What are the beliefs of a Jehova's Witness?

Question

I am not of this denomination and am curious.

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians who understand the Scriptures to teach that God's Kingdom by Christ Jesus is a real government which will soon replace all earthly governments.
(Daniel 2:44) God of heaven will set up a kingdom... It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite

That Kingdom will rule over the vast majority of mankind, most of whom will have been raised from the dead after Armageddon.
(John 11:23,24) Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”
(Acts 24:15) There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Until that resurrection, there is no suffering in "hell", or the grave. Sometime after the resurrection, death and "hell" will themselves be destroyed.
(Ecclesiastes 9:5) For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol ["hell"]
(Revelation 20:14) And death and Hades ["hell"] were hurled into the lake of fire

While a limitted number of humans will be resurrected to heaven to share in ruling over mankind, the vast majority (literally more than 99.9%) of Jehovah's Witnesses expect an EARTHLY hope, the same hope given to Adam and Eve.
(Genesis 1:28) God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill THE EARTH and subdue it [caps added]
(Genesis 2:17) You must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die [so never eating from that tree means never dying]

Interestingly, the Scriptures are full of references to this earthly hope.
(Psalms 37:11) 'the meek will possess the earth'
(Proverbs 2:21) 'upright will reside in the earth'
(Isaiah 45:18) 'God formed the earth to be inhabited'
(Matthew 5:5) 'the mild will inherit the earth'
(Revelation 21:3) The tent of God is with mankind

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_10.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_06.htm
http://jw-media.org/beliefs/trueworship.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_11.htm

Answer 2

I was brought up from birth into a Jehovah's Witness family and, right up until my mid twenties, I thought I had "the truth", that I was a Christian and all the other religions (especially those in Christendom) were false. My parents became Witnesses in the mid 1900's and thought they would be alive to see "the end of this wicked system of things" when Armageddon would come prior to the millennial reign of Christ over a paradise earth.

What do they believe? Well, you've got fulsome answers from respected Witnesses - I am not interested in challenging their theology. However, there are some things you should be aware of:

For over 100 years they have been prophesying that Armageddon is iminent. Time and time again they have had to put the date forward. They're still waiting.

They maintain that the second coming of Christ happened INVISIBLY in 1914. Strangely, there are no eye witnesses to this event.

They deny the divinity of Jesus, claiming he was merely a perfect human, and they refuse to worship him. This is all linked in with their belief that the Trinity is a pagan doctrine - however, they misrepresent the triune nature of the Godhead. They say the holy spirit is a mere "it" - a force, like electricity.

One of the most fundamental differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and every other Christian denomination is they claim only 144,000 persons will go to heaven - the rest of faithful witnesses expect to live forever on a paradise earth.

Jehovah's Witnesses will not sing a national anthem or stand up for the flag (or the Queen in my country) and will have nothing to do with politics or warfare. Please note that I do not disrespect their position on this - I'm simply stating facts.

Baptised witnesses (and we're talking full immersion in water, which is scripturaly sound) are expected to go from door to door spreading "the good news of the Kingdom" and record their hours. They are expected to attend all five meetings each week and study the Watchtower magazine. It is not permitted to read any literature other than theirs. Neither can anyone question what the Governing Body says. Any baptised witness who disagrees with the organisation and has the temerity to voice their opinions will be disfellowshipped - and shunned by family and friends alike.

Many years after I left this organisation I became a Christian. I do not hate them - but I am deeply concerned that they have perverted the gospel message Christ taught and have led millions of people astray. Please be very careful that they do not deceive you.

Answer 3

The Jehova Witness I have ment personally tell me, there is no HELL, and we have no soul!
also, they believe not in the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, and have said to me why celebrate Christmas
I have said to them, that of course I am saved and born again, and speak in tongues, and yes there is
no actual date given in the bible when Our Lord Jesus was born, but I love Christ, and it doesn't matter
what day HE was born, What matters is your heart, and the motives of your heart, are they for Jesus Christ!
and they have been quite, I pray they will want Our Lord Jesus, The Bible States John 3:16 For God so loved
the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, That whom so ever believed in HIM, Shall perish but have ever
lasting Life! No truth is greater then the bible, not written just in Jehova Witness Translation, But in King James
or International translation, without the Holy Spirit of Christ there is NO guide or conforter to help you in life
as a christian, The bible teaches the Word of God, The Spirit of God bring Life to us!

Answer 4

In the bible.

They are attacked repeatedly by Non-Jehovah's Witnesses because they know JWs are the only ones that have the truth.

If this not the case then people would simply ignore the JW's, instead they are against anyone who does not also worship a Tri-God that was put in place hundreds of years after Jesus was here on earth.

The scriptures simply state to worship Jehovah God. Which Jesus himself did. Jehovah's people witness their creator and his messengers and practice what they teach.

Isa 43:12 and ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, that I [am] God.

Answer 5

Without question the worst thing you can do is act interested in their religion. I made the mistake of being fair with my JW sibling and that person took that kindness of support to mean that I wanted to be a part of their studies. From that point forward that sibling was relentless in trying to convert me and my wife. I had to get nasty to get this sibling to stop and today our relationship is without question strained. I am a retired loyal American serviceman and would die first before I would turn my back on my country and spit at it like the JW's do. I do not understand what that sibling was thinking. Do not ever give them your time or interest. When they come to your door just ask them if any of them have visited the silentlambs.com web site and that will send them running and they will not come back for a long time.

Answer 6

WHAT JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES BELIEVE

Belief Scriptural Reason

Bible is God’s Word and 2 Tim. 3:16, 17;
is truth 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; John 17:17

Bible is more reliable Matt. 15:3; Col. 2:8
than tradition

God’s name is Jehovah Ps. 83:18; Isa. 26:4; 42:8, AS;
Ex. 6:3

Christ is God’s Son and Matt. 3:17; John 8:42; 14:28;
is inferior to Him 20:17; 1 Cor. 11:3; 15:28

Christ was first of God’s Col. 1:15; Rev. 3:14
creations

Christ died on a stake, Gal. 3:13; Acts 5:30
not a cross

Christ’s human life was Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6;
paid as a ransom for 1 Pet. 2:24
obedient humans

Christ’s one sacrifice Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28
was sufficient

Christ was raised from 1 Pet. 3:18; Rom. 6:9;
the dead as an immortal Rev. 1:17, 18
spirit person

Christ’s presence is in John 14:19; Matt. 24:3;
spirit 2 Cor. 5:16; Ps. 110:1, 2

We are now in the ‘time of Matt. 24:3-14; 2 Tim. 3:1-5;
the end’ Luke 17:26-30

Kingdom under Christ will Isa. 9:6, 7; 11:1-5;
rule earth in righteousness Dan. 7:13, 14; Matt. 6:10
and peace

Kingdom will bring ideal Ps. 72:1-4;
living conditions to earth Rev. 7:9, 10, 13-17; 21:3, 4

Earth will never be destroyed Eccl. 1:4; Isa. 45:18; Ps. 78:69
or depopulated

God will eliminate present Rev. 16:14, 16; Zeph. 3:8;
system of things in the Dan. 2:44; Isa. 34:2; 55:10, 11
battle at Har–Magedon

Wicked will be eternally Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:6-9
destroyed

People God approves will John 3:16; 10:27, 28; 17:3;
receive everlasting life Mark 10:29, 30

There is only one road to Matt. 7:13, 14; Eph. 4:4, 5
life

Human death is due to Rom. 5:12; 6:23
Adam’s sin

The human soul ceases to Ezek. 18:4; Eccl. 9:10;
exist at death Ps. 6:5; 146:4; John 11:11-14

Hell is mankind’s common Job 14:13, Dy;
grave Rev. 20:13, 14, AV (margin)

Hope for dead is 1 Cor. 15:20-22;
resurrection John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 26

Adamic death will cease 1 Cor. 15:26, 54; Rev. 21:4;
Isa. 25:8

Only a little flock of Luke 12:32; Rev. 14:1, 3;
144,000 go to heaven and 1 Cor. 15:40-53; Rev. 5:9, 10
rule with Christ

The 144,000 are born again 1 Pet. 1:23; John 3:3;
as spiritual sons of God Rev. 7:3, 4

New covenant is made with Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:10-13
spiritual Israel

Christ’s congregation is Eph. 2:20; Isa. 28:16;
built upon himself Matt. 21:42

Prayers are to be directed John 14:6, 13, 14; 1 Tim. 2:5
only to Jehovah through Christ

Images should not be used in Ex. 20:4, 5; Lev. 26:1;
worship 1 Cor. 10:14; Ps. 115:4-8

Spiritism must be shunned Deut. 18:10-12; Gal. 5:19-21;
Lev. 19:31

Satan is invisible ruler of 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4;
world John 12:31

A Christian ought to have no 2 Cor. 6:14-17; 11:13-15;
part in interfaith movements Gal. 5:9; Deut. 7:1-5

A Christian should keep Jas. 4:4; 1 John 2:15;
separate from world John 15:19; 17:16

Obey human laws that do not Matt. 22:20, 21;
conflict with God’s laws 1 Pet. 2:12; 4:15

Taking blood into body Gen. 9:3, 4; Lev. 17:14;
through mouth or veins Acts 15:28, 29
violates God’s laws

Bible’s laws on morals must 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Heb. 13:4;
be obeyed 1 Tim. 3:2; Prov. 5:1-23

Sabbath observance was given Deut. 5:15; Ex. 31:13; Rom. 10:4;
only to Israel and ended Gal. 4:9, 10; Col. 2:16, 17
with Mosaic Law

A clergy class and special Matt. 23:8-12; 20:25-27;
titles are improper Job 32:21, 22

Man did not evolve but was Isa. 45:12; Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4
created

Christ set example that must 1 Pet. 2:21; Heb. 10:7;
be followed in serving God John 4:34; 6:38

Baptism by complete immersion Mark 1:9, 10; John 3:23;
symbolizes dedication Acts 19:4, 5

Christians gladly give public Rom. 10:10; Heb. 13:15;
testimony to Scriptural truth Isa. 43:10-12


EARTH . . . created by Jehovah . . . cared for by man . . . inhabited forever

Answer 7

I'm Jewish, but I'll give it a shot:

They're Christian, but don't think Jesus is the same as God.

They actually will have surgery, but don't believe in blood transfusions. It's Christian Scientists who won't have surgery.

They think only a few people will go to heaven.

They're strict moralists, and kick out anyone who violates their code.

Significant numbers of them were in concentration camps in Germany during WWII for not saluting Hitler, among other things. (I know, it's not a belief, but I've always had a soft spot for them because of this.) Besides political prisoners, they were the only people who were there because of what they thought, and who could have walked out immediately if they denounced their coreligionists.

They preach to people to get them to join.

Answer 8

Dear Looloo,

It is incorrect to call the organization a denomination.
It is a pseudo religion made up by mankind.

Christian Soldier gave you an excellent answer if you will take the time to read what he says. I'll just give you a short answer.

God's Word makes it clear that the organization is a FALSE prophet and you should not listen to them.

For His glory,
JOYfilled

Answer 9

looloo08 if you are sincere in your question go directly to the source www.watchtower.org. Alot of people get on here and speculate what they think Jehovah's Witnesses believe. If I wanted to know what a catholics or Muslims or baptist believe I'm going straight to the source. And I wouldn't get my info from a disgruntled ex member for my info either because you know it would be bi-est info.

Answer 10

I studied with them for a VERY short time, so if anyone sees I post something incorrectly, please let me know...

All I know is that they do not celebrate any holidays, they do not give or accept gifts. Nor do they believe in having surgery.

I vaguely remember what was taught. Sorry. But here is a link that may help you better than anything else...

*edit: FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! WHAT IS WITH THE THUMBS DOWN PEOPLE!? I SAID... "if anyone sees I post something incorrectly, please let me know..." I'd much rather you tell me what I said that was incorrect, so that I won't say it again. :oP I wasn't trying to offend anyone!