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Jehovah's Witnesses

Watchtower Buildings in Brooklyn, New York
Classification Restorationist
Polity Hierarchical
Founder Charles Taze Russell (founded Bible Student movement)
Origin 1876 - Bible Students founded
1931 - Adopted name
Pennsylvania and New York, USA
Branched from Millerite and Adventist movements
Separations See Jehovah's Witnesses
splinter groups
Geographical Area Worldwide, esp. United States, Mexico, and Brazil
Statistics
Congregations 101,376
Members 6,957,852
Statistics from 2008 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are members of an international religious community which self identifies as Christian. The religion grew out of the Bible Student Movement which was founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell an American Protestant evangelist. The name "Jehovah's Witnesses" was adopted at a 1931 convention of Bible Students while under the leadership of Joseph Franklin Rutherford and is based on Isaiah 43:10. Adherents of the religion believe it to be the restoration of first-century Christianity.[1][2] The "Christianity" of the religion is one hotly debated topic among the many Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses, due in large part to their beliefs on the trinity which to most Christian religions is a cornerstone doctrine of Christianity, and their stance on doctrines such as Hellfire, the immortality of the soul, and clergy-laity divisions which they consider to be illegitimate additions to the original Christian teachings.

Main article: Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses


Contents

[edit] Jehovah

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's name is Jehovah (an English form of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton[3] YHWH, that incorporates the vowels of the term Adonai ("Lord")), and that its use is a requirement for true worship.[4] Jehovah's Witnesses view Jehovah as the supreme being and creator of everything, the sovereign of the universe.

[edit] Jesus

Jesus is God's only begotten son.[5] As such, he began his life in heaven.[6] He was God's first creation and the 'exact representation of God'.[7] He is the perfect image of God. [8]Yet he is a separate entity and much less powerful than God. Jesus was used by God to create every other creation.[9] Jesus was known as the Archangel Michael, and also "the Word,"[10] in his pre-human existence; his birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the Virgin Mary.[11] While on earth, Jesus was executed for mankind's sins upon a single beamed torture stake. The cross is rejected as a symbol for Christ's death, and instead seen as a later pagan addition.[12] [3] After his death Jesus appeared to his disciples and convinced them of his resurrection, and then ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of Jehovah. Jesus acts as the mediator of the "new covenant" for those going to heaven (the 144,000).[13] Jesus remains subordinate to God even in all his heavenly glory. [14][4]

[edit] Authority of the Bible

Jehovah's Witnesses consider the entire Biblical canon, excluding the Apocrypha, to be the inspired word of God, however, they hold particular favor with the New World translation, first published in 1950 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.[15] They do interpret some scriptures literally[16], but they believe that biblical writers and characters often employed symbolism, parable, figures of speech, and poeticism.[17] Thus, they insist that they are not 'fundamentalists' who they feel are in error in taking a strictly literal view of the Bible.[18][19][20] They hold that the Bible alone should be used for determining issues of doctrine. Interpretation of scripture and codification of doctrines is considered the responsibility of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.[21]


[edit] Ethics and Morality

The name "Jehovah" is one English version of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton.
The name "Jehovah" is one English version of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton.

Their view of morality reflects the usual conservative Christian views, with some differences. Homosexuality and premarital sex are considered sins.[22] Abortion is considered murder.[23] Modesty is strongly encouraged in dress and grooming. Gambling is strictly forbidden.[24]

[edit] Avoidance of nationalism and other religions

Practices associated with nationalism or other religions[25] are avoided. Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are typically observed; however, common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are regarded as unchristian and are not celebrated.[26]

[edit] Proselytization

Witnesses are perhaps best known for the efforts to spread their beliefs throughout the world. They do this mainly by visiting people house to house[27][28], but also in a variety of other ways. They use Watchtower publications to explain their beliefs. Literature is published in many languages through a wide variety of books, magazines and other publications, with some publications being available in as many as 410 languages. Witnesses are encouraged to devote as much time as possible to preaching activities.

Members are encouraged to participate in the preaching work willingly to show a love of neighbor and to donate to the Watchtower Society's "Worldwide Work" fund.[29]

[edit] Aid work

Aid work after large natural disasters is considered an important part of their work, though secondary to their preaching effort. Large sums of donated money are used in the affected areas to rebuild communities and provide aid. The focus of relief efforts is primarily on helping fellow members and rebuilding Kingdom Halls, but usually, assistance is provided to non-members in need near the area in which they are working.[30][31] Examples of relief work include that provided to Hutu and Tutsi victims during the Rwandan genocide, as well as to Congo refugees.[32] Witnesses have also had an active share in the relief work of Hurricane Katrina in the United States of America.[33]


Kingdom Hall meeting in Portugal.
Kingdom Hall meeting in Portugal.

[edit] Relationship with governments

Jehovah's Witnesses are politically neutral.[34] They feel that their allegiance belongs to God's Kingdom, which is viewed as an the highest governmental authority. Thus they refrain from saluting the flag of any country or singing nationalistic songs.[35] They believe that such an act would be tantamount to worshipping an idol. Members are expected to obey all laws, including the paying of taxes, of the country in which they reside, so long as these do not violate what they view as God's law.[36] The political neutrality of Jehovah's Witnesses is also expressed by their refusal to participate in military service, even when such is of a compulsory nature, and by their detachment from secular politics.

[edit] The Memorial

See also: Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses#Memorial of Christ's death

Their most important annual event is the commemoration of Jesus' death (referred to as "the Memorial") held after sundown on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar (usually in March or April).[37] Typically, in most congregations no one partakes since almost all Witnesses today believe their hope is to live on a paradise earth.

[edit] College and University

College and university education are not encouraged because of a perceived risk of difficulty in balancing spiritual responsibilities. Members are directed to ask themselves questions, such as, "How might being immersed in an atmosphere of intense competition and selfish materialism affect you?"[38] A similar question cites a study stating that in some universities "Drugs and alcohol are used freely, and promiscuity is the rule" and asks "might living there thwart your efforts to remain morally clean?"[39] But if they must attend a university, they are encouraged to keep themself "spiritually strong". Young Witnesses are reminded that "some youths who have been obliged to attend university have even managed to be pioneers (full time Witness ministers) by choosing a schedule of courses that made that possible."[40][41][42]

[edit] Congregational discipline

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline
 
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Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by leaders of the congregation. The determination of guilt or innocence is judged by a tribunal of elders. A variety of controls can be enforced, from a restriction of duties performed in the congregation to excommunication, known as disfellowshipping, and shunning by the congregation. Members who are disfellowshipped have an opportunity to regain membership. The practice of shunning has been criticized by many non-members and some ex-members.

[edit] Blood

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

Using biblical texts such as Genesis 9:3; Leviticus 17:10 and Acts 15:29, the current doctrine states that:

  • Blood is sacred to God.[43]
  • Blood means life in God's eyes.[44]
  • Blood must not be eaten or transfused.[45]
  • Blood leaving the body of a human or animal must be disposed of,[46] except for autologous blood transfusions considered part of a “current therapy”.[47][48]
  • Blood was reserved for only one special use, the atonement for sins, which led up to Jesus' shed blood.[49][50]
  • When a Christian abstains from blood, he or she is in effect expressing faith that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can truly redeem him or her and save his or her life.[51]
  • Even in the case of an emergency, it is not permissible to sustain life with transfused blood.[52]
  • Conscientious violation of this doctrine is a serious offense, after which a member is subject to organized shunning, known amongst Jehovah's Witnesses as being disfellowshipped or disassociated.[53][54][55]

[edit] History of Jehovah's Witnesses

For a detailed history of Jehovah's Witnesses please see the article titled "History of Jehovah's Witnesses"

[edit] Demographics

For detailed information on Jehovah's Witness demographics please see the article titled "Demographics of Jehovah's Witnesses"

[edit] Organizational structure

For more information on how the religion is organized please see the article Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses

[edit] Publications

A detailed listing of Watchtower publications

[edit] Website

Watchtower.org is the official website for Jehovah's Witnesses. Full-length articles of The Watchtower and Awake! magazines, the entire New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, and varying portions of other Witness literature can be found on the site, as well as other content such as interactive bible puzzles and streaming videos. The majority of the site's traffic comes from United States, Chile, Brazil, Poland and Peru, in that order.[56] The site is available in several languages, with a small amount of information presented in 314 languages (in most cases, an online form of the brochure What Does God Require of Us? and other concise material), including videos in five different sign languages for the hearing impaired. Literature in Grade 0 - 2 Braille is available for delivery upon request in twelve languages.

The site also has several satellite sites that deal with more specific areas of the organization. JW.org is a multimedia site that makes audio versions of The Watchtower and Awake! magazines available for download in English and Spanish. JW-media.org is the "authorized site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah’s Witnesses" and is the primary media portal for video releases, press releases, statistics, legal updates and the like. JehovasZeugen.de is a German-language website that concentrates on the activities of Witness in Germany. TemoinsDeJehovah.org is a comparable site in French.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Stark et al, Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application, Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol. 12, Num. 2, 1997: 133–157
  2. ^ The Watchtower, October 1, 1977 p. 598: “Jehovah’s Witnesses today have made efforts to learn the mode of operation of the early Christian congregation and to follow that Scriptural pattern.”; Cote, P., Richardson, J.T., Disciplined Litigation, Vigilant Litigation, and Deformation: Dramatic Organisation Change in Jehovah’s Witnesses: Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, March 2001 Vol. 40 No 1 p 23, “Not taking part in political activities, the ‘neutrality principle’ as it is known, is for the Witnesses, along with the blood taboo, the surest sign that theirs is the original community of true Christians.”
  3. ^ The rendering of the Tetragrammaton is different for different languages: "Geova" in Italian, for example.
  4. ^ "Why True Worship Receives God's Blessing" (April 15 1996). Watchtower: 17. .
  5. ^ Insight On The Scriptures -2 p. 52 Jesus Christ | (def) “The name and title of the Son of God from the time of his anointing while on earth.
  6. ^ Insight On The Scriptures -2 p. 52 Jesus Christ | “Prehuman Existence. The person who became known as Jesus Christ did not begin life here on earth. He himself spoke of his prehuman heavenly life.
  7. ^ “Worship the Only True God” © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania 2002 |chap. 21 p. 184 par. 2 Jehovah’s Purpose Attains Glorious Success | “2 Jehovah began fulfilling this grand purpose when he started his works of creation. His first creation was a Son who since his resurrection is “the reflection of [God’s] glory and the exact representation of his very being.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)”
  8. ^ Colossians 1:15
  9. ^ What Do the Scriptures Say About "the Divinity of Christ"?, The Watchtower January 15, 1992 p. 20-23.
  10. ^ John 1:14
  11. ^ Jesus?The Ruler "Whose Origin Is From Early Times", The Watchtower, June 15, 1998, p. 22.
  12. ^ The Cross—Symbol of Christianity?, The Watchtower, November 15, 1992, p.7.
  13. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, August 15, 1989, p. 30.
  14. ^ 1Co 15:27, 28 "For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." KJV)
  15. ^ An official listing of what Jehovah's Witnesses believe can be read at: [1]
  16. ^ “Awake!” - March 8, 1982, p. 10. | “How Protestantism Undermines Respect for the Bible” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  17. ^ (2005) A Book for All People. Watchtower. 
  18. ^ Watchtower 10/151974 p. 629 “How Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Different?” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  19. ^ Watchtower 10/15 1977 . 618 par. 8 | “Obedience to the Good News a Way of Life” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  20. ^ Watchtower 9/1 1994 . 6 | “Science, Religion, and the Search for Truth” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  21. ^ "Christ Leads His Congregation" (March 15 2002). Watchtower: 13–16. 
  22. ^ "Young People Ask... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?" (July 22 2004). Awake!: 12. 
  23. ^ (1995) "Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness", Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life. Watchtower, 118. 
  24. ^ (1995) Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Watchtower, 120. 
  25. ^ Awake! 11/22/89 p. 22 Part 22—1900 onward—False Religion—Overtaken by Its Past! | “Since the mid-1930’s, this willingness to compromise has become more pronounced because of a growing acceptance of the idea that all “Christian” religions have an inherent God-given unity. As “proof” of inherent unity, the World Council of Churches emphasizes that all its members accept the Trinity doctrine, viewing “Jesus Christ as God and Savior.” … Christendom has also pursued dialogue with non-Christian religions.”
  26. ^ "Questions From Readers" (October 15 1998). Watchtower: 30. 
  27. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, chap. 25 pg. 570” –1993| “House-to-House Preaching —An Identifying Mark” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  28. ^ The Watchtower - May 15, 1981, p. 17. | “Showing Lifesaving Neighbor Love” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  29. ^ The Watchtower | 5/15/02 p. 11 Phenomenal Increase Necessitates Quick Expansion “In each congregation, there are boxes clearly labeled “Contributions for the Worldwide Work—Matthew 24:14.””
  30. ^ Awake! 6/8/89 p. 30 From Our Readers “By no means do Jehovah’s Witnesses ignore the plight of others when disasters occur. Previous articles have demonstrated how willing Jehovah’s Witnesses are to assist their neighbors during such times. See, for example, the article entitled “The Levee Has Broken!” (October 8, 1986) We thus endeavor to “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
  31. ^ Awake! 6/06 p. 19 Heeding the Warnings Made a Difference “This group cares for the Louisiana area, which took the brunt of Hurricane Katrina. Of the 2,700 homes of Witnesses needing repair there, work on 1,119 had been completed by the middle of February, so a huge task was still facing that relief committee. Again, neighbors and families with dire need were also helped.”
  32. ^ "Christianity in Action: Amid Turmoil" . Watchtower. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. “Since 1994, Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe alone have sent more than 190 tons of food, clothing, medicine, and other relief supplies to the Great Lakes region of Africa” 
  33. ^ "Awake!" (June 2006): 14–19. 
  34. ^ "Can You Make the World a Better Place?" (October 15 2001). Watchtower. 
  35. ^ ""Salvation Belongs to Jehovah"" (September 15 2002). Watchtower: 21. 
  36. ^ "God and Caesar" (May 1 1996). Watchtower: 9. 
  37. ^ “What Does the Bible Really Teach?” –2005, p. 206 | “The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  38. ^ “Questions Young People Ask – Answers That Work” chap. 22 p. 179 What Career Should I Choose? | “… a survey of U.S. university administrators described today’s students as ‘career-oriented, concerned with material success, concerned with self.’ One group of students said: “Money. It seems like all we talk about is money.” How might being immersed in an atmosphere of intense competition and selfish materialism affect you?”
  39. ^ “Questions Young People Ask – Answers That Work” chap. 22 p. 179 What Career Should I Choose? | “Universities may no longer have the riotous scenes of the 1960’s. But a decrease in university bedlam hardly means the campus environment is wholesome. Concluded one study of campus life: “Students still have almost unlimited freedom in personal and social matters.” Drugs and alcohol are used freely, and promiscuity is the rule—not the exception. If this is true of universities in your land, might living there thwart your efforts to remain morally clean?—1 Corinthians 6:18.”
  40. ^ “Questions Young People Ask – Answers That Work” chap. 22 p. 179 What Career Should I Choose? | “Keep yourself spiritually strong by meeting attendance, field service, and personal study. Some youths who have been obliged to attend university have even managed to pioneer by choosing a schedule of courses that made that possible.
  41. ^ “Awake!” - March 8, 1998, p. 21. | “Does the Bible Discourage Education?” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  42. ^ "Parents--What Future Do You Want For Your Children?" in the October 1 2005 Watchtower. Lecture by Governing Body member, Gerrit Losch at Monza, Italy in 2005, which can be viewed at [2].
  43. ^ The Watchtower, June 15, 2004 p. 21
  44. ^ How Can Blood Save Your Life, published by Watchtower, 1990 p. 24
  45. ^ The Watchtower, June 1, 1969 pp. 326, 327
  46. ^ The Watchtower, February 1, 1997 p. 29
  47. ^ Instructions for Filling in The Advance Decision Document, published by Watchtower, 2005 p.1. This document specifically applies the term “transfusion” to a Jehovah’s Witness patient having blood returned to their cardiovascular system after it was completely removed from their body.
  48. ^ The Watchtower October 15, 2000 pp. 30-31
  49. ^ The Watchtower, February 1, 1997 p. 29
  50. ^ Awake!, August 2006 p. 11
  51. ^ Awake!, August 2006 p. 11
  52. ^ The Watchtower, September 1, 1986 p. 25
  53. ^ The Watchtower, January 15, 1961 p. 63
  54. ^ The Watchtower, July 15, 1982 p. 20
  55. ^ Watchtower media release dated June 14, 2000
  56. ^ "Watchtower.org - Jehovah's Witnesses: Watchtower Society Official Web Site" Alexa.com Retrieved on 2008-01-03

[edit] Further reading

[edit] Books

  • Jehovah's Witnesses Defended by Greg Stafford. The author considers himself one of Jehovah’s Witnesses but has renounced affiliation with the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. This book reviews and thoroughly explores the most common, and/or prevalent, criticisms made about Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. http://elihubooks.com/books/
  • Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement'\ by Andrew Holden. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon. Publisher: Routledge; 1st edition 2002, ISBN 978-0415266109. 224 pages.
  • Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Official history of the development of the beliefs, practices, and organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses. 750 pages.
  • A People for His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation by Tony Wills, (2006) 2nd edition. (The first edition was published under the pseudonym Timothy White.) He explores the Witnesses' doctrinal growth and shifts and notes schisms from the main body. 300 pages. ISBN 978-1-4303-0100-4 Selections from Google Books
  • What Does the Bible Really Teach? Published by Jehovah's Wittnesses

[edit] External links

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[edit] Official websites