Do Jehovah's Witnesses have rites of passage &/or restrictions?(ex. Dietary)?

Question

I'm doing a project and I need to know what Jehovah's Witnesses rites of passages are and, if any, the restrictions that come with being a Witness. Like dietary or clothing restrictions for example.. Also if you can answer this too. Are there different roles for women and men, or is it basically the same?

Answer 1

Rites of passage:



Well, I don't think they're "rites of passage" in the same sense as in other religions (like with first communion, confirmation, etc. in the Catholic church, for example), but before they can get baptised, a person has to study certain books/publications that detail JW beliefs with a JW, which book changed through the years (it used to be the "Truth" book in the 70s, in the 80s, it was the "Everlasting Life" book, in the 90s it was the "Knowledge" book, I don't know what book they use now.) Then after you've studied the book they're using all the way through, you get the "Orginization" book, which details how the JW Orginization is run. In the back of the book are a long list of questions (around 180 if I remember correctly) that you have to know the answers to before you can become baptised. The questions are all about the JW beliefs and orginization. If you payed attention during the study and read the Orginization book, you should know all the answers. Baptisms are done only at the conventions. After you've studied the book you're supposed to study, and answered the 180 questions with the Elders, you can get baptised at the next convention (there are three a year--or at least there used to be back when I attended). Even someone who was raised a JW (like I was) must do this, although normally the study of the book is with your parents in that case.



Roles for Men and Women:



Women do not hold any position in the JW congregation. They can be ministers in the door to door work, including full time door to door ministers (called "regular pioneers" which means they promise to do a certain number of hours a year in the door to door work--it was 1000 hours a year back when I used to be a Pioneer) but they can not be Elders, Ministerial Servants, or lead in any of the meetings, or show any form of leadership whatsoever. Men are considered the "Heads"--of the congregation, the family, the marriage, etc. If a JW husband told his wife she's not allowed to do something, she MUST obey. For their Theocratic Ministry School (which is one of the meetings JWs must attend each week and trains its members to be "good speakers") when a man has a school assignment, he gives his part at the podium. When a woman has a school assignment, she gives her part at a table with an "assistant" (another sister). Brother assignments are more like sermons, sister assignments are more like little plays (where they pretend they are out in the door to door work, or talking about their assigned subject with another JW, etc. There is a lot to explain with this and I don't have a lot of space. Email me if you need more details.) Don't let the term "school" fool you--ALL JWs are in the "school" from the time they are old enough to read until the time they are too senile to read (although if I remember correctly, Elders are not in the "school" once they become Elders). Aside from the school or a few demonstrations, woman can have no parts in the meeting, and they cannot have any responsibilities in the congregation outside of pioneering (once again, email me for more details about "responsibilites" if you need to). If a woman MUST conduct a service meeting or give public prayer (because there's no men to do so) she must wear a head covering. This is also true if she studies with a man in the door to door ministry (although she's instructed to turn over this study to a brother as soon as possible).



Dietary Restrictions:



JWs can not eat anything that contains blood--this does not mean they are vegetarians (or at least they don't have to be). Just things like "blood sausage", "blood pudding" etc. They also cannot have a blood transfusion, because they consider this "eating blood" the same way that you're eating when you're fed intraveiniously in the hospital.



Clothing Restrictions:



JWs must dress modestly (no miniskirts or revealing clothing, etc.), JW children and teens are strongly discourged from following the trends and styles, and for meetings and in the door to door work they must dress up (suits or at least dress shirts and pants for bothers, dresser or skirts and blouses for sisters).



Other Restrictions:



Unsilenced Lioness' list pretty much sums it up (despite what Poto says, it's actually pretty accurate), but it looks like it was written by a JW in the 70s. Here's some updates/revistions to that list:



#57 They can be police officers, but they can not carry guns (they have to only do "desk jobs"). I knew a JW who was also a police officer. Scared some of the teens when he showed up at the meeting still in uniform, lol.



#59 The chess thing ended some time in the 70s. It used to be considered too military for JWs, but they've stopped saying that, and I used to play chess with other JWs, including pioneers, Elders, and Ministerial servants.



#60 This one should be more "strongly discouraged". I used to own several pieces of jade jewelry when I was a practising JW and most people had no problem with it--but a few old-schoolers would make negative comments about it so I stopped wearing it to meetings or out in field service (door to door work).



#66 This should read "in their auditoriums"--and it only applies to newer Kingdom Halls (oddly, this one seems to come from way after the seventies, lol). Usually the "back rooms" (the library, etc.) will have a window or two--and I used to attend Kingdom Halls that had windows in their auditoriums when I was younger--but all the curtains were pulled so you couldn't see outside. It was considered a "distraction" to paying attention.



#72 This is misleading. They are perfectly welcome to go on vacation--however if they have a limited number of vacation days where they work, they would need to save enough of those days to attend conventions if the conventions are on their work days (since most assemblies are on weekends, it's usually not many for most witnesses--only one or two in the summer for their district assembly which is either Thursday-Sunday or Friday-Sunday). However, years and years ago (we're talking decades) they used to have week-long conventions, so back then they probably did have to use their vacation days to attend (I was WAY too young to remember those times). My family used to visit JW family members out of state during the summer convention and attend their conventions with them--two birds, one stone.



#74 I could have sworn it was more than 80 questions, although my memory might be failing me. Wasn't it more like 180?



#90 I don't think they've said this in years (unless they recently started to again). But, yes, they used to say this. Now it's more of a "we can't judge, only Jehovah can" sort of thing...but I think many still believe it's true, if they're honest with themselves.



Once again, if you need more details about some of the things I mentioned, please feel free to email me. I'll give you a no BS answer (neither making JWs look worse than they really are, or trying to dress it up to be better than they are, either.)



Good Luck with your project! (Now that I'm no longer "practising", I can say that, lol) And I hope this helped! :-)

Answer 2

What do you mean by "rites of passage"?



The only dietary restrictions we have are on eating anything that contains blood.



As far as clothing restrictions go, we keep in mind the need to dress modestly and as people who are sincere in their claim to revere and represent the true God. That would certainly mean refraining from immodest clothing (i.e. too tight, too low-cut, too revealing, etc...).



- NOTHING on that list by Unsilenced (or cheerio, either)should be considered accurate. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I can honestly say that. She has NEVER had any kind of connection to our congregation (despite her claims) and ALWAYS has something nasty and negative to post on questions regarding Jehovah's Witnesses. Bigotry of that kind doesn't lend to an honest answer to people's questions.

Answer 3

Women may only teach other women as long as no man is present and must wear a covering of the head to do so. Women may not teach men. Women may not have any position within the organization. Men are always in charge of the women, even men who are not their husbands. Kind of like Islam.

Answer 4

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions and are directed to avoid activity with people of other faiths, even other Christian denominations.

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

I think short skirts, coz you showcase more feet, but really it doesn't matter both will go great

Answer 7

I think long skirts are great, you're covered up with no restrictions of shorts.

Answer 8

The only "restrictions" we have are based on Bible principles. I wanted to clarify a few that were listed earlier.





2. Jesus is not to be worshiped or prayed to-he is only an angel (a.k.a. Michael the archangel)

Jesus is not God, but he is more than an angel. He was the firstborn of all creation and was used in creating everything else. He came to earth and lived a perfect life before giving it as a ransom for sin.





5. Heaven is hope only for select Jehovah's Witnesses. The majority of JWs hope to live on "paradise earth"

Just to clarify Jehovah is the one who chooses the little flock.



6. Heaven is limited only to 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses.There are only 9,105 alive today (2006 figures)

T (Though to clarify, the numbers the WT reports are those who claim to be anointed. The faithful slave does not judge whether they are or not)





8. There is no Hell or eternal judgment ("Hell" is simply the grave)

Hell is the grave, but eternal judgment is clearly in the Bible. It is eternal death and separation from God.



9. There is no life after death except for the 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses

F. As you stated earlier, most of us hope to be resurrected and live forever on a paradise earth.



10. Salvation is earned only by being a loyal Jehovah's Witness

Eternal life is a gift from God that can only come by accepting the sacrifice His son made, taking in knowledge of both Jehovah and His son, and by obeying them.



14. Jesus was equal to Adam (just a man)

While not God, Jesus was far more than just a man. He was like Adam in that Adam was created perfect, while Jesus lived a perfect life. That is why only he could be the ransom.



17. God is not omnipresent18. God is not omniscient

Seriously, what?



19. JWs are not sure of their salvation

F. If we are faithful to God, He will be faithful to us.

20. All earthly governments are controlled by the Devil

T

21. The Holy Spirit is only available to select Jehovah's Witnesses

22. They are forbidden to serve in the military

T



40. They are forbidden to have friends who are not Jehovah's Witnesses

The Bible clearly states that bad associations ruin useful habits so it is wise to limit friendship with the world, but most of us have friends who are not Witnesses.



l

48. They are forbidden to interpret the Bible without Watchtower literature to explain it

We are encouraged to "prove" what the Watchtower says by making sure that it agrees with the Bible.



52. They are forbidden to join any clubs or sports teams

53. They are forbidden to participate in a school play

All of these are discouraged because they distract from more important things. If one chooses to do so, they should make sure that they are not going to sacrifice spiritual needs to pursue this recreation.



55. They are forbidden to attend the funeral of an ex-Jehovah's Witness

Nope.

60. They are forbidden to wear jade jewelry

Never heard this one before.



61. They must not own wind-chimes (they are for chasing away evil spirits)

Their origin was for 'chasing away evil' and we are encouraged to consider that, but no one says we can't have them.



65. Only officially approved sexual practices are allowed in marriage

Seriously what religion doesn't say this. We just make attempts to actually enforce it in the congregation



66. Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Halls have no windows

Our hall has windows in the auditorium.





72. They must forgo vacations to attend annual conventions

Prioritize conventions over vacations yes, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a vacation.



73. They must study Watchtower books at least six months before they can be baptized

Inaccurate.



77. Kingdom Halls cannot have pews for seating

It is not forbidden, but pews are not nearly as convenient as chairs.



78. They must appear before a Judicial Committee if they are caught breaking Watchtower rules (Secret files are kept on all members which record these meetings-these files are kept in New York and are never destroyed)

Total falsehood.

82. They are discouraged from attending college

We are encouraged to focus on spiritual things and if we can avoid working more in the long run but having some extra education in the short term we are encouraged to go for that.



85. JWs in times of crisis, are strongly discouraged from consulting with family counselors, including mental health professionals who are not Jehovah's Witnesses

This is nothing but a lie.



87. If they have a non-Witness spouse their first loyalty is to the elders over their spouse

Someone with an unbelieving mate would want to put their relationship with Jehovah first (as would someone with a believing mate) but the elders have nothing to do with that relationship.



89. Judgment day is 1000 years long

There will be a thousand day reign after Armageddon, but that is the only thing we teach is a 1000 years long.



94. They are strongly discouraged from giving to charity (except Watchtow

Answer 9

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. The "restrictions" that we have are only those found in the Scriptures. Some of them may be quite hard to understand. They are very different from other, even so-called Christian, religions. However, we do not believe that we should set our own standards as to how to worship God. Instead we submit to his clear direction in the scriptures. Leviticus 20:26 says, "You must prove yourselves holy **to me**, because I Jehovah am holy;"



This message is repeated throughout the Bible over and over. And so it is very important that we are clean, not in our own eyes, but those of God. There are therefore several things that God wants us not to do.



Acts 15:20 "abstain from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood." It is on this account that we abstain even from blood transfusions. However, because of this stand of Jehovah's Witnesses many bloodless medical options are available. Even brain surgery, quadruple bypasses, organ transplants and many other procedures can be done without blood. These procedures are acceptable to us.



Following this, we do not eat blood sausage, blood pudding or other meats not properly bled.



This scriptures also mentions fornication. Fornication is any sexual act that is had with someone with whom you are not married, including petting, oral or anal sex.



John 19:20 says: "My kingdom is no part of this world" and

John 15:19 says: "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." In remaining "no part of the world" we imitate first century Christians who also did not partake in politics of any nation, nor in the wars that they choose to conduct. We also do not pledge our allegiance to any nation we are found as this would divide us. We are one nation under God's Kindom--a true brotherhood.



Further, we do not get involved with any nation's national holidays.

We also do not get involved in religious holidays that have non-Christian roots. The experience of the Israelites at the base of Mount Sinai regarding worship of the golden calf which idea they borrowed from Egypt and tried to use in their worship of the true God is our basis for not celebrating "Christianized" holidays such as Christmas and Easter. (Exodus 32)



At 2 Cor. 7:1 the Bible urges us, "let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear." For this reason we do not smoke any products, nor take drugs for mere pleasure.



“Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine,” the Bible urges us at 1 Thessalonians 5:21. So we thoroughly examine every aspect of our lives to make sure that we are in keeping with God written directives. These differing subjects are the very things that we discuss in detail at our weekly meetings. Because we want "to hold fast to what is fine."



There are many who would criticize us for this. But then there were many who criticized, even hated, the first Century Christian for the very same reasons.



Acts 28:22 says, "we think it proper to hear from you what your thoughts are, for truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

Answer 10

* One of the best-known restrictions is blood transfusions, a restriction in force since 1945. A ban on innoculations and vaccinations was enforced prior to 1945, while organ transplants were banned between 1967 and 1980.

* Members can not celebrate Christmas, Easter or birthdays, nor participate in national festivals.

* Members are expected not to smoke but may drink alcohol in moderation.

* Heterosexual sex is permitted within marriage, only. Formerly, what was permitted even within marriage was prescribed, but these rules have been relaxed somewhat.

* Members should not associate unnecessarily with outsiders, although proselytising and mission work are appropriate.

* University study is permitted, but not usually encouraged, since it may lead to learning inappropriate material, or in socialising with outsiders.

* To remain a member, one must devote several hours a week to religious study, and participate in the Society's evangelising.





1. God is not a Trinity; the doctrine is inspired by the Devil

2. Jesus is not to be worshiped or prayed to-he is only an angel (a.k.a. Michael the archangel)

3. Jesus Christ is a "created being," who at one time did not exist

4. The Holy Spirit is not a person but is "God's active force" i.e. gravity, electricity etc.

5. Heaven is hope only for select Jehovah's Witnesses. The majority of JWs hope to live on "paradise earth"

6. Heaven is limited only to 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses.There are only 9,105 alive today (2006 figures)

7. Jehovah's Witnesses are the only "true Christians." All churches and denominations are considered "false religion"

8. There is no Hell or eternal judgment ("Hell" is simply the grave)

9. There is no life after death except for the 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses

10. Salvation is earned only by being a loyal Jehovah's Witness

11. Jesus second coming happened invisibly and secretly in 1914

12. The "first resurrection" occurred in 1918

13. Jesus did not rise from the dead bodily but as a spirit being

14. Jesus was equal to Adam (just a man)

15. Jesus could have sinned and failed in his mission

16. Jesus was not born the savior but became the savior at his baptism

17. God is not omnipresent

18. God is not omniscient

19. JWs are not sure of their salvation

20. All earthly governments are controlled by the Devil

21. The Holy Spirit is only available to select Jehovah's Witnesses

22. They are forbidden to serve in the military

23. They are forbidden to buy Girl Scout cookies

30. They are forbidden to celebrate any holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.)

31. They are forbidden to celebrate their birthday

32. They are forbidden to run for or hold a political office

33. They are forbidden to vote in any political campaign

34. They are forbidden to serve on a jury

35. They are forbidden to own or wear a cross

36. They are forbidden to speak to former members who are shunned (disfellowshipped)

37. They are forbidden to accept Christmas gifts

38. They are forbidden to purchase Christian products (books, music, plaques, pictures etc.)

39. They are forbidden to read Christian literature

40. They are forbidden to have friends who are not Jehovah's Witnesses

41. They are forbidden to marry a non-Jehovah's Witness

42. They are forbidden to salute the flag, stand for the national anthem, or own a flag

43. They are forbidden to say "God bless you" when someone sneezes.

44. They are forbidden to have a tattoo

45. They are forbidden to use pet foods made with blood or blood products

46. They are forbidden to donate blood or their organs

47. They are forbidden to read any anti-Jehovah's Witness material

48. They are forbidden to interpret the Bible without Watchtower literature to explain it

49. They are forbidden to wear any Christian jewelry

50. They are forbidden to support their country and be patriotic

51. They are forbidden to be involved in martial arts, boxing or wrestling

52. They are forbidden to join any clubs or sports teams

53. They are forbidden to participate in a school play

54. They are forbidden to use any tobacco products

55. They are forbidden to attend the funeral of an ex-Jehovah's Witness

56. They are forbidden to say "good luck"

57. They are forbidden to be a police officer

58. Women are forbidden pray in the presence of men without a hat or head covering

59. They are forbidden to play chess

60. They are forbidden to wear jade jewelry

61. They must not own wind-chimes (they are for chasing away evil spirits)

62. They must read and study Watchtower literature regularly

63. They must go from door to door weekly to gain converts

64. They must attend five meetings per week

65. Only officially approved sexual practices are allowed in marriage

66. Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Halls have no windows

67. If they witness another Jehovah's Witness breaking the rules they must report them to the elders to be interrogated

68. They are forbidden to take a blood transfusion

69. Men are forbidden wear beards

70. The Watchtower organization is God's prophet on earth today

71. Women must submit to the authority of Watchtower elders

72. They must forgo vacations to attend annual conventions

73. They must study Watchtower books at least six months before they can be baptized

74. Before baptism, one must answer over 80 Bible questions with Scripture references in front of a panel of elders

75. Most of The Book of Revelation applies to the Jehovah's Witnesses

76. They cannot celebrate Mothers or Fathers day (it may produce pride)

77. Kingdom Halls cannot have pews for seating

78. They must appear before a Judicial Committee if they are caught breaking Watchtower rules (Secret files are kept on all members which record these meetings-these files are kept in New York and are never destroyed)

79. All pastors are the "Antichrist"

80. All churches are of Satan

81. God only speaks through the "Governing Body" in Brooklyn, New York

82. They are discouraged from attending college

83. The Lord's supper is only to be eaten by select Jehovah's Witnesses (144,000 group-99.99% of Jehovah's Witnesses are forbidden from taking the Lord's supper)

84. The Lord's supper can only be celebrated annually

85. JWs in times of crisis, are strongly discouraged from consulting with family counselors, including mental health professionals who are not Jehovah's Witnesses

86. Only faithful Jehovah's Witnesses will survive Armageddon

87. If they have a non-Witness spouse their first loyalty is to the elders over their spouse

88. Angels direct the Watchtower organization

89. Judgment day is 1000 years long

90. If you leave Jehovah's Witnesses or are expelled from the organization you will not be resurrected

91. Only Jehovah's Witness prayers are heard by God

92. Man's salvation is secondary in God's plan; Jesus was sent to "vindicate Jehovah's name"

93. God will destroy all non-Jehovah's Witnesses at Armageddon

94. They are strongly discouraged from giving to charity (except Watchtower causes)

95. They must never enter a church building

96. They must never attend a church service

97. They are discouraged from buying a two door car-A "Theocratic" or "spiritually strong" Jehovah's Witness will have a full size car for the door to door work

98. Men must wear short hair

99. They must refer to all Jehovah's Witnesses as "brother" or "sister"

100. They can never question what is printed in Watchtower literature

10l. They must report their witnessing activity to the elders



Most are accurate some are outdated but you get the gist