- NEW!
by Perryman on August 10th, 2006
This is really two questions, so I will answer them both and add details and references:
Christmas:
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas for many reasons. For one thing, it isn't Jesus' birthday. The Bible says there were shepherds out in the fields with their sheep. In Jerusalem it is very cold in the winter and often snows. It is very unlikely that the shepherds would live outside during these months. . . . There is more to it, though.
Not only was Christmas not Jesus' birthday but it was never observed by first century Christians. Its origins lie in the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, beginning Dec. 17 and ending Dec. 25, the "birthday of the unconquered sun"
In the fourth century, some Roman official decided to celebrate Jesus' birthday Dec. 25, perhaps to sanctify their pagan holiday.
Most scholars agree that December 25 was assigned by the Catholic Church as Jesus' birthday.
Why? "Most probably the reason" says The New Encyclopedia Britannica", is that early Christians wished the date to coincide with the pagan Roman festival marking the "birthday of the unconquered sun". But why would Christians who were viciously persecuted by pagans for over two and a half centuries all of a sudden yield to their persecutors?
In the first century, the apostle Paul warned Timothy that "wicked men and impostors" would slip into the Christian congregation and mislead many. (2 Timothy 3:13)
This great apostasy began after the death of the apostles.
see (Acts 20:29, 30) Following the so-called conversion of Constantine in the fourth century, vast numbers of pagans flocked to the form of Christianity that then prevailed. With what result? The book Early Christianity and Paganism states: "The comparatively little body of really earnest believers was lost in the great multitude of professed Christians."
It is very important for modern Bible readers to understand the impact of this time period in the early Christian church.
Just as Satan attacked and on several occasion was successful in corrupting God's people in ancient Israel, so he attacked and was successful in corrupting the Christian Congregation, just as was prophesied. This is the reason today that church's that claim to be "Christian" are so involved in politics and are many times even behind the wars of the nations. This is why these churches have allowed pagan customs to creep into their festivals.
This is all very well documented.
How true Paul's words proved to be! It was as if genuine Christianity were being gobbled up by pagan corruption. And nowhere was this contamination more apparent than in the celebration of holidays.
Actually, the only celebration that Christians are commanded to observe is the Lord's Evening Meal. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) Because of the idolatrous practices associated with Roman festivals, early Christians did not share in them.
Christmas soon absorbed many features from the profane harvest festivals of northern Europe. Merrymaking remained more common than piety as revelers indulged in gluttonous eating and drinking. Rather than speak out against the loose conduct, the church endorsed it. (Compare Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3.) In 601 C.E., Pope Gregory I wrote to Mellitus, his missionary in England, telling him "not to stop such ancient pagan festivities, but to adapt them to the rites of the Church, only changing the reason of them from a heathen to a Christian impulse". Thus reports Arthur Weigall, who once was inspector general of antiquities for the Egyptian government.
The Watchtower of 12/15/97 reports:
Christmas Make-Over: The 19th century brought unprecedented changes to humankind. People, goods, and news began to travel much faster as a network of roads and railroads emerged. The industrial revolution created millions of jobs, and factories churned out a steady supply of merchandise. Industrialization also introduced new and complex social problems, which ultimately affected the way Christmas was celebrated.
People have long used holidays as a means to strengthen family ties, and so it is with Christmas. By selectively reworking some of the older Christmas traditions, its promoters effectively changed Christmas from a wild, carnivallike festival to a family-based holiday.
Indeed, by the late 19th century, Christmas came to be viewed as a sort of antidote to the ills of modern American life. "Of all holidays", says Dr. Restad, "Christmas was a perfect agency for transporting religion and religious feeling into the home and for righting the excesses and failures of the public world."
She adds: "Gift-giving, gestures of charity, even the friendly exchange of a holiday greeting and the decoration and enjoyment of an evergreen tree set in a parlor or, later, a Sunday school hall, linked members of each nuclear family to one another, to church, and to society".
Regarding Easter:
Proclaimed the Vatican: "Every week, on the day which she has called the Lord's day [Sunday], [the church] keeps the memory of His resurrection." Additionally, "in the supreme solemnity of Easter she also makes an annual commemoration of the resurrection."The Documents of Vatican II.
Nowhere, however, does the Bible indicate that early Christians observed either a weekly Sunday or a yearly Easter to commemorate Christ's resurrection. The night before he died, Christ ordered quite a different celebration. He served his disciples a simple meal of wine and bread and commanded them, 'Keep doing this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19.
It was thus Christ's death, not his resurrection, that Jesus wanted memorialized. And how often? Jesus served this meal on the night of the Jewish Passover meal - a yearly celebration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. (Matthew 26:19, 20, 26-28)
Obviously, Jesus intended to replace the Passover with a yearly serving of this memorial meal. Neither Easter nor any other celebration was commanded by Christ. Fifth-century church historian Socrates said: "The apostles had no thought of appointing festival days, but of promoting a life of blamelessness and piety."
Easter Hares and Rabbits: In Europe, the hare has long been a traditional symbol of Easter. (In North America, the animal is a rabbit- a close relative of the hare.) Yet The New Encyclopaelia Britannica explains that the hare was ";the symbol of fertility in ancient Egypt." Thus when children hunt for Easter eggs, supposedly brought by the Easter rabbit, "this is not mere child's play, but the vestige of a fertility rite." Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend, volume 1, page 335.
Sunrise Services: Says The Book of Festivals and Holidays the World Over: "It was a common belief among the early Christians that on Easter morning the sun danced in honor of the Resurrection and people rose long before the sun to see the feat. Perhaps this ancient belief is the inspiration for the many sunrise services that take place on Easter morning in all parts of the United States and Europe."
But says Walsh's Curiosities of Popular Customs: "This idea of the sun dancing on Easter Day may easily be traced back to heathen customs, when the spectators themselves danced at a festival in honor of the sun, after the vernal equinox".
Sincere Christians are concerned that the Bible says: "For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? . . . "Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves, says Jehovah, "and quit touching the unclean thing." (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) Surely that would include customs that are clearly derived from,or unmistakably resemble,false religious practices.
These customs are very popular in the world, and sometimes Jehovah's Witnesses expose themselves to ridicule because they refrain from participating in them.
However, they remember the words of Jesus at ON THE NIGHT before he was impaled, Jesus prayed earnestly on behalf of his disciples. Knowing that they would be put under tremendous pressure by Satan, he said to his Father: "I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." (John 17:15, 16)
Why is separateness from the world so important? Because Satan is its ruler. Those who are part of the world are under his control. (John 14:30; 1 John 5:19)
Also see Awake! 12/8/94 page 31 for reference.
by AlleyApples on November 27th, 2008
There is a big difference between a birthday and an anniversary. First off, Marriage is still sacred to Jehovah's witnesses. Also, birthday celebrations have pagan routes.
We try to follow Jehovah's word as closely as possible. We do so, via the bible. We also, do this by constant bible study.
There is, in a Christian view.. No way to make a pagan celebration sacred. Actually, most holidays have pagans routes (ie Birthdays, Halloween). Hence, the reasoning for not celebrating it.
Ask yourself, especially if you are a Christian.. What does a Tree, chocolate eggs, or dressing as a devil have to do with God? Or, even better celebrating him?
We, as Jehovah's Witnesses try our hardest to live our lives in Jesus Christ's example. Would Jesus Christ defy his father by recognizing a day that is clearly in celebration of an opposing religion? No, he would not. So, neither will we!!
Right now, I am in the process of converting. I have plenty of information for all those interested!!
by Netiash on August 10th, 2006
Because they feel if something is not noted in the bible, its not something you should do. They also do not recognize birthdays. They feel you should celebrate a person 365 days a year, not one special day. The only holidays they celebrate would be a wedding, a wedding anniversary, or they have their own Easter type celebration. That is all.
by PonderAppreciatively on November 29th, 2008
In a nutshell both have pagan origins, and were simply 'adopted' and given Christian labels.
You can check the answers above, (Perryman's was good), or better yet hit the library for more specific references.
by jpmac23 on October 21st, 2008
Jehovah's witnesses dont celebrate christmas for the reason of in the bible it say's the virgin mary's cousin elizabeth was 6months pregnant in january & that's when mary became pregnant so if it was january she became pregnant by the gift of God then she would not concieve in december, it would be september early october, that's the other reason they do not celebrate it because hey say that it isnt the real birth date of Jesus Christ plus the church used a pagan holiday & passed it off as Jesus Christ's Birthday, I am Rman Catholic & i do not believe this as i have faith in my religion....
by Light_of_Cania on December 31st, 2008
well for a start, they dont believe that Christ was born on december 25th, thats why they dont celebrate it, they say, the exact date of his birth is not mentioned in the bible.
As for Easter, its more or less the same, they do believe that Easter, comes from a pagan celebration of a pagan God and not the Christian thing.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was created by Jehovah,[88] and that Jehovah then created everything else by means of Jesus.[89] While on Earth as a human, Jesus performed miracles, but he does not perform them now.[90] Jesus served as a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of mankind.[91] They believe that Jesus died on a single upright torture stake rather than the traditional cross.[92] They believe that references in the Bible to the Archangel Michael, Apollyon, and Abaddon also refer to Jesus.[93][94][95]
by SABOTEUR on August 1st, 2008
Quote:
Identification of the religion as Christian is disputed due to rejection of the Trinity, which most Christian religions regard as a fundamental doctrine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_witness
by maS elcnU on August 1st, 2008
They follow false doctrines of demons.
My 2 cents.
by thetruth on December 31st, 2008
ohk.well I didn't catch offense. I just find that this is a lot of nonsense. and I find that also they believe that jehovah made jesus that is very incorrect. also I am a female not a male. and I apologize if I came off egotistical or arrogant or disrespectful
by garry on December 31st, 2008
thetruth= id like you to watch this if you get a chance it explains alot of what ive been trying to say. and its from the history channel , so its not a jw publication . its history.http://www.history.com/minisites/christmas/
by Frenzy on January 2nd, 2009
(thetruth)My sister, I sense your frustration, and trust your heart! Dont be discouraged, there is nothing more importnat than to seek the truth!
(Garry) Now here is where you must admit the error of JWs - if you are honest, and willing: concerning the "magi" or wise men! Facts: they likely came from Persia or another surrounding Gentile or "pagan" nation - following a "pagan" tradition of presenting gifts to one born as king! They did not visit Jesus in the manger, but in Joseph's house. The scriptures do not give enough information to say exactly how long after his birth (was it a few weeks, months? A year?). According to Matthew 2:16, Herod decided to kill all the boys who were 2 years old and under "in accordance to the time he had learned from the magi".
So, here are the questions: If you intend to follow the scriptures "strictly" - when do you give your "new baby gifts"... at birth? A few weeks or months after? Or at year one or two, more in accordance with the magi? Do you only give gifts to "kings"... or to everyone?
More questions: if it was a "pagan" tradition, why is it followed and accepted by JWs? Well, the answer is obvious... God allowed these very pagans, who studied stars and worshipped many strange "gods", who had pagan rituals, etc, etc - to follow one of their pagan rituals by bringing Jesus gifts. It has not been condemned in the scriptures - and God even warned them in a dream not to return to Herod!
So - the giving of "new baby gifts"... a pagan tradition adapted, in scripture, to honor the christ-child? Hmmm... sounds familiar... if only we knew the exact date, and exact age of the child, so we can follow it exactly.... but, suppose we miss a few days? Or years? Or do it every year? Or decide to do t at age 5 instead of three? Isnt it pagan?
So, Garry - Is God interested in dates and times... or our hearts or intentions? Im sure your intentions in giving "new baby gifts" is not to follow the pagan traditions that you so despise - do your (JWs)own words condemn you? Be careful, James 3:1 teaches "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly!"
by garry on December 31st, 2008
frenzy = once again i apreciate your loving aproach, thank you for having these open honest conversations, we run into alot of people who get angry with our message.
Thetruth= I just want everyone to understand why we dont celebrate these things. please do not be offended.
by garry on December 30th, 2008
frenzy= (the question you posed at the end of your coment ) =from what i can tell we agree . As far as celebrating your child everyday. We have strong beliefs on loving and not harshly disaplining our children ( only disapline out of love). So ofcorse we love and care for our childrens every need every day whether its their birthday or not , we give them gifts when they do good things or acomplish somthing, or just because. but what we dont do is the celebration costum to birthdays ( the key is the celebrating of birthdays) we do not act any diffrent on their birthdays , we may say things such as "wow your 5 now! big girls' or something in that manner , but its the cake and the candles and the customs we do not do for reasons already discussed.
by thetruth on December 28th, 2008
Thank you frenzy you hit it right on ! I've been trying to explain this but these "wittnesses" think they are soo much with 'Jehovah' that they're religion is the rite choice. Finally someone is getting where I am coming from. AND WHO ARE YOU WITNESESS WITNESSING?
If its jehovah then why don't 85% of jw's act saved.....?????
by thetruth on December 29th, 2008
Also garry when you said it wasn't in the bible because it doesn't exist nowadays.
GOD SAYS THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN. YES IT MAY BE UPGRADED.BUT THE ROOTS ARE ALL THE SAME. THE BIBLE HAS EVERYTHING IN IT THAT WE FACE TODAY IN OUR SOCIETY THAT THEY DID IN THE BIBLE AGES SOCIETY.
by thetruth on January 2nd, 2009
ohk I will watch it when I have time...thank you.
by debodun on January 4th, 2009
Because it doesn't say to do so in the Bible.
by Mrs. Dwight K. Schrute on January 15th, 2009
Your argument regarding celebrating anniversaries but not birthdays, even the birth of Christ, is extremely weak. Do you celebrate according to the bible or according to the con artist founder charles taze russell?
by Anonymous on November 15th, 2009
I believe that there is no such thing as following anyone. If you read the bible on a regular basis not only when you go to church you will find answers to alot of your questions. A big problem now a days is that most people don't even own a bible and they just follow the crowd in what they say is right. Besides it's way easier to do what is in our interest than what God asks of us. I don't think that alot of christians even own a bible and if they do it's filled with dust since they don't use it. Jesus Christ said in Mathew 7:13"Go in throgh the narrow gate, becaus broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it".
by Frenzy on December 28th, 2008
Ok, garry - seems like JWs love to have "loop-holes", instead of clear-cut convictions!
"its only a christmas bonus if its spent on christmas..So acceptance would not mean the recipient was celebrating Christmas, for a bonus is what is paid to an employee above his regular pay"...
So... by that reasoning, it's only a birthday present if I accept it on the birthday, but on the day before or after, its just a present to celebrate my life, and its ok? Doesnt that give your members a "loophole" to participate w/out participating, by reaping the "benefits" of xmas, but still condemning everyone else? So you and I got bonuses for xmas, same money, same boss, same department - I say "thanks" and buy a gift for my wife on Dec 25th, and I'm condemnd - you say "thanks", and buy a gift for your wife on January 15th, and you're ok?
Another question - If a parent, who always buys gifts for his child in whatever format, gives a gift, daily celebrating the life of that child and meeting his/ her needs, and does it on the day before his birthday, the day of his birth, and the day after - what makes one day different from the next? And if they ae not different, what makes one wrong and the other right - or waht allows you to tell that parent that one has "pagan" roots - but doing the exact same thing on the day before or the day after, is perfectly acceptable to Jehovah?
by garry on January 4th, 2009
I have found the truth my friend. "keep seeking and you will find". it is possible to find the truth you dont have to search forever.
All i ask of you is to be carefull , you know the customs of these holidays
by Frenzy on January 3rd, 2009
garry - are u sure we havent switched sides? Because now your reasoning is sounding like me! I dare say you seem to be arguing both sides: "gift giving doesnt have pagan roots,the wise men had good intentions but didnt know they were being led by satan so harrod could find jesus. its not the gift its the intention"... earlier you said "Satan uses these celebrations as a mask to make us feel as if we are indeed worshiping the true god , but in fact the very customs and traditions are of pagan origination, whether we were a pagan worshipping a false god blatently or not , the customs are the same and god still feels the same about those customs".
Truth is, if we both agree that "gift giving doesnt have pagan roots, and it's not the gift, its the intention that God is concerned with" - then you must also agree that if we, like Jesus family, give and accept gifts, in your words, "because we are not aware" of an ancient pagan tradition, but again - its the intention (your words again)... which belief do you really have?
Is it what you said before: "God feels the same way about the customs", OR "it's not the gift, it's the intention" that God is concerned about?
To be perfectly truthful and honest, you cant swing back and forth between two positions, because your religion is caught in the middle. This has been the practice - for example, it is common knowledge that JWs used to celebrate birthdays, like everyone else. These were later rejected "due to their astrological connection to pagan worship of false gods".
One wonders how they have not been consistent, as no rejection has been made to the names of the months, and the names of the week days because of their astrological connection? This information is easily retrievable in the New Encyclopedia Brittanica...
And this is when it becomes silly - as the entire "rules" system of the JWs seem to lend itself to. As the Apostle Paul taught, if you intend to hold to the law, then you are a lawbreaker if you are inconsistent in your following the letter of the law!
Praise the Lord, Jehovah that as Christians, we are free from these "restrictions"... because "it is for freedom that we are set free!" So I will coninue to worship Him in spirit and in truth; as you said, garry - God looks at the "intention", not the custom! I just prefer to say "he looks at the heart!"
All the best to you - continue to search; keep your heart open, and the Lord will make it clear.
by philosopher-saint on January 3rd, 2009
A wild guess? = against their religious dogma?
;-)
by garry on January 2nd, 2009
Although Nativity scenes of Jesus as a baby invariably include the “three kings,” were they present at his birth? The lexicon adds: “Matthew 2:16 indicates that the visit took place perhaps one year or more after the birth of Jesus.” Indeed, verse 11 speaks of a “house,” not a stable, where they “saw the young child.”—King James Version.These astrologers came “from eastern parts,” most likely the then center of occult worship, unholy Babylon, where they worshiped false gods. Thus, they were guided by what they thought was a moving “star,” which no one else is reported to have seen. Also, Matthew shows that the “star” led them first to King Herod, who then tried to have Jesus killed.—Matthew 2:1, 2.
the men left gifts for jesus , the family was not aware they were intending on going back and telling harrod so harrod could kill jesus. but god stepped in and wouldnt let them.
. gift giving doesnt have pegan roots,the wise men had good intentions but didnt know they were being led by satan so harrod could find jesus. its not the gift its the intention
by thetruth on December 26th, 2008
To all jehovah witnesses :
PLEASE REMOVE THE WOOL FROM YOUR EYES !
-this has been a Public Service Announcement
by thetruth on December 30th, 2008
&& yu jws also swear yall are so saved&noble. which is sooo wrongg.
by Piso on April 30th, 2011
Because they are Stupid
by Moosemose on August 1st, 2008
Most consider the catholics & jw's as cults for various & differing reasons. Take some time & read up on both of these dangerous groups histories, it will make Ur skin crawl!!! John
by garry on December 30th, 2008
but does god see it as just tradition ? how did those traditions start? pegan worship , so too you it may very well be just tradition . but is it to god?
by thetruth on December 30th, 2008
if god didn't want us to have trees wouldn't you think he'd say so? its somethng called propicies where god speaks through people. IF GOD DIDN'T WANT IT HE WOULD SAY SO.....HAS HE SAID ANYTHING???? no.
by Viki_M on April 30th, 2011
I am not a JW, but I wont attack them like most people do. What harm are they doing by coming to share the Gospel with you? At least they do actually try to get the word out. Do you think they do it to annoy you? No, I'm sure they do it because they feel it is what God wants them to do just like anyone else who shares the Gospel. They simply want to win as many souls for the Lord as they can. I'm sure it isn't fun getting cussed at and having doors slammed in their faces. How much easier would it be for them to say "to hell with them" (quite literally)?
Everyone gets so mad and defensive about their beliefs, without ever stopping to think that maybe they are wrong. Are you so perfect that you couldn't possibly be wrong?
Or is it just easier and more convenient for you to continue doing things the way you always have no matter if it's right or wrong?
You assume you know how God feels about everything, and you pass those false assumptions off to others, but have you searched ALL of the scriptures to find the truth?
Does God change? No, and why should he, he has always been perfect.
God has never wanted his people worshipping him the way the heathens worshipped their false gods. He HATES it.
Deuteronomy 12:30-31 (King James Version)
Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.
You should read that carefully.
Easter, Christmas, and a lot of other "Christian Holidays" are and always have been pagan holidays. Calling them something they are not won't change the truth about what they really are.
I can call an apple an orange, but it's still an apple. Is it not?
You can try and twist his words into something different to better suit your desires but it wont change what he really said, and it wont change the way God really feels about it, and in the end you will have to answer for the things you do.
Yes, God does look at our hearts to see if we TRULY love him, and if we are TRULY trying to live by HIS word.
"so God will not judge me for anothers sin (Ezekiel 18)"
What is God really saying in Ezekiel 18?
"Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live."
Note: WHEN THE SON HATH DONE THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, AND HATH KEPT ALL MY STATUTES, AND HATH DONE THEM, HE SHALL SURELY LIVE
When you turn away from the sin your earthly father has done, and live by Gods word then you shall live.
Now before we knew that these holidays came from pagan (heathen) roots, hopefully God would have mercy on us because we truly did not know.
But, when we become aware of the lie, and choose to continue in the lie, we have become part of that lie, and are just as guilty as the ones who started it.
by Doc on May 17th, 2010
For an Organization that proclaims the Bible to prove their given beliefs
Seems to reach out to grab straws to find some thing other to help justify
their do's and don'ts.
The answer is they are not currently allowed. In the words of a song they
use to but they don't now but they may later.
by Doc on December 15th, 2009
Jehovah Witnesses celibrated Christmas until around 1931. It appears they received
new light when Jesus visited the earth 1914-1919 and informed them they were
the chosen organization but were doing some things that needed correcting,
such as believing Jesus died on a cross and observing holidays.He said they could
still observe wedding anniversaries.
I see no reason not to celibrate Christmas if the focas is on Jesus. It does not
matter if the date is correct it matters that God came as a man to redeem
those that chose to be redeemed. Immanuel: God with us
Merry Christmas
by Doc on January 18th, 2010
When Jesus came and evaluated the Christian Churches in 1914-1919
He was not happy to see people celebrating Christmas, Easter, Birthdays,
Thanksgiving and He was even more upset to see people believing that
He died on a cross. He didnt know at that time that only 144,000 were
going to Heaven, if He did he didnt mention it.
In conclusion he picked the Jehovah Witnesses (Actually it was 1931 before
the name Jehovah Witnesses was assumed) as the only one close.
Embelleshed a little!!!
by Perryman on January 19th, 2010
Share your answer...
by Doc on March 7th, 2010
Jehovah Wittnesses will be celebrating the death of Jesus on March 30.
Christians will be celibrating the resurrection of Jesus soon after.
This is one of the major doctrine differences between the Jehovah Wittnesses
and Christians. One of the main themes of the new Testament is if Jesus
was not resurrected we are still in our sins.
So if Jesus died and some one else assumed His name( Michael) and even went so for as manifesting a body to fool the Apostles and 400 others. Would that be
fraud or just trickery?
by thetruth on December 30th, 2008
yeah.suree..we dnt imitate god...we live in the image of him..no man can do what he can...also yu witnesses swear yall have an answer for everything...
by garry on December 31st, 2008
frenzy= The whole world is laying in the power of the wicked one satan the devil, he walks about roaring like a lion seeking to devour us . A few of the major ways he decieves us in this day in age is alot the same way he used to , he just uses other methods , he knows thast it would be harder to get someone to claim to worship another god , so he influences it in a more subtle way.( p.s I respect your respect for me and my beliefs, I as well respect yours and you.).He uses these celebrations as a mask to make us feel as if we are indeed worshiping the true god , but in fact the very customs and traditions are of pegan origination , wether we were a pegan worshipping a false god blanenly or not , the customs are the same and god still feels the same about those customs.As you may recall when god allowed satan to do whatever he wanted to Job , to see if he could break his spirit. That very thing is hapening on a world wide scale now , we are all under the satans power , he is the ruler of this world , he will do whatever it takes even trickery ( or in other words we may be worshiping a false god and not even know it), we should steer clear of anything that smells funny so to speak.
The wise me did give gifts to the baby when he was bon, as do we , when a child is first born we give 'new baby gifts'. but jesus didnt celebrate that day anymore after that , so niether do we .
by bubonic jo on December 20th, 2008
aww but they do love a good christmas bonus. I think they think that heavon is their reward.
by garry on December 25th, 2008
easter = false worship just like most holidays do. the easter rabbit is the symbol of the god of fertility(pegan worship). so onece again its a clear merging of christian and peagan beliefs . something all true christians should steer very clear of.
by thetruth on December 25th, 2008
Yes it is in the bible . But does the bible say"COME 2 THE SAME PERSONS HOUSE EVERY SATURDAY MORNING . FORCE YOUR RELIGION ON THEM. QOUTE SCRIPTURES 2 THEM THRU THE DOOR. KNOCK FOR 5 MINTUES. PUT PAMPHLETES IN THEIR MAILBOX"? No it doesn't . So until the bible says that the "JW" are wasting their time . I believe that we should celebrate each other . If not your life will be gray(boring) . I know many witnesses they don't even live life to the fullest . Why? Because this isn't in the bible that isn't in the bible. THE BIBLE WAS MADE 2 SHOW HOW TO LIVE! Emphasis on LIVE . Not how to spend all ur days in a "hall" . If god didn't want us 2 celebrate he would have said in the bible . DO NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS,YOUR BIRTHDAYS, OR EASTER ! But he didn't . But it isn't my life so all u witnesses out there enjoy ur weekend in the "hall" . :)
by garry on December 26th, 2008
jw's enjoy all kinds of gatherings and parties , weddings,anniversarys,and just good ol fation parties, even with alcahol sometimes.( jw's can drink in moderation, theres no set limmit, each persons sets his or her oun limmit.)but they live very normal clean lives. Yes the bible doesnt mention these holidays by name, but it does tell us to steer clear of false worship.(as in the mixing of the pegan son worhip in christmas , and the fertility god mixed in the easter celebration.) And they r also not mention in the bible because the names and costoms of these holidays as we know them today didnt exsist in the days the bible was written. God is a loving father . if we all followed his laws on alcahol abuse and pre maritial sex and not cheating on our spouse, how much heartbreak and death and broken homes would not exsist . he sets these laws for our oun good , just as a father sets rules for the good of his children.
by thetruth on December 20th, 2008
So what yall are saying is that witnesses don't celebrate because its not in the bible ? Well is knocking on my door giving me all these pamphlets in the bible? How can you say that you don't celebrate birthdays or christmas ? If you don't celebrate christmas you don't celebrate...CHRIST! A birthday is another year on this earth why not be thankful you made it through some people didn't . I feel that jehovah witnesses need a big wake up call in get out that "kingdom hall" and get in a real church ! I myself am christian under the apostolic faith. Anyone who disagrees is welcome to reply . Have a blessed christmas :)
by Frenzy on December 31st, 2008
(thetruth) First off, let me jump in and say that, in your zeal, i dont think its right to make the kinds of comments you are making about "you JW's"... I believe that Gary, just like you and me, is a seeker of the truth! Unlike the Pharisees and Saducees of Jesus day, who tried to "trick and trap" in their conversations, we are haing open, honest and frank discussions about our faith - lets be willing to be civil. Im not a JW, but im not fearful or offended by them; we must be willing to "test the spirits" with the heart and compassion of our Lord - understanding that we all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Be encouraged! I appreciate your zeal - however, be a bit more loving, my brother!
(Gary) Back to the discussion - doesn't the scripture teach (I think it was the prophet Samuel) that "God looks at the heart" of our actions? This was the problem why the law was not able to provide salvation, because even though the "actions" were changed, the heart was still far from God! This is the main problem with the Jews and Gentiles.. the Jews still believe in holding to a written code; meanwhile, God has said we are "set free" to worship Him, as long as our hearts connect to him in spirit and truth! So it is a matter of faith! (One man eats only vegetables, another man who has stronger faith eats everything, which God said should be received with thanks giving!)
Now, as a father, my heart for my child in giving a cake or a gift at christmas or on her birthday is not steeped in "pagan" religion - my faith in God tells me that He will judge me for what is in my heart - my love and gratitude to him for her life, the same way I feel each and every day of her life! I was never a student of pagan religion, and so God will not judge me for anothers sin (Ezekiel 18).
As for Christmas, as a child I read how God caused "wise men" (His words, not mine) to travel over hundreds of miles to give gifts in celebration of Jesus birth! I know they didnt get there on his birthday - just as I dont believe that December 25th was the exact date he was born - but in the Holy Scriptures - God used men to share gifts, and honor his birth! Further to that - the heavenly hosts (Cherubim and Seraphim, maybe?) sang the most beautiful songs ever - all in proclamation and celebration of Jesus birth! All my life - that has been my reason for celebrating Christmas - because I have an example in the scriptures! That's what I teach my friends, and my children; that is what I have in my heart, as do I believe most if not all who celebrate Jesus birth, and his gift to the world by sharing and giving to each other at this time of year! If we decided to investigate Jesus "exact" date of birth... or the "exact" date the wise men presented the gifts, and we subjected ourselves to only sharing gifts of "gold, frankinsence and..." - now, would that then be acceptable to God? And if so - if the REAL ISSUE the actual DAY... or GIFT... or it it the HEART?
Think on these things... because my friend, it truly is a matter of your understanding of God, and faith in His divine nature!
by Nightwatchdog on November 12th, 2009
Their religious cult gets off on dissing holidays that even non-Christians enjoy....
I studied with them in my youth - frankly their just a stuck up lot of miserable sanctimonious people...but at least they are usually honest and open about it.
by garry on December 30th, 2008
(thetruth) would god consider the mixing of pegan worship with the birth of his son an upgrade?Your right theres nothing new under the sun , and yes the bible was very similar to what we go through now.False worship was a huge problem in those times , and jesus and even before jesus in the hebrew scriptues such men as david , moses , noah... warned against false worship. Mixing other ideas and customs with jesus birth exspecialy pegan customs is similar to false worship in our day. It can be researched and its very easy to find that these customs r infact mixed with pegan idol worship.We are very happy to have what jesus taught us , and he died for our sins , what a wonerfull man , and what a wonderfull father jehovah is to give that to us. So i wont mix pegan worship with the worship of this wonderfull provision god gave us.
by thetruth on December 30th, 2008
we dnt worship a tree. nor do we worship a bunny. we keep god in our hearts during those holidays. we worship god. and the trees are just tradition. do you see us sitting there praying to a tree? no so we are not worshipping a false idol. ok Garry.
by garry on December 30th, 2008
he doesnt want you to worship falsely, bottom line is he is telling you not to celebrate christmas when he says do not worship other gods , christmas was a mixture of the solstic sun god worship and jesus birth the the solstic sun god worship was on dec. 25th. whatever christmas means to you , it still means the same thing to god. we are to be imatators of christ , he never celebrated his birth and niether did he very close friends the deciples. Even after he died besides the annual passover that jesus told them to comemorate did they ever celebrate on jesus birthday? no. only that one day that jesus told them to remember.
by Doc on December 15th, 2009
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Comments
Interesting answer. Although I am not a JW (I'm a Baptist) because I believe in the Deity of Christ as well as a literal hell. However, on what you said about going to church on Sunday, we go on Sunday because Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week. The first day of the week on the calendar is Sunday. Some Christians, however, would consider Sunday to be the seventh day of the week and thus, the Sabbath day, and go to church on Sunday for that reason. I don't necessarily believe that it is wrong to go to church on Sundays.
by ...trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. on May 19th, 2007
The answer our Jehovah Witness friend gave is well stated. HoweverChristiansare free to celebrate Christmas, Easter and and other holidays that gloryfy God and his Son Jesus. We are not under bondageand are not dictated too by any orginization.
The beliefs stated are not from day one. But have been changed
over the years. About the only one thats been steady is the
Michael/Jesus belief. It comes from many years ago from
the dissenter Arius.
by Doc on January 18th, 2010
Richard, I really do not understand why you have so much hate for JW's.
If you read Exodus 32 you will see how God feels about people combining false worship with true worship. Including God's name (Ex 32:5) still did not help matters.
Mixing pagan ways of celebrating with Christ was not condoned in the New Testament either.
(2 Peter 1:16-17) No, it was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we acquainted YOU with the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but it was by having become eyewitnesses of his magnificence. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when words such as these were borne to him by the magnificent glory: “This is my son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.”
(John 4:24) God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.”
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Be′li‧al? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I shall reside among them and walk among [them], and I shall be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take YOU in.’” 18 “‘And I shall be a father to YOU, and YOU will be sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.”
(2 Timothy 4:3-4) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories.
(Mark 7:8) Letting go the commandment of God, YOU hold fast the tradition of men.”
(Mark 7:13) and thus YOU make the word of God invalid by YOUR tradition which YOU handed down. And many things similar to this YOU do.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. 22 Abstain from every form of wickedness.
(Ephesians 4:14-15) in order that we should no longer be babes, tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in contriving error. 15 But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.
(Galatians 4:10-11) YOU are scrupulously observing days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for YOU, that somehow I have toiled to no purpose respecting YOU.
by Texasescimo on January 18th, 2010
According to the Bible, making up stuff to do in the name of Christ is not acceptable.
(Matthew 7:21-23) “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. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.
(Ephesians 5:10-11) Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; 11 and quit sharing with [them] in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness, but, rather, even be reproving [them],
by Texasescimo on January 18th, 2010
Did you notice that the user "Doc said “However Christians are free to celebrate Christmas, Easter and other holidays that gloryfy God and his Son Jesus”.
Wow – what a declaration ! who are you, the Pope?
We keep ever in mind the inspired warning recorded at Isaiah 52:11: “Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean; get out from the midst of her, keep yourselves clean.”
Today, we stay spiritually clean by refraining from even touching what our heavenly Father views as unclean in a religious sense. That is why, for example, we carefully avoid the false religious celebrations and holidays so popular in today’s world.
by Perryman on January 19th, 2010
I can speake for God as well as you two can speake for the Organization. When we as Christions accepted Christ as our saviour
is was not to be Lorded over by any man made organization.
You can use all your man made rules but Christians are free we
can say and do as we like. Christ made us free not slaves to
the Discreet Slave. You two can still repent, study your Bible
and ask the real Jesus what He would like for you two to do with
your life. In closing you avoid celebrating Holidays because you
are not allowed. You are like those in the Bible that are not going
to Heaven and in the process try to keep others out. Have Fun
by Doc on January 26th, 2010
LOL, “You can speak for God”
Then ACT like His son.
by Perryman on January 27th, 2010
Should we listen to Doc who reflects Ephesians 4:14-15 or should we listen to what Jesus said at John 4:24?
(John 4:24) God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.”
by Texasescimo on January 27th, 2010
tex, and perrymen seems as this certain "doc" is an exwitness. as you can tell it doesn't seem he learned anything if he ever was a witness, he has very twisted ideas.
by autumn leaves on February 17th, 2010
Just think if one of us said that we can speak for God how fast we Doc and others would plaster that all over the internet and with an extra twist to it.
by Texasescimo on February 18th, 2010