Although Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs come from the Protestant and Adventist tradition, they do hold many beliefs that set themselves apart. The following are some key beliefs that make them different: Jehovah God: Their God is the God of the Old Testament - all-powerful, all-knowing, and everlasting. They refer to Him as Jehovah - a true, personal, and exclusive name that all should use. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the Trinity. As mentioned above, God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator. The relationship between him and Jesus is like that of father and son: Jesus is the first creation of God. He is fully human. The Holy Spirit is an active force which intervenes for God on earth. All the above mentioned are separate entities. Satan, the Devil: Satan is seen as an enemy of God. He is misleading and afflicts pain and sorrow. Through spiritism, nationalism, and temptation, Satan leads people astray. The way to resist the devil is by learning about Jehovah. Man: Jehovah's Witnesses accept the Genesis account of the fall of man. Man is blemished with sin because of the disobedience Adam and Eve showed towards God. Every man is born with sin (save for Jesus, who was born to a virgin). They also believe that man's soul is mortal - i.e. that when a person dies, his spirit (or soul) dies as well. In addition, some will experience eternal life when they are resurrected, in the flesh and soul, simultaneously. Salvation: In contrast to some Christian traditions that believe salvation is achieved by accepting Christ as Lord ("once saved, always saved"), Jehovah's Witnesses believe it is possible to fall from grace. "The Bible sets forth conditions that must be met if we are to be saved from the effects of inherited sin" (Watchtower, 09/15/89). Accepting Jesus as Lord is essential, but failure to exercise fidelity to God's requirements can result in the loss of the gift of salvation. "[B]elievers...will be saved to eternal life only if they continue to adhere to all of God's requirements...Those losing faith in Jesus also lose everlasting life." (Watchtower, 09/15/89. Thanks to James Long, Webmaster of Jehovah's Witnesses United for assistance in correcting an earlier statement regarding salvation). Heaven: Heaven is where Jesus Christ and the other "True Christians" will live. There they will rule over the kingdom which will be on earth. Seats are limited: only 144,000 will gain access to heaven. Hell: Hell is non-existent for the Jehovah's Witnesses. There is not a fiery-torment, claims Russell, because it runs contradictory to God's loving nature. Those who don't qualify for heaven or the kingdom that will be established on earth will simply dissappear, as if they had never existed. The Great Crowd: These are the subjects of the kingdom ruled by Jesus and the 144,000. They will live forever on the new earth if they have chosen to obey God. Kingdom of God: This unique government rules over the earth from heaven. Jehovah fulfilled His promise to Jesus that he would rule in 1914. When Jesus became king, Satan and his evil angels were kicked out of heaven and sent to inhabit the earth. This is how the Jehovah's Witnesses explain the wars, crime increases, and other "bad" things which are happening in our world today. All these things indicate that Jesus has established his reign and that we are in the last days. Within a certain time frame, some faithful followers, 144,000 to be exact, will join Jesus and assist him in his reign. After Jesus judges his people (some receiving everlasting life others non-existence), Jehovah will rule again. Holidays: Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or any other holidays (save one). They believe these celebrations grew out of ancient false religions. Also, because early Christians did not celebrate these occasions, they believe they should not either. The one day they do celebrate, however, is the Memorial of Christ's Death during Passover.

Jesus was born on earth as a human and after he died he was raised up to heaven as a spirit like every other heavenly creature. Jesus also had a pre-human existense. So, he is not fully human, now, that is.

Tulsadavid makes the claim that Jesus is god himself. Obviously to support thew trinity concept. But who did Jesus pray to..himself??? Mike claims that Jesus is disrespected and given a non-deity aspect. Jesus was a man but also God's son. Number two in heaven. A very respectful position.

Holidays pagan?Thats not totally true,but won't split hairs.But for the sake of agruement say i agree with holidays being from pagan origins,why is it JW's still do weddings,wedding rings and honeymonns all from pagan beginnings and what about our calender and time systems all from pagan origins?There are so many other things with true pagan roots that we use everyday,but what started out as "pagan" has lost their pagan ties.Pagans use cups,plates and drive cars are we to stop using these also based on pagans also doing the same?

1Ti 2:5 For God is one, also there is one Mediator of God and of men, the Man Christ Jesus, from what the bible says not only at this verse but others Jesus is man now and in heaven not a "spirit creature"

This might not answer the question but Jw's are taught and beleive a false relgion.They have no valid fundamentals Three lies jw's will tell you 1.there teaching on the deity of Christ-Jesus Christ is and was God in the flesh**"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" (Genesis 1:26) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) 2.Jesus Christ was resurrected a divine spirit-Jesus rose in a pyhsical, glorified body**"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39) 3.Hell does not exsist-hell is a real literal place**Jesus warns us "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night.." (Revelation of John 14:11) Jw's doctrine is an accumulation of lies and distortions of the Word of God. They have been false in their teaching since the beginning. Do not believe thier lies! God loves them and wants to save them from a literal hell.

they dont celebrate certain holidays from what i remember ..i was seeing a jehovas witness like 15 yrs ago. they realy enforce the no sex till married thing ...but some rules are made to be broken .lol

They believe that Jesus had his second coming "invisibly' in the year 1914.This is a fundamental doctrine like the golden plates are to Mormons or Mary is to Catholics.

Jehovah's Witnesses will tell you, They are going to Heaven, and unless you are one of them, you will not. Anything else is window dressing. This is basic.

Our most fundamental belief is the Kingdom of God to sanctify Jehovah God's name.

PEOPLE generally view Jehovah’s witnesses as ‘just another religion’ and frequently class them as a “fundamentalist” group. However, it is often recognized, to their credit, that the Witnesses are more active than others in their zeal to share their beliefs with everyone—Catholics, Protestants, Jews and others. The Witnesses hold the Bible to be the complete Word of God (the sixty-six books of the “Old and New Testaments,” as they are listed in most Bibles). But they are not “fundamentalists,” as that term is generally understood. They do not believe that everything in the Bible is to be taken literally. They take the balanced, commonsense view, which is indeed the Scriptural view, that, while the Bible has many direct, literal statements, such as the laws it gives to govern the Christian’s life, much in that Book is symbolic or figurative. Here are some examples: the parables of Jesus Christ are admittedly symbolic. The Greek word used in the Bible for “parable” can be translated “illustration.” It is said of Jesus: “Indeed, without an illustration [parable] he would not speak to them [the crowds], but privately to his disciples he would explain all things.”—Mark 4:34; Matt. 13:34. There is no clergy-laity distinction. All, regardless of race or social status, are “brothers” and “sisters.” As among first-century Christians, a body of elders is appointed to oversee the activities of the congregation and to provide spiritual help to all. These men are selected on the basis of their Christian maturity, their love, their concern for and willingness to help others. They receive no salary and have no religious titles designating them as a special class, above others. They share in the work of preaching and teaching in the homes of the people, as did the apostles, and as do the rest of the congregation’s members.—1 Tim. 3:1-7. I could go on but if your interested in asking more questions talk with them next time you see them.

we do not sin try not to. dont swear dont kill. the same things everyone has to do. we dont celebrate holidays. if your ever inneed of answers please find a watchtower and find answers call someone who really knows.

No Santa, Boo Hoo Hoo

"millions now dead will live again" watchtower, May 1, 1990. seems to contradict what they teach "the great crowd", which happens to be 144,000. go figure.

This is not from a Watchtower article, it is from the May 7th, 2007 USA Today Jehovah's Witnesses 101 "Founded:In 1879 by Charles T. Russell in Pittsburgh. Membership:One million in the USA; about 7 million worldwide. Publications:TheWatchtower magazine, printed in 161 languages. Awake! magazine, printed in 81 languages. Beliefs: God's name is Jehovah. His son Jesus preached the Gospel on earth and died for mankind's salvation. Like Jesus, Christians should be "witnesses" of Jehovah's purpose. The world is currently ruled by Satan, which explains suffering and evil. But in the battle of Armageddon, God will destroy the responsible political, religious and economic systems that operate under Satan's influence. The earth will be restored to paradise. The crucifix should not be worshipped because Jesus died on a pole, not a cross. Behaviors:Premarital sex, homosexuality, abortion and gambling are all sins. Holidays with non-biblical origins are not celebrated. Jesus' death is marked with a special observance, but Christmas and birthdays are not because the Bible does not command the celebration of Jesus' birth. Transfusions of whole blood are refused". Source: Joel P. Engardio

First Fundamental Belief of Jehovah's Witnesses: Unbelievers should not be allowed to sleep in on Saturday mornings.

Recruit like there's no tomorrow.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Definition: The worldwide Christian society of people who actively bear witness regarding Jehovah God and his purposes affecting mankind. They base their beliefs solely on the Bible. What beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses set them apart as different from other religions? (1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs. (2) God: They worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. Anyone who publicly witnesses about Jehovah is usually identified as belonging to the one group—“Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity, but that, as the Bible says, he is the Son of God, the first of God’s creations; that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin, Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith; that Christ is actively ruling as King, with God-given authority over all the earth since 1914. (4) God’s Kingdom: They believe that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for mankind; that it is a real government; that it will soon destroy the present wicked system of things, including all human governments, and that it will produce a new system in which righteousness will prevail. (5) Heavenly life: They believe that 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, ruling as kings with him. They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is “good.” (6) The earth: They believe that God’s original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings. (7) Death: They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm; that they do not exist except in God’s memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead. (8) Last days: They believe that we are living now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some who saw the events of 1914 will also see the complete destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a cleansed earth. (9) Separate from the world: They earnestly endeavor to be no part of the world, as Jesus said would be true of his followers. They show genuine Christian love for their neighbors, but they do not share in the politics or the wars of any nation. They provide for the material needs of their families but shun the world’s avid pursuit of material things and personal fame and its excessive indulgence in pleasure. (10) Apply Bible counsel: They believe that it is important to apply the counsel of God’s Word in everyday life now—at home, in school, in business, in their congregation. Regardless of a person’s past way of life, he may become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses if he abandons practices condemned by God’s Word and applies its godly counsel. But if anyone thereafter makes a practice of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, drug abuse, drunkenness, lying, or stealing, he will be disfellowshipped from the organization. (The above list briefly states some outstanding beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses but by no means all the points on which their beliefs are different from those of other groups.

The fundamental belief on Holidays: JW's do not want to offend Jehovah, therefore, researching the origin of holidays is nessesary. Why? Lets examine one holiday. 4000 years ago, when entering into Assyria...one passed through a gated Temple. It was where their fertility goddess 'Astarte' was honered. Male and female prostitutes would welcome all. One would bow to the fertility gods on the walls..engage in sexual activity, and then enter the city. This was the norm for those outside Gods nation! Years pass...the next world power...Babylon. Almost the same sinario...only their goddess was named 'Estar'. There was much immorality invoved here in the temple with humans...and animals, and the God of the Bible detests this behaviour! These nations were destroyed because of the attention paid to these 'sexual' fertility goddesses! Therefore, who was behind this behaviour? What was on the walls of these detestable 'fertility' temples? These temples had images of anything 'reproductive'...like eggs, and animals who reproduced quickly...such as rabbits. Is there a 'Christian' Holiday that involves ..rabbits, and Eggs? Of coarse...Easter! Easter...'Estar'! The goddess...'Estar'? This pagan holiday was introduced into Christianity 300 years after Jesus died. Is it no 'little thing' that Satan mocks God by placing eggs and rabbits to surround the resurrection...called easter? We just think this is ...more than coincidence!

They have their own bile translation with some of the wording being different than other translations. IE In John 1:1 in the New WORLD TRANSLATION "the jehovah's witnesses translation" it says: In the begining there was the word, the word was with God and the word was a GOD" Separating Jesus and God as 2 separate entities.

.1.

Almighty God is the Father, who's name is Jehovah.[Ps 83:18] His first creation is his only-begotten Son.[Col. 1:15] They are not equal! [Joh.6:38] Although he is not God Almighty...he is a 'mighty' god, who became human to restore what Adam lost! Sin...producing death, sickness, war, crime, etc. are a direct result of Adams disobedience. [Rom.5:12] Man does not have a soul, he 'IS' a soul. [Gen. 2:7] Hades is not a fiery place of torment, but the common grave for mankind where he remains unconscious until the resurrection. [Ecc. 9:5,10] Gods Kingdom is a government, run from heaven by Jesus and a small group (144,000) of faithful humans. [Isa. 9:6; Rev.14:1-3] This Kingdom Government will crush all existing governments, and remain forever. [Dan.2:44] The rest of mankind will reside on Earth, as originally intended, under paradise conditions, with the prospect of never dying. [Ps.37: 9-11, 29] This Kingdom is mankind's only hope....as it will remove sickness, pain, war, and death. [Rev.21:3,4]

.1.

Annoy as many people as possible.

To Smitty777: It wont post my comment...have to do it here! You say, "weddings,wedding rings and honeymons all from pagan beginnings.." God, at a wedding, is asked to bless the union of two people! He performed the 'first' wedding with Adam and Eve. [Gen.1:27,28] But you say it is Pagan? What am I missing? The honeymoon after the 'Blessed' event by God, is pagan?? God performed the first marriage, 'blessed' them, and told them to have children. You claim it is 'pagan' to have joy of this blessing? Satan worshipers consider Gods word as...'pagan'! Therefore, state your Satanic source that these things are...'pagan'! You say, " Pagans use cups,plates and drive cars are we to stop using these also based on pagans also doing the same?" Continuing your logic. They use the toilet, eat, and breath. PLEASE! We cherish our relation with God and we love him so much, we feel if a 'custom began' with the worship of a God other than the Creator, we will hurt his feelings..and to hurt him would crush our heart!

The fundamental belief of Jehovah's Witnesses is that Jehovah is using the Watchchtower organization as a tool for a group of individuals designated as the faithful and discreet slave to give mankind spiritual food (ie information) at the proper time. EVERYTHING ELSE taught is secondary to this belief.

They deny the Trinity, they do not believe that Jesus died on a cross to pay for mankinds sins, they do not believe in the diety of the Holy Spirt being one third of the Godhead, the believe that Jesus was the Arch angel Michael. They don't believe the BIBLE so they wrote their own, get a copy and compare to a regular bible and see all that they have changed, rather than change their thinking they change Gods word, as if He needed corrected!

What 99 percent of JW's do not know is that in the work "Studies in the scriptures" by charles taze russell (which I own) russell tells a different tale. He never claimed to have had anything to do with a 1914 date himself. He admits in his literature that a 7th Day Adventist Pastor's Barbour and Martin who were his idols came up with the 1914 theory and that he believed it. He even posts a copy of the religous magazine he got it from "The Herald of the Morning". The witnesses are led to believe however that they came up with 1914 by divine inspiration. This is a complete lie. It is in the pages of their own literature. The problem is that like this issue, there are hundreds of other issues even thousands that have been changed over the years but none of the current witnesses know this. They don't research their own early literature. Yet they expect other religions to look back at their old literature and their past record. How many witnesses know that despite over 4000 references to the United Nations as the unclean thing and the image of the wild beast..that anyone supporting the UN or it's ideologies or touching or having anything to do with the UN would unclean and detestable to God, that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society were secretly members of the UN for over a decade? Please do ur research read x witness literature and talk to some x witnesses that have opened their eyes. You should know the facts before you ever get involved with anything. THere is a reason the witnesses leaders control what their followers are allowed to read and watch and who they are allowed to associate with...they have something to hide. I know. Chris R Florida x witness

One bit of evidence that proves a high degree of illiteracy among JW's. I have a no trespassing sign as well as once to my door an additional No Solicating sign. Yet they have a habit of ignoring both. And fact is I can have them arrested for criminal trespass. Good for a year in jail. Then they drop of Watch Towers at the VA Hospital. They failed to read the sign that all religious publications must be cleared though the chaplain's office. But they don't take that step. So I sumise on both counts they don't believe laws apply to them. Well I volunteer a lot at the VA. I make sure those Watch Towers go where they belong.... in the trash. As for others, if they are so opposed to the flag and military, why are they seeking disability and medical treatment from the VA. I know several JW's refused services by JW because there would be a flag on the coffin. FYI, the VA bans religious publications that attack other religions. Other than that they can be left. Perhaps the problem that they do not clear the chaplain's office is JW's spend so much time attacking the other false religions. I have on occasion seen such on the cover. The other rejection is racist hating religions which I know JW's are not. More negatives please. I seek another -1500 and need everyone's help. Even if you like me, give me negatives. You will be helping in my fight against narcissism and an inflated ego. This comes out when I deal with people of such low intellect. Seems I run into many on JW topics. Some on war politics as well.

Again I thank those that give me negatives. I don't like being a Level 17 Authority. I'm trying to down grade. So, please give me more. I'm bad enough as a narcissist and inflated ego as it is. But for JW's. I am going to call it as I have seen experienced and learned things. I offer no apologies on any criticisms on JW' or any other religion. And you may notice, on occasion, I do also sometimes correct some others that make false statements against you. I think anyone that cares to condemn yours or any other religion can do it well on just actual facts. So as an atheist, give me your best shot. I think I can defend my values. And unlike so many religions, I do not seek converts. I think everyone is capable of thinking for themselves if they just try. Well another thing about JW's. Why do so many of you operate businesses without any of the proper permits or not like to carry auto liability insurance? Witnessed both as a JP and sheriff's officer.

The best source of info would be the website www.watchtower.org You can look over some Bible based information and find out for yourself.

Well both Jews and Adventists will say JW's are in trouble for nor observing the Sabbath. Now the Bible covers that clearly. Sunset Friday to Sunset Saturday is the Sabbath. Too many religions observe it from the time they get out of bed Sunday morning till bed time. Seeing JW's came from the same 1830's Millerite Movement, seems strange they dropped that major tenant. I get lots of negatives. Can't say I haven't been tempted to return a few. But as previously stated I have protected freedoms for 43 years. Giving out negatives, I reserve for real intentional hate mongers lacking any basis. Still remember the story though of several Catholics as well as several Jews that gave their lives to save JW children as well as a couple mothers in Nazi death camps. Never heard of any other people of any other religions doing likewise there.

Well one mistake YHWH in Hebrew will not translate into English Jehovah. So you might want to actually learn Hebrew to learn to pronounce it right. I recommend taking those lessons free at a Jewish Synagog. No problem, they have no desire to convert you. They do enjoy sharing knowledge though. And if you are inspired to become a Jew all but Orthodox or Haddasic will welcome you. Matter of fact a family will adopt you as their own. Matter of fact no YHWH in Hebrew either. Might start by learning the actual Hebrew Alphabet of 27: Aleph, Bet/Vet, Gimel, Dalet etc. No J sound at all, no letter V either. Letter H is actually Ha. So looks like you really strike out on Jehovah that is that center for your entire belief. Aren't I an ignorant little heathen? And Atheist non bleiver discrediting the Watch Tower experts. Just look up HEBREW ALPHABET though. That's where I got the info. You could too, if you use the brain god, goddess, combination of the two, or evolution gave you.

Not a response. But it dawned on me that fighting the pedophilia and sex abuse by Witness elders here is just hot air from me. I shall divert from needless talk here and set to work contacting law enforcement, media and my legislature to actually end this sexual abuse by JW's and the Watch Tower Society. I do have better things than spend my time here and so much with those that will never accept their organization is doing so much wrong or harmful. Just don't want anyone to think I was driven off. I simply will actually do some good rather than just talk about it

Not really related. But 3 Catholic Churches serve meals to the poor 3 or 6 days a week. Lutheran, Methodist and Episcopal do as well here. Also, all the churches with the exceptions of Fundamentalist Protestants and Jehovah's Witnesses participate in food, shelter, clothes and medical assistance. And all feel that the body must be fed to open the mind to god. So do Jehovah's Witnesses have something against it? I know they use these other resources. And nothing of help like this is apparent with them. No KH here, but another town has two. Mormon's will help anyone if asked. They do ask you attend services for help provided. Seems fair.

Not an answer to the question. But I was a volunteer sheriff's officer over 32 years. Sometimes I had to work the jail. I wish JW's would remain silent about their religion in jail. Extremely unlikely they would be given a blood transfusion. But next to a cross dresser there they are the most likely candidates to be buggered by others. When I discovered JW's I tried to get them solitary to take them away from harm. Meth people are the perpetrators of the buggering. Actually, if I had my way, everyone would have a private cell. But it's 4, 6 or 8 to each. One regret whenever I made an arrest was putting the person into that. Might try saying you need to pray and need a clean place. Muslims were always provided a place for that as well as Orthodox Jews as policy. Something to think about. This is a small place. Still about 30% of prisoners are thought buggered. And most victims too ashamed to report it. The real problem is the meth people need special confinement. And laws won't permit that.

They believe that Jehovah God is first and foremost in life,they believe that this world will end one day be turn into a Paradise where people will not die and all the bad things and people will be done away with.They believe that no matter how many bad choices you've made in the past, God will forgive as long you show the changes in your life. They read the bible daliy..I've seen many JW change thier lives for the better, former drug additcts, abusers etc..good.

I am sorry that they not take the time to help answers your questions.If you would for someone to answer some your questions I could arrange that. When I was growing we always had a copy of the King James Version but we did not use that in everyday studying. I like the New Test. just because it has everday words that is easier for most people to understand .And in many of thier publications they do use other bible translations as references.

Fundamentally floored.....

They also believe that Jesus is part of the creation and just a prophet. Pure doctrine of demons. My 2 cents.

*Do not judge my character sir.Your not the only one who makes effort to care for others. I do not live my life by what Jehovah Witness do..I live my life by God and his word only.I am deeply sorry if you misunderstood me. The following are articles by non-Jehovah witness . Jehovah's Witnesses Fastest-Growing of U.S. Faiths by Brittani Hamm Religion News Service By winning more court cases in the Supreme Court than any other religious group, Jehovah's Witnesses are responsible for many of the freedoms of speech and religion that all Americans now have. [Source: Tony Mauro, "Thank Jehovah's Witnesses for speech freedoms", USA Today, 30 May 2000.] In SRC American National Election studies, Jehovah's Witnesses ranked first among all religious groups in the percentage of their adherents who believe in Biblical literalness (from combined 1960, '64, '80, '84 data. Source: Classifying Protestant Denominations, Tom W. Smith, October 1986, GSS Methodological Report No. 43. General Social Survey project directed by James A. Davis and Tom W. Smith. A later version of this paper was published in Review of Religious Research, 31 (March, 1990), 225-245). Jehovah's Witnesses work wonders > Volunteers take a mere 11 days to build new hall< By Andrea Rivera Arizona Daily STar Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.12.2008 Jehovah’s Witnesses show teamwork New Kingdom Hall will facilitate four Odessa congregations June 27, 2008 - 10:32PM BY DANIEL SKOLFIELD AND CASEY FORAN

Jehovah’s Witnesses Definition: The worldwide Christian society of people who actively bear witness regarding Jehovah God and his purposes affecting mankind. They base their beliefs solely on the Bible. What beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses set them apart as different from other religions? (1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs. (2) God: They worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. Anyone who publicly witnesses about Jehovah is usually identified as belonging to the one group—“Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity, but that, as the Bible says, he is the Son of God, the first of God’s creations; that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin, Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith; that Christ is actively ruling as King, with God-given authority over all the earth since 1914. (4) God’s Kingdom: They believe that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for mankind; that it is a real government; that it will soon destroy the present wicked system of things, including all human governments, and that it will produce a new system in which righteousness will prevail. (5) Heavenly life: They believe that 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, ruling as kings with him. They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is “good.” (6) The earth: They believe that God’s original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings. (7) Death: They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm; that they do not exist except in God’s memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead. (8) Last days: They believe that we are living now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some who saw the events of 1914 will also see the complete destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a cleansed earth. (9) Separate from the world: They earnestly endeavor to be no part of the world, as Jesus said would be true of his followers. They show genuine Christian love for their neighbors, but they do not share in the politics or the wars of any nation. They provide for the material needs of their families but shun the world’s avid pursuit of material things and personal fame and its excessive indulgence in pleasure. (10) Apply Bible counsel: They believe that it is important to apply the counsel of God’s Word in everyday life now—at home, in school, in business, in their congregation. Regardless of a person’s past way of life, he may become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses if he abandons practices condemned by God’s Word and applies its godly counsel. But if anyone thereafter makes a practice of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, drug abuse, drunkenness, lying, or stealing, he will be disfellowshipped from the organization. (The above list briefly states some outstanding beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses but by no means all the points on which their beliefs are different from those of other groups. Scriptural basis for the above beliefs can be found through the Index of this book.) Are Jehovah’s Witnesses an American religion? They are advocates of God’s Kingdom, not of the political, economic, or social system of any nation of this old world. It is true that Jehovah’s Witnesses had their modern-day start in the United States. The location of their world headquarters there has helped to make it possible to print and ship Bible literature to most parts of the world. But the Witnesses do not favor one nation over another; they are found in almost every nation, and they have offices in many parts of the earth to supervise their activity in those areas. Consider: Jesus as a Jew was born in Palestine, but Christianity is not a Palestinian religion, is it? The place of Jesus’ human birth is not the most important factor to consider. What Jesus taught originated with his Father, Jehovah God, who deals impartially with people of all nations.—John 14:10; Acts 10:34, 35. How is the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses financed? By voluntary contributions, as was true with the early Christians. (2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7) No collections are ever taken at their meetings; they do not beg for money from the public. Any donations from interested persons are used to further the worldwide work of Bible education conducted by the Witnesses. Witnesses are not paid to go from house to house or to offer Bible literature on the streets. Love for God and for neighbor motivates them to talk about God’s loving provisions for mankind. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, a legal religious corporation that is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, was incorporated in 1884 in accordance with the Nonprofit Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Thus, by law it cannot be, and it is not, a profit-making enterprise, nor do individuals make a profit through this Society. The Society’s charter states: “It [the Society] does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit, incidentally or otherwise, to its members, directors or officers.” Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a sect or a cult? Some define sect to mean a group that has broken away from an established religion. Others apply the term to a group that follows a particular human leader or teacher. The term is usually used in a derogatory way. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not an offshoot of some church but include persons from all walks of life and from many religious backgrounds. They do not look to any human, but rather to Jesus Christ, as their leader. A cult is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. The standard for what is orthodox, however, should be God’s Word, and Jehovah’s Witnesses strictly adhere to the Bible. Their worship is a way of life, not a ritual devotion. They neither follow a human nor isolate themselves from the rest of society. They live and work in the midst of other people. How old is the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses? According to the Bible, the line of witnesses of Jehovah reaches back to faithful Abel. Hebrews 11:4–12:1 says: “By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain . . . By faith Noah, after being given divine warning of things not yet beheld, showed godly fear . . . By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed in going out into a place he was destined to receive as an inheritance . . . By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin . . . So, then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” With reference to Jesus Christ, the Bible states: “These are the things that the Amen says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by God.” Of whom was he a witness? He himself said that he made his Father’s name manifest. He was the foremost witness of Jehovah.—Rev. 3:14; John 17:6. Interestingly, some of the Jews asked whether the activity of Jesus Christ represented “a new teaching.” (Mark 1:27) Later, some Greeks thought the apostle Paul was introducing a “new teaching.” (Acts 17:19, 20) It was new to the ears of those who were hearing it, but the important thing was that it was the truth, in full harmony with God’s Word. The modern-day history of Jehovah’s Witnesses began with the forming of a group for Bible study in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., in the early 1870’s. At first they were known only as Bible Students, but in 1931 they adopted the Scriptural name Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10-12) Their beliefs and practices are not new but are a restoration of first-century Christianity. Do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that their religion is the only right one? The Bible does not agree with the modern view that there are many acceptable ways to worship God. Ephesians 4:5 says there is “one Lord, one faith.” Jesus stated: “Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it. . . . Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.”—Matt. 7:13, 14, 21; see also 1 Corinthians 1:10. Repeatedly the Scriptures refer to the body of true Christian teachings as “the truth,” and Christianity is spoken of as “the way of the truth.” (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 John 1; 2 Pet. 2:2) Because Jehovah’s Witnesses base all of their beliefs, their standards for conduct, and organizational procedures on the Bible, their faith in the Bible itself as God’s Word gives them the conviction that what they have is indeed the truth. So their position is not egotistical but demonstrates their confidence that the Bible is the right standard against which to measure one’s religion. They are not self-centered but are eager to share their beliefs with others. Do not other religions also follow the Bible? Many use it to some extent. But do they really teach and practice what it contains? Consider: (1) From most of their Bible translations they have removed the name of the true God thousands of times. (2) The Trinity doctrine, their concept of God himself, is borrowed from pagan sources and was developed in its present form centuries after Bible writing was completed. (3) Their belief in immortality of the human soul as the basis for continued life is not taken from the Bible; it has roots in ancient Babylon. (4) The theme of Jesus’ preaching was the Kingdom of God, and he sent his disciples out to talk personally to others about it; but the churches today seldom mention that Kingdom and their members are not doing the work of preaching “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matt. 24:14) (5) Jesus said that his true followers could be readily identified by their self-sacrificing love for one another. Is that true of the religions of Christendom when the nations go to war? (6) The Bible says that Christ’s disciples would be no part of the world, and it warns that whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God; but the churches of Christendom and their members are deeply involved in the political affairs of the nations. (Jas. 4:4) In view of such a record, can it honestly be said that they really adhere to the Bible? How do Jehovah’s Witnesses arrive at their explanation of the Bible? A key factor is that the Witnesses really believe that the Bible is God’s Word and that what it contains is there for our instruction. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11) So they do not resort to philosophical arguments to evade its clear statements of truth or to justify the way of life of people who have abandoned its moral standards. In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, they let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving their theories as to its significance. (1 Cor. 2:13) Indications as to the meaning of symbolic terms are usually found in other parts of the Bible. (As an example, see Revelation 21:1; then, regarding the meaning of “sea,” read Isaiah 57:20. To identify “the Lamb” referred to in Revelation 14:1, see John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19.) As for fulfillment of prophecy, they apply what Jesus said about being alert to events that correspond to what was foretold. (Luke 21:29-31; compare 2 Peter 1:16-19.) Conscientiously they point out those events and draw attention to what the Bible indicates they mean. Jesus said that he would have on earth a “faithful and discreet slave” (his anointed followers viewed as a group), through which agency he would provide spiritual food to those making up the household of faith. (Matt. 24:45-47) Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that arrangement. As was true of first-century Christians, they look to the governing body of that “slave” class to resolve difficult questions—not on the basis of human wisdom, but by drawing on their knowledge of God’s Word and his dealings with his servants, and with the help of God’s spirit, for which they earnestly pray.—Acts 15:1-29; 16:4, 5. Why have there been changes over the years in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses? The Bible shows that Jehovah enables his servants to understand his purpose in a progressive manner. (Prov. 4:18; John 16:12) Thus, the prophets who were divinely inspired to write portions of the Bible did not understand the meaning of everything that they wrote. (Dan. 12:8, 9; 1 Pet. 1:10-12) The apostles of Jesus Christ realized that there was much they did not understand in their time. (Acts 1:6, 7; 1 Cor. 13:9-12) The Bible shows that there would be a great increase in knowledge of the truth during “the time of the end.” (Dan. 12:4) Increased knowledge often requires adjustments in one’s thinking. Jehovah’s Witnesses are willing humbly to make such adjustments. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses preach from house to house? Jesus foretold for our day this work: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” He also instructed his followers: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations.”—Matt. 24:14; 28:19. When Jesus sent out his early disciples, he directed them to go to the homes of the people. (Matt. 10:7, 11-13) The apostle Paul said regarding his ministry: “I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house.”—Acts 20:20, 21; see also Acts 5:42. The message that the Witnesses proclaim involves the lives of people; they want to be careful to miss no one. (Zeph. 2:2, 3) Their calls are motivated by love—first for God, also for their neighbor. A conference of religious leaders in Spain noted this: “Perhaps [the churches] are excessively neglectful about that which precisely constitutes the greatest preoccupation of the Witnesses—the home visit, which comes within the apostolic methodology of the primitive church. While the churches, on not a few occasions, limit themselves to constructing their temples, ringing their bells to attract the people and to preaching inside their places of worship, [the Witnesses] follow the apostolic tactic of going from house to house and of taking advantage of every occasion to witness.”—El Catolicismo, Bogotá, Colombia, September 14, 1975, p. 14. But why do the Witnesses call repeatedly even at homes of people who do not share their faith? They do not force their message on others. But they know that people move to new residences and that the circumstances of people change. Today a person may be too busy to listen; another time he may gladly take the time. One member of a household may not be interested, but others may be. People themselves change; serious problems in life may stimulate an awareness of spiritual need.—See also Isaiah 6:8, 11, 12. Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses persecuted and spoken against? Jesus said: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.” (John 15:18, 19; see also 1 Peter 4:3, 4.) The Bible shows that the whole world lies under Satan’s control; he is the principal instigator of the persecution.—1 John 5:19; Rev. 12:17. Jesus also told his disciples: “You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name.” (Mark 13:13) The word “name” here means what Jesus officially is, the Messianic King. Persecution comes because Jehovah’s Witnesses put his commands ahead of those of any earthly ruler.

Why or what?

They believe that you give them something like 70% of your earnings and they'll use it to build another world when this one finishes. Meaning your broke till you die while they hit the casino. I dunno really... LOL

watchtower.org

yawn