The resurrection of the Lord also attests to Jesus divinity. They believe that ony 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses will go to heaven. The present study of 50 Jehovah's Witnesses admitted to the Mental Health Service facilities of Western Australia suggests that members of this section of the community are more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital than the general population. Pioneers hold part-time secular jobs and devote a greater amount of time to religious service. Our organization. The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit has a personality and the Bible describes the Holy Spirit with personal pronouns (Acts 13:2). [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". And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when Jesus was born on earth, he was a mere human and not God in human flesh. Jehovah's Witnesses are wrong because Jesus is God. What Is Protestantism & Why Is it Important? [203] It is grounds for expulsion from the group and subsequent shunning. In 1876, Russell encountered Nelson H. Barbour; later that year, they together produced the book Three Worlds, which combined restitution views with end-time prophecy. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that: Jesus Christ is a mighty being, but he is not God Jesus Christ is a lesser and separate spirit being Jesus Christ is not equal to God in power or eternity (i.e. [167][168] They believe that when Jesus became king, Satan was ousted from heaven to the earth, bringing a period of "woe" to mankind. [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. Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? Work is carried out throughout the world by more than eight million Witnesses. Mormon vs. Jehovah's Witness Beliefs - Denomination Differences This article is part of our Denomination Series listing historical facts and theological information about different factions within and from the Christian religion. [35], The leadership makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings. [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. [1][2][3] Since 1976, all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses,[4] a group of elders at the denomination's headquarters. [51] Watch Tower Society publications urge Witnesses to demonstrate loyalty to the organization without dissent,[52][53] even at the cost of family ties. The mental health of Jehovah's Witnesses - PubMed [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. [105][106] Instead of destroying Satan, God decided to test the loyalty of the rest of humankind and to prove to the rest of creation that Satan was a liar. [84], Witnesses teach that God must be distinguished by his personal nameJehovah. Jesus acts as the mediator of a "new covenant"[96] referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, mediating between the parties of that covenant (God and the "144,000"). [198] Watch Tower Society directs that both disassociated and disfellowshipped members are to be shunned by other Witnesses, including close relatives, with no social or religious contact and no greeting given. Matthew 28:19-20 says, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 10 things everyone should know about Jehovah's Witnesses and their beliefs "Jehovah's Witnesses 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. (John 8:44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called Satan and Devil, persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. While many Jehovahs Witnesses will tell you they have faith in Jesus, they have a wrong view of having faith in Jesus. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims and others say Jesus was merely a human prophet, an angel, or some other created being. Jehovahs Witnesses have a wrong view of salvation in addition to their other erroneous beliefs. Witnesses - knowing what /r/exjw is the group reports a good. Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you . 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 Jehovah's Witnesses movement came out of the Bible Student movement, also founded by Taze. 5 things you should know, 10 Things You Should Know about Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholic Church: History, Tradition & Beliefs, Mormons: The Church of Latter Day Saints & Their Beliefs, United Methodist Church: History & Beliefs, The Pentecostal Church: History & Beliefs, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Preaching the good news of the Kingdom.Matthew 24:14. Evil and suffering. The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings of Charles Taze Russellfounder of the Bible Student movementand successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and Nathan Homer Knorr. [77][87] The title, LORD (Greek: Kyrios), is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God. The Trinity. [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. The Bible teaches in the Old Testament and the New Testament that . A Jehovah's Witness must become worthy of salvation. Ex . We are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders. [100] Witnesses reject the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, who they believe bore more children after Jesus. Top 10 Shocking Beliefs Of The Jehovah's Witnesses - Top 10 List [129], Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" (MKJV)[130] and thus believe the soul does not continue to live after one dies. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings. Jehovah's Witnesses - A Controverrsial Denomination - Learn Religions (2021, February 8). [6] The group reports a worldwide membership of approximately 8.5 million adherents involved in evangelism and an annual Memorial attendance of over 19.7 million. Jehovah's Witness Beliefs: 20 Basic Beliefs - Doctrines of Faith Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/NexTser, There are reportedly 8.3 million Jehovah's Witnesses around the world and nearly 120,000 congregations. 726 Followers. Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. (Luke 11:13) The Bible also compares Gods spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. Why? In the early years of the movement, members met in rented halls, but under Rutherford the Witnesses began to purchase facilities that they designated Kingdom Halls. (Exodus 15:8, 10) A craftsmans hands cannot function independent of his mind and body; likewise, Gods holy spirit operates only as he directs it. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/luchschen, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. (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. - Their History, Beliefs and Practices. (Galatians 6:10; 2Corinthians 6:14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters.Romans 14:12. If any Jehovah's Witness is deemed to be an apostate, she or he will be disfellowshipped. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures. Jehovah's Witnesses believe and teach that Jesus Christ is the . How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? [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. [157] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that being "anointed" involves a personal revelation by God's spirit which "gives positive assurance of adoption" to the individual alone. They are also known for their evangelical work going door-to-door attempting to make converts. [189] At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. Meeting together to pray, study the Bible, sing, express our faith, and encourage fellow Witnesses and others.Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:23-25. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Jehovah's Witnesses refer to the fact that the Bible never explicitly mentions the term "trinity." [18][19][20] The Governing Body seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses, other than high-ranking members at the Brooklyn headquarters. Per current Watchtower doctrine, society members are "modern day servants of Jehovah, a people intent on living in the light of . Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. They teach that Jesus was created by God and not coexistent wth Him. [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. Jehovah's Witness Christians have distinct beliefs about the end times, as well. God (the Father): God is a single being whose personal name is Jehovah they also accept the name Yahweh and other. Jehovah's Witnesses - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia JW.org explains, " [W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs. The Lord wants you to come to Him and trust in Him as your Savior and Lord. Know this: The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses must be accepted and followed by each and every member. [138], Witnesses teach that wicked angels (demons) sometimes pretend to be spirits of the dead, and that their deception is the basis for many beliefs about ghosts. But, ok, because most people have no idea what Jehovah's Witnesses believe, here's a list of some of the more "weird" beliefs they have or are suppo. Jehovah witness dating website - The best place to meet man How to Have Jehovah's Witnesses Go Away: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow [83] Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on people, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm. If you are a Jehovahs Witness, you can come to know Christ today and experience His saving grace by placing faith in Him. Using a variety of Bible translations can enhance your study of the Bible. Bowler then try to meet and even drive-in. Jehovah's Witnesses - Main Differences with Christianity - Bible Knowledge PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502015242/univ/art/502015242_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. plrma) carries the idea of the sum total. They see their mission as primarily evangelical, disseminating "the good news", to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon. [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.