I have a few questions for a Jehovah Witness, can you assist me please?

Question

Please no bashing!

At my work place, there is an individual who is a Jehovah Witness, and I have a simple basic understanding.

Since I am now working closely with this individual, I wish to respect the beliefs.

I understand that a Jehovah Witness, does not celebrate any Religious Sect. Holiday or Birthday’s.
I also understand that a Jehovah Witness, does not wear any religious emblems.
I am also aware to not say, “Bless you”, or “God Bless You”, when a person sneezes.

Although I know this, I do not know as to why.

I feel that it is important for me to RESPECT the beliefs of my co-worker, and the work place is not the place to discuss religion.

Would you be kind enough to assist me so that I may have a better understanding of their beliefs?

Thank you,
Sam

I wish to thank you all for your positive answers thus far.

As I addressed in my question, the work place is not the place for us to discuss our religious beliefs.

My co-worker respects me for my working abilities as I do theirs. We do not discuss religion or politics in the work place for it may cause controversy.

This is why I came here to learn. My co-workers beliefs are not my own. The choices we make for ourselves are our choices. I respect an individual choice.

I came here to learn.
Sam

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses consider expressions such as "bless you" to superstitious when directed to a person who has just sneezed. Jehovah's Witnesses avoid superstition because it fails to acknowledge that Almighty Jehovah is more powerful than any possible meddlesome demon or false 'god of luck'.
http://watchtower.org/e/20020801/article_01.htm

Jehovah's Witnesses generally avoid religious icons because the bible plainly teaches that idols displease God; Witnesses do not harbor superstitious ideas about idols or icons.
http://watchtower.org/e/20050508a/article_01.htm


Simple gifts are mentioned in favorable terms quite often in the Scriptures, including during a trying time or in appreciation for some assistance.
...(Job 42:11) They began to eat bread with [Job] in his house and to sympathize with him and to comfort him...and they proceeded each one to give him a piece of money and each one a gold ring.
...(Genesis 24:19-22) When she was finished giving him a drink, then [Rebekah] said: “For your camels too I shall draw water until they are done drinking.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the drinking trough and ran yet again and again to the well to draw water, and kept drawing for all his camels. All the while the man was gazing at her in wonder, keeping silent to know whether Jehovah had made his trip successful or not. Consequently it came about that, when the camels had finished drinking, then the man took a gold nose ring of a half shekel in weight [and gave it to her] and two bracelets for her hands
...(Acts 20:35) Bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
...(2 Corinthians 9:7) God loves a cheerful giver.


By contrast, gifts that are plainly associated with pagan celebrations are objectionable to true Christians, as are gifts given with ungodly motives.
...(Isaiah 1:23) Your princes are stubborn and partners with thieves. Every one of them is a lover of a bribe and a chaser after gifts.


Regarding birthday celebrations, bible students are encouraged to consider:
: 0% of faithful biblical Jews celebrated birthdays
: 0% of first century Christians celebrated birthdays
: 100% of birthdays celebrated in the bible were by debauched enemies of God (See Mark 6:17-29; Gen 40:19-22)

Bible historians (M'Clintock, Strong, and others) have noted that faithful Jews of the bible did not celebrate birthdays, and that ancient pagan birthday celebrations were at least partially intended to honor the patron gods of the particular day.

By comparison with such paganisms, the bible does not even tell us the birthdates of Jesus or ANY of his apostles!


Jehovah's Witnesses practice strict political and nationalistic neutrality, so they do not celebrate nationalistic holidays such as Independence Day and Memorial Day.

Other holidays derive from false religion, and so are incompatible with pure worship as adulterating interfaith. For example, Easter derives from the pagan god Oestre and celebrates "rebirth" and "fertility" instead of commemorating Christ's Last Supper and death as Jesus commanded:
(Luke 22:1-22) [Jesus] dispatched Peter and John, saying: “Go and get the passover ready for us to eat.” ...14 At length when the hour came, he reclined at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them: “I have greatly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it again until it becomes fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” ... Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”

Seemingly innocuous holidays may have only a tangential connection with false worship, such as Mother's Day and Father's Day (although arguably derived from ancestor worship). Understated observance of these is not generally considered interfaith by Jehovah's Witnesses, but it is too easily misunderstood in some cultures.

Since such celebrations are not required in true worship, and can easily become a distraction, so Jehovah's Witnesses focus their attention elsewhere. In particular, they are focussed on the preaching work which *IS* a requirement for Christians:

(Luke 10:1-17) [Jesus] the Lord designated seventy others and sent them forth by twos in advance of him into every city and place to which he himself was going to come. 2 Then he began to say to them: “The harvest, indeed, is great, but the workers are few. Therefore beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20050101a/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_11.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001215/article_01.htm

Answer 2

Thank you for asking the question directly of Jehovah's Witnesses. I always appreciate it when people go right to the source. If you look at Revelation 7. It speaks of two groups, the 144,000 you mentioned. Those will be kings and priests alongside Christ Jesus. Also mentioned in that chapter is "a great crowd which no man was able to number". The KJV calls it a "vast multitude". It is that great crowd that will benefit from the promise at Psalm 37:11 "the meek shall inherit the earth". If that seems odd, ask yourself one question: If you were given a choice between dying and living in heaven or living forever on a paradise earth, in perfect health, which would you choose. I know which one I'd pick. I hope that helps you.

Answer 3

Because these things are of pagan origin and not commanded in the Bible.

You can look them up in encyclopedias or church Bible dictionaries (esp. Protestant) as they also give the real origins. You can google on the net also and find many churches do not do them.

Here are some links.
http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/origin-of-christmas.htm

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/easterintro1.html

http://www.birthdaypresent.com/articles/celebrations.html

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/valentinesday/a/gamelion.htm

Debbie

Answer 4

Feel absolutely free to ask him on anything you are unsure about....you need not feel uncomfortable or cautious about approaching a witness on anything. They are more than happy and pleased to explain to you :-) Your work place should be an enjoyable part of getting YOUR day done, too. Your level of respect is most admirable :-)

Answer 5

I would just like to say thank you for your consideration.
I wish my fellow employees had as much respect for me as you are showing, as I'm the only one at my work place.
You are a hope to me that maybe, someday, they will.
Again, Thank you for taking the time to try to understand but most of all, for showing respect, it is such a rare quality in this world.

Answer 6

In order for you to understand more about Jehovah's Witnesses, it is important that you go to the official site of Jehovah's Witnesses. http://www.watchtower.org/
The following link will lead you to a brochure that discusses "Who Jehovah's Witnesses are and what we believe."
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm

The easiest way to help you understand why we choose not to celebrate the holidays is for you to read the following article. It explains where Christmas customs came from. http://www.watchtower.org/e/20001215/article_01.htm
For a brief overview of various beliefs and customs we avoid you can also read this.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/rq/article_11.htm

Answer 7

I understand and appreciate you being not willing to bash them because I do believe there are a lot of people who are sincere in the JW's even though I don't agree with their teachings.
There are many Christian churches that believe and practice things that are far from scriptural yet are embraced. I would have to put this off to the "traditions of men"

Mark 7:13: Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Historically the King James Version is the most accurate translation and from my experience relating to money I would give you this advice. Learn the real and you will be able to recognize and identify the counterfeit.

Answer 8

You are very kind to show respect to your colleague.

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, however MANY on this forum will claim to be one. Because we can never be sure of our identity, the best advice I can give you is to visit our official website at www.watchtower.org

Answer 9

you can see the website at www.watchtower.org to learn about Jehovah Witnesses and you can also ask the witness all the questions you have. I know she would answer all your questions.

Answer 10

I enjoy your sencereness however it is quite hard to answer those questions with out speaking against that doctrine. and so i will refrain from the answers here and just leave it at that..

However I commend you sir for you manners toward your co-worker.. May I ask you as to why no mention of sharing your own beliefs with him--or at least explaining your beliefs with us?

If it is not relevant then why?