15 Things You Need to Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the most distinctive and well-known religious groups globally, recognized for their door-to-door evangelism, refusal to participate in political activities, and unique interpretation of the Bible. Despite their global presence, many aspects of their beliefs and practices remain misunderstood or unknown to the general public. Here are 15 things you need to know about Jehovah’s Witnesses!

Origins and Founder

Jehovah’s Witnesses trace their origins to the late 19th century in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The movement began with Charles Taze Russell, a religious reformer who started a Bible study group in 1872. Dissatisfied with mainstream Christian teachings, particularly those concerning the afterlife and the nature of God, Russell published Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence in 1879, laying the foundation for what would become the Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

Belief in Jehovah

Central to the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses is the belief in Jehovah as the one true God. They emphasize the use of the name Jehovah, derived from the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (YHWH), which appears in their New World Translation of the Bible. Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the sovereign ruler of the universe, the Creator, and the only one worthy of worship. Unlike many Christian denominations, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in the Trinity.

Jesus Christ’s Role

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ is Jehovah’s first creation, and all other things were created through him. They teach that Jesus existed as the archangel Michael before being born as a human and that after his death, he returned to his spiritual form. Witnesses believe that Jesus’ death on a stake (not a cross, as traditionally depicted) was a ransom sacrifice that made resurrection and salvation possible for humans.

The Bible

Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Bible as the inspired and infallible word of God, and they rely heavily on it for guidance in all aspects of life. They use the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which was produced by their owntranslation committee to reflect their interpretations of key scriptures. They believe that mainstream translations often obscure or mistranslate crucial doctrines, such as the use of God’s name, Jehovah. 

The Kingdom of God

The concept of God’s Kingdom is central to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs. They teach that God’s Kingdom was established in heaven in 1914 with Jesus Christ as its King. This Kingdom is seen as a real government that will soon extend its rule to the earth, bringing an end to all human governments and establishing a paradise where faithful humans will live forever.

Preaching Work

Jehovah’s Witnesses are perhaps best known for their door-to-door evangelism, which they see as a fulfillment of Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This preaching work is considered a vital part of their worship and a demonstration of their dedication to Jehovah. Witnesses believe that it is their responsibility to warn people about the impending end of the world and to offer them the opportunity to learn about God’s Kingdom.

Neutrality in Politics

Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain a strict stance of political neutrality. They believe that allegiance to God’s Kingdom precludes them from participating in any political activities, including voting, running for office, or joining the military. This neutrality often leads to misunderstandings and persecution in various countries, as it can be seen as unpatriotic or subversive. However, Witnesses believe that their loyalty to God’s Kingdom must come before any allegiance to earthly governments.

Stance on Blood Transfusions

One of the most controversial aspects of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs is their refusal to accept blood transfusions. This stance is based on their interpretation of biblical passages such as Acts 15:28-29, which they believe command Christians to abstain from blood. They view accepting blood transfusions as a violation of God’s law, regardless of the circumstances. This belief has led to numerous legal battles and ethical dilemmas, particularly in medical settings.

Disfellowshipping

Disfellowshipping is a practice within Jehovah’s Witnesses that involves expelling a baptized member who is deemed unrepentant for serious sins. The purpose of disfellowshipping is to maintain the moral purity of the congregation and to encourage the individual to repent. Disfellowshipped individuals are shunned by the community, including family members who are also Witnesses, though they are still allowed to attend meetings.

Holidays and Celebrations

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate most holidays or birthdays, including Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. They believe these celebrations have pagan origins or are inconsistent with biblical teachings. For example, they do not celebrate Christmas because they believe it is based on pagan traditions and that Jesus was not born on December 25th.

Meetings and Worship

Jehovah’s Witnesses meet twice a week at their places of worship, known as Kingdom Halls. These meetings include Bible study, prayer, singing, and talks on how to apply Bible teachings in daily life. The meetings are open to the public, and members are encouraged to invite others. The most significant event in the Jehovah’s Witness calendar is the Memorial of Christ’s death, which is observed annually.

Views on Hell and Afterlife

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the traditional Christian concept of hell as a place of eternal torment. Instead, they believe in the doctrine of “soul sleep,” where the dead are unconscious until the resurrection. They teach that after death, humans simply cease to exist until God resurrects them either to life on a paradise earth or, in the case of the 144,000 anointed ones, to reign with Christ in heaven.

144,000 and the Great Crowd

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 faithful Christians will go to heaven to rule with Christ. This number is taken from the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:4, 14:1), and they believe it is a literal figure. The vast majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses, known as the “great crowd,” hope to live forever on a paradise earth under the rule of God’s Kingdom.

Rejection of the Trinity

One of the key theological distinctions of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their rejection of the Trinity doctrine. They believe that the Trinity, the idea that God is three persons in one (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), is not supported by the Bible. Instead, they teach that Jehovah is the one true God, Jesus is his son but not equal to him, and the Holy Spirit is God’s active force rather than a person.

Legal Challenges and Persecution

Throughout their history, Jehovah’s Witnesses have faced significant legal challenges and persecution due to their beliefs, particularly their refusal to participate in political and military activities. In some countries, Witnesses have been imprisoned, tortured, or even executed for their refusal to serve in the military or to pledge allegiance to the flag. Despite these challenges, Jehovah’s Witnesses have consistently defended their right to religious freedom in courts around the world.