jehovah's witnesses beliefs

Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. [133], Watch Tower publications teach that hell (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the "common grave of mankind", a place of unconscious non-existence. The resurrection of the Lord also attests to Jesus divinity. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. [121][122] The Society teaches that the first human, Adam, was created in 4026 BCE. Seventh-Day Adventists & Their Beliefs Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities used to further our worldwide Bible educational work.Psalm 127:1. 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Seventh-Day Adventists and Their Beliefs, 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Mennonites and Their Beliefs, 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Baptists. Deliverance from sin and death is possible through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. Marriage is considered a holy covenant, and divorce is disapproved of except in cases of adultery. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 persons since the time of Jesus can ever go to heaven, there to be co-rulers with Christ Jesus over the inhabitants of a paradise earth. The Holy Spirit is the name of Gods active force in the world. [123], Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, established in 1914,[124] ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven. In his life. 10. Ex . [196] They believe the congregation must "maintain God's favor in order to be used by him and to represent him" or else the whole congregation would lose God's approval. They deny that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. [193][199], Jehovah's Witnesses claim the purpose of denying fellowship to a wrongdoer safeguards the congregation's moral and spiritual cleanliness and protects its name. TERMS OF USE [80] They believe God is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[81] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[82] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people. (John 17:17; 2Timothy 3:16) We base our beliefs on all 66 of its books, which include both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that Jehovahs Witnesses built their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there.a. In their booklet entitled Jehovah's Witnesses in the Twentieth Century, for example, may be found a chart titled "What Jehovah's Witnesses Believe . [174][175] They believe that their preaching is also part of that sign, citing Matthew 24:14. We are globally united in our beliefs. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502015242/univ/art/502015242_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. Rather than placing faith in Jesus for salvation, Jehovahs Witnesses believe you have to work for salvation by doing good deeds, being involved with Kingdom Hall, and obeying the rules of Kingdom Hall. In particular, they oppose blood transfusions, because of the scriptural admonition against the consumption of blood (Leviticus 3:17). Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. [178], The current world era, or "system of things", is considered to be in its "last days",[179] facing imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably. [36] All Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body. [72] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[73]. [5] If a person fails to place faith in Christ, they go to hell and ultimately the lake of fire. [110], Writers including James Beckford and former members James Penton and Barbara Grizzuti Harrison have stated that Jehovah's Witnesses' have a fear of demons, which Penton says is "sometimes so extreme that it becomes quite superstitious". The Trinity is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Those with an earthly hope are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant. We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. They reject the concept of universal salvation[141] and the concept of predestination. This is an erroneous view of salvation because salvation is only by placing faith in Jesus by believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (John 3:16-17: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). [152], Based on a literal interpretation of scriptures such as Revelation 14:14, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians go to heaven as spirit creatures to rule with Christ in the kingdom of God. [1] They have their own literature including a Bible and Watchtower Magazine. Three distinct Persons, yet one God. JW.org explains, "[W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' They also believe that the soul dies when the body dies and must wait until the resurrection before Jehovah "remembers" the personality of the deceased and . (2Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations. Lutheran History & Beliefs. Attend other church services or worship, or sing any other religious songs. Jehovah's Witnesses & Their Beliefs [183] After Armageddon, Satan will be cast into an abyss and unable to influence humanity, then God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth,[184][185] which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics | Pew Research Center Explore the geographic distribution and demographics of America's major religious groups. Zavada, Jack. In the 1870s Russell organized the Watchtower Society, which directs, administers, and disseminates all doctrine. [78][79] They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. [217] According to Carrie S. Ingersoll-Wood, "By eliminating access to external knowledge, the congregation as a whole surrenders autonomy and willingly subjects themselves and their children to the external regulation of the religion. According to TowerWatch.com: "The New World Translation of the Bible is Jehovah's Witnesses own translation, no other religious group uses this Bible and Jehovah's Witnesses make very little use of other Bibles. Although they allegedly started dating site, professionally done dating then called a data-gathering. [93] His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, Mary. The Holy Spirit is a real independent Person, who is the Third Member of the Trinity. The Meaning of Angel Numbers: Are They Biblical or Demonic? (Galatians 6:10; 2Corinthians 6:14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters.Romans 14:12. (Acts 15:20) Likewise, the Bible prohibits health treatments or procedures that include occult practices.Galatians 5:19-21," explains JW.org. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? Jehovah's Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. [159] Those of the "other sheep" who die faithful to God will receive the "resurrection of the righteous" ("just" KJV) mentioned at Acts 24:15. As Jehovahs Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate Christmas or Easter, which makes sense when you remember that they don't believe Jesus is equal to God. [188][192], Watch Tower Society publications assert that members of the group are not compelled to remain part of the congregation. They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. The result is that you look like an asshole every time someone sneezes as you just sit there staring at them blankly. [189] At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. Annihilationism teaches that when a person dies, they cease to exist. The Bible tells us that Jesus was resurrected with a true flesh and bone body (Luke 24:39; John 2:19-21). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand, explicitly deny the deity of Christ. [171][172], They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations", a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. God created the earth to be mankinds eternal home. The Witnesses distrust of contemporary institutions extends to other religious denominations, from which they remain separate. [31] However, the Governing Body disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration. [208] Witnesses are told they must loathe and hate in the "biblical sense of the word" those who are defined as apostates and show no curiosity about their ideas,[209] and that apostates' "whole purpose is to tear down God's people and to distort the truth. [160] Those who die without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). They also identify him with the "rider of the white horse" at Revelation 6 and 19. As believers, we need to help them know the truth of Jesus and the gospel. (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12) In order to settle the moral issues raised by Satan, God has allowed evil and suffering, but He will not permit them to continue forever. [111][112][113][114] Watch Tower Society publications state that Witnesses need not harbor dread or superstitious fear of demons, because their power over humans is limited. [193] They believe coerced worship is unacceptable to God. "[21], Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope. For activities and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, see, Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. p. 123, as reproduced in R.Franz. Jehovah's Witnesses cite the Old and New Testaments as the Biblical basis for refusing transfusions. Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you . See the next couple points for more details on this. [76] The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scripturesthe main translation used by Jehovah's Witnessesrenders the name of God as Jehovah, rather than .mw-parser-output span.smallcaps{font-variant:small-caps}.mw-parser-output span.smallcaps-smaller{font-size:85%}God or LORD as found in English translations such as the King James Version. The word for "fullness" (Gk. Beliefs and Practices . [90] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[91] but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1John 5:21) Key aspects of our worship include the following: Reading and studying the Bible.Psalm 1:1-3. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. [143][144][145] According to Watch Tower Society theology, salvation requires Christ's mediation as part of God's purpose to grant humans everlasting life, either in heaven (for 144,000 "anointed" Christians, or the "little flock") or on earth (for the "other sheep", the remainder of faithful humanity). According to their website, "Jehovah is the personal name of God, as found in the Bible. However, Penton also notes that avoidance of "demonistic practices" has released many people in Africa and Latin America from fear of spirits. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract The Bible teaches in the Old Testament and the New Testament that . [201] Apostate behavior is said to include the rejection of biblical teachings or requirements, the rejection of Jehovah's organization, association with or support for another religious group[202] and celebration of religious holidays. Jehovah's Witnesses don't say "god bless you" when someone sneezes, because that practice supposedly has a pagan origin. They believe that Jesus, as St. Michael the archangel, was God's first . [190] Then Satan is released for a final opportunity to mislead perfect mankind;[191] Satan, his demons, and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race who will live forever. Conflict arises at times with the medical staff concerning how best to manage their care. They do not salute the flag of any nation, believing it an act of false worship; they refuse to perform military service; and they do not participate in public elections. New members are baptized by immersion and are expected to live by a strict code of personal conduct. [154] They associate the terms "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), "little flock" (Luke 12:32), and "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 21:9) in the New Testament with the "anointed". Jehovah's Witnesses. What do Jehovah Witnesses believe and not believe? Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. They only see Jehovah as being God. [86][89], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only-begotten Son", and that his life began in heaven. This is a real government in heaven, not a condition in the hearts of Christians. [62], Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. The U.S. government sent Rutherford and other Watchtower leaders to prison for sedition during World War I. Although they are generally law-abiding, believing that governments are established by God to maintain peace and order, they refuse on biblical grounds to observe certain laws. They say it's to maintain unity. 5 things you should know" and the ChristianHeadlines.com article "10 Things You Should Know about Jehovah's Witnesses.". If you have further questions about the beliefs of Jehovahs Witnesses, you can read more about us on our website, contact one of our offices, attend a meeting at a Kingdom Hall near you, or speak to one of the Witnesses in your area. If you are a Jehovahs Witness or you know one, share these truths with them. This period will conclude with Judgment Day, the 1,000 year reign of Christ with the 144,000 "anointed" resurrected people who are chosen by God. ", The answer to this is no. Wear or own a cross. They urge young Witnesses to pursue higher education only to gain skills to obtain a reasonable living while maintaining flexibility to pursue their "true" vocation, serving God. Only those thought to be among the 144,000 corulers eat and drink the bread and wine. [211] Higher education is discouraged,[212][213] based on their belief that it is futile to plan for secular advancement in a world that faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to greed, corruption, and materialism.