ANSWERS: 25
  • yes ...very much so
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Your response of "very much so" should have a rational explanation. There's nothing wrong with raising godly children to know God's righteousness. That is in fact a positive outcome in comparison to children being raised as racists, children being raised as terrorists in the middle-east and rebellious children from all over the world. I am not a Jehovah's Witness, but what's right is right.
  • Of Course not. Do you feel Christians are depriving their children of Hanakha? Or the TRUTH.
  • One of Jim's sons belongs to that group. We are not allowed to wish anyone happy birthday, send cards or gifts for any occasion whatsoever. So at Christmas we send them a "thinking of you" card and let it go at that. Their lives revolves around the church. But David (Jim's son) went through a very bad divorce and he met his current wife at church and she is a wonderful woman..they are very happy, and the children are doing great. So we have only admiration for them and their lifestyles choices. :)
  • Well yes, but i dont see how Christ's Birthday should be so commercial and materialistic. Though im not a Witness, i probably will not celebrate so many holidays with gifts and such, i'll celebrate it with family and love like it should be.
  • as one of j'ws with two children and being raised as a jw , i can tell you this , we never once were deprived . As jw parents we are taught to charish our children , i never once felt left out at christmas becuase we were taught the real meaning , and we were also givin gifts and were celebrated as chirldren all year round . lots of kid parties and things with fellow believers. very moral and wholsome loving upbringing.
  • i think so but theres not much you can do about it
  • J.W's have been given just one directive by Jesus... (Matthew 28:19, 20) Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.
  • I think it’s like any belief system, people feel theirs is always the “best”, but children adapt to their environments. If parents are feeling deprived, then children will adopt that same attitude. We, as parents, have to be certain that we are not allowing the “traditions of men” and nostalgia to determine how we worship God (Col 2:8).
    • pugwashjw65
      As I stated in my main comment, God's word the Bible tells us HOW God wants to be worshipped...by obedience...and Jesus carried his requirements to us...(Mark 9:7) And a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: ?This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.?
    • LizzyP
      Yes, I agree with you. We are just using different scriptures to support the same idea. We have to worship God the way that He wants and not be persuaded by the popular traditions of men.
  • I think it
  • *** “A God exacting exclusive devotion.” “Even though there are those who are called ‘gods,’ whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords,’ there is actually to us one God the Father.” (1Co 8:5, 6) Jehovah is the Almighty God, the only true God, and he rightfully exacts exclusive devotion. (Ex 20:5) His servants must keep others out of, or excluded from, his proper place in their hearts and actions. He requires his worshipers to worship him with spirit and truth. (Joh 4:24) They should stand in reverent awe of him alone.—Isa 8:13; Heb 12:28, 29. THE Bible is not the source of popular religious and secular holidays that are celebrated in many parts of the world today. What, then, is the origin of such celebrations? If you have access to a library, you will find it interesting to note what reference books say about holidays that are popular where you live. Consider a few examples. ** Easter. “There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament,” states The Encyclopædia Britannica. How did Easter get started? It is rooted in pagan worship. While this holiday is supposed to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection, the customs associated with the Easter season are not Christian. For instance, concerning the popular “Easter bunny,” The Catholic Encyclopedia says: “The rabbit is a pagan symbol and has always been an emblem of fertility.” ** New Year’s Celebrations. The date and customs associated with New Year’s celebrations vary from one country to another. Regarding the origin of this celebration, The World Book Encyclopedia states: “The Roman ruler Julius Caesar established January 1 as New Year’s Day in 46 B.C. The Romans dedicated this day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January was named after Janus, who had two faces—one looking forward and the other looking backward.” So New Year’s celebrations are founded on pagan traditions. ** Halloween. The Encyclopedia Americana says: “Elements of the customs connected with Halloween can be traced to a Druid [ancient Celtic priesthood] ceremony in pre-Christian times. The Celts had festivals for two major gods—a sun god and a god of the dead . . . , whose festival was held on November 1, the beginning of the Celtic New Year. The festival of the dead was gradually incorporated into Christian ritual.” ** Other Holidays. It is not possible to discuss all the observances held throughout the world. However, holidays that exalt humans or human organizations are not acceptable to Jehovah. (Jeremiah 17:5-7; Acts 10:25, 26) Keep in mind, too, that the origin of religious celebrations has a bearing on whether they please God or not. (Isaiah 52:11; Revelation 18:4)
    • pugwashjw65
      Too much, Deb.
  • Witness parents explain to their children from the Bible what holidays are about and why God disapproves of them. They take other opportunities throughout to give their children presents and such. Once children reach the age of understanding, the child can either continue to accept the parent's teachings or reject it.
  • That is their concern not mine. It is their beliefs.
  • Before I read the replies below I read JWs see every day as a holiday. So every day is celebrated. I am not a Jehovah's Witness. I was told this by a young man who is one.
    • Texasescimo
      Never thought of it that way, but we do give thanks everyday. Kind answer.
  • ALL ' J.W's can go off on vacation...but do not follow the so called conventional " holidays" [ holy days ] As for birthdays, Jesus said nothing about his...but DID mention that a man's death was more important...because by then he could have achieved something worthwhile. And in scripture, the two birthdays mentioned in the Bible both turned out disasters. The Pharoah's baker [ Genesis 40: 20-22 ] AND Herod's birthday, when John the Baptist [ Baptiser ] was executed...on the whim of Salome [ daughter of Herodius ]....
    • Texasescimo
      A bit disturbing but those birthday celebrations were recorded for a reason. 2 Tim 3:16. (Mt 14:8-11; Mr 6:24-28; Lu 9:9) Herodias was some woman. A shame what hate can produce.
    • pugwashjw65
      The scripture states..." the daughter of Herodias..."...In those days only the men had power over families...So the implication is that Herodias was a man. There is no proof otherwise.
    • Texasescimo
      I suppose the old adage that behind every great man there is a great woman may come in to play.t er em not so great? lol. (Matthew 14:3) Herod had arrested John and had bound him and imprisoned him because of Hero?dias, the wife of Philip his brother. (Mark 6:17) For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and had bound him in prison on account of Hero?dias, the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her. (Luke 3:19) But Herod the district ruler, because of being reproved by John concerning Hero?dias the wife of his brother and concerning all the wicked deeds that Herod had done,
  • Not at all. The Bible instructs a believer to trust in God than in man-made traditions. Psalm 118:8-9 "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."
    • Texasescimo
      Nice answer. I was not raised in a religious household. Before I read the Bible, I celebrated all holidays without thinking about it. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. (Mark 7:6, 7) He said to them: Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. 7 It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines. Most holidays are mixed in with pagan worship, or actually pagan worship given a Christian name. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) 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 Belial? Or what does a believer share in common 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 will reside among them and walk among them, and I will 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.
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Thanks for your support! All the scriptures you added are intact. Reading the Bible is important when we talk about practical encouragement and instruction. Many people who don't read the Bible use churches as social clubs. Celebrating Xmas and other holidays is a routine for them.
    • Texasescimo
      Thank you Jenny Rizzo. Compare Exodus 32:4-10. Notice that the Israelites adopted an Egyptian religious practice but gave it a new name, a festival to Jehovah. But Jehovah severely punished them for this.
    • Texasescimo
      For Christians, the Bible gives Christians many principles to live by. It does not have to specifically say thou shall not murder innocent people in an emigrant wagon train for Christians to know it is wrong.
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Exactly, history keeps unfolding. With a solid foundation, it is the only way to endure and build confidence.
  • Of course they are! I have never seen it written in The Bible that you shouldn't celebrate Christmas or other holidays. Another reason I don't believe JW literature.
    • Texasescimo
      Do you really approve of what is happening to Christians in Russia? Was the following question really that offensive of a question to you to where you had to have it removed? Is Putin's Russia following in the footsteps of Hitler's Germany and Stalin in torturing Jehovah's Witnesses?
    • Texasescimo
      Is Jesus birthday really December 25th? Is there really a fat man in a red suit that climbs down chimneys and gives kids gifts? Do reindeer really fly? (John 4:24) God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth. But then again, if you see the mountain meadows massacre as a good thing and you are not bothered by what Bishop Snow did, I guess we have different values.
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Linda Joy, the Bible does not teach the exact day/month when Christ was born. To speak of customary patterns, look up the definition of the word "tradition" so you can know that God's Word was not inspired by traditions. tradition Dictionary result for tradition "1. the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way."
    • Texasescimo
      We know that it was not in the dead of winter like December. Very harsh environment that time of year. Shepherds did not sleep outside in the winter. (Luke 2:8) There were also in the same region shepherds living out of doors and keeping watch in the night over their flocks. Another lie that many that do not read the Bible are not aware of is that when the so called wise men arrived, Jesus was about 2 years old (Mt 2:2-12) and in a house, not a manger. (Matthew 2:11) I know that truth irritates some.
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Texasescimo, I couldn't agree more. Linda Joy claims to be an LDS member, although many of her answers are Catholic inspired. Whatever she is, it seems like her intention was to disrepute the Jehovah's Witnesses.
    • Texasescimo
      I am a little irritated. I just found out this week that some Russian authorities in Siberia authorized torture of Jehovah's Witnesses and posted one question with a link to the article. They have been severely persecuted for a couple of years but state sanctioned torture is new this go around. She had it deleted in the false pretense that it was spam and she says I owe her an apology. Some of the persecution was on the cover of Newsweek and other magazines when it first intensified. https://www.newsweek.com/behind-scenes-newsweeks-international-june-1-cover-art-960456 https://www.newsweek.com/topic/jehovahs-witnesses https://www.newsweek.com/2018/06/01/jehovahs-witnesses-939860.html
    • keo139
      As one of Jehovah's witnesses raised as such from the age of 10, I remember doing Christmas and other holidays. When my parents told my siblings and I of the origins of the holidays, our love of God and knowing him personally caused each of us to not want to participate in holidays. As we got older, that choice remained. At 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul tells us, "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers." Then, quoting Isaiah 52:11, he says in verse 17: "'Therefore, get out from among them and separate yourselves,' says Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing'", "'and I will take you in.'" Our relationship with Jehovah is worth so much more than any holiday celebrations!
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Any tradition that contradicts God’s Word or distracts us from it should be discarded. It's funny how I'm saying this on 11/28/2019 which is Thanksgiving Day. Did anybody kill a turkey? lol
    • Linda Joy
      I didn't read all that crap you two posted. Answer me this: Why do you care what I believe? Its my choice and its wrong for you to try and force your beliefs on me. If you'll recall it was satan's plan to take away our agency and God kicked him out of heaven for it so if I were you two I'd watch my step trying to force others to believe YOUR RELIGION! If you want to believe differently fine! Believe what you wish and I will believe what I wish. I don't need you bashing me for my beliefs or telling me my beliefs are wrong. I speak with The Holy Spirit because The Spirit will NEVER LEAD YOU ASTRAY. And you two are definitely NOT ALL KNOWING! SO CHECK YOURSELF!! And as for deleting posts only Answerbag staff can do that! I'm tired of people accusing me of deleting things! I CAN'T DELETE THINGS I'M NOT STAFF!!
    • Linda Joy
      And the FACT remains you DO deprive your children of these things! Denial is a lie! However I commend you for doing what you feel is right for your kids! Especially in the face of adversity! But attacking others and trying to shame them because you believe differently than they do is wrong!! Go to your prayer closet and talk to God. Then LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT. Stop bashing others' and their beliefs because they disagree with you.
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Linda Joy, quote: "Answer me this: Why do you care what I believe?" I'm sure your question is intended at Texasescimo. Bear with him, he has not been on AB in a while to address your remarks. If you're not reading his crap as you say, then how can you two have an understanding? Me, I am always interested to see what others believe. To the Holy Spirit who is not about deceiving people, the Holy Bible was written by men moved by the Holy Spirit. It is how we know about man-made traditions who were never inspired by God. Jeremiah 27:15 "I have not sent them, declares the LORD, but they are prophesying falsely in My name, with the result that I will drive you out and you will perish, you and the prophets who are prophesying to you."
    • Jenny The Great ⭐
      Linda Joy, quote: "And the FACT remains you DO deprive your children of these things!" I'll like to see what Texasescimo and other Jehovah's Witness have to say, cause in my religious beliefs, we are allowed to give children the opportunity with moderation to give and receive during the holidays so they can learn to be grateful.
    • Texasescimo
      Are Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc from God or from man? Have you read about Santa, Goblins, or the Easter bunny in the Bible?
    • pearllederman
      no
  • Speaking as one, No!!! I haven’t always been one, and was raised a Baptist. I never believed in Santa, the Easter Bunny, or the tooth fairy growing up. As a witness now we don’t teach false teachings to our children, and we try our best to uphold the standards of the Bible in our everyday lives. If you look in any encyclopedia and closely examine holidays you will see that they all have some Pagan background. The only occasion we observe is the Lords Evening Meal, where at Luke 22:19 Jesus Said “keep doing this in remembrance of me. For more information on this subject please visit jworg.
    • Texasescimo
      Nice
  • Traditions like holidays a matter of personal choices made by families. I don't think that celebrating or not celebrating Christmas is really any of anyone's business. I know plenty of JW's, and I slip up every once in a while and wish them a happy *insert holiday here*. They always remind me that they do not celebrate holidays, but they do it respectfully. I wish other traditions/cultures/religions were as tactful.
  • Those holidays are not biblical. However, having enjoyed Christmas when I was a child then I could say yes, however I would of preferred my family to have been nice to each other all year round not just at Christmas. Christmas is more commercialised now than when I was young, it is no longer about spending time with family, it's about presents, and spending so much money that you put yourself in debt until next Christmas. Christmas celebrated the birth of the sun. Something very similar to our Christmas was called Saturnalia in Rome which was a time of drunkenness, merriment, present giving and over eating. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia
    • Texasescimo
      So instead of separating yourself from false gods, join pagans in their rituals if it feels good to you? 2 Cor 6:14-18; 2 Tim 4:1-5
    • Creamcrackered
      I don't celebrate Christmas as an adult Texasescir. but if I wanted to celebrate this day I should do so for God (as every day should be) and not paganism. Cor 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. Romans 14:5-6 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Hence, there is no reason that as family we cannot come together on this day and celebrate our lives in the Lord without the need for materialism.
    • Texasescimo
      You do know that Jewish festivals, the Sabbath and stuff under the Mosaic Law is not the same as PAGAN Holidays with PAGAN Origins, yes? So your understanding of Col 2:16 and Romans 14:5-6 makes it okay to participate in pagan worship? _____________ (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? 15Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will 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 will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.” __________ (2 Timothy 4:1-5) I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his manifestation and his Kingdom: 2Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching. 3For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. 4They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. 5You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.
    • Texasescimo
      Curious, do you feel the same way about going to a modern Satanic sacrifice as long as one "should do so for God"?
    • Creamcrackered
      No, as I quoted my understanding is that everyday is the Lords, and so there is no reason why on December the 25th you cannot come together in celebration of the Lord, as you can any other day.
    • Texasescimo
      Oh, so you don't celebrate Christmas either? Just another day, right? You seem to contradict yourself sometimes.
  • No more so than other religions that don't observe those holidays. I guess no more so than Christians who deprive their kids Hanukah.
  • Why don’t you just ask them? They have carts set up in many public transit stations and tourist areas worldwide.
    • bostjan the adequate 🥉
      Why bother going through the trouble to find them? They tend to show up on my porch every couple of years, and they seem like they are generally willing to argue about religion all you want. Not like those young men from the LDS church who show up all dressed up once every ten years and run away when I answer the door wearing a t-shirt I bought at a death metal concert.
    • LizzyP
      I’m just suggesting that, since they’re already on your front porch, just ask them why they don’t observe holidays. Also, Why would you have to go out of your way to find them if they’re on your front porch?
  • Jehovah’s Witness children are in no way deprived for not celebrating Christmas or holidays .many jws will buy gifts fr9m the heart during the year for the children out of love not to observe a particular event etc , children of Jehovah’s witnesses travel all over the world meeting people of all nationalities resulting in many friendships obtained .
  • A lot of religions do not celebrate Christmas.
  • *** To keep our worship pure, we must never mix it with unclean pagan practices. Hence, we must have nothing to do with observances that have pagan religious origins. Does origin really matter? Yes! Today the practices associated with certain observances, such as Christmas and Easter, may seem harmless. But let us not forget that God saw firsthand the pagan religious practices that eventually have become modern-day observances. In God’s view, pagan practices do not become less detestable with the passage of time or through efforts to mix them with pure worship.—2 Cor. 6:17; Rev. 18:2, 4.

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