to ALL the nations and then the end will come."
Satan might cause a temporary delay, but he can never stop God's will from being done.
2007-08-09 09:32:57
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answer #6
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answered by sugarbee 7
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THe is no such thing as a true faith. If you are a Jehovas witness and think this, then realise that everyone else thinks the same way about Jehovas witnesses as you do to their religion. The only place to be is outside all bubbles of delusion.
2007-08-01 23:10:27
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answer #7
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answered by honourableone 3
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I noticed that no JW's have answered this question. The reason..is because YES they do feel that they are the only true faith..and they will not admit it on here..Why? They think they are the only ones that can understand the Bible and no one else of another faith has God in their lives like they do. They are good people..due to fear..They love God very much..but, they do not have the relationship with Jesus that Christians do. They are missing out on that very special Holy Spirit relationship that ones feels when born again. They do not believe in being born again. They follow mans rules .
achtung_heiss..I am not so sure everything that you stated is true..Why do you guys deny things that are facts about you.?
Why don't they admit this is what they believe? I don't get it.
2007-08-02 02:49:14
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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the term Jehovah's Witness first came into being in 1917, eventually becoming the cult we know in 1931.
the cult was first part of the group 'Bible Student's' which was founded in the 1870's by Charles Russell he had turned away from the mainstream Christianity due to compromise and corruption within the church. they also did not believe in the Trinity, hellfire, the immortality of the soul(in the mainstream Christian sense) and they thought that there was to much illegitimate additions to the teachings
in 1917 there was Schism within the group and Russell's successor, Joseph Rutherford led the reaming members of the Watchtower Society to form the 'Jehovah's Witnesses' in 1931 the ones left behind remained Russell's followers as several Bible Student groups.
the main basis of the Jehovah's doctrine is the book/verse Isaiah 43:10 "you are my witness said the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you might know and believe me:and understand that I am He, before me there was not God Formed, neithershall there be after me". this was adopted in 1931 by Rutherford and his new Witnesses.
The basis of the religion is, that they believe in the Sanctification of God's Name, Jehovah ( although his name, according to ancient text is actually YHWH or YAHWEH, so when they tell you to read the bible and Say God's name with reverence and not the, made up pseudonym, God! they are doing the same thing by calling him Jehovah, which is not his name either) and the sanctification of his Sovereignty, by means of a Kingdom ruled over by Jesus, hey! but not only Jesus, but 144,000 other pre-selected souls that will, reign for 1000yrs within a heavenly government over the poor sod's that live through Armaggedon. they also believe that Jesus began his 'second coming ' ( the end of Gentile times) invisibly in 1874, sorry, sorry , yes they changed that fact to 1914, in 1931.
this heavenly government of theirs will see them live forever, but only the select few.
do you still believe that Jahovah's Witnesses are the One True Religion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
like all religion the doctrine is based on Theism, all theism is theory, in this case, one mans , theory which was usurped by another mans theory ( remember the illigitimate additions to the original teaching, the reason they left the original church 'oh please, come on! this is obviously a contridiction of there original teaching's, but isn'tall religion) who then added his own interpretation of the Scripts' to gain ascendancy.
there is only one true faith, and that is the faith in yourself, as a human being do do good deeds and be a good citizen, help others who cannot help themselves, love thy neighbour, and all the other important things that make us who we are, things that were once the doctrine of the church until it was usurped by greed, lies and illusion. religion is lies made up by the powerful, to keep scociety in line. the fact that the the people of whom I speak were alive 2000 yrs ago and had no idea of the science of life, seems to still be a problem for some. religion has no place in our modern scientific generation,where we do not believe in miracles and magic, where even the most un-intelligent person on the planet realises that " when God talks to people, it usually means their crazy!"
2007-08-09 05:33:25
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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Faith is faith; what's true or not remains to be seen - that's why it's called faith! The dictionary defines faith as: 'belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.' I believe in God and that's my faith, but that doesn't mean that I won't listen to the arguements put forward by others who believe that the truth is something different. I do, however, expect them to have the good manners and open-mindedness to listen to my arguements in return!
2007-08-01 23:02:55
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answer #10
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answered by uknative 6
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