Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses and what are their beliefs?

Question

The sect known today as the Jehovah's Witnesses started out in Pittsburgh, PA, as a Bible class started by Charles Taze Russell in 1870. Russell, then 18 years old, named his group the "Millennial Dawn Bible Study." Charles T. Russell began a series of books he called "The Millennial Dawn" which stretched to six volumes before his death and contained much of the theology Russell espoused and the movement believed. After Russell's death in 1916, Judge J. F. Rutherford, Russell's friend and successor, wrote the seventh and final volume of the "Millennial Dawn" series, "The Finished Mystery," printing it in 1917.



The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was founded in 1896 and quickly became the vehicle through which the "Millennial Dawn" movement began distributing their views to others. The Watchtower Bible and Tract society was moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1908. This became the home base of the "Russellites." They would be referred to by this name until 1931.



This seventh volume of the “Millennial Dawn” series caused the movement to split into two groups. The larger group followed Judge Rutherford and the smaller group, calling itself "The Dawn Bible Students Association," went its own way. In order to distance themselves from the dissenters, Rutherford changed the name of his group. In Columbus, Ohio, in 1931, the group was renamed the “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society remained the organizational headquarters for the newly-named Jehovah's Witnesses. Ever since their introduction into Brooklyn, they have immensely increased their possessions, especially their printing facilities.



Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford died in 1942. He was succeeded by Nathan Homer Knorr, who died in 1977 and was succeeded by Frederick W. Frantz, who died in 1992. Milton G. Henschel was elevated to president upon Frantz's death. Both Frantz and Henschel were vice presidents of the Governing Body which regulates all affairs for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. The Millennial Dawn Bible Study which started in Pittsburgh in 1870 has now grown into a worldwide movement with great publishing capabilities and a presence around the world.



So what do they believe? Close scrutiny of their doctrinal position on such subjects as the Deity of Jesus, Salvation, the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, the Atonement, etc., shows beyond a doubt that they do not hold to orthodox Christian positions on these subjects. In other words, they are not really a Christian denomination. Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a religious cult that rejects many positions held sacred by biblical Christians.



Walter W. Martin's book "The Kingdom of the Cults" is an excellent source that documents the Jehovah's Witnesses' position on many topics, as taken from their own literature. For example, as Dr. Martin says in his book, "Thus, the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, the product of Charles Taze Russell, who, because he would not seek instruction in the Word of God, dedicated his unschooled talents to a lone, vain search without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This attempt has produced a cult of determined people who are persuaded in their own minds and who boldly attempt to persuade all others that the kingdom of God is "present" and that they are Jehovah's Witnesses, the only true servants of the living God" (The Kingdom of the Cults, Martin, p92).



Jehovah's Witnesses are readily shown to be a cult that is only loosely based upon Scripture. Watchtower bases its beliefs and doctrines on the original and expanded teachings of Charles Taze Russell, Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and their successors. The Governing Body of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the only body in the cult that claims authority to interpret Scripture. In other words, what the Governing Body says concerning any Scriptural passage is viewed as the last word and independent thinking is strongly discouraged. "Avoid independent thinking ... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization .... Fight against independent thinking" (The Watchtower, January 15, 1983, Pp 22,27 as quoted in The Kingdom of the Cults, Martin, p97).



Summing up the beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses is to say that they are definitely not Biblical Christians. All of their interpretations of Scripture are determined by the Governing Body of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, which strongly discourages any independent thought. This is especially true where the Scriptures are concerned. This is in direct opposition of Paul's admonition to Timothy (and to us as well) to study to show yourself approved of God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of God. This admonition, found in 2 Timothy 2:15, is a clear instruction from God to each of His individual children in the Body of Christ to be like the Berean Christians and search the Scriptures daily to see if the things they are being taught line up with what His Word has to say on the subject.



This freedom to search His Word with the Holy Spirit as our guide is discouraged by Jehovah's Witnesses. In their minds, only the Governing Body has this privilege. Thus we see that the Jehovah's Witnesses are really a cult who must follow blindly the teachings of their leaders without question or debate.

Answer 1

Very nicely put together, worth the read. It's pretty scary how people truly have "blind" faith, and they really don't know for themselves. Scary stuff.

Answer 2

You ask a ??? and then write a book giving us the answer, which about 80% is not true.



I would bet my bag of popcorn that I just bought that you are a disfellowshiped Jehovah's Witnesses, and you have nothing else to do except bad mouth the Witnesses, and some of your answers you receive more than likely fall in the same category.



For anyone that would like to know why a person would be disfellowshipped, these are the reasons:



Some of the offenses that could merit disfellowshipping from the Christian congregation are fornication, adultery, homosexuality, greed, extortion, thievery, lying, drunkenness, reviling, spiritism, murder, idolatry, apostasy, and the causing of divisions in the congregation. (1Co 5:9-13; 6:9, 10; Tit 3:10, 11; Re 21:8)



Most certainly the "first century Christians" disfellowshipped people that did these things, unless they had a repentant attitude.



We know all about the way you act & speak, when the Witnessess have and assembly you so called Christians are in front of the Building carrying your signs and acting like fools.



Good Answer "Perrys_Porsche" Hey, maybe they will give you the 10 points for best answer.

Answer 3

Okay, this is not a question. This is a thinly veiled attempt to discredit Jehovah's Witnesses. You are using this forum as a platform to express your unsolicited disapproval and disagreement with Jehovah's Witnesses.



I am a former Witness. I disagree with their beliefs and practices. Many of your historical facts are correct. Even your summary of their beliefs is somewhat accurate. But your tone, rather than being informative and helpful, is inflammatory.



To find out what Jehovah's Witnesses believe, check out their official website at www.watchtower.org. Balance that that with a visit to an ex-witness website like jehovahs-witness.com.



Simply put, Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian religion that falls outside the realm of mainline Christianity. They deny the trinity, but accept Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. Their code of conduct is based on strictly interpreted Biblical passages that forbid adultery, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, drunkenness, etc. Their primary interest is in promoting their beliefs by public preaching. They believe that God's Kingdom has the answers to all of the world's problems. Soon, God will destroy all wickedness at Armageddon and the Earth will be transformed into a paradise inhabited by righteous people. Even the dead will be resurrected to enjoy everlasting life in this paradise.

Answer 4

Jehovah's Witnesses are neither a sect nor a cult. Jehovah's Witnesses are undoubtedly and unquestionably Christian. The fact that their beliefs and teachings are based on the scriptures and not from some man-concocted teaching that differs from the scriptures makes them the true form of Christianity.



The asker is clearly off his rocker and doesn't have the first clue about Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer 5

You really are wrong. Sorry to be blunt but, thats how I need to be. JW's are not a cult or a sect. I really don't think that I am going to change your mind about all this because you have read things that are contrary to what I woulld say, but here goes. We follow the bible and that is what we live by. Our teachings are not based upon Rutherford, or Russell. We base our teachings STRCITLY on the bible. We don't follow men, because we are told in the bible to follow god.

Answer 6

Go forward eight [of YOUR] questions for my response...

Answer 7

why dont u search for the answert to your question from where u got the info from

Answer 8

By every major agency that studies such things they are a cult, and considered a dangerous one at that. They came out of the Millerite movement that also spawned the Seventh Day Adventests. See the following links...

Answer 9

They are not allowed in many countries.

Answer 10

http://watchtower.org/

http://www.jw-media.org/

Answer 11

You really are too much. You know that, don't you?

Answer 12

AS one of Jehovah's Witnesses, The Only way you can really find out about ones' religion is by ask them personally. That is what many who came to know the true God-JHVH did. Whatever your religion, you need to do the same. Nobody can make a decision for you in this regard. Remember: “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.”—Romans 14:12.



For Education SHOWS us how to think; Propaganda TELLS you what to think. Hence, people do not create TRUTH; they Reach out to comprehend it.



Naturally, if we are free to choose which path to take. But, since our eternal welfare is at stake, that choice is virtually important. (compare John 17:3) Therefore, we cannot expect to arrive at the truth when we let our feelings rather than our reason govern our beliefs. (God’s word says: “Come now, and let us reason together.”-Isaiah. 1:18)



What a person needs to ask themself is: How Can You Find the True Religion? Which road or path is the right one? (compare Matthew 7:13, 14, 20-23)



1. Are all religions pleasing or acceptable to God, or is just one? (Compare Judges 10:6,7; Mark 7:6, 7; Romans. 10:2, 3)

2. What does requires of us? (See Eccl.12:13, 14; John 17:3; Romans 10:13-15)



3. Why are there so many religions that claim to be Christian? (It's instigatour of such religious confusion is Satan. Compare 2 Cor.4:4; 1Cor.10:20)



4. How can you identify true Christians?



The psalmist David once asked: "O Jehovah, who will be a guest in your tent? Who will reside in your holy mountain?" That surely is a thought-provoking question. David provided the answer: "He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart." (Psalm 15:1, 2)

An accurate understanding of the Bible will enable one to identify the religion that meets those divine requirements. Then, by associating with that group, one will enjoy upbuilding fellowship with people who worship God in unity and "with spirit and truth."



How can a person know which religion is right? Consider please these 7 identifying marks as ouline in the Bible:



(1) On what are its teachings based? Are they from God, or are they largely from men? (2 Tim. 3:16; Mark 7:7) Ask, for example: Where does the Bible teach that God is a Trinity? Where does it say that the human soul is immortal?



(2) Consider whether it is making known the name of God. Jesus said in prayer to God: “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world.” (John 17:6) He declared: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matt. 4:10) Has your religion taught you that ‘it is Jehovah you must worship’? Have you come to know the Person identified by that name—his purposes, his activities, his qualities—so that you feel you can confidently draw close to him?



(3) Is true faith in Jesus Christ being demonstrated? This involves appreciation of the value of the sacrifice of Jesus’ human life and of his position today as heavenly King. (John 3:36; Ps. 2:6-8) Such appreciation is shown by obeying Jesus—sharing personally and zealously in the work that he assigned to his followers. True religion has such faith that is accompanied by works.—Jas. 2:26.



(4) Is it largely ritualistic, a formality, or is it a way of life? God strongly disapproves of religion that is merely a formalism. (Isa. 1:15-17) True religion upholds the Bible’s standard of morality and clean speech instead of weakly going along with popular trends. (1 Cor. 5:9-13; Eph. 5:3-5) Its members reflect the fruits of God’s spirit in their lives. (Gal. 5:22, 23) So, those who adhere to true worship can be identified because they sincerely endeavor to apply Bible standards in their lives not only at their places of meeting but in their family life, at their secular work, in school, and in recreation.



(5) Do its members truly love one another? Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Such love reaches across racial, social, and national boundaries, drawing people together in genuine brotherhood. So strong is this love that it sets them apart as being truly different. When the nations go to war, who have enough love for their Christian brothers in other lands that they refuse to take up arms and kill them? That is what early Christians did.



(6) Is it truly separate from the world? Jesus said that his true followers would be “no part of the world.” (John 15:19) To worship God in a manner that he approves requires that we keep ourselves “without spot from the world.” (Jas. 1:27) Can that be said of those whose clergy and other members are involved in politics, or whose lives are largely built around materialistic and fleshly desires?—1 John 2:15-17.



(7) Are its members active witnesses concerning God’s Kingdom? Jesus foretold: “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.” (Matt. 24:14) What religion is really proclaiming God’s Kingdom as the hope of mankind instead of encouraging people to look to human rulership to solve their problems? Has your religion equipped you to share in this activity, and to do it from house to house as Jesus taught his apostles to do?—Matt. 10:7, 11-13; Acts 5:42; 20:20.



Jehovah's Witnesses have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve unity in belief and action even in today's disunited world. In their ranks are former members of many different religions and ethnic groups. Other Witnesses were formerly agnostics or atheists. Still others simply gave no serious thought to religion. Out of this diversity of religions, cultures, and philosophies have come individuals who now enjoy a religious unity that is not otherwise seen in the world today.



The basis for such unity is God's Word, the Bible. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses realize that they cannot dictate to others what to do. But they appreciate the privilege of encouraging others to learn from the Bible so as to base their choice in matters of worship upon that solid foundation. In this way, many more can share in the benefits that come from worshiping God "with spirit and truth."



If you want to please God, religious affiliation is vital—but not with just any religious group or denomination. You need to base your choice of religion on accurate Bible knowledge, not on unproved dogmas or hearsay. (Proverbs 16:25) Learn the requirements for true religion. Compare them with your own beliefs. Then choose accordingly.—Deuteronomy 30:19.



Obviously, it is not possible here to cover all the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After making an honest search of God’s Word, the searcher recognizes truth, and on this basis he dedicates himself to the true God, whose name is Jehovah. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses we accept the Holy Scriptures as the only basis for accurate knowledge of God’s will. Jehovah’s Witnesses are diligently working in all parts of the earth to help people learn about Jehovah, the true God, so that they can live forever in peace in his new world.—Micah 4:1-4.

If you would like to make a similar investigation, we invite you to contact Jehovah’s Witnesses in your neighbourhood near you and they will be happy to conduct a free home Bible study with you.



Are Jehovah's Witneses a cult? (Notice a few historians as well as secular and religious sources say of them):



Professour of religious history, Charles S. Braden (September 26th 1959) observed: “Even their church buildings are called kingdom Hall.” He continues: “Jehovah’s Witnesses have literally covered the earth with their witnessing…it maybe truly said that no single religions group in the world displayed zeal and persistence in the attempt to spread the good news of the kingdom than the Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Compare Matt. 24:14)



In the Italian church magazine Andare alle genti a Roman Catholic nun wrote the following about Jehovah’s Witnesses: “They are worthy of our admiration for the way they refuse any form of violence and without rebelling put up with the many trials inflicted on them because of their beliefs . . . How different the world would be if we all woke up one morning firmly decided not to take up arms again, whatever the cost or the reason, just like Jehovah’s Witnesses!”



The Italian newspaper Il Corriere di Trieste observed: “Jehovah’s Witnesses should be admired for their firmness and coherence. Contrary to other religions, their oneness as a people prevents them from praying to the same God, in the name of the same Christ, to bless two opposing sides of a conflict, or from mixing politics with religion to serve the interests of Heads of State or political parties.” (Note how this harmonizes with 1 John chapter 3, verses 10 to 12; see also John 13:35)



The British magazine New Society noted: “The [Jehovah’s] Witnesses are perhaps more successful than any other group in the speed with which they eliminate tribal discrimination among their own recruits.”



Dr. Azikiwe, the governor-general of Nigeria in 1960, said: “(Missionary witnesses), they have added greatly to the spiritual upbuilding of our people in Nigeria . . . If all the religious denominations were like Jehovah’s Witnesses, we would have no murders, burglaries, delinquencies, prisoners and atomic bombs. Doors would not be locked day in and day out.”



In a letter to the editor of the Rochester, New York, Democrat Chronicle, a Methodist minister commented: “It points out once again that we, of the so-called ‘sophisticated, refined, theologically correct churches,’ could do well to simply assimilate some of the simple, sincere approaches that are these groups. . . . While ‘we’ busy ourselves with church bazaars, barbecues . . . [they] are busy carrying discipleship and personal witness into the homes and the hearts of any who would listen . . . they have launched out on a bold world-wide campaign that would remind one of the early first century disciples.”



An editorial in The Catholic Light said: “I would venture to guess that ten years from now, the meeting of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York City will prove to have had more permanent significance than the UN meeting. . . . I say they present a challenge to us Catholics. Why? Because they are taking certain features of true religion and practicing them to the hilt while we Catholics are neglecting these features of our religion. Take for instance their missionary zeal.”