[90] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[91] but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. Many people are curious about who Jehovahs Witnesses are. Jehovah's Witnesses truly believe that they are the one and only true religion and that their leaders are directly appointed by God and should be obeyed as such. They believe that all intelligent creatures are endowed with free will, and that salvation is dependent on God's "undeserved kindness", but also requires faith in God and in the "ransom sacrifice" of Jesus Christ,[142] demonstrated by "zealous" preaching activity. Learn Religions. [102] Since 1936, Jehovah's Witnesses have rejected the idea that Jesus died on a cross, and instead teach that he died on a single wooden stake (crux simplex), asserting that the Koine Greek word "" (stauros) refers to a single upright post. They don't believe in hell. [76] The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scripturesthe main translation used by Jehovah's Witnessesrenders the name of God as Jehovah, rather than .mw-parser-output span.smallcaps{font-variant:small-caps}.mw-parser-output span.smallcaps-smaller{font-size:85%}God or LORD as found in English translations such as the King James Version. The Bible never directly uses the term Trinity, yet the truth of the Trinity is present. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. Witnesses also oppose certain medical practices that they believe violate Scripture. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. "When a person dies, he ceases to exist. [202] They are described as "anti-God" and doomed to destruction. Jehovahs Witnesses are a very dangerous culture that nobody needs to be involved in. ", "The Pessimistic Sect's Influence on the Mental Health of Its Members", "War of Words Breaks Out Among Jehovah's Witnesses", "The Educational Identity Formation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Religion & Education", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jehovah%27s_Witnesses_beliefs&oldid=1141650652, Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 03:23. Below are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox Christianity in the late 1800's. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? The Bible tells us that Jesus was resurrected with a true flesh and bone body (Luke 24:39; John 2:19-21). [111][112][113][114] Watch Tower Society publications state that Witnesses need not harbor dread or superstitious fear of demons, because their power over humans is limited. This date is said to also mark when the Last Days began. Witnesses hold a number of traditional Christian views but also many that are unique to them. We do not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates, run for government office, or participate in any action to change governments. As previously mentioned, Jehovahs Witnesses view Jesus as a lesser god. The Holy Spirit is not seen as God either as Jehovahs Witnesses teach the Holy Spirit is just a force.. JW.org explains, "[W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' [134] Gehenna, the Bible word commonly translated as "hellfire", is said to describe a judgment of complete destruction,[135] from which resurrection is not possible. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, which means that they do not place faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. Jehovah's Witnesses were not among the five major religious groups that two weeks ago gave support to the Government's COVID-19 vaccination programme; however, the millenarian restorationist Chri. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. This judgment will begin with the destruction by the United Nations of false religion, which they identify as "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17. Jesus served as a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of all humankind. It will replace human governments and accomplish Gods purpose for the earth. Those who acknowledge Jehovah in this life will become members of the millennial kingdom; those who reject him will not go to hell but will face total extinction. We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. "Mum, I haven't died. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims and others say Jesus was merely a human prophet, an angel, or some other created being. Check the facts with this eight-question self-test. The Governing Body, a small group of mature Christians who serve at our world headquarters, provides direction for Jehovahs Witnesses worldwide.Matthew 24:45. Share (John 14:28) So we do not worship Jesus, as we do not believe that he is Almighty God." (Matthew 19:4-9) We are convinced that the wisdom found in the Bible helps families to succeed.Ephesians 5:226:1. b Wicked angels have been cast out of heaven, although they continue to exist in the spirit realm.Revelation 12:7-9. The Bible teaches the truth of the Trinity in multiple passages. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? The terms "little flock" and "other sheep" are drawn from Luke 12:32 and John 10:16 respectively. God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven and that the rest of humanity will live forever on a paradise earth. [65], Although many of their eschatological teachings have changed over the years,[66] Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion. Jehovah's Witnesses Official Website, ReligionFacts.com, and Religions of America, edited by Leo Rosten. [57] Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who was expelled as part of the purge, subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization,[58] claiming the conceptwhich posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organizationhas no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the group's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority. They wish to share the literature with the people and will then offer to bring a Bible study to their home. Congregations . Only God in the flesh could do all these things. Why Are There So Many Christian Interpretations? Our relationships with others. They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914. The Lord declared Himself to be God through His seven I AM statements (John 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15). Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 persons since the time of Jesus can ever go to heaven, there to be co-rulers with Christ Jesus over the inhabitants of a paradise earth. [203] It is grounds for expulsion from the group and subsequent shunning. Article based on the Christian Today article titled "Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, raising the issueoften referred to as a "controversy"of whether people, having been granted free will, would obey God under both temptation and persecution. They are also known for their evangelical work going door-to-door attempting to make converts. Here are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox Christianity in the late 1800's. We answer the questions of how they started, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today. They urge young Witnesses to pursue higher education only to gain skills to obtain a reasonable living while maintaining flexibility to pursue their "true" vocation, serving God. This article will begin with a brief description of the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and will then recommend spec Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities used to further our worldwide Bible educational work.Psalm 127:1. [49], Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization",[50] thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system. JWs claim that Jesus was not divine and that the Holy Spirit is an " active force " and not a person. [204] Watch Tower Society literature says apostates are motivated by vitriolic bitterness and that their writings are poisonous, distorted and false, display the characteristics of "cunning, contrived error, prideful intelligence, lack of love and dishonesty" and are designed to undermine the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses. The U.S. government sent Rutherford and other Watchtower leaders to prison for sedition during World War I. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, which means they do not place faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. [205] Apostates are described as proud, independent, ungrateful and presumptuous,[204] mentally diseased,[206][207] displaying jealousy, fits of anger and other unchristian conduct and are said to often fall victim to drunken bouts, loose conduct and fornication. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when Jesus was born on earth, he was a mere human and not God in human flesh. Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs include works such as learning about Jehovah, living a moral life, regular witnessing to others and obeying God's commandments as part of the requirements for salvation. This article summarizes our basic beliefs. During their Wednesday night meeting, Victoria's congregation ruminates over medical researchers' various efforts to fight COVID-19. Instead, Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus has opened the way to salvation and that by following the rules of Kingdom Hall, anyone can also become a Jehovahs Witness. [117] It dismisses Young Earth creationism as "unscriptural and unbelievable",[118] and states that Jehovah's Witnesses "are not creationists" on the basis that they do not believe the earth was created in six literal days. This article is about Jehovah's Witnesses' core beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that rejecting the teachings or instructions of the leaders means to reject God himself. Jehovah's Witnesses believe Christianity died soon after Christ, but was resurrected under Russell. JW.org explains, " [W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' The Jehovah's Witnesses believe and teach, that the body of Jesus was buried in a tomb, where it was not raised to life again after three days and three nights, as according to scripture, but rather totally destroyed by God forever. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502015242/univ/art/502015242_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. Wear or own a cross. Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. This article summarizes our basic beliefs. [32][33][34] Robert Crompton, author of a book on Watch Tower eschatology, has noted that it is difficult to trace the development of doctrines, because explicit changes are often not identified in Jehovah's Witness literature, leaving readers to assume which details have been superseded. What Do Jehovahs Witnesses Believe? [68][69], The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God. Jesus Christ is God's agent, through whom sinful humans can be reconciled to God. The Lord wants you to come to Him and trust in Him as your Savior and Lord. They believe that Jesus can be called a deity or a god, but only in the sense that an angel can be thus called. [88] Because no other religion uses the name Jehovah with the same prevalence, they believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses are making God's name known. [24][25][26] The view is based on their interpretation of Proverbs 4:18, which they believe refers to a continuous progressive advancement in doctrinal knowledge and scriptural understanding for "righteous ones",[27][28] with the holy spirit helping "responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood". At Armageddon, Satan is to be bound for 1,000 years, and then given a brief opportunity to mislead perfect humanity before being destroyed. [1][2][3] Since 1976, all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses,[4] a group of elders at the denomination's headquarters. In Germany prior to World War II, the Nazis sent Witnesses to concentration camps, and Witnesses were also persecuted in Britain, Canada, and the United States. "[21], Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope. The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit has a personality and the Bible describes the Holy Spirit with personal pronouns (Acts 13:2). [173] Witnesses believe their doctrine is confirmed by world events since 1914, including wars, famine, earthquakes and increasing lawlessness, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence. (1Corinthians 1:10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions. [183] After Armageddon, Satan will be cast into an abyss and unable to influence humanity, then God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth,[184][185] which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden. [143][144][145] According to Watch Tower Society theology, salvation requires Christ's mediation as part of God's purpose to grant humans everlasting life, either in heaven (for 144,000 "anointed" Christians, or the "little flock") or on earth (for the "other sheep", the remainder of faithful humanity). [193] They believe coerced worship is unacceptable to God. See the next couple points for more details on this. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus was physically resurrected. [198] Individuals who commit serious sins and are unrepentant are considered disfellowshipped. One who has been baptized as a JW and is still loyal to the organization. [36] All Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body. New members are baptized by immersion and are expected to live by a strict code of personal conduct. [146], For anointed Witnesses, salvation is said to be achieved through their death and subsequent resurrection to heavenly life to share with Christ as a co-ruler of God's kingdom;[147] for others, it is gained by preservation through the Great Tribulation and the battle of Armageddon. All rights reserved. [70] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[71] and interpret much of it literally, while also accepting it contains much symbolism. It is one of the more major ways in which Jehovah's Witnesses differ from various Christian denominations. [72] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[73]. While we accept the entire Bible, we are not fundamentalists. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. They believe that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years starting with 607 BCE and ending at 1914 CE. [104], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God. Our conduct. They believe that Jesus, as St. Michael the archangel, was God's first . They see their mission as primarily evangelical, disseminating "the good news", to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon. Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. 1. [197] Individuals who choose to publicly repudiate their association to the organization and renounce their place in the congregation are considered disassociated. - Their History, Beliefs and Practices. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Zavada, Jack. The BBC reports that Witnesses believe the end times began in 1914. How Should 'Jihad' (Muslim Holy War) Be Understood Properly? Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? The Witnesses understand Jesus' words at John 3:3"except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"to apply to the 144,000 who are "born again" as "anointed" sons of God in heaven. Some of the distinct beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses set this religion apart from other Christian denominations, such as limiting the number of people who will go to heaven to 144,000, denying the Trinity doctrine, and rejecting the traditional Latin cross. Ex-Jehovah witness religion or personals for ex-jehovah's witnesses - is, and. The Jehovah's Witness must do God's will the rest of his life to be saved. [160] Those who die without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). (Exodus 15:8, 10) A craftsmans hands cannot function independent of his mind and body; likewise, Gods holy spirit operates only as he directs it. and Why does God allow suffering? No more than four-in-ten members of the group belong to any one racial and ethnic background: 36% are white, 32% are Hispanic, 27% are black and 6% are another race or mixed race. Answer (1 of 6): Three questions here. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. God (the Father): God is a single being whose personal name is Jehovah they also accept the name Yahweh and other. Looking like a jerk when someone sneezes. Three distinct Persons, yet one God. They believe Jesus died on a stake, rather than a cross. [195] Watch Tower publications define three different types of defection. Historically, . Zavada, Jack. This violates the biblical teaching that in the incarnate Jesus, "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col. 2:9; cf. The resurrection of the Lord also attests to Jesus divinity. [80] They believe God is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[81] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[82] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people. The Bible teaches in the Old Testament and the New Testament that . Pioneers hold part-time secular jobs and devote a greater amount of time to religious service. Jehovahs Witnesses also hold to the belief of annihilationism. For activities and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, see, Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. p. 123, as reproduced in R.Franz. Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870 when a man named Charles Taze Russell led Bible studies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. They also don't celebrate other national holidays or birthdays in an attempt to remain separate from the world. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God. Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? [196] They believe the congregation must "maintain God's favor in order to be used by him and to represent him" or else the whole congregation would lose God's approval. This, of course, is a major diversion from orthodox Christianity. 1. Despite widespread excitement over a cure, Jehovah's Witnesses contend that a plasma-based solution would be a gross violation of their beliefs. Three points in particular make the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures worthy to include in your studies. [190] Then Satan is released for a final opportunity to mislead perfect mankind;[191] Satan, his demons, and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race who will live forever. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that there are 144,000 individuals whom God has chosen to be resurrected as "spirit creatures" or angelic beings and who will reign in heaven as the "kingdom of God" in the age to come while all other Jehovah's Witnesses will live on a paradise earth: A select few (144,000) of Christ's most faithful followers will be chosen to rule alongside him. 10. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1John 5:21) Key aspects of our worship include the following: Reading and studying the Bible.Psalm 1:1-3. Sierra leone family of jehovah's witnesses dating network for true faith to use your phone. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. Since they do not place faith in Jesus, they are not saved. The Trinity is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. (2Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations. (John 13:34, 35) We avoid practices that displease God, including the misuse of blood by taking blood transfusions. Jesus. This, of course, is a major diversion from orthodox Christianity. Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity.

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