What Is A Jehovah Witness? Discover the core beliefs, practices, and history of Jehovah’s Witnesses at WHAT.EDU.VN. Gain insights into their unique interpretation of the Bible, their stance on blood transfusions, and their role in society. Understand Jehovah’s Witnesses better and explore related religious movements and denominations.
1. Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses: An Overview
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their door-to-door evangelism and distinctive beliefs. Founded in the late 19th century, they have a unique interpretation of the Bible that sets them apart from other Christian groups. Their faith is centered on Jehovah, their name for God, and they believe that the end times are near. Let’s dive deeper into who they are and what they believe.
1.1. Origins and History
The Jehovah’s Witnesses originated in the United States in the late 1870s. Charles Taze Russell founded a Bible study group in Pennsylvania, which eventually led to the formation of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Russell’s teachings focused on the imminent return of Christ and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth.
Russell’s successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, played a crucial role in shaping the identity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was Rutherford who officially adopted the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931. He also emphasized door-to-door evangelism and strict adherence to their interpretation of the Bible.
1.2. Core Beliefs
Jehovah’s Witnesses have several core beliefs that distinguish them from other Christian denominations:
- Jehovah: They believe that God’s name is Jehovah and that he is the supreme being.
- The Bible: They consider the Bible to be the inspired word of God and interpret it literally.
- Jesus Christ: They believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but not part of a Trinity.
- The Kingdom of God: They believe that God’s Kingdom will soon rule over the earth, bringing peace and righteousness.
- The Last Days: They believe that we are living in the last days before Armageddon, when God will destroy the wicked and establish his Kingdom.
1.3. Key Practices
Jehovah’s Witnesses have specific practices that are central to their faith:
- Evangelism: They are known for their door-to-door ministry, sharing their beliefs and distributing literature.
- Bible Study: They engage in regular personal and group Bible study.
- Meetings: They attend weekly meetings at their Kingdom Halls for worship and instruction.
- Memorial of Christ’s Death: They observe an annual Memorial of Christ’s Death, similar to the Christian Communion.
- Strict Moral Code: They adhere to a strict moral code, abstaining from practices they consider unscriptural, such as celebrating holidays and participating in politics.
1.4. Organizational Structure
The Jehovah’s Witnesses are organized hierarchically, with the Governing Body at the top. This group of elders provides direction and guidance for the entire organization worldwide. Below the Governing Body are branch offices, which oversee the activities in specific regions. Local congregations are led by elders, who provide spiritual guidance and support to members.
1.5. Global Presence
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a global presence, with millions of members in countries around the world. They are active in evangelism and have translated their literature into hundreds of languages. Despite facing persecution in some countries, they continue to spread their message and grow in numbers.
2. What Do Jehovah Witnesses Believe About God?
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold distinct beliefs about God, centered on the idea that his name is Jehovah and that he is the supreme being. Understanding their perspective on God is crucial to grasping their overall theology. Let’s explore their specific views.
2.1. The Name Jehovah
Jehovah’s Witnesses place great importance on the name of God, which they believe is Jehovah. They assert that this name is found thousands of times in the original Hebrew text of the Bible. They emphasize the importance of using God’s name and making it known to others.
2.2. One True God
They believe in one true God, Jehovah, who is the creator of all things. They reject the Trinity doctrine, which teaches that God is three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instead, they believe that Jehovah is the supreme being and that Jesus Christ is his Son, but subordinate to him.
2.3. Qualities of Jehovah
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jehovah possesses many admirable qualities, including love, justice, wisdom, and power. They strive to imitate these qualities in their own lives. They also believe that Jehovah is a personal God who cares about his creation and wants people to have a relationship with him.
2.4. Relationship with Jesus Christ
While they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, they do not believe that he is equal to God. They see Jesus as the first creation of Jehovah and as his primary agent in carrying out his will. They believe that Jesus died as a ransom sacrifice to redeem humankind from sin and death.
2.5. Holy Spirit
Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Holy Spirit as God’s active force, rather than a person. They believe that it is the power that God uses to accomplish his will and to guide and empower his servants.
2.6. Kingdom of God
They believe that Jehovah’s purpose is to sanctify his name and establish his Kingdom on Earth. They teach that this Kingdom will bring an end to wickedness and suffering, and that it will be ruled by Jesus Christ from heaven.
3. What Is A Jehovah Witness View On Jesus?
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a unique view of Jesus Christ that differs from mainstream Christian theology. While they acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, their understanding of his nature and role is distinct. Let’s examine their perspective on Jesus in more detail.
3.1. Son of God
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the first creation of Jehovah. They recognize his unique status as the only direct creation of God and acknowledge his role as the Messiah.
3.2. Not Part of the Trinity
They reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that God is three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They believe that Jesus is subordinate to God and not equal to him. They view the Trinity as an unscriptural teaching.
3.3. Role in Creation
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus played a role in the creation of the universe as Jehovah’s master worker. They cite biblical passages that describe Jesus as the one through whom all things were made.
3.4. Ransom Sacrifice
They believe that Jesus came to earth as a perfect human to offer his life as a ransom sacrifice to redeem humankind from sin and death. They emphasize the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice in making it possible for humans to have a relationship with God and gain everlasting life.
3.5. King of God’s Kingdom
They believe that Jesus is now the King of God’s Kingdom in heaven. They teach that he began ruling invisibly in 1914 and that he will soon return to earth to establish God’s Kingdom and bring an end to wickedness.
3.6. Imitating Jesus
Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to imitate Jesus in their lives. They see him as a perfect example of how to live and teach, and they endeavor to follow his teachings and example in their ministry and daily lives.
4. What Is A Jehovah Witness View On The Bible?
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold a high regard for the Bible, viewing it as the inspired word of God. Their beliefs and practices are heavily influenced by their interpretation of scripture. Let’s examine their specific views on the Bible in more detail.
4.1. Inspired Word of God
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, written by men under the direction of the Holy Spirit. They see it as a reliable source of truth and guidance for all aspects of life.
4.2. Literal Interpretation
They generally interpret the Bible literally, unless the context indicates otherwise. They believe that the Bible’s teachings should be taken at face value and applied to everyday life.
4.3. New World Translation
Jehovah’s Witnesses use their own translation of the Bible, called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. They believe that this translation is accurate and faithful to the original languages.
4.4. Bible Study
They engage in regular personal and group Bible study. They use the Bible as the basis for their teachings and discussions at their meetings and in their personal lives.
4.5. Applying Bible Principles
Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to apply Bible principles in all aspects of their lives, including their relationships, work, and recreation. They believe that following the Bible’s teachings leads to a happy and fulfilling life.
4.6. Bible Prophecy
They place great emphasis on Bible prophecy, believing that it reveals God’s plan for the future. They interpret current events in light of Bible prophecy, seeing them as signs that the end times are near.
5. What Is A Jehovah Witness View On Salvation?
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a distinct view of salvation that differs from mainstream Christian theology. They believe that salvation is possible through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to God’s commandments, but their understanding of how this works is unique. Let’s examine their perspective on salvation in more detail.
5.1. Faith in Jesus Christ
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation. They recognize Jesus as the Son of God and the one who provided the ransom sacrifice to redeem humankind from sin and death.
5.2. Obedience to God’s Commandments
They believe that salvation also requires obedience to God’s commandments as found in the Bible. They strive to live by God’s standards in all aspects of their lives.
5.3. Two Classes of Saved People
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that there are two classes of saved people: the “anointed class” and the “great crowd.”
- Anointed Class: The anointed class consists of 144,000 individuals who are chosen to rule with Christ in heaven. They believe that these individuals are spirit-anointed and have a heavenly hope.
- Great Crowd: The great crowd consists of those who will survive the “great tribulation” and live forever on earth. They have an earthly hope and will enjoy paradise conditions on a cleansed earth.
5.4. Earthly Paradise
They believe that the majority of faithful Christians will live forever on a paradise earth. They teach that this earth will be transformed into a beautiful garden, where there will be no more sickness, death, or suffering.
5.5. Judgment Day
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in a future Judgment Day when all of mankind will be judged. They teach that those who are resurrected will have an opportunity to learn about God’s will and to live in harmony with his standards.
5.6. Importance of Evangelism
They believe that it is important to share their faith with others so that they too can have an opportunity to gain salvation. They see evangelism as a way to help people learn about God and his Kingdom.
6. What Is A Jehovah Witness Stance On Blood Transfusions?
One of the most well-known and controversial aspects of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs is their stance on blood transfusions. They refuse blood transfusions based on their interpretation of certain Bible passages. Let’s examine their specific reasons and the implications of this stance.
6.1. Biblical Basis
Jehovah’s Witnesses base their refusal of blood transfusions on their interpretation of several Bible passages, including:
- Genesis 9:4: “But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.”
- Leviticus 17:14: “You must not eat the blood of any living creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.”
- Acts 15:20: “Instead, we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.”
They interpret these passages as a prohibition against taking blood into the body, whether through eating it or through a blood transfusion.
6.2. Sacredness of Blood
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that blood is sacred and represents life. They believe that God has reserved blood for his exclusive use and that it should not be used for any other purpose.
6.3. Alternative Medical Treatments
While they refuse blood transfusions, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not opposed to medical treatment. They seek out alternative medical treatments that do not involve the use of blood. They work with doctors and hospitals to find bloodless alternatives.
6.4. Advance Medical Directive
Jehovah’s Witnesses often carry an advance medical directive, also known as a “no blood” card, which informs medical personnel of their refusal of blood transfusions. This document helps to ensure that their wishes are respected in case of a medical emergency.
6.5. Hospital Liaison Committees
Jehovah’s Witnesses have established hospital liaison committees to assist members in obtaining bloodless medical treatment. These committees work with doctors and hospitals to provide information about bloodless alternatives and to advocate for the rights of patients who refuse blood transfusions.
6.6. Controversies and Ethical Concerns
Their stance on blood transfusions has led to controversies and ethical concerns, particularly in cases involving children. Courts have sometimes intervened to authorize blood transfusions for minors when their parents have refused them based on religious grounds.
7. What Holidays Do Jehovah Witnesses Celebrate?
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate many of the holidays that are commonly observed in Western cultures. Their decision not to celebrate certain holidays is based on their interpretation of the Bible. Let’s examine which holidays they do and do not celebrate, and why.
7.1. Holidays Not Celebrated
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate the following holidays:
- Christmas: They believe that Christmas has pagan origins and that it is not based on the Bible.
- Easter: They believe that Easter also has pagan origins and that it is not a scriptural celebration.
- Birthdays: They believe that birthday celebrations are not based on the Bible and that they have pagan roots.
- Thanksgiving: They view Thanksgiving as having pagan origins and as not being a scriptural holiday.
- Other National and Religious Holidays: They generally do not celebrate other national or religious holidays that they believe have pagan origins or that are not based on the Bible.
7.2. Reasons for Not Celebrating
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate these holidays for several reasons:
- Pagan Origins: They believe that many popular holidays have pagan origins and that celebrating them would be a form of idolatry.
- Not Based on the Bible: They believe that the Bible does not command Christians to celebrate these holidays.
- Maintaining Separation from the World: They strive to maintain a separation from the world and its customs, and they see not celebrating these holidays as a way to do so.
7.3. Memorial of Christ’s Death
The one holiday that Jehovah’s Witnesses do observe is the Memorial of Christ’s Death, also known as the Lord’s Evening Meal. This annual event commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice and is based on the Bible’s account of the Last Supper.
7.4. Focus on Spiritual Matters
Instead of celebrating holidays, Jehovah’s Witnesses focus on spiritual matters, such as Bible study, evangelism, and attending meetings at their Kingdom Halls.
7.5. Respect for Others’ Beliefs
While they do not celebrate these holidays themselves, Jehovah’s Witnesses generally respect the right of others to do so. They do not try to force their beliefs on others, but they do share their reasons for not celebrating these holidays.
8. What Is Disfellowshipping Among Jehovah Witnesses?
Disfellowshipping is a formal process by which Jehovah’s Witnesses expel members from their community for serious violations of their religious standards. This practice is one of the most controversial aspects of their faith. Let’s explore the process, reasons, and implications of disfellowshipping.
8.1. Definition and Purpose
Disfellowshipping is the act of expelling a member from the Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation. The purpose of disfellowshipping is to maintain the purity of the congregation and to uphold the standards of conduct outlined in the Bible.
8.2. Reasons for Disfellowshipping
Jehovah’s Witnesses may be disfellowshipped for a variety of reasons, including:
- Serious Sins: Engaging in serious sins such as sexual immorality, theft, or violence.
- Apostasy: Promoting teachings that contradict the core beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- Unrepentant Conduct: Refusing to repent of sinful conduct despite being counseled by elders.
8.3. Judicial Committee
When a member is accused of serious wrongdoing, a judicial committee of elders is formed to investigate the matter. The committee interviews the accused and any witnesses to determine whether disfellowshipping is warranted.
8.4. Two-Witness Rule
In order to disfellowship a member, there must be at least two witnesses to the wrongdoing, according to the “two-witness rule” derived from the Bible. This requirement has been a point of controversy, particularly in cases of child abuse.
8.5. Shunning
One of the most controversial aspects of disfellowshipping is the practice of shunning. When a member is disfellowshipped, other Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to avoid social contact with them, including family members who are not part of the same household.
8.6. Reinstatement
Disfellowshipped individuals can be reinstated into the congregation if they demonstrate genuine repentance and a commitment to following the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
8.7. Controversies and Criticisms
The practice of disfellowshipping has been criticized by some as being harsh and unloving. Critics argue that shunning can cause emotional distress and can damage family relationships.
9. How Do Jehovah Witnesses View Politics?
Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain a strict stance of neutrality when it comes to politics. Their views are rooted in their interpretation of the Bible, which leads them to abstain from many forms of political involvement. Let’s explore their specific views on politics and the reasons behind them.
9.1. Neutrality
Jehovah’s Witnesses remain neutral in political matters. They do not support any political party or candidate. They believe that Christians should not take sides in political disputes.
9.2. Reasons for Neutrality
Their neutrality is based on several factors:
- Kingdom of God: They believe that the Kingdom of God is the only solution to mankind’s problems and that Christians should focus on promoting God’s Kingdom rather than getting involved in politics.
- Separation from the World: They strive to maintain a separation from the world and its conflicts, and they see political involvement as a way of becoming part of the world.
- Following Jesus’ Example: They believe that Jesus did not get involved in politics and that Christians should follow his example.
9.3. Abstaining from Voting
Jehovah’s Witnesses typically abstain from voting in political elections. They believe that voting would be a violation of their neutrality.
9.4. Refusing Military Service
They also refuse to participate in military service. They are conscientious objectors who believe that Christians should not take up arms against their fellow humans.
9.5. Respect for Government Authority
While they remain neutral in political matters, Jehovah’s Witnesses do respect government authority. They obey the laws of the land and pay their taxes.
9.6. Persecution
Their neutrality has sometimes led to persecution. In some countries, they have been imprisoned or otherwise punished for refusing to participate in political activities.
10. Common Misconceptions About Jehovah’s Witnesses
There are many misconceptions about Jehovah’s Witnesses, often stemming from a lack of understanding of their beliefs and practices. Clearing up these misconceptions can help to foster a more accurate and respectful view of this religious group. Let’s address some of the most common misconceptions.
10.1. They Are Not Christian
Misconception: Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christian.
Reality: Jehovah’s Witnesses identify as Christians. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humankind. However, their beliefs about the Trinity and the nature of Christ differ from those of mainstream Christianity.
10.2. They Worship Charles Taze Russell
Misconception: They worship Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Watch Tower Society.
Reality: Jehovah’s Witnesses do not worship Charles Taze Russell or any other human. They worship Jehovah God, whom they believe is the supreme being.
10.3. They Are a Cult
Misconception: They are a cult.
Reality: While some people consider Jehovah’s Witnesses to be a cult, others disagree. They have a distinctive set of beliefs and practices, but they do not typically engage in the kinds of manipulative or abusive practices that are often associated with cults.
10.4. They Don’t Believe in Doctors
Misconception: They don’t believe in doctors or medical treatment.
Reality: They are not opposed to medical treatment. They seek out medical care for themselves and their families. However, they refuse blood transfusions based on their interpretation of the Bible.
10.5. They Are Brainwashed
Misconception: They are brainwashed into believing what they believe.
Reality: Jehovah’s Witnesses make their own decisions about what to believe. They study the Bible and make a personal decision to follow its teachings.
10.6. They Are Unloving
Misconception: They are unloving because they shun disfellowshipped members.
Reality: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that shunning is a necessary disciplinary measure that is commanded in the Bible. They believe that it helps to maintain the purity of the congregation and to encourage wrongdoers to repent.
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